Staten Island Parent - April 2023

FEATURES

12 | s afety

e-Dangers: What to know about safely storing e-bikes and e-scooters and tips for the best way to charge lithium-ion batteries

18 | s pring

This season’s bucket list

44 | cover New York Family’s ultimate guide to birdwatching

FA mily F U n

52 | c alendar

All the fun events and activities for April

SToRiES & colUmn

6 | editor’s letter

S

8 | community and s chool n ews

14 | education

Bilingual education for kids

22 | c amp

Staten Island Parent partners tell us why camp is for everyone

24 | s pending

Where and how to cut costs on grocery shopping in Staten Island

28 | s potlight

Why Staten Islander Karen Dexheimer organized a familyfriendly hiking group

54 | Birthday club

Celebrating April birthdays

Th E S pE ci A l child

32 | s pecial child

When the next step is an IEP

34 | s pecial child

Understanding dental care for patients with special needs

36 | s pecial child

6 ways to support siblings of kids with special needs

38 | s pecial child

Learning disabilities in children — what parents need to know

40 | s pecial n eeds listings

on the cover

Illustration: Beatrice.S.Hug | anagambuto.com

Photo: Getty Images

Cover Story Written by: Barbara Russo

Birds of a Feather

April is Autism Awareness Month and our issue is jam-packed with resources and content for families of children with special needs. Whether you’re wondering When the Next Step is an IEP (page 32) for your Child (page tk), or 6 Ways to Support Siblings of Kids with Special Needs (page 36), we have these and other helpful articles in our Special Child Resource Guide that can be found on page (page 40.)

Do you find yourself spending way too much on food shopping these days? In Groceries Gone Wild (page 24), we’ve got tips for cutting costs at the supermarket (we’re sick of overpaying for eggs too!).

Spring break is this month, so check out our Spring Bucket List (page 18) for 25 fun ways to keep the kids busy and happy.

Lastly, while people travel worldwide to Birdwatch (page 44), many of us have been flocking (hee, hee) outdoors here in New York to check out the eclectic array of birds in our parks. And we’re here for it! This month’s

cover features some of NYC’s best places to see birds. Our guide, written by SI Parent editor and lover of all birds and bunnies Barbara Russo, breaks down by park and what species can be found and where.

Jeannine Cintron

n ewYorkFamily.com

p u B lisher: Clifford Luster

Deputy eD itor: Jeannine Cintron

r eporter: Barbara Russo

community content cre Ator: Shara Levine

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s enior ADviser: Susan Weiss

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sAles & mArketing

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2022

Staten Island Parent has been awarded the PMA Gold Award for Excellence in Editorial and the Bronze Award for Excellence in Digital Media.

New York Family is published monthly by Queens Family Media, LLC.

Reproduction of New York Family Media in whole or part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved.

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

By BArBAr A russo

What’s Happening on S TATE n iS l A nd

nyc minecr Aft eDucAtion chAllenge kicks off in s .i.

Get your game on! It’s time for the NYC Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs.

As part of the challenge, students compete using the video game Minecraft to build inclusive and sustainable places around NYC. To compete in the challenge, students from DOE schools in grades K-12 work in teams to create their projects. Information on how to join the challenge is available on the NYC Public School website. The deadline for submissions is April 5.

Staten Island teams that are selected will then compete for the borough championship on May 13 at Wagner College. Each borough champion who wins this “esports” round will then compete for the Mayor’s Cup on a date to be announced later in the spring.

“By nurturing our bright young minds and preparing our students to be the future leaders in green industries, we are building an even greater New York City, and I can’t wait to see what they can do,” NYC Mayor Adams said.

By participating in the challenge, students have a chance to explore the five boroughs, speak to local officials and learn

p. s . 78 pl AygrounD secureD for stuDent sAfety

The public playground adjacent to the P.S.78 will now be secured exclusively for student use during their recess, Borough President Vito Fossella announced at a press conference last month.

The announcement came a month after the Stapleton school’s windows were pierced by bullets from a nearby shooting. Nobody was hurt in the incident.

The initiative is a collaboration with the NYC Department of Education, NYC Parks, and Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon.

more about nYC’s improvement plans. Students will develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

At a recent press conference, Borough President Vito Fossella said he’s rooting for Staten Island and discussed the benefits of the challenge for students.

“It’s a wonderful collaboration and combination between learning, building, innovation, creativity, and working with others,” Fossella said. “This will serve them well. Not just in college, but the years beyond.”

To learn more, visit schools.nyc.gov.

“We walked around the playground and within a couple of days, thanks to the way government should work for the people starting with the mayor and all the way down to the Department of Education and the Parks Department, we were able to secure this facility for the children everyday between the hours of 9 o’clock and 2 o’clock for them to enjoy,” Fossella said.

Principal Jodi Contento said collaboration is one of the core values taught at P.S. 78.

“Nobody could do it alone,” she said. “For me, this is about taking something negative that happened -- and we’re thankful that nobody got hurt -- and turning it into a positive. What happened was we were able to identify one of our needs. So, when the DA and the Borough President came, they asked us what it was that we needed. I told them that one thing that could be a quick fix is that

we don’t have a playground. We don’t have a place that is just for P.S. 78.”

Gates and signage will be installed to alert the community about the new use of the playground during weekdays.

“This is a public playground, and of course we want the community to enjoy it, but we have to ensure that my 600 students who are going to come outside have a place to play that’s safe during these hours,” Contento added.

At the press conference, students discussed the importance of having a playground to call their own.

“We need recess, because we have to take out all our energy, because in class we’re just sitting down and learning,” Stanlee Uruchima, president of the third-grade student council, said. “We want to run around and play games and have fun.”

the inAugur Al greenBelt hike-A-thon

Think you can run, hike, bike, or stroll 35 miles?

The Greenbelt Conservancy is launching their very first Greenbelt Hike-A-Thon this Earth Day, when participants will be encouraged to run, hike, bike, or stroll 35 miles over a six-week period. Cover these miles in the Greenbelt or out, in one day or over several. The virtual event is open to all, regardless of age or fitness level.

For a registration donation of $10, participants will create their own personal page to track miles, share experiences, and to stay healthy in the great outdoors. There will be incentive prizes for fundraising milestones. To learn more about corporate sponsorship opportunities, or for any questions, contact Meghan Wood, Director of Development, at wood@sigreenbelt.org.

importAnt puBlic school DAtes this month

thursday, April 6 - First Day of Passover, schools are closed.

friday, April 7 - Second Day of Passover and Good Friday, schools are closed.

monday- friday, April 10-14, Spring Recess, schools are closed

friday, April 21, Eid al-Fitr, schools are closed.

2023 season passes are now availablefor purchase. Order online at ���������������������

Runs continuously from 12:00-4:00. Included with each child's admission. This event is especially designed for small children

e-Dangers

By BarBara russo

Almost everywhere you look in NYC, someone uses an e-bike or e-scooter. Despite their popularity among New Yorkers of all ages, these devices contain lithiumion batteries that have caused a recent rash of raging, damaging — and in some cases deadly — fires around the city. You may be surprised to learn this, but you may have gear in your home that is being charged by lithium-ion batteries. As parents buy more e-scooters and VR systems for their kids — awareness of these batteries is a first step (for example, we had no idea we had one in our own home and only checked while this article was being written.) If you have an e-bike or e-scooter, knowing how to store them and charge their batteries safely is key to keeping your family and others safe.

What is a Lithium-ion Battery?

A lithium-ion battery is a type of energetic, rechargeable battery. They’re very popular lately because they have some advantages over other batteries. They’re lighter than other types of rechargeable batteries, they hold their charge and can handle hundreds of charge/discharge cycles. Certain smartphones and smart devices contain lithium-ion batteries, but e-bikes and e-scooters pose the biggest and most concerning threat when it comes to fire.

The problem with these batteries is that they store a large amount of energy in a small amount of space. When batteries aren’t used the right way, or if they’re defective, they can be quite dangerous, fire officials say. They can overheat, catch fire or even explode. When fires like this occur, they burn very hot and are difficult for firefighters to extinguish.

“They take a lot of amperage. Most people don’t have a 20-amp outlet that it needs for the charging, Stephen Berger, a volunteer firefighter and former fire chief from Nassau County, said. “So, the mistake people make

is they think it’s like a regular battery where you have a regular 15-amp outlet and charge it overnight. Then, it overheats and catches fire.”

E-bikes and similar devices still need to be charged in order to be used, of course. But it’s important to do so correctly and safely. For starters, never leave a charging device unattended.

“If you’re going to charge a lithium battery for an electric scooter or bike, charge it someplace where you can observe it. It should not be left unattended,” Berger said.

The dangers of lithium-ion batteries aren’t going unnoticed by lawmakers and authorities in city government. Officials including FDNY commissioner Laura Kavanagh are advocating for better regulation of e-bikes and e-scooters.

How to Safely Store e-Bikes and Charge Lithium-Ion Batteries

Fires caused by e-bikes and e-scooters happen with some regularity. In fact, the FDNY reported more than 130 such fires in 2022, and the numbers are rising. Electric bike batteries were the cause of several recent fires in NYC this year, too.

“Lithium-ion batteries power many of the products we use in our daily lives, by and large functioning without issue,” Brian O’Connor, a technical services engineer at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), said. “At the same time, lithium-ion batteries do pose potential fire risks, so it’s important to use and maintain them properly, and to be able to recognize signs of malfunction. That level of awareness can go a long way toward minimizing the likelihood of a fire.”

Fire prevention experts also recommend charging your e-bike or e-scooter outside the house.

“They don’t recommend you charge it

inside the house, if possible. But if you do bring it in, sit there and watch it,” Berger explained.

Additional Safety Tips for Charging

Lithium-Ion Batteries:

The NFPA recommends these safety tips for charging e-bikes, e-scooters and similar devices with lithium-ion batteries:

• Purchase and use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Only use the battery that is designed for the device.

• Put batteries in the device the right way.

• Only use the charging cord that came with the device.

• Do not charge a device under your pillow or on your bed or couch.

• Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.

• Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or above 105°F (40°C).

• Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire.

Additional Resources

The NFPA says to stop using a battery if you notice an odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking or odd noises. If it’s safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 911.

Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Take them to a battery recycling location. The NYC Department of Sanitation website has a lot of information on how to safely and legally dispose of batteries.

For more information about e-bike and fire prevention safety, visit nyc.gov or nfpa. org.

What to know about safely storing e-bikes and e-scooters and tips for the best way to charge lithium-ion batteries

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Bilingual Education for Kids

What parents need to know

By Mia Sala S

As New York parents, we’re all too familiar with the many options for school. We know how overwhelming (and time-consuming) it can be to research the different options and find out what would work best for your child. That’s why we’re coming in clutch with your guide to all things bilingual education!

Bilingual education has become increasingly popular in New York and beyond, so we’ve got the scoop on why that is and how some of these programs are structured. If you’re considering sending your children to a school with a bilingual program, stop the oh-so-exhausting research process now and check out our brief (but informative, as always) summary about what to expect. Read on to find out if bilingual education is for your family.

History of Bilingual Education in New York

Bilingual education has been around for quite some time now. Private schools each have their own founding stories, many dating back to the early 20th century. But as for bilingual programs in New York public schools, bilingual and ESL education appeared in 1974 following a lawsuit against the NYC’s Board of Education for failing to educate Puerto Rican students with limited English skills. Since the implementation of the Aspira Consent Decree, New York ESL and Bilingual programs have expanded to serve students speaking over 145 languages. While bilingual education began primarily as a way for kids who speak their native language at home to learn English, it has since become attractive to parents of kids who already speak English natively. Why? Keep reading to find out!

Why Bilingual Education?

You may be wondering what all the hype is about bilingual education anyway. First and

foremost, bilingual learning not only connects students with another language but with that language’s culture as well. We all want to see our children grow into well-rounded adults with a strong education, but we also want them to accept difference, celebrate diversity, promote inclusion, and craft an open mind. Bilingual education shows kids from an early age that their own language and culture is not the only one, and it broadens their perspective from New York to the greater world in which we are all a part of.

Not only do kids develop more inclusive views early on, but bilingual education instills empathy. Think about this: your child is learning to speak both English and Italian.

All of their friends at school are too, but some of their friends in their neighborhood at home don’t go to a bilingual school. So your child has to think about this, and then decide to use English when communicating with these friends: in other words, they have to think about others before thinking about themself. While this quick decision-making process may seem trivial, it kick starts empathy, collaboration, and social emotional skills from a young age.

And finally, studies have shown that bilingual education accelerates and improves many academic skills (extending well beyond the classroom), such as reading levels, problemsolving, math competency, creative thinking,

and more. Part of this is because learning two languages at once sharpens their memory, but it’s also because learning two languages shows kids that there is more than one way to approach something. Much like their decision to speak either language based on their situational context, they’ll likely look at challenges in the same way, whether that means coming up with multiple ways to build something STEM related or thinking about solving a math problem on a test in numerous ways.

Types of Bilingual Education

Now that we’ve covered our bases on why bilingual education is so popular let’s go over the types of bilingual education because there are even subcategories within the categories when it comes to New York education.

Public vs. Private : The first decision you have to make is whether you want to send your kids to a public or private bilingual school. Before that, you should consider what foreign language you want your kids to learn. Public schools offer many English-Spanish programs, but if you’re looking for Italian, German, or French bilingual education, you’ll

likely have more options with private schools. This isn’t to say that you can’t find programs with these languages in public schools: many public schools offer Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Italian, Bengali, French, and more. But the catch is that you’ll have to apply to attend that school if you don’t live in that district. As for private schools, your kids will likely have more focused attention on them and their language learning because of the smaller number of students. Many bilingual private schools have two teachers in every classroom — one who natively speaks English, and the other who natively speaks the other language that the school teaches. Both public and private schools have their pros, but if you are hesitant to browse private schools because of financial circumstances, be sure to check

out their admissions pages first. Many New York private bilingual schools offer generous financial aid and scholarships, so don’t let this deter you!

English as a Second Language vs. Dual Language : Does your child speak another language at home and you want them to learn English through school? If yes, then English as a Second Language (ESL) is the bilingual education format you want. If your goal is for your child to learn two languages simultaneously (half instruction in one language and half in another language), then Dual Language is the right fit.

Hopefully, this guide summed up bilingual education for you. If you’re considering sending your little one to a bilingual school.

Studies have shown that bilingual education accelerates and improves many academic skills (extending well beyond the classroom), such as reading levels, problem-solving, math competency, creative thinking, and more.

Spring Bucket List �023

By BArBAr A russo, Je Annine Cintron, DonnA DuArte- lADD, AnD shAr A levine

Spring brings a little step to us New Yorkers. It is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors such as strolling on one of our majestic bridges or heading indoors and visiting one of New York’s many iconic cultural institutions. The best part is you can mix it up with some of the many free things New York has to offer. Happy Spring!

1. Spend a morning at Snug Harbor and roam the outdoor gardens, including the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden (NYCSG) which is one of only two authentic classical outdoor Chinese gardens built in the United States.

2 . Head to Goshen, NY and enjoy the Spring

season of Legoland New York, now a Certified Autism Center.

3. Spend the day enjoying exhibitions, immersive experience, butterflies and more at the new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation new exhibition. Opening this Spring, check website.

4 . Check out the Cherry Blossoms in Central Park, Riverside Park, Branch Brook Park in NJ, NJ Botanical Gardens, Snug Harbor (of course) and the famous New York Botanical Garden Cherry Blossoms Tree.

5. Head to the Top of the Rock, where even the most seasoned New Yorker will be in awe of the views.

6 . Go bird watching in New York- we show and

share what birds you may see in this issue!

7. Head to Coney Island for a wild day! See live sharks at the New York Aquarium and stop to ride the Cyclone on your way home.

8 . Tour real Naval ships and meet our country’s Armed Forces members during Fleet Week, which kicks off just before Memorial Day Weekend.

9. Travel to the islands! And by “islands,” we mean Roosevelt Island, Governors Island, and Little Island. Have a barbeque at Lighthouse Park on Roosevelt Island, visit The Yard for unique unstructured play on Governors Island, and see the flowers in bloom on Little Island.

10. Go shopping at Empire Outlets and grab

Ages 4-7

spring bucket list

your first ice cream cone of the season at Eggers’ Urby location.

11. Walk through the streets of DUMBO and discover the diverse art. From the famed DUMBO Walls to the stained glass Watertower sculpture on top of 20 Jay Street, there is something to discover at almost every turn.

12 . Spend the day at Books of Wonder at 18 W.18th St with the most exquisite and curated children’s books

13. Enjoy one of the most unique carousels in New York, made of fiberglass fish illuminated with color-changing LED light fixtures. The SeaGlass carousel is at the Battery Conservancy, located at the park’s southern end.

14 . Go wild at the Bronx Zoo when you visit with animals from around the world! Plus, take in unparalleled views of the park when you add the Nature Trek to your visit filled with wooden bridges and tunnels to cross.

15. Spend the day at Far Rockaway Beach and enjoy the boardwalk; bring your skater (and safety gear)- enjoy the 15,700 square feet concrete park of stairs, rails, ledges and more.

16 . Visit waterfalls in Central Park-there are five in total and you can find them in the Ravine, which is the stream valley section of the North Woods.

17. Leap to the Staten Island Zoo to see the new frog exhibit.

18 . Gather up the kids and head to one of the many parks on Staten Island for a fun family picnic.

19. Head to the Liberty Science Center to see the new exhibit, Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails, featuring Thomas the Tank and all his friends.

20. Embrace the outdoors and go on a family hike. Check out upcoming hikes on Staten Island on our digital calendar at events.

siparent.com.

21. On those rainy spring days, get your game on at one of the many retro arcades in Staten Island and NJ.

22 . Have some Big Top fun by heading to Flip Circus at the Staten Island Mall. It’s in town through April 10!

23. Go on a Staten Island Ferry ride! Afterward, enjoy exploring Staten Island’s historic St. George neighborhood. You can see a show at the St. George Theatre or catch a Ferry Hawks game!

24 . Visit a local lighthouse. Kids will enjoy seeing these unique and magnificent structures dotted all throughout the metropolitan area. You can see some up close or from afar on an exciting boat ride or tour.

25. Grab your baskets and attend an egg hunt! Go to siparent.com for a roundup of our favorite Easter events on the Island!

Why Choose camp?

Staten Island Parent partners share why camp is for everyone!

With summer fast approaching, the time is now to find the perfect camp for your child where they will have the opportunity to grow on an individual and social level. We asked some of our partner camps why parents should consider a summer program for their child this year. Here’s what they had to say!

Why send a child to summer camp?

“Camp is a great way for children to participate in a program that focuses on friendships, kindness and learning in a creative way. It is a great way to transition during the summer and get ready for the new school year. Campers will have fun, learn something new and be in a safe, stress free environment where fun is the most important part of their day!”

— Eileen Gregor, Executive Camp Director, SJHA Summer Camps

“Summer camp is an experience that is irreplaceable. Each summer campers look forward to pools, theme days, trips and more. The summer time is an opportunity for campers to grow socially and emotionally in a stress free environment.”

— Chris Bruno, Director of Summer Programs, Staten Island Academy Camp

“Camp is a time for exploration and, most importantly, curiosity!”

— Susan Lyon, Vice Provost, Curiosity Camp at Simon’s Rock

“Going directly from childhood to college is extreme. Allowing a child to take a brief excursion outside of their day to day life introduces them to the idea that there’s a world outside of what they know, a bed they can sleep in that’s not their own, and people

from all over the country who are waiting to meet them.”

— Alison Krasnor, Executive Director, Boston Leadership Institute

h ow do kids with learning challenges enjoy their camp experience?

“An inclusive camp can provide a fun and nurturing camp experience for children and teens with disabilities. Programs should be supervised by highly experienced staff with degrees in special education, social work, and school psychology.”

— Stephanie Feldman, Camp Co-Director, Marvins Camp for Children with Special Needs at the JCC

“Summer Camp is a place where each child matters. All campers should have an individualized assessment to gauge their academic abilities in order to develop a customized interactive experience for each child. An engaged camper is a happy camper!”

— Maria Weaver, Program Director, Super Kids Camp

Groceries Gone Wild!

Where & how to cut costs on food shopping in Staten Island

By BArBAr A russo

Parents continue to feel the burden of excessively high grocery prices on Staten Island, prompting many to change the way they shop.

Food prices haven’t dropped since the height of the pandemic, and there doesn’t seem to be relief in sight. Financial experts attribute the high prices to a cauldron of issues, including inflation, supply chain problems, possible price gouging, even the war in Ukraine.

Russia and Ukraine are huge producers of wheat, accounting for 30 percent of all wheat exports, according to Forbes. With a war going on, it’s hard to produce and export the crop, resulting in a supply shortage.

And here’s something to note: As of February 2023, the “food at home” index rose 10.2 percent over the last 12 months, according to a recent Consumer Price Index report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Family staples, including cereals, fruits and vegetables went up in price. And we all know how painfully expensive eggs are now, and the prices don’t seem to be cracking.

Here’s a look at the cheapest prices for a dozen eggs and cereal at four popular island supermarkets:

• Key Food, South Beach: The cheapest eggs sell for $4.79. A family-size box of Cheerios is $7.99.

• Target in Charleston: The cheapest eggs sell for $4.79. A family-size box of Cheerios is $4.99.

• Stop n Shop in Great Kills: The store brand eggs are $5.99, while a 12-ounce box of Cheerios is $5.19.

• ShopRite in Charleston: The store brand eggs sell for $4.79, and a family-size of Cheerios go for $7.49.

Target is the champion out of these four stores when it comes to grocery prices on Staten Island. They often have pretty good sales, too.

Maje Roxas Daroy, a single mother from New Springville, goes shopping every week, usually at ShopRite, and spends about $100150 for a family of three. She said she’s been noticing the rising prices of everything from eggs to cereal to toiletries over the last two years. With two children who have special needs, at one point she was even working three jobs to make ends meet.

“This one cereal is supposed to be half the price not too long ago. Now it’s double the price. I’ll only buy it if it’s on sale, or I’ll look for alternatives,” Daroy said. “I also haven’t bought Quaker Oats because they’ve been so expensive.”

Therese Lydon, another single mom who lives in Eltingville, said she doesn’t even shop on Staten Island anymore.

“I usually do my shopping in New Jersey because it’s more economical for me,” she said.

Lydon said she discovered La Bella’s

in Tottenville for the first time and was impressed, but it’s just not feasible for her to go there regularly due to her schedule.

“I actually went to La Bella’s for the very first time last week,” she said. “They had some good sales and it’s a very clean store. But again, my problem is logistics and time.”

Daroy agrees with what many economists have been saying about the price hikes—that inflation is to blame. But she also feels it’s more than that. Originally from the Philippines, Daroy is now a U.S. citizen, but feels the federal government is partly to blame.

It’s not all doom and gloom at the grocery store. With some good savvy shopping tips like the ones below, you can have a fuller fridge and fuller wallet.

s hop on Wednesdays

Wednesday is a great day to go grocery shopping. The stores tend to be less crowded, which could help you focus better on tasks

and prices. Of course, everyone is different, but a mid-week shopping trip might be worth a try.

If a Wednesday visit to the supermarket throws you off your routine, Gabrielle Gambrell, a marketing professor at NYU and Columbia University and founder of Gift of Gabrielle, wants to at least make sure you remember your grocery bags. Why spend money on paper bags when you have your reusable ones at home?

“Every single penny counts, and that includes pennies wasted when I accidentally forget to bring shopping bags and have to pay for them at the register,” Gambrell says. “One way to avoid this is to simply keep a large supply in your car and remember before leaving home for the grocery store to make sure you have bags handy. Spending any amount of money on bags each time you grocery shop is a total waste of money.”

check o ut m ore Affordable stores

You definitely shouldn’t save a dollar at your health’s expense. But, oftentimes, what you think is a boutique grocery experience, is

just a more expensive one, Gambrell, who’s also a Gen Z and Millennial finance blogger, explains.

“Keep in mind that local eateries, farmer markets chains and organic stores offer different prices and rates. Be sure to learn about the best shop in your area that offers both great products and the best prices,”

Gambrell says. “For example, I find many reasonable organic finds at my local Trader Joe’s compared to my much larger wellknown neighborhood organic grocery store.”

g eneric is o kay

Remember Pathmark’s super-long no-frills aisle back in the 80s? You could get almost anything from beer to toothbrushes. Many people avoid that aisle like the plague, but generic items have come a long way since then. While we all have loyalty when it comes to certain brands, many times a generic item will get the job done.

“As a marketer myself, I teach my children that marketing is all about making money,” Gambrell said. “I remind my toddler of that when we’re shopping so he knows to look down for a cheaper price. The namebrand and popular brands are usually at eye-level and below are many lower-priced items that usually have the same quality. Remember, cheaper is often the way to go. We’re talking easily 25% to thousands of dollars per year can be saved going generic. It can pay in your favor to be brand disloyal.”

Financial experts attribute high food

7/10-7/13:

Join us as we embark on a summer journey where campers will have a variety of activities to keep them engaged and active!

Summer Camp at

New Dorp Christian Academy

June 19-August 25

There will be MUSIC, ARTS & CRAFTS, SPORTS ACTIVITIES, WATER GAMES, STEM ACTIVITIES, BUBBLE MANIA, WEEKLY FIELD TRIPS AND WEEKLY THEMES.

All of our counselors are highly trained in education. Our goal is to build a sense of community within our camp, so our campers feel safe and secure! All while making new friends and everlasting memories.

ADDITIONAL PACKAGES INCLUDE TUTORING, HIGH QUALITY STEM AND GIFTED PROGRAMS. We can't wait to meet your children!

259 Rose Avenue | 718-987-1188

SummerCamp@newdorpchristianacademy.com for more information or to register, email us at

Registration Forms on www.JosephSea.org (Click on Sports tab at top of Home Page)

Richard Bruno, Director of Camps at 718.984.6500 x5316

All Camps are Run by Sea’s Varsity Coaching Staff INSTRUCTIONAL SPORTS CAMPS at St. Joseph by the Sea High Shool

Football (Grades 6-8 ) 9am-12PM

Tennis (Grades 5-12) 9am-12pm

Girls Basketball (Grades 5-12) 9am-3PM

7/17-7/20:

Boys Lacrosse (Grades 5-12) 9am-12pm

Girls Lacrosse (Grades 5-12) 9am-12PM

Bloomberg Business Terminal Camp (Grades 6-12) 9am-12pm

Boys Basketball (Grades 5-12) 9am-3pm

7/24-7/27:

Girls Flag Football (Grades 5-12) 9am-12PM

7/31-8/3:

Dance (Grades 5-12) 9am-12PM

Wrestling (Grades 5-12) 9am-12PM

Science (Grades 5-10) 9am-12PM

Baseball (Grades 5-12) 9am-1PM

Boys Flag Football (Grades 5-12) 9am-12pm

8/14-8/17:

Girls Volleyball (Grades 5-12) 9am-12PM

Girls Softball (Grades 5-12) 12PM-3PM

Boys Soccer (Grades 5-12) 9am-12PM

Girls Soccer (Grades 5-12) 9am-12pm

Organizing Hikes for Families

Karen Dexheimer started the Staten Island Hiking Meetup

By BArBAr A russo

Staten Island is known as the borough of parks. And one islander is hoping to get kids off their phones and into our parks by organizing fun hikes for families on Staten Island.

Karen Dexheimer, 54, runs the Staten Island Hiking Meetup. It’s an all-ages hiking group for anyone who loves the great outdoors and just wants to enjoy nature. The Livingston resident has hosted lots of hiking events in the past, but the new family and kids hikes are a bit different.

“The family hikes are no more than two miles. For safety, I make the hikes easy, flat and with minimal water to cross. No strenuous hills,” Dexheimer explained.

The group’s usual hikes take on some of Staten Island’s and New Jersey’s most challenging points of interest. Hikers have walked over the Bayonne Bridge. They’ve even walked from Willowbrook Park to Gateway National Recreation Area in Great Kills, which is quite an impressive trek.

The family hikes aren’t as intense, of course. They take place in Staten Island’s smaller green areas and parks, all with the goal of getting kids to explore the nature around them.

“I think it’s good for their mental health,” Dexheimer said. “And it’s good for the kids to see how beautiful the island is. There’s just so much to see and do when it comes to getting involved in the outdoors.”

The family hikes are designed to be short, sweet and fun for kids to enjoy, Dexheimer explained. Some of the upcoming venues for family hikes include Alison Pond Park, West Brighton, and Arden Woods, Annadale.

Kids might even encounter some local wildlife along their hiking adventures. Staten Island is home to lots of cool species of snakes, birds (like eagles, hawks and owls),

deer and more.

The best part is, all of the group’s hikes are free—and that goes for the family hikes, too. And hiking is a great way to spend time outdoors together as a family, Dexheimer explained.

The Staten Island Hiking Meetup is popular throughout New York City and takes its passion very seriously. The group has hosted hundreds of hiking events, often with several hikes each week. It was even listed as one of the top eight NYC hiking groups for 2023 by the website, Hello Hiker.

Dexheimer has been running the Staten

Island Hiking Meetup since 2021. A fulltime paraprofessional for the Department of Education on Staten Island, she loves the calmness that hiking gives her.

“I love hiking and exploring new places, and I love how it makes me feel,” she said. The endorphins kick in, and everything just feels right. And it’s great exercise.”

A family hike is scheduled at Arden Heights Woods on Monday, April 10, 10am. Parents interested in going on the hike with their kids should check the group’s meetup page for more information at meetup.com/ staten-island-hiking-meetup.

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The Habits of Highly Effective Adolescents

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.

Transforming Trauma and Navigating Overwhelm

With trauma specialist and author Laura van Dernoot Lipsky

Tuesday, May 4, 2023, 4 p.m. ET

In this interactive talk, trauma exposure pioneer Laura van Dernoot Lipsky will offer practical tools to help us sustain, individually and collectively, in the face of trauma, secondary trauma and overwhelm. She will discuss what the consequences of trauma are as well as strategies for supporting ourselves and each other.

PRESENTING

“You have to love a family show that makes adults laugh, too.”

“perfect for everyone”

A Hilarious Heartfelt Family Adventure

When the next step is an IEP

Missing milestones and an Individualized Educational Plan

By Emily lE vy

Have you noticed your child struggling in school? Perhaps they are having a hard time learning to read, can’t grasp multi step math problems, or are having difficulty staying focused in class. Their self-esteem is plummeting as school work becomes increasingly challenging, and their struggles seem insurmountable. Your child may have special needs and, if so, the sooner you can identify these needs and address them, the better it will be for their overall confidence and academic performance. So what can you do?

For starters, if you see your child struggling, talk to their doctor and teacher. Discuss milestones they may or may not have met and determine if their teacher notices the same challenges you see at home. If you feel these struggles are getting worse or think they may benefit from additional accommodations at school, you might consider having them tested. This testing can be done for free either through your state’s early intervention program (if your child is under age three) or through your child’s school district. The evaluation and specific tests administered may range, but evaluators will typically test your child’s IQ and will likely also test language, motor, behavior, and achievement skills.

IEP or 504 plan

Depending on the evaluation results and your child’s needs, your child may qualify for either an IEP or a 504 plan. An IEP details your child’s specific goals and a plan for what your school will do to help meet those goals, including specific services, like speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and academic support. A 504 plan helps provide accommodations for support within the classroom, such as additional time on tests, an aide in the classroom, preferential seating, and/or modified homework. Typically students

who have a less severe disability (like anxiety, ADHD, etc.) and not a diagnosed learning disability will receive a 504. Students who need more services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, special education teacher support services, etc., would receive an IEP. Note: School-aged children in private schools have a right to an evaluation if a disability is suspected. Work with your child’s teacher or school director to help you coordinate an assessment via the state.

Know Your Rights

Federal law indicates that every child is entitled to a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment possible. Three specific federal laws apply to children with special needs, including the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Ace, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These laws’ specifics can vary by state, so it’s important for you to understand the procedures and criteria specific to your state.

IDEA stipulates that a child’s issues must fall into one of 13 categories to be eligible for special education services. Section 504 mandates that schools cannot discriminate again students who have disabilities and are required to provide appropriate accommodations to them. Students covered under Section 504 usually have less severe disabilities or do not

fall into one of the categories stipulated under IDEA. The ADA indicates that children with special needs cannot be discriminated against and must be provided appropriate services and programs suitable to their needs. If your school district refuses to provide appropriate services to your child, you may initiate a due process hearing to challenge their decision.

Focus on Your Child’s Strengths

It is easy to go into a bit of negative space when dealing with your child’s educational support. Remember to focus on your child’s strengths; they may struggle with reading and writing but may excel with math computation. Or maybe your child is incredibly social, empathetic, and kind. Perhaps they are a beautiful artist, a great storyteller, or a whiz at building Legos. Praise your child for small accomplishments, like sitting next to a friend at lunch who seemed sad, drawing a beautiful flower, or creating an elaborate Lego tower. As you help your child academically with areas where they may struggle, continue to build their self-esteem, and explain that no one is perfect. We all have strengths and weaknesses, as well as areas we need to work on improving. Your special needs child can still have dreams and aspirations that can be achieved with support and guidance.

Updated by Donna Duarte-Ladd

Understanding Dental Care for Patients with Special Needs

By Phyllis G. Merlino, DDs

When it comes to the dentist, every patient deserves the best care. But dental patients with special needs require a particularly special kind of care.

Patients with special needs may include children or adults who have physical limitations, medical complications, developmental problems, cognitive impairments, sensory issues or some combination of disabilities. These individuals often require modified care and may need specialized support to ensure a successful dental visit.

Developmental conditions, such as Down syndrome, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy, as well as cognitive challenges such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or dementia, also require adjustments to office visits.

Dental health professionals, specifically those with post-graduate training in Pediatric Dentistry and Special Care Dentistry, are prepared to accommodate patients with special needs.

Barriers to Dental Care

Patients with special needs frequently experience barriers to care. Often, the ability to pay for care remains an obstacle. Insurance policies may not cover specialized dental care, or the cost of modified treatments required.

Another barrier is finding a dental practice with the ability to understand and treat patients who require a specialist’s touch. Together, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Special Care Dentistry Association provide education and networking resources to professionals with the goal to increase access to oral healthcare. The American Dental Association, through its rigorous training programs, ensures there are dental professionals able to meet the challenges of the patients that need this type of gentle dental care and understanding.

A third barrier to care is a physical one. Some patients with special needs may require an accessible location, and to transfer from wheelchair to dental chair to receive treatment. Modifying the wheelchair to mimic the dental chair or conducting standup dental procedures are possibilities when wheelchair transfers are not possible.

Getting the Proper Care Caregivers are valuable resources when treating patients with special needs because they can provide feedback on the best time of day for treatment, behavioral management, communication assistance, insight into treatment needs, and additional information about patients’ disabilities.

In addition to obtaining a comprehensive medical history, patient assessment and pretreatment planning are important. The dental team should coordinate oral care with patients’ physicians, social workers, nurses, etc. to provide the most effective treatment.

Once a patient with special needs is at a dental visit, the clinician will communicate the treatment plan in terms that are appropriate for the patient’s comprehension level. Patients with dental anxiety may fare better with the tell-show-do approach or when provided the opportunity to touch the dental instruments before they are used in their mouths. Clinicians should be attentive to the specific needs of each patient throughout the appointment.

Helping Patients Maintain Effective Homecare

Patients with special needs may exhibit poor oral hygiene due to difficulty in performing self-care or taking medications that cause negative oral health side effects.

Dentists can recommend self-care routines to improve the effectiveness of oral hygiene regimens. For example, for patients who have difficulty grasping, the use of a wide-handled power toothbrush is recommended. Other recommendations might include the use of pillows and mouth props to toothbrush modifications and standup dental treatment.

Dental professionals should provide caregivers with information on the importance of oral health, nutrition, and oral hygiene techniques so they can help patients to remain healthy.

An educated and experienced dental team, as well as a friendly office atmosphere, is a very important part of the treatment as a whole. The initial impression needs to be an inviting one. Treating all patients, but especially those with special needs, is a team approach – patients, caregivers and dental team - all working together for a common goal.

Dr. Phyllis G. Merlino is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist with private practice in Staten Island, New York.

6 Ways to Support Siblings of Kids with Special Needs

By Linda diProPerzio

So often, parents feel like they’re not doing enough for their kids. When you’re the parent of a child with special needs, that worry is taken to a different level as you work to make sure your child is getting everything they need to thrive. Another big concern? The impact your efforts to help your child with special needs thrive is having on your other children.

“When a child has special needs, parents have to learn to balance both the needs of that child and the needs of siblings,” explains Melissa Packwood, an educational consultant, certified teacher, and a mother to multiple children with special needs. “It can seem like the child with special needs gets special treatment when parents are simply meeting the child’s needs and making appropriate accommodations for that child.”

So, how can you make sure all of your kids are getting the love and support they need?

Supporting Siblings of Kids with Special Needs

Here are some tips to get you started.

Acknowledge it’s hard . Talk openly with your children about the challenges of having a sibling with special needs, recommends Emily Holl, director of The Sibling Support Project. Not only is it important to allow children to express how they are feeling, but it will also allow you to implement changes that help all kids in the family feel more included and supported.

Create small moments with each child . As the saying goes, quality over quantity. Simply create opportunities—10-15 minutes is enough—where each child has some time with you, recommends April J. Lisbon, Ed.D., an autism workplace advocate at Running

Your Race Enterprises and a mother of three, including one child on the autism spectrum. “Nothing fancy: It can be making a meal or playing a board game together.”

Make it a group effort . Create activities that can involve all of your kids, says Daniel Koffler of New Frontiers. This can include things like preparing for meals, getting ready for school, story time, board or video games, drawing, and more. “By including everyone, you can still give the added attention needed to your special needs children, but it helps parents with the balancing act by having everyone together,” Koffler says.

Keep communication open . Kathy Heath, an autism awareness advocate behind The Autism Edit and mom of three children, including one on the autism spectrum, makes sure to let all of her kids know that she and her husband are open to answering any of their questions—and nothing is off limits. “If they feel uncomfortable or treated unfairly, the door is always open to tell us where we are not meeting their needs and how we can

improve our relationship with them,” she explains.

Avoid expectations . While some kids may gravitate toward a helping role, especially as they get older, it’s not fair or reasonable to expect them to always drop what they are doing in order to manage their sibling’s needs. “Parents are wise to be aware of how much they are relying on their kids to act as a parent or replace their leisure time with sibling care, as it can lead to resentment of the special needs sibling as well as parents,” Holl warns.

Give yourself a break . Realize that there is no manual to creating balance at home. Give yourself grace when things don’t go according to plan, Dr. Lisbon says.

Linda DiProperzio has written extensively on parenting issues for Parents, American Baby, Parenting, and Family Circle, among others. She lives in New York with her husband and two sons. * This piece was originally posted on our sister site nymetroparents.com.

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Learning Disabilities in Children

By Jeannine Cintron

The most inspirational stories are often the kind where those at a disadvantage overcome obstacles and emerge victorious in spite of – and because of – the challenges they were faced with. Such is the case for Emily Yudofsky and Stefan Bauer, who were both diagnosed with dyslexia as children. After watching their own parents struggle to get the support they needed growing up, the pair teamed up to start Marker Learning, an organization dedicated to helping children with learning disabilities receive the diagnosis and resources they need to thrive in school.

We chatted with Stefan and Emily to delve into how their own experiences led them to start Marker and what parents can do if they suspect their child might have a learning disability.

Q: What are the signs of a learning disability parents should look for in their

kids? What are the signs of dyslexia, specifically, that parents should look for?

Emily: Learning and attention disabilities can present in a myriad ways. For example, a student with ADHD and executive functioning challenges may not be able to manage their time effectively, stay organized or prioritize multiple tasks.

With dyslexia, it can present in struggling to sound out words, substituting words, or even avoiding reading at all costs. We commonly see young children who are able to answer questions accurately when they are verbalizing, but have difficulty when they are writing out responses. Across the board, we find that for most students with learning challenges, they’ve lost a lot of confidence as they see their peers advancing and feel stuck. As a parent, it’s critical to notice some of the social and emotional challenges that might be manifesting because of a learning challenge.

Q: What are some of the types of learning disabilities you often see in children you

work with?

Stefan: We see a range of learning challenges in the children we work with, from reading, writing and math disorders like dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia, and attention disorders like ADHD which manifest in executive functioning issues.

Q: Is there anything parents can do to prevent learning disabilities?

Emily: The truth is learning disabilities cannot be prevented – we’re born with them and they last a lifetime. Many learning disorders are actually known to be genetic, running in families. So the question isn’t as much about prevention as it is about intervention, and the earlier, the better. This means pursuing a formal psychoeducational evaluation to understand what a child’s strengths and weaknesses are, and what services and accommodations they will need for long-term success. Then it’s all about providing evidence-based approaches to refine skills and get back on track.

Q: Tell us about Marker and what inspired you to start it?

Stefan: Our mission at Marker Learning has always been a very personal one. In elementary school, I really struggled with reading and was placed in special education. My mom knew something wasn’t right and fiercely advocated for me, quitting her job to ensure I had the support I needed to succeed, and paying thousands of dollars for a learning disability evaluation. I ended up getting diagnosed with dyslexia. By receiving this diagnosis and documentation, I was able to unlock accommodations in school that fundamentally transformed my trajectory in life. My co-founder, Emily Yudofsky, who is also dyslexic, had a similar experience as a kid.

Unfortunately, many families do not have access to evaluation. While K-12 students are legally entitled to learning disability assessments in public schools, diagnoses are often delayed or missed entirely due to unprecedented staffing shortages and backlogs. Private evaluators, meanwhile, can have months-long wait times and charge

exorbitant amounts of fees, often costing tens of thousands of dollars.

Our mission was inspired by these experiences. Our goal is to provide clear diagnosis and certified documentation for anyone who is dealing with a learning or attention disability – all for a much more affordable price and faster timeline.

Q: What work do you do in schools?

Stefan: We’re very excited to partner with a range of schools across the country (including some in New York). In fact, we already reach more than 1 million students through these partnerships. We work with

school district special education staff to manage caseloads and act as an extension of school psychologist teams. We want to help schools retain their staff and prioritize dayto-day student care.

Q: What steps do you recommend parents take after their child is diagnosed with dyslexia or another learning disability?

Emily: Once you have that diagnosis and documentation, it’s then really about advocating for your child to get the support they need at school. Ensure your child is set up with an IEP or 504 plan, a written roadmap ensuring your child receives special education services tailored to meet their unique needs. This will follow them through school, and staff should reassess needs over time as your child develops. Communicate frequently and directly to gain clarity about how your child is doing in the classroom, and what’s being done to support them. And be sure to ask your child how they’re doing, ensuring they know there’s nothing wrong with them. They have so many amazing strengths and everyone learns differently.

WhatisSpellingtoCommunicate(S2C)?

Itisamethodthatteachesthepurposefulmotortopointto lettersonaletterboardorkeyboardtoenablecommunication.

Whocanuseit?

Autistic,nonspeaking(formerlycallednonverbal)people,and peoplewhohavescriptedand/orunreliablespeech.

Howolddoesyourchildneedtobe?

Weworkwithallages.5yearsoldonwardstoadultsofanyage.

“The question isn’t as much about prevention as it is about intervention, and the earlier, the better.”

A very s pecial place 49 Cedar Grove Ave., 10306 info@avspny.org avspny.org

A Very Special Place, Inc. (AVSP) was established in 1974 as a not-forprofit organization and today serves more than 1,600 people in Staten Island, Brooklyn and Manhattan. AVSP provides a comprehensive network of programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Programs include day habilitation, residential, self-direction, respite and community habilitation. With the guidance and support offered at AVSP, people of all ages find opportunities to achieve independence and self-fulfillment.

crimson r ise

1015 Castleton Avenue, 10310 info@crimsonrise.org crimsonrise.org

CrimsonRise is a nonprofit organization for nonverbal autistic children and adults to help them get communication access. They serve autistic individuals, ages 5+, who have sensory, movement and communication differences. CrimsonRise teaches these individuals how to Spell to Communicate (S2C). S2C is a method that teaches the purposeful motor to point to letters on a letterboard or keyboard to enable nonspeakers (formally called nonverbal) to communicate.

cultivating i ndependence in All children

347-620-0511

Jaclyn Shaw’s store, Cultivating Independence in All Children, holds hundreds of downloadable activities and toolkits

for fun and interactive sessions. As a master-level behavior therapist, Jaclyn’s experience ranges from neurotypical children to supported persons with ID or autism. Her weekly social skills acquisition groups are tailored for individuals with ID, TBI, or autism - utilizing precision teaching methods to enhance communication fluency, engagement, self-awareness, empathy, and socialization skills. Skill acquisition programs generally span 3-6 months.

Dr. phyllis g . m erlino

Todt Hill Pediatric Dentistry 268 Todt Hill Road, 10314 718-761-2090 drmerlino.com

Dr. Phyllis G. Merlino, a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist treats children of all ages and is specially trained to treat patients with special physical, mental and healthcare needs in a calm and caring atmosphere. The

office is committed to quality dental services that ensure your child continues on the path toward a bright future of good oral health. Children are not always willing to visit the dentist and Dr. Merlino strives to make the experience of each visit more positive for them.

e arly start

718-887 5128

ei@earlystartinc.com

earlystartinc.com

Serving Staten Island and Brooklyn. Early Start is an Early Intervention Program that provides home-based evaluations and therapeutic services for children from birth to 3 years old. They have been providing Speech/Feeding, Physical, Occupational and ABA therapy for 30 years. Dr. Vetere the Director specializes in the assessment and diagnosis of ASD. Serving Staten Island families since 1993.

Person Centered Care Services is a not for profit organization creating social change within communities by supporting people with disabilities on their search for identity and acceptance.

OUR CORE VALUES: suPPort

Our responsibility as human beings is to support ourselves and one another

eQuity

To participate in community is to have active citizenship. To be a participating citizen, one must have opportunities which are equitable; which accommodate the differences all human beings have.

aCCeptance

One of the most vital components of having a quality of life is love. It’s okay to tell someone you love them; more importantly, it’s okay to show them. To accept another for who they are and what makes them human can be a most validating experience; it is self-empowering.

SERVICES OFFERED:

Day Supports

• Residential Supports

Career Supports

• Housing Rental Subsidy

• Community Habilitation

• Respite Family Education & Training

• Self-Direction

If something happens to you, do you know: Who will care for your children and how they will be cared for?

If an inheritance from you or another loved one will disqualify your child for important special needs services?

If your assets will be tied up in court and unavailable to care for your children?

first foot forward

1466 Manor Rd.

1297 Arthur Kill Rd. 2221 Richmond Ave. 718-701-0268

mkahn@sijcc.com

sijcc.org/first-foot-forward.

html

First Foot Forward is a preschool program for children 2.6 to 5 years old with developmental needs. Their individualized curriculum allows children to reach their full potential in a nurturing environment. New York City and State fund programming. All services (evaluations, transportation, tuition) are at no direct cost to parents.

g uiga l aw pllc

1682 Victory Boulevard, 10314 929-415-8700

planyourwholelife.com

Guiga Law is dedicated to providing parents with peace of mind knowing that your children with special needs will be well taken care of if you are unable to care for them yourself. Guiga Law offers a

variety of estate planning tools designed to help you choose future guardians to care for your children and pass on assets so your children can live a quality life without jeopardizing government benefits.

James p m urphy, staten i sland preparatory s chool

23 Summit Street,10307 718-285-9377

ahrcnyc.org

AHRC NYC James P. Murphy

Staten Island Prep is a preschool and school-age program for students with disabilities from 3-13 years of age. The school meets student’s individual learning needs using a multisensory approach in congruence with ABA programming while implementing the Next Generation Learning Standards. Classroom ratios are 6:1:2/8:1:2 in the preschool classrooms, and 8:1:3/10:1:2 in the school-age classrooms. In addition, SIP offers related services such as speech, OT, PT, and counseling within the building.

AHRC NYC James P. Murphy Staten Island Prep

m arvin’s c amp for children with s pecial n eeds

1301 Manor Road, 10314 718-475-5268

lirizarry@sijcc.com camp.sijcc.org

Marvin’s Camp for Children with Special Needs is committed to providing an educational, creative, social, and safe environment for kids and teens with disabilities. All Marvin’s programs are led by highly experienced staff with degrees in special education, social work, and school psychology. Low staff-tocamper ratios. They also offer an inclusion program in their traditional camp program. Interview is required for all new campers.

o n your m ark 645 Forest Ave. #2A, 10310 718-720-9233 info@onyourmark.org onyourmark.org

Did you know that On Your Mark operates businesses that employ individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities? Every purchase

helps to maintain and expand these programs. Novel Tees at 130 Victory Boulevard, The On Your Mark Cafe and On Your Mark Chocolatiers at 639 Forest Avenue and The Cafe at Carmel Richmond Nursing Home at 88 Old Town Road. Visit one today!

person centered c are s ervices

150 Granite Avenue, 10303 pccsny.org

info@pccsny.org

Person Centered Care Services is a not-for-profit organization creating social change within communities by supporting people with disabilities on their search for identity and acceptance. Services available include Community Supports, Residential Supports, Career Supports, Day Supports, Family Education & Training, and Self-Directed Supports.

r ichmond Behavioral Associates

260 Christopher Lane

694 New Dorp Lane, Staten Island, NY 10306 347-857-6888 www.harvestcafe -si.org

At the James P. Murphy Staten Island Preparatory School, we are proud to provide a rigorous curricular program combined with ABA programming to meet the needs of students with disabilities from ages 3 to 13. Our curriculum includes ELA, mathematics, science and social studies with the use of the Next Generation Learning Standards modified for our students to access instruction. Our school is excited to provide on-site related services and a social emotional learning emphasis for each student in our building. Small classroom ratios and specially trained staff allow for an individualized experience and approach to learning.

The Harvest Café is owned and operated by A Very Special Place, Inc., whose goal is to create new opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Café is a certified training site for those who want to learn new skills in a distinctive environment.

“Great Food With a Mission….”

Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Weekend Brunch

Wednesday-Sunday, 8:00am-3:00pm

Catering and Take-Out available

Staten Island, NY 10314

718-317-5522

rbany.com

Richmond Behavioral Associates (RBA) was founded to conduct safe, precise, well controlled clinical research with potential new and existing medications. RBA specializes in psychiatric medications and conducting clinical trials for conditions such as Autism, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s Disease and Anxiety and is located at the extreme south end of Staten Island, only two miles from New Jersey.

s andra m azzucco, s peechl anguage pathology

465 Belfield Avenue, 10312 917-825-9005

Providing speech and language therapy to the Staten Island community for over 40 years. Toddlers to seniors. Specializing in fluency and stuttering, language and feeding disorders. Prompt trained for Apraxia of speech and phonological and articulation

disorders. ASHA certified. New York state license in Speech and Language Pathology. Department of Education RSA accepted.

s unny Days consulting s ervices

1110 South Avenue-Suite 405, 10314 718-556-1616 sunnydays.com

Sunny Days provides homebased evaluations and ongoing therapy for infants and toddlers (ages birth to three years) suspected of having any developmental delays. They offer Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Special Educational services. Services are funded by the NY State Department of Health. No out of pocket expenses necessary.

the g race foundation 460 Brielle Ave, 10314 718-983-3800

graceofny.org

The Grace Foundation im-

proves the lives of individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Grace provides programs including Site Based Respite/In-Home Respite, Day Hab, Com Hab and for ages 5-30. The ultimate goal is to enable individuals with ASD to lead independent and productive lives.

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 Ave, Teaneck, NJ communityschoolk12nj.org

Community School serves the bright child with learning and attentional disabilities. For 55 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. Located in Teaneck, NJ, just over the George Washington Bridge.

Where little m inds g row

501 Richmond Hill Rd., 10314 718-689-2795

info@wherelittlemindsgrow. com

wherelittlemindsgrow.com

Where Little Minds Grow is an integrated learning program that offers an interactive and multi-sensory language based approach for successful learning. Their programs are led by special educators and include Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, special instruction, Little Essentials Toddler Program, integrated activity classes and Summer Camp. They provide services in both individual and group settings alongside the support needed for language acquisition, and to attain socialization skills. Where Little Minds Grow indoor sensory gym and outdoor play yard offers endless opportunities to learn and grow!

our stude nts can excel and that all dese rve the opportunity to reach their fullest pote ntial…

Open House Dates for The Lower School: Dec 14

The Lower School

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

Hab) for over 300

Program provides basic skill remediation in a challenging academic curriculum for Grades 2–8. Small group instruction & innovative to the wide range of information & activities available in the educational mainstream.

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

The Community School was founded in 1968 to se rve the bright child with learning and atte ntional disabilities

Lower School: 201-837-8070

11 W Forest Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666 www.CommunitySchoolk12nj.org

…that each and eve ry one of

Birdwatching New York Family’s Ultimate Guide to

NYC has an oasis of birds right in our own backyard — here’s where to find them

By BArBAr A russo

New Yorkers and tourists have been flocking to Central Park, hoping to get a glimpse of Flaco, the now-famous owl who flew from his enclosure at the Central Park Zoo in February. After zookeepers gave up their efforts to recover him, the free bird has become a sight to see in the wild. But did you know you can see equally majestic birds all throughout NYC? It’s true! There are so many places to enjoy birdwatching in NYC, including parks, shorelines, even your own backyard.

In celebration of birds, we did some research, spoke to several bird and nature experts and visited lots of local parks to create this guide to some of the best places to see birds in springtime and throughout the year in NYC.

The guide is broken down by borough, park and species, so you can take it with you on your next birding adventure. And whooo knows, you might even run into Flaco along your travels!

Birdwatching in nyc: A fun family Activity

Birdwatching is a great way to get in touch with nature. It’s also an activity that everyone in the family can enjoy together.

“Anyone can bird,” Roslyn Rivas, public programs manager for NYC Audubon, said. “Just being connected with nature is such a positive thing for individuals, but to share it with someone else really can foster a sense of community. You can all learn together. And the more eyes you have when you’re birding, the more likely you’ll see birds.”

And birding in NYC can be very fun. Despite the Big Apple being a bustling

metropolis, there are still lots of places to see nature, including birds. See, our city is located along the Atlantic Flyway, which is sort of like the I-95 highway for migratory birds. They fly from areas near and far all year long, especially during spring, so they need places to rest and refresh. (Whereas we humans like to stop at Starbucks or Applebee’s on long family road trips, migratory birds use New York City as one of their favorite rest stops!)

So, what is about NYC that’s so appealing to migratory birds? Basically, the habitat here is lush and diverse, providing ideal living quarters for so many traveling bird species.

“New York is so heavily urbanized but we have a lot of great green spaces,” Rivas said, adding that green roofs throughout the city also help provide habitat for birds.

In fact, Manhattan’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center Green Roof is 6.75 acres and one of the largest in the country. It’s basically a wildlife sanctuary for lots of local and migratory birds. The center works with NYC Audubon to monitor and study the many birds that utilize the roof.

Over in Staten Island, which is also known as the borough of parks, habitat is diverse and plentiful for migrating birds, too.

“Staten Island is an extraordinary place to go birdwatching,” said Cliff Hagen, president of Protectors of Pine Oak Woods, an organization that works to save the borough’s natural heritage and open spaces. “If you were to go up 30,000 feet and look down at New York City, you have the Hudson River, Long Island Sound in Long Island, and it all converges on Staten Island. Hundreds of species of birds migrate through Staten Island as they’re going north and south every year. The topography of Staten Island lends itself to

bird migration.”

Of course, not all birds are just passing through the city. Some live here all year long (these are called “resident birds”). NYC resident birds include bluejays, mourning doves, pigeons, mallards and many others that live in parks, your backyard, or really anywhere birds fly.

If you’re wondering if the migrant birds get along with the resident birds--for the most part, they do!

“The birds that are here all year round expect the visitors now,” Rivas explained. “Of course, whenever you have new individuals in any kind of environment, they’ll have competition for resources. The influx of new bird species makes it a bit harder for certain birds that are comfortable in their niches. But, that’s why it’s so important to preserve our green spaces so we can have enough habitat.”

Now, squabbles at backyard bird feeders—that might be a different story!

your g uide to Birdwatching in nyc Listed here are popular parks around the city for birdwatching. Keep in mind there are plenty more places to see birds, of course. Birders throughout the city have seen and identified the birds in this guide.

It’s important to mention that it’s never guaranteed that you’ll see any or all of these feathered friends when you’re birdwatching, but half the fun is in trying to spot them! To learn more about birdwatching, bird species and more, there’s so much information online. Some of our favorite sites include:

• Protectors of Pine Oak Woods : siprotectors.org

• NYC Audubon: nycaudubon.org

• NYC Parks: nycgovparks.org

Th E B Ronx

Pelham Bay Park

Bruckner Boulevard, Eastchester, Hutchinson

Let’s start up north in The Bronx’s Pelham Bay Park. This park is quite large. At three times the size of Central Park, Pelham Bay Park is the city’s largest park property. Designated an Important Bird Area by National Audubon, over 250 species have been recorded here.

BirDs to look for

inclu De:

Spring: Black vulture, northern gannet, American woodcock, warblers and other songbirds, shorebirds

Summer: Clapper rail, wading birds, wild turkey

Fall: Raptor, shorebirds, kinglets, warblers, sparrows

Winter: Snow bunting, owls, accipiters, Canada goose, great blue heron, swan

Year-round: Peregrine falcon, great horned owl, merlin, red-tailed hawk, woodpeckers

New York Botanical Garden

2900 Southern Blvd.

In addition to seeing beautiful plants and flowers, you can see birds here too. The property’s diverse habitats have attracted a reported 229 bird species and make it a migrant bird hotspot!

BirDs to look for

inclu De:

Spring : Warblers, tanagers,

grosbeaks, orioles and other songbirds

Summer : Nesting wood duck, green heron, red-tail hawk, ruby-throated hummingbird

Fall : Raptors, ruby-throated hummingbird, warblers, sparrows

Winter : Owls, woodpeckers, rusty blackbird, mixed songbird feeding flocks

Year-round : Resident wood ducks, red-tailed hawks

mA nh ATTA n

Central Park

Fifth Avenue to Central Park W., 59 Street to 110 Street

As busy and bustling as Manhattan is, the city’s geographically smallest borough offers lots of opportunities for Birdwatching in NYC. One of the most famous parks in the

world, Central Park provides habitat for lots of migratory birds. On a side note: Have your camera ready, because there are lots of Instagram opportunities located throughout this iconic park!

BirDs to look for

inclu De:

Spring : Flycatchers, cuckoos, warblers, vireos, kinglets, tanagers, grosbeaks, wading birds and waterfowl, freshwater sandpipers

Summer: Nesting red-tailed hawk, Baltimore oriole, foraging wading birds

Fall : Warblers, thrushes, sparrows, raptors

Winter : Mixed songbird flocks, owls, accipiters, wintering waterfowl and gulls

Year-round : Red-tailed hawk, Peregrine falcon, common woodpeckers

Inwood Hill Park

Dyckman Street, Hudson River, Harlem River S.

Located at the northern tip of Manhattan, Inwood Hill Park’s oak and tulip poplar forests attract lots of songbirds during migration. Grab your binoculars, take in the park’s gorgeous views, and look for lots of different colorful birds.

BirDs to look for inclu De:

Spring : Wild turkey, rusty blackbird, warblers and other songbirds, American woodcock, shorebirds

Summer : Louisiana waterthrush, green heron, orchard and Baltimore orioles, red-tailed hawk, warbling vireos, hairy woodpecker

Fall : Northern harrier, raptors, shorebirds, kinglets, warblers, sparrows

Winter : Owls, accipiters, mixed songbird feeding flocks

Year-round : Red-tailed hawk, gulls, woodpeckers

Governors Island

Accessible by ferry from Lower Manhattan

Located right in the middle of the New York Harbor, Governors Island serves as a great resting spot for migrant birds.

BirDs to look for inclu De:

Spring : Owls, gulls,

woodpeckers, flycatchers, warblers, tanagers, orioles, and grassland birds

Summer : Black skimmer, purple martin, nesting common tern, herring and great black-backed gulls, fish crow, eastern kingbird

Fall : Raptors, freshwater sandpipers, woodpeckers, flycatchers, grassland birds, warblers, and other songbirds

Winter : Owls, accipiters, diving birds, songbird feeding flocks

Year-round : Gulls, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, fish crow

Q UEE n S

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

This beautiful natural area, part of the National Park Service, is a marshy estuary shared by Queens and Brooklyn. It’s a very important stopover site for migrating shorebirds.

BirDs to look for inclu De:

Spring : Shorebirds, wading birds, terns, orchard oriole, rusty blackbird, courting American woodcock, flycatchers, cuckoos, warblers, and tanagers

Summer : Nesting willet, American oystercatcher, clapper rail, osprey, ruby-throated hummingbird

Fall : Shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, flycatchers

Winter : American crow, rock pigeon, wintering waterfowl, accipiters, northern harrier

Year-round : Peregrine falcon, barn owl, great horned owl, bald eagle

Forest Park

Myrtle Avenue, Union Turnpike, Park Lane S.

Enjoy a peaceful birdwatching experience at this Queens park.

BirDs to look for inclu De:

Spring : Flycatchers, cuckoos, warblers, thrushes, tanagers, orioles, grosbeaks, and other songbirds, waders and possible freshwater waterfowl and shorebirds

Summer : Possible nesting

species, waders

Fall : Flycatchers, kinglets, thrushes, warblers, sparrows, possible rusty blackbird; waders, waterfowl

Winter : Accipiters, owls, yellow-bellied sapsucker, winter wren, mixed songbird feeding flocks, sparrows

Year-round : Red-tailed hawk, woodpeckers, white-breasted nuthatch, black-capped chickadee, Carolina wren, waterfowl

The Rockaways

Beach 3 to Beach 153 Streets and Boardwa lk to Atlantic Ocean

The Rockaway beaches are great to visit in the summer, or any time of year. The area is home to important nesting sites for many threatened bird species. The waters on both bay and beach side attract lots of wintering sea birds, too.

BirDs to look for inclu De:

Spring : Lingering waterfowl, northern gannet, shorebirds, flycatchers, thrushes, warblers, tanagers, and other land birds

Summer : Beach-nesting black skimmers, common and least terns, American oystercatchers, and piping plovers; osprey, migrating shorebirds

Fall : Accipiters, falcons, buteos, shorebirds, warblers, thrushes, sparrows

Winter : Wintering sea ducks, grebes and loons, northern gannet, pelagic birds, purple sandpiper

Year-round : Peregrine falcon, gulls

B Rooklyn

Floyd Bennett Field

Floyd Bennett Field is one of the best places in NYC to see gorgeous snowy owls with their striking white plumage. And they make quite a trip to the city, all the way from the Arctic Circle! (They often come here when their food sources run low up north.)

BirDs to look for inclu De:

Spring : Flycatchers, purple martin, black-billed cuckoo, warblers and other songbirds; lingering waterfowl, American Woodcock

Ed Perpetua Tennis Academy

Providing Academic Growth and Success in a Catholic Christian Environment

A c a d e m y o f S t . D o r o t h y ( A S D ) Academy of St. Dorothy (ASD) i s a p r i v a t e is a private e l e m e n t a r y s c h o o l w i t h a f o c u s o n a c a d e m i c elementary school with a focus on academic e x c e l l e n c e I n a n u r t u r i n g c o l l a b o r a t i v e l e a r n i n g excellence. In a nurturing collaborative learning e n v i r o n m e n t , A S D i n s t i l l s s t u d e n t s w i t h t h e v a l u e s environment, ASD instills students with the values o f c o m m u n i t y , s e r v i c e , r e v e r e n c e a n d l e a d e r s h i p of community, service, reverence and leadership. A S D o f f e r s i n s t r u c t i o n , a c t i v i t i e s a n d s p o r t s o n i t s ASD offers instruction, activities and sports on its v a s t a n d e a s i l y a c c e s s i b l e 1 3 - a c r e c a m p u s vast and easily accessible 13-acre campus.

V sit Us! Visit Us!

Summer Junior Tennis Camp

Mon. thru Fri. 9-4pm, Weekly

Daily and Half Days

• Ages 7-17

Junior and Adult Programs

• 10 and under Tennis

• Junior Match Plays

• Beginner thru Advanced Classes

• USA 123 Adult Beginner

at Staten Island Academy REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER

Are you ready to get your feet wet and have a Summer of fun? Join us for a summer filled with foam parties, bubbles, water play, visits from the ice cream truck & of course, enrichment activities to make the summer months a learning experience!

Summer : Nesting American woodcock, killdeer, willet, great crested flycatcher, eastern kingbird, willow flycatcher, white-eyed vireo, tree swallow, cedar waxwing, yellow warbler, American redstart, Baltimore and orchard oriole

Fall : Raptors, warblers, thrushes, sparrows

Winter : Snowy owl, horned lark, snow buntings, lapland longspurs, loons, ducks

Year-round : Peregrine falcon, grassland birds, sparrows, great horned owl, American kestrel, northern harrier

Prospect Park and Brooklyn Botanic Garden

You can spend a whole day exploring these two Brooklyn venues. The diverse habitat of woodlands, gardens, meadows, lakes and streams here is attractive to migrating birds during spring and fall. Birders have recorded 289 species in Prospect Park, which has been designated an Important Bird Area by National Audubon.

BirDs to look

for inclu De:

Spring : Flycatchers, cuckoos, warblers, tanagers, orioles, grosbeaks, and other songbirds

Summer : Nesting species including possible green heron, Cooper’s hawk, Acadian flycatcher

Fall : Raptors, kinglets, warblers, sparrows

Winter : Waterfowl, accipiters, owls, songbirds

Year-round : Peregrine falcon, great horned owl, merlin, red-tailed hawk, woodpeckers

Green-Wood Cemetery

500 25th St.

This National Historic Landmark in Brooklyn is another green space that’s popular with both birds and birders. The beautiful cemetery is well known for the monk parakeets that nest upon its gates, but many other species live here, too.

BirDs to look for inclu De:

Spring : Flycatchers, cuckoos, warblers, tanagers, orioles, grosbeaks, and other songbirds; spotted and solitary sandpiper

Summer : Eastern kingbird, warbling vireo, cedar waxwing, Baltimore oriole,

wading birds

Fall : Raptors; warblers, kinglets, thrushes, and other songbirds

Winter : Accipiters, owls, mixed songbird feeding flocks, waterfowl

Year-round : Monk parakeets, red tailed hawk, woodpeckers, wood duck, belted kingfisher

Shirley Chisholm State Park

950 Fountain Ave.

This beautiful state park is named in honor of Brooklyn-born Shirley Chisholm, who was the first African American Congresswoman. The park offers biking, fishing, hiking, and of course, lots of opportunities for bird watching!

BirDs to look for inclu De:

Spring : Black skimmer, blue heron, Baltimore oriole, Louisiana waterthrush, house wren

Summer : Willow flycatcher, Forster’s tern, osprey, herons

Fall : Shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, flycatchers

Winter : Waterfowl including swan, accipiters, short-eared owl, snow buntings, horned larks

Year-round : Peregrine falcon, northern harrier, American kestrel, gulls

Marine Park

Flatbush, Gerritsen and Fillmore Avenues, Jamaica Bay

This 530-acre park offers lots of opportunities for birdwatching.

BirDs to look for inclu De:

Spring : Flycatchers, cuckoos, warblers, tanagers, orioles, grosbeaks, and other songbirds; shorebirds, wading birds

Summer : Nesting killdeer, willet, clapper rail, osprey, willow flycatcher, cedar waxwing, yellow warbler, common yellowthroat, boat-tailed grackle

Fall : Shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, flycatchers, songbirds

Winter: Waterfowl, American crow, downy woodpecker, accipiters, northern harrier, songbirds

Year-round : Peregrine falcon, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel; gulls

S TATE n iS l A nd

Mount Loretto Unique Area

Staten Island’s South Shore, Hylan Boulevard

This sprawling natural area encapsulates many different kinds of habitat, including beach, forests, wetlands and more, all of which supply everything local wildlife and plants need to survive. Plus, there’s easy parking and cleared paths to walk along during your birdwatching adventure.

BirDs to look for inclu De:

Spring : Herons, woodpeckers, eastern screech owl, northern gannet, American oystercatcher, sparrows, common merganser

Summer : Wading birds, gulls, terns, American oystercatcher, osprey, shorebirds, killdeer, eastern kingbird, orchard and Baltimore oriole, indigo bunting, cedar waxwing, swallows, brown thrasher

Fall : Shorebirds, raptors, warblers, thrushes, sparrows and other songbirds

Winter : Waterfowl, gulls, alcids, northern gannet

Year-round : Bald eagle, waterfowl, gulls

Great Kills Park

Staten Island’s South Shore, Hylan Boulevard

Part of the Staten Island unit of Gateway National Recreation Area, this park is 523 acres and great for birdwatching.

BirDs to look for inclu De:

Spring : Shorebirds, waders, northern gannet, warblers and other land birds

Summer: Wading birds, gulls, terns, American oystercatcher, osprey, migrating shorebirds, nesting killdeer, fish crow, swallows, yellow warbler, cedar waxwing, orchard and Baltimore oriole, boat-tailed grackle

Fall : Shorebirds, raptors, warblers, sparrows and other songbirds

Winter : Hairy woodpecker, waterfowl, gulls, alcids, purple sandpiper, northern gannet, yellow-rumped warbler

Year-round : Bald eagle, gulls

Conference House Park

7455 Hylan Blvd.

Located at the southernmost tip of Staten Island–not to mention the southernmost tip of NYC- is Conference House Park. This waterside park, where the Arthur Kill joins Raritan Bay, has dunes, beaches, wetlands, meadows and wooded bluffs that birds love.

BirDs to look for

inclu De:

Spring : Shorebirds, waders, northern gannet, flycatchers, vireos, thrushes, warblers, tanagers and other land birds

Summer: Wading birds, gulls, terns, American oystercatcher, osprey, shorebirds, orchard and Baltimore orioles

Fall : Shorebirds, raptors, chimney swift, land birds

Winter: Hairy woodpecker, waterfowl, wild turkey, gulls, alcids, purple sandpiper, northern gannet, sparrows

Year-round : Bald eagle, gulls, woodpeckers, songbirds

Clove Lakes Park

Forest Avenue, Victory Boulevard bet. Clove Road and Brookside Avenue, Royal Oak Road

This city park is a protected Forever Wild site because of its ecologically valuable lands. Staten Island families flock to Clove Lakes Park to enjoy many outdoor activities, including birdwatching.

BirDs to look for inclu De:

Spring : Warblers, songbirds, bank swallow, grosbeak, orchard oriole

Summer : Egrets, great blue heron, green heron, Baltimore oriole, Cooper’s hawk

Fall : Kinglets, raptors, sparrows

Winter : Waterfowl, accipiters, owls, songbirds

Year-round : Owls, red-tail hawk, woodpeckers

FALL TENNIS LESSONS SPRING TENNIS LESSONS

The Staten Island Greenbelt 700 Rockland Ave.

The Greenbelt is a major attraction for Staten Islanders. It’s a nature lover’s delight, and there are plenty of outdoor activities for families to enjoy, including birdwatching.

BirDs to look for inclu De:

Spring: Waterbirds, thrushes, kinglets, warblers, tanagers, orioles, grosbeaks

Summer : Lots of forest birds, wading birds

Fall : Kinglets, warblers, sparrows, raptors

Winter : Waterfowl, accipiters, songbirds

Year-round : Turkey vulture, red-tail hawk, owls, woodpeckers

The Staten Island Turkeys

These gorgeous birds live all over the island, but their headquarters seem to be in the borough’s Dongan Hills-Old Town neighborhoods. You never know when or where you’ll encounter them!

t hings to D o in April

By BArBAr A russo

Spring is in full bloom, and there are many local 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 year long!

flip circus

Daily until April 10; showtimes vary

Staten Island Mall

2655 Richmond Ave

Flip your circus experience! Flip Circus is a show where your seat gives you an intimate, up close and personal interaction with the artists.

nyc Audubon Bird tour

Saturday, April 8, 10am

Alice Austen House

2 Hylan Blvd.

Right on Staten Island’s eastern coast, Alice Austen Park provides a beautiful view of The Narrows, where you might also find different species of waterfowl.

e aster at the m ount

Saturday, April 8, 10am and 1pm

Catholic Charities of Staten Island

6541 Hylan Blvd.

Featuring a huge Easter egg hunt with more than 4,000 eggs, DJ, take home photo with the Easter Bunny, your very own Easter basket to use while you hunt, and gourmet buffet. Tickets are available online and there are two seatings to choose from: 10am and 1pm. This event sells out each year so purchase your

tickets today!

eggstravaganza at clay pit

Saturday, April 8, 11am-2pm

Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve

2351 Veterans Rd. W. Hunt for wooden eggs on the grounds of beautiful Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve. Two egg hunt times are available: 11am-12pm and 1-2pm.

e aster and s pring k ick o ff party

Saturday, April 8, 1-3pm Empire Outlets

55 Richmond Terr.

Head to the Empire Outlets for a fun spring party starring the Easter Bunny.

school’s o ut s pring Break

April 10, 11 and 14, 9am-3pm

Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island

1466 Manor Rd.

When school’s out, have some fun at the JCC. Kids can enjoy swimming, sports, arts and crafts, and more on their days off from school. Pack a lunch, water bottle, bathing suit and towel. Register online.

tombola n ight

Tuesday, April 11, 7pm

Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere

79 Howard Ave.

Enjoy a fun game of tombola, which is very similar to bingo. Snacks and drinks available for

purchase. Doors open at 6:30pm. s pring flowering tree and s hrub Walk

Thursday and Saturday, April 13 and 15, 1-2:30pm Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden

1000 Richmond Terr.

Come see the glory of spring in the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden and learn about the longstanding horticultural tradition that seeks to find beauty in all seasons.

s hop r ite k ids cook Sunday, April 16, 11am, 12, 2:30 and 3:30pm sessions.

Staten Island Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terr.

Head to this fun caregiver-andme program that introduces children to a diversity of foods, explains cooking concepts and helps build dexterity with cooking utensils.

puzzle for Autism

Wednesday, April 19, 10am

Staten Island University Hospital

Community Park

75 Richmond Terr.

Head to this fun event that is a collaborative effort to create advocacy for autism and break the Guinness World Record for the largest human puzzle piece. Activities include inflatable rides, music and poncho.

k ids yoga with m eg

Wednesday, April 19, 4:30pm

Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere

79 Howard Ave.

Kids will enjoy following beginner yoga poses, sun salutations, mindful movement and more during this fun class.

the Wizard of ozsensory friendly!

Sunday, April 23, 1pm & 5pm

St. George Theatre

35 Hyatt Street

This one-hour version of The Wizard of Oz is the perfect introduction to live theater for children. The 1pm show is presented in a friendly,

supportive environment for children and adults who are diagnosed with intellectual developmental disabilities (I/ DD) or on the autism spectrum, and their families and friends.

celebrating i srael at 75: free family festival

Thursday, April 27, 3:30-7:30pm

Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island 1466 Manor Rd.

The Bernikow JCC will celebrate Israel’s 75th anniversary with a free festival for families with children of all ages. Guests will enjoy music and dance performances, interactive Krav Maga and Hebrew calligraphy workshops, arts and crafts, giveaways, and more. The JCC’s social hall will be transformed into a shuk, or food market, where families can sample Israeli cuisine. Register online.

Brick fest live

April 29 and 30, 9am

New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center

97 Sunfield Ave., Edison, NJ Brick Fest Live will have over a million bricks on display and ready for play. See the most life-size models, engage with the most hands-on attractions, build a Guinness World-Record setting mosaic, shop for hard-to-find LEGO merchandise, and more.

celebrate israel at the J cc of staten island on a pril 27.

April 1

Isabella Jimenez

Stephanie Fetik

Alyssa owens

Mike Spaventa

caitlin corson

David corson

Journey Ine thome

nkosinathi Aubertin

gabriel Saldana

Laila eladawy

April 2

christopher Spotorno

traore Aich

elizabeth McIsaac

gina Siclari

Liam o’Brien

Matthew Shafer

Jagger Fiorello

Kevin Mcfee

emma Jiminez

Sadye tortorello

April 3

Dean grande

Michael cahill

Jason Ruggiero

Ryan Salazar

Ande-Marie Balla

Anna Storberg

Daniel hansen

Derek Bailey

April 4

Aviana Auleley

Sophia Mostovoy

chyanne Jeffrey

JZ Auriel Rivers

chyanne Jeffery

nicolina ullo

Lucas Stanly

Mukeh J. Samura

April 5

Bianca Marie ulloa

Alexa Marotta

Mariano Fiallo

Abby Bocola

Jacob Bajek

Kingsley Liang

Jonathan Perfetto

Julianna Baratta

Jonah hecht

Matthew casiano

April 6

chyanne Jeffery

cheyenne Raven Williams

Damari Royer

Jacob Attarian

Angelo Marvelli Jr.

christiana tobe

Jasemina Marovic

Jake Ryan

Damari Royer

Anthony Ramirez

Jackson Agosto

April 7

John Butler

Zachary Weeks

Alyssa hughes

Jaiden DiLorenzo

olivia cordova

Angelo giuseppe Sorci

ethan Alson

Maya Popel

Amber Fores

April 8

hannah Sportbert

Patrick casey

Daniel casey

Leah gunther

Dante Rose

Samantha Weisberg

caleigh Mcculloch

Zain Rasheed

Dante Rose

gianna Maniscalco

Michael James Borriello

Samantha Weisberg

April 9

Sabrina Perrotta

taylor DiPietro

Robert ellefsen

Summer Rose Donato

hailey Papa

gabriella Pilzer

erik Lin

Isabella Pilzer

Damien ortiz

Reena Martinez

Luciano Ruocco

April 10

Sarah Sebastiano

Michael Klink

Michael Russo

John Arambages

Antonio Zingaropoli

Angelise Maldonado

Rihanna Marshall

Amiya Josiah

Ariarose caccese

Antonio Buoninfante

c J Klein

giacomo carlucci

April 11

christa Louisson

olivia Vallario

Antonio Zingaropoli

Stephen Yannaco

Richard Byer

Arianna obeni

Joseph calabrese

Jessenia Saldana

Madison Lui

Santino carlucci

April 12

christina ciccotto

helena ettu

gavin Avaltroni

Reese Kroski

Anandah Porter

nora cruce

Zakeia Mohammed

grace haley

April 13

Matthew Rivera

Jason Santana, Jr.

Stephen Dapello

Jillian Ippolito

nicolette hillery

Sophia hillery

Jimmi Love Spaulding

Adriana triano

April 14

cherry Buckley taylor terlizzi

gianna Marie Maggio

Joseph Jennerich

Frank g eosits

Julia Feliciano

Delmar hinton

Paris Kizer

Averie Bradshaw

Alberto Acevedo Jr.

Angel Ripalda

April 15

christina DeRossi

Jessica Fetik

James Basich

Ashlyn gravagna

Sebastian Scala

Daniel Zapata

Liam cragan

April 16

Sam Seidito

Vincent hetzel

giana Maria caputo

erin Murphy

Brian hemmer

Aryana Latchman

thomas Bland

nicholas Bland

Joseph Litrell

Sophia Luna

April 17

Anya Kiser

Xavier Barrow

Andrew Finazzo

christopher campbell

charles Jackson

christian Bedoya

Matthew Rooney

Antonio Londono

harper Larsen

Adrianna gise

April 18

Stephanie Ferrandino

nicholas Mejia

John gall

Juliette Armenia

John gall

Michael Anthony Loffredo

John gall

Matteo umanzor

Marc Maniglia

April 19

Brandon De Lapi

Anthony gargiulo

nicholas LaMorte

Maria Vazquez

Didier Sauersinger

Ryan callahan

Bradley Vaval

Anthony carlsen

Aiden Shehaj

Walid Attal

Ioanna Karakis

Aria Mustafa

April 20

Alexa Winchel

christopher Brown

colleen Walsh

Angelina Walsh

Jace Ramos

Alana Samarasekera

emma commissiong

Fredy Perez

Abram Faynblut

Sylas Addison caesar

April 21

nicolette D’Alessio

nicholas D.

Scheuerman

Lauren Albanese

christina Muraca

Joseph tsuei

Julianna orlando

Shyanne Swain

ethan Ajibade

cameron ellis

Alexis Moody

Dean condon

April 22

gina Barberie

Antonio Jude t izio

Deanna Squarciafico

Quentin g reenLind

Jadyn Velez

gabriel Villegas

Ryan Setteducato

charles Setteducato

Lina Digiacomo

connor Barrios

Sylas caesar

April 23

Justin Selznick

gabriella DiMattina

caitlyn Paige

DeMuro

Robert Mauro

Amanda Singler

Vincent gargiulo

Rithika Lingala

Kyla graham

Aiden Rowe

Jack Strobel

noah Broitman

Vincent Boffaa

April 24

Kravtiz April

Breanna Mcglynn

Alyssa Demarest

Dovan Maidenberg

Madison Kravitz

Andrew Ferrera

nicholas Paciello

Joseph Intoci

Almina Modica

nicholas Morra

April 25

thomas casuccio

Maggie Deignan

Jillian Frances cannon

tommy Barnes

Vincent Pellegrino

Michael Minetello

Kimberly Russo

Juan Jorge Jr.

terrence Merveille

April 26

Alicia Anne cohen

Andrew c . Anderson

Jr.

emilyrose Buxbaum

Rita Blake

Jessica Mills

erin hagen

theodore YanniShehata

Sadie Dillon

grace Waters

Logan Barrios

April 27

giovanna c . Perricone

Jayden Perez

please present this page. g ood only for birthday club members on this list. o ffer valid for the month. c all before to check availabilty.

Jeremy castro

Melanie Ann tapia

Matthew Lewis

Jade Marie Russo

Jess Spota

Jacob hounsell

Angelina cariddi

April 28

gabriella Mutate

Benjamin nicholas

Rondo Watson

Franklin Peguero

Javian Dominguez

Amelia g oodridge

emily Bianco

Francesca hecht

April 29

Michael Skeans

Londyn chan

Aiden Weingarten

Jonathan Weingarten

hannah Weingarten

Makayla hudgins

Londyn Jade chan

Matteo collazo

April 30

Jaida Joy White

Amanda Singler

nicholas Zangrillo

eric Bucchieri

Salvatore Brunetto

osagie Benson

Marley henderson

David Bonilla

Plan the Best Spring Break Ever at American Dream

With Spring Break right around the corner, now is the time to start planning your travel itinerary. We have details on a one-of-a-kind destination that has something for everyone at every price point: American Dream!

This 3-million-square-foot entertainment retail center is just a few miles outside of NYC, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. You’ll find world-class shopping, divine dining, unique birthday options, DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, and many more exciting attractions to explore. Plus, you can save big with the Spring Break Pass. Experience the magic of American Dream from April 1–May 12 for $165, which includes admission to the theme park and water park, an exclusive combo meal gift card, and a gift shop discount.

Don’t have time to map out a visit? We’ve created some sample itineraries so you can focus on making memories that last.

Spring Break Fun For Energetic Little Ones

Do you have children in preschool or kindergarten? We know how challenging it can be to plan a trip with little kids. Skip the stress with this toddler-friendly game plan:

11:30am: Fuel up for your jam-packed day with coffee and donuts from Dunkin’!

12pm: Get your thrills at the nation’s largest indoor theme park, Nickelodeon Universe, with plenty of rides and entertainment for the little ones.

2pm: Stop in for a delicious lunch at Five Guys.

3pm: Take a spin on the only observation ferris wheel in New Jersey, the Dream Wheel, which offers stunning views of NYC and fun experiences for the whole family.

4pm: Keep the energy up at IT’Sugar, the world’s first and only candy department store.

4:30pm: Shop Abercrombie Kids for all the little one’s clothing needs.

5pm: Head back to the city after a long day of family fun!

Spring Break Adventures With Your Teens and Pre-Teens

Bigger kids in middle school and high

school are always looking for the next social-media worthy adventure. American Dream has plenty in store for the older kids crowd. From immersive rides to thought-provoking games, here’s your family itinerary for big kids and teens:

12pm: Satisfy your cravings at the only physical MrBeast Burger in the world, founded by the most popular YouTuber of all time, MrBeast!

1pm: Experience splashy fun at North America’s largest indoor water park, DreamWorks Water Park, with recordbreaking slides guaranteed to be a blast!

4pm: Speaking of blast, be sure to stop by Blast 7D, the world’s first fully interactive and fully immersive 7D ride!

5pm: Stock up on the latest fashion trends at the best prices at Primark.

6pm: Top off the day with a fun family activity at The Escape Game, where you will work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and ultimately complete a mission!

7pm: Head back to the city after your adventure-filled day!

Eats, Treats, and Retail-Therapy for Parents (Plus, An Attraction or Two)

If your game plan is to drop the kids at the parks and treat yourself to a day of shopping and dining, American Dream boasts some of the best stores and restaurant experiences in the country. Foodies, rejoice. This itinerary is great for parents traveling solo to enjoy some coveted “me time”:

10am: Fuel up for your jam-packed day with a coffee or refresher from Starbucks or Cortaditos.

10:30am: Shop the largest Primark on the East Coast- there’s something for everyone in the family!

11am: Stock up on basic essentials at Old Navy.

12pm: Satisfy your cravings at House of ‘Que, an authentic Austin barbecue restaurant that prepares their BBQ Texasstyle and provides fun entertainment with dueling pianos, country music, and sports game streaming.

2pm: Get your thrills at the largest indoor theme park, Nickelodeon Universe, with plenty of rides and entertainment that the whole family will love.

5pm: Challenge your putting skills at Angry Birds Mini Golf.

6pm: Treat yourselves to an elevated fare at Carpaccio, an Italian restaurant that offers traditional recipes revisited in a contemporary style where culinary techniques and simplicity of the ingredients merge to make the dishes enjoyable at the table!

8pm: Finish the day with something sweet from Lucciano’s, which serves the most delicious flavors and the finest artisanal experience.

Birthday Fun! Is your child’s birthday happening during the break? Get the kids together at one of American Dream’s famous attractions. Check out their birthday packages at americandream. com/birthdays!

Visit American Dream at 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073. For details on ground transportation, head over to americandream.com/transportation.

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