Chesapeake Family Life November 2019

FrEE | november 2019

VOLUNTEER VACATIONS Travel the world and do good as a family

INSIDE: Private School Directory

HOLIDAY MOCKTAILS

Fall beverages for everyone

READY, SET, SMILE. DENTAL CHECK-UPS $ 99

BRACES 25% OFF

Greater Annapolis LEGO® Open Build a holiday masterpiece!

Open to ages 6 to 16.

Entries may be submitted during normal business hours from Monday, December 2nd until the close of business Tuesday, December 17th at the office of the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) headquarters, 140 Main Street, Annapolis, MD

For additional information, rules and entry forms, visit: ChesapeakeFamilyLife.com /GALO

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NOVEMBER 2019

mainstreetsmiles.com GLEN BURNIE 410-376-7719

ELKTON 410-753-4667

FOREST HILL 410-202-8129

HAVRE DE GRACE 410-538-2195

PERRING PARKWAY 410-449-2869

*MUST MENTION THIS OFFER TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT. NEW PATIENTS ONLY. NOT TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH INSURANCE, ANY OTHER OFFER, DISCOUNT, OR REDUCED-FEE PROGRAM. OFFER EXPIRES 60 DAYS AFTER RECEIPT. ADA 0150,0272,1120,1208. **MUST MENTION THIS OFFER TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT. VALID ON STANDARD 24-MONTH ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT FOR ADULTS OR CHILDREN IF STARTED 60 DAYS UPON RECEIPT OF THIS OFFER. HAWLEY RETAINER INCLUDED, SPECIALTY BRACKETS OR RETAINERS ARE ADDITIONAL. ADDITIONAL FEES FOR 30-MONTH TREATMENT APPLY. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNT, REDUCED-FEE PROGRAM OR ON PREVIOUS TREATMENT OR TREATMENT ALREADY BEGUN. DISCOUNT FOR INSURANCE PATIENTS MAY VARY. FINANCING AVAILABLE ON APPROVED CREDIT. ADA 9310 DR. MARVIN BECKER. MAIN STREET CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY & ORTHODONTICS COMPLIES WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS LAWS AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, OR SEX. ATENCIÓN: SI HABLA ESPAÑOL, TIENE A SU DISPOSICIÓN SERVICIOS GRATUITOS DE ASISTENCIA LINGÜÍSTICA. LLAME AL 1-(888) 764-5399 (TTY: 1-(888) 764-5399). 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1(888)-764-5399（TTY：1-(888) 764-5399)

November | ChesapeakeFamily.com

in this issue Family Fun

Features 10/ 2019 STANDOUT STUDENTS Congratulations to these amazing teens working to make the world a better place.

16/ OUR MINDS MATTER

Spend your next vacation helping better the environment or helping communities in need.

Stay Inspired 32/FESTIVE FAMILY MOCKTAILS

Five Severna Park High students take on mental health stigma.

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26/ VOLUNTEER VACATIONS GIVE BACK

Share these fall- and holiday-inspired mocktails with everyone in your family this holiday season.

Kindness can make someone’s day or inspire them to help others.

The world needs more kindness.

—Julianna Bibbo, Standout Students Meet the Standout Students on page 10

Private School Directory

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DEPARTMENTS 05 / EDITOR'S LETTER Kindness is Catching

New & Notable 07 / Fun: It’s showtime at these kid-friendly performances 08 / Lifestyle: Apps for making friends 08 / Education: Military families get help with child care

28 / GET OUT!

Events, activities and fun things to do this month

34 / EVENTS WORTH A BABYSITTER

Fun for grown-ups in November

09 / Education: Maryland STEM Festival

NOVEMBER 2019

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MONTESSORI INTERNATIONAL Voted Best Montessori School 6th Year in a Row! Finalist Best Lower Private School

Seeing is Believing MICH in Action Tours

Open House for Families

November 3rd & January 26th 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Wednesday Mornings

Call to Let Us Know You Are Coming

Vol. 30 No. 2 PUBLISHER Donna Jefferson ext. 212 djefferson@jecoannapolis.com EDITOR Ann Levelle ext 200 ASSOCIATE EDITOR Joyce Heid

Located at the base of B&A Trail, 1641 N Winchester Road, Annapolis, MD 21409 410-757-7789, www.montessoriinternational.org

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steve Adams Jillian Amodio Katie Riley Dylan Roche ART DIRECTOR Jenny Patrick C. ext. 202 artdirector@jecoannapolis.com AD DESIGN Jessica Kannegieser OFFICE MANAGER Claire Kovacs ext. 204 ADVERTISING Jen Jeffries ext. 226 jen@jecoannapolis.com Pam Beall ext. 226 pam@jecoannapolis.com PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY: Jefferson Communications, LLC 121 Cathedral Street 3A Annapolis, MD 21401 Phone: 410-263-1641 Fax: 443-782-1495 These materials are neither sponsored by or endorsed by the Board of Education of Anne Arundel County and all other Maryland counties, the superintendents or the schools.

The

Nutcracker Annapolis, MD December 7 | 8 | 14 | 15

Prince George’s Community College Center for Performing Arts December 21 | 22

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www.balletmaryland.org

Dianna Cuatto | Artistic Director

The acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement by Chesapeake Family Life of products or services. Advertisers are not given special consideration or placement in editorial content. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the policies or standards of this publication. Jefferson Communications assumes no financial responsibility for errors in advertisements. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of Chesapeake Family Life, by any means without permission, is strictly prohibited. Š2017 Jefferson Communications, LLC.

Find us on Facebook & Twitter: Facebook.com/ChesapeakeFamilyMagazine Twitter: @ChesFamily ChesapeakeFamily.com

CIRCULATION AUDIT BY

The acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement

by Chesapeake Family of products or services. Advertisers are not given special consideration or placement in editorial content.

The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the policies or standards of this publication. Jefferson Communications assumes no financial

editor's letter

Online this month

Thanksgiving Fun! ChesapeakeFamily.com/ Thanksgiving

S

Kindness is Catching

tandout student Julianna Bibbo tells us, “the world needs more kindness.” This is true and important these days in a world where people of all ages are overly stressed, anxious and depressed, and could all use a little kindness.

Teens, as this year’s entire group of Standout Students shows, are wiser than they are often given credit for, and this year’s Standout Students go above and beyond their years. From volunteering with the homeless to gathering sports equipment for kids to representing other teens in local government, these teens are making themselves heard. Read all about them on page 10 and make sure to watch interviews with each student on the web at ChesapeakeFamily.com/StandoutStudents.

We also feature another group of outstanding teenagers this month, a group of young women who together are raising awareness for teenagers’ mental health with a group called “Our Minds Matter.” You can learn all about

their efforts to destigmatize talking about mental health for teenagers and adults on page 16.

Finally, on page 26, you’ll find ways to be kind as a family with a set of cool volunteer vacation opportunities. These vacations offer everything from working to rebuild communities after natural disasters to taking care of our national parks.

As Julianna put it so well, the world needs more kindness. This Thanksgiving season, let’s all get inspired by the awesome teens in this issue and work together to bring a little more kindness into our own communities.

November Fairs and Festivals ChesapeakeFamily.com/ FallFairs

Ann Levelle, Editor Ann@jecoannapolis.com

Turkey Trots & Fun Runs ChesapeakeFamily.com/ Turkeytrots

JOIN T HE CONVERSATION facebook.com/ chesapeakefamily magazine

pinterest.com/ chesfamily

twitter.com/ chesfamily

NOVEMBER 2019

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Maintaining Berry Healthy Smiles! ∙ Pediatric Dentistry from infancy through adolescent ∙ Hospital Dentistry ∙ Sedation Dentistry ∙ Nitrous Oxide ∙ Laser Dentistry Berry’s Children Dental L.L.C ∙ Orthodontics (Braces)

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Celebrate the 2019 Standout Students

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Students will be honored at a brunch where their accomplishments will be recognized.

WHERE:

Metropolitan Kitchen & Lounge, 175 West St, Annapolis, MD WHEN:

Nov. 17th at 11 a.m.

GUEST SPEAKER:

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You Can Find the Right Pediatric Dentist for Your Child! chesapeakepediatricdental.com NOW WITH THREE LOCATIONS!

To purchase tickets, go to:

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NOVEMBER 2019

ARUNDEL MILLS 7556 Teague Road Suite 110 Hanover, MD 21076 410.799.0780

WHITE MARSH 5009 Honeygo Center Dr. Suite 228 Perry Hall, MD 21128 410.248.3384

Find us on

Facebook

ABINGDON/BEL AIR 3400 Box Hill Corporate Center Drive, Suite 120 Abingdon, MD 21009 410.569.4300

new & notable LIFESTYLE

TRENDS

EDUCATION

HEALTH

NEWS

NOV 9–DEC 1 | Elf the Musical

It’s Showtime!

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aking the kids to see a show can be daunting, but these kid-friendly shows, including holiday-themed programs are perfect for this time of year. Here are four local shows that will delight everyone in your family.

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Tarzan the Musical

A Christmas Story

Elf the Musical

Friday–Sunday, Nov. 1–17

Nov. 8–Jan. 5, 2020

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Nov. 9–Dec. 1

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Nov. 23–Jan. 5

Based on Disney’s epic animated musical adventure and Edgar Rice Burrough’s Tarzan of the Apes, Tarzan features heart-pumping music by rock legend Phil Collins. High-flying excitement and hits, like the Academy Award winning “You’ll Be in My Heart,” make Tarzan an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Children’s Theatre of Annapolis childrenstheatreofannapolis.org

It’s the holiday season in 1940s Indiana and bespectacled Ralphie Parker is on a quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts—a Red Ryder BB gun! The infamous leg lamp, pink bunny PJ’s and a triple dog dare are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish. Children $49.50, adults $65–$70.

Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Columbia tobysdinnertheatre.com

Buddy the Elf is raised at the North Pole, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toymaking abilities cause him to face the truth. Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. $20.

Charm City Players, Baltimore charmcityplayers.com

Leap through the wardrobe and into a winter wonderland in this dance-based adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s treasured novel from the Chronicles of Narnia, which tells the story of four siblings who journey from war-torn England to a magical land frozen in eternal winter, where the powerful lion Aslan leads them on a journey to discover their destiny.

Imagination Stage, Bethesda imaginationstage.org

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new & notable

FIND A FRIEND

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eing a 39-year-old mom who loves superheroes as much if not more than my 13-year-old son does can make trying to find adult friends a bit awkward. Most adults want to talk politics when I want to talk about the next Phase in the Marvel Universe.

Whether you are new to town, coming out of your mommy daze, or just realizing you’d like to have some platonic adult interaction, making friends is hard. Instantly connecting with someone seems so easy as a kid but as an adult I struggle with it. I live far enough away from where I grew up that hanging out with my childhood friends needs a master plan of action trying to figure out traffic, what to do with the kids, how long the dog can be home alone, etc. And trying to find someone in a town you don’t know many people that have your same interests and want to hang out is like finding a needle in a haystack. I mean there’s an app for everything right? Here are a few apps to find friends and help you expand your social circle.

—Jenny Cardoza

Bumble BFF Bumble BFF to help you swipe right and find people with your same interests nearby that are looking for friendship.

Nextdoor Stay up-to-date with what’s goin’ on in your neighborhood and get to know your neighbors with this app.

Meetup Learn a new trade, take up a new hobby, or go somewhere and have fun. Meetup will help you find people wanting the same things so you can meetup and learn together.

Friended Post icebreakers, guess what people’s interests are, and make connections using this app.

IRL Get off your phone already! Find fellow hobbiyists and nearby events with IRL. This app makes planning and meeting up a breeeze.

Friender This app helps you pick activities you like and matches you up with others who are into the same activities so you can hang.

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NOVEMBER 2019

Military Families get Expanded Child Care Options Through Maryland EXCELS

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aryland military families now have more choices when it comes to quality child care.

According a report by the Department of Defense (DOD) Manpower Data Center, just under 30,000 active duty US military personnel call Maryland home. Thanks to an important initiative by the DOD, the availability of child care options for those with children has expanded.

The DOD has launched a pilot program known as Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood, or MCCYN-PLUS, which offers fee assistance to eligible military families. The pilot program includes child care programs that are participating in Maryland EXCELS (Excellence Counts in Early Learning and School Age Care) and meet the eligibility requirements for MCCYN. Maryland EXCELS, with over 4,600 participants, is the state’s quality rating and improvement system for early education and child care programs.

One Anne Arundel County family is hopeful the new program will make an impact for local military families like theirs.

Maya Madigal’s husband, Rene, serves in the US Navy. “I have three children in child care,” she says. “It was extremely hard to find affordable childcare and we had the

additional difficult of having special needs children. I do believe the pilot program will absolutely help easing the worry of finding daycare and in an affordable price when we already have so much to worry about.”

Thousands of families throughout Maryland count on Maryland EXCELS to provide guidance when searching for child care. The rating system builds on the state’s rigorous child care licensing requirements, and informs families about the additional standards met by the early care program of their choice.

The Maryland EXCELS ratings reflect nationally accepted best practices in early care and educational experiences, such as positive behavioral supports and individualized instruction. It is also part of a nationwide effort to enhance child care and early education opportunities for families.

“Children of military families deserve the very best child care available, and Maryland EXCELS is a valuable resource to assist them in finding that excellent care,” announced Governor Larry Hogan. “We are proud to be involved in providing safe and affordable child care for the families of those who serve.”

—Joyce Heid

new & notable | education

Maryland STEM Festival

C

hesapeake Family Life is a huge supporter of all things STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). We do our best to help Marylanders of all ages become lifelong STEAMers. Lucky for us, many of our state’s most influential leaders do too.

Take, for example, the many folks who have helped create and grow the Maryland STEM Festival, a month-long celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through diverse, STEM-focused events held throughout Maryland.

By the time it ends on November 11, the 2019 festival will have included a whopping 700-plus events, the vast majority of which are free and open to the public.

The very timely theme of this year’s Festival, “Space and Flight” (chosen to honor both the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing and the 60th anniversary of the opening of Goddard Space Flight Center), it should come as no surprise that their quality matches their quantity.

“The Festival’s overarching mission is to excite and engage students and families to

take a greater interest in STEM, so we always look for the WOW factor when thinking about each year’s theme,” says Phil Rogofsky, founder and Executive Director of Maryland STEM Festival. “Few things generate as much interest and excitement as space and flight, so it was a no-brainer to make it our theme and offer as many exceptional events as possible.”

November’s STEM Festival events include: • The Blue Collar STEM Conference on Nov. 9, where businesses such as Siemens and Toyota will promote both youth and adult awareness of well-paying, high-demand, STEM-related jobs that don’t require the traditional four-year college track.

• 215 individual happenings in November, all listed and searchable by date, county, target age group, and STEM category at MarylandSTEMFestival.org/events • The 2019 Stem Closing Ceremony, taking place November 10 at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

Rogofsky notes the importance of the Festival increasing interest in STEM, but also leading people to acquire the STEM-related

knowledge and skills that can land them STEM-related careers—careers that are not only high-paying and in high-demand worldand nationwide, but especially in Maryland.

“Maryland is a true hub of STEM activity,” says Rogofsky, who lists NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, JHU Applied Physics Laboratory, and NSA as just a few of Maryland’s top STEM employers. “There might be no other state where early STEM engagement is more likely to lead to a highquality, high-demand STEM-related career.”

Rogofsky is already looking forward to 2020, where the festival theme will be “Manufacturing Design.” It will begin on October 2, which is appropriately, National Manufacturing Day. There are nearly 60 events in Anne Arundel County in November, including at area libraries, the Chesapeake Children’s Museum, Anne Arundel Community College, Pongo’s Learning Lab, and the National Cryptologic Museum. To learn more about this year’s remaining events, visit MarylandSTEMFestival.org.

—Steve Adams

DISCOVER It is a privilege to partner with more than 500 families in Anne Arundel County and beyond who have entrusted their childrenʼs education to us. Our faculty engage more than 920 students through a comprehensive K-12 learning experience that is distinctly Christian.

Register online NOW for an Open House Four locations in Anne Arundel County

410 519 5300 aacsonline.org

November 12 Lower School in Annapolis November 14 Lower School in Severn November 22 Kindergarten Event in Annapolis and Severn December 4 Middle School December 13 Upper School NOVEMBER 2019

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t is with great pleasure that we introduce our 2019 Standout Students! These impressive teens prove that your age does not preclude you from being a leader, scientist, activist, entrepreneur, philanthropist or advocate.

While each of these students—who hail from various schools in Anne Arundel and Baltimore counties—has excellent grades, it is their desire and drive to better their communities that sets them apart.

Our Standout Students have volunteered a staggering number of hours in the community, making a difference in local schools, nonprofit groups and elsewhere.

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One student has raised $8,000 for cancer research; another organized the Climate Strike march in Annapolis last spring; and a brother and sister have successfully donated more than 7,000 pieces of sports equipment to kids in the community.

A short profile of each student follows, and you can read more and watch short video interviews of each student at ChesapeakeFamily.com/standoutstudents.

We enjoyed meeting each of these students; we were truly impressed with what they’ve accomplished, and we are looking forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future.

Amelia Farrell

Hugh Coyle

12th Grade, Annapolis High

8th Grade, St. Anne’s School of Annapolis

Amelia Farrell is no stranger to environmental advocacy. As a volunteer and student leader with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, she has seen how climate change has affected the Bay, and how legislation can make positive change.

So it’s no surprise that Amelia decided to organize a Youth Climate Strike event in Annapolis in the March of 2019.

According to her op-ed in the Capital Gazette just before the event, “I should be worrying about homework, scholarships, and college applications. But instead, I’m worrying about climate change: The impending global threat weighing on the youth of the world.”

While organizing the march, which included a demonstration on the grounds of the State House and a march to City Dock, Amelia tackled getting permits from the City of Annapolis and the Capital Police, recruited a slate of speakers, and ran a very successful rally. Her goal was to encourage legislators to support the Clean Energy Jobs Act, which requires Maryland to source half the state’s energy from renewable sources by 2030.

The Maryland General Assembly gave final approval to the Clean Energy Jobs Act several weeks later. “I want to make it clear to the legislators, adults, youth, and anyone living in Maryland,” Amelia wrote in her op-ed, “that their actions can make a difference in the world.”

Hugh Coyle has been raising funds to support pediatric cancer research since he was in the fifth grade. Since that spring of 2016, Hugh has shaved his head in a St. Baldrick’s “Brave the Shave” event research each spring, raising a total of $8,000 for Osteosarcoma—a bone cancer that affects children and young adults, and one which treatment options have not seen any advancement in 30 years.

Hugh and his family have been involved in this annual event since his 17-year old cousin, Olivia, was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in 2016. The money raised during “Brave the Shave” goes directly to a 1.5 million dollar research grant to provide new treatments using immunotherapy.

This past spring, friends of the Coyle family, the Wilsons, started their own fight against Osteosarcoma when their fifthgrade son, Ben, was diagnosed. Hugh added Ben to his list of honorees to raise money for. After the May 5 event, he and his family had raised nearly $3,800 for Wilson’s Warriors.

Olivia, now 19, is now doing well, and is a freshman at U.Va. In September Ben Wilson finished a “rigorous treatment consisting of 68 nights in the hospital, 38 days of chemo, 9 blood transfusions, a limb amputation, along with hundreds of pokes and pills,” according to his mother on Facebook.

Hugh says, “This cancer could happen to anyone, and if I can help them it’s the right thing to do.”

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Julianna Bibbo

Parker Drapeau

11th Grade, Mount de Sales Academy

8th Grade, Crofton Middle School

Julianna Bibbo has compassionately served nearly 400 hours with Happy Helpers for the Homeless. The work of Happy Helpers is challenging and encompassing, yet it’s Julianna’s favorite outreach to give of her time and talents.

“When Julianna arrives, we know that it is going to be an extra wonderful day,” says Bobbi Coffman, executive director of Happy Helpers. “We always put her in charge of a volunteer team and task because of how capable she is.”

From meeting urgent needs during a volunteer event to bringing a positive attitude and hope to those she serves, Julianna has made volunteering for the homeless a way of life. She has worked on a variety of projects impacting her community, including the distribution of 2,000 Christmas presents in the streets of Baltimore, and participating in Freedom Harvest food drives commemorating September 11.

Julianna is the only young person involved in the weekly sorting of Walmart donations to Happy Helpers, and she spent Mondays during her last two summer vacations to shop for supplies and sort donations. One of the most impactful events for Julianna has been traveling to rural Caroline County to bring massive aid to families living without electricity. “Help people in any way you can,” she says. “Kindness goes such a long way. Kindness can make someone’s day or inspire them to help others. The world needs more kindness.”

In June 2018, 12-year-old Parker Drapeau (then called Claire) was surprised to find that there was no local Pride parade in Anne Arundel County. Parker wanted to let all LGBTQ+ kids know that they are loved and accepted, even if they might not always feel that way at home or school. His idea was to buy pride stickers and goodies to hand out to people to lend support to the LGBTQ+ community.

Parker and his mom decided on downtown Annapolis as a good spot to do this, and they posted on social media to see if anyone wanted to join them. The mayor caught wind of Parker’s idea, and asked if he could join the group. Parker became the driving force behind the first ever “Pride Walk” in Annapolis that summer, and soon he and Mayor Gavin Buckley led a crowd of more than 50 LGBTQ+ people and allies up Main Street, carrying a pride flag and handing out pride stickers to passersby. They literally stopped traffic (with the city’s blessing).

“People saw us walking up the street and asked ‘What’s this?’ ” Parker’s mom, Chrissy Rey, said, “and we told them it was a Pride Walk, and they just started walking with us!”

Parker was then invited to be a Grand Marshal at the first Annapolis Pride Parade in June 2019, having inspired the local Annapolis Pride group to organize a major event in Annapolis.

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NOVEMBER 2019

Rida Alvi

William Nolan

12th Grade, Annapolis High School

12th Grade, Key School

Since the moment Rida Alvi entered Annapolis High School she has been involved with student government. “She is a tireless advocate for not only her fellow students, but every student in the county,” says her advisor Kathleen Richburg.

Her interest in government and how it is run led her at 15 to start working for Speaker of the Maryland House, Mike Busch. In the spring of 2018, Rida won the election for Student Member of the Board of Education, a coveted position for all SGA students in Anne Arundel County.

Rida is also active in the Future Business Leaders of America and has competed in both district and state competitions. Through these competitions, she’s learned a great deal, including public speaking, speech writing, and leadership skills. Even with her duties on the Board of Education and other activities, Rida still finds time to excel in the rigorous IB program, and, according to Richburg, “puts the time and energy into everything she takes on to give it her best.”

Working with the board has been a great lesson in government as well, says Rida. “I’ve learned to consider people who have different perspectives and compromise,” she says. She’s also learned how important it is to learn to “work with people that think differently than you do but also push the needle forward on the issues you really care about.”

William Nolan is an exceptional young scientist passionate about making a difference and improving the world through science. He recently presented his original research on “radiolytic denaturation of bovine milk proteins with fast neutron bombardment” at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Integrated STEM Education Conference at Princeton University. His research focused on an innovative approach to eradicating allergenic proteins from cows’ milk without effecting its overall composition.

Essentially, he used neutron radiation to “turn off” the proteins in cows’ milk that people are allergic to.

Speaking at the IEEE conference at Princeton was exciting for William, as it’s not often you’ll find a high school student presenting his own research. “The people there were incredibly nice,” he says, and were “eager to see what I had as a high schooler presenting at this conference. It was a lot of fun.”

In addition to his research with milk proteins, William has been an intern at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab and has been accepted in to several highly selective educational programs including John’s Hopkins ASPIRE program, the American Legion Boys State, and the Summer Seminar at the USNA. He is also an Eagle Scout, and enjoys tutoring children at the Center of Help in Annapolis.

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Elizabeth and Lachlan Armstrong

Gabrielle Marquez

11th and 9th Grade, Key School

11th Grade, St, Mary’s High School

Several years ago, Elizabeth and Lachlan Armstrong learned that Mariano Rivera, the famous New York Yankees player from Panama, learned to play baseball using a cardboard mitt. Elizabeth says that spurred her and her brother to start gathering the sports equipment that they no longer used that was gathering dust in their basement and garage and put it to good use.

This turned into a community-wide event called Pass, Pick and Play—a program to collect gently used athletic equipment and distribute it to under-served youth in Anne Arundel County. Held each spring at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center in Annapolis, Elizabeth and Lachlan begin taking donations weeks ahead of time by placing donation bins at the rec center and at other partner locations like the Key School and local soccer clubs. The program’s growth over the past three years has been impressive.

“Together we’ve collected about 2,000 pieces of sports equipment and helped about 400 families,” says Lachlan. “My favorite part of it is the smiles from the kids and helping them out. And I get to make them smile, so that’s a good thing.”

Elizabeth says she would love for Pass, Pick and Play to grow outside of Maryland, and that more kids can benefit from these events, “It means something to the kids. They get such joy out of it.”

Gabrielle’s love and concern for the outdoors has motivated her to protect and preserve our environment within her own community. Gaby started volunteering with Chesapeake Bay Trust in 2017. Shortly thereafter she joined the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and became a student leader, attending the student leader confluence and learning skills to advance advocacy, action and awareness.

In August of 2018, Gaby’s realized that her community beach had a problem with phragmites—an invasive species that crowds out native species, as well as robs nearby fish, plants, and wildlife of nutrients and space. Gaby came up with an idea that would remove the phragmites without resorting to hazardous chemicals that would kill the other plants or poison the surrounding water or environment—goats!

Gaby found a local woman who leases her goats out for this exact purpose. Before long, two dozen goats were munching on phragmites for three full days. When the phragmites were gone Gaby organized people in the community to come in and plant native grasses. She paid for both the goats’ rental and the new plants with a $5,000 community mini-grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust that she applied for, and a matching donation by the H.O.A in her community.

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NOVEMBER 2019

Your children will spend over half of their waking hours at school.

Open daily 10 am to 4 pm

November Events: Good Vibrations-Md STEM Festival Sunday, Nov. 3, 2-4 pm Lead On, Harriet! History Program Friday, Nov. 8 & Saturday, Nov. 9, 7-9 pm World Kindness Day - Grades 6,7,8 Wednesday, Nov. 13, 3:15 - 4:30 pm Native American Spirit, Ages 5 + Sunday, Nov. 17, 2 pm Two Many Cooks - Ages 2 -5 years Sunday, Nov.24, 10:30 - 12:30 Make Your Own Tool Caddy, Ages 7 - 13 Sunday, Nov. 24, 1-3 pm

Ongoing Events:

(incld. with $5 admission)

Creek Critters: Nature Walk, Thursdays 10:30 am. All Ages Art & Story Time: Fridays 10:30 am. Ages 2-5 theccm.org | 410.990.1993 25 Silopanna Road | Annapolis,MD 21403 info@theccm.org

MAKE SURE IT’S A SCHOOL YOU BELIEVE IN. We are One in Christ

Pre-Kindergarten 3 through Grade 12

FALL OPEN HOUSES

LOWER SCHOOL Grades Pre-K3 - 6 Wednesday, November 6 9:00-11:00 a.m.

UPPER SCHOOL Grades 7-12 Sunday, November 17 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

indiancreekschool.org

2019 See You At The Pole

We are One in Christ Over 50 years of Catholic Education

8080 New Cut Rd, Severn, MD 21144 www.archbishopspalding.org

NOVEMBER 2019

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OUR MINDS MATTER GAINS MOMENTUM IN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY B Y D Y L A N RO C H E

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hen Severna Park High School students Lauren Carlson, Parker Cross, Sabina Khan, Megan Moulsdale and Katrina Schultz united in spring 2019 to make a statement about the need for mental health awareness in their community, they had no way of predicting the momentum their advocacy would gain.

But gain momentum it did, and several months later, the grassroots movement known as Our Minds Matter has caught the attention of and brought together government officials, educators, religious leaders, parents and teens to address the growing problem of the youth mental health crisis that has been building in their community.

“It didn’t seem like anything was going to change unless someone was going to do something about it,” says Khan, who found herself moved to action after the suicide of a classmate in March. Parents and students alike were talking about the overwhelming pressures teenagers face to be perfect—to get straight A’s, to excel at sports, to get into the best colleges—and despite the overwhelming expectations, there was a lack of resources available for those who were struggling mentally and emotionally from the stress. Even worse, people didn’t take mental health struggles seriously and didn’t address them openly.

Khan reached out to the other girls and soon enough they were collaborating on how they could create real change for teenagers struggling with mental health. “Some adults think that because we’re so young, we have no idea what we’re talking about or no idea how to do it,” Moulsdale says. “But the thing is, we’re the ones who are directly affected by this.”

Although the girls were acquainted with one another, they weren’t especially close friends until this common cause drew them together. Their advocacy work commenced with a

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march on May 1, 2019, when hundreds of students gathered in Severna Park with signs calling for mental health to be destigmatized and offering a show of support to those who were struggling in silence. “It was difficult growing up viewing mental illness as some taboo scary thing,” says Carlson. “It’s normal and it should be talked about more.”

Our Minds Matter seeks primarily to destigmatize mental illness, opening the conversation for young people to admit when they are struggling and need help. Just as important, the group wants to see increased funding for mental health resources and real policy changes. Among those helping along the way is Delegate Heather Bagnall of Maryland’s 33rd District. “I have great admiration for the fact that they were willing to lead this and not allow the naysayers to defeat them,” Bagnall says.

Coming from a background working with youth in theater and education before she entered politics, Bagnall recognized the potential in this student-led initiative when the girls first reached out to her. “I often see that young people have great ideas, great energy, and it’s often very hard for them to find a champion who will give them a platform to be heard,” she says. “These young women were articulate and engaged and wanted to see changes in communication and how we respond to tragedy, and they wanted to make sure students are included in that process.”

Among the changes Our Minds Matter advocates is lowering or eliminating a minimum age at which students can seek help from Anne Arundel County’s Crisis Response System. As the law stands, those younger than 16 cannot seek help from Crisis Response, and students 16 and older can do so only with a parent’s permission.

Our Minds Matter is also fighting for a better ratio of guidance counselors to students so that each student has

a personal relationship built on trust with their counselor.

“Getting more counselors means we get to know our counselors and have that safe space and that person to go to,” Schultz explains.

The students are also talking to their peers at Severna Park and other high schools for input on a Student Bill of Rights, which Our Minds Matter is developing with Bagnall to be introduced during the next session of the Maryland General Assembly. Such rights might include a set number of mental health days, which would be recognized by schools as excused absences the same as physical illnesses.

Most important, the girls want more communication between all parties involved. As Moulsdale emphasizes, their message isn’t that educators are failing their students—far from it. Instead, they want to see better systems in place so that educators can help young people during difficult times.

“When we started this movement, a lot of people in the school felt attacked and thought we were coming for them and saying they weren’t doing good enough or they weren’t doing their job enough, and that is completely untrue,” she says.

Communication between students and school officials has grown stronger in the months since Our Minds Matter started, most prominently through the formation of the Anne Arundel County Public Schools Mental Health Task Force, which was created by the Board of Education and held its first meeting in September 2019.

Additionally, all four seniors (Carlson has graduated and is away at college) serve on the Board of Education’s Mental Health Teen Advisory Board along with representatives from other county high schools. Both the teen advisory board and the task force will identify better ways to meet the mental health needs of students and make formal reports to the Board of Education in May 2020.

Even with all the political momentum they have initiated, the girls see their biggest accomplishment so far as making their peers feel comfortable opening up about their mental and emotional struggles. “Eliminating the stigma is the biggest thing, and opening the conversation,” Moulsdale says. “We want everyone to feel comfortable. . . . We want people not to be afraid to reach out so someone can be with them and tell them it’s okay not to be okay.”

“I opened up more about what I’ve been struggling with, and I’ve realized I’m completely not alone in it,” Cross says. “I’ve talked to numerous people about things I struggle with like anxiety and depression, and I was like, ‘Wow, these people are struggling with the exact same things I am. I’m not isolated in this little bubble of me versus my problems.”

Also supporting the youth movement has been the leadership and congregation of St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church, where the Rev. Matthew Hanisian says people have embraced the girls’ mission. Hanisian was so impressed by what the teens were doing that he nominated them for one of the inaugural Youth Service Awards presented

by Governor Larry Hogan’s Office of Service and Volunteerism.

Our Minds Matter became one of 13 recipients selected from

among 100 applications for the awards, which were presented in August by Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford.

“They’ve touched so many lives,” Hanisian says. “People have come forward and felt emboldened to speak about their own experiences.” He praises the teens for generating community discussion about an issue that’s been “kept in the darkness for so long” and for getting the attention of the adults who could implement changes. “People have listened to their arguments and said, ‘Yes, we need to so something about this’.”

In the year ahead, Our Minds Matter intends to implement change through policies and legislation, as well as provide an outlet for teenagers. A multi-school winter formal is being planned for November 30 at the Severna Park Community Center to offer a reprieve from the stress that comes from college applications, holidays, seasonal depression and endof-the-semester academic demands.

The founders are also seeking ambassadors who can assist them in their mission and carry on the torch after they leave for college next year. Anyone who is interested in learning more can follow “Our Minds Matter” on Facebook or @ourmindsmattermvmt on Instagram, or they can send an email to ourmindsmatterstudents@gmail.com.

Furthering their mission on top of college applications, homework, and extracurricular activities is no small task, but the young leaders agrees that their advocacy work remains a priority. As Khan puts it, “Our Minds Matter is one of the most important things in all our lives right now.”

NOVEMBER 2019

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ANNE ARUNDEL

private School Directory

w

hether you’re looking for a private school with rigorous academics, a faith-based curriculum, or the special needs services,

our area is rife with options. Our Private School

Directory lists private and parochial schools in the region. Schools with descriptions are advertisers, and have provided the information listed. For more details, such as enrollment, class sizes, and programs, visit ChesapeakeFamily.com/privateschools.

Annapolis Area Christian School Annapolis, Severn, 410-519-5300 aacsonline.org Kindergarten–12th grade Before & after care Tuition: $11,671-$19,850/yr AACS has been providing an excellent, distinctly Christian education from Kindergarten through 12th grade for over 45 years. Students at AACS pursue their God-given gifts and talents through a comprehensive offering of academic courses, fine arts and athletics, extracurricular clubs and programs.

See our ad on page 9

Annapolis Language School Annapolis, 410-533-4209 annapolislanguageschool.com 2 years–5 years Tuition: $200-$600 Annapolis Language School is the area’s only Spanish Immersion Program for Preschoolers.

Your child will be exposed to Spanish in a natural way through total immersion, authentic situations, songs, and books.

See our ad on page 29

Archbishop Spalding High School Severn, 410-969-9105 archbishopspalding.org 9th grade–12th grade Tuition: $17,250/yr As a Catholic, co-educational, college preparatory secondary school, we are committed to challenging our students to grow spiritually, academically, physically, and socially. The school community provides a caring environment that affirms the dignity of the individual and promotes learning.

See our ad on page 15

Bay Country Learning Center Annapolis, 410-974-6700 baycountrylc.com Infants-PreK-4 Tuition: $240-$355

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NOVEMBER 2019

directory | private Bay Country is a loving, caring environment nurturing children for over 30 years. We use

ROCKBRIDGE ACADEMY ~ Celebrating 25 years!

Open House Nov 18 Mar 23

the Frog Street Curriculum, approved by the state of Maryland and known for developing

Story Time Jan 9 Mar 12

Preview Night Jan 17

the social/emotional aspect of children and preparing them for Kindergarten. We welcome you to tour and experience Bay Country.

See our ad on page 31

Tour our NEW facility: 680 Evergreen Road Crownsville, MD

Book of Life Academy Annapolis, 410-263-2600

rockbridge.org

bookoflifeacademy.com 2 years–5th grade Tuition: Please call Book of Life offers a quality Christian education in a warm, friendly atmosphere.

Academic standards are high and class size is conducive to small group and oneto-one attention. We offer strong Christian character training and a daily enrichment program including Physical Education, Spanish, Chapel, Art and Music classes.

Bright Beginning Children’s Learning Center

St. Margaret’s Day School Kindergarten and Preschool Classes (Ages 2-5)

• MAEOE Green Certified School • STEM Program • Weekly Specials

• A Nut-Free School • MD EXCELS rated Level 5 • Summer Camps

• Financial Aid • Before & After Care •

Kindergarten registration for Fall 2020 is open!

1605 Pleasant Plains Rd. • Annapolis, MD 410.757.2333 • www.StMargaretsDaySchool.org Our students are accepted without regard to sex, race, religion or national background.

OPEN

Crownsville, 410-923-3192 Glen Burnie, 410-768-4526 bright-beginning.com 2 years–PreK-4

An Independent School educating students from early childhood to 8th Grade.

Monday

Tuition: $254-$276/wk

November 11 9AM to 12PM

Bright Beginning provides quality early education that exceeds MSDE standards and guidelines, offering full- and part-time

Join us for a chance to see our new building!

care for children ages 2-5. We provide a curriculum that promotes fine and gross motor skills, cognitive development and social-emotional well-being for every child.

HOUSE

SEVERNA PARK | 410-647-7055 | STMARTINSMD.ORG

See our ad on page 35

Calvary Baptist Church Academy Glen Burnie, 410-768-5324 cbcaknights.org 3 years–12th grade

Calvary Center School Annapolis, 410-268-3812 calumc.org/calvary-center-school 3 years–PreK-4 Before & after care

Visit us online for even more details on each school at ChesapeakeFamily.com/PrivateSchools NOVEMBER 2019

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directory | private

OPEN HOUSE

Friday, November 8 th at 9 a.m.

Tuition: $180-$1,025 Our classes are taught by teachers with college degrees. Weekly specials are music, physical education, and chapel. We offer extended care options. Please call for a tour.

See our ad on page 29

Chesapeake Montessori School Annapolis, 410-757-4740

Now Enrolling Pre-K4!

chesapeake-montessori.com 18 months–8th grade Before & after care Tuition: $11,000-$16,500/yr

111 Duke of Gloucester Street Annapolis, MD 21401 410-990-4135 | stmarysannapolis.org/es-admissions

Chesapeake Montessori School guides children and adolescents in their development to become confident, respectful, kind, and independent individuals with well-developed powers of reasoning and a joy for learning. CMS graduates are self-aware, confident, intellectually curious, and gracious.

See our ad on page 25

Creative Garden Nursery School and Kindergarten Crofton, 410-721-7711 creativegardenschools.com 2 years–Kindergarten Tuition: Varies Since 1968, Creative garden-Crofton has enjoyed the reputation of being one of the most highly qualified preschools/day cares in the area. Licensed by MSDE, Creative Garden has a staff of educators with college degrees chosen for their unique qualities and their specialties in early childhood education.

Save the Date for Our Fall Open House!

Middle & Upper School: November 6 at 7 pm Lower School: November 21 at 6:30 pm

See our ad on page 25

Edinboro Early School Severna Park, 410-544-2476 edinboroearlyschool.org 2 years–Kindergarten Before & after care Tuition: Varies Four-year degreed teachers implement MSDE approved curriculum. Structured programs include language arts, math, music, science,

www.severnschool.com preschool-grade 12 Severna Park, MD

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NOVEMBER 2019

art and social studies. Child Care Aware

directory | private (military) approved. Playground time,

as challenging our students with a rigorous

homework help, snack, crafts and games in

course of study.

a safe, nurturing environment.

See our ad on page 25

See our ad on page 31

Saint Andrew’s Day School Edgewater, 410-266-0952 school.standrewsum.org 3 years–8th grade

Indian Creek School

Montessori International Children’s House

Crownsville, 410-923-3660

Annapolis, 410-757-7789

Saint Andrew’s intentionally small classes

indiancreekschool.org

montessoriinternational.org

allow our experienced faculty to provide

2.9 years–12th grade

18 months–6th grade

an engaging classroom environment that

Before & after care

Before & after care

challenges all students. Our integrated

Tuition: Flexible Tuition available; regular

Tuition: $10,100-$11,950/yr

curriculum and educational foundation

tuition: $8,910-$26,990

Montessori International (MICH) is a

ensures continued academic success.

ICS believes that education should be

coeducational independent school that

See our ad on page 17

engaging and challenging. Innovative

inspires excellence, nurtures curiosity and

teaching based on educational research

enhances creativity. Our student-centered

combined with nurturing relationships

learning community emphasizes hands-on

and enrichment opportunities outside the

experiential learning, respect for self and

schooloftheincarnation.org

classroom create a unique, remarkable Pre-K

others, and the development of inquiry skills

4 years–8th grade

through 12th grade college preparatory

that enhance life-long learning.

Before & after care

experience.

See our ad on page 4

Tuition: $4,960 - $8,450/yr

See our ad on page 15

Before & after care Tuition: $8,940-$13,015/yr

School of the Incarnation Gambrills, 410-519-2285

School of the Incarnation is a fully-accredited

Key School

Naval Academy Primary School

Annapolis, 410-263-9231

Annapolis, 410-757-3090

We are dedicated to promoting academic

keyschool.org

napschool.org

excellence immersed in Gospel values. We

2.5 years–12th grade

3 years–5th grade

seek to cultivate our students’ ability to think

Before & after care

Before & after care

globally and behave ethically.

Tuition: $8,545-$29,200/yr

Tuition: $4,931-$11,017/yr

See our ad on page 22

Key School engages children in a

NAPS is a warm nurturing environment

progressive, coeducational, college-

that is open to military families and the

preparatory, day program on its picturesque

Annapolis communities. We have small

15-acre campus. Key emphasizes

class sizes and an inviting school house that

severnschool.com

experiential learning, interdisciplinary studies

stimulates children’s abilities to grow and

3 years–12th grade

and global perspectives. Key graduates are

mature intellectually, physically, emotionally

Before & after care

independent thinkers, creative innovators,

and socially.

Tuition: Varies

effective collaborators, tenacious problem-

See our ad on page 22

Severn School strives to meet the needs of

solvers, and articulate leaders.

See our ad on Back Cover

Rockbridge Academy

Catholic school that educates over 800 students on a beautiful 26-acre campus.

Severn School Severna Park, 410-647-7700

young learners as well as college-bound students while challenging them to realize

Crownsville, 410-923-1171

personal excellence. Students are provided

rockbridge.org

varied opportunities to demonstrate

5 years–12th grade

scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and

Glen Burnie, 410-766-7130

Before & after care

sportsmanship.

msladeschool.com

Tuition: $7,000-$15,080/yr

See our ad on page 20

2 years - 8th grade

Rockbridge Academy is devoted to teaching

Before & after care

students how to think critically and wisely

Tuition: $7,712-$8,552/yr

with a Christian worldview, instilling heartfelt

The mission of Monsignor Slade Catholic

joy for learning, while encouraging lives of

School is to promote Catholic faith and

character and leadership.

stannesschool.org

intellectual development in our students. We

See our ad on page 19

2 years–8th grade

Monsignor Slade Catholic School

St. Anne’s School of Annapolis Annapolis, 410-263-8650

do this by teaching about and modeling the precepts of the Catholic faith, as well

Visit us online for even more details on each school at ChesapeakeFamily.com/PrivateSchools NOVEMBER 2019

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chesapeakefamily.com

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directory | private INTEGRITY

Prek4 through 8th grade

INITIATIVE

INCLUSION

Now accepting applications for 2020-2021

St. John the Evangelist School Severna Park, 410-647-2283 stjohnspschool.org 4 years–8th grade Before & after care Tuition: $8,075/yr

OPEN HOUSES MONDAY NOV. 11TH 10AM - 1PM SATURDAY JAN. 25TH 10AM - 1PM

TAKE-A-TOUR TUESDAY

HELPING STUDENTS GROW IN KNOWLEDGE AND FAITH

EVERY TUESDAY 9-11AM

SCHOOLOFTHEINCARNATION.ORG | 410.519.2285 | 2601 SYMPHONY LANE, GAMBRILLS, MD

Naval Academy Primary School

A student-centered, developmentally appropriate curriculum.

PreK- Fifth grade (must be 3 by Sept 1) Special tuition for military families AIMS accredited Performing Arts, science labs, & foreign language curriculum

Warm nurturing environment with class sizes averaging 12-18 students.

St. John the Evangelist School offers a stimulating, dynamic and challenging academic program in a nurturing environment. Our faculty have the knowledge, experience and love for teaching that guides and inspires every student. Contact us today to see how we merge faith, technology and academics to create good citizens and future leaders.

See our ad on page 31

St. Margaret’s Day School Annapolis, 410-757-2333 stmargaretsdayschool.org 2 years–Kindergarten Before & after care Tuition: $2,200-$7,400/yr

naps.napschool.com | 410-757-3090 74 Greenbury Point Road, Annapolis

St. Margaret’s Day School provides children with an opportunity to learn about themselves and the world around them. The school exposes children to learning experiences and gives them ample opportunity to explore, experiment, create and feel successful.

See our ad on page 19

St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School Severna Park, 410-647-7055

Our

stmartinsmd.org 3 years–8th grade

in

earned over

Before & after care

from area high schools.

Tuition: $3,300-$13,200/yr We are an independent school educating students from early childhood to 8th grade.

At St. Martin’s, we encourage students to stretch their thinking and discover their unique potential, while learning with confidence, serving with compassion, and leading with character.

Serving Preschool through Grade 8

OPEN HOUSE:

St. Martin’s Lutheran School

November 11 , 2019 9:30-11:30am th

Htrinity.org 22

admissions@htrinity.org

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NOVEMBER 2019

See our ad on page 19

301-262-5355

Annapolis, 410-269-1955

directory | private stmartinsonline.org 3 years–8th grade Before & after care Tuition: $3,900-$12,900/yr Saint Martin’s School, PK3-8th, strives to

BALTIMORE Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools Baltimore, 410-547-5515

The Park School of Baltimore Baltimore, 410-339-7070 parkschool.net 4 years–12th grade

develop well-rounded students by promoting

archbalt.org/schools

academic achievement, character education,

The School of the Cathedral

2 years–12th grade

Baltimore, 410-464-4100

and spiritual growth. Our nurturing environment and strong sense of community fosters every child to thrive. Saint Martin’s

Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School

schoolofthecathedral.org 5 years–8th grade

Baltimore, 410-486-1900

experience and individualized attention to

St. Paul Lutheran School

bethtfiloh.com

Catonsville, 410-747-1924

meet each student’s needs.

2 years–12th grade

stpaulcatonsville.org/school

School provides an interactive learning

See our ad on page 25

St. Mary’s Elementary School

Baltimore School for the Arts Baltimore, 443-642-5165

Annapolis, 410-263-2869

bsfa.org

stmarysannapolis.org

9th grade–12th grade

Kindergarten–8th grade Tuition: $8,537-$9,812/yr St. Mary’s Elementary School is a parish coeducational Catholic institution servicing

The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland Baltimore, 410-377-5192

18 months–5th grade

CALVERT The Calverton School Huntintown, 410-535-0216 calvertonschool.org 2.5 years–12th grade

many parishes within the greater Annapolis

boyslatinmd.com

area. Anchored in Faith. Rooted in Tradition.

5 years–12th grade

Committed to Excellence.

Our Lady Star of the Sea School

After School

Solomons, 410-326-3171

See our ad on page 20

Tuition: $21,220-$30,530

olsss.org

Since 1844, Boys’ Latin has focused on

PreK-8th grade

St. Paul’s Lutheran School

understanding how boys learn best. World-

Glen Burnie, 410-766-5790

class faculty, challenging academics, and

stpaulslutheranschoolgb.org

Tidewater School

timeless values are the hallmarks of a Boys’

Huntingtown, 410-257-0533

3 years–8th grade

Latin education. Our school instills the values

thetidewaterschool.org

of courage, compassion, and integrity in

2.5 years–5th grade

St. Philip Neri Catholic School

each boy as embodied in our motto, Esse Quam Videri (to be, rather than to seem).

HOWARD

The Catholic High School of Baltimore

Bethel Christian Academy

Baltimore, 410-732-6200

bethelchristianacademy.com

thecatholichighschool.org

3 years–8th grade

Linthicum, 410-859-1212 st.philip-neri.org 4 years–8th grade

The Summit School Edgewater, 410-798-0005

9th–12th grade

thesummitschool.org 6 years–8th grade, After School Tuition: $31,621/yr

Gilman School Baltimore, Lower School, 410-323-7284

Savage, 301-725-4673

Resurrection-St. Paul School Ellicott City, 410-461-9111, resstpaul.org 3 years–8th grade

The Summit School was founded to serve

Middle & Upper Schools, 410-323-7169

children with dyslexia and other learning

gilman.edu

differences. The core of Summit’s program

St. John’s Parish Day School

5 years–12th grade

Ellicott City, 4104657644

incorporates: highly trained teachers, research-based instruction, hands-on, multisensory learning and low teacher-student

Lamb of God School Halethorpe, 410-242-4100

stjohnspds.org 3 years–5th grade

ratios.

lambofgodschool.org

See our ad on page 19

St. Louis School

5 years–8th grade

Clarksville, 410-531-6664

Visit us online for even more details on each school at ChesapeakeFamily.com/PrivateSchools NOVEMBER 2019

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directory | private stlouisparish.org/school 4 years–8th grade

Trinity School Ellicott City, 443-498-5040

DeMatha Catholic High School

St. Vincent Pallotti High School

Hyattsville, 240-764-2200

Laurel, 301-725-3228

dematha.org

pallottihs.org

9th–12th grade

9th–12th grade

Elizabeth Seton High School

QUEEN ANNE’S

trinityschoolmd.org 3 years-8th grade

Bladensburg, 301-864-4532

KENT COUNTY Kent School

setonhs.org

The Gunston School

9th–12th grade

Centreville, 410-758-0620

Fairhaven School

Chestertown, 410-778-4100 kentschool.org

Upper Marlboro, 301-249-8060

3 years–8th grade

fairhavenschool.com

Radcliffe Creek School

4 years–12th grade

Friends Community School

Chestertown, 410-778-8150 Kindergarten-8th grade

College Park, 301-441-2100

After Care Available

friendscommunityschool.org

Tuition: $28,700

Kindergarten–8th grade

radcliffecreekschool.org At Radcliffe Creek School, the student is at the center of the learning process and

Grace Christian School

gunston.org 9th–12th grade

Lighthouse Christian Academy Stevensville, 410-643-3034 lcacademy.org 4 years–8th grade

Wye River Upper School Centreville, 410-758-2922 wyeriverupperschool.org

Bowie, 301-262-0158

9th–12th grade

classroom instruction is tailored to each

gcsbowie.org

Tuition: $29,100/yr

student. The School customizes learning to

Kindergarten–8th grade

Wye River engages bright students with

go hand-in-hand with academic success and better self-awareness with an environment that empowers children and celebrates unique learning.

See our ad on page 29

PRINCE GEORGE’S Belair Baptist Christian Academy

Holy Trinity Episcopal Day School

knowledge and independence through an inquiry-driven, multi-sensory, multi-modal

3 years–8th grade

pedagogy. To support this approach, project-

Before & after care

based learning, outcome-based goals, and

Tuition: $9,690-$13,370/yr

applied experiences outside of the classroom

Our mission is to help students become “The

highlight our courses.

Best You.” We offer strong academics and

See our ad on page 25

belairbaptistacademy.org

technology and help students become

4 years–12th grade

leaders of tomorrow.

See our ad on page 22

Riverdale Baptist School Upper Marlboro, 301-249-7000

bmhs.org

rbschool.org

9th–12th grade

3 years–12th grade

Christian Academy of Laurel

St Mary of the Assumption

Laurel, 301-490-1076

college, career, and life. Our students gain

htrinity.org

provide opportunities in visual arts, athletes,

Forestville, 301-735-8401

educational experience, preparing them for

Bowie, Glenn Dale, 301-464-3215

Bowie, 301-262-0578

Bishop McNamara High School

learning differences in a challenging

TALBOT The Country School Easton, 410-822-1935 countryschool.org 5 years–8th grade

Saints Peter & Paul High School Easton, 410-822-2275

Upper Marlboro, 301-627-4170

ssppeaston.org

ChristianAcademyofLaurel.org

stmaryum.org

9th grade–12th grade

3 years-8th grade

3 years–8th grade

Visit us online for even more details on each school at ChesapeakeFamily.com/PrivateSchools

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NOVEMBER 2019

Open House: January 26th 2-4 p.m.

Is your teen struggling in school?

We can help. . .

CHANGING the LIVES of bright students with learning differences

410.758.2922 wyeriverupperschool.org

Celebrating 65 Years of Inspiring Students'

Let us count your child among generations of successful graduates

Faith, Knowledge & Service

OCC# 40328

Educating students from PreK 3 - 8th grade.

FEB. 23 | MAR. 15 www.chesapeake-montessori.com 410-757-4740 30 Old Mill Bottom Road, North Annapolis, MD 21409

e Inquir y toda !

Conveniently located near the intersection of Route 100 and I-97

Association Montessori Internationale School AIMS Accredited | Serving 18 Mos - 8th Grade

Pre-K2 through 8th grade • Transfer grants available • Sixty--ve years of fostering academic excellence and spiritual growth • Inspiring students who lead and serve as disciples of Christ

msladeschool.com | 410.766.7130

Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow

Creative Teaching & Interactive Learning Where Every Child Thrives

NURSERY SCHOOL | KINDERGARTEN | DAY CARE

GROWING UP STRONG • Reading Readiness • Number Concepts • Natural Science & Art • Spanish • Music & Social Graces • Exceptional Learning Program • Multi-Sensory Infant Program

CROFTON 410.721.7711 AGES 2-6 YRS.

School, Family, Community

ANNAPOLIS 410.268.0900 INFANTS-6 YRS.

Open Houses 9am

GLEN BURNIE 410.761.7600 INFANTS-6 YRS.

Friday, November 15, 2019 Saturday, November 16, 2019 Friday, January 24, 2020 Thursday, March 26, 2020

Mention this ad for FREE registration!

1120 Spa Road . Annapolis, MD . 410-269-1955 . stmartinsonline.org

Over 50 Years Enriching the Lives of Children God Bless Our Troops & God Bless America

creativegardenschools.com

NOVEMBER 2019

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FAMILY FUN

VOLUNTEER VACATIONS THAT GIVE BACK B Y K AT I E R I L E Y

T

aking a family vacation can be a great way for families to relax and reconnect.

But what if your family wants a more meaningful experience than the annual trip to the beach or a theme park?

Enter volunteer vacations, a popular alternative to the traditional vacation that allows families to give back while also getting away.

Volunteer vacations have been on the rise for the past decade, and volunteer tourism or “voluntourism” is now an almost 200-billion dollar industry. It’s a trend that continues to grow as more families search for ways to make a concrete impact on the world around them.

“I think more people are seeking this kind of vacation because they have a personal desire to connect with a cause they support,” says Kimberly Haley-Coleman, Executive Director of Globe Aware, a nonprofit organization that pairs families with volunteer vacation experiences.

“We are living in such a digital world that it can be hard for kids to gain perspective on the world around them, and parents want to give their children the experience of making a difference in a direct way.”

Many organizations, like Globe Aware, Discover Corps, and Together for Good, are helping plan vacations that directly impact a community in need. Globe Aware’s popular Cambodia trips have families build wheelchairs for land mine victims, while its Guatemala

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trips focus on a local mountain community where families help improve housing and plant vegetable gardens for single mothers.

Though many volunteer vacations focus on global experiences, travelers can also make a difference closer to home, like the trips offered by the American Hiking Society during which participants repair trails at national parks.

Volunteer vacations also take the hassle out of planning, as trips are completely planned by the organization and almost always include housing, food and real-time training. “A volunteer vacation takes the legwork out of planning and it’s a great way to vacation while doing good and working toward a common goal,” says Libby Wile, Senior Director of Programs at the American Hiking Society.

While volunteer vacations are aimed at making a difference for others, the experience is just as impactful for those doing the work.

“When a family experiences this type of vacation, the effects can be felt long after the trip is over,” says Haley-Coleman. “It can give kids a sense of appreciation for what really matters, and it can be empowering for them to know that they’ve truly made a difference.“ Read on for five volunteer vacations that offer a variety of experiences from exotic travel to far-off locales, to one-day Caribbean opportunities, to nature-based trips closer to home.

P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F G L O B E AWA R E

GLOBE AWARE

AMERICAN HIKING SOCIETY

READING ROAD TRIP

DISCOVER CORPS

PACK FOR A PURPOSE

For almost twenty years, Globe Aware has been connecting families with volunteer opportunities around the world. With 20 international locations, Globe Aware offers a variety of experiences for families who want to make a difference.

Travel to Thailand and work with endangered elephants or help rebuild in hurricanestricken Puerto Rico.

Globe Aware’s planned trips last one week and include food, accommodations, medical insurance and bilingual translators.

Additionally, Globe Aware also offers customized experiences that can be added on to existing vacations. globeaware.org

The American Hiking Society sponsors more than service 40 trips per year, perfect for families that want a nature-based vacation.

Trips are designed for people who have never done trail work, and safety and training information is provided on-site.

Families will spend their days clearing vegetation and cutting back trail surfaces.

Trips may also include building structures.

Destinations include the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Adirondacks and Florida. Trips start at $200 per person for a week that includes meals, lodging and a day off to explore local attractions. americanhiking.org/ volunteer-vacations

Through the Sandals Foundation, families that vacation at a Sandals or Beaches resort in the Caribbean can spend a day giving back at local schools reading to children and helping them with their comprehension skills. The Sandals Foundation also has volunteer opportunities geared toward older kids vacationing with their families. The Sandals Foundation’s “Volunteenism” program encourages traveling teens to take part in local volunteer activities like beach cleanups and peer tutoring, providing a supervised experience for teens to get to know the community they are visiting.

If your family is looking for a complete cultural immersion on vacation, Discover Corps’ ‘Vacation with Purpose’ offers service-oriented trips all over the world for families. These all-inclusive vacations focus on giving back to local communities through cultural and natural preservation, allowing you to work alongside scientists in Belize to protect manatees or help Quechua children in a small village in the Andes learn English.

Each Discover Corps trip is all-inclusive and designed to give back and also provide a fully immersive experience in the local culture and customs. hdiscovercorps.com

Pack for a Purpose is an organization that encourages travelers to pack needed supplies for locals. With dozens of destinations and service projects, Pack for a Purpose is a loweffort way to make a difference on vacation.

Travelers simply visit the website, select their destination, and choose their tour company or hotel and the project it supports.

A list of needed supplies is provided and families can choose what they want to bring and pack it in their suitcase. After dropping it off at the designated place, the supplies are delivered directly to those in need. packforapurpose.org

sandalsfoundation.org

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calendar | november

get out TONS OF FUN THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH

E

vents are subject to change; check websites before heading out. For even more events visit chesapeakefamily.com/calendar.

Ongoing Inside Out

Nov. 2–24. It’s bedtime with this interactive show!

But instead of getting ready, two children use their imaginations to turn their room into a wonderland of mess! While playing dress-up, a glove becomes a dancing fish, a shirt becomes a fantastic creature, and a sock dance rocks the closet. Best for ages 1–5. $12. ASL-Interpreted performance Nov. 24 at 11:15 a.m. Imagination Stage, Bethesda. imaginationstage.org

Tarzan the Musical

Nov. 1–17. Based on Disney’s epic animated musical adventure and Edgar Rice Burrough’s Tarzan of the Apes, the show features heartpumping music by rock legend, Phil Collins, and a book by Tony Award-winning playwright, David Henry Hwang. $12–$15. Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. childrenstheatreofannapolis.org

1 Friday

Public Hayride

Thursday–Sunday through Nov. 10. Gather the family for a 20-minute hayride through the colorful, autumn-filled grounds of Watkins Regional Park. $2.

10 a.m.–noon. Old Maryland Farm, Watkins Park, Upper Marlboro. pgparks.com

First Fridays

Discounted admission every first Friday. $10.

5–8 p.m. Maryland Science Center, Baltimore. mdsci.org

Sultana Downrigging Weekend Tall Ship and Wooden Boat Festival

Nov. 1–3. Visit historic Chestertown for the MidAtlantic’s largest annual gathering of tall ships, schooners and historic wooden boats, with public sails, musical performances, maritime talks, food, and family-friendly activities. Free. Chestertown Marina, Chestertown. downrigging.org

Baltimore Book Festival

Grateful Dead Tribute Concert for Kids

Nov. 1–10. Local, regional and national authors, workshops, demonstrations, children’s activities, live music and all things books are combined with this year’s Light City Baltimore. Free. 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Baltimore Inner Harbor. baltimorebookfestival.org

Light City Baltimore

November 2

If you’re a Grateful Dead fan, you’ve probably wanted to share your love of this incredible band with your kids. Now you can, with Ed Hough’s Dead Collective, which features some of Baltimore’s best roots and Americana musicians. Brought to Annapolis by independent radio station WTMD, this Saturday Morning Tunes concert introduces kids to great music you can enjoy together. Open seating with extra room for wiggles and dancing! $14 kids; $17 adults. 10 a.m. marylandhall.org

Nov. 1–10. Baltimore will be aglow with waterlight graffiti, fireworks, a drone light show, and lots of unique visual art including an interactive display featuring two iconic symbols from the 60s and 70s—the disco ball and the VW Bug. Free. Baltimore Inner Harbor. brilliantbaltimore.com/light-city

Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events!

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calendar | november 2 Saturday

Orchestra and a Movie: Ghostbusters

ANNAPOLIS LANGUAGE SCHOOL

Annual Pasadena Thanksgiving Parade

Nov. 2–3. Get your proton packs ready and enjoy some paranormal comedy with the classic film accompanied by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in this unique movie-going experience! Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Baltimore. bsomusic.org

Parade features bands, floats and celebrates the spirit of the holidays. Food donations collected along the parade route. 2 p.m. Starts at Tick Neck Park and ends at George Fox Middle School, Pasadena. pasadenabusinessassociation.com/thanksgivingparade

Grateful Dead Kids Concert

Meet the Farmers

Shop for wild and not-so-wild new and gently used treasures. Proceeds support the Patuxent Research Refuge. Free. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. National Wildlife Visitors Center, Laurel. fws.gov

The Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar celebrates the people who make it all possible, the farmers! Find area farmers, ask them about their farm-produced crops and meats, or just say thanks for the food.

7 a.m.–noon. Baltimore Farmer’s Bazaar. Underneath the Jones Falls Expressway at Holliday and Saratoga streets. promotionandarts.org

Dinosaur Park Open House

Free Family Sunday

See highlight on page 28.

Friends Wildlife Holiday Bazaar

Check out the Dinosaur Park on the first and third Saturday of every month. Noon–4 p.m. Dinosaur Park, Laurel. mncppc.org

Sculpt clay figures. Materials provided. Free. 2 p.m.

–5 p.m. Baltimore Museum of Art. artbma.org

Jug Bay Run For Wildlife

Baby and Toddler Playgroup

3k, 5k and 10k races to benefit conservation projects and research aimed at preserving the Patuxent River’s natural wildlife. 9 a.m. $20–$30. Price increase $5 for day of registration. Patuxent River Park, Upper Marlboro. outdoors.pgparks.com/3191/jug-bayrun-for-wildlife

Fall Fun Festival

Daily through Nov. 3. Corn maze, jumping giant pillow, petting and feeding farm animals, giant slides, cow train, and more. Over 45 attractions. $9 weekdays; $13.50 weekends. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Gaver Farm, Mount Airy. gaverfarm.com

Maryland Sunrise Farm

Weekends through Nov. 3. Harry Potter corn maze, petting zoo, hay jump, corn kernel box, pumpkin patch, pedal carts, cow wagons, hayrides and food vendors. Sat., 10 a.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.; select Fridays, 3:30 p.m. $11. Gambrills. mdcornmaze.com

Public Star Party

Come enjoy the night sky through telescopes set up by the Howard Astronomical League (HAL).

Free. 6:30–8 p.m. Alpha Ridge Community Park, Marriottsville. apm.activecommunities.com

3 Sunday

Maryland STEM Festival—Good Vibrations at CCM

The physics of sound with the USNA Band Ensemble!

Free with $5 museum admission. 2–4 p.m.

Chesapeake Children’s Museum, Annapolis. theccm.org

The Area’s Only Spanish Immersion Program for Children ages 2-5!

Mondays-Fridays 9:30am to 12pm Tuesdays and Thursdays 12 - 3pm (3½ - 5 year olds only) AnnapolisLanguageSchool.com

Calvary Center School

4 Monday

Weekly conversation among the adults while 0–2-year-olds play. Discussions will be led by Dr. Deborah Wood and occasional guests. 9:30–11 a.m.

Program is included with $5 museum admission, babies one and younger are free. Chesapeake Children’s Museum, Annapolis. theccm.org

5 Tuesday

Half Pint Kids Club: Pumpkin Parfaits

Tuesdays weekly. Ages 3–5. Children’s culinary workshop using all-natural ingredients. Registration required. $5. 11–11:45 a.m. Whole Foods Market, Annapolis. wholefoodsmarket.com/service/ annapolis-culinary-community-center

6 Wednesday Toddler Time

Children ages 18 to 36 months (with caring adult) enjoy a variety of developmentally-appropriate stories, songs, rhymes and movement activities while building early literacy skills. 9:30 a.m. Linthicum Community Library. aacpl.net

Christian Preschool Program for ages 3-5 ■ Approved MSDE Curriculum ■ MD EXCELS rated ■ Early Care and Extended Care

■ Weekly Chapel, Music & Physical Education ■ Beautiful waterfront location License #98524

Call to SChedule a tour!

301 Rowe Blvd. Annapolis (410)268-3812 • calumc.org

CELEBRATING AND EMPOWERING HAPPY CHILDREN WHO LEARN DIFFERENTLY

7 Thursday Creek Critters

Parents and children alike will enjoy learning about the local environment with indoor and outdoor activities (weather permitting). See what critters live in our woodlands and creek. Share stories, songs, games and crafts. All ages. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Free with $5 museum admission. Chesapeake Children’s Museum, Annapolis. theccm.org

8 Friday

Toddlers! Fitness! Fun!

Toddlers + Fitness = Fun in this 45-minute structured My Gym Class that will include songs, dance, and

Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events!

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calendar | november tumbling games. Smiles Guaranteed! Space is limited. Registration required. Free. 10:30 a.m.

Crofton Community Library. eventbrite.com

Kids Night Out: Aladdin

Kids can paint, chow down on pizza and watch the new live action “Aladdin.” $35. 6–9 p.m. Clay Bakers, Annapolis. theclaybakers.com

Preschool Book Club: The Roll Away Pumpkin

Time for a little mommy/daddy and me time with your little one, who will enjoy story time and painting a pottery piece. $15. 10–11 a.m. Clay Bakers, Annapolis. theclaybakers.com

13 Wednesday

Disney’s Aladdin the Musical

9 Saturday

American Indian Heritage Day

Hands-on activities, storytelling, archery and more.

Free. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, St. Leonard. jefpat.org

Sensory Evening

An evening of accessible programming designed specifically for children with Sensory Processing Disorders and their families. Educators from the Walters Art Museum and therapists from Kennedy Krieger Institute will be present. Free. 4–6 p.m.

Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. store.thewalters.org

10 Sunday

Public Hayride

Gather the family for a 20-minute hayride through the colorful, autumn-filled grounds of Watkins Regional Park. $2. 10 a.m.–noon. Old Maryland Farm, Watkins Park, Upper Marlboro. pgparks.com

Sensory Friendly Sunday

This monthly event is designed for families with kids, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disabilities. The center opens early, allowing visitors to enjoy a calm environment.

Sensory alert maps, sensory backpacks and quiet areas are available. Reservations suggested. $5 adults, children age 3 and older $3, under 3 free.

11:30 a.m. Robinson Nature Center, Columbia. howardcountymd.gov/rnc/sensoryfriendlyvisit

11 Monday

Veterans Day Parade

St. Mary’s County honors veterans and active duty military in one of the largest Veteran’s Day Parades in Maryland. A memorial wreath-laying ceremony follows the parade. Free. 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Leonardtown Square, Leonardtown. visitstmarysmd. com/events/veterans-day-parade

Nov. 13–Dec. 1. Discover a whole new world at Disney’s Aladdin, the hit Broadway musical. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite. $52–$73.

Showtimes vary. Hippodrome Theatre, Baltimore. france-merrickpac.com

15 Friday

The Polar Express Train Ride

Select days and times Nov. 15–Dec. 1. Relive the magic of the “The Polar Express” aboard the train as the characters come to life. Each child receives a silver bell, cookies and hot chocolate are provided. $37–$90. B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore. borail.org

ICE!

Nov. 15–Jan. 1. This year’s Ice! features the 1957 Dr. Seuss classic, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas!”

Watch how the Grinch tries to steal Christmas from the Whos of Who-ville through interactive ice sculptures and displays. $25–$40. Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor. gaylordnationaltickets.com

16 Saturday

Dinosaur Park Open House

Check out the Dinosaur Park on the first and third Saturday of every month. Noon–4 p.m. Dinosaur Park, Laurel. mncppc.org

Homestead Gardens Grand Illumination

Get in the holiday spirit at the lighting of the trees with 250,000 holiday lights, plus live music and train displays. Free. 5–9 p.m. Homestead Gardens, Davidsonville. homesteadgardens.com

17 Sunday Letterboxing

Family activity that involves solving clues and exploring the outdoors to find “treasure boxes.” Free.

2–3:30 p.m. Holt Park, Baltimore. overleafrc.com/ programs/holtpark

12 Tuesday

Half Pint Kids Club: Gobble, Gobble Cupcakes

Tuesdays weekly. Ages 3–5. Children’s culinary workshop using all-natural ingredients. Registration required. $5. 11–11:45 a.m. Whole Foods Market, Annapolis. wholefoodsmarket.com/service/ annapolis-culinary-community-center

18 Monday

Take a Hike Day

Join NECC staff as they lead you through the Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail in honor of Take a Hike Day. 10 a.m. Meet at Northeast Community Center, Chesapeake Beach. co.cal.md.us

22 Friday

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival

Nov. 22–24. Join 250 artists and crafters and enjoy shopping for handcrafted, one-of-a-kind creations directly from the country’s most talented artisans at this unforgettable festival. $10. Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.– 6 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Gaithersburg. sugarloafcrafts.com

23 Saturday

Six Flags Holiday in the Park

Nov. 23–Jan 1. More than 1 million glittering lights, holiday entertainment, seasonal treats, visits with Santa and theme-park rides. $45 and up. Six Flags America, Upper Marlboro. sixflags.com/america

Lights and Leashes

For one night only, families and their four-legged companions can leave their cars behind and walk through Lights On The Bay, the annual holiday light show featuring a two mile scenic drive along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay through Sandy Point State Park. $20 per car. All proceeds from this dog and family friendly event will go directly to the SPCA. All dogs must be leashed, preferably on non-retractable leashes. 5–10 p.m. Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis. lightsonthebay.org

Festival of Lights Trot for a Turkey

Walk or run through the Winter Festival of Lights.

Registration includes a long-sleeve T-shirt and provides a family in need with a holiday turkey.

Registration required. $30. 6 p.m. Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro. pgparks.com

Christmas Village in Baltimore

Preview weekend Nov. 23–24. This Christmas Village will transform West Shore Park at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor into an authentic German Christmas market. Free. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. West Shore Park, Baltimore. baltimore-christmas.com

24 Sunday

Lights on the Bay

Nov. 24–Jan. 1. Drive through this annual holiday lights show to raise money for the Anne Arundel SPCA. $20 per car. 5–10 p.m. Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis. lightsonthebay.org

26 Tuesday

The Great Turkey Race

Gobble! Gobble! Farmer Joe and Farmer Kate discuss plans for a very special Thanksgiving turkey. Kids will listen to a story, sing, dance and create Thanksgiving crafts! $8; $10 non-members.

10–11:15 a.m. William Paca House and Garden, Annapolis. annapolis.org

27 Wednesday Symphony of Lights

Nov. 27–Jan. 1. Display of more than 100 larger-

Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events!

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calendar | november than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations, made up of more than 250,000 bulbs.

Laser light show, 3D holiday video and outdoor ice skating rink. $20 per car. 6–10 p.m. Symphony Woods, Columbia. merriweatherlights.com

28 Thursday Turkey Trot

Run, walk, jog or stroll during this 5K to help raise funds for children living in poverty throughout central Maryland. $40 adults; $22 ages 7–17; $5 ages 6 and under; Dogs $15. 8:30 a.m. The YMCA, Arnold. ymdturkeytrot.org

Turkey Chase

An out-and-back route on the dirt and gravel driveway. Strollers welcome but pets are not allowed. Benefits Caring for Community scholarships for children who cannot afford to go to camp. $25–$40. 8:30 a.m. YMCA Camp Letts, Edgewater. campletts.org

Gingerbread House Show & Contest

Nov. 29–Dec. 1. View displays of edible gingerbread houses and vote on your favorite in the Viewer’s Choice Award Competition. $2. Noon–5 p.m. Darnall’s Chance House Museum, Upper Marlboro. history.pgparks.com

NSO Pops: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Nov. 29–Dec.1 Year Five begins! See Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Concert presented in HD on a giant screen with composer Nicholas Hooper’s score played live by the NSO. $29–$99.

The Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. kennedycenter.org

Festival of Trees

Nov. 29 –Dec. 1. A winter wonderland complete with decorated trees, a gingerbread town, shopping, holiday activities and more for children of all ages. $6–$16, children under 4 free. festivaloftrees. kennedykrieger.org

29 Friday

30 Saturday The Nutcracker

Nov. 30–Dec. 29. This Nutcracker performance is set in historic Georgetown using George Washington and King George III, among other historical figures, as characters. $30–$60. Warner Theater, Washington, D.C. washingtonballet.org

A Christmas Carol

Nov. 30–Dec. 29. Adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol” is a beloved holiday performance. $39–$65. Annapolis Shakespeare Company. annapolisshakespeare.org

Holiday Bazaar & Tea at the Cloisters Nov. 30–Dec. 1. Artisans will sell handmade items inside the historic Cloisters Castle. Plus tea, finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, scones, cheese, and an assortment of pastries and desserts. The Bazaar is free to attend and shop, but there is a fee for participating in the tea. Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sun. Noon–4 p.m. Cloisters Castle, Timonium. cloisterscastle.com

BAZAART Holiday Art Market

Nov. 29–30. Shop hundreds of original creations by regional artists and craftspeople, including paintings, and other work that simply defies categorization!

Free. Fri. Noon–6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore. avam.org

Academic Excellence in the Catholic Tradition Since 1959 FAITH • FAMILY • ACADEMICS

Swing into an Open House!

Hearth and Home in Early Maryland

November 5th & January 29th • 9 am-12 pm & 7-8 pm

Nov. 29–30. Explore 17th-century foodways, and celebrate the end of the growing season.

Discover what it took to weather the winter before refrigerators, gas/electric stoves, and grocery stores. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission $10, children $6.

Historic St. Mary’s City. hsmcdigshistory.org

Kindergarten Information Night • February 11th • 6:30 pm Middle School Information Night - February 13th • 6:30 pm Preschool Information Night • March 10th • 6:30 pm Welcome Wednesdays – Come Visit Us! Tours at 9:00 am

4 year old Prek School through Grade 8 410.647.2283 | stjohnspschool.org | Severna Park, MD 21146

Christmas on the Square

Holiday festivities, music, entertainment, sleigh rides, live nativity, petting zoo, stories with Mrs. Claus and Santa’s arrival and tree lighting (7 p.m.) Free.

4:30–8:30 p.m. Leonardtown Square, Leonardtown. visitstmarysmd.com

National Blue Ribbon School Of Excellence

2019 Best of Annapolis Award

Festival of Lights

Nov. 29–Jan. 1. Holiday drive-through event features more than 2.5 million twinkling lights and a 54foot LED musical tree. $10. 5–9:30 p.m. Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro. pgparks.com/742/ Festival-of-Lights

Zoolights

Nov. 29–Jan. 1 (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31).

More than 500,000 environmentally friendly LED lights transform the zoo and a light show set to music. Also includes live music, winter treats and holiday shopping. Free. 5–9 p.m. National Zoo, Washington, D.C. nationalzoo.si.edu

• Ages 6 weeks – 5 years old • Loving & Nurturing Environment • Approved MSDE Curriculum • Spanish & Sign Language • Call to schedule a Tour 190 Admiral Cochrane Drive, Suite 190 Annapolis, MD

410-974-6700

Baycountrylc.com

■ Childcare - age 2+ ■ Nursery School - age 3+ ■ Pre-K - age 4+ ■ Kindergarten - Full Day - age 5+ ■ Before & After Care - up to age 7 ■ Talented & Gifted Programs Pre-K Scholarships Available For Low Income Families on Food Stamps or Below 300% FPG

380 Jumpers Hole Rd. Severna Park, MD

410-544-2476

Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events!

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DATE NI G HT & MORE

stay inspired FESTIVE FAMILY MOCKTAILS

BY JILLIAN AMODIO

Pumpkin Toothpicks The perfect addition to garnish any awesome you XX make. $16.25 EASY -mocktails SERVES

GRINCH PUNCH 1 gallon greenCups sherbert Rose Gold Paper 2 liter Sprite or gingerale Gorgeous, stylish cups leakproof 1 gallon green punch or green Kool-Aid cups. These cups are disposable Red sanding sugar and biodegradable. $13.99

Party Supplies Fancy design, easy to clean and DIRECTIONS biodegradable party supplies, perEmptyyour themocktails. sherbet into a large bowl. Pour the sprite or fect to compliment $26.99 ginger ale and the punch or Kool-Aid over top of the

sherbet. Stir the sherbet mixture well. Dip the rim of the glasses in water and then red sanding sugar. Spoon Grinch punch into prepared glasses and enjoy!

Cheers to all that is good and jolly this holiday season!

T

EASY - SERVES 4 Biodegradable Straws CHOCOLATE ORANGE SMOOTHIE he holiday season is coming, bringing a time Add all ingredients except theThick milk a out andchocolate sturdy strawsto made 1 can frozen orange juice from concentrate of magic, joy and wonder. It can also be a time of biodegradable environmentally blender.

Blend until smooth.

Add some chocolate 1 cup milk or non-dairy substitute to take the ordinary to extraordinary. With an friendly $6.99 shavings and pulse until blended. Pour intomaterial. glasses and 1 cup water abundance of festivities sure to be packing your Âź cup sugar top with additional chocolate shavings. family calendars from Thanksgiving through the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 10 ice cubes Milk chocolate shavings

New Year, there are plenty of opportunities to wow family, friends, and guests with whimsical holiday beverages.

These non-alcoholic drinks are great for anyone in the family, including the kids, who like to feel fancy at holiday gatherings too! Shop this page at ChesapeakeFamily.com/

MEDIUM - SERVES 2 ProductsWeLove.

KID-FRIENDLY PUMPKIN LATTE

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2 cups milk or non-dairy alternative1 ½ cups pumpkin puree2

Combine the milk or non-dairy alternative, pumpkin and sugar in a pan. Stir on medium heat until warmed through. Mix in a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg.

stay inspired EASY GRINCH PUNCH SERVES 10–12

1 gallon green sherbet 2 liter Sprite or ginger ale 1 gallon green punch or green Kool-Aid

Empty the sherbet into a large bowl. Pour the sprite or ginger ale and the punch or Kool-Aid over top of the sherbet. Stir the sherbet mixture well. Dip the rim of the glasses in water and then red sanding sugar. Spoon Grinch punch into prepared glasses and enjoy!

Red sanding sugar

EASY CHOCOLATE ORANGE SMOOTHIE SERVES 4

1 can frozen orange juice from concentrate 1 cup milk or non-dairy

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 10 ice cubes Milk chocolate shavings

Add all ingredients except the milk chocolate to a blender.

Blend until smooth. Add some chocolate shavings and pulse until blended. Pour into glasses and top with additional chocolate shavings.

substitute 1 cup water ¼ cup sugar

EASY FRUIT FOLIAGE PUNCH SERVING VARIES

Equal parts apple cider, pineapple juice, and ginger ale

Combine apple cider, pineapple juice and ginger ale. If decorating the rim of the glass, dip in maple syrup and fall leaf sprinkles. Pour punch over ice and enjoy!

Crushed ice Optional fall leaf sprinkles and maple syrup for rim

MEDIUM KID-FRIENDLY PUMPKIN LATTE SERVES 2

2 cups milk or non-dairy alternative 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree 2 tablespoon brown sugar, maple syrup, or sugar substitute

Combine the milk or non-dairy alternative, pumpkin and sugar in a pan. Stir on medium heat until warmed through.

Mix in a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg. Immediately pour into mugs and top with whipped cream or caramel as desired.

Sprinkle of nutmeg Sprinkle of cinnamon Whipped cream and/or caramel topping

HARD SUGAR PLUM CIDER SERVES 10–12

Sugared grapes 3 cups grapes ½ cup water 1 cup white sugar Cider Cranberries 2 plums 2 bottles chilled sparkling white grape juice 4 cups cranberry juice 1/ 3

cup lime juice

Sugared grapes: Place half a cup of sugar in a pot and stir in ½ cup of water. Heat over medium until sugar is completely melted. Remove from heat and place the grapes into the pot coating them with the sugar water. Using a slotted spoon, place coated grapes onto a wire cooling rack to dry for one hour. Once grapes are dry, roll them in the remaining ½ cup of sugar. Place grapes on a cookie sheet for one more hour.

When the grapes are fully dry, arrange sugar coated grapes, cranberries and sliced plums on toothpicks or skewers as a garnish. Combine the sparkling grape juice, cranberry juice, and lime juice and serve over ice.

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NOVEMBER

Events worth hiring a babysitter

2 Saturday

Carrie the Musical Stand Up For . . . Theatre is proud to present “Carrie - The Musical.”Based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel, the musical of Carrie hasn’t been seen since its legendary 1988 Broadway production. $20. 7 p.m. Chesapeake Arts Center, Brooklyn Park. chesapeakearts.org

NOV 9 | Alpaca & Fleece Festival

Oyster and Brew Festival on Tilghman Island Enjoy a day by the water slurping oysters, enjoying music and sipping craft brews at Oyster Jam, Phillips Wharf Environmental Center’s annual fundraiser. $30. Noon–4 p.m. Phillips Wharf Environmental Center, Tilghman Island. phillipswharf.org

CASAblanca—Together We Rise Anne Arundel County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) will celebrate 22 years of service to abused and neglected children at this black-tie affair featuring dinner, dancing, music, and silent and live auctions. 6–11 p.m. $175 per person. Westin Annapolis Hotel. aacasa.org/events

The Tug: MRE vs. Annapolis Eastport takes on Annapolis in a giant tug of war across Spa Creek. Chili cook-off, music, and vendors. Free. Noon. City Dock, Annapolis, and Chart House Restaurant, Eastport. themre.org

3 Sunday

First Sunday Arts Festival The Arts Festival is held the first Sunday of every month through November on West Street in

1 Friday

Baltimore Book Festival

Sultana Downrigging Weekend— Tall Ship and Wooden Boat Festival Nov. 1–3. The Mid-Atlantic’s largest annual gathering of tall ships, schooners and historic wooden boats, with public sails, music, and familyfriendly activities, and more. Free. Chestertown Marina, Chestertown. downrigging.org

Oct. 30–Nov. 3. Fun, approachable and chock-full of art by local and global emerging artists. Thurs.– Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Union Market, Washington. superfine.world/ washington-dc

chesapeakefamily.com

authors, workshops, demonstrations, children’s activities, live music and all things books are combined with this year’s Light City Baltimore.

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NOVEMBER 2019

First block of West Street, Annapolis. firstsundayarts.com

8 Friday

Free. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Baltimore Inner Harbor.

Waterfowl Festival

baltimorebookfestival.org

Nov. 8–10. Join in the celebration of Maryland’s sporting heritage and Eastern Shore food, drink

Light City Baltimore Nov. 1–10. Baltimore will be aglow with

Superfine! Art Fair

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Nov. 1–10. Local, regional and national

Downtown Annapolis. Free. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

waterlight graffiti, fireworks, a drone light show, and lots of unique visual art including an interactive display featuring two iconic

and fun! There will be lots of kids activities, including art and environmental projects, wildlife art, retriever demonstrations, and arts and crafts vendors. Easton town-wide. waterfowlfestival.org

symbols from the 60s and 70s—the disco ball

Annual Annapolis by Candlelight

and the VW Bug. Free. Baltimore Inner Harbor.

Nov. 8–9. This year’s tour focuses on historic

brilliantbaltimore.com/light-city

neighborhoods in the vicinity of Prince George

and King George streets. Highlights include the Bordley-Randall House, the Charles Carroll the Barrister House, and the Patrick Creagh House. $35–$50. 5–9 p.m. visitannapolis.org

Maryland Irish Festival Nov. 8–10. Celebrate all things Irish with music, Irish dancers, cultural exhibits and traditional Irish cuisine. $15–20; ages 17 and younger free. Fri. 6–11 p.m.; Sat. noon–11 p.m.; Sun. noon–6 p.m. Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium. irishfestival.com

9 Saturday

Maryland Alpaca and Fleece Festival Nov. 9–10. This fuzzy fall festival features live animals, demos, seminars, live animals, yarn, and one-of-a-kind craft supplies. Free. 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship. marylandalpacas.org

11 Monday

United States Naval Academy Band Veterans Day Concert The USNA Band, under the direction of Lt. Cmdr.

Patrick K. Sweeten, will present a special Veterans Day concert. Advanced registration recommended, walk up guests welcomed if space allows. 7 p.m.

Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis. usna.edu/usnaband

13 Wednesday

Wine Down Wednesday: Dining in the Dark This look at early 19th-century culinary culture and craft cocktails will help you appreciate this historic mansion by the light of candlelight as you enjoy a glass with your friends. $15. Members free.

Reservations suggested. 5:30 p.m.

Hammond-Harwood House, Annapolis. hammondharwoodhouse.org

15 Friday

Wine and Dinosaurs Enjoy an exclusive look at the Science Center after dark as you wander—wine in hand—through the world of prehistoric predators and plant eaters.

Engage with staff and enjoy their interactive demonstrations as they bring the world of the dinosaurs to life. You many also learn a thing or two about wine. $40. 7–9 p.m. Maryland Science Center, Baltimore. mdsci.org/event/wine-dinosaurs

16 Saturday Gloria!

Dvorak’s Te Deum and Rutter’s Gloria make a pair of joyous bookends for this concert of spectacular music for chorus and orchestra. Also featured on this program is Ola Gjeilo’s beautiful setting of Walt Whitman’s poem “Song of the Universal.” $18–$51.

8 p.m. Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis. marylandhall.org

20 Wednesday

Docksiders

Holiday Girls Night Out

Sample, sip and shop with your BFFs, through the

Gymnastics

area’s premier Christmas shop decked out in exquisite

Excellence by Choice

holiday themes and get inspired to decorate your home inside and out! Free. 6–9 p.m. Homestead Gardens, Davidsonville. homesteadgardens.com

23 Saturday

Baltimore Whiskey Festival

Ask us about:

• Classes for 18 mos. & up • Competitive Girl’s & Boy’s Teams • Birthday Parties

Meet and chat with whiskey distillers, master

• Open Gym • Adult Open Gym • Field Trips • Home School Groups Don’t m iss o Sign up ut!

NOW!

blenders, and other whiskey experts, then taste from a selection of more than 60 whiskies from around the world. Ticket includes access to the grand tasting and a commemorative glass. $59. 6–9 p.m. The Assembly Room, Baltimore. bmorewhiskey.com

Cranksgiving Combine a food drive, a scavenger hunt, and a bike ride—and then add in trophies and prizes, a team for any riding pace, and lots of warm fuzzies for getting food to folks in time for Thanksgiving meals.

216 Najoles Road, Millersville, MD 21108 410-987-8780 · docksidersgymnastics.com Two Convenient Locations!

12:30–6:30 p.m. Charm City Meadworks, Baltimore. bikemore.net/cranksgiving

27 Wednesday Dranksgiving

It’s the night before Thanksgiving—spend a few hours of solace with friends and family members you like before having to spend an entire day with those you don’t! 6–10 p.m. Jailbreak Brewing, Laurel. jailbreakbrewing.com

28 Thursday

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K A 5k or fun run through downtown Annapolis.

Strollers, kids and dogs are welcome! Plus a prize for the best turkey costume, and refreshments provided post race. $10–$40. 9 a.m. 318 6th Street, Eastport. fleetfeetannapolis.com

Ages 2 - PreK • Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum • Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks • Small, Caring Environment • Foreign Language Programs 867 Buttonwood Trail Crownsville, MD

543 Old Stage Road Glen Burnie, MD

License# 130684

License# 160256

410-923-3192

410-768-4526

Bright-Beginning.com

29 Friday

Festival of Trees Nov. 29 –Dec. 1. The elves from the Kennedy Krieger Institute transform the Maryland State Fairgrounds into a winter wonderland complete with decorated trees, a gingerbread town, shopping, holiday activities and

Register now for winter

more for children of all ages. $6–$16, children under 4 free. festivaloftrees.kennedykrieger.org

30 Saturday

Miracle on 34th Street Hampden Lights Opening Night Nov. 30–Jan. 1. Every evening from Thanksgiving weekend through New Year’s Day, the block of 34th Street in between Keswick Road and Chestnut Avenue in Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood is decked out a holiday light display that’s unique to Baltimore.

Free. 6 p.m.–11 p.m. 700 Block of 34th Street (between Chestnut Ave. and Keswick Rd.). baltimore. org/article/miracle-34th-street-light-display NOVEMBER 2019

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chesapeakefamily.com

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College Prep is

A

cademic rigor at Key is derived from achieving a deep understanding of the complexity of concepts and problems, not from the sheer amount of content covered. From First School through Upper School, Key’s program emphasizes experiential learning, creative and collaborative problem solving, and building habits of grit and resourcefulness.

Key alumni say they are uniquely prepared for the challenges of collegiate programs and well-equipped to meet the demands of the innovation-driven economy.

KEY GRADUATES ARE: • Independent thinkers • Intrinsically motivated • Creative innovators • Effective collaborators • Tenacious problem-solvers • Articulate leaders

OUTCOMES 2019 • Over 82% of the Class of 2019 received merit scholarships • 81% will attend “Most/Highly/Very Competitive” colleges/universities • 25% of the Class of 2019 scored 1430+ on the SATs; Class Mean of 1313 • 11% earned National Merit Scholarship Recognition (national avg. < 1%) • 35% intend to pursue STEM-related studies including engineering, computer science, marine and environmental science, pre-health/vet, and architecture.

• 24% will attend Research 1 Universities • 98% of alumni parents surveyed would recommend Key to a friend, colleague or family member.

• Visit keyschool.org/Classof2019 for a complete list of college acceptances and matriculations.

OPEN HOUSE VISIT US! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOL (Grades 5-8) UPPER SCHOOL (Grades 9-12)

UPPER SCHOOL DROP-IN DAYS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020 KEYSCHOOL .ORG/OPENHOUSE

The Key School engages children from 2.5 years of age through grade 12 in a progressive, coeducational, college-preparatory program on its picturesque 15-acre campus located 4 miles from downtown Annapolis.

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| 534 NOVEMBER 2019 HILLSMERE DR. • ANNAPOLIS, MD • 21403 • 410. 263.9231 • KEYSCHOOL .ORG