Registration is now open for all YMCA Summer Day Camps ����������������������������������������������������� boroughs. We’ve got camps for every child, including traditional camp and specialty camps offering everything from sports to STEAM! Swimming is available at most camps, and we’ll work with each camper to strengthen their swimming ability during their time at camp.
• Talented and experienced staff
• Amazing and uplifting camp spirit
• Healthy and clean environments
• Instructional swim lessons
All branches that host summer day camp are hosting open houses from 10 AM – 12 PM on MARCH 11, APRIL 29, and MAY 13.
Photo: Michelle Rose Photo | michellerosephoto.com
Hair & Makeup: RobbieMinjarez.com Cover
Written and Produced by: Donna Duarte- Ladd
Styled by: Danielle Schiebel | saluteyourstyle.com
Does your child’s school have violin, chess, art, and fencing classes?
Does your child’s school end at 5:00pm?
Are you interested in enrolling? Enroll today!
Rosalyn Yalow Charter School is accepting applications for K-2 now.
Our strong curriculum will benefit your child throughout life, as will our extracurriculars— fencing taught by Olympians, chess by grandmasters, music by Juilliard graduates (violin and singing). These can set your child on a strong path to college. Don’t miss this opportunity!
When a student enrolls, he/she receives a free tablet and a free uniform. Yalow has a partnership with Montefiore School Health Program to meet all of your student’s health needs.
The culture of AECI2 school is driven by our commitment to the school’s Core Values:
AECI 2 is a Computer Engineering & Innovation themed high school located in The Bronx school district 9. Through collaboration with industry partners, post-secondary institutions, apprenticeships and themed project-based learning, our students gain exposure to “real world” careers and college-preparatory learning experiences in the computer sciences.
For the 2023-2024 school year, AECI 2 provides students with a rigorous program including Computer Science, Programming, Microsoft
Lottery applications due Saturday, March 25th
Lottery date - Friday, March 31st
JOIN US FOR A TOUR OF THE AECI 2 CAMPUS
03/04,
• Computer Engineering & Innovation course work
• Intensive college preparation with yearly college visits
• College counseling at every grade level
• Social & emotional focus to support student daily needs
• Robust sports program (basketball, soccer, volleyball etc)
• Vibrant afterschool programming and student centered clubs
• Every student is provided a Chr����������������������������
La cultura de nuestra escuela está impulsada por nuestro compromiso con los valores fundamentales de la escuela:
El ultimo dia de someter la solicitud: 25 de marzo 2023
Fecha de Loteria: 31 de marzo 2023
UNASE A NOSOTROS PARA UN RECORRIDO POR EL CAMPUS AECI 2
March is always that in-between month. We head into Spring, and while we haven’t had a traditional winter (snow, where are you?), it is exciting to see the seasonal changes.
With the promise of warmer months, camp may be on your radar. Check out What Parents Should Look for During a Camp Tour (page 16), and of course, check out our camp listings (page 18).
If you are a parent with a child with ASD or who is sensory sensitive, you will be happy to hear that starting March 31st, Legoland NY (page 26) is now a Certified Autism Center. This is a BIG deal, and we are delighted to share this news.
We also have a borough-by-borough
guide on Where to Volunteer (page 32) as a family in NYC; volunteering helps teach kids about community and the joy of giving, so win-win!
Lastly, this month’s cover mom is parenting expert Bethany Braun-Silva. This born and bred New Yorker (page 34) follows her dream by chatting with parenting experts and celeb moms on her new podcast “The Breakdown with Bethany” while keeping her day job as a writer and shares her advice on how you can pivot towards something that matters to you!
newYorkFamily.com
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5, 6, 7, 9
This is the percent of students who graduate in four years from Unive r sit y Prep Charte r High School —an d 100 % of our students are accepted to college.
Apply to U Prep High School for September 2023 for grades 9 and 10
Apply to U Prep Middle School for September 2023 for grades 5, 6 and 7
Apply now at UPPublicSchools.org
Apply by April 1st!
UPPublicSchools.org
To provide a rigorous college readiness program and career preparatory learning environment that provides students with a foundation of the necessary skills to pursue college or a career in the architecture, engineering, and the construction industries.
•98% Graduation Rate
•Rigorous college course sequence that allows students to earn college credits while attending AECI.
•Architectural Drawing, Drafting, Revit, and AutoCad classes prepare students for certification exams in the architecture field.
•Robust internships and partnerships provide our students with scholarships in the architecture field.
•Six counselors on staff to support whole student development.
•AECI Core Values of Perseverance, Achievement, Integrity and Respect develop our students into young professionals.
•Use of UV Lighting to disinfect classrooms daily
•HEPA Air Filtration units utilized in all AECI classrooms
PPE Equipment (hand sanitizer, masks, disinfectant wipes) provided daily
•Digital temperature scanning performed daily
•Tri-Fold screens utilized at every student desk
connectivity device to support our hybrid learning model
Community School District 7, South Bronx 838 Brook Avenue, Bronx NY 10451
Proporcionar un programa riguroso de preparación para la universidad y un entorno de aprendizaje preparatorio para la carrera que brinde a los estudiantes una base de las habilidades necesarias para seguir la universidad o una carrera en las industrias de arquitectura, ingeniería y construcción.
•Tasa de graduación del 98%
•Secuencia de cursos universitarios rigurosos que permite a los estudiantes obtener créditos universitarios mientras asisten a AECI
•Las clases de dibujo arquitectónico, dibujo, Revit y AutoCad preparan a los
•Prácticas sólidas y las asociaciones brindan a nuestros estudiantes las herramientas necesarias en el campo de la arquitectura.
•Seis consejeras disponibles en el personal para apoyar el desarrollo integral del estudiante.
•Los valores fundamentales de AECI de perseverancia, logros, integridad y respeto convierten a nuestros estudiantes en jóvenes profesionales.
•Uso de iluminación ultravioleta para desinfectar los salones de clases a diario
•Equipo de EPP (desinfectante de manos, mascarillas y toallitas desinfectantes) proporcionado diariamente
•Escaneo de temperatura digital realizado diariamente
•Pantallas de tres pliegues utilizadas en todos los escritorios
•Cada estudiante se proporciona una computadora Chromebook de aprendizaje híbrido
UBICACIÓN
Distrito Escolar Comunitario 7, South Bronx
838 Brook Avenue, Bronx NY 10451
CASA ABIERTA:
March 11th, 10am-1pm (Fecha de mal tiempo 3/25)
¡VISITE NUESTRA PAGINA WEB PARA INSCRIBIRSE! – WWW.AECICHARTERHS.ORG – 646-400-5566
PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN SOBRE AECI / VISITAS
ESCOLARES EN PERSONA DISPONIBLE – CON CITA PREVIA
Comuníquese con la Sra. Harrigan al 646-400-5566 x. 3054
admissions@aecicharterhs.org
The American Academy of Pediatrics releases its the first comprehensive update in 15 years
By BarBara russoAs the body positivity movement continues to trend, the American Academy of Pediatrics recently announced new treatment guidelines for childhood obesity that includes early use of medications and weight-loss surgery.
In recent years, body positivity has grown in popularity. Plus-size models grace the covers of major fashion magazines and shopping sites. Artists write songs about defying the stereotypical “model” body. And strangers argue on social media about what it means to be “fat.” But the new AAP guidelines seem to serve as a reminder that being very overweight can—in fact—be very dangerous.
This is the first comprehensive update to the AAP’s obesity treatment guidance in 15 years. Published in the journal, Pediatrics, a major highlight includes recommendations on medical care for kids as young as 2 and
through the teen years who struggle with obesity.
“The goal is to help patients make changes in lifestyle, behaviors or environment in a way that is sustainable and involves families in decision-making at every step of the way,” Sandra Hassink, M.D., an author of the guidance and vice chair of the Clinical Practice Guideline Subcommittee on Obesity, said.
While treatment includes extreme measures such as pharmaceuticals and bariatric surgery, it does not eliminate the need to focus on good nutrition and exercise as well. In fact, a bulk of the guidelines discuss treatment that includes nutritional support, physical activity treatment and behavioral therapy.
According to the AAP, intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment (IHBLT) is the most effective known behavioral treatment for child obesity. It requires 26 or more hours of face-to-face, family-based
multicomponent treatment over a 3- to 12-month period.
“Lifestyle changes are hard- it’s so hard. Patients, families and children need much more in the way of support than just ‘don’t drink soda’ or ‘don’t eat fast food.’ The recommended lifestyle treatment in the guidelines is a really comprehensive, familybased intensive treatment,” explained Sarah Armstrong, M.D., FAAP, chair of the section on obesity at the AAP, and professor of pediatrics at Duke University.
Medication and surgery—to be done in addition to lifestyle treatment— is an option for some children who are older and teenagers who’ve developed severe degrees of obesity.
“We’re very fortunate to have some additional options, including medications and surgery where there is evidence of them being safe and effective,” Armstrong said. “It doesn’t mean everyone has to be on medication or get surgery. It means that
T
(Matricula gratuita)
Para obtener más información sobre CHSLSJ o si tiene preguntas sobre nuestro proceso de admisión, envíe un correo electrónico a Ops@chslsj.org o llame al (347) 696-0042
NEW Middle School Is now accepting 6th-grade applications Apply Now!
Aceptando solicitudes de sexto grado Aplica ya!
A Rigorous curriculum with a focus on law and social justice
A direct pathway into high school Classes that prepare middle school scholars for high school and a successful high school experience
A guidance counselor per grade on staff to support whole scholar development
CHSLSJ Core Values of Excellence, Character, Courage, and Commitment with a focus on Law and Social Justice
Full Sports programs and afterschool clubs
92% responded positively to questions about Strong Family-Community Ties
97% responded positively to questions about Effective School Leadership
97% responded positively to questions about Trust
97% of students feel safe in the hallways, bathrooms, and cafeteria
The Charter School For Law and Social Justice is currently accepting applications for incoming 6th graders for the 2023-2024 academic school year. Visit CHSLSJ.ORG or use the QR code to apply today!
To learn more about our CHSLSJ or for questions about our admissions process, email Ops@chslsj.org or call (347) 696-0042
Para obtener más información sobre CHSLSJ o si tiene preguntas sobre nuestro proceso de admisión, envíe un correo electrónico a Ops@chslsj.org o llame al (347) 696-0042
Charter School For Law and Social Justice
Middle School
Temporary location for 2023-2024
school year TBA in district 9 or 10.
Permanent location for 2024- 2025 school year: 200 W Tremont Bronx, NY 10453
parents, children and doctors have choices.”
Stressed throughout the guidance is the need to intervene early.
“There is no evidence that ‘watchful waiting’ or delayed treatment is appropriate for children with obesity,” Hassink said.
The new guidelines do not discuss obesity prevention. According to the AAP, this will be addressed in another forthcoming AAP policy statement.
Weight and obesity can be controversial topics. But one thing clear to most is the increased health risks that are associated with obesity. The AAP refers to obesity as a disease that could lead to short- and longterm health concerns when left untreated, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Headlines and research throughout the COVID-19 pandemic showed that many of those who died from the virus were obese.
One thing to note is that the guidelines are geared toward doctors, not necessarily parents.
According to the AAP, doctors should offer adolescents ages 12 and older weight-loss drugs to treat their obesity. The fancy phrase for this is “weight-loss pharmacotherapy,” and it should be done in combination with health behavior and lifestyle treatment.
Teens ages 13 and older with severe childhood obesity should be evaluated for metabolic and bariatric surgery, the AAP adds.
More than 14.4 million U.S. kids live with obesity. And it isn’t easy—mentally or physically. The AAP noted that obesity is a disease that has been stigmatized for years, and it can be treated successfully with the recognition that complex genetic, physiologic, socioeconomic and environmental factors are at play.
“Weight is a sensitive topic for most of us, and children and teens are especially aware of the harsh and unfair stigma that comes with being affected by it,” said Sarah Hampl, M.D., a lead author of the guideline, which was created by a multidisciplinary group of experts in various fields, along with primary care providers and a family representative.
Yes. None of these new treatment guidelines for childhood obesity eliminate the need for
proper diet and exercise. These are healthy habits that are important for all people, regardless of their weight. Dr. Bridget Cole Williams, board-certified family physician and CEO of Green Harvest Health, says that offering weight-loss surgery and drugs to children who are obese serves as a huge “red flag” on how serious the issue is.
“We’re so careful with our kids in the first place. We don’t even want our kids on any medication, let alone medication and surgery for obesity,” Williams said. “However, I think it is a humongous red flag for how bad the obesity epidemic is in our country.”
Williams underscored the need to start obesity treatment early in kids.
“We have to start earlier, and we have to start younger,” she said. “Inevitably, if we do not do something, our children with the rate of sleep apnea, asthma, bone and joint issues, as well as heart disease and diabetes, will continue to grow astronomically.”
Overweight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 85th percentile and below the 95th percentile for children and teens of the same age and sex. Obesity is defined as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for children and teens of the same age and sex.
As noted in the guidelines, it’s important to consider a family’s access to nutritious food and other necessities that help keep people healthy. The guidelines discuss increased risks for children with special health-care needs, as well as inequities that promote obesity in childhood, such as the marketing
of unhealthy food, low socioeconomic status and household food insecurity.
“Research tells us that we need to take a close look at families—where they live, their access to nutritious food, health care and opportunities for physical activity—as well as other factors that are associated with health, quality-of- life outcomes and risks,” explained Hampl. “Our kids need the medical support, understanding and resources we can provide within a treatment plan that involves the whole family,” Hampl said.
Williams added a cultural and societal shift needs to happen in order to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic.
“There are foods that are in the American diet that are not even allowed in other countries because of how fattening or toxic some of them are,” she said. “We need to change how our grocery stores look and have better access to nutritious food in lower income neighborhoods.”
Taking on these changes sound like a major feat, but Williams says it starts with the individual making simple changes. Parents can ask for half their families’ meals in a carry-out box when they eat at restaurants, spend more time shopping around the perimeter of grocery stores where the fresh foods are shelved and put less fattening foods on dinner plates.
Abrie McCoy, a certified lactation counselor with SimpliFed, a maternal and baby feeding health platform, recommends making nutrition a priority during pregnancy, too.
“Your child’s nutrition starts during gestation. In pregnancy, your body provides nutrients via the placenta and amniotic fluid, which is derived from the foods that you fuel your body with, McCoy explained.
Preventing overfeeding at the infant age is important, too.
“Using methods such as responsive feeding, infant led feeding, or paced feeding can help keep babies in control of a feed,” McCoy said. “This supports them learning to eat when hungry or thirsty and stopping when they are full. In turn, avoiding overfeeding at an early age.”
To learn more about childhood obesity, visit the AAP’s website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.To learn more about childhood obesity, visit the AAP’s website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“The goal is to help patients make changes in lifestyle, behaviors or environment in a way that is sustainable and involves families in decision-making at every step of the way.”
RSVP for an Open House and Apply now online K-7th Grade at: whinmusic.org
MARCH 4 - APRIL 30
8 WEEKS ONLY!
A free public charter school where literacy, math, science and music help your child grow into a leader of tomorrow.
Una escuela autónoma pública gratuita donde la alfabetización, las matemáticas, la ciencia y la música ayudan a su hijo(a) a convertirse en el líder del mañana.
Adventure
“You have to love a family show that makes adults laugh, too.”
“perfect for everyone”A Hilarious Heartfelt Family
Thinking about summer camp for your child? One of the best ways to learn about a day or overnight camp is to tour the camp. Touring camps is an invaluable way to get to know a camp. Each camp has its own feel and touring the camp will give you a good sense of whether the camp is the best fit for your child and family.
Before you begin setting up tours, take the time to really think about what type of camp experience you are looking for. Doing your initial research will save you a lot of time and allows you to focus on what you really want in a camp. Ross Moskowitz, Owner and Director of Camp Westmont, a coed overnight camp in Wayne County, PA feels it’s imperative that parents figure out the type of camp they want for their child before touring overnight camps. “If you are looking for a traditional coed overnight camp, you should tour 3-4 traditional coed camps instead of seeing one coed camp, one singlesex camp and one brother-sister camp. This way, you are touring the exact types of camps you want, making it easier for you to narrow down the choices.”
Once you decide on the type of camp you are interested in, you can call the director and set up camp tours for the summer. Renee Flax, Camper Placement Specialist for the American Camp Association, NY and NJ advises parents not to tour too many camps in one day. “Seeing one camp in the morning and one in the afternoon is generally a good rule of thumb. Touring can be tiring for you and your child, and you also want to give yourself time to debrief between visiting the camps.”
Whether you are touring a day camp or an overnight camp, one of the most important aspects of the camp tour is relationship building. Genna Singer, Director of Camps, Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan says, “The people who are doing the tours are the leadership staff or the owner/director and it’s important you feel connected with them. You want to know that you speak about children in the same way, that you can feel the energy of the leadership team and that
you understand how the camp is run. You are entrusting this person with your child, and you need to feel there is a connection and a trust with the leadership staff.”
Jason Mercado, Director of North Shore Day Camp in Glen Cove, NY says, “Seeing camp in action allows you to see the campers and what it would be like to have your own child there. You can also watch the directors interacting with the campers in real-time. Do the kids know them? Are the staff connected to them? When you tour, you notice things and are able to get the true feeling of the camp.” Mercado understands that not all families are able to visit over the summer and feels that fall open houses are another great time to see camp. “Our fall open houses coincide with the early bird rates we offer. These days are nice because we have the whole leadership team at camp so it’s more spirited than just touring on an off-season day and allows you to get to know the key staff members.”
All day and overnight camp do their tours differently. Some camps tour the whole family together while others, like Camp Westmont, do separate tours for the parents and the child. “We do camper only and parent only tours which allows each to have a meaningful experience. Both children and parents have their own specific set of questions and want to see different things at the camp. At the end, we meet up, go over
the highlights and ask if the camper has any questions which feels empowering, like they are being heard,” explains Moskowitz. While Moskowitz feels a child’s input is paramount to the camp decision, parents will want to give them choice within the camps they are feeling are the right fit. “If you are touring camps A, B and C but there is something you don’t like about camp C, you can say to your child that they can choose between camps A and B, but the ultimate say has to be the parents.”
It’s important to ask questions while on the tour and in the camp environment. “Find out about their policies, what they consider to be a successful summer for a camper and how they hire staff. All of these questions will help you understand whether or not you agree with the camp’s philosophy,” says Flax. “If your child has a specific special consideration like a food allergy or anxiety, the tour is a good time to ask how they handle these things.”
After you complete your camp tours, take the time to review all the camps and everything they offer. Some families say they just get a gut feeling after touring a camp. Others will have follow-up questions and should call the director to have another conversation. In the end, only you know your family and child best and will be able to make the final decision on your child’s summer home.
Bronx h ouse Day c amp
Arianna Aleman
arianna@bronxhouse.org
718-792-1800 ext. 222 bronxhouse.org
Bronx House Day Camp is located on the beautiful 100acre rustic Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds in Rockland County. They’ve been using these magnificent grounds for more than 60 years. The exceptional campgrounds allow them to provide a wide variety of activities for every camper. Activities such as swimming, sports, boating, gardening, high ropes challenge course, S.T.E.M., nature, archery, yoga, music and more, are made better because of the distinctive outdoor setting.
c ardinal Spellman h igh School
1 Cardinal Spellman Place, Bronx NY 718-881-8000 X206 Admissions@cardinalspellman. org
CardinalSpellman.org
Cardinal Spellman High School does not sleep during the summer months! They offer a variety of programs to engage
students and give them a boost over the summer. We offer academic enrichment, theater, and band programs, as well as sports programs like football, cheer, basketball, and volleyball. All are held on their state-of-the-art 13-acre campus in the Bronx! For more details on these opportunities please visit cardinalspellman. org/summerprograms.
h udson country m ontessori
Summer c amp
340 Quaker Ridge Road New Rochelle, NY 10804 914-636-6202 info@hudsoncountry.org hudsoncountry.org
Hudson Country’s camp is an eight-week program (June 26 -August 18) for ages 18 months – 12 years. With themed weekly schedules, campers engage in indoor/outdoor activities while learning and having fun. Activities include daily swim instruction (on-premise pool), sports, hands-on science, technology, art, field trips, music, dance and more. Flexible scheduling, full & half-day sessions and extended hours 7:30am-6:00pm available.
m osholu Day c amp
261 Arden Valley Road Southfields, NY 10975 845-243-0751 mmcc.org/camp
For 80 years, Mosholu Day Camp has been providing affordable quality camping to children ages 5-15 from all over the area. Sitting on beautiful Lake Cohasset at Harriman State Park, we offer children a place to develop, experience, and enjoy nature, while taking part in unforgettable summer activities like swimming, boating, sports, music, arts, and everything else you’d come to expect from an awesome summer day camp! Buses with A/C, full 8-week summer, multiweek options.
St. catharine academy (Sca)
2550 Williamsbridge Rd. Bronx NY 718-882-2882
www.scahs.org
The Higher Achievement Program (HAP) at SCA is an immersive program preparing girls entering 6th, 7th, and 8th
grades for the TACHS Exam. Students are introduced to the high school environment, SCA’s STEM Lab and Robotics program, and a variety of sports. July 10th - July 28th, 9 am - 2 pm. Program fee: $500.
ymca of Greater n ew york Summer c amp ymcanyc.org/camp
YMCA Summer Day Camp offers the best of adventure, aquatics, sports & games, creative arts, camp traditions, special guests & trips, and summer learning. YMCA programs for ages 3-15 are designed to meet your child’s interests and abilities. Through their day camps and specialty camps in all five boroughs, parents can trust the Y to give their kids a fun, enriching, and high-quality camp experience this summer — out of the house and learning new skills. Summer camp starts on July 3 and runs in two-week sessions through August 25. Camp hours and prices vary by location. Visit the website to find a camp near you to learn more!
For incoming 7th & 8th graders for a BOOST over the summer months!
$650 per student
July 5th- July 28th
Preparing incoming freshmen Spellmanites for future success & to be leaders!
$650 per student
July 6th- July 28th
A wide variety of athletic programs ranging from youth football, basketball, volleyball and cheer!
New York City has 275 charter schools across all five boroughs, with six new additions from last year. As parents continue to weigh whether or not they should enroll their children in charters — among other countless education issues citywide — it is more important than ever that these 275 schools reflect the needs and requirements of each individual student.
A charter school differs from a traditional public school because charters still receive government funding, but operate outside of the school systems previously established in the geographic area in which the school is located.
This means that charter schools are not as beholden to the sometimes rigid statewide curriculum that is followed in traditional public schools. Instead, charters have the opportunity to explore alternative learning styles in addition to what the state expects to be taught.
“Charter schools are independentlyoperated public schools that have the freedom to design classrooms that meet their students’ needs,” a statement from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools website reads. “It is common to see charter schools led by former teachers who wanted to take the lessons they learned in the classroom and apply those lessons to an entire school.”
All charter schools are required to operate under a contract with a charter school authorizer, which holds the individual school accountable for the educational standards of their charter. Still, all charter schools are different, with some focusing on subjects relating to STEM education, college prep while others integrate forms of the arts into each subject.
This ideal of having a charter school emphasize individual skills or subjects is one reason why charters can be so appealing to guardians who want their children to have a more individualized school experience.
“Every day I am inspired by the hard but incredibly joyful work of our teachers and staff to get students back on track from the pandemic and empower them to build a future where they can reach their full
potential as learners and as people,” said Jane Martinez Dowling, chief of external affairs at KIPP NYC, a charter school system.
“I think what really sets KIPP NYC apart is our commitment to supporting students
throughout their lifelong learning journeys – from the moment they step through our doors in kindergarten, through graduation, college, their careers, and beyond to fulfill their potential.”
In the Big Apple, another attractive quality about charter schools is the emphasis of diversity within their student bodies as well with staff and educators.
According to the New York City Charter School Center during the 2022-23 school year, 49% of the student body in the NYC charter school system identified as Black and 41% as Latinx. Additionally, 80% of charter school students are economically challenged, 18% of students are in individualized education programs (IEP), 9.6% live in temporary housing and 9% are multilingual learners.
The NYC charter school system has an estimated population of 142,500 students, with 15% of all NYC public school students attending a charter school.
Recent studies conducted by New York City Charter School Center indicated that in 2022, NYC students attending charter schools scored at higher proficiency rates in both English language arts and mathematics than their district counterparts.
Citywide, Black and Latinx students attending charter schools achieved twice the
proficiency rates as their district school peers in math, and scored nearly 20 percentage points higher in English language arts.
Especially as the city heals from the COVID-19 pandemic, parents and guardians look for ways that can help their child have the best opportunities in education, and for some that means enrolling in a charter school.
Some educators involved with the state’s charter programs say that since the schools are seeing higher enrollment rates and higher general interest especially in response to the pandemic, New York State should respond to the increased demand and lift the current caps on the number of charter
schools that can open in a state.
The cap in New York State currently stands at 460 schools, with a smaller-sub cap on NYC.
“Despite the historic challenges of the past three years, charter schools delivered for NYC families – providing a high-quality public education that has set students up for success – no matter where they live in the city,” said James Merriman, CEO of the NYC Charter School Center. “But there is much work still to be done, and the need for opening more seats at great public charter schools have never been higher. All families deserve a choice in where they send their kids to school.”
“Despite the historic challenges of the past three years, charter schools delivered for NYC families – providing a high-quality public education that has set students up for success – no matter where they live in the city.”
1260 Franklin Ave., Bronx, NY 10456 • www.motthallcs.org
The mission of the Mott Hall Charter School is to prepare our scholars in mind, body, and character to succeed in top high schools, colleges, and careers by becoming inquisitive, open-minded, and compassionate citizens of the world.
Our programs include access to community -based organizations focused on mentoring and college, adult civics classes, adult ESL classes, after school and Saturday tutoring, engaging online platforms to increase student learning , music classes, and softball & basketball. We will also provide transportation via MetroCards for all eligible students. For more information, please contact Erica Flores at eflores@motthallcs.org or 718-991-9139
Starting with its opening of the new season Legoland New York will also be a Certified Autism Center. Ask any parent of a child diagnosed with ASD (Autism spectrum disorder) if going to a theme park is easy; most likely, every answer will differ. This is because, as a parent with a child with autism, sometimes going anywhere can be challenging. I should know, I have gone to several theme parks with my ASD son and I have been hit, slapped and bitten, for the park was too overwhelming for him. My son is quite sweet, but visiting a spot where loud noises are the norm, long lines part of the deal- can be quite stirring especially for a nonverbal or sensory-sensitive person. When even the most simple place does not consider that not all kids are the same, going to something grand like a theme park feels impossible.
There has been one exception- and this is Legoland. We have been to Legoland three times, and it has been the only theme park where my son is happy. A few months back, I learned that Legoland was in the process of becoming a Certified Autism Center. I may have cried, for I know that parents with kids with special needs want to try at least to give their kids the same experience as other kids
and to learn that the park would become even more equipped for my ASD child is a game changer for families. And now starting March 31st Legoland with be equipped to to give these kids and their families the support they need to enjoy their visit.
What you can expect on your next visit to Legoland
Being certified provides Legoland NY with the tools and support needed to thoughtfully engage with a neurodiverse population while understanding that kids play at a level that is known and comfortable to them. While all Legoland Resorts across North America will now be Certified Autism Centers by spring 2023 this is what you can expect at Legoland New York:
• No more having to explain why your child may do this or that; there will now be trained front-line team members educated and equipped to help autistic guests and sensory sensitive individuals.
• Pre-planning resources available for guests on the Parks’ websites.
• I once took my son on a ride and he was unable to push a button (he now can); he just sat there in his little ride while the other kids passed him by and my heart sank. At Legoland, you will find at every ride a posted sensory
guide (developed in partnership with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards) indicating whether there are bright lights, loud sounds, or any features that guests might need to plan around.
• Low sensory areas allow guests with certain sensitivities to take a break and relax in a less stimulating environment.
• Upon request, First Aid offers ear plugs to assist with sound and overstimulation and “Assisted Access Passes” can be requested at Guest Services.
What does it mean to be a Certified Autism Center?
According to their press statement Legoland NY received its certification from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. IBCCES works with many fields such as education, healthcare, entertainment and professionals to provide evidence-based training and certification programs created in conjunction with its board of clinical and subject matter experts and autistic individuals to give a better understanding of autism and other neurodivergencies. Simply put, they give people the tools to know how to understand people with ASD as well as people who may be challenged with neurodivergencies such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, epilepsy, hyperlexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and Tourette syndrome (TS).
Legoland New York Opens for the season March 31st and is located at 1 Legoland Blvd, Goshen, NY 10924.
SERVING THE MOTT HAVEN COMMUNITY SINCE 2008
We are redefining school by intentionally designing spaces and programs to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of all children, with a focus on those impacted by the child welfare system.
We are accepting applications for grades PreK-8
• APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY APRIL 1ST
• LOTTERY IS HELD FIRST WEEK OF APRIL
Arecently published study has found that indoor gas stoves are linked to an increased risk of asthma in children, with around 12.7% of current childhood asthma cases in the United States being attributable to gas stove use.
Since the publication of this study, debates have sprung up, with some pledging their allegiances to gas stoves and others suggesting that they be phased out. There’s a lot of information swirling around, which can be hard to sift through if you’re a parent, especially one with a gas stove in your home currently.
Here’s what you need to know about gas stoves, how they can affect you and your family’s health and what you should do if you have a gas stove in your house.
Because stoves burn natural gas, they create invisible by-products, one of the most concerning being nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) actually has regulations outdoor NO2 emissions and sets safe exposure limits, but there aren’t any similar regulations for indoor exposure.
In recent years, we’ve learned much more about the ways that exposure to NO2 can negatively affect our health. Long-term exposure to NO2 can increase a person’s chances of respiratory infections and asthma.
Gas stoves have a negative impact on the environment as well. Burning natural gas produces carbon dioxide. Unburned natural gas contains methane, and gas stoves have been found to leak unburned methane. Both carbon dioxide and methane are greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change.
Federally, there doesn’t seem to be a ban on gas stoves on the horizon. Alex Hoehn-Saric, Chair of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC), released a statement
clarifying that he is not looking to ban gas stoves.
Instead, the USCPSC is doing further research on the gas emissions from stoves and working on finding new ways to address the health risks.
In New York City, there’s already a ban on natural gas hook ups in new buildings going into effect at the end of this year.
City Council passed a bill in 2021 that will ban natural gas in new buildings under seven stories starting in 2024, and in 2027 for anything taller. However, this bill doesn’t affect buildings where gas is already installed.
You don’t need to get rid of your gas stove. If you want to take some steps towards lowering health risks that could come from using a gas stove, here are some things you can consider doing:
Ventilate your kitchen when cooking. Turning a fan on won’t do much, since it’s just circulating the same air through the kitchen. But consider opening your windows while you cook or use exhaust fans that move air outside.
Use an air purifier with a high clean air delivery rate (CADR) to improve the air quality in your home
Look into using electric appliances where you can. While replacing a gas stove with an electric stove isn’t easy or even feasible for many, there are smaller changes you can make to limit how much you’re using gas. Use an electric kettle instead of boiling water on the stove top. Use appliances like electric slow cookers, toaster ovens, rice cookers or microwaves when possible.
There’s no need to rip your gas stove from the wall, but these small changes can make a difference in the health of you and your family.
The potential health risks and what you need to know
Technology and video games often bear the connotation of being isolating, closing their users off from “actual” human connection.
But at its core, interactive design was created to bring people closer together. This idea is explored in Never Alone: Video Games and Other Interactive Design, on view in the Museum of Modern Art through this summer.
Between visits to the masterpieces of artists like Picasso and Van Gogh, play some of your favorite video games and learn about interactive design.
The exhibition explores how interactive design transforms and influences our experiences and interactive design’s role in connecting people together.
As visitors walk through, they’ll be able to learn how the input, the designer and the player come together to bring experiences to life through technology. The items featured in Never Alone were selected from the museum’s collection as ground-breaking examples of interactive design.
See 35 video games from yesterday and today alongside other examples of interactive design. And, of course, some of the video games are available to play for yourself.
The ten video games available for play are certainly a highlight of the exhibition.
Parents and kids can bond over playing classic games, like Pac-Man and Tempest, while learning about the connections between the player’s input and the digital world.
Play world-building games, like SimCity 2000 and Minecraft, as examples of the player’s role in bringing a game to life.
Puzzle over Getting Over It, Flower and Everything Is Going To Be Okay as they present stark contrasts of how video game designers can use the medium in different ways to accomplish different goals.
Kids and adults alike will love the opportunity to play these video games. And, through playing these games, visitors can see firsthand how design and even the players
themselves can play a role in the success of a game.
In addition, visitors will get the chance to see other examples of interactive design through the years, including computer interfaces, icons, apps, computer terminals and more.
Senior curator Paola Antonelli said the exhibition is meant to showcase how interactive design runs through different aspects of our lives.
“The interfaces we use to access the digital universe are visual and tactile manifestations of code that both connect and separate us, and shape the way we behave and perceive life,” Antonelli says in a press release. “Ever since digital tools have become ubiquitous, interactive design has become the conduit to systems of all kinds, from communication and information to transportation, supply, and more. It is in the touch commands on the screen of an ATM machine or of a smartphone, and in the interface
of an ICU monitor. Interactive design runs a great part of our lives.”
Whether you’re a technology buff yourself or you have kids who can’t get enough of different video games, plan to make a visit to Never Alone while it’s still on view at the Museum of Modern Art. Who knows: maybe you’ll leave the museum with a new favorite video game to play at home.
Museum of Modern Art
11 W 53rd St. in Manhattan
Hours: Sunday through Friday, 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. Saturday, 10:30 am 7 pm
Admission: Adults – $25. Seniors and visitors with disabilities – $18. Students (full time with ID) – $14. Children (16 and under) – Free Admission to Never Alone: Video Games and Other Interactive Design, is included with general admission to the Museum of Modern Art. Through July 16th, 2023.
A guide to NYC volunteering
BY Vered OrNS teiNVolunteering in NYC helps teach kids the value of what they have and why it’s important to help those who may not have as much. It also helps build strong family bonds as you work together as a family to do good. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, giving back spreads goodwill and joy to the community.
In a city as large as New York, finding ways to volunteer as a family can be a little difficult. It’s the double-edged sword of New York City living. Everything is here, but that means EVERYTHING is here.
Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the best places for New York City volunteering as a family. This borough by borough list will help you find the perfect way to give back.
manhattan
New York Cares
Financial District
65 Broadway, 19th Floor, NY, NY 10006
212-228-5000
New York Cares is an excellent vehicle for giving back with your family. Children ages 14 and up can join up with an adult group leader for a variety of activities, while family-friendly projects are available for everyone to take part in, even the younger kids. Ages: All ages
Food Bank for New York City
Financial District
39 Broadway, 10th Floor, NY, NY 10006
212-566-7855 ext. 5
This organization provides support to the underserved across New York. To help them with their many charitable endeavors, they accept volunteers of all ages. Even kids as young as 5 are welcome for the organization’s Weekend Repack to help sort donated and bulk items into specific categories. Ages: Five years old and up
Across Manhattan
888-848-2596
One of the easiest ways to participate in New York City volunteering is to do it on your own. Parents and their children can give back
together by donating toys to Toys for Tots. Take the kids and make a day of purchasing requested toys and donating them to your local Toys for Tots drop-off center. Ages: All ages
God’s Love We Deliver SoHo
166 Avenue of the Americas, NY, NY 10013 212-294-8100
Offering a variety of ways for families to do good as a family, God’s Love We Deliver offers all manner of charitable opportunities from seasonal to year-round. Children
16 and over can help with activities like packing and serving. Those 18 and older can make meal deliveries. Meanwhile, children younger than 16 can participate in Crafting Love projects like making beaded bracelets and birthday and holiday cards. Ages: All ages
New York Common Pantry
East Harlem
8 East 109th Street, NY, NY 10029 917-720-9700
Giving back as a family by volunteering at New York Common Pantry is a great way to do good.This pantry depends on volunteer
help to allow its continued distribution of thousands of meals yearly. Children ages 16 and up are welcome and can help with the distribution of pantry items, meal service, or pantry item packing. Ages: 16 and up
Friends of Governors Island Financial District
10 South Street, Slip 7, NY, NY 10007
Friends of Governors Island only accepts volunteers who are 16 or over, so this New York City volunteering opportunity is limited to those with older children. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy time outdoors, stay active, and help one of the most beautiful spots in NYC stay beautiful. Ages: 16 and over
Across Manhattan
212-360-1399
Partnerships for Parks is devoted to helping neighborhood parks thrive. A diverse network of dedicated park volunteers continues to expand, making it possible to do more to restore and revive parks across the city. This joint program of City Parks Foundation and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation is always looking for more volunteers. Ages: All ages
Jewish Association for Services for the Aged Garment District
247 West 37th Street, New York, NY 10018
212-273-5200
Accepting volunteers of all ages, the JASA offers a variety of services that help improve the lives of seniors across the city. Offering everything from meals to legal services, the JASA is committed to empowering and embracing the elderly community of New York. Ages: All ages
Carter Burden Network
Lenox Hill
415 E. 73rd St., NY, NY 10021
212-423-9665 ext. 423
Another excellent resource for New York City volunteering as a family, the Carter Burden Network offers a variety of services to seniors and their families, including grocery shopping, computer training, and more. The organization accepts both adult and youth volunteers. Ages: All ages
Brooklyn
Partnerships for Parks
Across Brooklyn
212-360-1399
Partnerships for Parks is devoted to helping neighborhood parks thrive. A diverse network of dedicated park volunteers continues to expand, making it possible to do more to restore and revive parks across the city. This joint program of City Parks Foundation and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation is always looking for more volunteers. Ages: All ages
City Harvest
Borough Park
150 52nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232 646-412-0600
City Harvest’s farmers market-style distribution centers provide fresh produce to those in need across all five boroughs of the city. Along with other activities, they promote more food being used and less wasted. City Harvest offers volunteer opportunities for both adults and youth. Ages: Check their volunteer FAQs for specifics.
Gallop NYC
Prospect Park
Prospect Park, corner of Canton Ave. & Coney Island Ave, 855-925-5661
If your children are 16 and over, and you love horses, Gallop NYC is an excellent opportunity for Volunteering in New York City as a family. This group offers therapeutic horseback riding to children and adults with developmental, emotional, social, and physical challenges. Volunteers can help in a variety of ways, and training is provided. Ages: 16 and over
Grow NYC Greenmarkets
Wallabout
Washington Park &, Dekalb Ave., 212-7887900
Grow NYC Greenmarkets are throughout New York City where families can donate their gently used clothing, shoes, and textiles. Practice giving back as a family by going through closets and donating items that you and your kids never use. Ages: All ages
Queen S
Citymeals On Wheels
Across Queens
212-687-1234
Citymeals On-Wheels provides food and companionship to New York City’s elderly. The organization is a great one for giving back because they accept volunteers of all ages. Ages: All ages
Partnerships for Parks
Across Queens
212-360-1399
Partnerships for Parks is a city-wide
initiative aimed at restoring and maintaining neighborhood parks so everyone can have green spaces to enjoy. Ages: All ages
Queens Botanical Garden
Flushing
43-50 Main Street, Flushing, NY 11355
718-886-3800
Queens Botanical Garden makes giving back as a family easy. Their routine volunteer opportunities are made to accommodate ages ranging from 14 to adults, while younger children can help out at seasonal community days if they’re accompanied by an adult. Opportunities range from planting to office work. Ages: All ages
Gallop NYC
Forest Hills
88-03 70th Road, Forest Hills, NY 11375
855-925-5661
As previously mentioned, Gallop NYC offers a variety of opportunities for New York City volunteering for people 16 and up. That service is focused on helping people with physical, mental, and emotional developmental roadblocks. Ages: 16 and up
Bronx
While the majority of family-based opportunities for New York City volunteering are in the other boroughs, the Bronx does have a variety of volunteer opportunities for adults. Check any of the cross-Borough programs above to find out about their opportunities in the Bronx.
Citymeals On Wheels
212-687-1234
Providing food and company to housebound elderly across New York City, Citymeal On Wheels is a volunteer group accepting volunteers of all ages to help hand-deliver meals. Kids can get involved by writing cards and letters, helping to prepare meals, and more. The organization is a great one for giving back because they accept volunteers of all ages and from all across New York City. Ages: All ages
So m any o pportunities for n ew york city volunteering a s a family All it takes is a click or a phone call to start teaching your kids the importance of giving back. Most of the organizations we just listed accept children of various ages, so it should be easy to find a way for New York City volunteering that fits your family. It’s better to give than to receive so use this list to help you find the joy of giving back as a family!
At New York Family, we have the privilege of meeting all types of parents. It is an inspiring job; it is impossible not to learn and take in everyone’s story that we share. We also attend many events, talks, and summits because, as most parents know, parenting has many layers. Frankly, some of these events can feel a bit junior high and twirling around in my brain as I walk to each one is usually, will I have anyone to chat with ? Will I know anyone since most of our relationships these days are via social ? The answer is usually yes.
I met Bethany Braun-Silva at a parenting talk a few years back. Bethany walked up to me, introduced herself, and with her upbeat personality, she shared how she was also a parenting writer. As I have gotten to know Bethany, I now know that on top of being a prolific parenting editor, she is an on-the-go mom of two boys, Elias, 10, and Jake, 7, who she raises with her equally busy husband, Manny. On any given day, you may see an article pop up in the world web that she has written as a Special Projects Editor at Wild Sky Media. Or you will find her sharing helpful parenting advice and mom hacks on TV news segments. So it was not surprising when she founded her podcast and web show "The Breakdown With Bethany" on Mom. com, where she interviews celebrity moms and parenting experts that are a refreshing listen.
I caught up with this busy mom to learn more about how she has pivoted into a new career (the podcast) while keeping her day job as a writer and parenting expert.
DDL:What inspired you to start The Breakdown With Bethany?
BBS:Mindy Kaling! Well, not directly, but during my time as the Editor of Parenting. com , I got offered an interview with her
and couldn’t believe how lucky I was. The interview went well, but I didn’t get the green light to publish the conversation on Parenting.com , so I thought, “why not create my own platform for all these interviews with amazing moms I was being offered?” I love talking to mothers about their ambitions, motherhood journey, careers, relationships, struggles, and triumphs; I truly feel that is what I’m meant to do, so I just did it. I bootstrapped the project for so long, and now I’m so proud that it’s widely available on multiple podcast platforms and YouTube.
DDL:You interview many well-known moms, although they are all pretty famous; what are some things that make them just like us?
BBS:Get ready for a major name drop, but it was actually Serena Williams who said to me during an interview that “motherhood is the ultimate equalizer.” I think moms, famous or not, go through similar emotional struggles: guilt, shame, fear, and loneliness. Something that I’ve been so grateful to help do through my interviews is destigmatized conversations around postpartum depression and anxiety. This is something we talk about a lot on “The Breakdown With Bethany,” and famous or not, this is something that no mother is immune to, and I love that I’m able to help bring more and more awareness to this important topic.
DDL: Any incredible interviews where you signed off and said to yourself WOW?
BBS: Any time I can make a real connection with someone is a “wow” moment. I do the interview through Zoom, so this can definitely be challenging, but most recently, I interviewed Jenna Bush Hager, and from the first question, I could tell that this was going to be a great interview. She is so giving as a reporter and as a guest, and I am also such an admirer of hers that when I
finished, I needed to take a minute to take the moment in.
DDL:I also love hearing mothers’ stories; there always seems to be a common thread: we have a lot more in common than we think. By sharing these mom stories, do you feel it helps you parent?
BBS:I do! I think any time I feel connected and like I’m not alone on this crazy parenthood journey helps me to be a better parent. And that’s exactly why I wanted to share these stories, to help other parents, especially mothers, realize they are not alone. When I conduct interviews, I usually have a question (or two) pertaining to my life. For instance, I recently interviewed a well-known parenting writer who is coming out with a book about astrology and raising kids. I mentioned that it always seems to be a battle with my older son, who is an Aries, and she told me that Aries often like to “fight for fun.” She gave me some great recommendations on relating to him, like sparring with him a bit lovingly. So far, it seems to be working!
DDL:While still a working editor, you have made some pivots to follow your passion for storytelling; what advice can you share with parents on making changes in their careers (keeping in mind many of us still have to pay our bills)?
BBS:I totally get that bill-paying part. Nobody is bankrolling me or my husband so my desire to make a career shift has been fueled by my passion and ambition but it has also been incredibly intentional. What I would suggest to parents who want to make a change in their careers is to follow their passions and to go for it absolutely but not blow up their lives. What I mean is don’t quit the day job without a revenue stream. My journey to television and creating the podcast was, at times, painstakingly slow— because
— while keeping her day job as a writer
I couldn’t just leave everything behind to pursue the big dream, and I still can’t. But I’m finding that doing things at a slower, more calculated pace has helped me reach levels I never thought I could. So I say to go for it with all your heart, but don’t be afraid about taking it slow and making smart (and best) decisions for your family, even if it feels like a step back. You’ll get there!
DDL:What do you do to banish mom guilt?
BBS:Mom guilt can be incredibly overwhelming, especially when you are as ambitious as I am. In the moments when I’m feeling especially guilty, I take a moment to practice mindfulness and really get present with myself. I check in with myself by asking questions like: Are my kids okay? Are they healthy? Are they safe? Are they happy? The answer is usually “yes,” thank goodness, which helps ground me. And then, I spend some time with them where I am 100 percent present to check in and reconnect. But if I’m being honest, I mostly ignore it and push through.
DDL:You are a born and bred New Yorker; what do you love about raising kids here in the city?
BBS:So. Many. Things. I grew up in Hell’s Kitchen, and my husband grew up in Astoria, so raising our little New Yorkers to appreciate all the things we loved growing up is so fun and rewarding. From stickball in the schoolyard to trips to quick trips to The Met, there are so many things to appreciate about being from NYC. Watching them experience the same things I did for the first time is such a joy. They really are little New Yorkers and have a hard time understanding that pizza is not available 24 hours a day in other places.
DDL:What are some of the ‘rules’ you feel you have broken to create a life you are happy living?
BBS:I love this question because I’m actually writing a book that has to do with this very topic. I love breaking “rules.” I was a mother before I was a wife; I pursued a career in journalism without any formal education on the subject, and I started a podcast out of a sheer desire to spread a message and cultivate a community. Maybe it’s my New York sensibility or being an only child but I hate to be told I can’t do something. I advocate for myself professionally a lot. Sometimes it feels scary and a little desperate but I know who I am and what I can bring to the table. So I would also encourage other women to do the same!
children’s Steam: fairytales and crafts
when : March 6, 3 pm
where : Riverdale Library, 5540 Mosholu Avenue, Bronx
aGeS: 9 – 12
what: Join the Library for a thoughtful discussion of fairytales, which will be used as an entry point to create meaningful artwork. This program is appropriate for students in 4th grade and above.
want to Go?: Free. (718) 549–1212, nypl.org
throggs neck St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
when : March 12, 11 – 11:55 am
where : East Tremont and Lafayette Avenues, Bronx
aGeS: All
what: Celebrate Irish culture and heritage with bagpipers, marching bands, community organizations, local officials, and more.
want to Go?: Free. facebook. com/events/578603870351785
family time: Double Dutch
when : March 18, 3 – 5 pm
where : The Bronx Museum, 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx
aGeS: All
what: All ages and skill levels are welcome to an afternoon of double dutch with experienced instructors.
want to Go?: Free. (718) 681–6000, bronxmuseum.org
wings of Dublin irish Dance
when : March 19, 4 pm
where : Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx
aGeS: 5 and up
what: See exquisite Irish and World champion dancers
together with Ireland’s finest musical and vocal virtuosos.
want to Go?: $32-$83. (718) 960–8833, lehmancenter.org
family fun and fit night at hunts Point recreation center
when : March 24, 6 – 8 pm
where : Hunts Point Recreation Center, 765 Manida Street, Bronx
aGeS: All
what: Bring the family out for fitness classes, tips on healthy eating, and more.
want to Go?: Free. nycgovparks.org
nyc Parks Presents: Skate Party at kwame ture recreation center
when : March 29, 4 – 7 pm where : Kwame Ture Recreation Center, 1527 Jesup Avenue, Bronx
aGeS: All
what: Enjoy an afternoon of music, dancing, and skating. want to Go?: Free. nycgovparks.org
Silent Disco
when : March 31, 6 – 8 pm where : Williamsbridge Oval, Van Cortlandt Ave. East, Reservoir Oval E, Bronx
aGeS: All
what: Boogie on the dance floor while you listen to your favorite music and DJ with silent headphones. want to Go?: Free. nycgovparks.org
the very hungry caterpillar Show when : Fridays, 10 am, Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 am and
11:30 am. through May 28. where : DR2 Theatre, 103 East 15 Street, New York
aGeS: 8 and under
what: See the stories of Eric Carle come to life with a menagerie of over 75 magical puppets. want to Go?: $48$110. (212) 375–1110, hungrycaterpillarshow.com
Dog man: the musical
when : Starting March 4, Saturdays, 11am, 2pm and 4:30pm, Sundays, 12pm and 3 pm, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 7 pm, through April 30 where : New World Stages, 340 W 50th Street, New York
aGeS: 5 – 12
what: Everyone’s favorite crime fighting dog leaps off the pages and onto the stage in this hilarious family show. want to Go?: $50-$116. Newworldstages.com
Wings of dublin irish dance comes to the lehman center for the Performing a rts on March 19.
holi in nyc
when : March 8, 4 – 6 pm
where : Waterline Square, 400 West 61st Street, New York
aGeS: All
what: Celebrate Holi with powder play, performances, dance workshops and Indian drummers.
want to Go?: Free. eventbrite.com
winnie the Pooh
when : March 19, 3 pm
where : Kings Theatre, 1027 Flatbush Ave, Flatbush
aGeS: All
what: This fresh stage adaptation is told with stunning life-sized puppetry through the eyes of the characters we all know and love.
want to Go?: Tickets start at $29. (718) 856–5464, kingstheatre.com
Spring children’s Garden family Day
when : March 12, 1 – 4 pm
where : Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main Street, Flushing
aGeS: 2-12
what: Participate in planting activities and crafts, and learn more about the Garden.
want to Go?: $5 suggested donation. (718) 886–3800, queensbotanical.org
hands on history: construction at the manor!
when : March 18, 1 pm
where : King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave. Jamaica
aGeS: 5 and up
what: Celebrate the women who helped construct King Manor in the 19th century and participate in a construction style activity.
want to Go?: Free. (718) 206–0545, kingmanor.org
With cultural researcher, parenting expert and columnist Jessica Joelle Alexander
Wednesday, March 22, 2023, 2 p.m. ET
Cultural researcher and author Jessica Joelle Alexander will reveal the secrets behind the Danish way of parenting. Alexander applies the "PARENT” acronym — Play, Authenticity, Reframing, Empathy, No ultimatums and Togetherness — to help parents from all walks of life "raise the happiest, most well-adjusted kids in the world."
With Christine Carter, Ph.D. and Laura Kastner, Ph.D. Tuesday, April 18, 2023, 5 p.m. ET
In this interactive talk, acclaimed sociologist and leadership coach (and mother of four teenagers!) Christine Carter, Ph.D., will draw on scientific research to outline realistic ways parents and educators can help preteens, teens and college students find focus and fulfillment through the development of effective habit formation, goal-setting and authentic leadership skills.
Author: Sy Montgomery
Genre: Non-fiction, Nature
A woman befriends octopuses at the New England Aquarium. The heartwarming book shows the intelligence and complexity of these spirited, playful and fascinating creatures, as well as the meaningful bonds they can form with humans.
Editor: Barbara Russo
Author: Kiley Reid
Genre: Fiction, Coming-of-age
A case of racial profiling causes the relationship between a young Black woman and the wealthy white mother she babysits for to disintegrate. As both women try to figure out the other, they come to realize that their lives are far more intertwined than they could have ever imagined. Themes of race, identity, and privilege are undercut by humor and snappy writing that makes the novel hard to put down.
Editor: Vered Ornstein
Book Lovers
Author: Emily Henry
Genre: Romance
Cut-throat literary agent Nora Stephens is far from the typical heroine in a romance novel – and she should know, she’s read them all. When her younger sister begs her to go on a vacation to a tiny town in North Carolina, Nora keeps running into Charlie, a brooding book editor she’s worked with one too many times. But as their paths in this tiny town cross again and again, Nora and Charlie both discover that they’re more than the literary tropes they’ve assigned themselves.
Editor: Kaitlyn Riggio
Author: Jennette McCurdy
Genre: Memoir
Fans of the Nickelodeon teen series’ iCarly and Sam and Kat will be left stunned by this biographical bombshell from the actor who plays the shows’ popular character, Sam Puckett. In it, she details how her mother forced her into a career she wanted no part of from a very young age, and how it led to a long-term struggle with eating disorders and alcohol abuse. The extremely personal and revealing memoir is the kind that will stay with you for a while, whether you’re familiar with its celebrity author or not.
Editor: Jeannine Cintron
Author: Ariel Levy
Genre: Memoir
Trigger warning on this book. This book is written with brutal honesty and does include the heartache of loss and love that doesn’t always work out. The book shares the author’s life as she navigates her career and life and how while some parts are sad - in my opinion, the openness is beautifully written and reminds us that we all have diverse outcomes for our actions but this is the heartbreak and beauty of life.
Editor: Donna Duarte Ladd
Author: Ashley C. Ford
Genre: Memoir
This powerful memoir highlights Ashley’s complicated childhood that she defines with such depth and detail. She gives readers a look into her life – and her struggles, growing up poor and Black. A very different coming-of-age-story, she beautifully weaves stories of who she was, her family, her body, relationships, poverty, and more – recounting how they made part of who she is – as she learns to become herself.
Editor: Serena Norr
Zeta Schools provide free, world-class Pre-K to 6th Grade education centered on the whole child.
