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New Beginnings
Hey there! I’m Jeannine Cintron, the new Editorial Director at New York Family, stepping in for Donna as she moves onto a wonderful new chapter in her life. While this marks the start of a new chapter for New York Family as well, I plan to continue providing your family with all the best events, activities, resources, tips and advice that parents need to raise happy and healthy children in NYC as we always have.
A bit aout me: I’m a proud lifelong New Yorker! I grew up in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, and now live in Staten Island. I’m a perpetually overcaffeinated single mom to a 16-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl who keep my heart young and my hair grey. I also have three cats because cats make everything better (just ask your local bodega owner).
It seems fitting that my first issue in this new role is a Back-to-School one. A new school year is all about new beginnings and fresh starts, a chance to set new goals and work even harder toward old ones. While some kids look forward to this, picking out their first-day outfits a month ahead of time and daydreaming about seeing old friends again, others are a lot less enthusiastic. Easing Kids Into Back-to-School Mode (page 8) offers tips on everything from routines to building social connections.
When kids head back to school, they also go back to afterschool activities. Now is the time to sign your child up for sports, theater, STEM, dance, gymnastics, music and any other enrichment programs they might be interested in. In the Ultimate Guide to Afterschool Programs and Activities (page 23), we not only share the many benefits of these programs (page 24) but we also help you find the right one for your child (page 28).
If you’re sending your older child(ren) off to school but still aren’t sure if your littlest one is ready, check out the Top Preschools in Brooklyn (page 18) to see some great local options.
I always say summer’s end is bittersweet, since it marks the start of fall, the cinnamon spiciest season of them all. We’re sharing our favorite apple orchards (page 34) so that you can enjoy a fun family day at the farm, then get started transitioning to that fabulous autumn decor you’ve been itching to take out since July.
Wishing you all an exciting and successful school year!
Jeannine
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Easing Kids into Back-to-School Mode
By Rosdaly RamiRez
Do you remember what you felt leading up to the first day of school as a kid? I can recall the before-sleep thoughts, the morning excitement and worries that came with the idea of heading back to school. If you have little ones, their behaviors may look about the same: more tears than usual, some may find comfort in clingy to your leg, and others may have a sudden burst of joy. After working with children for many years and spending five of those years working with high school students, transitioning back to school for kids is a huge milestone. Transitions can bring up a lot of emotions and behaviors, and if you’re a parent, preparing your child for them sets them up for how these big milestones will impact them. Here are some key pieces of advice I have for parents as a social worker and parent of three kids:
Before School StartS :
Establish a Routine
Begin a consistent bedtime and morning routine a few weeks before school starts. This will allow your child to mentally and physically start adjusting from the summer routine
to the new school year. If you have little ones, pictures are a great way to help your child identify what their daily life will look like.
Familiarize with the School Environment
Visit the school together to explore the classroom, playground, and other key areas. This is very important for all kids; it builds up their imagination, which can lead to conversations with you. If you have a child with sensory disabilities that thrives off routine, it’s especially important for them. Attend any orientation sessions or meet-and-greet events with teachers. Your child’s teacher is another adult who will play a role in your child’s life. Safety is a big thing for kids, and getting the opportunity to know them can really set the tone for how they transition into the classroom.
Discuss School Positively
Talk about the exciting aspects of school, such as making new friends and learning new things. Ask questions. Dinner time is a great place to have these conversations. I always invite parents to share some first-day school stories.
For little ones, read books about starting school to build anticipation and reduce anxiety.
Practice Independence
Encourage self-help skills like dressing, using the bathroom, and opening lunch containers. Assign simple tasks at home to boost their confidence in handling responsibilities.
During the Transition: Stay Calm and Positive
Your attitude can significantly influence your child’s feelings. Stay positive and calm. Your attitude affects your children’s mornings, and it spills over to the rest of their day.
Just like it’s their first big day, it’s also yours. Have a check-in with yourself. Write down some worries you may have or emotions that are coming up for you. Be prepared to navigate different emotions that morning, so get rest and also have a routine for yourself.
Create a Goodbye Ritual
Develop a consistent, quick, and positive goodbye routine. You know your child best; what will comfort them as you say goodbye?
If you have little ones, I highly
recommend getting them a comfort item. Each year, I give my son a soft heart. He takes one to school, and I keep one with me. It comforts him to know we’re connected, though I’m not with him.
Encourage Social Connections:
Some kids thrive in seeking out relationships, while others may have anxiety even thinking about it. Making connections as kids get older can be hard, so encourage your kid from a lens of empathy and space.
After the pandemic, we’ve seen an increase in social anxiety, though as parents we want to encourage social connections. I would recommend that if you sense your child is feeling anxious, have a teacher, counselor, or social worker check in with them at school.
Addressing Emotional Needs:
Acknowledge Feelings
Listen to your child’s concerns and validate their feelings.
Provide comfort and understanding without dismissing their worries.
Promote Problem-Solving
Encourage your child to think of solutions to any challenges they face.
Role-play different scenarios they might encounter at school.
Stay Involved
Maintain regular communication with teachers and school staff. Your child’s teacher is on your team, So communicate changes in your child, things you’re noticing about them or when big changes are happening in your family. They all impact your child’s behavior in school. It also leaves an open door for teachers to do the same.
Participate in school activities and volunteer opportunities to stay connected with your child’s school experience. As your child gets older, this will be important. I know they may be in a stage where you’re “ embarrassing,” but showing up to activities they’re participating in builds your confidence and relationship with them.
After School StArtS
Establish a Post-School Routine:
Create a calming routine after school to help
MDS is a warm and welcoming community where children are loved and supported through their most important and exciting developmental years.
• Founded in 1977
your child unwind and share their day. The first hour back home should be a time when they get to choose what they want to do. It’s also an important time for you to disconnect from work and other responsibilities to make room for your child to connect with you.
Monitor Progress:
Keep an eye on your child’s academic and social progress.
Address any concerns promptly with teachers or school counselors/ social workers..
Celebrate Milestones:
Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s achievements, both big and small. Provide positive reinforcement and encouragement regularly.
I hope these tips will help you begin transitioning into the school year as you support your child for another exciting year this Fall. And remember, you’re learning just as much as they are about navigating parenthood. Have some grace with yourself.
• Serving children ages 2 years through 5 years, that are divided into toddler and primary/mixed age classes.
• Montessori certified teachers
• The school has a total of seven classrooms.
• Each class is led by a team of three teachers, with class sizes appropriate to the ages of the children.
• Operating between the hours of 8:00 am - 3:00 pm with extended day options from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
• Offering winter, spring, and summer camp
• Enrichments include music, movement, nature company & gardening. With seasonal soccer and drumming!
www.montessoridayschool.org (718) 398-2322 237 Park Pl. Brooklyn, NY 11238
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A Different Kind of Private School
At IDEAL, we expand the definition of diversity to include ability. IDEAL is a nurturing, supportive environment where we meet all children where they are and help them reach their goals. Join our annual in-person open house on October 26 to learn more about our learning community with substantial financial assistance based on need. www.theidealschool.org/open-houses
RSVP for a virtual open house or schedule a personal tour to learn about our unique inclusion mission. Call 212-769-1699 x10105 or email admissions@theidealschool.org
5 Hanover Square, New York, NY 10004 5-Borough Accessibility
RSVP today for our in-person open house
6 Tips for Preparing HealtHy ScHool luncHeS
By BarBara russo
Enjoying a healthy, delicious lunch is important at any age. While it can be challenging to come up with new lunch ideas for your kids, preparing healthy school lunches can be done with ease while providing tasty and nutritious menu options. There are so many things that are critical for a productive school day for your
child—and having a good lunch is one of them. In fact, according to the Food Research & Action Center (frag.org), school meals play a critical role in student health, well being
and academic success.
While school-provided meals are an option, you can also send your child to school with a power-packed lunch to help boost their
Left school due to sickle cell disease
Francisca started school in Ghana
Moved to NYC for treatment
learning and keep their energy up throughout the day. Preparing healthy school lunches can be fun, and it’s something you and your child can do together. Here are some tips you can keep in mind while creating your fabulous and healthy lunches:
Mix and match food options
According to the National Education Association, the important thing to remember when making lunches is to offer a wide variety of options to your child. Try different dips for different veggies, swap out the usual sandwich bread for a wrap, pita or whole grain bun.
Consider gut health
Maintaining a healthy microbiome can prevent or lessen the effects of gut-related issues like allergies, E. Coli infection, asthma, skin issues and other conditions, explained gastroenterologist, Rajesh Dhirmalani, D.O.
“A healthy diet, hydration and building good bacteria in the gut through supplements and probiotics like Flore Clinical play a crucial role in kids’ gut
health,” the doctor said.
Include these foods:
Think high-fiber fruits and vegetables when preparing healthy school lunches. Keep the skin on to help aid digestion and promote good bacteria. Apples, raspberries, broccoli, and snap peas are easy additions to make your child’s lunch healthier.
“Berries and tomatoes are high in antioxidants, and oats, beans and chickpeas are good sources of proteins, vitamins, and minerals,” Dhirmalani said. “Avoiding processed and artificially or overly sweetened foods is also essential, as they contribute to the overgrowth of bad bacteria in the gut.”
Try bento boxes
They’re very practical for preparing healthy school lunches. Bonnie Lak, a mom from New Jersey, has a teen who loves using the Takenaka bento box.
“Alexandria likes to eat healthy, so she likes to pack it with little cucumbers, fresh fruit, tomatoes, strawberries and blueberries,” Lak said.
Pick good protein
On the subject of protein when preparing healthy school lunches, Dhirmalani recommends reducing red meats to once a week or less.
“Fresh vegetables and healthy fiber like beans, lentils and chickpeas should be included as often as possible,” he said. “Adding fresh herbs and spices is a quick addition and has a long list of health benefits.”
Consider dental health
Joe Albanese, DMD, of Marine Dental Services, recommends steering clear of any hardto-swallow gummy candies or overloading on dried fruit, which can get stuck in teeth.
“Although dried fruit is a healthier alternative to candy, it still contains a lot of sugar and can cause cavities if the teeth are not properly brushed and flossed after eating it,” he said, adding that calcium-rich foods like cheese and yogurt are great for strong teeth.
Fun fact: Strawberries contain malic acid which helps keep the teeth stain-free and white. Who says all sweets are bad for your teeth?
Pine Street School A community that reaches across the globe
Lauren Angarola vividly remembers the moment the soon-to-be first class of Pine Street Middle School students showed that they were developing into a caring and inclusive young community. Late in the 20222023 school year, the school’s fifth graders – many of whom had started with the school at two years old – took their first overnight field trip to Washington, D.C. Angarola, Pine Street Middle School Coordinator and Director of Innovation, watched in awe as one by one, the kids took turns comforting a fellow student who, away from home in a strange city for the first time, was struggling with her feelings.
It was, Angarola realized, the result of myriad intentional and unintentional efforts that the leaders at Pine Street had been building a caring, inclusive community for the entire time the school has existed. And it confirmed once again the rightness of her decision to leave a much larger, more traditional school overseas and join the Pine Street leadership team.
Pine Street is a dual language immersion school offering programs in Spanish and Mandarin. Located at 25 Pine Street in Manhattan’s financial district, Pine Street opened its doors in 2014. Fully authorized as an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) institution, Pine Street offers nursery programs for one- and two-year-olds, preschool for ages 3 and 4, elementary school for kindergarten through 5th grade, and, now in its second year, middle school for 6th through 8th graders. The school’s first 8th grade class will commence with the 2025-2026 school year.
Students who attend Pine Street benefit from developing and growing within an inquiry-based curriculum that focuses on self-agency and self-learning. It is, says Gaby Rowe, the CEO of KSS Immersion Schools, the parent company of Green Ivy Schools, “an exceptionally rigorous way of teaching children how to learn to be learners.”
“The International Baccalaureate, which is the curricular foundation for a network of more than 7,000 schools worldwide, provides
g aby Rowe, CEo
a central framework for Pine Street,” Rowe says, “which contains six units of inquiry that students explore each year with greater understanding. Those units of inquiry cover everything from the nature of oneself; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social, and spiritual health; human relationships; rights and responsibilities; and orientation in place and time. What’s more, they get to ask these meaningful questions while having access to everything the world capital offers.”
Throughout its history, Pine Street has always emphasized community building within the school environment as well as in the larger world. Far from being “walled off” from the larger community, Pine Street is located in the heart of New York’s original village, near Wall Street, and a short walk away from some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks.
The classroom structure itself is unique, with an interior space that is spacious and filled with light. Walls in the elementary school are adjustable, making the space flexible for students to interact within grade levels and academic disciplines. The school uses the latest innovations to help students develop technological literacy while expanding critical thinking skills. As a result, Pine Street has proudly been recognized as an Apple
Distinguished School for its emphasis on student agency, independence, and action through its use of Apple Technology.
Students are also mindful of their part in the global community, learning to take responsible action in the face of the world’s challenges. They’re taught to believe that their actions can reverse global warming and build a healthier and more sustainable world. To that end, toward the end of the 2023-2024 school year, students traveled to Costa Rica to take part in a coral restoration project. Students met with scientists and divers to learn about
this vital part of the world’s ecosystem. Being part of a global community is also a key component for a school that includes families from as many diverse national, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds as Pine Street. So each month the school hosts an “international night,” so that families can enjoy the food and learn the traditions of the many nationalities and cultures represented in the student population. They also host frequent chats so that everyone knows they’re
being seen and heard.
Amy Rogers, who is the President of the Pine Street PTA, says that programs like this help ensure that, “no one feels left out, and no one feels like their culture is being slighted or diminished in any way.” A parent with two children at the school and an 8-monthold slated to join them, Rogers says, “we felt we were a part of the community from the beginning.”
For Pine Street Head of School Anna Rita
Pergolizzi-Wentworth, welcoming parents into an inclusive community is what the school’s mission is all about. “We recognize that our families come from all over the world with different cultural practices, holidays, dress, and traditions, so we are constantly asking ourselves, ‘what does respect mean, at the student level and for our parents.’ Our goal is to make sure that all voices are being heard, but that we come together as one family, one community.”
Pine Street School students gather in the library for another exciting school year.
Photos by Yumi Matsuo
Education Skills To Develop Before Starting Preschool
By Emily lE vy
With summer winding down and fall up at bat, the reality that your child will be starting preschool may be sinking in. Much of preschool involves play and loads of fun, but arming your child with early academic foundations—in an engaging and enjoyable manner—can help set them up for preschool success. Try some of the ideas below.
Sorting Objects
Sorting objects is an important skill that will be tackled in preschool, so prepare your child with some sorting activities that you can practice at home. Purchase a bag of multicolored buttons, pom poms, or paper clips, and set out a six-cup muffin tray. Explain to your child that together you will practice putting all of the same color object into a single muffin cup. Make sure you model a few first. You should start by putting all the yellow buttons in one cup, blue ones in another, green in a third, and so forth. Then have them practice sorting on their own and praise them when they have successfully sorted all of the objects. Of course, as a bonus, this activity will reinforce color recognition.
Counting and Number Recognition
Counting and number recognition are also important early-learning skills. Strengthen these skills by integrating counting exercises into everyday life. For instance, if you are at the supermarket, ask your child to count the number of apples or oranges as you put them into a plastic bag. When you remove items from your shopping cart and load them onto the checkout belt, have your child count each one to work on one-to-one correspondence. Have them count the number of clothing items you put in the washing machine, papers you need to complete for work, keys you have on your key ring, and so on. To add some number recognition practice, try playing a “game” where you label individual cups 1-10, with one number on each cup. Ask your child
to go around your house and find one item to put in the “1” cup, two items to put in the “2” cup, and so on. The more fun and engaging you can make these activities, the better!
Letter Recognition
While your child will likely learn more about letters once the school year begins, you can give them a prelude with some fun letter recognition games. Purchase a bag of plastic or foam letters and put them in a bowl. Write out the alphabet on a sheet of construction paper, then point to a letter and ask your child to “scoop up” that letter using a ladle or spoon. You can also try using chocolates for another fun letter game. To play this game, write two sets of single letters on small white stickers (two A’s, two B’s, etc), then attach them to the bottom of Hershey Kisses or other chocolates. Together, you can play a game of Memory. First you flip over one chocolate and identify the letter, then flip over another chocolate and try to find the letter match. Your child goes next, then you, and so on. The first player to find the most letter matches wins!
Problem-solving
Problem-solving is a skill that will continue to play a role throughout your child’s academic career, so it’s helpful to start building this skill at a young age with some fun activities. Try playing “Guess the Item”
with your child, where you give them a set of clues and they need to try to identify the object. For instance, you might say, “I’m thinking of something that’s furry and has four legs and a tail,” and ask them to guess the object (dog) or “I’m thinking of something that’s long and thin, has an eraser at the top, and has a point at the end” and ask them to guess the object (pencil). If they struggle to guess the object, offer clues, like “you can write with it or sharpen it” for a pencil, or “it often wags its tail or drinks water out of a bowl” for dog.
Following Directions
Your child will need to follow a lot of directions once they start preschool so try some exercises at home to improve this skill. You can play the traditional “Red Light, Green Light” game with them, but with an added twist. Like the classic game, green means go and red means stop, but try throwing in some additional colors for added following directions practice. You may say that blue means bark like a dog, white means scratch his head, and pink means hop on one leg. Throwing in some of these other colors as directives will teach your child to listen carefully and follow the directions appropriately. Simon Says is another fun game you can play to build this skill. Your child must listen to the “commands” and follow the directions accordingly.
The perfect balance of education and nature to create a great foundation for learning.
Located in Gowanus, Brooklyn, Rivendell Preschool is an ‘amplified’ Montessori program for children ages 2 – 5. At Rivendell teachers know that learning to get along with a wide range of friends and respecting their similarities and differences has lasting benefits for each student! Visit Rivendell for an inperson tour of our classrooms, rooftop play yard and backyard Growing Connections greenhouse where children and teachers work and play together. Email Kara.pereira@rivendellnyc.org to join an in-person weekday morning tour.
In-Person Tours
rivendellnyc.org 718-499-5667 277 Third Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11215 for 2024-2025 Admissions Starting NOW!
TOP Preschools
Back to school is a busy time, but for parents also caring for very young children it can be even more hectic if they aren’t attending preschool. Enrolling young kids in preschool is highly beneficial for their early social, cognitive and emotional development in a multitude of ways, but it’s also a plus for busy parents who work or need more time in the day to check off the endless items in their to-do lists. It’s a win/win all around, especially since it will prepare them for “big kid school” when the time comes.
If you are thinking of signing your little one up for early educational adventures, consider the excellent preschool programs below.
Dillon Child Study Center at St Joseph’s University 239 Vanderbilt Ave, Clinton Hill, Brooklyn dillon.sjny.edu
At Dillon they believe children learn through play and inquiry. Each child’s development is fostered in all areas — physical, social, intellectual, emotional and moral — as he or she follows a unique pattern in the predictable sequence of growth. Dillon offers full and half-day toddler, preschool and kindergarten programs for 2-5 year olds based on the child development approach to the education of young children. Classes are in an atmosphere where children can express their feelings and ideas freely. Children learn through play, developing confidence, competence, and dispositions for future learning. All programs are led by NYS-certified teachers, and students from St. Joseph’s Department of Child Study assist. The laboratory preschool is composed of modern, spacious classrooms, each of which has an observation booth, and all classes share a beautiful outdoor space.
Early LIFE - A branch of Lutheran Social Services of Metropolitan New York
Locations in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn
718-870-1100, early-life.org
The Early LIFE program is committed to building partnerships with families and com-
munities to support the health, education and well-being of children and families. Early LIFE provides all children ages 2-5 with developmentally and age-appropriate experiences through play-based learning and enrichment. Utilizing a holistic approach to meet the needs of changing times, their programming focuses on school readiness, safety, brain health, family engagement, trauma preparedness and cultural responsiveness that is geared towards equity and social justice. They are committed to providing superior early childhood education experiences and a high quality learning environment that enables every child to become a creative, confident thinker. Early LIFE offers traditional childcare, Early Head Start and Head Start and Universal pre-K programs.
Hanson Place Child Development Center
55 Hanson Pl
718-237-4303
hansonplaceinc.com/
Hanson Place Child Development Center, Inc. serves children 8 weeks to 5 years old with programs for infants through pre-K. They provide childhood services to State Employees and the local community. HPCDC is an alternative to the high cost of childcare in New York City. Located in the iconic Shirley Chislom building, across from the Atlantic Avenue terminal, the center has six classrooms, and an indoor gross-motor gym. They foster confidence, inspire civic mindedness and instill a love for learning. HPCDC provides a safe, healthy, caring and stimulating environment to meet the children’s emotional, social, physical, intellectual, cultural and developmental needs. At Hanson Place, they consistently strive to foster a community of intentional caring and strongly encourage family involvement and
participation in activities such as workshops to assist parents in finding resources to help the children develop.
Montessori Day School of Brooklyn 237 Park Place, Prospect Heights montessoridayschool.org
A warm and welcoming community serving children ages two to five, MDS has been a steady beacon of warmth, comfort and learning in the community for over 4 decades. At MDS, they encourage every child’s natural curiosity and readiness to learn and create a nurturing and fun atmosphere that promotes independence and self-esteem and creates life-long learners. They create a nurturing and fun atmosphere that promotes independence and self-esteem, and creates life-long learners. The staff works to ensure that the school community is as richly diverse as the city we live in. Their diversity committee is dedicated to social justice and equity for students, families, and staff. Their tuition assistance program provides access to an MDS education for all children.
NY Kids Club Preschool Brooklyn
Multiple locations throughout Brooklyn nykidsclub.com/
Discover NY Preschool, where children aged 18 months to four years embark on a journey of awe and wonder. Their enriching curriculum blends stories, songs, and art with core subjects, sparking lifelong curiosity. The school’s vibrant teaching team brings lessons to life, ensuring each child enjoys engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Students thrive in the pristine classrooms and state-ofthe-art gym facilities, participating in courses led by experts in language, dance, gymnastics, STEAM, Spanish, sign language, and music. Their unique approach nurtures intellectual,
physical, and social growth, preparing your child for future success. Register at NY Preschool, where a warm, nurturing environment and purposeful play create the perfect foundation for your child’s development.
Plymouth Church School
75 Hicks Street, Brooklyn plymouthchurchschool.org
Plymouth Church School is a special place where children are encouraged to explore and ask questions about the world around them. The school’s philosophy is based on three principal goals: to help children develop a strong sense of self, to impart the importance of community, and to foster a life-long love of learning.At Plymouth, children use their natural curiosity to build knowledge and make connections. The school’s emergent, project-based curriculum engages children’s interests, ideas, experiences and sense of wonder. Through in-depth studies children learn to ask questions, make meaningful connections, solve problems, communicate ideas and reflect on their work. Academic skills are embedded throughout the
curriculum.The school’s carefully designed spaces—including nine classrooms, an art atelier, materials center, library, music room, plus their expansive gymnasium and outdoor playground—inspire discovery and learning.
Petits Poussins French Daycares and Preschools
Locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn Director@vhggroupny.comp Admin@vhggroupny.com
Vhggroupny.com
Petits Poussins French Daycares and Preschools are at the foundation of your family’s bilingual education journey. With locations throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, their dedicated and professional caregivers are trained to provide the best care, offering the attention, love, and fun that make children excited to come to school every day. Additionally, their experienced educators engage students from 3 months to four years by using an integrated, standard based, academic curriculum full of activities which are focus on arts, sciences, and mathematics, while learning a second
language. Through their bilingual immersion program, children learn while they play, gaining more than just a second language. At Petits Poussins, teachers instill a love of learning in children, making learning both easy and fun for them.
Rivendell School
277 3rd Ave rivendellnyc.org kara.pereira@rivendellnyc.org
Located in Gowanus, Brooklyn, Rivendell Preschool is an enriched Montessori program for children ages 2-5 enhanced by a wide range of opportunities for joyful work and play. The inclusive community is known for its warmth and welcoming nature, and they know that learning to respect the similarities and differences within a wide range of friends and families has lasting benefits for everyone! Visit Rivendell for an in-person tour of our beautiful classrooms, rooftop play yard and backyard Growing Connections greenhouse. See for yourself how the early childhood years are celebrated by families and staff! Email to join an in-person weekday morning tour.
Tips for Parenting When You're Sick
By KAITLyN RIGGIO
Let’s face it: sick days happen. Even with continual handwashing, cleaning and hand sanitizing practices, it’s virtually impossible to avoid getting sick once in a while. And when you can’t take a sick day from being a parent like you can take a sick day off of work. Family life continues while you’re trying to get better.
When you’re a parent, getting sick can throw a serious monkey wrench into your daily family routines. On top of focusing on feeling better, you’re also thinking about how to keep the household up and running while you’re out of commission.
We sat down with Dr. Julia Samton, psychiatrist from The Midtown Practice, about how parents can stay on top of parenting while sick or under the weather.
Know Your Rights
New York State has laws in place securing your right to sick leave from work. If you’re a working parent, knowing your employer’s sick leave policy can help you on the path towards resting and feeling better.
“Recognizing and knowing what your rights are is important,” Samton says.
Plan Ahead
It’s not really possible to predict when you’ll
get sick, but it’s bound to happen at one point or another.
Get ahead of the game by making a plan for what day to day life looks like when you or your partner get sick.
“It’s worthwhile to have a discussion, either with your partner or somebody that you’re co-parenting with, about a plan for what to do when you’re sick,” Samton says.
This plan won’t look the same for every family, but having an idea of what to do when sickness strikes can ease a lot of stress when it inevitably happens.
Call in Reinforcements
Parenting is never a one-man show, but that’s especially true when you’re sick. While putting together your sick day plan, brainstorm with your partner who you could call if you need extra support.
“I think you want to have a short list of people who can be on call, whether that’s friends, family members or babysitters,” Samton says. “Have a list of not just one or two, but five or six people.”
If you’re not located near family or you run out of support on your list, look into options like an emergency nanny (often offered through nanny agencies), after school programs or community programs.
Bringing in a friend or an emergency nanny might be a good choice, especially if
you or your partner work remotely.
“If you have someone new watching your kids or helping you out, you will be at home,” Samton says. “So even though you can’t be doing as much because you’re I’ll, you’ll be at home to supervise.”
Recognize Your Limitations
Even with the best plans, not everything is going to go perfectly on a sick day. Between the changes in routine and not feeling at the top of your game physically, things are bound to go wrong at one spot or another.
Knowing and accepting that things won’t be perfect on a sick day is half the battle.
“It’s important to recognize your limitations, because we all have limitations, and accept the fact that not everything has to be perfect and things aren’t going to be able to get done in the same manner when you’re not feeling physically well,” Samton says.
This might be hard to handle, but things going awry when you’re sick doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent. And accepting this will make focusing taking care of yourself on a sick day much easier.
“We just have to really work on accepting and recognizing our limitations and realize that that’s not a statement on who we are as a parent or as people,” Samton says. “The quicker you accept your own humanity, the better.”
Notice of Nondiscriminator y Policy as to Students
G r e e n e H i l l S c h o o l ( t h e “ S c h o o l ” ) admits students of any race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, national and ethnic origin to all the r i g h t s , p r i v i l e g e s , p
, a n d activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender i d e n t i t y o
orientation,
programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.
2024-2025 NYC School Calendar
August 19-20
September 5
September 12
September 19
September 26
October 3–4
October 14
November 1
November 5
November 7
November 11
November 14
November 21
November 22
November 28–29
Dec. 24–Jan. 1
January 20
January 21–24
January 27
January 28
January 29
February 17–21
March 6
March 13
March 20
March 21
March 31
April 14–18
May 1
May 8
May 15
May 16
May 26
June 5
June 6
June 10
June 11
June 17- 26
June 19
June 26
Tuesday-Wednesday Regents Administration
First day of school
Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for elementary schools and Pre-K Centers
Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for middle schools and D75 schools
Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K–12, and 6–12 schools
Thursday–Friday Rosh Hashanah, schools closed
Italian Heritage/Indigenous Peoples’ Day, schools closed
Diwali, schools closed
Election Day, students do not attend school
Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for elementary schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early
Veterans Day, schools closed
Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for middle schools and D75 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early
Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K–12, and 6–12 schools
Afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K–12, and 6–12 schools; s students in these schools dismissed three hours early
Thursday–Friday Thanksgiving Recess, schools closed
Tuesday–Wednesday Winter Recess, schools closed
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, schools closed
Tues-Friday Regents Administration
Professional Development Day
First day of Spring Semester
Lunar New Year, schools closed
Monday–Friday Midwinter Recess, schools closed
Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for elementary schools and Pre-K Centers; students in these schools dismissed three hours early
Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for middle schools and D75 schools, students in these schools dismissed three hours early
Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K–12, and 6–12 schools
Afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K–12, and 6–12 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early
Eid al-Fitr, schools closed
Monday–Friday Spring Recess, schools closed
Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for elementary schools and Pre-K Centers
Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for middle schools and D75 schools
Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K–12, and 6–12 schools
Afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K–12, and 6–12 schools
Memorial Day, schools closed
Eid al-Adha / Anniversary Day; schools closed
Clerical Day; no classes for students attending 3-K, Pre-K, elementary schools, middle schools, K–12 schools, and standalone D75 programs
The first administration of the new Regents Examinations in Life Science: Biology, and Earth and Space Sciences
The first administration of the new Regents Examination in Geometry
Tuesday-Thursday Regents Administration
Juneteenth, schools closed
Last day of school for students
The Ultimate Guide to AFTERSCHOOL
PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
The Many Benefits of Afterschool Programs
By Serena norr
According to the Afterschool Alliance, kids spend more than 1,200 hours in school every year. While that may seem like a substantial amount of time, school only accounts for 20% of a child’s time. This is why after-school programs and activities are a big part of our kids’ school experience. Programs and activities are essential in fostering social and emotional growth, just as important as academic reasons. For busy parents, particularly those juggling work commitments (#iykyk), these programs provide a space where children can thrive safely and productively, extending the learning and joy beyond the regular school hours.
Read on to discover more about why after-school programs are so beneficial to kids and their families.
Meet New Friends
After-school classes allow kids to connect and meet new people outside of school. Extracurricular activities help form a community and forge a sense of belonging as they hyper-focus on one activity. This can also benefit students who struggle with making friends in school, where they can connect with a different set of peers in smaller groups.
Encourages Physical Activity
After-school activities, like sports, encourage kids to participate in teamwork as well as offer physical activity, help with stress, may improve self-esteem, foster healthy habits, and may promote mental well-being. Kids who participate in sports may also forge longterm bonds that they participate in until the end of high school.
Expose Kids to New Programs
Many schools have limited programming within music and the arts. After-school programming allows kids to try these
programs and express themselves in a new way through acting, music, and/or learning a new artistic skill. They can also help unleash creativity, improve communication, boost confidence, and improve focus and concentration.
Programs are Fun
After-school activities are fun and offer a way for kids to do something exciting and engaging beyond their typical school day. This can be a release for students with a rigorous and intense course load and schedule.
Helps Support Working Parents
Here in New York, we have some of the best after-school programs in the country. Participating in an after-school program allows kids to thrive in a safe and supervised environment until a parent or guardian can pick them up.
Provides a Safe and Supportive Environment
After-school programs provide a safe space during times when some kids might be unsupervised. Under an instructor’s guidance, kids develop new skills and learn from a mentor/teacher who can help kids foster new passions/interests. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, “regular participation in an after-school program may also reduce risky behaviors and help kids gain college and career-needed skills.”
Academic Benefits
A supportive after-school program provides a well-rounded educational experience that can impact other aspects of school, such as improved concentration, reduced behavioral problems, and fostering new passions, helping lift kids’ moods and well-being.
Finding an Afterschool Activity for Your Child
By Stacey eBert
As a kid, I loved after-school extracurricular classes. Whether summer camp, gymnastics, or high school clubs –regardless of the time of year- I embraced the energy that came with all activities. As a young adult, I led youth groups, ran after-school classes at the local community center, and taught many kids to swim. I felt lucky to have teachers and counselors who chose to share their time, energy, expertise, and talents.
As the kids return to school, it’s time to ensure those young minds have extracurricular classes, activities, or sports to engage, foster, and energize their spirits. Parents should know something exists for all kids – it might take time, effort, trial and error, thinking outside the box, recruiting experts, and listening to your child’s voice. It might mean investments in energy, money, community, and heart. However long it takes to find the thing that lights them up – it’s worth it.
Here are four tips to help find an engaging extracurricular class or activity for your child.
Listen actively to the kind of activity , class your child needs Kids have a way of sharing their thoughts. Young children might not have the words yet, but they know how they feel. Those with the words might not have the meaning flushed out, and some kids may be shy and might need coaxing to try something new. Listen to what seems to interest them and provide options, give them the tools to research, keep an open line of communication, remind them they’ve got a support system, encourage giving it a try, and help them see that the nervous excitement of expanding that comfort zone is worth both the risk and joy.
Know what sorts of classes, sports your child gravitates towards There is something for everyone in New
York – offering many enriching activities encompassing diverse arts, including painting, sculpting, dancing, drawing, poetry, writing, music, theater, and more. Engaging in the arts fosters talent and expands your child’s understanding of the world, nurturing a heightened sense of selfawareness. For those passionate about sports, tailor-made winter classes are available after school or on weekends, providing the ideal outlet for children to expend their boundless energy.
Don’t overextend your child’s extracurricular schedule
Parent tip: If you’re overextended, your child is overscheduled, or your child (or you!) is about to experience sensory overload, then less is more. One meaningful activity is more than enough.
If one day a week or a few hours each is sufficient, it will work for your child and, most importantly, the family.
There is an activity, class, or sport out there for every child
In families with more than one kid, you may
run around and do different activities for your children, as only all of your kids will want to do the same sport or class.
So, lead them to what they will thrive in or take a mild interest and turn it into a fullon hobby.
For example, If your child has an ear for languages, steer them towards an international culture or language club. If they’re pulled towards teams, leadership, and exercise, see what types of sports or club teams are out there for them. If they crave connection and want to learn creative pursuits, consider opening their world towards what’s possible in arts, community service, or learning something new. They want to practice swimming midwinter, there’s a club for that. They want to learn chess and build their interpersonal skills simultaneously; there’s a class for that. They want to learn marketing, debate, and business skills – there’s an organization for that. They want to learn survival skills and embrace the goals of scouts and leadership; there’s a space for that.
Give them a safe, non-judgemental space to share their interests and thrive.
THE AILEY SCHOOL JUNIOR DIVISION
Growing in Leaps and Bounds
First Steps & Bounding Boys (ages 3-6)
Creative movement classes
Pre-Professional Training Program (ages 7-17) Ballet, modern, West African, and more
Accepting new students for 2024-25 school year AlvinAiley.org/School
Photos by Rosalie O’Connor.
Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation
The Joan Weill Center for Dance
405 West 55th Street, NY alvinailey.org/school/ programs/junior-division
The Ailey School’s Junior Division offers a highly structured curriculum for conservatory training. Students in the PreProfessional program (ages 7 to 17) participate in after school and weekend classes during the school year. All levels include training in ballet and at least one other technique. As students progress, more techniques are added to their training such as jazz, Horton, modern, pointe, tap, and West African. In First Steps and Bounding Boys (ages 3 to 6), children develop an understanding between dance, rhythm, and music through a weekly series of fun exercises.
Fall Registration Now Open!
Early Childhood (Ages 2-5)
Kids & Teens (Ages 5-15) Day Camps
Private Lessons
Birthday Parties
skateyogi.com
hello@skateyogi.com
PLG | Williamsburg | 92NY
FasTracKids
1605 Voorhies Ave. 718-891-5437 ftkny.com
FasTracKids has been offering award winning enrichment programs for the past 20 years, ranging from preschool to homeschooling help, gifted & talented preparation, tutoring and test prep. Also offering chess and STEAM classes as well as NYS Math & ELA, TACHS and SHSAT prep. FTK believes that every child has their own special gift or talent, and with the proper instruction and reinforcement, every child can achieve their true gifted potential!
NY Kids Club Preschool
Brooklyn
Multiple Locations in Brooklyn: Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Dumbo, Park Slope nykidsclub.com
NY Kids Club enrichment classes provide children with
access to a diverse array of experiences designed to ignite lifelong passions. From Cooking to Musical Theatre, these classes offer a rich, hands-on curriculum that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning. Young chefs can explore the culinary arts in a fun and engaging environment, learning to create delicious global dishes while understanding the importance of nutrition. Budding performers can step into the spotlight in Musical Theatre class, where they develop confidence, teamwork, and artistic expression through acting, singing, and dancing. These enrichment programs, amongst their broad fall lineup of classes, are crafted to inspire curiosity and build foundational skills that children will carry with them throughout their lives.
Park Slope United Locations Throughout Brooklyn parkslopeunited.com Park Slope United is Brooklyn’s premier youth soccer club. While there are many options for soccer classes for kids in Brooklyn, only one choice offers the promise of a full-service youth soccer club where children can continue to grow and learn beyond the basics. As the borough’s largest club, PSU offers classes and programs (for kids 2-12 years old) in nearly every corner of Brookyn for every skill level, from beginner classes to serious academy travel pograms. All lasses begin after Labor Day, and happen once per week for 10 weeks. There are options for girls-only classes as well.
SKATEYOGI
Williamsburg, 58 N. 9th Street Prospect Lefferts Gardens, 140 Empire Blvd 718-484-9777
skateyogi.com
Discover the joy of skateboarding with SKATEYOGI! At their two indoor skate spaces, SKATEYOGI offers skateboarding programs in a fun, creative environment for all ages (ages 2 to adults). Their small teacher-to-student ratio and ego-free approach make every student feel welcome. Weekly group classes, private lessons, birthday parties, and day camps on school holidays are available. An open-level format welcomes absolute beginners to experienced skaters. Skateboard renta is included.
Triple Promise Academy for the Performing Arts 155 Bay Ridge Avenue triplepromise.com info@triplepromise.com
Triple Promise offers a robust five-day afterschool program, featuring classes in acting, dance, vocal music, stagecraft, Shakespeare, musical theatre, and much more! Snack/homework time runs 2:30-4:00 pm. Performing Arts classes run 4:006:00 pm daily (until 7:15 on Tuesdays and Thursdays). Program culminates in a large-scale theatrical production on a professional stage in June. Tuition fees are all-inclusive; costumes, scenery, props, etc. are all covered. This year’s show is William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.
Park Slope United Park Slope United Soccer Club
Afterschool Leaders
Ask any kid who their favorite teacher is, and it’s likely to be the one teaching their favorite subject (which explains why there are so many beloved gym teachers out there). So there’s a good possibility that the person leading the exciting activities your child attends after school - when the fun really happens - is someone they admire greatly and enjoy learning from. That’s why it’s so important that the staff at any afterschool programs your child enrolls in are trustworthy, knowledgeable and talented, like the professionals listed below who each serve as exemplary leaders in their respective fields. Read on to learn about the person who might be at the forefront of your child’s next afterschool adventure.
FasTrackKids Learning Center
Veronica Verdino, Director
Veronica has a true passion for educating young children that has resulted in helping those children achieve outstanding results in their schooling and lives. FTKNY offers tutoring, afterschool programs and group classes to children ages 2-14 years old. She has a Master’s Degree in Education as well as in Health Sciences and is an expert in Gifted & Talented Education in New York City with well over 21 Years of expertise since 2003!
Park Slope United
Nate Bell, Club Founder & Executive Director
Nathan Bell is the club’s Executive Director in charge of designing and executing all of PSU’s club strategy. Nate founded the club with the goal of bringing to the United States the type of professional and community-based soccer academy he had experienced in Europe. Since then, he has grown the club to over 3,000 players and over 50 staff members, while maintaining the club’s commitment to community and integrity—and continuing to push forward the level of excellence of the players, coaches and staff each day.
SKATEYOGI
Kevin Banahan, Executive Director
Kevin can’t stop skateboarding. For over 30 years, the challenge, creative outlet, and community formed around skating has become a part of him.
A graduate of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (SM in Environmental Health), Kevin is passionate about promoting a healthy and sustainable urban lifestyle for kids and adults. Through SKATEYOGI group classes and camp programs, Kevin has shared his love of skateboarding and learning with thousands of students.
Triple Promise Academy for the Performing Arts
Jill Hudson, Founding Artistic Director
Jill Hudson is a director, actor, and producer with 23 years of experience in theatre education. Jill’s students have achieved careers on Broadway, in television and major motion pictures. Her work has been featured in many prestigious publications, on television, and radio. In 2022, Jill founded Triple Promise, which now boasts over 130 students across multiple programs. Jill holds a MA in Theatre and a BA in Theatre & English Literature from Roger Williams University.
A Parents Guide to Hiring a NANNY
Helpful tips from experts
BY DONNA DUARTE-LADD
When hiring a nanny, the process can be exciting; you will have expert help, and daunting; finding the right fit is super important to you and your family. Assuring your caregiver aligns with your family’s values, routines, and expectations is key to you and your child’s caregiver.
We connected with Adrian Niles, Executive Director; Charlene Niles, Managing Director; and Laura Davis, Nanny Concierge of Jovie. Jovie’s goal is to reimagine the nanny-babysitter experience for all involved.
Whether you are a first-time parent or looking to hire a new nanny, our guide with these expert tips will help you navigate the process with ease and assurance.
Is it essential to hire a nanny who has worked with children of similar ages as your child?
We recommend finding a nanny with at least 12 months of experience working with children in the same age range as your child. But remember, your children grow quickly! You’ll also need to consider how long you anticipate needing a nanny and consider someone with experience working with the ages your children will reach.
Should all nannies have specific certifications or training in childcare, such as CPR or first aid?
Certifications matter, some more than others. An important aspect of a nanny’s role is the safety of the children and the ability to handle any accidents. Having up-to-date First Aid and CPR Certifications should be an important requirement for your nanny. Infant and Child CPR differ from Adult CPR, so the right training is key. If your nanny needs this training, it’s common for the family to offer to pay for it.
Plus, it’s not bad for parents to receive this certification. This could be a great opportunity to gain helpful skills and bond
with your new nanny!
Should a different fee be involved if you ask your nanny to help with light household chores related to the children, like laundry or meal preparation?
Typically, nannies are responsible for the safety, engagement, and care of the children. This is their primary focus and should take precedence over other activities. Chores that are child-centric, such as cleaning up the playroom, doing the children’s laundry, or cleaning up from meals, are an expected part of the nanny’s job description. Depending
on the children’s age, the nanny might have time to add on other responsibilities. These additional duties should be discussed, agreed upon, and outlined in the employment offer terms.
The hourly wage for a nanny is determined based on the comprehensive job description and should include expected responsibilities. The final wage is determined by many factors, such as how many kids they’ll be working with, their ages, pet care, household duties that are non-child related, and similar expectations. A good rule of thumb—if it is related to the children, it’s
more in line with the typical nanny role and the typical nanny wage. Adding on household duties would increase the expected wage to more of a Nanny and Household Manager role and commensurate wage expectation.
Do you recommend signing a contract outlining expectations, responsibilities, and terms of employment?
Definitely! Just like any traditional job, having a clear understanding of the expectations and responsibilities is key. Putting the details in writing will help avoid awkward issues down the line and clarify any blurred lines around the employee-employer relationship. That’s why knocking out the details during the negotiation period is recommended. A clear job description with specifics of the role, hours, wage, benefits, pay dates, expense reimbursement, and many more details should go into the agreement. For example, many NYC nannies appreciate the inclusion of an unlimited ride MetroCard in their benefit package. Ultimately, the completion of a written contract will help the relationship between the nanny and the family.
Adrian Niles, Executive Director of Jovie, and Charlene Niles, Managing Director, share, “Two important and often overlooked responsibilities of a household employer are the payment of their nanny’s employment taxes and compliance with New York State’s Paid Sick and Family Leave and Workers’ Compensatiorequirements. Whether you choose to do it alone or engage the services of a placement agency, ensure that your legal obligations are adequately addressed.”
What are the most essential questions parents need to consider when hiring their first nanny?
Hiring a nanny for the first time is a big step for most families. It takes time to find the right balance. Families who have never had a nanny will benefit from hiring a nanny with several years of experience. Why? Because the grown-ups are adjusting to having in-home care for the first time, just as much as the children! A seasoned nanny can help shape their role according to the family’s needs and guide the partnership.
When searching for a nanny that’s the right fit for your family, the essential questions to ask are:
“Do you have verifiable experience caring for children similar to our child’s age? What about as they get older? Have you worked
Putting the details in writing will help avoid awkward issues down the line and clarify any blurred lines around the employee-employer relationship.
with a family size like ours before?”
“Can you share references from all past nanny or childcare positions you’ve held?” (Speaking to all past employers is key). “Can you discuss any gaps of unemployment you’ve had?”
Ask specific questions in the interview: “What would you make our toddler for lunch?” If they say they love to take children to the library, ask, “What are your three favorite books for a preschooler?” The most experienced nannies will have no trouble referencing Alexander’s Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day with a smile or describing in detail how they will carefully cut the crusts off the sandwich and ensure it doesn’t touch the peeled apple slices.
You will also want to perform criminal background screens on any candidates.
What types of experience does a well-season nanny possess?
Hiring a nanny isn’t only about general childcare experience. Of course, the love of children and experience caring for children are key starting points. But the beauty of bringing a nanny into your home matches not only personality and style but the experience your family needs today and as your children grow. So, you want to dig deep into the specific experience with the ages your children are and will be during the length of the assignment. And, of course, safety and safe-care training and experience are key.
A well-seasoned nanny should have:
Work experience: At least two years of full-day care for children in the age range is needed. And get specific, how many hours per day; how many days per week? You want to establish that two years of experience is two years of full day care, at least three days per week. And, importantly, this experience should be in a family home. While daycare or preschool teaching experience provides a knowledgeable caregiver, being a
nanny (fully in charge and needing to rely only on themselves for the entire care) is different than being a part of a group care environment.
First Aid, Infant, and Child CPR certifications: that are current (ask to see the certification card) and from a reputable organization such as the Red Cross. If you have a pool or other body of water, include LifeGuard or similar Water Saving Training (and be sure your nanny can swim if water activities are part of the job description!)
Professional Development Trainings: This can be as extensive as a Degree in Child Development or a series of industry trainings specific to the ages under their care.
Experience planning: A seasoned nanny will want to engage with parents in planning activities, enrolling the children in classes and camps (and knowing the best ones to get into), anticipating developmental milestones (it’s time to babyproof the house as the little one is ready to crawl), handling back-toschool or end-of-school year activities, or getting the family ready for a vacation.
Newborn Care: If the role of the nanny is providing care to newborn(s), Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) Certification would be the gold standard. However, a well-seasoned nanny who is a mother herself can be a tremendous hands-on experience that results in amazing care.
Confidence in answering specific questions: Providing specific examples of situations they have handled as a nanny will help you in the interview process. Dig deep, such as: Name three books you’d read to a toddler. How would you approach the separation anxiety of the child while the parent works in the home? Provide a menu for the week for a preschooler’s lunches. The answers to these questions will give you insight into the nanny’s experience and comfort working with a parent to provide the best care and support to the family.
Don’t skip the references: Yes, you like the nanny, and she looks great…why references? Because references not only help you vet the nanny but also can give you tips on how best to work with the nanny. Also, review the resume for gaps in work and get explanations. Seasoned nannies will have no concerns explaining gaps—maybe they were waiting for the right family; maybe they took classes; maybe they cared for a family member.
You can find this and helpful childcare articles on our sister site, mommybites.com.
Apple Picking Orchards
Summer is coming to a close and apple picking will soon be in full gear for 2024. With school starting, what better way to spend your weekend then by heading to one of these farms for apple picking?
Pick fresh apples and make classic apple cider, pie, and more! Many of these farms also offer attractions like playgrounds, farm stand markets and events, making them a great choice for a full day of family fun.
One Hour and Under Demarest Farms
244 Wiermus Road, Hillsdale, NJ (201) 666-0472
(40 min from Midtown)
Starting Sept. 1, you will be able to pick some delicious apples! Step foot in the orchards and start picking delicious apples for your seasonal pies, ciders and more. Some of their tasty apples include Cameo, Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Mutsu (Crispin), Red Delicious, Snap Dragon and Zestar. $8 per person (age 2 and over), which includes free parking and entrance to the apple orchard and access to an on-site petting zoo and playground. Demarest Farms is still using a reservation system for apple picking this year, so be sure to make a reservation in their system ahead of time.
Hillview Farms
223 Meyersville Road, Gillette, NJ (908) 647-0957
(50 min from Midtown)
Make the trip to Hillview Farms to pick seasonal apples. You can’t go wrong with the classic red apple, but make sure to take home a few other delicious options, such as Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Jonathan, Macoun, McIntosh and Stayman/Winesap. Open 9 am to 6 pm (field closed to the public at 5 pm), daily.
One Hour to One Hour and a Half
Dr. Davies Farm
306 NY-304, Congers, NY
(845) 268-7020
(1 hr 10 min from Midtown)
Warm apple pie days are here! Visit Dr. Davies Farm starting on Aug. 31 to pick
apples for all your delicious fall desserts. You will be able to pick from 5,000 trees, with 27 different varieties of apples, spanning over 65 acres. Bring the whole family (even the dog!) for a great outing that everyone will enjoy for the fall season. Keep in mind the farm is cash only, so come prepared if you’re planning on buying anything from the farmstand while you’re there. Open 10 am to 4 pm, daily.
Riamede Farm
122 Oakdale Road, Chester, NJ (908) 879-7762
(1 hr 20 min from Midtown)
With 40 types of apples, Riamede Farm has opened its apple picking! Get a taste of their ripening apples, or check out their other varieties as they begin to ripen over the course of the fall season. Farm Passes are required for entry and should be purchased prior to arrival. The farm expects to open for the 2024 season on Aug. 1. Open 9 am to 4:30 pm, daily.
Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard
130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY (914) 485-1210
(1 hr 20 min from Midtown)
Be part of the excitement at Harvest Moon for their biggest time of the year. This family-owned and operated apple orchard is welcoming their main harvest with a variety of delicious apples. Bring the family to visit the orchards for apple picking as well as their farm store that has farm-raised meats and dairy products. Open 9 am to 5 pm, daily.
Stuart’s Fruit Farm
62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs, NY (914) 245-2784
(1 hr 20 min from Midtown)
Since 1828, Stuart’s Fruit Farm has been a proud family-operated farm. Starting Sep. 6, bring your family along for the beginning of the apple picking season where there will be an array of apples to choose from! There’s over 20 varieties of apples to choose from spread across the months of September and October. Open 10 am to 5 pm, daily.
Alstede Farms
1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ
(908) 879-7189
(1 hr 20 min from Midtown)
Alstede Farms invites your family to pick their crisp, seasonal apples for the fall season. Bring home this delicious fruit for making traditional homemade apple pie, cider and delightful pastries. Choose from over 50 different varieties. Don’t forget to check out the other fun activities offered on the farm, such as the tractor-drawn wagon ride, seeing the sunflower field and more! Tickets must be purchased online, in advance, utilizing time slots. Tickets become available 24 hours in advance.
Apple Ridge Orchards
101 Jessup Road, Warwick, NY (845) 987-7717
(1 hr 30 min from Midtown)
Kick off the fall season by visiting the most scenic and rustic pick-your-own farm. Just 60 miles from New York City, you can pick from a variety of 20 different apples throughout the Hudson and Warwick Valley starting Aug. 31. They even have dwarf trees that little ones can reach! No reservations are needed, but admission is cash only. Open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday and all holidays.
Lawrence Farms Orchards
306 Frozen Ridge Road, Newburgh, NY (845) 562-4268
(1 hr 30 min from Midtown)
Take a drive to Lawrence Farms Orchards and make it a family day out! Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the farm and have a blast picking a variety of apples such as Ginger Gold, Zestar, Ozark Gold and Gala available now. Open 9 am to 4 pm, daily. Admission is $7 per person Monday through Thursday and $10 per person on weekends and holidays. Children under 2 years old are free. Season passes available.
Barton Orchards
63 Apple Tree Lane, Poughquag, NY
(845) 227-2306
(1 hr 30 min from Midtown)
Switch up your typical weekend plans and take a family car ride to Barton Orchards. These apples are known for being the best in the area with over 120 acres of apple trees to pick from.
Apple picking goes from August 12 through November. As we move through the fall season, a variety of different apples will be available for picking, such as Early Golds in August, Jona macs in September, and Ida Reds in October. And, to make sure that you have the freshest apples, Barton’s Orchards rotates picking areas around the farm! In order to pick apples, you must purchase a Barton apple bag that day.
Masker Orchards
45 Ball Road, Warwick, NY (845) 986-1058
(1 hr 30 min from Midtown)
Masker Orchards is a go-to for family-friendly apple picking in the Hudson Valley region (you can even bring the dog). Drive right to the trees with your family and then get lost in the massive orchard picking a variety of apples (picking poles are also available) and taking in the views and foliage. With 14 varieties of apples ripening throughout the season at Masker Orchards, you’re sure to find all of your family’s favorites. To help make sure of this, they put together an approximate ripening guide. Admission,
parking and bags are free and apples are $33.95 per bag. Apple picking season this year starts the first week of September and goes into mid October. Open 9 am to 5 pm, daily.
Fishkill Farms
9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, NY (845) 897-4377
(1 hr 30 min from Midtown)
Fishkill Farms has been part of the Morgenthau family for over 100 years and invites your family for the apple picking season. This 270-acre apple orchard offers a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year that you can pick. Stop by for their apple picking season in the months of September and October. Open 9 am to 4:45 pm on Tuesdays to Sundays, by reservation only.
Over
an Hour and a Half Apple Dave’s Orchard
82 Four Corners Road, Warwick, NY (845) 772-1242
(1 hr 40 min from Midtown)
Start your apple picking at Apple Dave’s Or-
chards and take home a variety of apples like McIntosh, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Gala, Empire, Jonagold, Rome Beauty, Red Delicious, Macoun, Fuji and Golden Delicious apples. You can also visit their farm store where they have fresh-pressed apple cider, apple donuts, pies, flowers and seasonal items. Admission is $5 per adult and children over five, and apple picking starts Labor Day Weekend.
Harbes Family Farm
5698 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY (631) 683-8388
(2 hrs from Midtown)
The star attraction at the 78-acre Harbes Family Farm is the breathtakingly beautiful apple orchard. Featuring 27 different varieties, the orchard uses an innovative trellis system to grow apples that are within reach of even the smallest of hands. Prices vary from $10 per person for the Early Bird Special (three lb bag) to the $22 per person Apple Lovers Big Bag Special (12 lb bag). On weekends and holidays they offer pig races, singing hayride tours, and hosted interactive activities. Plus, Harbes Barnyard Adventure (a paid admission area of Harbes Family Farm) has eight acres of family-friendly fun where you can see farm animals and chicken and more.
Bishop’s Orchards
1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT (203) 453-2338
(2 hrs from Midtown)
Bishop’s Orchards takes pride in growing the highest quality fruits to enjoy year after year from their family to yours. They grow over 20 varieties of apples that suit all your needs for cooking, gifts, or a quick snack on the go. At their pick-your-own locations, they offer 8 quart bags for $25 and 1/2 bushel bags for $45. Bishop’s Orchards also has an ice cream stand, featuring delicious flavors, sundaes, ice cream sandwiches and their specialty, the Bishop’s Blitz!
Hank’s PumpkinTown
240 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY (631) 726-4667
(2 hrs from Midtown)
Hank’s PumpkinTown in Water Mill, NY is well-known to families for its amazing apple picking and over 30 acres of fall family fun! It costs $30 to pick one peck (about 10 pounds of apples), after you’ve had your fill of apple picking, wander over to the wooden playground, maze park, face painting, and gem mining. The Market has yummy, freshly baked pies, cookies, cupcakes, candy apples and ever-popular cider donuts.
calendar
BY SHARA LEVINE
BROOKLYN
Ed Center 9th Birthday Celebration
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 7, 1 – 5 pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy Environmental Education Center, 99 Plymouth St. Downtown Brooklyn
AGES: All
WHAT: Celebrate the Environmental Education Center’s 9th birthday with a day full of celebratory activities, crafts, and games.
WANT TO GO?: Free. brooklynbridgepark.org
Bus Festival
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 8, 10 am – 3:30 pm
WHERE: Emily Warren Roebling Plaza at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Main St. & John St., Downtown Brooklyn
AGES: All
WHAT: Explore vintage buses, enjoy photo ops, and take in the view of the Manhattan skyline.
WANT TO GO?: Free. nytransitmuseum.org
Bugging Out: Walk for Kids
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 15, 10 –11:30 am
WHERE: The Green-Wood Cemetery, 500 25th St., South Slope
AGES: 4 – 12
WHAT: Observe insects that your favorite birds eat and that pollinate the flowers around us.
WANT TO GO?: $25; $5 ages 4-12. green-wood.com
Rolie Polie Guacamole
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 21, 11 am – 12 pm
WHERE: Jalopy Theatre, 315 Columbia Street, Carroll Gardens
AGES: All
WHAT: Rolie Polie Guacamole
will have everyone singing and dancing along at this concert for the whole family.
WANT TO GO?: $10 in advance; $12 at the door; $35 Family Ticket (2 kids, 2 adults). (718) 395–3214, jalopytheatre.org
Tumble’s Dino-Tastic LIVE Show!
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 21, 10 am – 12 pm
WHERE: ShapeShifter Lab, 837 Union St., South Slope AGES: 5 – 12
WHAT: Learn all about fossils, flex your dinosaur knowledge, and have a great time answering the big questions like “Did Dinosaurs Burp?”
WANT TO GO?: $20. shapeshifterplus.org
The Rock and Roll Playhouse Plays the Music
of Taylor Swift + More
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 22, 12:30 – 1:30 pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: 1-7
WHAT: Calling all Swifties! Dance and sing along to your favorite Taylor songs at this concert for kids.
WANT TO GO?: $16. brooklynbowl.com
Brooklyn Book Festival: Children’s Day
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 28, 10 am – 4 pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Commons at MetroTech, 15 MetroTech Center, Downtown Brooklyn AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy a full day of readings, workshops, performances, book signings, and art projects with favorite
authors and illustrators. WANT TO GO?: Free. brooklynbookfestival.org
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 28, 12:30 – 2:30 pm & 7:30 – 9:30 pm.
WHERE: Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave., Boerum Hill AGES: All
WHAT: Car-crushing, highflying, family-friendly fun awaits when favorites like Mega Wrex, Bigfoot®, and more take center stage in epic monster truck action.
WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $47.50. hotwheelsmonstertruckslive.com
Family Farm Day
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 29, 10 am – 3 pm.
Don’t miss the New York Transit Museum’s Bus Festival in Brooklyn Bridge Park on September 8.
WHERE: Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farm, 850 3rd Ave., Sunset Park
AGES: All
WHAT: Head to the rooftop farm for compost, wiggly worms, and empty bee hives to investigate!
WANT TO GO?: Free. citygrowers.org
Atlantic Antic
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 29, 12 – 6 pm
WHERE: Atlantic Ave., Boerum Hill
AGES: All
WHAT: The oldest and largest street festival in Brooklyn features non-stop music and entertainment, a kids’ block with pony rides, bounce houses, face painting and more.
WANT TO GO?: Free. (718) 875–8993, atlanticave.org
MANHATTAN
The Feast of San Gennaro
WHEN: Sept. 12-22, see website for complete schedule
WHERE: Mulberry Street, Little Italy
AGES: All
WHAT: This iconic festival features live music, a Grand Procession, favorite Italian foods, and so much more.
WANT TO GO?: Free. sangennaronyc.org
Tunes and Treats Kids Food Festival
WHEN: Sept. 28-29, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm
WHERE: Pier 57, 25 11th Ave., Chelsea
AGES: All
WHAT: Learn about making balanced food choices and wholesome lifelong eating habits while enjoying live music, cooking demos, yoga, and more.
WANT TO GO?: Free admission. kidsfoodfestival. com
Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical!
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 28, 2 – 4 pm
WHERE: BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199
Chambers St., Tribeca
AGES: 3 – 8
WHAT: See everyone’s favorite pigeon jump off the pages and on to the stage in this musical adaptation.
WANT TO GO?: $40. tribecapac.org
QUEENS
The Amazing Maize Maze
WHEN: Sept. 7-Oct. 36, Fridays, 2 – 5:30 pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am – 4:30 pm
WHERE: Queens County Farm Museum, 75-50 Little Neck Parkway, Glen Oaks
AGES: All
WHAT: Navigate your way through New York City’s only corn maze.
WANT TO GO?: $14; $10 ages 4-11. (718) 347–3276, queensfarm.org
Fall Into The Garden
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 22, noon – 4 pm
WHERE: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing
AGES: All
WHAT: Get ready for fall with a music-filled garden party and activities featuring live music, local artists, apple and honey tastings, and a dance party with WFUV DJs spinning the tunes.
WANT TO GO?: $2-$6. (718) 886–3800, queensbotanical. org
at Happy Land Memorial Monument, 1976 Crotona Parkway, Bronx Park South
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy a day filled with vibrant colors, delicious food, lively music, and traditional dances celebrating the rich culture of Central America.
WANT TO GO?: Free. eventbrite.com
Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo
WHEN: Sept. 26-Oct. 27, Thursdays – Sundays, 7 pm
WHERE: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx Park South
AGES: All
New York BagelFest
WHEN: Saturday. Sept. 28, 10 am – 4 pm
WHERE: Citi Field, 41 Seaver Way, Flushing MeadowsCorona Park
AGES: All
WHAT: Explore an extraordinary lineup of 50 esteemed exhibitors, along with unlimited tastings, lively entertainment, and competitive events.
WANT TO GO?: $49; free admission for children 12 and younger. bagelfest.com
BRONX
28th Annual Central American Parade and Cultural Festival
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 8, 10 am – 6 pm
WHERE: Parade begins
WHAT: See more than 5,000 animal-themed jack o’lanterns along with food trucks, lawn games, photo opps, live pumpkin carvings, face painting, trivia and more!
WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $24.95; free for children 3 and younger. bronxzoo.com
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
WHEN: Sept. 27-Nov. 30, Thursdays – Sundays, 6 – 10 pm.
WHERE: New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Belmont
AGES: All
WHAT: Join Jack Skellington and Sally as your favorite characters, scenes, and songs from the immortal film come to life with over 8,300 square feet of dazzling light installations.
WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $39. (718) 817–8700, thenightmarebeforechristmaslighttrail.com
Rolie Polie Guacamole visits Jalopy Theatre on September 21.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt reaches new heights with accessibility innovations
By Donna Duarte-LaDD
New Yorkers and visitors love their heights, and our skyscrapers are some of the most iconic in the world. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, a three-level multi-sensory art immersion many of us have already visited, is one of those visual experiences. Yet, did you know they are super accessible too?
As we have shared before, when you are parents to a child with a disability or have a disability yourself, it can be overwhelming for all when wanting to visit a busy cultural spot. Already a multi-sensory experience, the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt observatory is suspended almost 1300 feet, where you can experience an eclectic showing of art, sky boxes, and a stunning observation deck designed to be interactive and engaging for visitors.
Advocacy is part of Summit One Vanderbilts fabric
From the beginning, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has always woven accessibility into its experience. Their advocacy for change in how people with disabilities experience their space is something they have always invested in.
In partnership with Accessible Travel NYC, the local authority on inclusive travel in NYC, and created by Potter Productions, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has unveiled a series of accessibility videos for marketing, training, and guest experience services highlighting the immersive space’s capabilities. It was amazing to learn about how important it has been to know about the experts who have helped shape their accessibility initiatives, for example, learning how to address neurodivergent people. The team at One Summit is invested in the underrepresented being seen and heard and is always open to learning to improve.
What we learned
We learned a lot, but the standouts that we feel will benefit families are:
• Service animals are welcomed
• Every level of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is fully wheelchair accessible across all four levels
• You can contact One Summit (at least three weeks before the date you wish to visit) to request a Sighted Guide or an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter
Visit summitov.com/accessibility to download Sensory Access Maps and social narratives and learn about their accessibility initiative.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets: $43-$63
45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
The entrance is located on the Main Concourse of Grand Central Terminal
