Back to School is a special supplement published by Anton Media Group

Back to School

An Anton Media Group Supplement

September 1– 7, 2021

INSIDE

Backpack Safety Fashionable LIU Free Tutoring

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2A SEPTEMBER 1- 7, 2021 • BACK TO SCHOOL

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Fun with friends.

New adventures.

Making a difference. *This photo was taken prepandemic.

LEARN WHAT GIRL SCOUTS DO AT OUR UPCOMING INFORMATION NIGHTS! FLORAL PARK BALDWIN Wednesday, 10/13/2021 Tuesday, 10/05/2021 7:00pm 7:00pm BAY (Oyster Bay and surrounding areas) Monday, 9/27/2021 7:00pm

FREEPORT Tuesday, 10/12/2021 7:00pm

ISLAND BEACH (Island Park and Long Beach) Thursday, 10/07/2021 7:00pm

PLAINEDGE Tuesday, 10/26/2021 7:00pm

UNIONDALE Tuesday, 10/26/2021 7:00pm

PORT WASHINGTON Monday, 10/18/2021 7:00pm

VALLEY STREAM Tuesday, 10/19/2021 7:00pm

JERICHO/SYOSSET Wednesday, 10/06/2021 ROCKVILLE CENTRE WARM (Williston Park, GARDEN CITY 7:00pm BELLMORE East Williston, Old WestMonday, 9/27/2021 Tuesday, 10/19/2021 bury, Albertson, Roslyn Monday, 10/04/2021 7:00pm 7:00pm MANHASSET and surrounding areas, 7:00pm Thursday, 09/23/2021 ROOSEVELT Mineola) GLEN COVE CARLE PLACE/ Thursday, 10/21/2021 Tuesday, 10/19/2021 7:00pm Wednesday, 10/06/2021 WESTBURY 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm MASSAPEQUA Tuesday, 10/05/2021 Wednesday, 10/13/2021 SEAFORD/WANTAGH WEST HEMPSTEAD/ 7:00pm GREAT NECK Thursday, 10/14/2021 FRANKLIN SQUARE 7:00pm Wednesday, 10/06/2021 7:00pm CENTRAL PARK Thursday, 10/14/2021 7:00pm MERRICK (Bethpage, Plainview, 7:00pm SHORE (North Shore/ Thursday, 10/21/2021 and Old Bethpage) Glen Cove and HARDSCRABBLE 7:00pm Tuesday, 10/05/2021 surrounding areas) (Farmingdale and It’s time to 7:00pm NORTH BELLMORE Wednesday, 9/22/2021 N. Massapequa) press play.

7:00pm Wednesday, 10/20/2021 Monday, 10/04/2021 EAST MEADOW 7:00pm 7:00pm Monday, 10/18/2021 Join us today.

THE PLAINS 7:00pm (Island Trees and OCEANSIDE HEMPSTEAD Levittown) Monday, 9/27/2021 ELLM (East Rockaway, Tuesday, 10/26/2021 Thursday, 10/07/2021 7:00pm 7:00pm Lakeview, Lynbrook, 7:00pm HERRICKS and Malverne) PARK (New Hyde Park, Wednesday, 10/20/2021 Wednesday, 10/20/2021 Garden City Park, and Register for an information session in 7:00pm 7:00pm parts of Floral Park) your area at gsnc.org/programs. Once Monday, 10/18/2021 registered, you will have the opportunity HICKSVILLE ELMONT to sign your daughter up for a Daisy Wednesday, 10/27/2021 7:00pm Monday, 10/04/2021 Discovery activity.

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BACK TO SCHOOL • SEPTEMBER 1- 7, 2021 3A

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Take A Load Off Backpack safety tips

BY ROBIN FRANK

specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Now that children and teenagers are heading back to the classroom, many are dusting off their trusty backpacks or plan to buy a new one. As in years past, many parents are likely to be surprised by how much kids cram into their backpack and how heavy it becomes.

Pediatric orthopedic surgeons at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) have advice for parents and students when choosing and using a backpack to avoid injury.

Photo by Alex Nuñez

“W

ith a focus on getting back in the classroom and returning to ‘normal,’ it’s easy to overlook possible injuries caused by everyday school supplies,” Dr. Emily Dodwell, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons said. “Backpacks might not seem that high on the list of safety hazards for children, but if too heavy or worn improperly, they can cause pain or injury to muscles and joints.”

It is not unusual for Dr. John Blanco, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at HSS Long Island in Uniondale, to see more children and teenagers with back or shoulder pain around the start of the school year. The culprit is often a heavy backpack.

“In addition to being concerned about their child’s pain, some parents worry that carrying a heavy backpack every day at school could lead to scoliosis,” Blanco said. Although lugging around a heavy backpack or wearing it incorrectly could lead to sore muscles, he emphasizes that there is no data to indicate that it causes scoliosis, a hunchback or any long-term damage.

However, all complaints of pain or discomfort should be taken seriously, the doctors said. If a child appears to be struggling with a backpack, Blanco advised parents to look inside it. Chances are, something can be removed to make it lighter.

From toys to video games to athletic footwear they don’t use every day, many young people are carrying around items they don’t need.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that backpacks should weigh no more than 10 to 20 percent of a child’s body weight.

“It’s not uncommon for students to lug around 30 pounds, which is usually too heavy based on their body weight,” Blanco said. “Most families have a scale at home and can use it to weigh the backpack and take out items that are not needed for the school day.”

Blanco noted that sooner or later, many kids get used to the weight of the backpack as their muscles grow stronger. But it’s no fun being in pain and spending some time to think about backpack safety and engaging in good practices can prevent problems in the first place.

—Robin Frank writes for Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS).

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Backpack Safety Tips The experts offer additional recommendations when choosing and using a backpack: • Select a sturdy backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. Padding makes it more comfortable to wear and protects the back from books and other items with sharp edges.

• The backpack should be worn on both shoulders.

Students should avoid slinging it over one shoulder. This helps to distribute the weight evenly without putting excessive stress on one side of the body.

• Students should be instructed to tighten the shoulder straps so the backpack is close to the body. This will put less strain on the back.

• Purchase a backpack with a strap that goes around the waist and encourage kids to use it. This helps distribute the weight more evenly. If a backpack sways from side to side, the body has to work harder to balance it.

• The backpack should be organized to make the best use of compartments.

Heavier items should be packed closest to the middle of the bag.

• Consider a rolling backpack if the school allows it and the child is willing to use it. However, this may not be practical if the student takes the stairs throughout the day.

• Students should be encouraged to use the school locker for storage whenever possible.

• Children and teenagers should be instructed on how to pick up the backpack properly to avoid muscle strain. They should bend their knees when lifting or wearing a backpack. They should not bend at the waist.

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4A SEPTEMBER 1- 7, 2021 • BACK TO SCHOOL

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Taking Over The Fashion Industry An interview with LIU Post’s fashion merchandising director

BY HANNAH MERWIN

L

editorial@antonmediagroup.com

ess than 30 miles from New York City, Long Island University is taking advantage of the city’s fashion industry and expertise with its in-depth fashion program. Leading the charge is Cherie Serota, director of Fashion Merchandising and Management.

Serota is an accomplished businesswoman with more than 25 years of industry expertise. She gained global recognition after cofounding Belly Basics, Inc., a successful lifestyle brand for pregnant women across the world. She previously had served as associate men’s fashion director at Saks Fifth Avenue and was instrumental in opening Henri Bendel’s New York flagship, among many other impressive accomplishments.

Serota has worked at Long Island University since 2015 and helped pioneer the Fashion Merchandising and Management program in the School of Management. With many different classes students can take and interests

to specialize in, such as fashion law and brand management, the program has been a huge success at this highly ranked university.

“We are constantly adding and changing classes,” said Serota. “In this fashion management program, students are working directly with real brands in real time on brand strategies and marketing initiatives.”

Long Island University hosts an impressive amount of opportunities for students looking to learn about fashion.

One important feature on campus is the student-run boutique, aptly named The Student Body. “Fashion Merchandising and Management students are in charge of all of the decisions,” said Serota. “These decision are based on the student body, and not personal preference. Students manage and direct inventory, sales, markdowns, profitability, everything. I am the advisor to the boutique, but the students run the boutique. They also hire their own workers; anybody on campus can work there. In the past, the boutique has

done collaborations with student artists.

These students have showcased their designs in our boutique.”

“We also have a runway show every year,” Serota continued. “Everyone from the university is involved—from the models to the DJ and lighting, we have our own pool of talent right here at the university. The students also get to study abroad every year. We’ve gone to Milan, Paris, Florence and London.

We take on a business consulting project so it isn’t just for cultural immersion but also for work.”

As the younger generation, Gen Z, becomes more prevalent in the fashion world, Serota said it is important for brands to figure out how to appeal to this group. “Gen Z makes up 35 percent of the population, and their attitudes are driven entirely by their interests and passions. [The fashion industry] used to talk about age, gender and income status, but we don’t do that anymore.

Now we look at the target audience through that lens of interest and passion. As brands, we have to be as

Great Neck Families…

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The Student Body Boutique at Long Island University (Contributed photo)

quick, as authentic and as transparent as possible.”

Modeling has been a big part of fashion since the 1900s, and it has only gotten bigger. Recently, however, consumers are less interested in name-brand fashion if the brands are not inclusive and transparent.

“Brands have to be authentic about inclusivity and diversity,” said Serota.

“They can’t just put plus-size models or people of color models on the runway and not include them in the corporate structure. They have to be authentic.” Serota stressed the point of authenticity, saying that brands not only needed to have diverse models on the cover, but also within the supply chain and in every aspect of the company. “Do they have people of color throughout the supply chain?

Do they celebrate diversity and honor sustainability? These are the questions that are extremely important to this new generation, and should be important to all of us quite frankly, because our whole future is dependent on it.”

Further stressing the importance of diversity, Serota brought up Barbie as an example of a brand doing it right. “Barbies come in different sizes, colors, ethnicities, but they are all called Barbie. Why are we not emulating that in models, in campaigns?

We have to be open and inclusive for all body types and ethnicities. If Gen Z wants it, the rest of the world will follow. It should be the DNA of the company. [Brands] have to acknowledge who your customer is; all races and ethnicities. You have to acknowledge it in a way that is transparent, and show what matters to the customer.”

As a self-starter, Serota has key advice for anyone looking to create their own brand or make their own way in fashion. “God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason,” she said.

“Always listen. It is important to be curious and to ask questions. We all think we have great ideas, but sometimes we speak more than we listen.

When you listen and gather information, it can be very valuable. Knowing what people want, and understanding the value of your target customer is really important, especially when starting a business.

“It doesn’t come quickly,” Serota said. “I always say to take little bites out of the big project. Go little by little, and don’t get overwhelmed by the big picture. When you take it step by step, it becomes extremely digestible.”

Visit www.liu.edu/post/fashionmerchandising to learn more.

—Hannah Merwin is a contributing writer for Anton Media Group

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6A SEPTEMBER 1- 7, 2021 • BACK TO SCHOOL

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Guide, Learn, Understand,

BY CHRISTY HINKO chinko@antonmediagroup.com

“N

ecessity is the mother of invention” is a well-known proverb, meaning that the primary driving force for most new inventions is a need.

With COVID-19 ongoing, not only affecting our homes, jobs and general ways of life, the pandemic has deeply affected our kids, their social lives and their academic studies.

One incoming Jericho High School senior, Sahana Mohan, used her own personal academic challenges to bring a much-needed service to her peers, with her newly created tutoring service, Project G.L.U.E. “As a high school student, I experienced great challenges while learning during the pandemic,” Mohan said. “It was hard for me

to confidently understand school subjects; I began to feel beneath all the other students.”

Project G.L.U.E. (Guide, Learn, Understand and Explore), started in December 2020, offers free, online tutoring to students of all ages. Mohan and several of her high school peers volunteer their time in exchange for service credit, in lieu of payment.

“I started Project G.L.U.E. to help others to start to feel confident and ready in any academic challenges they may face in school,” Mohan said.

“I know what it feels like when you aren’t confident in a classroom setting; I have been there many times myself.”

Project G.L.U.E. has tutored more than 10 students, ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade, in preparation for tests and to help grasp concepts

Jericho student starts free tutoring service

in general classroom instruction. The project tutors are prepared to coach in all subjects, but Mohan admits, they all have their favorite subjects that they enjoy teaching.

“I wanted this (Project G.L.U.E.) to be based off of high shool students

because we all know the challenges we have faced while learning during a pandemic,” Mohan said. “Due to COVID-19, technology is the new face of education and many schools are adopting it to learn new topics.”

Students can request a tutoring

Meet The Tutors SAHANA MOHAN

Favorite subjects: Science and math.

Goals after high school: Sahana hopes to have a major impact on the world and create Sahana Mohan change regarding social injustices and stigmas. She hopes to use her skills of tutoring to help others strive in a positive learning environment.

Favorite activities: Sahana’s favorite activities are playing tennis, tutoring and exercising.

Which subjects does Sahana tutor: Currently Sahana tutors math, English and science. However, she is able to tutor any subject.

Other interesting information: In school Sahana is learning two languages, Latin and Spanish.

She also knows how to speak Hindi. .....................

TRACY GOLD

Favorite subjects: Science, math and writing Goals after high school: Tracy hopes to attend college where Tracy Gold she can major in a particular field while continuing her passion of tutoring others.

Favorite activities: In Tracy’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends, playing with her dogs

YOUR CHILD CAN LEARN. He Just Learns Differently.

Winston Prep Long Island is a leading school for students with learning differences, such as dyslexia, ADHD, and non-verbal learning difficulties. Learn how we design an individualized academic program for your child and help them thrive!

Register for an in-person open house at https://www.winstonprep.edu/our-campuses/li/ or contact Admissions Director, Karen Preston, kpreston@winstonprep.edu.

Winston Prep Long Island • 30 Deforest Road, Dix Hills, NY 11746 • 631-779-2400

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Explore and going to the beach.

Which subjects does Tracy tutor: Tracy is currently tutoring in math.

However, she can tutor most subjects.

Other interesting information: Tracy is currently learning Spanish in school. .....................

MEHR MANGAT

Favorite subjects: Engineering and math Goals after high school: Mehr hopes to attend college where she can further pursue her interest in engineering.

Mehr Mangat Favorite activities: Mehr enjoys skiing, spending time with her family and friends and drawing in her free time.

Which subjects does Mehr tutor: Mehr is tutoring in reading, although

including English, Spanish, math, history, science, computer science and ACT/SAT prep.

Visit https://togetherweglue.org for more information about Together We G.L.U.E. or to schedule a tutoring appointment. she is prepared to help in any subject.

Other interesting information: Mehr has her own boat license and loves to spend time at the lake. .....................

SHIV MOHAN

Favorite subjects: Science Goals after high school: Shiv hopes to further his interest in science through medicine.

Favorite activities: Shiv Shiv Mohan enjoys skateboarding, playing basketball and playing with his chocolate labrador, Hunter.

Which subjects does Shiv tutor: Shiv can tutor in many subjects.

Other interesting information: Shiv enjoys playing many different instruments, such as the trumpet, piano and electric guitar.

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We’re back to in-person classes After-School Program NY State Accredited Language Program • Low tuition • No previous German necessary • Minimum age: 5 years • Manhattan location: Upper East Side • Locations also in Franklin Square and Garden City (Long Island) for more information email: kidslearngerman@aol.com or go to german-american-school.org

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appointment through the project’s website (togetherweglue.org) for 30-minute sessions. The student is given a personalized Zoom link for a web conference and logs in at the agreed session time.

Tutoring can be in many courses

SEPTEMBER 1- 7, 2021 • BACK TO SCHOOL

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OPEN HOUSE for ADMISSIONS

Join us to learn about our Catholic faith community, liberal arts curriculum, and extracurricular offerings.

SUNDAY, SEPT 26 | 2:00-4:30 PM TOURS ARE BY RESERVATION ONLY. PLEASE VISIT SAINTMARYSHS.ORG TO SCHEDULE YOUR TIME. ALL COVID-19 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WILL BE OBSERVED.

Saint Mary’s High School A college preparatory high school in the Catholic intellectual tradition.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT NORMA STAFFORD, DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS AT EXT. 1084 OR NSTAFFORD@SAINTMARYSHS.ORG.

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51 CLAPHAM AVENUE, MANHASSET, NY 11030 SAINTMARYSHS.ORG | 516 627 2711