Visit us online at www.jax4kids.com BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL 21 MartialDAYS Arts for better grades CONFIDENCE,IMPROVEDISCIPLINE, AND RESPECT! www.KarateAmerica.info New students only. Includes uniform. FUN & SAFE GOAL SETTING LEADERSHIP SKILLS MORE FOCUS * Must present ad to receive offer. SeptemberFREE!2022
www.pediatricassociates.com Now Accepting Newborns and New Patients NEW Bartram 904.650.2193Park 155 Bartram Market Drive Suite 120 St. Johns, FL 32259 Main 904.354.6868Street 1714 N Main Street Jacksonville, FL 32206 Town 904.642.6100Center 4972 Town Center Parkway Suite Jacksonville,301 FL 32246 YOU CAN ALSO FIND US HERE: SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT TODAY! We put the love in LOVING CARE.
you’d like to support BASCA and the work they do, you can register for the CapeAbilities Run, Walk or Roll on September 24th.
your
Parks Fee Free Day. Entrance fees to all
Editor EDUCATION Helping Students Transition into Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th Grades 9 Duval County School News Half-penny funded plan stays on schedule as district enters year two 10 Paxson and Stanton students earn top prize at the International Science and Engineering Fair 10 Clay County School News A Letter From Superintendent Broskie 11 Wilkinson Junior High Becomes a UCF-Certified Community Partnership School 11 September Calendar 11 St. Johns County School District News Character Counts! 12 September Calendar of Events ................................................................................. 12
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September 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 3 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Contents • September 2022 Community Profile: BASCA, Inc. 4 LIVING WELL Adolescent Connectedness 13 Parent-Approved Books for Teens ............................................................................ 13 Things to Do: Teen Events 13 TEENS How to Take Care of Freshwater Aquatic Life 14 Things to Do: Pet Events 14 PETS September Events 15 THINGS TO DO Sports Nutrition – Give your Kids a Winning Edge 6 Things to Do: Health & Safety Events .......................................................................... 6 HEALTH & SAFETY Dear Readers, I f you didn’t get a chance to see the Dinosaur Explorer exhibit at MOSH this summer, it’s not too late. The exhibit is open through September 5th. Jax4Kids was happy to have sponsored this exhibition that explores the wild est, wackiest and most wondrous dinosaurs! We’re excited for the opening of the Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience opening on September 16th! Tickets are on sale now. Learn more by visiting vangoghjacksonville. com. For a list of other events happening this month, turn to page 15, and you can visit us online at Jax4Kids.com for an always-updated list of events. If you have a child playing a sport, turn to page 6 and learn tips from Aurea Thompson, our Certified Pediatric Nutrition Specialist about nutrition for your athlete. We’ve assembled a list of books you can read with your 3- to 5-year-old this month (see page If8).you have a child transitioning into kinder garten, 6th or 9th grade, you’ll find tips and strategies for helping your child make these transitions on page 9. If you have a teen, turn to page 13 and read about the importance of connectedness for teens’ health and well-being.
BASCA, Inc. serves Clay County’s Special Children and Adults with services including housing, life skills, transportation and support services. They are our community profile this month. You can read more about the services this amazing organization provides volunteer. If See page Mark calendars Saturday, September 24th is National national parks are waived on this date, which is National Public Lands Day. See page 5 for more. Have you ever thought of adding a freshwater fish tank to your home? On page 14, you can learn how to take care of freshwater aquatic Iflife.you’re an animal lover, you can support the work of K9s For Warriors and have an enter taining day with the family at Pups & Sups Dog Surfing Classic, September 30 through October 1. There will be dogs surfing and paddle board ing as well as a pet fashion show. See page 14 for more information. Enjoy your Labor Day holiday! Until next month, Alison Peters-Carlson
and how you Follow us... Alison Peters-Carlson Editor ................................ editor@jax4kids.com Gabrielle Carlson Associate Editor ............................ info@jax4kids.com Linda Bigbee Graphic Designer ................................ linda@jax4kids.com Judi Fields Circulation Manager judi@jax4kids.com Beth Canonica Advertising Sales beth@jax4kids.com Donna Paunetto Advertising Sales donna@jax4kids.com Mary Gustafson Business Manager mary@jax4kids.com Published by Child Enrichment, LLC, 12620-3 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246. Copyright 2022. Reproduction of any artwork or copy prepared by Jax4Kids.com To Go is strictly prohibited without written consent of the publisher. We will not be responsible for any errors and/or omissions. The Publisher’s liability for error will not exceed the cost of space occupied by the error. Articles for publication are welcome and may be sent to editor@ jax4kids.com. For more information concerning advertising, call 904-710-2020 or e-mail advertise@jax4kids.com. Benefits of Music Therapy 7 Things to Do: Special Needs Events 7 SPECIAL NEEDS Pre-K Books for Ages 3 – 5 8 Things to Do: Infant & Toddler Events 8 INFANT & TODDLER DEP Acquires Additional 240 Acres for Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park 5 National Parks Fee Free Day 5 NATURE can
BASCA was born in 1995 when John and Linda Cone and Tony and Jo Knott, the parents of two children with intellectual and developmental differenc es were concerned about a quality life for their children in the community. Their concerns were education, social interaction, indepen dence, and long-term care as they became adults. They also realized they could help themselves and ultimately others by being a unified voice pulling together to search out or create these opportunities.
September 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 4
The “Family Environment” includes support staff in each home. They provide guidance with decision-making and life skills and day-to-day supervision. Individuals receive transportation services to/from work or Life Skills programs. Each BASCA L.I.F.E. home is equipped with a space for Respite Care.
Profile: BASCA,
BASCA clients have a variety of programs and services to take advantage of, including: Residenital Services: Everyone wants and needs a safe and loving home, and BASCA L.I.F.E. (Living In a Family Environment) homes are that and happy places too.
LIVING WELL For Showtimes and Tickets: WORLDGOLFIMAX.COM World Golf Village | I-95 Exit 323 | St. Augustine NOW PLAYING OPENS AUGUST 12 NO FEE TO AUDITION NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE NOW AUDITIONING GRADES 2ND - 12TH!
Since its inception, BASCA Inc. has grown into a multifaceted organization whose mission is to provide better living, working, educational, social, and recreational opportunities for adults with special needs.
BASCA also provides Support Services including Supported Living Coaching that provides training and assistance in a variety of activities such as acquiring/retaining housing, daily living skills, personal finances, shopping and meal prep to support recipients who live in their own homes. Personal Care Support such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, outings in the community, and help with personal hygiene and Respite Care.
Transportation: BASCA maintains a fleet of vehicles to provide transportation for their residents, other community members, and for their Life Skills Development 3 participants.
If you want to have a positive impact in someone's life or would like to volunteer in lending a helping hand or are in need of volunteer hours, there are a wide variety of ways to make a difference and get involved with BASCA. Opportunities include help in the BASCA Boutique, assist with events, photogra phy, handyman, office work, pressure washing, graphic design, answer phones, update website/social media or work in the Greenhouse. For more information, contact BASCA’s volunteer coordinator, Lucy Conrad at JoinLucyConrad@bascainc.org.BASCAfortheir10thannual
*To be guaranteed your t-shirt size you must register by September 10th. j bascainc.org
Each of the BASCA L.I.F.E. Homes provides transportation services to residents for normal family activities including doctor’s appoint ments, social/community activities, or work.
Community Inc.
Registration begins at 7:00 AM, both the 5K run and Fun Run starts at 8:00am at BASCA, located at 352 Stowe Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073. There will be a post-race celebration featuring complimentary Kingsley Dairy Queen Grill and Chill for runners. Meet your favorite Superhe roes, enjoy food and Live DJ music by Shawn Rockin' the House and more!!
Participants develop a comfort level in different situations which ultimately leads them to be more self-confident.
CapeABILI TIES 5K/Fun Run on Saturday, September This24th.Run, Walk or Roll race will feature a scenic 3.1-mile course through historic Orange Park, commemorative race T-shirts*, overall & age group awards, chip timing, and an untimed 1-mile fun run/walk. Everyone is encouraged to put on a CAPE for a fun event that celebrates all CapeABILITIES!
Respite Care provides supportive care and supervision to a recipient when the primary caregiver is unable to perform these duties due to a planned brief absence, an emergency absence, or when the caregiver is available but temporarily physically unable to care for or supervise the recipient for a brief period.
B ASCA’s mission is “Building Abilities of Special Children & Adults.”
Life Skills: The Life Skills 3 program emphasizes improving the daily living skills of their individuals. An individualized support plan is developed with their Support Specialist focusing on daily living, socialization and communication skills. Daily training works on hand/eye coordination, sensory stimulation, physical exercise and group socialization.
DEP Acquires Additional 240 Acres for Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park REGISTER NOW FOR FALL www.ChildrensArtClasses.comCLASSES Where a kid can be an artist. PONTE VEDRA BEACH 880
he Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has acquired 240 acres that will expand the boundaries of Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park in Jacksonville.
National Parks Fee Free Day
State Park
The acquisition protects some of the largest remaining natural coastal uplands in Duval County and enhances the protection of water quality for the Nassau and St. Johns rivers. It supports an important fishery and protects wading bird rookeries, one of which is used by the federally endangered wood stork. In addition, manatees frequent both the St. Johns and Nassau rivers and move into tidal creeks such as Hill Creek and Clapboard Creek.
“ThisPreserve.property not only offers visitors increased recreational access to hiking, wildlife viewing and fishing, but it also plays a crucial role in creating climate resilience against extreme weather events like hurricanes through protection of marshes and native forests,” said Doug Hattaway, senior project manager for Trust for Public Land.
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“We are excited to acquire this long sought-after addition to Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park, which will expand recreational opportunities in the Jacksonville area,” said DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “Along with the increased public access, this property encompasses four known archaeological sites containing evidence of human history dating back 4,000 years.”
Florida flatwoods,
T
Baymeadows Rd
The Pumpkin Hill Creek property is part of a larger tract on Black Hammock Island initially purchased by Trust for Public Land for conservation and public access. The remaining acres will be conveyed to the National Park Service as an addition to the Timucuan Ecological and Historic
NATURE Visit
Part of the Pumpkin Hill Creek Florida Forever project in Duval County, this addition comple ments and enhances multiple partnerships and efforts to conserve the rich natural diversity and cultural history of the area.
September 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 5
Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve is included in the 7 Creeks Recreation Area, a network of partner parks and preserves managed by local, state and federal governments as well as nonprofit organizations. The recreation area spans 5,600 acres in northeast Jacksonville and features five of Florida's state parks. Visitors can enjoy more than 30 miles of natural surface trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.
Highway A1A North Ste 6, Ponte Vedra
Governor Ron DeSantis and the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund previously approved this acquisition on March 29, 2022. Funding support for the project was also provided by the city of Jacksonville. The property will be managed by DEP’s Division of Recreation and Parks as an addition to Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park. j floridadep.gov/parks Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Nature events. US Beach, FL 32082 904-962-4292 JACKSONVILLE 9802 Ste Jacksonville, FL 904-612-755732256 Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve
“We’re proud to be part of this effort to expand Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve and the historic, natural and cultural significance it holds.”
September 24 Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort. It celebrates the connection between people and green space in their community, inspires environ mental stewardship, and encourages use of open space for education, recreation, and general health. In celebration of National Public Lands Day, entrance to all national parks will be free all day. National Parks in our area include Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Monument in St. Augustine, and Fort Caroline National Me morial and Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve in Jacksonville. National Park Service / www.nps.gov
B ack to school often means back to sports as many team sporting activities begin with the start of the new school year. I have car-pooled, attended, and cheered at many different sporting events over the years as my kids attended grade school and now high school, including soccer, baseball, cross-coun try running, swimming, wrestling, flag and tackle football, and now equestrian. Every sport has its unique physical requirements, but all sports can provide a good foundation for discipline and hard work. The cornerstone for all athletics is adequate nutrition and hydration. Good nutrition is not a substitute for athletic ability, but a good athlete can perform at his/her best when he/ she has the proper nutrition and hydration. So, take a look at the guidelines below to help you and your young athlete get the most out of his/ her sports experience this fall season.
• Include a source of protein at lunchtime such as lean sliced turkey or chicken, hummus, or nut butters for example, along with fruits, sliced veggies, and another source of whole grains (i.e., bread or crackers).
And let the games begin!
JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes / 800929-4040 / 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL 32837 / www.foodallergy.org Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Health & Safety events.
• Normally, for short duration (less than 60 minutes) of low to moderate intensity activity, water is sufficient to replace the fluid lost through sweat. Any moderate to high intensity activity that lasts more than an hour needs a sports drink such as Gatorade or Powerade to replenish the loss of electrolytes. However, considering Florida’s hot and humid weather, your child may require a sports drink for shorter duration activities if they are sweating excessively.
• Help your child get the carbohydrates and proteins they need to support physical activity. A 10-year-old baseball player is not going to have the same metabolic requirements as a 17-yearold wrestler, but both need good nutrition to start the day. Encourage a breakfast with a combination of protein such as Greek-style yogurt, cheese, or nut butter along with a carbohydrate such as whole grain bread, whole grain cereal, granola and/or fresh fruit.
Aurea Thompson MSH, RDN, CSP, LDN Certified Pediatric Nutrition Specialist Wolfson Children’s Hospital
HEALTH & SAFETY Things to Do Health & Safety Events
The Orange Park Mall Kidx program wants to show kids that wellness is wonderful and how to have fun being healthy. Join staff for activities that move your body, teach you to make healthy choices, and more. Free. Orange Park Mall / 904-269-2422 / 1910 Wells Rd, Orange Park, FL 32073 / orangeparkmall.com
Eat Well All Day
1st Place Sports Baymeadows / 904-7313676 / 3931 Baymeadows Road, Jackson ville, FL 32217 / 1stplacesports.com
• Remember the difference is that a sports drink is NOT for everyday when your child is sedentary - sitting in front of the TV, computer or doing homework. Electrolyte replacement drinks contain sugar as well – which an active body needs – not a body at rest.
The SuperHero 5k and 10k Races
Hydration
• Don’t forget an after-school snack is just as important nutritionally since it contributes to the overall protein/ carbohydrate intake for the day and provides nutrients for sports activities. If your child has practice within 30 minutes after school, focus on mainly carbohydrates (a sports drink, pretzels, orange wedges or an apple/banana) for quick energy. If your child has an hour or more before sports practice, provide some additional protein with the carbohydrate (hard-boiled egg, low-fat cheese, or a couple tablespoons of peanut butter). It is important to choose lower-fat options before physical activity to minimize the risk of stomach upset – no fast food or fried foods. Have fun, stay hydrated and be safe out there.
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Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park / 500 Wonderwood Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32233 / runsignup.com
FARE Food Allergy Summit 2022 September 23-25 FARE Food Allergy Summit returns to Orlan do. This in-person event will bring together people who are impacted by food allergies for three days of educational sessions, insightful discussions, and meaningful con nections. All are welcome, including adults, parents, teens (11 and up), and nutrition professionals. Topics include the latest on food allergy innovations and breakthroughs, advocating for food allergy solutions work shops, guest speakers on living with food al lergies and/or intolerances, and more. Ticket prices start at $90. In addition to individual adult and teen tickets, FARE is offering family registrations containing four (4) tickets.
RunJax Labor Day Run September 5, 7:30am Annual 5K run at 1st Place Sports Bay meadows. The event features a post-race celebration and awards ceremony, technical tank tops for all participants, finisher medals, age group awards, and more. Funds go to support high school cross country and track programs in Duval County and the summer camp scholarship program. Registration is $20 to $40 for the 5K and $12 for the onemile run.
September 11, 7:45am Bring out your inner superpowers for No catee's Spectacular SuperHero 5k and 10k races. The events start by the Water Park. Proceeds of the event are going to Saint Francis House of Saint Augustine. Race start time is 7:45am for the 10k and 8am for the 5k. There will be SuperHero race t-shirts for participants, finisher medals, a free down loadable finisher photo, and more. Registra tion fees start at $30. Nocatee Station Field / 400 Nocatee Center Way, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 / runsignup.com
#MorganStrong 5k September 17, 8am
• What does hydration look like for a child athlete? Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day at school. If your child does not have a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance, he/she can drink skim or 1% milk at lunch for the extra protein cow’s milk provides. Skim milk is almost 90% water and packs 8 grams of protein in one cup. If you’re looking for a dairy alternative, soy milk will have higher amounts of protein similar to the amount you find in cow’s milk. Almond milk and coconut milk tend to have much less protein – usually around 1 gram per cup – but still offer hydration for your child.
Sports Nutrition – Give Your Kids a Winning Edge
Kidx: Move with Max! September 10, 11am to 1pm
The #MorganStrong 5k is a memorial run to honor Morgan Riley DiVita, a 12-year-old girl who was in 6th grade at Fletcher Middle School. Morgan was diagnosed with DIPG on February 9, 2021. This is an inoperable brain tumor that is found in the brain stem. The average fight for this cancer is 8 to 9 months and has no survivors. Morgan fought hard for 8 months and passed away with her family on September 20, 2021. The 5k timed Race and the 1-mile Fun Run and Walk will take place in Hanna Park. Please note – Hanna Park charges $5 per car to enter the park, which is needed to access the events. Race entry fees start at $30. The race includes a race shirt and a finisher medal. Race proceeds will go to The Child Cancer Fund, The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, and Community Hospice PEDS Care group to help other families navigate through difficult times.
September 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 6
Supporting Executive Functioning in Teens & Young Adults with Autism
ADHD: Study Skills Grades 6-12 September 10, 17, 24, 9am to 10am This class is for kids grades 6 to 12 who have been previously diagnosed with ADHD or ADD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). No one is born with study skills. Everyone needs ongoing practice to master these skills. Some kids have the natural ability to develop these skills but most need to practice and learn. The ability and maturity needed to learn these skills change with age. Developing executive function and self-reg ulation skills are important developmental tasks, especially in this digital age. Learning these skills will give the children the opportunity to grow into successful, empathetic, and self-sufficient adults. Each student will receive a free planner for attending the class. Each week covers a different topic: Using time efficiently: time management; How do you use your time? Study skills; and Key to ongoing success: organization. Cost is $150 for the series. Rainbow Pediatric Center / 904-223-9100 / 14797 Philips Highway, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.rainbowpediatriccenter.com
W hat is Music Therapy? What are the benefits that come with it? Is this a real form of therapy that is established as a health profession? What is the difference between a Music Therapist versus a musician? These are all completely valid questions and questions that a Board-certified Music Therapist like myself hears on a daily basis. My name is Karen Howell, and I am a Board-certified and licensed Neurologic Music Therapist and owner of Soundwave Music Therapy, LLC. The American Music Therapy Association defines Music Therapy as the following: “Music Therapy is the clinical & evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a thera peutic relationship by a credentialed profes sional who has completed an approved music therapy Populationsprogram”.thatcan benefit from Music Therapy range across the entire lifespan. One might find a Music Therapist in a variety of different settings such as: NICU, Psychiatric and Substance Rehabilitation Centers, Hospice, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Prescribed Pediatrics Extended Cares, school systems, Autism and early intervention developmental facilities, and many more settings. Music Therapists addition ally work alongside such disciplines as Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Nurses, ABA staff, and Mental Health Technicians to list only a few. The most important distinction between a Music Therapist and a musician/entertainer is the extensive psychological and musical training/education (including continued education), and certification requirements that are required to maintain the title of Board-certi fied Music Therapist. As a Music Therapist, the goals are musical AND non-musical. The non-musical goals make this field distinct. What does a Music Therapy session look like? Music Therapy is broken into two primary forms: passive and active Music Therapy. The Music Therapist determines upon the initial clinical assessment and following sessions, which (if not both) of these approaches may benefit the client and the specific clinical goals
Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Special Needs events.
Vincent's Clubhouse Support Group September 28, 6pm to 8pm Vincent's Clubhouse, Inc. is a 501c3 organization that is dedicated to serving children with autism and their families by hosting inclusive social events, summer camps, support groups, and advocacy work. Join them to share experiences and get support from each other. Refreshments and supervised crafts/activities for children are provided. Free, but please register so they know how many to plan for. Integra Woods Clubhouse / 386-585-0926 / 1000 Integra Woods Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32164 / www. vincentsclubhouse.org
Benefits of Music Therapy SPECIAL NEEDS that will be established. Passive Music Therapy may be thought of as a more receptive-based approach, whereas Active Music Therapy may incorporate approaches such as instrumental and vocal re-creation, improvisation, expressive movement, or songwriting. Another common form of intervention that may be incorporated would be an in-depth lyric analysis, touching into Passive and turning into Active. The most important aspect of Music Therapy is that each session is tailored to the individual. Music preferences lie at the center of the musical and non-musical responses that are elicited through Music Therapy. Here at Soundwave Music Therapy, we serve primarily pediatric populations within Duval, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns County. We additionally cover the Georgia counties of Camden and Glynn County. Speaking for myself as the owner, I specialize in Autism and Developmental disorders, as well as neurode generative and/or complex medical conditions. I have additional experience with psychiatric and substance-use disorders as well as with early and late-stage Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. I operate from a humanistic and also psychodynamic approach and truly believe that music can access all regions of the brain.
SeptemberSibshops 28, 5:30pm Sibshop is a gathering of siblings across the ages to create community, build support, and share in the stories that make them unique as the sibling of individuals with developmental, intellectual, social-emotional, and medical disabilities. Siblings will be able to join virtually. There will be in-per son opportunities available soon. For ages 8 to 12.
Labeled & Loved Retreat for Moms of Children with SeptemberDisabilities30thru October 2 Labeled & Loved presents a three-day retreat for mothers of children with any disability or special need. As primary caretakers, you are at serious risk of burnout. Nineteen research studies have identified parents of children with disabilities to have an increased risk for depression (95%) and anxiety (90%). The divorce rate is over 85% for parents of children with a disability. At this retreat, every moment is carefully curated to empower you to combat these statistics all while relaxing, having fun, finding community, and equipping you to return home with the tools to best care for your child — and yourself. You will also meet other moms who will become your lifelines and keep you from feeling alone in this unexpected version of motherhood. Registration starts at $299 per person. Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort / 100 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118 / www.labeledandloved.org
August 3, 12noon to 1pm Executive function and self-regulation skills are the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, organize, remember, and juggle multiple tasks. Adolescents with autism often experience difficulty in some or many of these areas. This webinar will focus on strategies for parents and caregivers to support teenagers in executive functioning and daily living skills. Available online only. Link will be sent to regis tered participants the day of the event. Free, but registration is required.
FAU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities / 561-297-2055 / www.fau.edu
September 12, 4:30pm to 5:30pm Painting with Emotion is a monthly group for children between the ages of 12 to 16 years who are registered with CARD or FDLRS-MDC. The focus of the group is to develop self-awareness skills related to personal emotions and ways to effectively express those emotions through painting. Held online via Zoom.
Center for Autism and Related Disabilities / 904633-0760 / pediatrics.med.jax.ufl.edu
Kiddin’ Around - Social Skills September 22, 5:30pm A program that focuses on opportunities for social interaction with peers via social-emotional activ ities and games. Skill areas include sharing the conversation, waiting, turn-taking, giving com pliments, being empathetic, building community, accepting feedback, oversharing of information, and making friends. For ages 8 to 12. Held in person or Jacksonvillevirtually.Center for Autism and Related Disabilities / 904-633-0760 / 6271 St Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32217 / pediatrics.med. jax.ufl.edu
Music Therapy serves as a a unique and non-threatening clinical approach. Music Therapy is beneficial in that it accesses all regions of the brain. Imagine addressing cognitive, social, speech and communication, physical, behavioral, emotional, and psycholog ical goals all through the power of the elements of Youmusic!maycontact Soundwave Music Therapy for more information about services and learn more about our group and individual services that are offered. Sessions take place at the in-person clinic location at 376 New Berlin Rd. Suite 5 Jacksonville, FL 32218 or in-home. Sunshine Insurance, Family Empowerment Scholarship (formerly Gardiner Scholarship) and Private Pay are accepted. Please feel free to contact for any more information at (912) 996-5040 or e-mail karen@soundwavemusictherapy.com.at j Karen Howell MA, LPMT, MT-BC Soundwave Music Therapy www.facebook.com/soundwaveMTsoundwavemusictherapy.com912-996-5040
September 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 7
Center for Autism and Related Disabilities / 904633-0760 / pediatrics.med.jax.ufl.edu
CARD Parent Support Group/Craft Group
Painting with Emotion
Things to Do Special Needs Events
September 14, 5:30pm A Parent Support Group for parents of CARD con stituents. Conversation-based and activity-based craft group for parents led by CARD clinicians. Parents will be able to join virtually from the com fort of their home or come into the office. Center for Autism & Related Disabilities / 904633-0760 / 6271 St Augustine Road, Suite 1, Jacksonville, FL 32217 / www.hscj.ufl.edu
CARD Retro Diner September 14, 5pm to 6pm Adults with autism spectrum disorder will have the opportunity to engage in facilitated social conversations via Zoom. This event will temporar ily take the place of the Breakfast Club Meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
UF Health Center for Autism and Related Disabili ties / 904-633-0760 / pediatrics.med.jax.ufl.edu
The goal of the MLC Baby Pantry is to supply local families in need with baby care items, including diapers, wipes, bath needs, rash cream, ointments, and gently used clothing at no cost to parents in the Jacksonville area. The baby pantry is open on the first and third Sunday of each month from 10am to 12noon. Availability of items is on a first-come, firstserved basis. Bring proof of residency (driver’s license, rental agreement, or mortgage statement), as well as proof that the child you are receiving supplies for is your child (birth certificate) or in your care. Need is on the honor system. They are not asking for proof of income but do ask only that you help them be able to help as many people as possible.
September 4 and 18, 10am to 12noon
Mandarin Lutheran Church / 904-268-4591 / 11900 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223 / mandarinlutheran.org
Mandarin Lutheran Church Baby Pantry
Little Readers • September 6, 13, 20 and 27, 9am to 9:30am You want your child to have all the tools they need to start school. Here’s the toolbox! Start with a story that your child will love, add mu sic, get everyone up and moving, and sprinkle in other fun to make it all stick. Registration is required. Register at jaxpubliclibrary.org.
September 3, 10, 17, 24, 10:30am Toddler Time is a toddler storytime outing, perfectly suited for little ones aged 2 to 4 years old. Enjoy a story and create a sweet treat based on what you’ve read. Registration is required and guarantees your spot. Please register for your child(ren) only and be sure to arrive 15 minutes prior to class time to allow adequate time for check-in. Cost is $8.50. The featured book for September is It's Pumpkin Day Mouse! Sweet Pete's Candy / 904-3767161 / 400 N Hogan St, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.sweetpetescandy.com
The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource that pro motes parental involvement, enhances student achievement, and supports a caregiver's need for personal and individual growth. Parent Academy courses are offered virtually through Microsoft Teams.
September 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 8 INFANT & TODDLER Things to Do Infant & Toddler Events Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list Infant & Toddler Events. Today I’m Strong By Nadiya Hussain Speak Out Leonard! By Jessie James & Tamara Anegon Sometimes All I Need Is Me By Juliana Perdomo I Feel Happy By DK That’s Not My Name! By Anoosha Syed Everything Will Be OK By Anna Dewdney
Duval Parent Academy / 904-390-2960 / dcps. duvalschools.org
MOSH / 904-396-MOSH / 1025 Museum Cir cle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org
Toddler/Preschool Craft Time Fridays, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 11am Join library staff for a Toddler/PreSchool Craft in the Anastasia Library Event Room. Children of all ages and abilities are welcome at this craft time. Each week, participants will work on different skills for children to develop, in cluding scissor skills, fine motor skills, gluing, exploration, and others. Materials are pro vided. Free. St. Johns County Public Library
September 10, 12:30pm to 1:30pm The class is designed for parents that are plan ning to breastfeed or need support. Hosted by Certified Lactation Counselor Tawanna Nottage, who is also a member of the Broward County Breastfeeding Coalition. The class will cover the following topics: How breastfeeding works, Getting the best start, Positions & latching on, How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk, Common challenges and how to overcome, and Breastfeeding support. The event is online and is free. Pediatric Associates / 954-9668000 / www.pediatricassociates.com
Orange Park Library Toddler Time Mondays, September 12, 19 and 26 10:30am to 11am Enjoy stories, songs, play, and crafts for ages 2 to 3 years. This in-person event is held in the Storytime Room. Free. Clay County Public Library, Orange Park Branch / 904-278-4750 / 2054 Plainfield Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073 / www.claycountygov.com
“T” is for Toddlers and Technology September 7, 6pm This workshop will provide parents and caregivers with strategies, activities, and information on using technology with toddlers.
Little Learners at MOSH September 8, 9:30am to 11:30am Little Learners programs provide guests with the opportunity to explore MOSH and partici pate in hands-on activities in a social environ ment. Geared towards students ages 0 to 5 and their caregivers, Little Learners sessions are offered monthly and provide children with circle time in the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium, STEM-based activity stations throughout the Museum, and passport stickers as proof of their visit. Program admission is $24.50 per child and caregiver and includes access to the program and Museum admission.
Virtual Breastfeeding Class
Anastasia Island Branch / 904-209-3730 / 124 Seagrove Main Street, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / sjcpls.org
In-person Little Readers programs are offered at various branches throughout the month. Visit jaxpubliclibrary.org for locations, dates, and times. Virtual/Online / jaxpubliclibrary.org
Sweet Pete's Toddler Time Class
Blue’s Clues & You! Live On Stage September 29, 6pm Blue’s Clues & You! Live On Stage is a 60-minute show filled with Broadway-style song and dance, as well as character favorites Blue, Magenta, and Josh. Sensory notice: This show contains flashing lights, haze (fog), and confetti. Children 12 months and older must have a ticket. Tickets start at $29.50. There is an optional Photo Experience add-on available. Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661/ 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com
hildren transitioning from elementary to middle school, from middle school to high school, or into school for the first time as kinder garteners, can seem intimidating. Below are tips on how parents can help prepare students for kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade.
Other suggested tasks for 9th graders include:
September 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 9
Tips for rising 6th graders Encouraging independence and responsibility will be key as students transition from 5th to 6th grade, shares DCPS Parent Academy Specialist and mid dle school parent Ashley VanDenMeiracker.
• Learn more about Bright Futures and eligibility
• Help your student learn how to navigate FOCUS, ensuring they know how to check their assignments and grades.
In-Person Classes! Register now for the next monthly session! ENROLLTODAY!CreativitySelf-Esteem ConfidenceSenseofFun (904) 396-4425 | www.theatrejax.com
“While you’re preparing for a grocery store run, or while you’re unpacking groceries, you can practice measuring,” shares McSwain. “The weight of different fruits and vegetables – that’s math.”
• Start thinking about life after high school by exploring career and college opportunities, as well as opportunities to volunteer or intern
duvalschools.org
Other simple strategies include:
• Help your student overcome social fears by having them join a team, club, or after-school VanDenMeirackergroup. also encourages parents to remain connected by setting up a parent FOCUS account, checking their parent portal weekly, scheduling conferences throughout the year, and volunteering.
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• Register for, and take the PSAT 8/9 at your school
• Work with students to develop study skills. Know when tests are scheduled and create a calendar with dates.
• Practice addition and subtraction through add ing and taking away items around the home.
Tips for rising 9th graders
As students transition from 8th grade into high school, DCPS School Counseling Specialist LaConya Conner says prioritizing courses will be key. This is to ensure that students don’t fall behind in meeting the requirements for a standard high school diploma.
Tips for rising kindergarteners DCPS Early Childhood Director Sonya McSwain says engaging children in learning activities will help them grow into the skills needed to transition into kindergarten. By turning everyday tasks into teaching moments, parents can begin to increase their children’s knowledge in reading, social stud ies, science, and math.
• Have students read to you. If they’re not yet reading, encourage them to use the beginning letters in each word and pictures as cues.
• Practice reading and oral skills by having chil dren read and describe signs they see while driving or walking the neighborhood.
EDUCATION
• Teach social studies skills by pointing out fire stations and police departments and discuss ing their roles.
Parents should also be aware that students entering Kindergarten will be assessed. In order to gauge their skills in literacy and math, the state has traditionally required that students be tested within the first 30 days of school. These tests are administered by computer. As a result, parents are encouraged to work with their children to make sure they know how to use a mouse or keypad.
“As 9th graders…your schedule is very import ant,” Conner advises. “You should have at least a Math, an English, and a Science on your schedule.”
VanDenMeiracker advises “backing away slowly” – giving students more opportunities for indepen dence and advocacy, while offering support. Other tips include:
• Find out eligibility requirements for sports
Helping Students Transition into Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th Grades
“One of the biggest things I think we can do is let our kids learn how to be their own advocate, which is a really unnatural feeling for us parents because we’re so used to jumping in and solving problems,” says VanDenMeiracker. “But it’s okay to let them start to let them figure out how to solve problems.”
• Make sure your student meets with his or her counselor to develop next year’s schedule
• Help your student with organizational and time management skills. Find a planner or calendar that works for them.
• Participate in extracurricular activities and track community service hours (required for Bright Futures)
“This is a time for self-awareness and finding out different things about yourself,” says Conner. “Have fun and enjoy it!” j
• Encourage students to email their teachers if they have questions about homework.
Conner suggests getting to know your student’s counselor, and scheduling regular teacher confer ences — and not waiting until there’s a problem to do so.
Biswas, a rising senior, said her research into how neurodegenerative diseases are genetically inherited was very personal and dedicated to her grandmother, who passed away from Kristi’sAlzheimer’s.outstanding research awarded her a second-place award of $2,000.
The master facility plan is comprised of much more than new school rebuilds. Many schools are slated for additions or significant renovations. Furthest along is North Shore Elementary School, which has completed the design process for its deferred maintenance to replace and repair structures around the school. Westside Middle School has also begun the design planning process and is slated for an addition and significant renovation with an antici pated completion of August 2024.
September 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 10
• Year one schools: The design phase for the first 42 schools scheduled for safety and security updates in 2022 has been completed. Construction began in April and May with anticipated completion of all year one projects by late August 2022. See the complete list of the 42 schools in our last report.
• Loretto Elementary School
Emma and Eric, siblings from Stanton College Preparatory School, used their project, Simulating Astronautic Information Transfer Through the Implementation of Optical Laser Technol ogy, to demonstrate the use of visible light communication (VLC) in aerospace communication and information Throughtransfer. the creations of a robot-cam era prototype activation system to model a potential application of laser light in these areas, Emma and Eric set out with the goal to find faster and more reliable data transfer mediums.
Three Team Duval students took home top honors for their work in the 2022 International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
Additions and renovations
• Englewood Elementary School
• Year three schools: The district has decided to move forward with the year three safety and securi ty schools and begin the design process early. This will help ensure consistent levels of protection across the district earlier than ex pected.
Paxon and Stanton students earn top prizes at the International Science and Engineering Fair
While Ribault High, Chaffee Trail Middle, Highland Elementary, South side Estates Elementary, and Rutledge Pearson Elementary schools are ad vanced in the design and construction process, four additional schools are approaching the starting line for com plete school building rebuilds. Each of the schools below have an anticipated completion date of August 2025.
• Duncan Fletcher High School
Kristi Biswas, a student at Paxon School for Advanced Studies, attained a second-place George D. Yanco poulos Innovator Award for her re search into Alzheimer’s disease, while Stanton College Preparatory School’s Emma Lee and Eric Lee earned firstplace Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Special Awards for their work in aerospace communication.
• Louis Sheffield Elementary School
• Pickett Elementary School
The Duval County School Board ap proved design prototypes for High lands and Southside Estates elemen tary schools during the regular board meeting in May. The designer and construction manager for both onsite replacements have been selected. Jean Ribault High School rebuild is accelerated Staff have accelerated the planning design for the new school rebuild re placing the current Jean Ribault High School building. The designer has been selected and was approved by the Board during their regular meeting in July. Construction for the new cam pus is expected to begin in September 2023 with anticipated occupancy in Au gust 2025. It will be the first new high school building in Duval County since Atlantic Coast High School opened in 2010.
Board approves design prototypes for Highlands and Southside Estates elementary schools
Groundbreaking held, demolition starts at Rutledge H. Pearson Families, community members, digni taries, and others gathered for a his toric groundbreaking held at Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary School on May The20. groundbreaking marked the beginning of construction on the first major new school building under the district’s master facility plan. Construction for the project is on track, and occupancy for the new campus with a capacity of 900 students is expected for August 2023. Students currently attending Henry F. Kite and Martin Luther King, Jr. schools will be reassigned to the new and improved Pearson campus upon opening.
• Year two schools: The budgets, archi tects, and construction managers for the year two schools have been as signed. Year two schools are currently in the preliminary design phase. Visit teamduval.org for the 46 schools that are expected to see improvements in year two.
• Mandarin High School Safety and security projects on track The district is also on track to complete the safety and security enhancement projects at all schools across the dis trict within the first three years of the 15-year facility plan.
Chaffee Trail Middle School designs under review The design meeting between stakeholders for the new middle school has been completed. The district has re ceived conceptual floor plans and pro posed building elevations for the new school, which will serve grades sixth through eighth. Chaffee Trail Middle is anticipated to open in August 2024.
Four schools begin the planning process
Emma and Eric’s research awarded them a first-place award of $1,000 under the ISEF Special Awards. All three talented students each received special recognition this week from the School Board during its regular month ly meeting.
Historic facility improvements, security projects and school rebuilds are in development as planned as Duval County Public Schools’ half-penny funded master facility plan begins to work through year two. Revenue continues to exceed projections Funds collected through the voter-ap proved, half-penny sales tax exceed the original project budgets. Howev er, market inflation and escalation of material and labor prices have also increased costs.
The district has received nearly $122 million through March 2022. As required under Florida law, charter schools have received almost $18.9 million of this revenue.
• Spring Park Elementary School
planfundedHalf-pennystayson schedule as district enters year two
Other schools soon to enter the design process for major renovations or addi tions are below. Each have an anticipated completion date of August 2025.
On Friday, August 5, 2022, Wilkinson Junior High School, A Com munity Partnership School celebrated its significant achieve ment of becoming a UCF-Certified Com munity Partnership School – an honor that represents years of work focused on im plementing this model and changing the trajectory of students’ lives. The school successfully satisfied 12 rigorous standards and specific indicators with fidelity, securing UCF-certification status for the next five years.
The Community Partnership Schools™ model at Wilkinson is a long-term commitment among Children’s Home Society of Florida, Baptist Health, Clay County District Schools, and St. Johns River State College, bringing together high-quality academics, health care, counseling, mentoring, and more – right onsite at the school where students and families are Sincecomfortable.implementing the innovative Communi ty after-schoolgagement,familycounseling,services,wellnesshealthaccesshasson2018,modelSchools™PartnershipinWilkinJr.Highincreasedtoandenand activities – key needs identified by parents, teachers, and community leaders in an initial Theassessment.specialrecognition ceremony included a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of the Wilkinson Jr. High School-Based Health Center – the Aza Health Clinic. The schoolbased health clinic will offer timely, acces sible health care for students, teachers, and families in partnership with Aza Health. The Aza Health center on campus will be providing primary and preventative health care services via telehealth for the students and faculty at Wilkinson and for the community. Superintendent Broskie Wilkinson Junior High Becomes a UCF-Certified Community Partnership School
September 1, 6pm School Board Meeting
Clay County School News
September 9 Interim Reports to Parents
September 14 Early Dismissal, Elementary Dear Clay County Parents and Guardians, The past few years have certainly been unprecedented for students, families and our school communities. I am excited to return to a sense of normalcy this school year and I look forward to volunteers, field trips and celebrations being regular occur rences for our students once again. With the release of school and district grades, I am excited to share that Clay County District Schools remained an “A” district and is in the top ten in the state! Only 14 out of 67 school dis tricts in Florida received an “A” rating. We could not do this very important job of educating students without the hardworking teachers, support staff, administrators, parents and community volunteers. Thank you for your continued support of education. Student and staff safety continues to remain one of our top priorities. We take a proactive approach to safety and security through the Clay County District Schools Police Department and collaborative efforts with surrounding law enforcement agencies. We have spent the summer conducting more training for our administrators and school resource officers to ensure we all have the same high expectation for safety and security. Over the last several years, we have enhanced our safety and security projects and hardened our campuses to ensure all students and staff are learning and working in a safe environment.
September 6, 6pm – 7:30pm College and Career Night, Middleburg High School
tendentSuperinBroskieDavidfully,Respect of Schools
Monday, September 5, Labor Day Student/Teacher Holiday
September 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 11
September Calendar
www.myoneclay.net OP/Middleburg (904) 272-8100 Green Cove Springs (904) 284-6500 Keystone Heights (888) 663-2529 TDD (904) 284-6584 Connect with us! A Letter from
It is my pleasure to serve as the Superintendent of Schools for Clay County. I wish all of our students, parents, and guardians a safe and enjoyable school year. One Team. One Goal. One Clay.
St. Johns County School District
In 1998, the St. Johns County School District, along with area businesses, youth organiza tions and civic groups, selected the national character education program of CHARACTER COUNTS! as a countywide initiative to instill positive character traits in our young people. Each fall during the national observance they honor area businesses that have contributed to the CHARACTER COUNTS! effort, and in the spring, the district sponsors the annual American Youth Character Awards program to recognize high school students of good char acter. As adults we are responsible for mod eling appropriate behavior which has been proven as the best way to teach character in others. Several years ago, the SJCSD became the first school district in Florida to implement Pursuing Victory with Honor in all of its athletic programs. Character education is an import ant part of every School Improvement Plan, a major component of each Student Code of Conduct and our Strategic Plan. How CHARACTER COUNTS! Began In July 1992 the Josephson Institute of Ethics brought together an eminent group of educators, youth leaders and ethics scholars to see if a common ground and common language could be found concerning the need for and content of character education. The statement that emerged from that meeting, the Aspen Declaration, lists six core ethical values: trustworthiness, respect, responsi bility, fairness, caring and citizenship, that form the foundation of our society. We have infused the Six Pillars of Character into our school district. CHARACTER COUNTS! is not an add-on program but a means of enhancing the school’s ability to concentrate on traditional, academic goals. It’s a carefully designed, long term, community-based strategy to perma nently embed character development goals in schools and youth organizations. They have been training teachers and administrators as to how CHARACTER COUNTS! can become a way of life and, in turn, become a part of our entire community. The CHARACTER COUNTS! initiative is non-partisan. Its members include representatives of secular, religious, gov ernment and civic entities. It is not a means to introduce religion into public education, though it is consistent with and in no way hos tile to religious and spiritually-based beliefs about ethics. This initiative has no ideological or political agenda other than strengthening the moral fiber of the next generation. The St. Johns County School District has embraced the program for all of its students and was awarded the Points of Light Award in 2003 by the Governor for the positive effect this program has had on our youth. The American Youth Character Awards program was honored in 2005 as an exemplary recognition program by the Sunshine State School Public Relations Association. Effective character education must be based on core ethical values, in particular the Six Pillars of Character.
News
September 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 12
September Calendar of Events
Character Counts! The Six Pillars: Monday, September 5, Labor Day Student/Teacher Holiday September 13, Interims Issued September 13, 4pm School Board Meeting 40 Orange Street or via Webex September 13, 5:30pm Special School Board Meeting 40 Orange Street or via Webex Adoption of final budget and millage rates.
CHARACTER COUNTS! Steering Committee
The CHARACTER COUNTS! Steering Commit tee meets monthly. Please feel free to join us if your schedule allows. Meetings are at 4 p.m. in the Culinary Theater at FCTC on the third Wednesday of each month of the school year starting in Septem ber except December. FCTC is located at 2980 Collins Ave., St. Augustine, 32084.
RESPECTTRUSTWORTHINESS CARINGRESPONSIBILITY FAIRNESSCITIZENSHIP September’s Pillar is Fairness. FAIRNESS: Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly For more information, visit ccstjohns.com
Visit St. Johns County Schools online at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/schools for more information.
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Bingo for SeptemberBooks10,10am to 11:30am
TEENS
September 14, 6pm Big Chef-Teen Chef series classes are designed specifically for a guardian/parent, older sibling (18 or older), etc. paired with a young chef. Each pair will work together (along with the rest of the students) to create delicious recipes that are appropriate for adults and teens alike. Big Chef must be 18 or older, and the Teen Chef age range should be 13 to 17 years old. Learn how to up your sandwich game in this class. The menu in cludes Tangsuyuk (Korean-and Chinese-Style Ultra-Crispy Sweet and Sour Pork), San Francisco Garlic Noodles, Quinoa Chaufa (Peruvian- and Chinese-Style Fried Quinoa), and Billy Kee Chicken (Australian- and Chinese-Style Pan-Fried Chicken in Red Wine Tomato Sauce). Cost is $85 for each parent/ teen combo, add one seat to cart. Publix Aprons Cooking School / 904-262-4187 / 10500 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / apronscookingschool.publix.com
ConnectednessAdolescent
Mind Over Matter Presents: Om in the Dome • September 2, 6:30pm to 7:30pm
September 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 13
Understanding the New Digital SAT September 8, 7pm In this comprehensive talk, Chief Academic Officer Ben Neely will cover both the broad strokes of the test’s changes as well as specific nuances that are critical for parents and students alike. This is the most signifi cant change in standardized testing in over ten years, and every family looking to apply to college in the coming years will benefit from the clear explanation and insights into maximizing scores. Free. Revolution Prep / 877-738-7737 / www.revolutionprep.com
Y outh connectedness is an important protective factor for health and well-being. Connectedness is an important protective factor for youth that can reduce the likelihood of a variety of health risk behaviors. Connect edness refers to a sense of being cared for, supported, and belonging, and can be centered on feeling connected to school, family (i.e. parents and caregivers), or other important people and organizations in their lives. Youth who feel connected at school and home are less likely to experience negative health outcomes related to sexual risk, substance use, violence, and mental health.
Parent-Approved Books for Teens
Calling first-time comics creators and anyone who wants feedback on their comics in progress. Bring your pages and hang out with staff and patrons in the Main Library 1st floor. This is not a kids' how-to-draw program, it's intended for adults who want to make comics. Teens who are serious about making comics are welcome. Metered parking is free all day on Saturdays. Jacksonville Public Library, Main Branch / 904-255-2665 / 303 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / jaxpubliclibrary.org
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In addition, school connectedness (i.e. the belief by students that adults and peers in the school care about them as individuals) has been shown to have positive effects on academic achievement, including having higher grades and test scores, having better school attendance, and staying in school longer. Adolescent connectedness has lasting effects. CDC findings, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, suggest that youth connectedness also has lasting effects. Youth who feel connected at school and at home were found to be as much as 66% less likely to experience health risk behaviors related to sexual health, substance use, violence, and mental health in adulthood. Youth experience health risks
– Paramahansa Yogananda
Join the Middleburg-Clay Hill Branch Library for some family fun! Each person that calls bingo will get to choose a book to take home. This is an in-person event for all ages. Clay County Public Library, Middleburg-Clay Hill Branch / 904-541-5855 / 2245 Aster Ave, Middleburg, FL 32068 / claycountygov.com
Join yoga instructor Selestine Overholser for a unique yoga experience under the stars inside the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium at MOSH. Listen to your mind as your body guides you through the movements in this cosmic experience. No yoga experience necessary. Doors open at 6pm. The practice begins at 6:30pm. Please bring your own yoga mat. Cost is $22.50 for MOSH Members and $25 for Non-Members. Museum of Science and History / 904-396MOSH / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org
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Semi-Famous by Josh Sundquist Engaging, funny, serious look at fame and happi ness. Summer of Bitter and Sweet by Jen Ferguson Teen's search for identity and truth is beautifully told. Never Coming Home by Kate Williams Riveting thriller explores perils of fame and social media. Air by Monica Rowe Tween in wheelchair finds her voice in inspiring tale. commonsensemedia.org “There is a magnet in your heart that will attract true friends. The magnet is unselfishness, thinking of others first; when you learn to live for others, they will live for you.”
Among U.S. high school students who participated in the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey:•37% persistently felt sad or hopeless 19% have seriously considered attempting suicide 16% made a suicide plan 9% have attempted suicide 46% did not use a condom during last sex were forced to have sex 8% have had four or more lifetime sex partners 19% have been bullied at school
Jacksonville Public Library Murray Hill Branch / 904-255-2665 / 918 Edgewood Ave. S, Jacksonville, FL 32205 / jaxpubliclibrary.org Big and Teen Chef: Traveling Takeout
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Drop-in Saturday Morning Cartooning Saturdays, September 3, 10, 17, 24, 9:30am to 12noon
UNF In-Person Weekday Tours
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Weekdays in September, 10am and 2pm Students interested in attending the Universi ty of North Florida are invited for an in-per son tour of the campus. In-person campus tours are offered at 10am and 2pm, Monday thru Friday. The tours take approximately two hours. Tour capacities are limited and do fill up; reservations are required. UNF Welcome Center / 904-620-1183 / 1 UNF Drive, Jack sonville, FL 32224 / www.unf.edu Drop-In Legos and Games
September 7, 14, 21 and 28, 4pm to 5pm Join us for a fun afternoon of building with Legos and playing board or card games!
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Recommendations for families: There are concrete steps schools families can take to promote connectedness among youth. Communicate openly and honestly, including about their values. Supervise their adolescent to facilitate healthy decision-making. Spend time with their adolescent enjoying shared activities. Become engaged in school and help with homework. Volunteer at their adolescent’s school. Communicate regularly with teachers and administrators. j cdc.gov Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Teen events.
Things to Do Teen Events
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Pups & Sups Dog Surfing Classic
Observe your aquatic life for changes Take a few moments to observe your aquatic life on a regular basis. Watch for changes in appearance, behavior or appetite so that you’ll immediately notice if something is amiss. With a little planning and forethought, you can prepare a well-managed aquarium before you even bring your aquatic life home. Then, with proper maintenance, you will be provided with many hours of watching your aquatic life swim in their glorious new habitat. Petco has a variety of helpful resources and supplies for all of your aquarium needs. j Petco.com
Maintaining an aquarium can be fairly easy and stress-free, as long as you know the right steps to follow. To start, think about the below.
Homemade Hounds / 904-203-7314 / www.homemadehounds.com
Aquatic Life: Tips for New Fish Parents PETS
ShotVet Pet Clinics September 4, 10, 11 Low-cost pet vaccinations given by licensed veterinarians. No appointments are necessary. Bruster's Ice Cream – September 11, 12noon to 1pm Tires Plus – September 10, 10am to 11am Starbucks – September 11, 2pm to 3pm PDQ Restaurant – September 11, 4pm to 5pm Cure Pharmacy at Publix – September 11, 10am to 11am O’Reilly’s Auto Parts – September 11, 8am to 9am Lowe’s – September 10, 12noon to 1pm Chili’s – September 4, 3:30pm to 4:30pm Dunkin’ Donuts – September 4, 12:30pm to 1:30pm ShotVet Pet Clinics / 407-792-0384 / www. shotvet.com Bruster's Ice Cream / 12224 Atlantic Blvd, Jack sonville, FL 32225 Tires Plus / 13162 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 Starbucks / 13315 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 PDQ Restaurant / 3260 Hodges Blvd, Jackson ville, FL 32224 Cure Pharmacy at Publix / 7001 Merrill Rd #13, Jacksonville, FL 32277 O'Reilly's Auto Parts / 4124 Emerson Street, Jacksonville, FL 32207 Lowe's / 8080 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville, FL 32256 Chili's / 13891 Old St Augustine Rd, Jacksonville, FL Dunkin'32258Donuts / 12709 Bartram Park Blvd, Jack sonville, FL 32258 Wag & Walk Wednesdays September 14 & 28, 6:30pm The 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month are WAG-DAYS. Come join the Hound Crew for a guided pack walk around a different venue each week. The location of each Wag & Walk changes, so be sure to check the location before attending. September 14, Camp Chowenwah, 1517 Ball Rd, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 September 28, Spring Park, 106 St. Johns Ave., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
Prepare for proper fish tank maintenance
• Maintaining proper pH levels. pH is an indicator of the acidity or alkalinity of your tank water. Buy a pH test kit to check the pH level. Freshwater fish typically thrive when the pH level is between 6.8 and 7.5, depending on the species, as it is the range that will offer a natural environment that helps your fish resist illness. Check regularly for fluctuations and make the necessary changes to recalibrate as a change in pH greater than 0.3 in a 24-hour period can cause a fish to become stressed or susceptible to disease.
Pick the right aquarium
Things to Do Pet Events
Like Jax4Pets.com’s Facebook page at facebook.com/jax4pets to find out about other events for pets. aquarium. Repeat the process of adding a quarter cup of water every five minutes until the bag is full. This brings the temperature and chemistry together slowly, which allows the new aquatic life to acclimate to their new aquatic home without being shocked by sudden changes. Remove the bag from the aquarium and slowly pour off as much water as possible without exposing the aquatic life to the air. Lower the bag into the aquarium and allow your new aquatic friend to enter into their new home.
September 21, 7:05pm The Jumbo Shrimp and Forever Vets Animal Hos pital welcome you and your canine companion to 121 Financial Ballpark. Canines get in free as long as their human companion buys a ticket. Please note that dogs are not allowed in section 119 and the Wheelhouse Lounge and the Haskell Suite Level. Also, there will not be any kiddie pools set up, so be sure to bring a bowl for your four-legged friend. In tonight’s game, the Jumbo Shrimp take on the Charlotte Knights. Single game tickets start at $5. 121 Financial Ballpark / 904-3582846 / 301 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / jaxshrimp.com
September 30 thru October 1 Dog families are invited for a weekend at the beach while supporting a worthy non-profit char ity, K9s For Warriors. The event-filled dog-friendly weekend will have something for everyone while raising money to support this important charity that obtains, trains, and provides service dogs for Veterans in need. There will be dogs surfing, paddle boarding, a pet fashion show at the special “Pups on the Patio Yappy Hour,” and kibbles, as well as a Surf Village with Hospitality Tents. Guy Harvey Outpost Resort / 904-471-2555 / 860 A1A Beach Boulevard, St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 / guyharveyoutpost.com
Canines and Crustaceans (Dog Day)
September 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 14
F ish are the third most popular type of pet in American households after cats and dogs. Are you surprised? You shouldn’t be! With engaging antics and graceful beauty, aquatic life can make a wonderful addition to your home—as long as you understand how to properly care for them. If you’re considering bringing aquatic life into your home, the best way to prepare is to first set up your aquarium. This, plus understanding what ongoing work will be required, will help set you and your aquarium up for success.
24th Annual Toast to the Animals September 24, 6:30pm to 10pm Adults are invited for an evening of food, music, and drinks to benefit the Jacksonville Humane Society Medical Fund. The evening will feature hors d’oeuvres and desserts from local restau rants and eateries, wine, beer, music, silent and live auctions, raffles, and a wine pull. All guests will receive a commemorative JHS wine glass upon check-in. This event is 21 and up. Food and beverages (wine, beer, signature cocktail) are included with ticket. General admission tickets start at $150. TIAA Bank Field / 904-725 8766 / 1 TIAA Bank Field Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / jaxhumane.org
The size of the aquarium that you need will depend on the type of fish you decide to bring home (consider if it will be a freshwater fish, saltwater fish and the individual species), and how many you will want to get. With fish tank sizes ranging from desktop aquariums for a single betta on up to a large aquarium appropriate for multiple types of fish, it’s important to put a little thought into the habitat prior to bringing home any aquatic life. Overcrowding can lead to low oxygen levels in the water, excess waste and even, in extreme cases, fatalities. Stop into your local Petco store for advice on which size aquarium or tank will be right for you based on your space availability and the type of fish you were hoping to get. Set up optimal aquarium water conditions Different types of aquatic life will require different water conditions, but for any underwater creature, a proper environment is critical. A few factors to consider include:
• Conditioning the water. Tap water comes with countless properties that need to be balanced in an aquarium to support aquatic life. To condition water properly, use a dechlorinating agent along with a biological aquarium supplement.
How to Take Care of Freshwater
• Stabilizing temperature. Changes in water temperature can also wreak havoc on aquatic life, so never place your aquarium near a window that gets a lot of sun, or next to heating or air vents that can change water temperatures quickly. Tropical freshwater fish require a constant tempera ture of 72 °F – 82 °F, depending on the species. An aquatic heater will help you maintain the proper temperature.
Regular monitoring of the water conditions in your aquarium or tank is a good start for proper maintenance, but there are other things you can do, including regular cleanings. Plan to replace 25 percent of the water in your aquarium once a month. This will help keep your tank’s water clean and nitrate concentra tions at a safe level. A gravel vacuum can help siphon out water and debris—especially that along the bottom of your tank. Keep an eye out for algae buildup, as well. This might appear as cloud on the glass of your tank, or the water itself could look murky, which will lead to decreased oxygen levels in the water. To help clean the algae from your aquarium, use a tank scrub brush or aquarium algae magnet.
Practice proper aquarium acclimation Aquatic life can be sensitive to dramatic environmental changes, so be sure to ask the store partner what the water parameters for nitrate, nitrite, ammonia and pH levels are for the species you get, and test your setup at home to ensure that it matches as closely as possible. Once you get your aquatic life home, float the sealed bag containing your aquatic life in your aquarium for at least 15 minutes, but no longer than an hour, to allow for temperature acclimation. Open the bag and slowly add a quarter-cup of water from your
September 10, 10am to 2pm The Beaches Museum hosts the annual Riding the Rails: Pablo Beach Train Day. Activities will include three operating model train layouts, a car show dubbed “Cars Through the Decades,” and live music from local band “Double Take.” A trackless train will be giving rides through the neighborhood. There will also be a Make It Take It Craft Station, where kids can make their own Chugga Chugga Choo Choo Art and Train Day souvenir. Tours of the Museum’s 1911 steam locomotive, the 1900 Florida East Coast Foreman’s House, and the Mayport Depot will also be available. Operation Lifesaver will demonstrate train safety and offer souvenirs for the kids. Boy Scout Troop #37 will be selling beverages and lunch items, including hamburgers and hotdogs. Riding the Rails: Pablo Beach Train Day is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Beaches Museum & History Park / 904-241-5657 / 381 Beach Blvd, Jack sonville Beach, FL 32250 / www.beachesmuseum.org GameFace 4:13 Training Academy September 10, 12noon to 3pm GameFace 4:13 offers monthly basketball training camps and mentorship workshops for the youth all year round. At the camps, instructors incorporate a variety of drill training, individual breakout sessions, live games, mentorship sessions, and more. These sessions will further athletes' game readiness by providing intensified training focused on specific basketball skills. The mentorship workshops use the game of basketball as a tool to teach the youth skills and prepare them for life. Through the teachings of basketball, they are committed to elevating the youth to an advanced level and building leaders on and off the court. Free and open to children in grades 6 through 9. River City Church / 904-878-9911 / 6801 Merrill Road, Jacksonville, FL 32277 / www.gameface413.org
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Charlotte Knights
September 24, 9am to 5pm Wesley Wells Farms hosts its second annual Pumpkin Festival. The fields will be open for you – pick pumpkins plus the stuff-the-bucket produce pick. Fill your bucket with a variety of fresh vegetables you can harvest straight out of the field yourself for one flat rate. Or, shop the produce stand for pre-picked veggies, farm merchandise, and more. There are also farm animals to visit. Tickets are available online. Wesley Wells Farms / 904-679-5660 / 2680 Ada Arnold Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32092 / www.wesleywellsfarm.com
Scottish Heritage Education Day
Friends of the Mandarin Branch Library Book Sale
September 4, 10am to 5pm MOSH has partnered with IKEA Jacksonville for IKEA Family Day at the Museum. IKEA Family Members will receive discounted adult admission tickets and early access to the Museum at 10am on the first Sunday of each month. MOSH / 904-396-MOSH / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org
September 20-25 The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp take on the Charlotte Knights. Single game tickets start at $5, with multigame and group packages available. Section 108 F-Q is a designated Family Section, with no alcohol allowed. Enjoy Fireworks on Friday nights after the game and Sunday is Family day – Kids can feel like the pros after each Sunday game by running the bas es. Plus, each Sunday will feature free face painting and balloon animals. 121 Financial Ballpark / 904358-2846 / 301 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / jaxshrimp.com
THINGS TO DO
Jax Taco Fest 2022 September 16, 4pm to 10pm and September 17, 11am to 8pm The Jax Taco Fest features tacos, margaritas, churros, guacamole, elotes, live entertainment, a kids’ zone, and other taco-themed activities. Tickets are $5. Chil dren 10 and under get in free with adult supervision. Jacksonville Fairgrounds / 510 Fairground Place, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.tacofestjax.com
September 21, 10:30am to 11:30am The Van Gogh exhibit is in Jacksonville this month. Now you can paint like Van Gogh at the Library! Families are invited to recreate famous works of art with crayons and watercolors. Mandarin Branch Library / 904-255-2665 / 12125 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223 / jaxpubliclibrary.org
Happy Birthday, Jacksonville! 200 Years in the Making • September 13, 6pm In June of 2022, the city of Jacksonville celebrated its bicentennial. Learn all about the 200-year history of the city and hear about the many reasons it became known as "The Bold New City of the South." The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a
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Beyond Van Gogh is a new truly immersive expe rience. While other shows use virtual reality or still images, this show incorporates both still and moving art. Masterpieces, now freed from frames, come alive, appear, disappear, and flow across multi-surfaces. The show is projected on every surface around you, which makes you feel as though you have stepped directly into a Van Gogh painting. The visual artwork is accompanied by a beautiful score. Tickets start at $23.99 for children and $39.99 for adults. Children 4 years and younger enter the show for free and do not require a ticket when accompanying an adult with a ticket. Immersive Art Space / 800-441-0819 / 119 West Beaver Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / vangoghjacksonville.com
September 16 and 17, 10am – 3pm The Friends will be selling gently used materials. Find some great books and great deals too!
Home Depot Kids Workshop
IKEA Family Member Day
Jacksonville Humane Society / 904-725-8766 / 8464 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / jaxhumane.org
Paint Like Van Gogh Day!
Riding the Rails: Pablo Beach Train Day
Jacksonville Humane Society Back to Drool Camp
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Iowa Cubs
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dates, times and locations are accurate at time of publication; events and activities listed in this guide are subject to change without notice. Visit Jax4Kids.com for updated information and more events!
Thru September 5 Dinosaur Explorer is an all-new traveling exhibi tion that explores the wildest, wackiest, and most wondrous dinosaurs and examines human physiology through the lens of these magnificent creatures. Through a series of dynamic displays that feature advanced animatronic dinosaurs, authentic casts and actual fossils, and highly interactive hands-on activ ities, visitors will learn the science behind dinosaur adaptations and understand the connections humans share with our prehistoric predecessors. As they move through a series of vibrant vignettes, visitors will discover what modern paleontology knows about the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods — as well as what remains uncertain. Tickets are available for advance reservation. Tickets are only valid for the date and time specified. A digital confirmation and timed tickets will be emailed. Guests, please bring your printed or digital ticket at your selected time.
Dinosaur Explorer at MOSH
September 3, 9am to 12noon Offered the first Saturday of each month between 9am and 12 noon. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a free certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Kids can build their project and finish it with paint. Free for kids 5 to 12. Home Depot / www.homedepot.com
Florida Fin Fest • September 17-18 Florida Fin Fest is a free two-day ocean conservation, education, and music festival benefiting OCEARCH. VIP ticket options are available for purchase. The Education Village, presented by The Ocean Con servancy, features an immersive underwater VR experience, a mobile planetarium from MOSH, touch tanks from Jacksonville University, and more. Florida Fin Fest provides a family-friendly environment with one-of-a-kind hands-on learning experiences, talks from renowned guest speakers and science experts, and a festival village full of brands focusing on sus tainability, conservation, and environmentally friendly practices. Seawalk Pavilion / 75 1st Street North, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / flfinfest.com
September 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 15
The Jacksonville Humane Society invites children in grades 3 through 8 to go “Back to Drool” with the an imals on Monday, September 5! Campers will have a blast helping pets have a "day at school." They'll learn the art of clicker training, pack the pets some yummy lunches, practice Pawsitive Reading skills, have recess with a dog or two, and more. Campers must bring a lunch and a water bottle. Box lunches from Jason's Deli will be available to purchase at checkout through August 29. One snack will be provided to all campers in the morning. The Kona Ice truck will visit JHS during camp. If you would like your child to be able to purchase a shaved ice from the truck, please send them to camp with $3 to $6 cash (depending on the size they would like to purchase). Cost is $80 per camper. Drop off is from 8:45am to 9am and pick up is from 4pm to 4:15 pm. Extended care is available beginning at 7:45am and ending at 4:45pm for an additional $20, but it must be arranged in advance.
September 6-11 The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp take on the Iowa Cubs. Single game tickets start at $5, with multigame and group packages available. Section 108 F-Q is a designated Family Section, with no alcohol allowed. Enjoy Fireworks on Friday nights after the game and Sunday is Family day – Kids can feel like the pros after each Sunday game by running the bas es. Plus, each Sunday will feature free face painting and balloon animals. 121 Financial Ballpark / 904358-2846 / 301 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / jaxshrimp.com
Mu seum of Science and History / 904-396-6674 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org Bank of America Museums on Us September 3-4 Valued cardholders with a Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank (U.S. Trust) credit or debit card are eligible for a free ticket to select museums and cultural institutions. This special offer is valid during the first full weekend of each month. Present your active card with photo ID to gain one free general admission to a participating cultural in stitution. Cardholder only. Check participating cultural institutions for operating hours. Excludes ticketed and special exhibitions and fundraising events. Participating locations in our area include: Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens / 904-356-6857/ 829 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204 • The Museum of Science and History (MOSH) /904-3967062 /1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 • Bank of America / 800-432-1000 / bankofamerica.com
Wesley Wells Farms Pumpkin Festival
September 5, 9am to 4pm
Beyond Van Gogh
September 16 thru November 6
Apply Today! Wages starting at $12.75 free family resource that promotes parental involve ment, enhances student achievement, and supports a caregiver's need for personal and individual growth. Parent Academy courses are offered virtually through Microsoft Teams. Duval Parent Academy / 904-3902960 / dcps.duvalschools.org
Jacksonville Public Library, Mandarin Branch Com munity Room / 3330 Kori Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / 904-255-2665 / jaxpubliclibrary.org
September 24, 11am to 4pm SHED, Scottish Heritage Education Day, is coming to the Clay County Fairgrounds. The community is invited for a day of Scottish culture, history, arts, music, dance, athletics, and more, including the whiskey regions of Scotland. SHED is free and open to the public. Clay County Fairgrounds / 904-2846378 / 2497 FL-16, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 / jaxsaintandrews.org
GaylordPalms.com Conquer the rapid river, be a swashbuckling pirate, or take the princess pledge during your summer getaway to Gaylord Palms. more delight more thrills
