(Parents like us a lot too.)

BayCare Kids is trusted by more parents in Tampa Bay than any other health system. BayCare Kids is committed to keeping children healthy so they can become healthy adults, and we’ve got an entire network dedicated to the unique medical needs of kids. Whether it’s small scrapes, broken bones or something more serious, our experienced doctors, extraordinary nurses and team members, convenient locations and variety of services, ensures the best health care for your child. The BayCare Kids network includes our flagship hospital, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, which provides comprehensive, highly specialized care for kids with complex conditions like congenital heart defects and cancer. Kids grow up fast. We’re here to help them grow up healthy, too. Learn more: BayCareKids.org

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITORIAL MANAGER

Laura Byrne

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Anu Varma Panchal

Brie Gorecki

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Sarah Rigby

OPERATIONS ASSISTANT

Zoe Joiner

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Laura Byrne

Brie Gorecki

Sarah Rigby

Jenny P.

Anu Varma Panchal

Gabriela Flores

Alexis Yahre

Laura Cross

Karimah Henry

Kiran Malik-Khan

Maggie Rodriguez

Tara Payor, Ph.D.

Julie Tingley

Ellen McVay

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Ralf Gonzalez

Jim Byrne

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Jennifer Dufek

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Laura Byrne

Thats4Entertainment

Karimah Henry

Sarah Jin

Jen Naugle Photography

BOOKKEEPING

James Anderson

TAMPA BAY

PARENTING MAGAZINE

320 W. Kennedy Blvd. Ste. 220 Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone 813-949-4400 Fax 813-315-6688 info@tbparenting.com editor@tbparenting.com

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Articles

10 // Halloween at the Theme Parks: Take a peek at some ghoulishly good ways to start celebrating the holiday early

13 // INSIDE LOOK : Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida kicks off this month

14 // MOSI: A NEW, Fresh Experience for Tampa Bay Parents

18 // COVER STORY: Finding Your Village at Corbett Prep: The Christoff family shares their experience with building a community at school

21 // Root for the Home Team: Tampa Bay pro teams to watch this month

22 // Keeping it Cool in School: Hillsborough County Public Schools shares an update on new air-conditioners going into local schools

23 // United for Student Success: How parents and teachers unite to help students’ overall academic success

24 // 5 Storage Solutions for Adorable Artwork: Karimah Henry of Crafting a Fun Life shares her favorite ways to display and save children’s masterpieces

26 // Fall into Healthy Habits at the YMCA: Explore all of the benefits of a YMCA membership including free classes, activities and more

29 // EverMom is for Every Mom: Maggie Rodriguez introduces two St. Pete area moms who launched EverMom to connect moms in all seasons of motherhood

30 // Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Tampa Bay : Get to know two Tampa Bay area moms as they share their Hispanic heritage and roots

36 // Baby Registry Top Picks: Our director of operations is having a baby, and she’s sharing some top picks for first time parents or those growing their families

41 // The Top 10 Difference: Learn why Tampa General Hospital ranks in the top 10 in the nation in Obstetrics and Gynecology

42 // Have a Safe September: We’re learning top tips from BayCare Kids safety expert, Michelle Sterling

45 // Friends Forever: Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital shares the heartwarming story of two friends who found each other while battling acute myeloid leukemia

Every Issue:

6 // Noteworthy: What’s new and notable

9 // September Top Picks: Our favorite events and things to do with the kids this month

32 // Moms to Know: Meet author Dominique Richardson, ahead of her upcoming book festival YA By the Bay

35 // Kids to Know: In honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we get to know Emersyn Southwick, a remarkable 7-year-old confronting medulloblastoma

46 // What’s Trending on TampaBayParenting.com: See what’s going on between the issues on our digital platforms

Tampa Bay Parenting is published twelve times per year and distributed throughout the Tampa Bay community. Tampa Bay Parenting is not responsible for any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or incorrect information (or the consequences related thereto) contained within the magazine or online; readers should not rely on any information contained in the magazine and they should always consult with an appropriate professional for guidance. Tampa Bay Parenting accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information or materials provided by Tampa Bay Parenting. Some content published by Tampa Bay Parenting is sponsored or paid for advertising content, and some individuals quoted or cited in articles have paid for advertising or sponsorships; this content or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Tampa Bay Parenting.

ON THE COVER:

A school isn't always just a school. For many families, it becomes a second home. For the Christoff family of Tampa, it was a place where they found their people and their village, after a job transfer brought them to Tampa Bay. Turn to page 18 to read more about how Corbett Prep has changed their lives.