Staten Island Parent - May 2023

Yay for May!

May is known for a few big things, one of which is Mother’s Day (sending love to all the mamas out there!), and another is Memorial Day. For many, Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start to summer (yessss). It’s the perfect time to get your family outside and enjoying the beautiful weather, so be sure to check out our picks for the best picnic spots on Staten Island (page 16).

If you’re still searching for the right camp or summer program for your child, but haven’t found the one that will suit them perfectly, check out Thriving at Camp for info on arts, sports and STEM/STEAM summer programs (page 18).

Do you often find yourself engulfed in Facebook, Instagram or TikTok? In Motherhood FOMO (page 40), we’re sharing expert advice on how moms can have a healthy relationship with social media.

Lastly, I sat down with mom of two and NYS Inspector General Lucy Lang (page 42) to talk about raising her own family while serving families in the state she loves.

Jeannine Cintron

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

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What’s Happening on sTaTen i slan D

Get reaDy For FLeet WeeK nyc!

Set sail for fun and celebrate the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and Marines as Fleet Week in NYC returns at the end of May!

The time-honored tradition that honors the U.S. armed forces will kick off Wednesday, May 24, with the famous Parade of Ships and run through Tuesday, May 30, in Staten Island and Manhattan, coinciding with the Memorial Day holiday weekend. During Fleet Week, New Yorkers of all ages will yet again delight in meeting service members, seeing military ships at local piers and so much more. The event also serves as a reminder that summer fun is right around the corner!

Ships will be docked at the Homeport Pier in Stapleton and locations in Manhattan. Tours of the ships will be available Thursday-Monday, 8am-4pm.Tours are free and open to the public.

The following ships will dock at the Homeport Pier:

• The USS Oak Hill (LSD-51), a Harper’s Ferry-class dock landing ship from Norfolk, Va.

By BArBAr A ruSSo

pet taLK proGram comes to p. s . 59

Pet Talk, an in-school animal education workshop, kicked off earlier this year at P.S. 36, Annadale. Other schools have since hosted the program, including most recently, P.S. 59, St. George.

The workshop, which is open to all Department of Education (DOE) and non-DOE schools on Staten Island, honors Tommy Monahan, a brave 9-year-old boy who lost his life in a Prince’s Bay house fire trying to save his pets in 2007. His love for animals and passion for helping them continue to inspire people of all ages.

Pet Talk is a collaboration between the Borough President’s Office, the DOE and the Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC). As part of the curriculum, representatives from ACC visit fourth-grade classrooms to present

interactive lessons that emphasize the emotional connection people have with their pets and the importance of pet adoption.

“What we want to do in every fourthgrade class is to teach children about the benefits of having a pet and all the good that comes from being tuned in with nature,” Ed Burke, senior advisor to Borough President Vito Fossella, said during a recent assembly at P.S. 59.

Gabrielle Monahan said programs like Pet Talk carry the spirit of her brother.

“The root of this workshop is really important for all children to know, because ultimately it just teaches that animals deserve respect, and it teaches how to be an animal’s voice, because they don’t have one,” she said.

• USNS Newport (T-EPF-12), a spearhead class fast transport ship from Norfolk, Va.

• USCGC Legare (WMEC-912), a medium

endurance cutter from Portsmouth, Va. For more information about Fleet Week, visit militarynews.com.

canDy courts sK ateparK opens

Get on board for lots of outdoor fun! There’s a new skateboard park in Montclair, NJ, that kids of all ages and abilities will love.

Skate Essex, a non-profit that promotes the benefits of skateboarding, recently opened Candy Courts in Montclair’s Rand Park, 155 North Fullteron Ave., which is approximately 45 minutes from Staten Island. The new destination has everything young skaters will love in a skateboard park, including seven cool skate-able structures.

Alexis Sablone, 2021 USA Olympic skateboarder and seven-time X Games Medalist, designed the colorful structures. Sablone, an MIT and Barnard graduate, designed the sculptures to be functional pieces of art for skaters of various abilities. The new park represents phase two of a plan to create safe spaces for local skaters, with phase one being the designation of the Rand Park tennis courts for skateboarding. Skate Essex and Sablone worked with the community and organizations including Tony Hawk’s The Skatepark Project to make it all happen.

When you visit, check out some other things to do in Montclair. The Van Vleck House & Gardens is a great place to visit. You can also stop by the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center, located on the campus of Montclair State University. There are also lots of restaurants to choose from!

For more information about Candy Courts, visit skateessex.org.

important puBLic schooL Dates in may

Mark your calendar for these important public school dates this month:

may 4 – Evening parent-teacher conferences for elementary schools and pre-k centers

may 11 – Evening parent-teacher conferences for middle schools and D75 schools

may 18 – Evening parent-teacher conferences for high schools, K–12, and 6–12 schools

may 29 – Memorial Day, schools closed

My Child Wants to Be a Vegetarian

A guide for concerned parents

By Kaitlyn Riggio

Vegetarian diets are on the rise all over the world. Statistics have shown that roughly five percent of the population in the United States follows a vegetarian diet. And these numbers aren’t limited just to adults: around five percent of youth ages 8 to 17 describe themselves as vegetarian.

Reasons why people choose to follow a vegetarian diet are varied and can include things like health reasons or ethical reasons. If your child decides they want to follow a vegetarian diet, there are plenty of ways you can support them, even without becoming a vegetarian yourself.

We sat down with pediatrician Dr. TJ Gold from Tribeca Pediatrics to talk about what parents can do if their child decides they want to pursue a vegetarian diet.

My child told me they want to be a vegetarian. What should I do?

Off the bat, it’s important to go into the

conversation with an open mind and think about letting children, especially teens and adolescents, make their own choices when it comes to food.

“This conflict with teenagers and parents is always something we want to avoid,” Gold says. “We want to give kids autonomy with that so that they’re truly learning how to make those good choices.”

That said, it’s still important to provide support and oversight. For example, have a conversation with your child about why they want to become a vegetarian and what that means in terms of food choices going forward.

Gold says sometimes adolescents and teenagers don’t want to eat meat, “but their life is a potato chip and cheese pizza diet.”

“Technically, that’s a vegetarian diet, but just not eating meat doesn’t necessitate or guarantee that you have a healthy vegetarian diet,” Gold says. “There is a word in there called ‘vegetable.’”

While teens should have autonomy in what they eat, especially as they get older, parents should provide guidance to ensure that their kids are still getting the nutrients they need after switching to a vegetarian diet.

At the same time, parents should be aware of how much control they’re exercising over food choice.

“Kids aren’t going to follow things if it becomes a chore or it’s complicated or their parents are always having to follow them around and make sure they get things,” Gold says.

Gold recommends that parents talk to their kids about what their bodies need and giving them control within that guidance.

“I really want to enroll them,” Gold says. “And usually it’s just giving them some of these simple guidelines.”

How can parents make sure that their vegetarian children are still getting what they need from a nutritional standpoint?

Taking meat out of a diet can leave gaps in essential nutrients.

While taking supplements to fill these gaps is always an option, but Gold recommends getting what you need through food first.

“It’s not unnatural to supplement,” Gold says. “But I really want it to be eaten in the

food itself as opposed to having to pop pills.”

Gold outlined where some of these gaps can occur and provided recommendations on how to get those nutrients without meat.

Protein : Essential nutrients for the human body, protein is used to build things like muscles and organs in the body. Aside from meat, protein can come from things like dairy, eggs, beans, lentils, seeds and avocado.

Vitamin D : Vitamin D is important for bone health. It can be tricky to maintain adequate vitamin D levels, even for nonvegetarians, considering a large portion of our vitamin D comes from the Sun.

“The world is pretty sun-phobic, because of trying to have healthy skin and avoid skin cancer,” Gold says. “So we’re already starting off a bit vitamin D deficient.”

For vegetarians, “literally the only vitamin D source that exists naturally is mushrooms.” Gold says. “It’s not like mushrooms are always the big fan favorite for young kids.”

If you have a mushroom hater on your hands, look for things like milk with vitamin D added.

Vitamin B12 : Found almost exclusively in animal products, vitamin B12 is essential for things like red blood cell formation, nerve function and the production of DNA. It’s difficult for vegetarians to get enough vitamin b12 because it’s mostly found in meat.

To supplement, turn to foods like eggs, fortified cereals and nutritional yeast.

Iron : Iron is important for red blood cells and is commonly found in red meats. For vegetarians, look for iron in fortified cereals, eggs, leafy green vegetables, kidney beans and lentils.

An important thing to remember is that absorption of iron from plant based sources is much lower than the absorption from animal based sources.

Gold recommends squeezing lemons and limes onto leafy greens. The vitamin C from the lemons and lime “enhances the ability to get that iron out of the plant network of fibers,” Gold says.

While getting the right nutrients is important, don’t get bogged down in making sure your vegetarian kid eats the entire food pyramid every single day.

“It’s unrealistic, and I think it makes the whole process a little more anxietyproducing, especially for parents,” Gold says.

How can parents cooking for their whole family accommodate everyone, including their vegetarian kid? Family dinners don’t always have to center around meat. The vegetable can be at the center of the meal.

“There are so many exciting things we can do with vegetables,” Gold says. “The vegetable items themselves can be an entire meal.”

For dinners like this, Gold says the meat can be an additive for those who want to eat it, but dinners don’t have to be just side dishes for the vegetarian kid.

Parents can also get their kids involved in cooking dinner, whether that’s one dinner a week, a side dish or another arrangement that makes sense for the family.

Not everyone in the family has to become a vegetarian alongside your kid, but there’s plenty of ways to support your vegetarian child in their choice.

10 Spots for a Perfect Picnic on S.I.

By BArBAr A ruSSo

Now that spring is in full bloom, it’s time to start thinking about ways your family can enjoy the great outdoors on Staten Island. One easy way to embrace nature as a family is to have a picnic! There are many places where families can have a picnic on Staten Island. From beachside locales to historical sprawling grounds, there are many picnic spots located throughout the borough.

Wolfe’s Pond Park

420 Cornelia Ave.

Open 6am-10pm or 1am, but hours can vary. From scenic water views to beautiful sprawling grounds dotted with trees, Wolfe’s Pond Park is a great place to set up lunch at one of the many on-site picnic tables, and enjoy the fresh air with your family.

Great Kills Park – Gateway National Recreation Area

Hylan Boulevard and Buffalo Street

Open daily, 6am-9pm

Great Kills Park is a 523-acre park that is part of the National Park Service. Families can enjoy the park any time of year, but come summer, it’s a great place for a picnic on the beach. Amenities include a life-guarded beach, hiking trails, biking trails and more.

Clove Lakes Park

1150 Clove Rd.

Open 6am-10pm or 1am, but hours can vary. Cloves Lakes is one of Staten Island’s most popular parks. There’s a section with picnic tables for visitors to use, or they can spread a blanket and enjoy a picnic on the grass. The park is packed with activities families can enjoy before or after their picnic, including paddle boats in the summer, sports fields, a playground and more. There’s also a dog friendly area if you want to bring the family pup to the park!

Bloomingdale Park

Ramona and Lenevar Avenues

Open 6am-10pm or 1am, but hours can vary. Pack a picnic basket and head to this South Shore park that has lots of activities for kids and families to enjoy, including soccer fields, trails and a playground.

Conference House Park

298 Satterlee St.

Call for park hours.

Right at the southernmost end of Staten Island is Conference House Park, site of a 1776 peace conference that attempted to end the Revolutionary War. Families can toss a blanket on the lawn or under a tree to enjoy a picnic. After dining, children can toss a ball, play and simply run on the sprawling lawn. Park-goers can walk along the beach or hike into the woods to enjoy nature. Kids—and adults—will get a kick out of seeing New Jersey right across the water!

Snug Harbor Cultural Center And Botanical Garden

1000 Richmond Terr.

718-448-2500

Grounds are open daily, dawn to dusk

Snug Harbor is a delightful location for a family picnic. It’s free to explore the grounds, home to 26 historic structures, botanical gardens, a 2-acre urban farm, wetlands and more. Just keep in mind there is a fee to enter some of the on-site museums.

Alice Austen House

2 Hylan Blvd.

Call for grounds hours.

The Alice Austen House grounds provide scenic views and sprawling lawns perfect for a family picnic. While you’re there, consider stopping in the museum to learn about Alice Austen, one of the earliest and most prolific female photographers in the United States.

Willowbrook Park

Richmond Avenue, Victory Boulevard, Ashworth Avenue and Forest Hill Road

Open 6am-10pm or 1am, but hours can vary. Willowbrook Park is a woodland escape from the hustle and bustle of every day life. There are barbecue areas, baseball fields, and more for families to enjoy during their picnic outing. A major highlight of the park is the Carousel for All Children, a handicap-accessible merry-go-round that children can enjoy.

Fort Wadsworth

1598 Bay St.

Open Daily, 6am-9pm

Fort Wadsworth is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, which is maintained by the National Park Service. There are picnic tables, views of the Narrows of New York Harbor, walking and biking trails, and more.

Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve

83 Nielsen Ave.

Grounds are open year round, sunrise to sunset Clay Pit Ponds is a state park off the beaten path on the South Shore. A hidden gem, it’s a 265-acre nature preserve that is home to many habitats, including wetlands, ponds, sand barrens, spring-fed streams and woods. Visitors can picnic and hike on designated trails within the park. Keep a look out for cool wildlife, such as deer, squirrels and lots of birds!

ADDICTION AFFECTS THE WHOLE FAMILY

YMCA COUNSELING SERVICE

The YMCA Counseling Service offers comprehensive services for the whole family including:

• Little StepsSM is for children ages 4-17 who have been impacted by a close loved one’s substance use. Little StepsSM teaches children that they did not cause the addiction and that they can’t stop their loved one from using, but that families can and do get better if they get the support they need.

• Prevention programs for individuals struggling with high risk behaviors, such as experimentation with drugs or alcohol

• Treatment programs & services for adolescents, adults, & families struggling with a substance use disorder

• Parenting skill building programs

• Family Association group offering support for adults who are affected by a loved one’s substance use

It is estimated that 25% of children grow up in a household where parental substance use is a factor. This increases the likelihood that future generations will also struggle with substance use disorder.

If you know a family struggling with substance use, contact us today. We can help!

Call 718-948-3232 I ymcanyc.org/counseling

Thriving at CAMP in

the arts, sports, and STEM/STEAM Programs

By Serena norr

Camp season is quickly approaching. As your child is getting excited about a summer of fun and new adventures, as a parent, it is also exciting to have them have the opportunity to foster new skills. Camp is a time for kids to continually develop their social/emotional learning, boost their self-esteem, and tap into their creativity. And while many of us think of camps as roasting smores and water games, which is on point -summer camps also off programs such as art, dance, music, STEM/STEAM programs, and sports. These subjects help kids tap into new topics and freely explore!

Below, we are sharing examples of the many benefits of specialty programs at camp and how they will help your child soar this summer - and beyond!

Art Programs at Camp

Art programs at camp offer an incredible way for your child to express themselves and unleash their creativity. Alicia Skovera, Executive Director of the American Camp Association, NY and NJ noted, “Art is often one of children’s favorite school subjects, but it usually only happens once a week.”

At camp, kids can explore art through a variety of modalities. Alicia stated, “Art is offered daily with beading, jewelry making, painting, tie dying, ceramics, and more.” These multiple disciplines allow children to explore forms of art that they might not have access to at school or from supplemental programs. They will have the opportunity to test out new forms of expression and discover new ways to showcase their creative side.

Other artistic forms of expression your camper might enjoy at traditional or specialty camps are dance, theater, and music. Dance allows kids to express themselves through movement; theater helps kids engage and communicate with others; music can help with memory, focus, and group communication.

Alicia stated, “Campers can explore their creativity, express themselves through the arts, and discover a new favorite interest.”

STEM/STEAM at Camp

There has been an enormous concentration on STEM/STEAM programming over the past few years. STEM focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math, while STEAM focuses on science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts.

These programs help foster a child’s creativity, encourage experimentation, develop their problem-solving skills, and help to develop their critical thinking skills as they engage in fun, educational, and interactive activities.

Alicia shared, “From science experiments to building challenges to rocketry, children can engage in experiential learning at camp without grades or homework!”

Some camps include STEAM/STEM activities such as coding, game making, animation, YouTube production, digital arts, video game design, 3D printing, and more. These modalities can help make learning fun and exciting and lay the foundation for the school year ahead and help enhance their passion/interest in these subjects.

“These hands-on activities foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking en-

gagingly and interactively, allowing children to learn something new daily,” Alicia added.

Sports at Camp

Sports are a huge part of summer camp where kids can try out new activities, move their bodies, and work as a team. Kids will also be able to exert independence, develop confidence, learn new skills, utilize strategic thinking, help with mental clarity, and further develop their communication skills.

Alicia stated, “Camp is the perfect environment for children to try new sports. Not only do sports at camp give children a chance to try out a new sport in a non-competitive environment, but sports also foster teamwork and keep kids moving. Many times, children go home from camp wanting to play a new sport at home after discovering it at camp!”

This includes the opportunity to enjoy a range of modalities such as swimming, basketball, soccer, climbing, tennis, running, baseball, gymnastics, horseback riding, and much more.

Summer camp will create a lifetime of memories and bring joy to your child’s life. A huge component is the many specialty programs that can help boost your child’s confidence, promotes their growth, and encourage them to try new things as they have fun.

art Lab

artlabsi.com

1000 Richmond Terrace

718-447-8667

info@artlabsi.org

Art Lab’s Camp Picasso & Camp Kandinsky provide a great creative environment for children all summer long. Taught by professional teaching artists, campers will learn various techniques of fine and applied arts through handson art activities including drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage. Campers will also enjoy outdoor art activities as they explore the beautiful grounds of Snug Harbor. Art Lab’s summer semester starts July 5, with a variety of weekly classes, for children and adults in fine art, applied art, and photography. Find yourself at Art Lab this summer!

British swim school

britishswimschool.com/ statenisland

718-576-1870

British Swim School is the premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering

programs for children ages 3-months through adults. They use gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School’s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come join Staten Island’s #1 Swim Program!

D ea m usic & art s ummer program

1481 Hylan Blvd.

718-370-7733

magi@deamusicandart.com deamusicandart.com

Get ready to explore the incredible world of music, art and theater through exciting programs at DEA Music, Art & Theatre School! From instrument lessons to musical theater and dance classes – this is your chance to craft experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. Sign up today for both year-round andsummer camp opportunities. Free

trial classes are available to newcomers. Sign up for summer camp early and save.

ed perpetua tennis academy

eptatennis.com

917-295-8122

EPTAtennis@aol.com

Experienced instructors offer personalized coaching to help players of all ages and abilities take their game to the next level. With separate lesson types for kids and adults, they provide a fun and supportive environment for everyone to learn and improve their skills. From basic techniques to advanced strategies, they’ve got you covered. Sign up today and start serving up some aces!

Fastrack Kids s ummer ste (a) m adventure 2023 141 Evergreen Avenue Staten Island, NY 10305 347- 983-2229

ftkny.com/summer-camp/ At FTKNY’s STE(A)M and academics based summer

programs, children will explore the weeks’ enrichment adventure, interact with a SmartBoard Learning Station, engage in role play, do arts and crafts, conduct experiments, improve their math and literacy skills and have lots of free play time pus trips to the park with their friends! Two Convenient Staten Island locations. At FTKNY kids have so much fun they don’t realize how much they are learning!

h igh h opes s ummer c amp 1298 Woodrow Rd., 10309 718-317-8143

jackie@highhopeschildcare. com

highhopeschildcare.com

High Hopes is now accepting Summer Camp Registration for children ages 2-6 years old. In this State of the art facility, children will experience an array of activities including a Disney Party, Pajama Parties, Space Exploration and more. They also have an outdoor play area for outdoor activities. High Hopes is now celebrating 28 years of caring for

Camp Begins Late June

Summer

the children of Staten Island; Become a part of the High Hopes family this summer.

J cc s pecialty s ports

c amps

Bernikow JCC at 1466 Manor Road Staten Island, NY 10314

Aquatics: aquatics@SIJCC.com

Basketball & Soccer: NDelissio@SIJCC.com sijcc.org/camps

Swim, shoot, and score with the JCC’s specialty sports camps! The JCC offers basketball, soccer, and aquatics camps so aspiring athletes at all skill levels can be their best. Campers make new friends in a fun and supportive environment while developing sports and swimming skills, endurance, and sportsmanship. Campers also enjoy free play and swim opportunities, and special theme days. Beginner, intermediate, and competitive campers welcome. Sibling discounts, extended hours, and lunch available. Visit https://www. sijcc.org/camps to register.

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

Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds

1131 Manor Rd., 10314

Lirizarry@sijcc.com

Camp.SIJCC.org

718-475-5231

Marvin’s Camp for Children with Special Needs, a program of JCC Day Camp, provides 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. The program features low staff-to-camper ratios. JCC Day Camp also offers an inclusion program in their traditional camp program. Interview is required for all new campers.

n ew Dorp christian academy s ummer c amp

259 Rose Avenue Staten Island, NY 10306 summercamp@ newdorpchristianacademy.com 718-987-1188

Newdorpchristianacademy.

com

New Dorp Christian Summer Camp welcomes families from all denominations to participate in a comprehensive camp for children ages 3-12. Camp is a unique opportunity for children to thrive academically, socially, and creatively in an environment supporting exploration, discovery, and personal growth. The camp channels natural curiosity through innovative STEM activities and weekly trips. Campers creativity is engaged through music, arts and crafts; and a commitment to team sports builds athleticism and promotes good sportsmanship.

the resource room

534 Forest Avenue Staten Island, NY 10310 718-838-0085 resourceroomsi.com info@resourceroomsi.com

The Resource Room Learning Center provides high-quality academic instruction to all students from grades K-12. Re -

source Room uses an individualized approach to target the specific needs of each learner to help them maximize their success in the classroom. The Resource Room’s highly qualified staff provides unmatched attention to detail. Resource Room focuses on the content students are covering in the classroom to impact their report card grades directly.

staten i sland community tennis center statenislandtennis.com

718-982-3355

The Staten Island Community Tennis Center is offering a Summer Junior Tennis Training program beginning June 26th on days Monday thru Friday. Students ages 5-17 can choose a half day, 9am to 12 noon or full days 9am to 4pm(includes a One hour lunch break). All levels of play are welcome. The Tennis facility features 6 indoor air conditioned courts and 6 outdoor courts all available for recreational play.

st Joseph by the s ea

5150 Hylan Blvd

Staten Island, NY 10312

718- 984-6500

josephsea.org

2023 Camps include Football, Tennis, Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Lacrosse, Bloomberg Business, Boys Basketball, Girls Flag Football, Dance, Wrestling, Science, Baseball, Boys Flag Football, Girl’s Volleyball, Softball and Boys & Girls Soccer. Visit josephsea. org to register

st. Joseph h ill academy

s ummer c amp

850 Hylan Boulevard, 10305

Eileen Gregor

718-981-1187 ext 9503

sjhasummercamp@stjhill.org

egregor@stjhill.org

St. Joseph Hill Academy

Elementary School Summer Camps will take place over four weeks in July 2023. The camps will run Monday through Friday and welcome students who will be entering Grades PreK-4 - 8th grade in September of 2023. Six sports camps to choose from includ-

ing Flag Football, Basketball, Soccer, Track, Volleyball and Cheerleading and two weeks of Camp Koala. All Camps are co-educational and students from all schools are welcome

tender c are preschool

6581 Hylan Blvd

Staten Island, Y 10309

718-317-2849

cc-si.org/tender-carepreschool

Experience one of the island’s most sought after summer camp programs at Tender Care Preschool located at Mount Loretto. Offering 4 and 8 week sessions both half and full days, Tender Care Camp has something for everyone including an on-site sprinkler park, and weekly themes including space exploration, dinosaurs, and Disney. Visit www.TenderCarePreschool. com or dial (718) 317-2849 to learn more. Limited space still available. Call or visit today!

u nited s ports League

St. John’s University

300 Howard Avenue

Staten Island NY 10301 212-256-1145

uslsummercamp.org

USL Summer Camp Academy encompasses a multitude of activities every day. Campers will be participating in rotations of playing sports (basketball, soccer, football, etc.), eSports, drama, robotics, camp play, and more! USL’s mission, through sports and creative arts education, is to bring together young people from different racial, economic, and social classes and instill the values of respect, tolerance and inclusion.

victory Gymnastics center

victorygymnasticscenter.com

718-983-9090

Victory Gymnastics Center is proud to be Staten Island’s longest-running gymnastics facility. After opening their doors in 1980, they have had the pleasure of providing families of all ages with gymnastics, tumbling, parent and child programs, birthday parties, and competitive team programs. The increased

strength, flexibility, and coordination athletes gain from gymnastics will carry over to their performance in various other sports. One of their primary goals has always been to help increase the self-esteem of the children who participate in their programs.

Wagner college Lifelong Learning

One Campus Road

Staten Island, NY 10301 wagner.edu

Experience a magic carpet ride at the Actor Children’s Theatre production of Aladdin, Jr. June 3rd at 7pm and June 4th at 2pm in the Wagner College Main Stage Theatre. The show is sure to be a family pleaser for all ages. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at wagner.edu/lifelong-learning/ Aladdin or by calling (718) 390-3221. Don’t miss our summer performing arts programs and lots of other camps. Visit wagner.edu/youth-programs.

Swim, shoot, and score!

10 Best Family-Friendly Hiking Trails

Spring is the seaon when we can (warmly) enjoy nature! On a hike with beautiful views of the valley, monuments, and wildlife, we can breathe fresh air and admire nature. Even though that might seem difficult to enjoy in NYC, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to escape city life.

There are paths in curated New York City parks that can be great destinations for a hike! If you’re willing to venture out of the city as well, there are family-friendly hiking trails located under an hour and a half away that will give you some amazing views. Just select a skill level that matches your children’s experience and have fun!

Kazimiroff Nature Trail

Pelham Bay Park

Middletown Road & Stadium Avenue, NY 10465

The Kazimiroff Nature Trail in Pelham Bay Park is a lovely 1.2 mile path where one can really study wildlife and scenery. The trail is on Hunter Island in the Bronx and runs through wetlands, forest, and ends on a beach.

You may also pass Hunter Mansion garden. It is a beginner level hike which is

perfect for families who want their kids to explore nature firsthand.

Liberty Walkway

Liberty State Park

200 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305

The Liberty Walkway may not be a typical hike, but it is great for families. The walkway is 3 miles out and back and offers superb views of the Statue of Liberty and the New York City skyline.

While taking a walk, or bike ride, there is also a monument and old train station which your kids can learn about. Along the path there are benches, plaques about the wildlife, and large patches of grass to have a picnic.

Pine Meadow Lake

Harriman State Park

54 Seven Lakes Dr, Sloatsburg, NY 10974 Harriman State Park has many spectacular trails since it is the second largest state park in New York. The Pine Meadow Lake 10 mile loop is perfect for admiring the forest and lake, especially if you are looking for some tranquility.

Another fun trail is the Lemon Squeezer (Island Pond Loop) where rock formations

create a type of tunnel which will definitely excite your kids!

The Ramble

Central Park

Mid-Park between 73rd and 79th

The Ramble in Central Park is 36 acres of winding paths, trees, and hiding places. It is a great place to get lost in, but never leave the city. It is also perfect for birdwatching because this patch of greenery is a migratory stop for traveling birds.

Central Park also has other paths, such as the narrow Central Park Reservoir Loop. It is only for running or walking and circles the Jackie Onassis Reservoir.

Stairway to Heaven

Appalachian Trail

443 Vernon Warwick Rd, Vernon Township, NJ 07462

Stairway to Heaven is a part of the Appalachian Mountain range in New Jersey. The hike is 2.9 miles out and back and is connected to the Wawayanda Mountain. It is a moderate to challenging trail which offers a steep climb, great views of Pochuck Mountain and the Catskills and a waterfall.

This is one of the most challenging hikes on this list meant for teenagers. If this hike isn’t a good fit for your family, there are many other trail options in the Appalachian Mountain range where a hiker can pick and choose the length.

Cass Gallagher Nature Trail

Van Cortlandt Park

Broadway and Van Cortlandt Park S, Bronx, NY 10471

Van Cortlandt Park is a great park to bring the little ones. This trail is a popular and easy 1.4 mile loop for beginners. It only takes a little more than 30 minutes to complete. There are other trails at Van Cortlandt Park, such as the John Muir Nature Trail and the Van Cortlandt Park Trail if you want a bit more of a challenge.

Carpenter’s Loop

Fort Lee Historic Park

Hudson Terrace, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

Carpenter’s Loop is a 5.5 mile path in Fort Lee Historic Park on the border of New Jersey. There is some slightly rough

terrain with wonderful views of the George Washington Bridge.

On this path a hiker will find a model Revolutionary War encampment, cliffs, the shore of the Hudson, and the New York City skyline.

Cape Fly Away

Palisades Interstate Park

Alpine, NJ 07620

Palisades Interstate Park is definitely worth the trek across the bridge for amazing trails near the coast of the Hudson River. The Cape Fly Away is an easy trail about 3 miles long. It offers views of the riverfront and mild rocky terrain for the adventurous little one. There are other trails as well near the Alpine Boat Basin where a hiker can get really close to the water.

The High Line

Chelsea

23rd St. and 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011 When a visitor travels The High Line, which used to be railroad tracks, they can see amazing, unique views of the city with their

own eyes. You can walk the entire length of the High Line, 1.45 miles, or enter at different points, found here under Park Access & Info.

There are a ton of attractions in the park, from Chelsea Market to the 10th Avenue Square and Overlook, to keep the little ones entertained. The park does not lack in nature either, especially when you visit the Gansevoort Woodland. The High Line is open year round but the hours change seasonally.

Camp Smith Trail

Appalachian Trail

28 Bear Mountain Bridge Rd, Cortlandt, NY 10567

The Camp Smith Trail, specifically on Manitou Mountain, is a 4 mile loop which is a little bit of a workout for you and the kids, but it can always be made shorter.

The hike offers plenty of panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and plenty of photo opportunities. If you are up for a challenge with teens, Anthony’s Nose is near the Camp Smith Trail and offers an all encompassing view after a steep climb.

Why Do Kids Get Nosebleeds?

An expert weighs in on how to curb them

BY KAITLYN RIGGIO

Nosebleeds are a common issue, especially in kids and especially in the cold, dry winter months. But even knowing this, it can be scary to find that your kid has a bloody nose.

While many nosebleeds are one-off problems, other kids get nosebleeds pretty frequently. What causes nosebleeds, and when should you be concerned about them?

We sat down with Dr. Alyssa Hackett, pediatric otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) with ENT and Allergy Associates, to talk about what causes nosebleeds in kids and how to curb them.

One of the most common causes of nosebleeds in children is caused by the dryness in the air that occurs, for example, in the fall or when the heat gets turned on in your building in the winter months.

“That dryness is important because it can dry out the mucus membranes, specifically the ones that are in the very front of the nose, where there are some fragile blood vessels that can crack open and bleed,” Hackett says.

You also may notice that your child with seasonal allergies tends to get a lot of nosebleeds.

“It’s not that the allergies cause the nosebleeds,” Hackett says. “But if you’re constantly rubbing your nose, that will be a triggering point.”

Other families may notice frequent nosebleeds in their children during the summer.

“If you’re running around in the heat, your body flushes everywhere, including these blood vessels in the front of the nose,” Hackett says.

Overall, there are many factors that can trigger nosebleeds, and they’re not limited to a single season.

“We see nosebleeds year–round,” Hackett says. “Not just in the fall and winter.”

What Steps Can Parents Take At Home to Mitigate Nosebleeds?

Increasing the moisturization and cleanliness

of the nose can be helpful, especially in drier parts of the year. In winter months, mucus can dry up on the inside of the nostril on fragile skin.

“They can act like knives,” Hackett says. “They just sort of cut right through those blood vessels.”

Using an ointment like Aquaphor can help clean out some of this dried up mucus and add a protective layer to the inside of the nostril. A saltwater spray is also a good way to add moisturization into the nose throughout the day.

Hackett says the key to these at-home treatments is sticking to them.

“You have to be consistent with it,” Hackett says.

To build this habit, Hackett recommends keeping the bottle of nasal spray next to the hand soap in the bathroom and encouraging kids to use it after washing their hands.

This method adds the step into their bathroom routine and “it becomes a little less burdensome” than telling them to do it three or four times a day, Hackett says.

When Should Parents Be Concerned About Frequent Nosebleeds?

In a majority of cases, nosebleeds even as frequent as once a week is “more of an inconvenience rather than it is dangerous,” Hackett says. There are rare instances when frequent nosebleeds are indicative of a larger problem, but those cases are typically accompanied by additional symptoms.

For example, if you have a child who has easy bleeding and bruising in other places on their body, it could be a sign of some other blood disorder and it’s a good idea to get a pediatrician involved to run some blood work.

Hackett also mentioned if you have a teenage boy who gets massive one-sided nosebleeds, that’s worth getting looked at; it could be a sign of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, a rare tumor that generally affects teenage boys.

Even though most nosebleed cases aren’t cause for immediate concern, families can see a doctor and get reassurance at any point.

“Nosebleeds are a really common issue,” Hackett says. “So anytime families are worried, we’re always happy to check it out.”

art Lab

artlabsi.com

1000 Richmond Terrace

718-447-8667

info@artlabsi.org

Art Lab’s Camp Picasso & Camp Kandinsky provide a great creative environment for children all summer long. Taught by professional teaching artists, campers will learn various techniques of fine and applied arts through handson art activities including drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage. Campers will also enjoy outdoor art activities as they explore the beautiful grounds of Snug Harbor. Art Lab’s summer semester starts July 5, with a variety of weekly classes, for children and adults in fine art, applied art, and photography. Find yourself at Art Lab this summer!

D ea m usic & art s ummer program

1481 Hylan Blvd.

718-370-7733

magi@deamusicandart.com deamusicandart.com

PERFORMING ARTS

Show Dates: June 3 & 4

Tickets on Sale to General

Audience: April 18

Get ready to explore the incredible world of music, art and theater through exciting programs at DEA Music, Art & Theatre School! From instrument lessons to musical theater and dance classes –this is your chance to craft experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. Sign up today for both year-round and summer camp opportunities. Free trial classes are available to newcomers. Sign up for summer camp early and save.

staten i sland a rt & culture inquire@siartculture.com

646-233-5173

109 New Dorp Plaza

A visual arts studio where people of any age can hone their art skills. This collective offers small group and individual lessons in a variety of painting genres, different techniques, sculpture, papermaking, portfolio development, and more. They work with acrylics, watercolors, pastels, ink, etc. Best works are displayed and acknowledged in exhibitions. Develop

your creativity and aesthetics! Sip & Paint available upon request.

staten i sland children’s theatre a ssociation, i nc

718-273-7482

statenislandchildrenstheatre. com

The Staten Island Children’s Theatre Association, Inc. inspires young performers of all backgrounds through professional musical theatre training in a nurturing and fun environment. Classes take place seasonally with Fall/ Winter, Spring and Summer Programming for Ages 5-18. Programs are open to all levels of experience. Registration occurs online seasonally through their website. All programs aim to promote a love of theatre, develop self-confidence and bring joy to the community through theatrical performances.

s potlight theatre

358 Forest Avenue

Staten Island, NY 10301

spotlightheatresi.org

SpotlightTheatreSI@gmail.com

718-207-1128

Spotlight Theatre Company is where young people develop their creativity, confidence, and communication skills. Spotlight Theater created a safe place for young people to express themselves, work collaboratively, and develop a sense of empathy for others. Theatre can help young people understand and explore complex issues, develop a love for the arts, and create lifelong friendships. Theatre provides an enriching experience that positively impacts the personal and social devel-

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opment of young people.

staten i sland Family m usic

358 Forest Avenue

Staten Island, NY 10301

sifamilymusic.com

SIFamilyMusicTogether@ gmail.com

718-207-1128

Staten Island Family Music Together classes provide a wide range of benefits for children; newborn - Age 5. This music & movement enrichment program cultivates self-confidence & self-expression while developing a strong musiclearning foundation. Music Together classes enhance early childhood development by promoting language & motor skills. Families that participate in music activities strengthen the bond between caregivers and children. SI Family Music classes are a fun, engaging way for families to spend quality time together while fostering a love of music and creativity.

Wagner college Lifelong Learning

One Campus Road Staten Island, NY 10301 wagner.edu

Experience a magic carpet ride at the Actor Children’s Theatre production of Aladdin, Jr. June 3rd at 7pm and June 4th at 2pm in the Wagner College Main Stage Theatre. The show is sure to be a family pleaser for all ages. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at wagner. edu/lifelong-learning/Aladdin or by calling (718) 3903221. Don’t miss our summer performing arts programs and lots of other camps. Visit wagner.edu/youth-programs.

Now Booking Group & School Shows

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Choosing a Montessori Education

By Vered Ornstein

Montessori schools have been a hotbutton topic for years as they’ve become more popular in the American schooling system. While there are countless reasons to send your child to this alternative type of schooling, you may still need more of an understanding of how Montessori schools work. Of course, every child has unique and individual needs, but let’s look at the features of Montessori schools and how your child may thrive in a Montessori environment.

What is the Montessori Method?

The Montessori method was founded by an Italian physician named Dr. Maria Montessori in 1907. She observed that children in her care were able to teach themselves by taking the lead in hands-on activities, such as solving puzzles or preparing their own food. From these observations, she derived a method of teaching that aims to “follow the child”, allowing them to set their own pace for learning. While most conventional schools follow a curriculum set by teachers and administrators, the Montessori method entrusts the child to lead the way in their own education.

Montessori schools usually run on a set of 5 principles set forth by the Montessori method:

1. Children are shown respect

2. Kids have absorbent minds

3. Sensitive periods are critical for learning

4. Kids learn best in a prepared environment

5. Kids can teach themselves through auto education

The Looping System

Additionally, some Montessoris run a “looping” system, meaning that students learn in multi-age classrooms or stay with

the same teacher for two or more years, allowing teacher and student to build a strong bond and understanding of one another. Montessori also prides itself on the physical learning setting, and they consider the classroom environment to be just as important as the teachers and learning materials.

High Test Scores

The reward of attending a Montessori school is worth it for many families. The research surrounding the effectiveness of the Montessori method is still ongoing, but many studies indicate higher test scores and performance of Montessori students compared to students in traditional schools, especially low-income students. Across the board, students who attend a Montessori school score higher on social-emotional scales than their non-Montessori peers.

So, for whom exactly is Montessori the

right choice? Many parents choose this method for their child-led education and may know intuitively that their child may benefit from working at their own pace. The method of child-led education and allowing a child to set their own pace and curriculum can be incredibly beneficial for students who struggle with the structure of traditional schooling. Students who are neurodivergent or have a learning disability may also thrive in a Montessori environment. Additionally, the method shows encouraging results in helping underprivileged populations get ahead in their education and Montessori pride itself on racial and economic diversity.

The Montessori method has been around for more than 100 years, and its expansion in the US education system shows no sign of slowing down. If you’re interested in Montessori for your child, check out our Montessori directory to learn more about the choices available!

The history and method of this popular type of school

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!

Quality Home-Based Early Intervention Evaluations and Services

Vetere, PhD., ABSNP Director

Diplomate in School Neuropsychology with extensive experience evaluating, diagnosing, and providing behavioral interventions for over 30 years.

Dr. Vetere has advanced training and is certi ed in the administration and scoring of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2.

Dr. Vetere is also well versed and lectures on topics including “The Psychology of the Exceptional Child" and "Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)".

What it is and why it’s banned in NYC’s public schools

By Vered Ornstein

You may have seen a lot of news recently about ChatGPT and other advanced artificial intelligence (AI) programs that are skyrocketing in popularity. The technology has made waves in recent months and is already receiving its share of criticism.

In fact, since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, its usage has been banned in companies like Amazon, Verizon, and JP Morgan, as well as being banned from college campuses and schools around the country, including New York City public schools. This begs the questions, what exactly is ChatGPT? How does it work, and why is it sparking so much debate and discourse?

ChatGPT is the seminal product of OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research lab that was founded in 2015 by Elon Musk and other tech entrepreneurs. It uses AI and algorithms to generate responses to questions and simulate conversation. Its Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (GPT) is taught to understand human language by being fed a huge sample of text and information from the internet. Essentially, the more information that the AI is given, the more accurate and precise it’s able to be in its responses.

This is not new technology- for example, every Google search you make uses AI to predict what you’re going to ask and analyze your searches to direct you to the best results. What makes ChatGPT different from other AIs and chatbots is its accuracy and versatility in mimicking conversation and generating content and knowledge. Instead of merely answering a user’s question, ChatGPT is able to hold real dialogue, ask follow-up questions, argue different premises, and even correct its own mistakes.

Even more incredible is the AI’s ability to produce longform content. With just one detailed prompt, ChatGPT can solve mathematical equations, generate web copy or year-end reports, write film scripts, essays, proposals, and much more. It can serve as a tool to provide a jumping off point for a project, fix grammatical and structural

mistakes, or produce a complete and fully fleshed out paper of any length.

This is where complications arise surrounding the use of ChatGPT and other AI systems in school and in the workplace. Because the technology is so advanced and accessible to the public (it’s currently completely free to use), educators and employers alike are worried about the potential for an increase in plagiarized and nonoriginal work.

“While the tool may be able to provide quick and easy answers to questions, it does not build critical-thinking and problemsolving skills, which are essential for academic and lifelong success,” said Jenna Lyle, a spokesperson for the NYC Department of Education.

While this sentiment is shared among many educators, others believe that the system should be incorporated into teaching curriculums rather than banned from it, with some comparing the current panic around the chatbot to the early reaction to Google and the accessibility of information on the internet.

Engineers at OpenAI are aware of the concerns surrounding their product, saying in a statement, “We don’t want ChatGPT to be used for misleading purposes in schools or anywhere else, so we’re already developing mitigations to help anyone identify text generated by that system”. The company also claims that the system is not perfect, and that it may sometimes produce content that is inappropriate, inaccurate, or otherwise harmful, and should therefore never be used for advice or crucial projects.

The future potential and impact of ChatGPT and AI in general is unknown and constantly evolving. As these programs become more advanced and adept at performing human tasks, society will inevitably need to learn to accept and incorporate them into everyday life. While the list of institutions that have banned the usage of ChatGPT continues to grow, it is hard to know how attitudes will change in the coming months and years. For now, much like our AI counterparts, we will have to observe, learn, and adapt to this new era of artificial intelligence.

Should I Hire a Nanny or a Babysitter?

by The MoMMybiTes Tea M

They both care for your kids and are responsible for keeping them safe, but there are significant differences between a nanny and babysitter. If you want to find the right childcare fit for your family, it’s important to fully understand how a nanny’s job differs from a babysitter’s job and vice versa.

What is a nanny?

A nanny cares for children when their parents are at work on a full-time or part-time basis depending on the family’s needs. Nannies are often an alternative to daycare or aftercare, though usually have more experience or training than your average after school or weekend babysitter. Because nannies typically spend a lot of time with your children at your home, they are naturally immersed in your family’s life. Nannies often prepare kids’ meals, help with homework, and may even take care of the kids’ laundry. Parents also have nannies take their children to activities, appointments, and playdates. They are responsible for taking care of children’s physical, social, and emotional needs.

What is a babysitter?

A babysitter provides childcare when parents are either at work or have personal engagements during the week or on the weekends. They typically care for kids at the family’s home and are less likely to take children out of the house. Babysitters may or may not be employed on a regular basis depending on the family’s schedule and needs. While babysitters may help kids with their homework, their primary responsibility is the physical and emotional well being of the kids in their care. Babysitters may hold other part- or full-time jobs, which could sometimes impact their availability.

Key differences between a nanny and a babysitter

Experience : Professional nannies care for kids as a career, they typically have more direct experience compared to babysitters. Nannies may also have deeper knowledge of

popular parenting styles and how to handle kids at different developmental stages. However, both nannies and babysitters can receive child-specific education or training, so it’s important to ask for relevant details when you’re hiring, especially if you are looking for your caregiver to have specific certifications or experience levels.

Schedules : For full-time or part-time childcare, your family definitely needs a nanny. If you need an on-call caregiver or someone to watch your kids only a few steady hours a week, a babysitter may best suit your needs. Babysitters often work with a few families at a time, so you may need to develop a relationship with more so you have options for childcare when you need coverage.

Pay : Nannies and babysitters may both require a minimum number of hours (for the week or workday, respectively), then charge based on hours worked, but nannies usually have a higher rate based on their experience and hourly employment status. How nannies and babysitters are paid differs, too. Nannies receive a W-2 along with sick time and

vacation days, whereas babysitters are usually paid in cash since their wages don’t typically meet the threshold for filing for taxes.

Responsibilities : A babysitter’s main job is to supervise kids and encourage play for the handful of hours they’re in charge. They may prep meals or encourage clean up, but any kid-related chores are second to ensuring everyone’s safety and wellbeing. A nanny, however, does much of what a parent does–think scheduling, meal prep, pep talks, rides, etc.–while providing physical, emotional and social support to the children they care for. They’re hands on and often need to guide and discipline children, which requires deeper understanding of childhood development and effective caregiving strategies.

Mommybites.com was founded in 2006. Now owned by New York Family Media, the number one parenting resource for New York families. Mommybites works hard on sharing resources for all moms and families in the New York area, including our most popular feature—our momgenerated nanny board,

Easier Strolling in the City

MTA to expand bus stroller pilot to over 1,000 buses by fall

By Max Parrott

New York City parents will soon be able to smoothly roll their strollers on buses across 57 routes throughout the city as part of a pilot program that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is expanding.

The MTA announced recently it will begin the second phase of its Open Stroller Pilot, which will retrofit over 1,000 buses with a designated space for strollers, so that parents don’t have to fold them before boarding — as mandated under the current MTA stroller policy across most of the city.

The expansion comes after the agency launched the program in September on only a handful of bus routes. By next fall, the second phase of the program will retrofit all Local and Select buses operating out of six depots that serve around 250,000 daily weekly riders and include some of the busiest routes in the system, according to the MTA.

“The Open Stroller Program has demonstrated that we can make buses more accessible to all customers while providing faster, cleaner,

and safer service,” said New York City Transit President Richard Davey. “As we expand, more and more bus customers will benefit from enhanced accessibility, especially for parents and caregivers.”

A complete list of stroller-ready routes will include:

• The B1, B3, B6/6 LTD, B36, B64, B74 in Brooklyn

• The Bx6, Bx6 SBS, Bx8, Bx11, Bx17, Bx19, Bx21, Bx23, Bx27, Bx31, Bx32, Bx33, Bx35, Bx36/36LTD, Bx46 in the Bronx.

• The M15, M31, M101, M102, M103, M125 in Manhattan.

• The Q12, Q13, Q15, Q15A, Q16, Q20A, Q20B, Q26, Q28, Q31, Q32, Q44 SBS, Q48, Q50LTD, Q76 in Queens.

• The S40, S42, S46, S48, S51, S52, S53, S66, S76, S81 LTD, S86 LTD, S90 LTD, S93 LTD, S96 LTD, S98 LTD in Staten Island.

The MTA received largely positive feedback from more than 200 online customer comments on its stroller policy since the pilot started. Four out of five customers supported expanding the pilot to

more buses, the agency said.

The idea behind the pilot is to create a seamless boarding experience for parents in a way that speeds up the process for other riders as well. Bus operators haven’t reported any safety incidents or conflicts from on any of the routes where the pilot has been implemented so far.

“As a mother of three young children who has had to frequently navigate public transportation with a stroller, I am thrilled to hear about the expansion of the Open Stroller Pilot Program,” said Assemblymember Grace Lee.

Participating buses will be identifiable from the outside by a stroller decal that customers can spot before boarding. The stroller space inside the bus is also designated with a decal and is separate from existing priority seating for bus riders with disabilities.

“This program, which will create designated open stroller spaces without compromising wheelchair access, is an innovative way to make public transit more family-friendly,” said U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler. “I look forward to seeing parents in my district take advantage of this pilot program on the Crosstown M31 bus and hope to see designated stroller spaces on additional routes in the future.”

This story originally posted on our sister site AMNY.com.

People with Autism on Staten Island

New organization teaches skills

By BArBAr A ruSSo

There’s a new organization that supports people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on Staten Island – and it was founded by four young adults with autism themselves. CrimsonRise is helping nonspeaking children and adults with ASD understand that they have a voice, and more importantly, that their voice matters.

Based on the North Shore, CrimsonRise was founded in 2021 by Cristofer Puleo, Nick D’Amora, Tejas Rao Sankar and William Jusino. The idea for the organization was born after the four young men were introduced to something called “Spelling to Communicate” (S2C).

This method of communication allows a nonverbal person to acquire the ability to point to letters on a letter board or keyboard and spell words to communicate thoughts, ideas and feelings.

According to the International Association for Spelling as Communication (I-ASC), S2C teaches individuals with motor challenges the purposeful motor skills necessary to point to letters to spell as an alternative means of communication. I-ASC also trains people to become registered S2C practitioners who teach the method to their students.

a s pelling to communicate Lesson Spelling to Communicate is used in various organizations throughout the country to help individuals with ASD express their thoughts through spelling. New spellers learn to access communication by pointing to letters on a board. But that’s only the beginning of the learning process.

There’s a whole progression to the S2C method, executive director Lakshmi Rao Sankar explained.

Lessons start off with practitioners

asking questions that are easy for new spellers to answer, but then get more complex as time goes on and lessons continue. Each practitioner works one-on-one with a student.

“One of the practitioners would be assigned to a child, and it’s usually assigned by an intake team,” Lakshmi explained. “We match the practitioner with the profile of the student coming in.”

A spelling session at CrimsonRise is typically one hour, once a week. But, just like most things in life, practice makes perfect. So the more spellers work on their skills, the better they’ll get at communicating.

s upporting people with autism on staten i sland

The four founders of CrimsonRise were overjoyed after discovering S2C. After many years of being nonverbal, they were finally able to express what they were feeling to friends and family.

But they weren’t content with limiting their communication to a small, though loving, group of people.

Together with allies of family, friends and

S2C practitioners, they formed CrimsonRise to help others who can benefit from the program.

When cofounder Nick D’Amora broke through his silence, he advocated in public in front of many audiences about his capacity to spell to communicate.

“I need parents to hear us, to listen to our words, to believe this is possible,” Nick said. “Your child can have a new beginning too.”

The other cofounders followed his path, and soon the group became fast friends.

Co-founder Tejas, who is also Lakshmi’s son, spent 17 years as a non-speaking person.

“Before I became a speller, I gave up on providence to come to my rescue,” Tejas said. “I thought I would live my entire life unknown by anybody but myself.”

Tejas’ silence, along with other behaviors he displayed, led Lakshmi and others in the field to assume he was cognitively impaired.

“I didn’t know that he was fully capable and cognitively following and comprehending everything that was going on around him,” Lakshmi said.

S2C changed these assumptions and Tejas is now communicating and thriving.

Meanwhile, Lakshmi started the journey to become an official Spelling to Communicate practitioner herself, so she can help others who want to achieve what her son did.

“These four young men began to communicate. When a person who has not had access to communication begins to communicate, there is literally nothing that compares with it,” Lakshmi explained.

Cofounder William wants other nonspeaking people with autism to know that CrimsonRise is available to help.

“My story at CrimsonRise will inspire others,” William said. “Teenagers who struggle with their confidence and spellers older than me who wish to change their perceptions of themselves, I want you to know all is not lost. You too will communicate.”

While the founders aren’t practitioners themselves, they mentor others in the program who might need a little help and encouragement along the way.

“I’ve been spelling to communicate for over six years,” cofounder Cristofer

said. “Im a mentor, a writer, an artist and founding leader for CrimsonRise. I want others to have the same opportunities I’ve been afforded.”

the m ission

The organization’s mission, according to its website, is to serve those who have autism with “sensory, movement and communication differences by presuming competence and providing communication access and regulation support.” Ages 3 and older can enroll in the program.

Led by an executive team including Lakshmi, Susanne Cannella and Lindsay Morgan, CrimsonRise has a full team of registered and trained S2C practitioners.

Both the founding and executive teams work in tandem on the everyday operations of the organizations. But it was the founding team who came up with the name “CrimsonRise.”

“They noticed that Harvard has a magazine called Crimson, and so they decided to go with that name. And because they believe they are rising, they chose the

word rise,” Lakshmi explained.

o ther services at crimson r ise

In addition to S2C, CrimsonRise offers other programs to support the ASD community. Fellowship groups, for example, are open to all. They’re a forum for group interaction, teamwork, relationship-building and learning.

The Studio is a day program for spellers that runs all year. A semester-based system offers a rotating curriculum that provides knowledge and skills applicable across all disciplines, including topics of general interest, as well as socialization, communication and independence skills. Participants can learn about pop culture, be part of a book club, enjoy fitness and wellness and so much more.

To learn more about CrimsonRise, including fees, programs offered, enrollment information and more, visit the organization’s website at crimsonrise.org. Parents can also call 929643-9101 or email info@crimsonrise.org for information.

WhatisSpellingtoCommunicate(S2C)?

Itisamethodthatteachesthepurposefulmotortopointto lettersonaletterboardorkeyboardtoenablecommunication.

Whocanuseit?

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

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Motherhood FOMO

The pressure of documenting family milestones on social media

By BarBara russo

Facebook. Instagram. Twitter. Social media can be great for anyone seeking advice on a whole range of topics. But sometimes, the constant scrolling can really become too much. We know a lot about its influence on kids, but what about the effects of social media on mothers?

It’s not uncommon for mothers to overshare their families’ lives on social media. Whether they’re an “influencer” or not, these highlight reels make it easy for their friends and followers to get caught in a comparison trap. In fact, a recent study even confirmed that moms who spend more time online engage in greater levels of social comparison. This can lead to an increase

in cortisol levels and in turn, overall higher stress and negative emotions.

While this shows up most often in first-time moms, moms with multiple kids experience this, too. From their own personal postpartum weight loss journey to their toddlers’ potty training timeline, there’s a ton of pressure to keep up with what seems to feel like a never-ending cycle that continues as children become teenagers, adults and eventually parents themselves.

Some therapists call this social media pressure “motherhood milestone FOMO” (an acronym for fear of missing out). Anisha Patel-Dunn, D.O., psychiatrist, Chief Medical Officer at LifeStance Health, and a mom herself, knows a lot about this topic. She’s been working with patients who are

dealing with this type of pressure. We spoke with Dr. Patel-Dunn, who shared tips for moms on how to cope and have a healthy relationship with social media.

Do you find that moms compare themselves to other mothers on social media? If so, is there a lot of pressure for them to keep up with what their friends, influencers and/or celebrities are posting/sharing?

There is a lot of parenting content on social media, whether from celebrities, influencers or our friends and loved ones. This content often presents as rules or advice for mothers, which can become overwhelming. Another side of this is that many people on social media only present their “best” moments. This is not an accurate representation of their lives. It’s understandable that moms might fall into a comparison trap, which can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety.

Can you talk a bit about what Motherhood Milestone FOMO is?

Motherhood is full of milestones including pregnancy and childbirth, a child’s first steps, their first words and more. If your own timeline or experience doesn’t match up with what you’re seeing friends or celebrities post about on social media, it’s not uncommon to experience feelings of being left behind or even inadequate. Comparison is a common challenge many people face in different aspects of their lives but, for mothers, societal expectations about what makes a “good mother” can make this even more difficult.

Can you explain how moms who spend more time on social media experience more stress and negative emotions?

For those who are experiencing low self-esteem, spending more time on social media and falling into a comparison trap can often exacerbate these feelings. Social media is designed to pull us in and capture our attention. And it can be incredibly challenging to break out of this cycle.

But there are surely positive aspects to social

Additional Tips

Dr. Patel-Dunn shared some additional tips for building a healthier relationship with social media:

• Be mindful of how you feel before, during and after engaging with social media. Get curious about this experience, and ask yourself what boundaries around social media might serve you best.

• Unfollow accounts that lead to an increase in negative emotions or feelings of comparison.

• If you notice yourself falling into a comparison trap, remind yourself that these glimpses of motherhood are not an accurate representation of what is going on in a person’s life.

• Focus on social media sites that offer a sense of community rather than comparison.

• Avoid using social media first thing in the morning or right before you go to bed at night. Give yourself breaks to be present throughout the day.

media, too. What are some benefits of social media for mothers?

I do think one of the silver linings of the last few years is that more people have become open and transparent about their mental health, and this is often seen on social media. It can provide an opportunity to

is now part of

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Visit Mommybites.com; we can’t wait to see you there!

access a community of like-minded people that you may not be able to access in person depending on your location and personal situation. In that sense, social media can be an incredible benefit by connecting moms with peer support regardless of where they’re based.

Inspector GeneralLucy Lang

on serving New York families while raising a family of her own

By Jeannine Cintron

At New York Family we rarely interview appointed officials. But New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang is no typical government official. Sure, we had a little extra security on our cover shoot because, well, she is a big deal. But she is also a native New Yorker and a mom of two who loves her job because she is passionate about the state she was born and raised in.

Lucy is so New York that she refers to her family as “interfaith” because she loves the Mets but her hubby is a Yankee fan. Her Instagram is dotted with family outings to classic New York institutions like the American Museum of Natural History, Coney Island and the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Born, raised, and currently residing in Manhattan, Lucy is raising a young family in NYC, just like myself and many of you. She also has challenges, her youngest was recently diagnosed with Dyslexia (more on that in a bit) and at our cover shoot she was busy balancing the kids, work and home. Sound familiar?

She takes her job as mom seriously, but her family isn’t the only one she’s vowed to serve and protect. In her position, she’s tasked with protecting the most vulnerable New Yorkers. We sat down with Lucy to talk about her two biggest roles: as Inspector General of New York state, and as Mom.

You’re a busy mom! Do you find it difficult to balance career and family life? How do you do it all?

The amazing privilege of serving as Inspector General is that I have the

responsibility to ensure that the agencies’ systems and services that protect vulnerable New York families are doing so with integrity. And it is a tremendous privilege to be able to do that while also raising my own young family. I’m very fortunate to have a very supportive extended family, including my siblings and my parents, and my in-laws. And as your readers will know, it truly does take a village to balance a demanding professional life and the demands of young children. But I feel incredibly fortunate to have the support to be able to do it and the privilege to be able to do it.

What are some of the causes or issues that have become more important to you since becoming a parent? Probably a big question!

Yeah, it is but I’m glad that you asked. I have two brilliant children, one of whom happens to be dyslexic and I have been shocked to learn how much more remains to be done at schools of all kinds to support students with language-based learning differences. And really the true heroes amongst us, our literacy specialists and reading teachers are doing the hard work of building up the next generation of public servants and citizens. And I can’t say enough about how much I admire teachers who teach our kids to read and how much more we need to do to support young readers with a diversity of backgrounds, including with language based learning differences.

Do your kids realize their mom is such a powerhouse? Do they push you to achieve more and continue to be an inspiration?

My kids and the kids in our neighbor-

hood and community are undoubtedly the inspiration that keeps me going when the days feel long and the challenges seem insurmountable. Not long ago I ran for District Attorney, which was a grueling but incredibly moving experience. On election night, after I called my opponent to concede the election and offer him my congratulations, I went home and my son was asleep in my bed. I was crying and it woke him up. He asked what was wrong and I told him that I hadn’t won. And I thought, in that moment, I can either pull it together and put on a brave face for him or I can acknowledge that I tried something really hard and it didn’t work out the way I had hoped and planned. I chose the latter. And he remembers that moment very distinctly.

I think that the vulnerability of leadership is critical, both in a professional context and in a parenting context. And that’s something that I really carry with me, that I feel proud of, that I feel trying hard at things matters. And that success comes in many different forms.

You’re a native New Yorker! What are some of your favorite things to do with your family around the city?

I could go on about this forever because I love New York City! I also have grown to really love New York State so I make two lists. In New York City, we love Coney Island. We love the boardwalk and we even love it there in the winter. We did the Polar Bear Plunge this year which was a totally wild experience and an absolute hoot. My daughter was the bravest of the four of us. She was the first one in the water! It makes me so proud that I have a daughter who will just barrel into the

freezing cold waves on New Year’s Day.

We are major theater-goers; we love to go to theater on and off Broadway. I took my eightyear-old son to his first rock and roll concert this week. We went to see Bruce Springsteen at the Barclays Center, which was really awesome. We are an interfaith household, meaning I’m a Mets fan and my partner Scott is a Yankees fan, so we go to the Subway Series every year. I love New York City’s parks. We spend a lot of time in Morningside Park, in Marcus Garvey Park and in other uptown parks. I also have visited every beach in New York City and love them all for different reasons, but I would say that Far Rockaway is really our go-to favorite family beach.

And then New York State is just such a wealth of beautiful places for families to visit! The Thousand Island region has beautiful pebble beaches. In the parks across the state, the hiking and waterfalls are just extraordinary. I love New York bridges, so the Walkway Over the Hudson is a nice long family walk across and back. In fact, one of the coolest things about this job has been getting to know the North Country and Western New York and beyond, and it has been such a privilege getting to talk to New Yorkers who are very, very different from New York City residents. Learning about the diversity of New York State has been really remarkable and inspiring.

What are some ways you protect New York families in your position as Inspector General?

When I think about protecting vulnerable New York families, I think about our work with the State Department of Social Services and protecting SNAP benefits to make sure that folks have access to a fair system that functions the way it’s supposed to. I also think about the work we have been doing around unemployment insurance, to which during and post-pandemic there has been a tremendous amount of fraud committed – which is really coming at a cost to New Yorkers who need unemployment insurance and for whom the system was designed to help during a crisis time like the pandemic. So we’re particularly committed to rooting out corruption and fraud in those areas, because we know that they are of the utmost importance to New York families who are suffering, at a disadvantage or otherwise vulnerable.

Keep up with Lucy and the Inspector General’s office by following @NYStateIG on Instagram and Twitter.

Photo by Yumi Matsuo

By BArBAr A ruSSo

Spring continues, 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!

Sri Lanka Cultural Dance

Saturday, May 6, 4-5pm

Staten Island Children’s Museum

1000 Richmond Terr.

Students from the Staten Island Tamil School will share the history of their school and perform traditional dances from Sri Lanka.

ShopRite Kids Cook

Sundays, May 7 and 21, 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.

Israeli Style Military Bootcamp

Sundays, May 7 and 28, 12pm

Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC 1466 Manor Rd.

Enjoy military-style exercises for the whole family.

Yankee Peddler Day

Sunday, May 7, 9:30am-3:30pm

Historic Richmond Town

441 Clarke Ave.

Browse this market that features

Thing S To do in MAy

dealers of antiques, collectibles, crafts, and new items.

International Migratory Bird Day

Saturday, May 13, 1-3pm

Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve 2351 Veterans Rd. W. Flock to Clay Pit Ponds to enjoy fun, bird-themed activities, games and crafts. A guided hike is part of the fun.

Monster Jam

Saturday, May 13, 7pm

MetLife Stadium

1 MetLife Stadium Dr., East Rutherford, NJ

See world champion athletes and their 12,000-pound monster trucks tear up the dirt in wide-open competitions of speed and skill!

Cirque Zuma Zuma

Friday, May 19, 7pm

St. George Theatre

35 Hyatt St.

Enjoy this Cirque du Soleil-style show that features astonishing and unbelievable human feats of balance, agility, and flexibility, all set to African music, drumming and dance.

Practice Reading with a Pooch

Saturday, May 20, 3-4pm

kids can read to nonjudgemental dogs at the staten island children’s museum on may 20.

Staten Island Children’s Museum

1000 Richmond Terr.

Bring your favorite book to the museum, where you can read stories to therapy dogs!

Dino Ranch Live

Saturday, May 20, 4pm

St. George Theatre

35 Hyatt St.

Have a roaring good time as Disney Junior’s Dino Ranch takes the stage with a fun-filled live show that kids will love.

Art in the Park: Nature Journaling

Saturday, May 20, 1-3pm Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve

2351 Veterans Rd. W.

Teens will love this event that includes a relaxing hike to find tranquil areas where they can translate the natural world onto paper.

Cottage Row Curiosities

Saturday, May 20, 11am-4pm

Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden

1000 Richmond Terr.

Shop this community artisan market featuring over 50 Staten Island vendors, plus music, entertainment, food, and more.

Finding Nemo: 20th Anniversary Screening with Austin Pendleton

Sunday, May 21, 3pm St. George Theatre

35 Hyatt St.

Head to the theater to enjoy a special anniversary screening of this classic family movie. Special appearance by actor Austin Pendleton.

Fleet Week NYC 2023

Wednesday, May 24-Tuesday, May 30; times vary Homeport Pier on Staten Island and locations in Manhattan

Fleet Week returns to NYC! Ships will be docked at the Homeport Pier on Staten Island and locations in Manhattan.

Tours of the ships will be available Thursday-Monday, 8am-4pm. Tours are free and open to the public.

Glam Gardener NYC Botanical Fabric Dyeing

Saturday, May 27, 12-1:30pm Alice Austen House

2 Hylan Blvd.

Enjoy this invasive plant workshop that will teach you how to identify, craft with and consume common non-native weeds.

Anxious Parents, Anxious Kids: Parenting Advice From the "World's Worst Mom"

With author Lenore Skenazy

Tuesday, June 6, 2023, 4 p.m. ET

It’s time to change the way we look at obstacles and stop making assumptions that our kids are incapable of clearing their own path in life. Join author, columnist, blogger and reality TV show host Lenore Skenazy, aka “The World’s Worst Mom,” for a talk laced with humor, wit and the unvarnished truth: Your kids can be independent. Skenazy will share simple but powerful ways anxious parents can counteract the urge to overprotect their children, move away from fear-based parenting, and give their bubble-wrapped children the freedom to develop confidence and resilience the natural way: through unstructured, child-directed play.

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