Chicago Parent August 2014

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ChicagoParent.com August 2014 1

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2 August 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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British School of Chicago Lincoln Park • South Loop (Fall 2015)

Learning they will love.

Early Years Open House: September 27, 9:00am-12:00pm Explore admission for your 3-5 year old by joining us at our open house! Your child can sing a song, make a masterpiece and move to the music in a session with our Early Years staff. These 20 minute sessions include art, music, dance and storytelling, and will give you a glimpse into the lives of our students. You can also hear from our principal and go on a mini-tour of the school.

Register for a session on our website or by contacting our admissions office as space is limited.

www.britishschoolofchicago.org

admissionsbsc@wclschools.org

773-506-2097

ChicagoParent.com August 2014 3

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ADVERTISEMENT

Easing the Transition from Home to School

By JENNI SORENSON Community Resource Director

W

innie the Pooh author, A.A. Milne wrote, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” Parents everywhere share that sentiment as they take their children to school for the first time. Transitions to new environments can cause stress and anxiety for both parent and child. Starting off on the right foot is crucial to new experiences. The following five tips will hopefully ease the transition from home to a new school environment.

1. Separation anxiety is a natural/ normal stage of development. The most important way a parent can ease a child’s anxiety is by having complete trust in those who are caring for your child. Finding a preschool you believe in, and are excited for your child to be part of, will set the tone for the expe-

rience. Parental emotions positive or negative will rub off on the ever-perceptive young child.

2. A child’s anxiety when saying good-bye stems from the fear that the parent is not going to return. The fact the mommies and daddies always come back is a lesson that children must learn for themselves. Short separations allow your child to work through their emotions in the care of a teacher that understands the development of a young child and is responsive to their emotions. Returning a short while later teaches your child that you will come back. As your child grows more comfortable, parent time away lengthens until the separation transition is no longer an issue.

3. Always say good-bye. Again, parents set the tone for the departure.

Hide your distress and cheerfully let your child know that you will be back.

Sneaking out sends the message that you are doing something wrong. Putting a smile on indicates that school is a fun place to be. Quick good-byes are

best. The sooner the parent leaves the faster the child can find friends and start their day.

4. Communicate important info about your child to their new teachers.

Revisiting the first tip, you’ve chosen a school for your child that you are confident in. The teachers are going to individualize your child’s transition to the classroom. Upon returning, information about your child’s day should be shared with you. Parents and teachers should game plan about the next drop off. Teachers and parents working together foster a warm, nurturing classroom environment.

5. Regression is normal. A child may have weeks of happy, stress-free drop offs and then, seemingly out of nowhere a tearful episode. This could be triggered by not having a great night sleep, a parent traveling, not feeling well, or may be nothing that we can trace to a cause. Days like this will happen, take them in stride, say your cheerful good bye and know that the day will be an exciting one.

Join Lincoln Park Preschool & Kindergarten’s Preschool Together: a parent & child introduction to preschool essentials. The creation of a community of children and par ents learning together, making friends, and feeling safe is the purpose behind our preschool introduction class. Parents and children will be introduced to the structure of our preschool day.

The class is an oppor tunity to see LPP’s curriculum in action.

• Mom and Dads bring your 1522 month old to our 6 week preschool prep session.

• Register for our 75 minute class on Wednesdays at 9:30 or Thursdays at 10:45.

• The class will start September 10/11 and run through October 15/16.

• The cost per session is $150.

Question and to request a registration form email j.sorenson@ lppschools.com

LPP Germania : 108 W. Germania Place , Chicago, IL 60610 • 312-482-9009 • info@lppgermania.com LPP Belden : 312 W. Belden Ave., Chicago, IL 60614 • 773-665-0110 • info@lppbelden.com

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6 August 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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contents IN THIS ISSUE 15

21

GOOD TO GO

A big yoga fest, brunch at The Signature Room and three places for back-toschool readiness THE SELF-AWARE PARENT

Your kids hold the real answers 25

27

75

29

31

95

FEATURES

40

47

TWEEN TIME Two easy treats to create good moments and boost confidence in the kitchen

50 Our big back 2 school issue Classrooms without borders: Schools increasingly taking an international approach What to look for in a great backpack What your preschooler REALLY needs to know for the year ahead

WELL PLAYED

Meredith Sinclair’s new column is all about fun CRAFT

Create an ocean in a bottle FAILING WITH GUSTO

Monkey love

AUGUST 2014 | VOLUME 30 | NO. 8

THE HIDDEN WOUNDS OF WAR Leaving the battlefield behind isn’t easy for local parents

GOOD SENSE EATING

Think outside the (lunch) box

Lunch without the waste Crack down on sexting

175 WAYS TO WRAP UP SUMMER

Our huge calendar has you covered for fun with the kids

ON THE COVER Cover kid: Safiyah Abualrob, 6, BACK Chicago

AUGUST 2014

| FREE

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

How not to embarrass your kids in the carpool line

2

SCHOOL Going global, learning local

175 ways to wrap up summer

Photography: Liz DeCarlo Design: Claire Innes

Map provided by Architectural Artifacts, Chicago. architecturalartifacts.com ChicagoParent.com August 2014 7

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EDITOR’S NOTE SPONSORED

A prairie that came back What was your neighborhood like before the houses were built? Most neighborhoods in the Chicago area were part of a great, sweeping prairie that went on for miles and miles.

Wander the paths at The Morton Arboretum’s Schulenberg Prairie and you can begin to feel what that prairie was like.

Tall grasses move in the wind like waves, with colorful flowers scattered among them. Birds and butterflies are everywhere because there are seeds, pollen, and nectar for food. In late summer, the tall grasses turn golden.

The grasses and other plants have long roots that go deep into the ground to collect water, so they can survive even when there isn’t much rain.

When settlers came nearly 200 years ago, they plowed up nearly all the rich prairie land to make farms. Then, about 50 years ago, people at the Arboretum set out to see if they could turn the Schulenberg Prairie from a farm back into a prairie. They collected seeds of native prairie plants and planted them. The grasses and flowers grew.

After 50 years, the Schulenberg Prairie is home to many plants and animals. And when you visit, it’s like stepping through a door back to the past of the land where we live.

Find more adventures in nature at The Morton Arboretum.

Check out our award-winning Children’s Garden!

THE MORTON ARBORETUM 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL mortonarb.org • 630-768-0074

Things I’ve discovered

TAMARA L. O’SHAUGHNESSY

I am a head-in-the-sand kind of mom, I think. As I’m sure you’ve heard too many times to count from mommy bliss bubble-bursters, the time when our littles are little is much too fleeting, and before we know it, they will be leaving home. I’d nod politely and refused to believe those warnings.

I had all the time in the world to enjoy my three babies.

Then time sped up.

Suddenly my baby boy was thinking about girls, how he looked, how he smelled and using more products in his hair than I do. Last fall I pulled my head out of the sand long enough to realize it was time to get serious about college.

So we hit the road on an exploratory mission. I made some discoveries that may help you as you get ready to send your little scholars back to school.

College is expensive, especially if you never planned for the day actually arriving except sometime in the very, very distant future. Enough said.

While colleges still care a great deal about grades and test scores, they are looking for more. They want involved students who show they care about others (and not just to pad the college application). They want kids who are giving back to their communities at younger and younger ages.

Being able to think with a global perspective gets higher marks than someone who is simply “book smart.” As I quizzed counselors and professors, they said they want students who know how what we do here affects others around the globe and who can think of global solutions to issues.

The idea of raising global students changes the way kids from preschool on up need to be taught, they told me.

When we returned home, I started looking at Chicago’s schools in a new way. Luckily, we are seeing more schools positioning kids to meet this global perspective, with Gems World Academy and the British School among the standouts.

This issue is packed full of information, from Kristy MacKaben’s piece on the Common Core Curriculum testing changes this year to Cortney Fries’ collection of great tips from teachers and principals in the trenches to Shannan Younger’s piece on sexting.

Our goal is to help you and your kids have a fantastic new school year.

1 2 3

CONNECT WITH US #mortonarboretum

8 August 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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What has 18 legs and catches flies? A baseball team! • What kind of cats like to go bowling? Alley cats! • Where did the pencil go on vacation? Pennsylvania! •

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Why did the horse cross the road? Because the chicken needed the day off! • Why were the apple and orange alone? Because the

ChicagoParent.com August 2014 9

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CONTRIBUTORS

Our absolute favorite back-to-school item growing up

EDITOR Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy SENIOR EDITOR Liz DeCarlo ASSOCIATE EDITOR Elizabeth Diffin DIGITAL EDITOR Graham Johnston DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Jackie

McGoey

ART DIRECTOR Claire Innes EDITORIAL DESIGNER Jaquinete Baldwin,

Sky Hatter

INTERN Kristina Lazzara CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cathy Cassani

A fresh box of Crayola markers signaled back-toschool excitement and actually still brings me sincere joy today when I open a new box.

Megan Murray Elsener

I loved my Esprit book bag. It was like a giant, oversized purse that came in all kinds of colors.

Mine was bright red.

Samantha Sordyl

The first day of school outfit. I loved the feel of new clothes. I loved popping the tags off... wait, isn’t that a song?

Gillian Marchenko

I always loved fresh notebooks (and I still do)! I like the idea of a blank, new start to fill with my words and stories.

Melissa Silverberg

Adams, Megan Cottrell, Megan Murray Elsener, Sara R. Fisher, Cortney Fries, Caitlin Murray Giles, Tim Inklebarger, Linda Marsicano, Kristy MacKaben, Gillian Marchenko, Christine Palumbo, Emily Paster, Melissa Silverberg, Meredith Sinclair, Samantha Sordyl, Marianne Walsh, Shannan Younger DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES

Walter Burden, Dawn Engelhardt, Lourdes Nicholls, Karen Skinner, Adrienne Smith CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SALES

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Jessica Doerr

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Specializing ADVERTISING DESIGN Maggie Acker, Debbie Becker in Dentistry for CIRCULATION MANAGER Kathy Hansen DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Diplomates of the Children & Alan Majeski Specializing American Board Adolescents CREDIT MANAGER Debbie Zari of Pediatric Dentistry inDiplomates Dentistry of for the Dennis R. LaMonte, D.D.S., M.S. Steven T. Kuhn,Board D.D.S. American Children & PUBLISHER Dan Haley Specializing of Pediatric Dentistry VP/OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Adolescents in Dentistry for Andrew Johnston Specializing Dennis R.Exceptional LaMonte, D.D.S., M.S. Steven T. Kuhn, D.D.S. COMPTROLLER Ed Panschar Children & in Dentistry forGeneral & Cosmetic FOUNDERS Natalie Goodman, Adolescents Children & Carolyn Jacobs Exceptional Dentistry Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

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Dentistry Same relaxed & fun atmosphere – nowfamily expanded to quality dental services! will allow usallow to see will us to see provide forfamily Adults the entire with quality dental services! for Adults 10313 West Lincoln Hwy. , in Frankfort more ofmore you of & your you & yourNiki Kasper,NikiD.D.S.Kasper, D.D.S. Michael Kasper, D.D.S. Michael Kasper, D.D.S. family’sfamily’s smiles!smiles! Same relaxed & fun atmosphere – now expanded to to Same relaxed & fun atmosphere – now expanded |

HOW TO REACH US 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Illinois 60302 (708) 386-5555 ChicagoParent.com EDITORS

chiparent@chicagoparent.com CALENDAR

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Chicago Parent is published monthly by Wednesday Journal, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chicago Parent, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL, 60302. © 2014 Wednesday Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

10 August 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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Ready to

Learn. Ready to Grow. Ready to Discover.

Little GEMS International Pre-School in Lincoln Park is the place where your child can learn and explore, grow and develop, and enjoy discovering the world.

As part of GEMS Education’s global network of award-winning schools, children at Little GEMS International Pre-School receive an early start on a world-class education in structured and safe learning environments. We may be the new kid in Chicago, but GEMS Education has been the world’s foremost provider of private education for children from birth through Grade 12 for over fifty years. www.lgipreschool-chicago.com

Schedule a pre-school tour today!

To learn more about Little GEMS International Pre-School and our newest Chicago school, GEMS World Academy-Chicago (K–12), call us at 312-361-3539.

LINCOLN PARK

Little GEMS International Pre-School • 2301 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60614 • 312. 361.3539

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Because this time you’ll be prepared with an Ultimate Back to School Combo from Mabel’s Labels. Complete with 108 custom labels, this combo is perfect for their backpacks, pencil cases, lunch bags and of course shoes.

12 August 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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ON THE WEB

Your back-to-school destination

JACKIE MCGOEY

We’ve packed this issue with stories to help you get the new school year off to a great start, but we also have so much more great information for you at ChicagoParent.com/education.

Plus, we have the most upto-date info on school open houses right in one place.

>> Don’t forget your download. You can now read each issue of Chicago Parent on your iPad or iPhone.

Three things not to miss this month

1

3

Contests. Enter to win more than $200 Videos. We give you in back-to-school supplies, including a peek into how our the wonderful Lala lounger, water covers are created bottles and food containers from Nalgene, a with behind-the-scenes trial subscription from NetNanny, those tervideos of our covershoot rific labels from Mabel’s Labels and a for this issue super cute backpack.

Chicago and Chicag But there’s more. Leave town Special (and this planet) when you board which ard Parent, w the virtual spaceship at Adler’s new features Destination Solar System. One lucky Jaden Vashon Ja winner will win a family Morgan, 4, five-pack of tickets.

Chicago. of Chica

2

Catch Bears’ fever by checking out five great blogs we did leading up to the Bears Family Fest where you can watch the team practice ce at Soldier Field Aug. 2. Find them em at http://bitly/BearsFanFest2014

Featured blog excerpt: Kari Wagner

Good Chicago moms come in all forms

KARI WAGNER

I have seen this quote all over the Internet for the past year: Good moms have sticky floors, messy kitchens, laundry piles, dirty ovens and happy kids.

I hate this quote.

Why? Because it implies that if a mom has shiny floors, neat kitchens, no laundry piles, clean ovens that: 1) You aren’t a good mom and 2) Your kids aren’t happy.

Oh, I understand what the person who came up with this was intending to convey: if your house isn’t perfect, it’s OK. Your kids are OK. You are OK.

It’s a proverbial pat on the back.

An imaginary fist bump.

But it also implies that if you are cleaning your home or making it look nice, that your kids are ignored.

And that is what I am going to take issue with.

Because I am a neat freak.

FRIGGIN’ PROUD OF IT. Are my floors sticky?

Rarely.

Are my kitchen counters clear of debris?

Most likely.

Is my laundry done on a regular basis?

Yep. Is my oven clean?

HOLY CRAP I AM NOT A ROBOT. Why is it OK to bash moms who like to have a clean home?

It’s this whole movement to make moms who don’t clean their homes feel better about themselves and moms who do clean feel like crap.

But just because I schedule my day in a way that gives me peace by having a clean home doesn’t give you a right to judge me for it.

As I don’t judge you for having sticky floors, laundry piles or dirty ovens.

I am a damn good mom.

My kids are happy and loving.

And my house is clean.

Just don’t look in my oven.

Kari Wagner is stay-at-home mom by day, superhero by night.

ChicagoParent.com August 2014 13

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#ChicagoKids YogaFest 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 17 Reserve free tickets at http://events. brightstarevents.net/ featured/2014-08-17-chicago-kids-yoga-fest-il-us Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago chicagokidsyoga.com

‘Om’ away from home

E

very summer in Chicago, the news suddenly goes crazy with reports of shootings and flash mobs. But one Chicago mom’s answer to our city’s violence problem isn’t about increasing the police force or getting guns off the street. Her solution? Yoga.

“We’re trying to say that we aren’t a community of violence; we are a community of peace,” says Jennifer Robertson, founder and president of Chicago Kids Yoga LLC. “We should start with children and give them the tools and ability to find peace within themselves and with others.”

That belief led to #ChicagoKidsYogaFest, a free event held in the Garfield Park Conservatory, that will include yoga and meditation sessions, art projects, henna painting, a fire performance

by Pyrotechniq, free food, and music. There’s also a business expo, a farmers market, and a quiet corridor for those with sensory overload.

Robertson says the event is meant to be inclusive, and you don’t need previous experience in yoga to attend. In fact, attendees can come in whatever clothes they’re wearing and don’t need to bring a yoga mat. And there’s no need to ascribe to a certain religious system, either.

“Yoga deepens whatever you come to the practice with,” Robertson says. “It honors people from all backgrounds and faiths and brings them together to find commonality.”

In this case, the common cause is teaching kids about peace and nonviolence. Robertson says studies show yoga increases test scores and confidence, and reduces bullying and violence.

“We need to give our young people tools to handle what’s going on in their lives,” Robertson says.

The conservatory is an ideal location for #ChicagoKidsYogaFest due to its position in an area where yoga isn’t widely practiced, as well as its beauty and ambiance, which align with the festival’s purpose.

“It’s a celebration,” Robertson says. “Chicago should be defined by something else other than crime.”

Elizabeth Diffin

ChicagoParent.com August 2014 15

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GOOD TO GO

Brunch on the top of the world

T

he first thing you notice upon entering The Signature Room on the 95th floor of the Hancock is the exquisite view, which is truly breathtaking. Yet almost as impressive is the brunch offerings. Make sure you go hungry—really hungry.

The buffet is adorned with crab legs, oysters, shrimp, cheeses, pastries, breads and an assortment of salads, among many other choices.

There is an omelet station with made-to-order omelets of any kind. Also in the buffet area is an ice cream sundae bar where children—and adults!—can concoct any frozen confection including traditional banana splits.

I thought that was the brunch, but the buffet is only

the beginning. Menus arrive to order a la carte entrées such as vanilla French toast (in a word, yum), breakfast burritos, steak and eggs, pancakes, red seared snapper and grilled pork loin, to name a few selections. And here’s the kicker: you can order as many entrees as you want. Kudos to you if you can actually eat more than one after the buffet and generous entrée portions.

If the ice cream buffet is not your dream dessert, you can devour an immense slab of red velvet cake (you’ll need a to-go box), a variety of cheesecakes and other delectable choices.

The brunch, which is truly an experience in addition to a meal, is $45 per adult and $25 for children under 12.

Linda Marsicano

The Signature Room 875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Sundays signatureroom.com

Empowering kids to be creative, curious, caring and confident at every age and every stage Highlights.com/Imagine 1 1614 ADVS-140701.indd August 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD TO GO

Bow & Stern: A kid-friendly oyster bar

I

n general, I find that kids and oysters don’t mix. As a matter of fact, oysters and I don’t mix either.

So in addition to my children I brought along an oyster-loving friend to help me evaluate this upscale restaurant that offers much more than just oysters.

First, the oysters. Our dinner companion, something of an oyster connoisseur, gave two thumbs up to the oysters.

Luckily, I am a seafood fan and Bow & Stern offers so many choices it’s hard to decide. For appetizers, excellent options include Maine Mussels, Grilled Baby Octopus and the Crispy Laughing Bird Shrimp.

For entrees, I chose the Maine Lobster Tail, which was tasty and sweet and

reasonably priced at $28. We tasted the Great Lakes Trout, which came with a delicious brown butter caper sauce.

Non-seafood lovers won’t be disappointed. The Bow Burger, served with tomato bacon jam, bread and butter pickles, Hooks cheddar and pomme frites, is a popular choice. The Berkshire Pork Chop served with butternut squash puree and brown butter apples is

another.

The menu might lean toward a bit sophisticated for children, so they do offer a kids’ menu with items like fish and chips, mini burgers, chicken tenders, pasta with butter and grilled cheese, all $6 and under.

Don’t skip dessert: You can’t go wrong with Grandma Greene’s Peanut Butter Pie and the Molten Dulce de

Bow & Stern Oyster Bar 1371 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago bowandstern oysterbar.com Leche Cake with a side of sour cream ice cream.

Linda Marsicano

We Build Character from the very start

Respect Responsibility Resourcefulness pre-kindergarten through eighth grade Visit Our Beautiful Campus Today!

1985 Pfingsten Road Northbrook, Illinois 847.498.1105 countrysidemontessori.org ChicagoParent.com August 2014 17

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BEST IN CHI H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

August 29th thru September 1st

B2S prep classes made easy

Meet and Greet

Dove Cameron* Of “Liv And Maddie” & “Cloud 9” Sunday, August 31 3:00 - 5:00 pm

* A wristband is required to meet and greet Dove. Wristband distribution begins at 10am, August 31 (while supplies last) in Family Fun Land. One wristband per person, must be present to receive wristband.

Event is subject to change, delay or cancellation. Talent can only meet as many fans as time allows.

August 30th thru September 1st at Family Fun Land LEGOLAND Discovery Center Character meet and greets by Princesscapades DuPage Children’s Museum Engineering For Kids and much more!

Located at Naper Settlement LAStFLiNG

www.LastFling.org

VERTICAL ENDEAVORS Indoor Rock Climbing

OUR FIFTH LOCATION NOW OPEN Schedule your event at our newest location, Glendale Heights! We offer Birthday Parties, Holiday Camps, Group Events, Youth Teams and more!

Glendale Heights 246 Windy Point Drive / 630.784.9000 Warrenville 28141 Diehl Road / 630.836.0122

Email jourdan@verticalendeavors.com www.VerticalEndeavors.com

SARA R. FISHER

August is here and I hate to say it, but it’s time to start thinking about preparing the kids for the inevitable return to the classroom.

Summer is fleeting, isn’t it? But don’t fret, you (and the kids) will be fine about their re-entry to reality. They just need a little refresher course, if you will. Some ideas: s:

1

Sew Crafty scrapbooking class, 2320 N. Damen Ave., Suite 1E (773) 698-8071; sewcraftystudio.com/ summercamps I love the idea of wrapping up summer with a pretty little bow.

Your kids can do just that by pulling together gether their summer memories at this class. Plus, Sew Crafty teaches kids how to make their own paper. Perhaps that will come in handy for fall’s first spelling test.

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 25-29, $250 per week

2

Wishcraft Ink Well workshops, 3907 N. Damen Ave., (773) 348-9474; growartists.com Wishcraft Workshop proprietor Candice Cummins is known for her master craft classes, but throughout the month of August Candice’s team is conducting STEM-related classes in partnership with the city of Chicago. Your little learner can brush up on back-toschool strategies like taking timed tests, constructing a persuasive argument, active reading and thesis state-

ment writing.

4-5:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, $35 for a 90-minute workshop, or $195 for six 90-minute workshops for grades 5-10

3

Mad Science, various locations; chicago. madscience.org If your child has missed education of the explosive sort, enroll her in a Mad Science class. Mad Science, which operates science classes across Chicagoland, can refresh your youngster on the finer art of Eureka (overcoming challenges of various inventors) to Space (need we say more?) and have them ready for whatever laboratory challenge might come their way in September. $300 per week, $65 per class

18 August 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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NORTH SHORE CENTER’S EDUCATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAM 2014-15 SCHOOL YEAR

Reserve Now for a Season of Learning & Fun!

ONE DAY ONLY! MATHEMAGIC starring Bradley Fields Tue, Oct 21 | 10am & 1pm | Grades 4-8

CHINESE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS Wed & Thu, Feb 10 & 11 10am & 12pm | Grades K-12

SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! Wed, Nov 05 | 1pm | Grades K-5

THE MUSICAL ADVENTURES OF FLAT STANLEY Dallas Children’s Theater Tue, Apr 14 | 10am & 12pm | Grades K-4

SUPER SCIENTIFIC CIRCUS Thu, Nov 13 | 10am & 12pm | Grades K-5

Showcase is the trade show matching leading educational entertainers for young audiences with area educators, libraries & park districts.

REGISTER ONLINE BY AUG 25TH & SAVE!

● Live Performances Showcased On Our Beautiful Stage! ● Exhibits & Networking Opportunities with Educational Performers! ● Free Breakfast & Lunch! ● Invaluable Event Resource Guides! ● Chance to Win a FREE Performance! ● New Teaching-Artist Workshops!

NorthShoreCenter.org/Showcase

(847) 679-9501 x3100

APOLLO TO THE MOON Virginia Repertory Theatre Tue, Nov 18 | 10am & 1pm | Grades 3-12 HANDICAP THIS! Tue, Nov 28 | 10am | Grades 6-12 FREEDOM BOUND Mad River Theater Works Wed, Jan 28 | 10am & 1pm | Grades 3-8 MUNTU DANCE THEATRE OF CHICAGO Thu, Feb 05 | 10am | Grades K-12 Thank you! NSCPA Foundation/ Rice Endowment & Irving M. & Sylvia Footlik Foundation

NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR

THE PERFORMING ARTS IN SKOKIE 9501 Skokie Blvd. FREE PARKING

THE MAYHEM POETS Tue, Apr 21 | 10am & 1pm | Grades 5-8 ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY Theatreworks USA Thu, May 14 | 10am & 12pm | Grades K-3

ALL SHOWS ABOUT AN HOUR LONG! ONE FREE TEACHER TICKET FOR EVERY 15 STUDENTS! TICKET GRANTS AVAILABLE!

NorthShoreCenter.org/YOUTHEATRE

(847) 679-9501 x3100

ChicagoParent.com August 2014 19

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Ready Readyfor for school schooland and beyond. beyond.

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20 August 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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Your kids hold the answers The other day my daughter asked why people read parenting books.

I told her that there are many different reasons, but sometimes I read them to understand her better.

She quickly replied that my answer didn’t make sense. “That book isn’t about me, it’s about somebody else.

If you don’t understand me, ask me.”

CATHY CASSANI ADAMS I smiled at her insightful response, mostly because I agree with her.

It could be parenting, dieting or traveling—regardless of the topic, people are writing and interpreting their experiences and often selling them as absolutes.

Parenting has no absolutes. There is not one way for a kid to be or behave; there is not one way to respond to a parenting issue.

There are only moment-tomoment decisions based on the person and information in front of us.

This is a reminder that parenting work begins with our own self-awareness and history. My past experiences are not necessarily true for my child.

Maybe I demonstrated shy behaviors and faced some challenges because of it, but that doesn’t mean I need to “protect” my child from being shy.

I also have to be aware of my future concerns. All parents worry about what might happen to their child, but living in this state of fear doesn’t help our decision making.

The best parenting decisions are done with a clear head and a respect for our children. If they are ready to stretch or take on a new responsibility, we need to be open to that growth.

Instead of sharing everything that could go wrong, we can offer a sense of trust in their ability to take big steps, support instead of discouragement.

We don’t teach our children to grow and learn; they do that by themselves.

We stand beside them and support, we create boundaries and limits to facilitate their sense of safety, and then we stand back.

I’ve written parenting books, and I enjoy picking up the latest parenting book, but I know the big answers are not there.

The big answers are found in present-moment decision making.

Instead of assuming that we know it all or that the books have the right answers, we need to be present and attuned with the person who holds the answer. And then, as my daughter suggested, we just ask.

Cathy Adams is an author, the host of Zen Parenting radio and the mom of three girls.

Need to know

THE SELF-AWARE PARENT

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MOM OF THE MONTH become very strong mentally to want to be more successful than I am. I don’t let the little things get to me anymore. I live in the moment now instead of thinking so far in the future because I want to enjoy every moment with my daughter. (In the winner’s circle, when Homeister gets off her horse, Victoria will put her hands on her mom’s cheeks and say, “Mama, I’m so proud of you.”)

What’s it like to be in a still very maledominated career? Did you get treated differently when you became a mom?

I am a jockey. You are competing on equal ground. It is a very competitive sport and it’s very hard for most men to get beat by a woman. We just all want to win. As a woman, I am just focused on being a jockey. You have to keep learning every day. That’s how I look at life. I try to keep my mind focused and ride race by race. I want to teach my daughter that you can’t dwell on the past, to keep moving forward and learning. In racing we just keep moving forward and turning left.

The winning mom

{M.O.M}

Rosemary Homeister

Daughter, Victoria Rose Rosendo Homeister, 2 Thoroughbred jockey, Arlington International Racecourse

What has been the best moment you’ve had as a mom?

Every moment. The day she was born, when they pulled her out and just put her on my belly, feeling that amazing feeling that you’ve never felt such a love in your life. I was just ‘Oh my God!’ All I could say is ‘thank you God for a beautiful healthy baby.’

How has motherhood changed how you ride?

Now that I am a mom, I always want to be able to ride for her, for whatever she needs in her life. I just want to be the best I can be. I want to show her women can do anything.

I want her to see her mommy can work, can be a great mom, play with her, teach her things.

I want her to see that she’s capable of doing anything in life.

How it’s changed my riding, I have

>>

You have to keep learning every day. That’s how I look at life.

I try to keep my mind focused and ride race by race. I want to teach my daughter that you can’t dwell on the past, to keep moving forward and learning.

Top tips for your back-toschool sanity Going back to school can be a challenging time for families, but you can kick off the school year right (and stay sane in the process):

1 2

Use an organizer app to manage and share schedules among family members.

Set reasonable guidelines for what you and your family can do without losing your mind. Don’t over-schedule yourself or your kids.

4 5

3

Keep things in perspective by setting limits for video games, TV, smart phones, social media, etc.

Create a “study hall” environment where everyone does homework at the same time and can call on you for help if needed.

Shop early for back-to-school supplies to avoid long lines and out-of-stock items.

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PLUGGED-IN PARENT

No tech for Aiden, please Q A How can I tactfully ask guests invited to my toddler’s birthday to avoid tech gifts?

When it comes to technology, many people understand that not every youngster is plugged into an iPad. Still, tech gifts are among the most popular gifts. You can’t always control exactly what your child SHARON MILLER receives, but the following ideas can CINDRICH help make choosing a gift easy on party guests and help you be a gracious host.

Try a themed party.

Consider having a themed party to give those invited some gift-giving guidance.

For instance, an invitation to a “Build Caden’s Bookshelf Party” invites guests to share a favorite new or used book.

Or throw a clearly non-tech

party that includes creative play, art activities and/or the outdoor fun and chances are the gifts will follow suit.

“Join us for a toddler-style BYOB (Bring Your Own Bubbles). We’ll spend the afternoon playing outside and blowing bubbles to celebrate

Jane’s birthday!”

Be honest up front. If someone asks you for a gift suggestion, be ready with ideas that focus on non-tech interests: blocks, books or balls, for example.

Consider nixing gifts altogether. Playing games with friends and celebrating with special foods is a special gift of its own. You can add a note to the bottom of the invitation. “The best birthday gift Andrew could receive is your attendance. Please bring the gift of yourself.

No other gifts are necessary.”

unplugged and more

connected Find out why Waldorf education is the fastest growing educational movement in the world.

Join a tour & orientation to learn more:

Oct. 23 ¼ Nov. 13 ¼ Dec. 11 773.465.2371 chicagowaldorf.org

parent-child ¼ early childhood ¼ grade school ¼ middle school ¼ high school

chicago waldorf school

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Joyful? Excited?

No one wants to think “anything can happen” but isn’t it reassuring to know that you are at the right place, where “anything” will be treated right away.

Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center provides the safety net you might need. Our goal and yours is to have you go home with a healthy baby in your arms.

Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center has: + 24/7 “in-house” neonatology + Level II nursery with Extended Capabilities + Interdisciplinary medical professionals “in house” + High-risk OB/Maternal Fetal Medicine + A personal birthing consultant + Highly qualified Obstetrics & Gynecologists with available appointments + Free access to an interactive education system customized for you We hope your experience is joyful from beginning to end, and we are here to help make that happen.

Get in touch.

Call 877.737.4636 to arrange a meeting with a Personal Birthing Consultant.

Visit presencehealth.org/stjoseph-joliet-newmom to learn about other patients’ experiences. © 2014 Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center

24 August 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD SENSE EATING

Think outside the (lunch) box No matter who packs it—Mom, Dad, caregiver or the child himself—a lunch is a big deal. It contributes nearly a third of the child’s calorie and nutrient needs. It’s something to look forward to in the middle of the school day. And it’s changed from the lunch your parent prepared for you.

“I think packed lunches were simpler a generation ago,” says Katie Morford, MS, RD, author of the cookbook Best Lunch Box Ever and the blog Mom’s Kitchen Handbook. “It was a sandwich, a piece of

CHRISTINE PALUMBO fruit and maybe a bag of chips or a treat. I don’t think a whole lot of vegetables went into school lunches or as much thought about the nutritional value of lunches.”

Dispelling lunch myths A great packed lunch has to take a lot of time. Not so. Lunch can be very simple and still tasty and nourishing. Leftovers are a terrific way to save time.

Kids won’t eat salad for lunch. Not true. If salads are crunchy and fresh with plenty of kid appeal, they can be a real hit. “In our house, if I pack taco salad or a chicken Caesar, the containers always come home empty,” says Morford.

Lunches should have plenty of “kid food.” Uh-uh. There are hundreds of packaged foods marketed for kids, most of which aren’t particularly healthful.

Kids don’t need tubes of artificially flavored yogurt and foil pouches of juice drinks. What kids need is simple, real, whole food.

LLunches need to be “fun.” Nope. Lunches just need to be, for the most part, eaten. A little bit of fun once in a while whi is great, but pulling out the cookie cutters and colorful toothpicks to make sandwiches every day isn’t colorf necessary. nece It’s the parent’s job to pack the lunch. Kids can begin begi helping with lunch in preschool and build their skills from there. By the time they are 8, they can be skil pretty independent. pre Kids shouldn’t play with their food. Lunch can be fun! Assemble bite-size cheese and cracker sandwichfu es. Make tiny fruit kabobs on toothpicks. Dip fruit, es vvegetables, crackers or bread in sauces.

Morford suggests involving kids by letting them pick fruit and veggies they like or getting adventurp choosing ones they’ve never tried before. “You might be ous and choo surprised to find your child loves jicama or kumquats.”

Finally, include enough range to keep the kids from boredom. But don’t be surprised if they settle on a few faves and request them week after week. Little ones enjoy a few familiar, comforting items nearby when they’re away from home.

Christine Palumbo, RDN, FAND, is a nutritionist in Naperville where lunch is her favorite meal of the day.

Find her at Christine Palumbo Nutrition on Facebook, @PalumboRD on Twitter and Chris@ChristinePalumbo. com.

Kiddie Cobb Salad The Cobb is a protein-packed salad that will stick with your kids through the school day.

This version relies on smoked turkey for the signature flavor that typically comes from bacon. Blue cheese is an optional add-in since its flavor is too strong for a lot of little ones.

The assembly is more composed than chopped, which makes it as pretty as it is tasty.

Makes 2 salads Ingredients 2 cups chopped butter, red leaf or romaine lettuce ½ cup chopped tomato or 10 cherry tomatoes, halved ½ large ripe avocado, cubed 2 or 3 slices smoked turkey, coarsely chopped 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped 2 Tbsp. crumbled blue cheese (optional) Dressing 1 tsp. soy sauce 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar 4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 Divide the lettuce between two large containers. In each container, arrange half the tomato, avocado, turkey, eggs, and blue cheese (if using) in rows on top of the lettuce.

2 To make the dressing, divide the soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil between two small containers. Put on the lids and shake well.

MAKE-AHEAD NOTES: The salad and dressing can be made the night before and stored in the refrigerator, but wait until morning to cut and add the avocado. Be sure to give your child instructions for drizzling the dressing over the salad at lunchtime.

Nutrition facts: 260 calories, 9 g carbohydrate, 13 g protein, 21 g fat (3.5 grams saturated), 200 mg cholesterol, 590 mg sodium, 3 g sugar, 3 g fiber, 50% daily value for vitamin A, 20% daily value for calcium, 10% daily value for iron.

Katie Sullivan Morford, Best Lunch Box Ever: Ideas and Recipes for School Lunches Kids Will Love, Chronicle Books (2013) ChicagoParent.com August 2014 25

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3748 West Montrose Ave. Chicago, IL 60618 GatewayMontessoriSchool.org Phone: 773-539-3025 • Email: info@GatewayMontessoriSchool.org

Nurturing the potential within each child Community: For children 15 months to 3 years old.

Elementary: For children 6-12 years old.

T:10”

Parent-Child Program: For parents with children up to 18 months.

Children’s House: For children 3 to 6 years old.

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WELL PLAYED

Get your

fun in now Welcome to my new column.

Every month I’ll be dishing up a batch of my favorite ways to incorporate more pops of playfulness into the various bits of your every day.

MEREDITH SINCLAIR

1

Play with your kids

I am sent loads of the latest toys and games to review for upcoming TV segments and features.

So I’m thrilled to share some of my favorites with you.

First up is a helpful educational, yet super-fun way to ease your kiddo into this upcoming school year. It’s the “Are You Ready?” game series by Lakeshore Learning. As in “are you ready for 5th grade?” Set up in a game show format, this kit makes prepping for the next academic year playful and fun. You can pick from kindergarten to fifth grade. $29.99, lakeshorelearning.com.

2

Play with your look

Summertime can be a bit brutal on our beauty routines. Between sun, sand, chlorine and dehydrating travel, our delicate skin takes a beating. I recently discovered an organic skincare and perfume line called Pure Natural Diva Botanicals, whose mission is to “provide an elegant alternative to lab created fragrances.” It’s beauty care scented purely from nature. How lovely is that?

My favorites for summer are the “WHIPPED” organic body butter, the “POLISHED” organic sugar scrub and “WHISPER” body spray—a perfect sweaty-body pick-me-up.

Check out the whole line at PNDbotanicals.com.

3

Play with your mate

If you’re looking to add a dash of playfulness and fun to your next date with your mate, this one’s for you. How about tearing down the lakeshore, racing each other atop jet skis? These speedy water mobiles really aren’t as daunting as you might suspect.

My husband and I actually jet ski a lot throughout the summer, and I gotta say, once you get the hang of it, it’s a complete blast. And if you’re not comfortable on your own, hop on the back of his, wrap your arms around him, and hold on tight. I assure you, he’ll LOVE this date-day idea.

TravelZoo.com is offering HALF OFF Chicago Jet Ski Rentals right now. $39 for 30 minutes (regularly $80). Check it out.

4

Play with your food

With kids running from one summer activity to the next and families sneaking in the last bit of summer travel this month, snack attacks and bouts of the “hangries” (hungry-plus-angry), can come fast and furiously.

Thankfully, the new all-natural GoPicnic ready-to-eat snack kits are here to save the day. With choices like red pepper hummus and multigrain crackers, edamame kale dip with plantain chips, and cinnamon spread with bagel chips, your kids and you can satisfy those in-between-meals tummy rumblings in a much more healthy way. And they even have gluten free, GMO free and vegetarian selections.

Kits range from $2.99-$4.49. Available at most big box stores and at gopicnic.com ChicagoParent.com August 2014 27

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Auditions Ballet Légere will be holding auditions for its 30th Anniversary production of

The Nutcracker.

Auditions will be held on:

Saturday, Aug. 16th & Sunday, Aug. 17th

Legere Dance Centre 7377 W. North Ave., River Forest SAtuRDAy, Aug. 16

SuNDAy, Aug. 17

8:30 a.m.

Girls Heights: 45" & under Ages: 4½ yrs & up 10:00 a.m.

Girls Heights: 46"-48" 11:30 a.m.

Girls Heights: 49"-52" 1:00 p.m.

Girls Heights: 53"-57" 2:30 p.m.

Girls Heights: 58"-61"

9:00 a.m.

Boys 5-12 yrs old 10:00 a.m.

Male & Female Dancers Teen through Adult, Pointe & Non-Pointe Roles Dancers Must Bring a Photo gymnasts & tumblers Ages 8 thru Adult Call for Appointment All roles available

For information please call (773) 237-1874 or Email balletlegere@yahoo.com Visit our website at www.balletlegere.org

The only 100% private party place with gigantically fun inflatables Trained/Dedicated Staff Stress-Free for Party Host Safe & Clean Environment Brightly Decorated Party Room

2 Free Pizzas

There is a Pump It Up close to you!

Chicago • Orland Park

Time slots fill quickly, call or click to book your party today!

Some of the programs we offer:

Open Jump Parents Night Out Field Trips and more!

$2 OFF

Open Jump Admission

(Adult Size) When you book any Mon-Thu Party Package for 25 Valid at these locations only. May not be combined with other offers or promotional discounts. One coupon per customer. Expires 9/30/14.

Check the Events Calendar at www.pumpitupparty. com for available jump times. Valid for one Open Jump session at these locations only. May not be combined with other offers or promotional discounts. One coupon per customer. Expires 9/30/14.

Pump It Up of Chicago

Pump It Up of Orland Park

Callbacks will be held August 23rd through August 31st

312.664.7867

pumpitupparty.com

708.479.2220

Chicago Grammar School

Celebrating Student Achievement: 2014 CGS Honor Wall US Kangaroo Math 2014 Winners - CGS students place 16th and 17th nationally!

1st Place 2014!

CGS Certamen Team wins Chicago Regional Junior High Division

National Latin Exam 2014 - CGS students receive Outstanding Achievement Awards

The CGS Class of 2014 will be attending North Side Prep, Jones College Prep and St. Ignatius in the Fall.

Best wishes for their continued academic success!

CGS Student wins Top Prize in UK Based 2014 Minimus Mythology Competition

Illinois Kangaroo Math 2014 Winners CGS students place in the Top 15 in the State

900 N. Franklin, Chicago, IL 60610

ACHIEVEMENT LIKE THIS BEGINS WITH PRESCHOOL Come to a Fall 2014 Information Night and discover CGS. Oct 23, Nov 11 & Dec 10.

Call to reserve.

312-944-5600

www.chicagogrammar.org

Congratulations to our students!

On the Iowa Test of Basic Skills May 2014, CGS class scores ranged from the 98th to 99th percentiles.

28 August 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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CRAFT

Ocean

in a bottle

Create your own ocean waves in a plastic bottle

A

PHOTOS AND STORY BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

s the long summer break leaves you running out of ideas to entertain the kids, this is the perfect easy science project that doubles as a fun craft. With simple supplies, you can create your own ocean waves in a plastic soda bottle and have your ocean escape right at home.

Supplies Empty two-liter plastic bottle ottle with screw top cap Clear mineral oil (found in n the health aisle, often near laxatives) Blue food coloring Water Funnel Glitter Small shells, sea creatures or sea-related items White craft glue

Directions D irections

1 2

Wash Wa ssh h aan n empty em mptty ttwo-liter plastic bottle and d remove remo re move mo v all labels. Make sure to keep the screw top cap. scr c Fill the plastic bottle halfway with water. Add two to four drops of blue food coloring into the water and shake to mix. Don’t add too much because the blue will be too dark to see your sea creatures inside. Add glitter to the colored water to add some sparkle.

Add your sea creatures, small shells or sea-related items as desired. The lighter the items the better because they will float in the waves. Obviously, the items need to be small enough to fit through the top of the bottle.

Using a funnel, fill the rest of the bottle with clear mineral oil. We used two 16-ounce bottles of mineral oil.

Dry the cap and rim of the bottle, then use craft glue around the rim to seal the cap.

Turn the bottle on its side and gently rock the bottle to create your own “waves” inside the bottle ocean habitat.

3 4 5 6

ChicagoParent.com August 2014 29

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Does your child. . .

• Thrive on complexity?

• Seek deeper understanding?

• Make connections?

Then, learn more about our . . .

• Innovative curriculum for active learning • Committed faculty who challenge their students • Nurturing culture and small classes

Pre-Kindergarten Full day 2nd Class Added questacademy.org 500 North Benton Street Palatine, IL 60067 Preschool through Grade 8

Call or e-mail Leslie Kovich, Director of Admission 847.202.8035, ext. 438 leslie.kovich@questacademy.org

For admission information and updates

30 August 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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Monkey love In the 1950s, famed psychologist Harry Harlow conducted a series of attachment parenting experiments using baby monkeys. He crafted together wire mesh monkey “mothers” with milk dispensers fastened to them.

These were to serve as surrogate parents to the monkey babies.

Harlow then tied a soft terrycloth MARIANNE rag around other wire mesh monkey WALSH mothers who did not have food dispensers. He found that during times of fear and anxiety, the baby monkeys would cling to their soft terrycloth mothers and not to the ones who actually fed them.

This landmark study sat in the back of my brain for more than 20 years before I realized its implications.

I am a tterrycloth errry rycl clot oth h monkey mothe mother. h r.

There is no food dispenser attached to me. My children will never look back upon their childhoods in relation to any elaborate meals or freshbaked cookies from mom.

When my youngest son arrived home with a recipe from French class, he asked if he could call my friend, Lucy, because “she can cook, Mommy!” My middle son was undergoing speech therapy years back when he suddenly removed the mother figure from a kitchen playboard.

He immediately replaced it with the daddy figure, shaking his head emphatically to indicate mommies simply do not belong in the kitchen.

Lest anyone think I starve the boys, there have are a few basics I hav a e learned to make when my husband, who is a masterful cook, is at at the th he Flakes. firehouse. Corn Fl lak a es es.

Tacos. Hamburgers.

Did I mention Corn Flakes?

I hate cooking. I do follow directions. nott fo no foll llow ow d irec ir ecti tion ons.

Thee smell of raw meat T Th is nauseating. My kids usually turn up their noses whenever I do try a new recipe, mostly because of the whole “does not follow directions” part.

My husband dedicated a lot of time early in our marriage to help overrcome my culinary deficiencies,

offering patient guidance and suggestions. Yet after almost a decade, the man now doesn’t trust me alone with a knife and an onion.

But I am cuddly.

Whenever I sit down on our couch, three boys flank me within seconds.

I scratch heads, rub feet and offer unlimited hugs and kisses. I adore holding hands. Sometimes, late at night, I sneak into my children’s rooms to rock them for just a few minutes before these days are gone forever.

I take consolation in Harlow’s findings that no amount of terrycloth mother love can alter the psychological damage to babies once deprivation occurs. Hug early and often is the ultimate lesson of Harlow’s experiments.

I figure I can always learn to cook later.

Or buy Cheerios.

Marianne Walsh is a Chicago mom of three boys. Want more? Go to ChicagoParent.com and webandofmothers.blogspot.com.

Talk back

FAILING WITH GUSTO

ChicagoParent.com Ch C hic icag ago oP Pa arre en nt. t.c co om Au A August uggu usstt 2 2014 01 0 014 14 3 31 1

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VOICE: KATHRYN ROSE

Motherhood ground zero

Mom’s pursuit of enrichment activities leaves son stuck in a glass museum exhibit

I

t began innocently as I sipped my coffee at the playground while my enthusiastic 1-year-old vaulted himself over plastic equipment.

I spotted another young mom taking in the sunshine.

“Perfect day!” she said. “We’re trying to soak it all in before the heat really hits.”

Small talk, playgrounds are full of it. But today, I didn’t have to corral my son since he was busy screaming down the sewer. It was really nice to talk to another adult.

“You know, we started swim classes last winter and it was just the best! It was a great way to do something active even though it was so cold outside.”

“Wow,” I exclaimed, “that is so ambitious of you. I felt like I could barely get out of bed in the morning.”

“Yeah, I just wanted to get a head start on these things, you know? We took a music class and he takes Spanish class as well,” she said.

Music?

Spanish?

My beautiful blonde peer was on top of things. Her son was well on the way to being a bilingual Olympian who makes dinner for his mother while listening to Bach! It was at that moment

that my son got his arm stuck in the sewer grate. I kindly excused myself and walked home in shame.

I relayed my afternoon playground experience to my husband that night.

And by relayed, I mean whined.

“He must already be behind. We should have started speaking Spanish to him months ago!” I printed out and highlighed reams of paper citing various baby programs. I looked a little unhinged.

I decided I would trick Peter into enjoying a covertly educational experience. It was a brand new start to my updated parenting philosophy.

I settled on the nature museum. I knew there was a gated off area with a slide on the first floor, but we could visit that area after we had made our way around the “adult exhibits.”

I quickly discovered the adult floor involves staring at a lot of taxidermy dioramas. Not to be put off, I decided I would make sounds for the different animal carcasses. (Wait, what sound does a deer make?)

Ten minutes into my educational tour, my son started running up and down a wooden bridge. While it thrilled him, I was stressed. “Peter,” I sang, “You should follow Mommy.”

Two minutes later I heard the sound of a very familiar mammal.

My son, screaming bloody murder.

Every mom knows that cry. My stress started to reach panic mode when I couldn’t find him. A second cry and I found him—in between two panels of glass next to the bridge. Yes, my son got stuck in a museum exhibit.

I stopped to take a picture. (Come on, you know you would have done the same thing!)

It was the wake-up call I needed. This just wasn’t working. I was stressed and he was stuck next to a display of stuffed birds.

I had forgotten to think about the one person who matters the most: my son.

How many years will he have where playing is his number one objective for the day?

After I pulled him out of the display, we went down to the children’s area.

And he only fell head-first down the slide once.

Score.

Kathryn Rose is a new mom living in Chicago.

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VOICE: ZORA NAVARRE

Put self-defense

on your back-to-school list Teen and her mom learn better safety together

I

f you are starting eighth grade (or look like you could be), chances are you have already experienced some form of sexual harassment. Being harassed is why I took a self-defense class.

I was 13 and walking with my friends when a group of 20-something guys thought it would be fun to yell obscene propositions at us from their car. In the moment, we did not realize that one of our friends had fallen behind. Giving up on the rest of us, the pack of young men pursued her. She got so scared that she actually hid in a rose bush. The guys kept harassing her until my friend and I came back to rescue her.

Most of the girls who we interviewed felt that they could not do anything to stop the catcalls and groping. They felt pretty powerless.

Rogers Park Young Women’s Action Team Scary situations like this are far too common. Since that day, I have learned that 86 percent of 10- to 19-year-old girls in one study had experienced verbal harassment, many daily, and 60 percent were afraid to walk in their neighborhood.

Perhaps most devastating was their sense of powerlessness. The Rogers Park Young Women’s Action Team reported that, “Most of the girls who we interviewed felt that they could not do anything to stop the catcalls and groping. They felt pretty powerless.”

Street harassment, while bad, is not the worst threat many of us will encounter. One-third of adolescent girls experience some form of abuse from a boyfriend, 70 percent of kidnapping victims are adolescent girls, and 44 percent of victims of sexual assault are under 18.

After spending just a weekend learning about and practicing self-defense techniques, I gained physical and emotional confidence to protect myself.

In self-defense classes like the one I attended, you learn strategies for stopping a potentially violent encounter before it escalates; how to be a “bad” victim; and how to get help during and after you are threatened or attacked.

Knowing how to act and what to do when you are threatened can save your life.

You also hear first-hand accounts from other women about how they have dealt with harassment and violence.

Before the class, I thought my mom was unreasonable when she refused to let me walk home from school after dark. The workshop leaders gave

examples of attacks at bus stops and other public places and suddenly I felt less safe. Unfortunately that is a good thing, because it means I’ll take steps to be safer.

And who knows? Taking a selfdefense class, even one with your mom, could be fun. While I wasn’t crazy about it at first, it ended up being pretty awesome. I met other girls who were taking the class before starting high school, I learned to be more prepared and aware, and I got to watch my mom on the ground kicking and screaming.

Zora Navarre is a freshman at the University of Chicago Laboratory High School. Michelle Navarre Cleary is her mom and a Public Voices Fellow with the OpEd Project.

They took the class together.

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VOICE: ANNEMARIE HUSSER

A mother’s guilt It’s time to let it go and realize it’s OK to make mistakes

I

recently looked up the definition of guilt on the web because I have been feeling guilty. Not the normal guilt, but mother’s guilt.

My mother’s guilt started for me when my oldest son turned 2 and his personality started to really shine. He was a bit tightly wound, very particular and rigid (a little like me). So, of course I blamed myself. What did I do wrong to make this child so difficult? It had to be my fault. Maybe he inherited my genes, my temperament or picked up on my nervousness as a new mother? It surely wasn’t my husband’s fault.

My good friend who has three kids told me I should have another kid to

prove to me that his rigidity wasn’t entirely my fault. Sure enough, my second child was completely different as an infant. He slept more, ate more and smiled more; he was so easy and uncomplicated. I rationalized it by telling myself he just inherited my generally easygoing husband’s genes.

So I wasn’t off the hook.

A few years later, my mother’s guilt reared its ugly head again with my second child when my husband and I had to make the decision of whether or not to send him to kindergarten. He would be one of the youngest students in his class, but his preschool teachers said he was ready. So, we sent him to school and he struggled. With help, he

is now thriving.

Mother’s guilt seems to start in the womb, where we are totally in charge of the developing fetus. Yet, we must learn to let some of the guilt go.

Sometimes we make mistakes. And that is OK. Our good is good enough.

Annemarie Husser is a mom and therapist in private practice in Crystal Lake.

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7/17/14 5:22 PM

DEATH BY CHILDREN

No ping for a day For three weeks, I constantly reminded my children we’d be getting a new cable service after moving into our new house. I was clear and precise with specific times and dates. I put sticky notes on the fridge and reminded the kids each day, as they raced out of the house to wreak havoc, not to forget: the internet would go CHRISTOPHER out in three days. I reminded them GARLINGTON as they rammed pizza down their throats at dinner: the internet would go down in two days.

I reminded them while I drove them from the north to the south pole: the internet will be out all day tomorrow.

That morning, I woke to a new world. A world lit only by lamplight and not by the glow of laptop screens, iPad windows or phones.

I had my morning coffee with a wonderful book about

the South American Azure Throated Cricketsnicker when my boy emerged from his foul lair.

“Dad, the internet is down.”

“Yep. All day.”

from upstairs. “WHERE ARE MY “WHAT!” INTERNETS!” “No internet. All. Day. Would I sent the ninja to work. My you like a book about snow daughter flung herself onto a cranes?” divan, her face carved into a “What the—How the—“ vicious scowl. My son paced the He was interrupted by his room. mom, late for work, who threw “I can’t go on,” he said, grabherself down the stairs into her bing me. boots like a ninja, launching “It’s only been seven minutes.” herself through the front door “I NEED CAT while reminding me to VIDEOS!” do laundry. She was “Well,” I said. “I spinning through do have a device the screen door with incredibly when the kid let high-definition, her know the instant read cable was out. solid memory, She threw her that doesn’t even hands and feet need to power akimbo, lodging ILL up. It can take you herself in the foyer.

US JA TRA TION BY TOM DE anywhere.”

“I’m taping So You “GIVE IT TO ME NOW!” Think You Can Prance tonight.

I threw a book at him.

It’s the finale. Why didn’t you My daughter smiled. She tell me about this?” slowly, purposefully, curled her “I probably should have put hand into a fist then raised her it into the 77 emails I sent you thumb, eyes wide and astonabout the cable being down ished at the authenticity of it. today.”

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REAL PARENTS IN THE TRENCHES

Want more? Visit ChicagoParent.com/parentpanel

You just received your child’s assigned teacher for the new school year and hear through the mommy grapevine that she has a reputation as a horrible teacher. Your child is super upset. What do you do?

This happens every year! I tell my kids to stay optimistic.

I also say if they follow the rules and act kind there will be no reason not to have a good relationship with the teacher. It gives them experience with different personalities. Not everyone gets along but you learn to deal!

Tracie Guzolek, Chicago

I honestly believe having an excellent or terrible teacher can really impact a child’s ability to learn and grow that year. I would sit down with the principal and express my concerns, but also be really open to hearing about why the principal believes in the teacher.

Gia Lee, Chicago

This is the first opportunity for my child to learn 1) you don’t trust hearsay and 2) you can’t always get what you want. We’ll talk about it and how what she’s heard about the teacher may not be true.

And I’ll remind her, even if she’s a terrible teacher, she will be the BEST student, no matter what.

Rani Morrison, Oak Park

I would console my child, but still have them remain in the class in order to form our own opinion of the teacher.

If there are real issues after the start of the school year, I would talk to the teacher/ principal/administration.

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7/21/14 4:31 PM

The hidden Leaving the battlefield behind isn’t easy for local parents STORY AND PHOTOS BY LIZ DECARLO When U.S. Army Major Jack Ewing returned from his last deployment, there was a joyous reunion at Soldier Field. “We had a block party and ribbons all over,” he remembers. “And then it was over and the ribbons come down, and you can just slip through the cracks.”

Ewing, a father of two and now retired from the Jerry Paulsen, one of the Army, is only one of many founders of Boots and Hooves local parents who have returned from repeated deployments into areas of conflict. Although they may come back in one piece physically, they carry invisible scars.

As they try to reintegrate from the battlefields into the homefront, some veterans describe barely being able to get out of bed to care for young children.

Others feel a detachment toward children who were born and growing up while they were at war. Spouses often end up carrying the weight of single parenting while trying to help their veterans recover from war wounds they can’t even imagine.

For these families, the war doesn’t end when the troops come home.

In July, several veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder attended a new program for wounded warriors called Boots and Hooves. While there, they agreed to share their stories so families at home can understand there’s more to a homecoming than yellow ribbons.

WOUNDS OF WAR

Mitch Tyler British Army, medically retired Hometown: Oak Lawn Family: Wife Larissa; two children, ages 1 and 2 Mitch Tyler just wants one minute of silence.

One minute where he doesn’t hear the sounds of his friends screaming. One minute where the flashbacks of watching his closest friends die doesn’t play like a repeated film in his head.

One minute of peace.

“I tried to commit suicide a few times,” he says. “I wanted to make the dreams stop, the flashbacks.”

Mitch, who joined the military at 16, has been deployed to areas of conflict six times. By the third time, he suspected he was suffering from PTSD, but was deployed to the Middle East three more times. He was injured in Afghanistan, but returned to be with his regiment, which had become family.

During his last deployment, in the dangerous Helmand province, Mitch admits he lost all grip on reality. He volunteered to lead dangerous patrols— doing anything to put himself in harm’s way.

“The way I looked at it, I couldn’t deal with seeing my friends get hurt anymore, so I’d rather it was me,” he says. “I kind of wish I died.

Finally, Mitch knew he was done. “I went nuts. I fully exploded in Afghanistan.”

He was sent back to England, where PTSD is not generally diagnosed. Instead soldiers are considered battle weary. He was given medication and left

to his own devices for months.

He drank heavily, attempted suicide, self-injured. Anything to dull the pain.

“I’d love to be able to sleep at night. To close my eyes and not be scared. The last memory I have is of my friends being killed.”

When he was placed in a psychiatric hospital, a nurse told him they thought he was acting.

“I flipped. I said, ‘Do you know how many people I’ve killed? What I’ve been through?’”

When Mitch moved to the U.S. to be with his wife, a determined Veterans Administration liaison worked tirelessly to get him help here. He was recently okayed for VA help because he had received an award from the U.S. Army.

His time at the Boots and Hooves program helped him realize others feel like he does.

“The war never stops. It doesn’t stop when you sleep or when you’re awake. It’s like a repeating DVD.”

Larissa Tyler U.S. Army Illinois National Guard veteran Hometown: Oak Lawn Family: Mitch; two children, ages 1 and 2 For her 22nd birthday, Larissa Tyler quit college, joined the Army and quickly found herself in Kabul, Afghanistan.

She describes it as an easy deployment, with a Green Tea on base. Unlike many bases in Afghanistan, they weren’t attacked.

When she met Mitch, their

40 August 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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“PTSD is real, and everything my husband has done since he got back from Afghanistan, he did it by himself, because he had no support.”

Larissa Tyler

Volunteers and veterans help a paralyzed veteran and his paralyzed wife pose for photos on the horses. The couple drove from Kentucky to attend Boots and Hooves (above). Mitch and Larissa Tyler (below).

relationship moved quickly.

She and Mitch married in Las Vegas when her deployment was up and before Mitch redeployed to Afghanistan.

“His regiment got hit really hard,” says Larissa, who sat glued to the BBC. As a veteran of Afghanistan herself, she knew the danger Mitch was in.

Through their infrequent phone calls, Larissa could tell Mitch was showing signs of PTSD, but he refused to get help.

When Mitch medically retired, she thought the worst was over.

“I figured he came back with all his fingers and toes, so I was like, ‘oh, PTSD is all you have, that’s nothing.”’

Larissa soon realized Mitch was hurting more than he let on. He attempted suicide. He has days when he can barely get out of bed.

Larissa was diagnosed with secondary PTSD, a not uncommon condition for spouses of

veterans with PTSD. She has become his caretaker while caring for their kids, working and attempting to live a normal life.

But it will never be normal.

“PTSD is real, and everything

my husband has done since he got back from Afghanistan, he did it by himself, because he had no support,” Larissa says.

Some time ago, a reporter asked Larissa what she would

say if she had a minute with President Obama.

“I’d say just help, help our family.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

ChicagoParent.com August 2014 41

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WOUNDED WARRIORS

Jack Ewing

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After 21 years in the Army National Guard, Jack Ewing knew it was time to retire. His family was broken, his daughters suffering, and after multiple deployments, he was dealing with PTSD. “When I first came home, I thought I was OK, but after about three months, it hit me like a boomerang,” he says.

“At home I went into a deep depression.” He rid his house of guns because he worried what he might do.

Ewing admits he had anger issues, especially when his children didn’t respond to his drill sergeant tactics.

He became bitter.

“Some of us are going to war again and again and no one even knows,” he says.

After years of struggling, Ewing’s marriage ended this year.

He found the solace he needed in the pilot program

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41

“Some of us are going to war again and again and no one even knows.”

Jack Ewing of Boots and Hooves. Being with horses and other veterans helped Ewing start dealing with his PTSD. For the next program, he returned as a volunteer to help other wounded warriors.

He also took a parenting class that emphasized “soft skills” such as empathy. He found so much comfort in the new approach to parenting that he now teaches the class.

He worries about other veterans who are struggling.

“I’m divorced because of this war,” he says. “There are parents who kill themselves because of the war. There are so many layers of pain because of the war.”

Ewing has created a website, lineofadvance.org, that allows veterans to share their work.

42 August 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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Kyle Radke Major, U.S. Air Force (medically retired) Hometown: Elgin Family: Wife Maggie; three kids, ages 5, 4 and 6 months The routine in Kyle Radke’s home went something like this: Come home for one of his children’s births, deploy, return again for another child’s birth and then head back to war.

He deployed three times to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Wife Maggie watched as he returned home from each deployment a different person. She wasn’t surprised when he was diagnosed with PTSD. When he returned home, he felt detached from his children.

“I didn’t feel like a dad for the first year.”

He was in such bad shape, it made it difficult to help care for the kids. He was unable to function for months.

Maggie felt like not only a single mother, but also a

“It happened four years ago, but we’re still in it. The war’s not over for us.”

Maggie Radke caregiver to another adult.

“It’s hard, because you can’t leave your husband at home,” she says. “It’s difficult and it’s lonely because there’s a list of things the family can’t do because the PTSD is ever-present.”

But Kyle is determined to get himself back.

“The war changes you,” Kyle says. “You’re not the same person who went over there the first, second, third time.”

Maggie agrees.

“It happened four years ago, but we’re still in it. The war’s not over for us.”

Maggie and Kyle Radke with their youngest child at Promise Equestrian Center in Maple Park, where Boots and Hooves is held.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

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WOUNDED WARRIORS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43

Barn chores are part of the routine during the weeklong Boots and Hooves program.

Boots and Hooves helping silent battle wounds Matt Ruddick and Gary Kempiak never served in the military, but knew they wanted to do something to help those who had.

Jerry Paulsen is a U.S. Army veteran known for his passion for helping veterans.

So it seemed only natural for the three to turn Promise Equestrian Center in Maple Park into a place of healing for wounded warriors.

This year they created Boots and Hooves, a program that combines Equine Assisted Psychotherapy with other forms of therapy to reach both veterans and their caregivers. Social worker Susan Koestler designed a program to meet the needs of the military vets.

The five-day program takes a holistic family approach and focuses on on-the-ground activities with the horses designed to help the veterans with trust, communication, teamwork, confidence, problem-solving and creativity. For instance, the last day’s activity is an obstacle course that participants must lead a horse through. They

quickly find there’s no easy way.

“It’s thinking outside the box and that failure with the horse is OK,” Paulsen says. “Having them fail in the obstacle course, where that horse spooked and they have to figure out how to make the horse go through, teaches them how to go through with their own troubles.”

Even though the program is still new (two sessions have run so far, with another set for Sept.

22), Paulsen says it can already be credited with saving a marriage, stopping a marine from committing suicide, and helping a vet find a job.

“We’ve created the magic ranch for veterans,” Paulsen says.

“There’s so much love here, so much support, people who are concerned for those who have given so much.”

The program is free to anyone who has served in any war. “If you served and you made that sacrifice, that’s the prerequisite to this program.”

The founders of Boots and Hooves are hoping others will

pitch in to help. They need sponsors for the soldiers, so that they can attend free with their caregiver. They also need people or corporations to sponsor room renovations, meals during the program, and even horse supplies so each veteran can have his or her own grooming kit.

For more information, visit bootsandhooves.org.

“We’ve created the magic ranch for veterans.

There’s so much love here, so much support, people who are concerned for those who have given so much.”

Liz DeCarlo is the senior editor at Chicago Parent, freelance photographer and mom of three.

Jerry Paulsen

44 August 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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Admission Events Presented by the Francis W. Parker School Saturday, September 27 | 9 am - 4 pm

Middle School Open House for 6th–8th Grades Saturday, October 25 | 1 pm

Looking to the future, the Francis W. Parker School introduces the Chicago Education Festival.

Join leading innovators in a discussion around big ideas that will shape education and impact children of all ages.

Upper School Open House for 9th–12th Grades Saturday, November 22 | 10 am

Learn more at edfestchi.com

More online at fwparker.org

Application Deadline Monday, December 1

A POWERFUL EDUCATION IN THINKING FOR LIFE

A

ncona educators tap into each individual child’s innate

gifts and guide them toward a lifelong love of learning. Built on the time-tested principles of Montessori education, Ancona is a transformational journey that builds on the wonder inside young learners and teaches them how to soar.

Now enrolling three-, four- and five-year-olds ready to move the world!*

Register for an upcoming Open House or Admissions Coffee at anconaschool.org/apply or contact

admissions at 773.924.2356.

*New all-day, all-year/dual language Montessori options.

Apply online on or after September 1, 2014

The Ancona School • 4770 South Dorchester Ave. • Chicago, IL 60615 • P: 773.924.2356 • F: 773.924.8905 • www.anconaschool.org

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Be a part of something greater.

Shouldn’t your child be a confident, well-rounded and creative scholar?

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Bring in or Mention this ad to receive $20 off one term of Learn to Skate classes for new students.* *new students are those who have not taken a class in over 12 months at Rink Side Ice Arena

At Northside Catholic Academy, you’ll find a challenging and diversified curriculum within a nurturing learning environment. Our dedicated and experienced faculty inspire NCA students to grow in intellect and character. Yet, what’s even greater, is the sense of belonging you’ll feel when you join our community. At NCA, your entire family will thrive. We invite you to be a part of something greater – the Northside Catholic Academy.

+ Full & half day Preschool + Top-ranked Academics + Renaissance Programs + Enrichment Programs + Affordable Before & After Care Now Accepting 2015-16 Applications Visit Us at an Open House: Tues., Oct. 28th at 9am Fri., Dec. 5th at 9am Sun., Jan. 25th from 10am-1pm

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We are located minutes away in Gurnee Mills Mall (Parking Lot “H”)

6152 W. Grand Avenue, Gurnee 847-856-1064, ext. 502

Northside Catholic Academy For more information please call 773-743-6277 or visit www.northsidecatholic.org

www.rink-side.com

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Tween time Two easy treats to create good moments and boost confidence in the kitchen

Chopped Vegetable Salad This is my tween’s favorite salad and a lunchbox staple.

Although I usually chop the onion, Zoe can cut the cucumbers and tomatoes herself with a small paring knife and make the dressing to her own taste.

Ingredients

W

BY EMILY PASTER hen our kids are little, we do everything in our power to keep them away from the hazards of the kitchen.

But as they get older, it is important to adjust our expectations about the role they can play in preparing food for themselves and for the family.

Tweens can, and should, take on a number of basic kitchen chores, from getting their own breakfasts to preparing snacks for sleepovers.

Nothing makes a tween happier than feeling competent and trusted. By teaching kids this age some basic kitchen skills and safety rules, and then allowing them to put those skills into practice, we give them an opportunity to demonstrate independence and creativity. Their self-confidence, shaky at this tricky age, gets a boost.

Although it can be difficult, we need to make sure we are not doing things for our kids that they are capable of doing themselves.

Here are some ideas for kitchen projects that you can tackle with your tween:

1 small red onion, diced 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved 4 mini cucumbers, halved and sliced Red wine vinegar Extra-virgin olive oil Salt and pepper to taste

Combine the chopped vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle with red wine vinegar and olive oil to taste. Season with salt and pepper.

Emily Paster is a food writer and mom living in River Forest. She writes about fitting ambitious food into family life on her award-winning blog, West of the Loop. She is currently working on a book about food swapping.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 48

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SOAR BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

TWEEN TIME

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47

at Chicagoland Jewish High School

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A partner in serving our community, supported by the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation

German International School Chicago

Chicago Parent 14-15 Education Issue August 2014.indd 1

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German immersion education with global perspectives Theme-based, transdisciplinary curriculum Hands-on Montessori approach Low student/teacher ratio Before and after care International community of involved, supportive families

Preschool, Kindergarten and Elementary School Global Thinking, Local Learning

German International School Chicago 1447 W. Montrose Ave. Chicago, IL 60613 (773) 880-8812 www.germanschoolchicago.com

Chocolate-drizzled Popcorn My 10-year-old, Zoe, wanted to make a candy and popcorn mix that she had seen on YouTube. We came up with our own recipe and packed it into jars decorated

with pretty ribbons to give as gifts. It’s a fun project to do together all year round. Some of our favorite toppings are M&Ms, candied ginger and pretzel sticks.

Ingredients 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1/3 cup popcorn kernels 4 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 Tbsp. butter 1 tsp. salt Assorted sweet and salty toppings, such as dried fruit, nuts, small candies and pretzels

Heat oil over medium-high heat in heavy-bottomed pot and add popcorn kernels.

Cover pot with a lid leaving a small crack for steam to escape. Listen for popping and remove pot from heat as soon as popping stops or slows to a few seconds between pops. (An adult should handle this step.)

Spread popcorn in an even layer on a foil-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with salt.

Set aside.

Melt butter and chocolate in a double-boiler set over simmering water OR a heavy-bottomed pot over a very low flame. Stir to combine. Remove from heat

as soon as the chocolate is melted and watch out for scorching.

Scrape chocolate mixture into a quart-size plastic bag and squeeze the chocolate into one corner of the bag. Cut off the tip of the corner of the bag and gently squeeze to pipe the melted chocolate over the popcorn.

While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle the chosen toppings over the popcorn.

Chill the tray of popcorn in the fridge until the chocolate is set.

Gently pack the popcorn mix into pint or quart-size Mason jars and decorate with ribbon for giving.

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Summertime

Mar vels on the Mississippi!

Pre-K through 8th Grade Independent Day School for Bright & Gifted Children Write something...

Sarah Loved our summer getaway to the Quad Cities! Great restaurants. Cool and highenergy festivals right on the banks of the river.

Lots to see and do!

Sunday at 11:02 pm • Like Ann Sounds like what all families would love to do!

Tuesday at 4:32 pm • Like Sarah For sure! It’s the perfect family summer adventure, and affordable. Check out www.visitquadcities.com.

Five hours ago • Like

Comment • Like • Suggest to Friends For lodging and travel information contact the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau 800-747-7800 or visit online at visitquadcities.com.

Upcoming Tours October 15 November 5

Contact us for more information or to register for a tour: www.averycoonley.org admission@averycoonley.org 630-969-0800

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Classrooms without borders

Schools in Chicago increasingly taking an international approach

L Our cover girl, Safiyah Abualrob, 6

By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER

ong gone are the days when international study meant a few semesters of a foreign language and a handful of exchange students traveling to far away countries.

With the proliferation of video conferencing, social networking and smartphone technology, the world has become increasingly connected—and educators are taking note.

More schools in Chicago are bringing a global perspective to their curriculum as a selling point for students who will one day find it more difficult to get into a good college without it and who will enter a workforce where interfacing with financiers in Europe and manufacturers in Asia is but a few mouse clicks away.

GEMS World Academy is among the newest players in Chicago K-12 education that incorporates international study throughout its curriculum.

The school, which opens its doors this September to about 200 students, is part of a network of 21 schools operating in Asia, Africa and Europe. Located in Lake Shore East, the school will eventually be home to pre-kindergarten through sixth-graders, and a second facility will accommodate students through 12th grade.

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Once fully operational, the school will have about 2,000 students.

Geoff Jones, head of GEMS Chicago, says the new school, the first in North America, will tap into GEMS’s worldwide network of schools.

“What the schools share in common is a focus on a very rigorous college preparatory program of studies, but one that is equally focused on this idea of preparing students to become world leaders in global areas of study,” Jones says.

When first-graders, for example, learn about the topic of fresh water and where it comes from, they participate in video conferences with GEMS students in other countries to contrast the local method of tapping into lakes and reservoirs for fresh water with the process of desalinization used in Dubai or Delhi, Jones says.

“At the first-grade level, they begin to see the complexity and the idea that there is a common need and a common problem to provide enough fresh water for life as we live it, but there are multiple solutions; those solutions always depend on the resources available at the place,” Jones says.

By third grade, students learn that the need for fresh water is a political and socioeconomic issue as well, according to Jones.

Starting students out with a global perspective early is a central precept at GEMS. “Most of us have learned a language and forgotten it; we are trying to change that model,” he says.

The language study aims to be more nuanced than the nuts-and-bolts version of foreign language study traditionally presented to students.

“You study Spanish, but you have to learn to look beyond that language and understand the cultural cues,” Jones says. “It really means becoming a powerful listener and empathetic and picking up on a broader set

of cues you need to be able to understand and communicate.

“So when they do go on in their studies and career they’ll understand that it’s really about building larger and deeper networks of ideas.”

While offering a global perspective to education is certainly a rising trend, some Chicago schools have included it in their curriculum for years.

Mike Horton, headmaster of the British School of Chicago, says the school began implementing its international primary curriculum a year after opening its doors in 2001.

“People talk about preparing children for the world of tomorrow, as if the global world is tomorrow and not today,” Horton says.

The Chicago school is one of 28 in the British School system, which has campuses throughout Europe, Asia and North America. The British School of Chicago, which serves 840 students, recently broke ground on a new campus in the South Loop.

The school employs a thematic approach, Horton says, tying subjects together around a motif to give students a greater sense of the depth of the world around them.

Third-graders, for instance, participate in a project on chocolate that includes lessons on Brazilian farmers. The unit aims to expand the students’ understanding of the country by detailing Brazilian language, culture, art and cost of living, among other topics, Horton says.

“The music teacher introduces the music of Brazil and the dance teacher teaches the dances of Brazil,” he says.

“Everything is linked together.”

Like GEMS, the British School starts students early on foreign language study, Horton says.

“We start students off in French at age 3,” he says.

“Children are like little sponges; they take it in. They are open

and accepting of the curriculum and the discussions that take place. They are not coming in with any bias about any other country or religion or color.”

The school also includes a travel component, giving students the opportunity to study abroad.

Last year, seven students traveled to Tanzania, meeting up with five other students from international British School campuses. The students worked with Tanzanian children, helping to build a school. More students will return this year to continue the work, Horton says.

In addition to international travel, the British School is encouraging use of technology to connect students at an early age.

Horton says that after teachers at the school witnessed students as young as pre-kindergarten age using their parents’ iPhones during parent-teacher meetings, they realized they might be missing an opportunity.

“One of the things we put into our nursery three years ago is iPads for our 3-year-olds,” he says, acknowledging that the idea at first seemed gimmicky.

“You cannot hide children away from the technology of today,” he says.

Timothy Inklebarger is an award-winning writer and currently works for Chicago Parent’s sister newspaper, the Wednesday Journal.

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the Nicholson School the Nicholson School the Nicholson School The Nicholson School

The Nicholson School

The Nicholson School

Educating young children Educating young children with love and respect for Educating young children with love and respect for eachand child’s individuality. with love respect for each child’s each child’s individuality. individuality

Caring facilitators.

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Ages 6 months – 5 years 1700 West Cortland Street Ages 6 months – 5 years Ages 6 months – 5ILyears Chicago, 60622 1700 West Cortland Street 1700 West Cortland Street www.novellanicholsonschool.org Chicago, IL 60622 Chicago,email: IL 60622 administration@ www.novellanicholsonschool.org www.novellanicholsonschool.org nicholsonschool.org email: administration@ email: administration@ phone: 312-493-6044 nicholsonschool.org nicholsonschool.org phone: 312-493-6044 phone: 312-493-6044

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Common problems?

Illinois parents and some teachers struggling with national Common Core Standards

D

BY KRISTY MACKABEN

espite earning a master’s degree in engineering, Oscar Vallencourt can barely decipher his son’s fourth-grade math work. Chris Ball is fed up with the “dull and confusing” reading homework his 9-year-old daughter brings home every night.

They blame national Common Core Standards.

This school year, Illinois schools will implement new assessments to see how students are mastering the standards in math and English/language arts. The standards, being adopted nationwide but rejected in neighbor Indiana, require more problem solving and critical thinking, meaning students must explore complex concepts in greater depth and understand more than what has traditionally been taught.

Supporters say the standards better prepare students for higher education.

“What you’re looking at is more of a depth of studying and getting more into it,” says Matt Vanover, spokesman for the Illinois State Board of Education.

“The old Illinois learning standards were an inch deep and a mile wide. It was very difficult to touch on all the learning standards. These standards are getting more deeply focused on skills and more rich into concepts.”

Parents don’t necessarily take issue with the standards—a recent Gallup poll showed many nearly 38 percent of parents are still in the dark about them—but the testing and homework, which they say is convoluted and pointless.

“I think that Common Core is a great idea, but it has to be implemented properly,” Vallencourt says.

Parents are baffled by number bonds and 5-D processes and they are miffed at the massive amount of meaningless worksheets.

Common Core isn’t necessarily to blame, they say. It’s how they are being taught in the schools.

“Kids are being asked to do worksheet drills and vocabulary drills. This is not how children learn to read,” says Michelle Gunderson, first grade teacher at Nettelhorst School in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. “What they learn from that is how to fill in a

worksheet.”

When the standards were first implemented in Chicago Public Schools a few years ago, Gunderson was in favor of the changes. But she soon discovered the tests and materials were not ideal.

Because Gunderson teaches at a high performing school that meets federal and state standards, she can formulate her own curriculum.

Low performing schools, however, are required to follow curriculum guidelines, forcing some teachers to drill students and assign poorly designed homework sheets.

As a member of the Chicago Teachers Union, Gunderson says she’s worried about other teachers and how well students are learning.

After much discussion among union members, Gunderson helped write the resolution from the Chicago Teachers Union House of Delegates opposing the use of Common Core Standards in teaching and testing in Chicago Public Schools. The Chicago Teachers Union also has asked the American Federation of Teachers to reverse its approval of the Common Core Standards.

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten says the standards are not being implemented effectively.

“The AFT supports the

For more info

For a detailed look at the Common Core Standards at each grade level, pta.org/ parentsguide.

promise of the Common Core Standards, but we are deeply disappointed with how they are being implemented and the lack of shared responsibility among too many policymakers who have ignored the voices of parents and educators,” Weingarten says.

While the standards can promote critical thinking, problem solving, perseverance and teamwork, there has been a rush to implement the standards, Weingarten says, which resulted in a lackluster instruction. The fixation has been on testing instead of instruction, he says.

“Parents should ask questions and be upfront about your concerns,” Weingarten says. “Teachers should do the same, providing as much information as possible, as course curriculum transforms to match the standards.”

Chicago Public Schools officials did not return numerous calls and emails seeking comment.

Kristy MacKaben is a mom of two and frequent contributor at Chicago Parent.

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

What to look for in a great backpack Hint: It’s not the Ninja Turtle on the front

M

BY SAMANTHA SORDYL y son’s kindergarten backpack was much h too small. His first grade backpack was plenty big but not very sturdy. It slid off his shoulder constantly. So it got me thinking: What makes a great backpack??

There are a few important aspects to consider.

Preschool

Jennifer Pope weighs in as our local expert on where to get started with the younger crowd. As owner of the children’s store The Red Balloon and mother of two, Pope says the backpacks at this age are less about carrying books comfortably and more about likability and ease.

“I spend a lot of time talking to people about backpacks for little kids, 3, 4 and 5 years old,” she says. “I always remind

them, they aren’t really putting anything in them.”

It’s about what appeals to your child. “Boys in the preschool age like ferocious animals or fast-moving objects,” she says. “A shark will sell. A motorcycle will sell. Kids like action at that age.”

And what about the girls? “The girls, it’s funny, they want it to be something that’s happy. Girls seem to care more about lunchboxes, because it’s part of their social time at lunch.”

You also want the backpack to fit your child’s back. Often they are huge or tiny, Pope says. With this young group, practicality is key. “Make sure they are very lightweight, very easy and very washable.”

Pope recommends the snazzy Dabbawalla backpacks ($40), which they sell at The Red Balloon or at dabbawallabags. com. Other backpacks that seem to measure up to Pope’s standards are preschool backpacks by Stephen Joseph and Skip Hop. Cute. Comfortable.

Cozy-fit.

Once kids outgrow them, any

TEACHER TIPS Establish an afternoon routine “Start practicing an after-school routine before school even starts. The consistency of what to expect at home will allow your child to ease into new situations at school better and provide you with much more enjoyable evenings!”

Lindsay Attanasio, academic interventionist, Daniel Zizumbo Charter School, Chicago

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of these preschool packs double nicely as a personal bag for special toys or books.

Kindergarten and up Kids start loading up their backpacks in grade school and more is at stake.

Cynthia LaBella, who is on staff at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, shares her expert tips on picking out a backpack for any kids actually hauling around some weight.

As a general rule, children should not carry a loaded backpack more than 10-15 percent of their body weight, says LaBella, a sports medicine physician in the orthopedic group.

And she agrees with Pope: Backpack size really does matter.

“I think it’s good to make sure they find a backpack that is not, number one, too big,” she says.

Once you’ve found a pack that does not hang more than a few inches below the waist and doesn’t stick out too far, check for wide, padded straps.

Encourage your child to “always wear both straps at the same time,” says LaBella. “And then tightening the straps so that they are snug” is important.

A backpack with padding on the back is another great feature

to look for, says LaBella, “so that anything with corners in the backpack does not poke them.”

If there is more than one compartment, spread out the load with the heaviest items like textbooks closest to the back and work out from there, she says.

LaBella has a few other carrying tips for kids: “Encourage them to stop at their locker frequently, so they are not carrying the load all day.”

Rather than using notebooks, carry loose-leaf paper and file the papers in a binder when they get home. Never overstuff the pack. And make sure the backpack itself is light, too, she says.

Are chest clips a good idea? “A clip across the chest is nice; it definitely helps keep it in proper position on the body,” LaBella says.

Weigh the bag. If it is too heavy, take action.

To lighten the load, parents can request a second set of books for home.

And one last thing: make sure you like it, too. Before you know it, their backpacks will be the last thing you see on a daily basis as the kids shuffle out the door.

Samantha Sordyl is a Chicago mom of three and a freelance writer.

The U.S. Department of Education recognized Queen of Angels Catholic Elementary School with the 2013 National Blue Ribbon award for exemplary high performance. Queen of Angels was one of only 50 private schools in the nation to receive this honor.

Located in the Lincoln Square and Ravenswood neighborhoods, Queen of Angels Catholic Elementary School offers a strong core curriculum, enrichment programs, dedicated faculty and supportive parish community for students from Preschool to 8th grade.

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How NOT to embarrass

your kids in the carpool line I’m afraid I’m an embarrassment to my children. I think I dress them pretty well, but I don’t know how to dress myself. I haven’t bought myself new clothes in a decade, except a few T-shirts on eBay (I kid you not). I still have the same hairstyle I’ve had since high school and I tend to just wear my husband’s clothes because it’s easier and more comfortable than trying to put together my own. I envy women I see who look so put together, so fashionable, but I wouldn’t even know where to begin.

It’s depressing, I’ve really just given up. Maybe winning this could change that, unless I really am a hopeless case.

Melissa Alvarado, Willowbrook

S

PHOTOS BY FRANK PINC

ylist Suze Solari and friend Michele Bua refuse to believe any mom is hopeless when it comes to fashion. But they also know a mom’s life can get pretty frantic trying to get everyone ready and out the door on time, leaving themselves little time to consider anything beyond the daily uniform of T-shirt and jeans.

What if they could help moms make simple changes that would make them feel better about how they look, they wondered. The result is their new book, The T-Shirt & Jeans Handbook: Stylish Upgrades for Your Daily Uniform.

So we teamed up with them to show us just what is possible and Willowbrook mom Melissa Alvarado was game for a makeover valued at $575.

They recruited a few helpers in Forest Park—Jayne Boutique, Madison Street Shoes (both of which provided a shopping gift card) and Macdaddy Salon (which provided hair and make-up worth $275).

The hair For Alvarado’s hair, stylist Renee and Melissa agreed: • Keep a lot of the existing length since long hair works in proportion with Melissa’s tall frame (she’s 6-foot-4).

• Add in some layers for shape • Add some brightening highlights

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The makeover was wonderful. It made me feel absolutely fantastic. The hair was a new thing for me. … It made such a huge difference. The makeup was very different than what I do myself, it was a neat way to look at myself for the first time. The clothes were also something completely different from what I do. All of it was an eye opener and a new way to look at things. It does make you feel really pretty.

A few things to keep in mind

The clothes Alvarado brought along two pairs of her own jeans, plus two of her own T-shirts, a white and a black v-neck.

Solari found a pair of white jeans at Jayne Boutique and built the new outfit around those. Using a white T-shirt, she left a coral colored light wrap cardigan open to be more drapey and shape her body. To balance out Alvarado’s long

frame, she added a turquoise leather belt and found earrings with both turquoise and coral to tie the look together.

She then added a brown leather clutch to tie in with Alvarado’s own shoes.

Fit: Get the right size that fits you. If it’s too big, it adds volume. It it’s too tight, you are going to be pulling at it all day.

Silhouette: Find something that works with the shape of your body. If you are curvy on the bottom, try an A-line skimming garmet. Put a darker rinse jean on bottom and something bright on top to highlight smaller portion.

Proportions: Solari loves tunics, but they can overwhelm her tiny frame. So if she wants to wear something blousy, she has to wear something to pull it in close to her body. The same goes for anything boxy: you want to highlight your waist. That is why a belt is your best friend, she says, because it can give you the hourglass, fit and flare shape.

Color: Don’t wear black every day. While many women think it’s slimming or easy, it absorbs all of the color out of your face.

“It really brought out her natural beauty,” Solari says. “It was a really fun experience.”

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Find a Catholic school community near you – schools.archchicago.org

We believe great families with great children deserve the Best Schools It’s about finding a school filled with quality faculty who bring a commitment to academic excellence. It’s about an atmosphere that ignites a love of learning; a culture that is welcoming and supportive; a community that works together and a place where special traditions and fun all come together.

Throughout Cook and Lake Counties, our schools are each unique centers of learning offering distinctive programs and experiences.

They are all committed to providing a values-based education ensuring that students have the foundation to be thoughtful, moral and compassionate leaders for the future.

Visit us online at schools.archchicago.org Find a school near you at schools.archchicago.org/schools

Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools Follow @ChiCathSchools

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Two great ideas for your kid’s lunchbox

Beyond

PB&J

For more ideas, check out mommacuisine.com

Chicken and Spinach Taquitos Johanna Cook, the cooking personality behind Momma Cuisine, says kids love anything rolled up in a wrapper and fried to a crisp!

Taquitos are basically tacos rolled up and fried or baked until crispy.

The fillings can go as far as your imagination can take you, she says.

Pack it with sliced avocados, shredded lettuce and veggies for a filling lunch. Lightly stuffed with cooked chicken, baby spinach and shredded cheddar and Monterey jack cheese, these taquitos are extremely simple to make.

Ingredients ½ cup vegetable oil 12 corn tortillas 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, store bought Baby spinach 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey jack and cheddar cheese blend

Turkey Spinach Wrap Angelo Velliotis, owner of Clark Street Dog, knows how tough it can be to make a brown bag lunch appealing every day. A parent himself, he tested out a few of his kids’ favorite recipes. One he suggests you try is this wrap, which is as easy on parents as it is yummy for kids.

Ingredients Spinach tortilla/wrap Choice of cheese (American, Swiss cheese) Mustard Mayo Romaine lettuce Plum ripe tomatoes Onions Oven roasted turkey slices

After wrapping the ingredients in the tortilla, cut in half and wrap for lunch. You also can use a pocket pita instead of the tortilla.

Instructions Heat a frying pan to medium-high heat with oil.

Make sure the tortillas are room temperature or a little warm so that they don’t break apart while rolling. Take a tortilla and put about 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of shredded rotisserie chicken, a few leaves of fresh baby spinach and top with about ½ tablespoon of cheese.

Gently roll the tortilla like a cigar and place seam side down in the hot oil.

Repeat. Make sure you don’t crowd your Johanna Cook pan. Because the chicken is already fully cooked, you are just frying the taquitos until they are golden brown and crispy. Gently turn each taquito over, making sure the filling doesn’t spill out.

Place on a paper towel to drain the excess oil. Serve with sour cream, guacamole or salsa as a dip.

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Does your child snore?

Does your child have multiple ear or sinus infections?

727 Harlem Avenue, Glenview ph. 847-729-3606 e-mail gmps65@yahoo.com glenviewmethodistpreschool.com Director: Michelle Geraty Glenview Methodist Preschool is a NAEYC-accredited, nondenominational, play-based, early childhood program providing a safe and nurturing environment for all young children on the path to autonomy. We have openings for 2’s, 3’s and 4’s in the 2014-2015 year. Contact us for more information or to schedule a tour as you consider joining our GMPS family.

Pediatric Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists of Illinois Visit us at any of our locations!

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Industrial color school lockers do nothing to reflect heir the personality of their inhabitants—until you open the inside. Check out LockerLookz magnetic whiteboard, $6.99; lockerlookz.com and at specialty shops including Becky and Me Toys in Evanston. We also really like Mead Five Star all in one design dry erase board because it Star’ss all-in-one also includes a mirror and storage pocket. The giant slam-resistant magnets will stay in place. $5.99.

The be best st stu studen students dents ts are of oft often ten the most organized students (at least we hope!) hope!). We found two great student planners your kids will love using to stay on track for the entire school year. The Wimpy Kid School Planner will keep kids entertained with quips from Greg Heffley and gang, $14.95, while the return of Mead’s iconic Trapper Keeper student planner makes organizing a snap. magine your kids never losing a $7.50. Imagine on slip again! permission

Nothing say says ys back-to-schoo like back-to-school a bunch of new pens.

Pilot is a go-to wit with its Go 2 gel ink pen in 14 Go-2 co colors ($3.38-$7.46), the environment-saving B2P pens ($2.88$4.99) that recycles six plastic bottles for every dozen pack of pens, and the FriXion Clicker, the first retractable erasable pen ($4.87-$5.99)

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TEACHER TIPS Stick to the school supply list

Elmer’s is out with special products just for preschoolers. We like that the glue pen and glue stick are great for small hands, that they are made to create less mess and are non-toxic and washable. $12; available in Target, Wal-Mart and Michaels.

Make sure the kids’ stuff remains their stuff with Mabel’s Labels Ultimate Back-To-School Combo Pack or Stylish Scholars Combo Pack that includes more than 100 labels that won’t come off. $42, August-September; mabelslabels.com.

“Teachers put specific items and quantities on it because they get used. And please buy the good stuff!

Classrooms need quality products.”

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PRESCHOOL

Ready, set, GO! What your preschooler REALLY needs to know now for the year ahead

W

BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

hile the ABCs and 123s seem like the fundamentals of learning, when it comes to preparing your child for preschool, it’s even more elementary.

According to Joan White, director of First United Church Nursery School in Oak Park since 1977, many parents mistakenly think knowing the ABCs or counting to 10 are skills teachers will look for.

“Those are actually skills children will pick up along the way, and aren’t the most important precursors to school success,” says White. “Growing abilities in self-regulation are the most important skills for preschool success.”

“This will be evident in a 3-year-old being potty trained, being able to follow the simple routines

TEACHER TIPS Play games “Children learn executive functioning skills when following directions, logical thinking from rules, number recognition from dice. Games teach healthy competition as well as how to lose.”

Mindy McMahon, principal, Madison Elementary School, Hinsdale

of the classroom, and being progressively able to play successfully with other children.”

Sister Barbara Jean Ciszek, founder and principal of the Montessoribased Cardinal Bernardin Early Childhood Center in Chicago, agrees that academics will come later.

“When beginning school, it is most important that a preschoolage child knows how to get along with others and learns to be self-motivated,” Ciszek says.

She says that in addition to playing with other children, preschool children should be able to listen to an adult, follow directions, be toilet trained and be able to dress themselves.

Kate Cicchelli, principal and chief academic officer of the Bennett Day School in Chicago, stresses that there is no magical list of

information or facts that a child needs to be successful in preschool.

“The most important thing that children need to know when starting preschool is that they are loved and that the school they are attending is a safe place,” says Cicchelli.

Getting ready As the new school year approaches, White suggests taking some easy extra steps to help prepare your preschooler.

“In the month before school starts, drive by the school and talk to your child with excitement about where they will be attending school and the fun they will have,” says CONTINUED ON PAGE 64

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READY SET GO!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 63

TEACHER TIPS Ease separation anxiety “Develop a comforting routine, like drawing a heart on the child’s hand to remind her of your love when you are apart. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn inspired this idea. As kids get older, it can evolve into things like notes in lunchboxes, but the key is to continue even when they say they don’t need it anymore. When they do, it will be there.”

Debbie Graves, prekindergarten teacher, Oriole Park Elementary School, Chicago

White. “Borrow books from the library about preschool to read with your child. Seeing pictures of children painting at the easel and building with blocks will help your child know some of the things to expect at school.”

“If possible when you receive a class list, arrange a play date at a park to let your child make the acquaintance of a classmate.”

As the school year gets closer, Cicchelli encourages parents to help their child know they are capable of doing smaller tasks on their own, such as putting on their own coat and working on the zippers and buttons.

“Give yourself and your child the time needed to allow for this independent growth,” Cicchelli says. “No doubt it’s easier and quicker for you to do simple tasks for them, but when children are given time to be independent, they develop a positive self-concept.”

Don’t get bogged down in lists of what your child ‘should’ be able to do, Cicchelli says.

“Before your child can write, she has to be able to hold a pencil, and before she can hold

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a pencil, she needs playful experiences that will build her motor skills, such as manipulating playdough, stringing beads and crumpling up newspapers.”

Relax and let go Sending your little one off on their own often can feel more overwhelming for the parents than for the child.

“Parents need to relax and your child will relax,” says Ciszek.

“If you are happy with the school you chose, then your child will be happy as well.”

Cicchelli agrees that choosing the right school for your child and family is the first step to easing any parental

nervousness.

“Know that your nervousness is shared by many, if not all, parents as their children head off to school for the first time,” says Cicchelli. “Your confidence and faith in the teachers, mission and school program will go a long way in alleviating anxiety about your child’s successful transition to school.”

White believes the most important thing is a parent’s positive attitude about school.

“A confident warm hug without undue lingering is the best gift a parent can give their child at the start of the school year,” White says.

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Lunch without waste

More Chicago area schools on board with creating waste free lunches

O

BY MEGAN COTTRELL

ne day while volunteering at her son’s preschool, Amy Hemmert had a realization: lunchtime makes a lot of trash.

“At the end of the day, the teachers had to haul all of that trash up to the curb for pickup. I knew that most of that was lunch waste,” she says.

Because of her years spent living in Japan, she was used to packing her family’s lunches in a bento box, while most American families use disposable packaging: juice boxes, cups of apple sauce, sandwiches in plastic baggies. It’s estimated that each school-age child generates about 67 pounds of lunch waste a year.

She wondered if there was a better way.

The idea prompted her and her friend Tammy Pelstring to create Laptop Lunches, a business that sells reusable containers designed for school lunches. She also launched WasteFreeLunches.org to help families learn how to reduce their lunch waste. The site encourages schools to get involved in the effort, launching programs like “Waste-Free Wednesdays” where kids are encouraged to bring a lunch

that doesn’t create trash.

At least 12 schools in the Chicagoland area have gotten on board, working with the site and similar programs to reduce lunchtime garbage.

For families used to sending lunch in disposable containers, the idea of a zerowaste lunch might seem daunting. But Hemmert says it doesn’t have to be. She shared some great tips on how to reduce your child’s lunch waste.

Overcoming your objections Parents generally have two objections to the idea of a waste-free lunch: “People say, ‘That will take too much time,’ and ‘My kid loses everything,’” she says.

But she says a waste-free lunch can actually take less time than a typical school lunch. She recommends families make their lunches during dinner

cleanup. Put individual servings of that night’s dinner leftovers in reusable containers for the next day. While you’re washing dishes, kids can cut up fruit, veggies or other sides to put in the lunchbox.

Second, Hemmert says many families are pleasantly surprised that their kid keeps good track of their cool new lunchbox.

Take baby steps Daunted by the idea of an entirely waste-free lunch? Try these two easy steps: Switch to a refillable water bottle instead of a juice box and try a cloth napkin.

“Ninety-nine percent of kids don’t use the paper napkin you put in their lunch. They toss away a good piece of paper,” she says.

“With a cloth napkin, you can almost put the same napkin CONTINUED ON PAGE 68

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WASTE–FREE LUNCH

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 67

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in every day and it can just go in the wash at the end of the week.”

Get your kids on board For a waste-free lunch to work, you need buy-in from your kids. Let them help pick out containers and talk about what they’d like to see in their lunch.

Second, talk with kids about the environmental impact of trash. Hemmert took her kids to visit a landfill so they really understood where their trash ended up.

“We need to help them understand that when you throw something away, there is no ‘away.’ It has to go somewhere,” she says.

Gather your supplies If you want to take the plunge, you’re going to need a few supplies. Hemmert recommends the following: a refillable bottle, a cloth napkin, a set of utensils, a set of reusable hard containers for food and a softsided carrier with a spot for an ice pack.

Make lunch count Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and dinner is a time for the family to be together. Hemmert says lunch sometimes gets the short end of the stick.

“Lunch is a really important meal. It fuels the kids for the entire afternoon,” she says.

“With a little work, we can use lunch as a way to teach kids how to care for our environment and how to care for themselves.”

Megan Cottrell is a freelance writer and mom.

TEACHER TIPS Celebrate the start of a new school year “Go out to dinner after the first day of school. Celebrate another opportunity to learn and grow as humans.”

Sejal Schullo, social studies teacher, Glenbrook South High School, Glenview

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Move it!

M

BY MELISSA SILVERBERG

ost parents have heard about physical activity keeping their children healthy and stemming the increasing consequences of childhood obesity. Now a growing number of schools and families are taking notice of new studies that show that being active is not just good for the body, but also good for the brain and can help students perform better in school.

“At a certain point for kids, sitting in a traditional classroom, their brain kind of shuts down.”

Hannah Laughlin Action for Healthy Kids

CHIPAR0814_071.indd 1

Studies show even brief activity ups focus and learning for better grades

Kids of all ages can have better focus, behavior and even grades with just a little physical activity added to their daily routine, experts say.

It all comes down to three important neurotransmitters in the brain—dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine— all of which are stimulated by exercise, says Paul Zientarski, consultant and former

director of physical education at Naperville Central High School.

With increased exercise, those neurotransmitters produce more, which means increased energy, concentration, focus, cognitive function and improved mood—all things that help in the classroom.

“We now know that fitness helps improve the learning process,” Zientarski says.

Current recommendations from the Institute of Medicine say that children under 6 need to be physically active for 15 minutes every hour, while older children need 60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity, says Dr. Blaise Nemeth, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“As little as 15 minutes can

have a big impact on kids’ behavior and school performance,” Nemeth says.

Educating children about CONTINUED ON PAGE 72

TEACHER TIPS Reset sleep clocks “No matter what age, kids thrive with structure. In the summer, parents tend to let children stay up later, which creates lack of sleep and makes getting back in the school routine more difficult.

Get on a school sleep schedule in early August.”

Mindy Ingersoll, business education teacher, Glenbrook North High School, Northbrook

ChicagoParent.com August 2014 71

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GET MOVING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 71

being physically active should start early, says Hannah Laughlin, regional field manager for the Midwest chapter of Action for Healthy Kids, a nonprofit promoting physical

TEACHER TIPS Have protein for breakfast “A good breakfast complete with protein provides the necessary building blocks for neurotransmitters, which signal that the brain is energized and alert. Protein also staves off the hunger and hypoglycemia that arise from simple carb breakfasts of sugary cereals and processed flour.”

Mike Piskel, science teacher, Glenbrook North High School, Northbrook

activity in schools.

“Forming healthy habits at a young age ensures that they will grow into healthy adults,” she says.

Laughlin says parents should check with their schools to see how many minutes of physical activity their students are getting each day and plan home activities to supplement that.

She says it can be as easy as parking in the back of a parking lot while running errands to increase steps, playing with the dog in the backyard or having kids help clean the house.

As children age, experts suggest breaking up homework sessions with activities including walking, climbing stairs and running around the block, or even indoor activities like jumping jacks, pushups or running in place.

“A good rule of thumb is that your attention span is equal to your age in years,” Zientarski says. That means that your

10-year-old may need what educators call “brain breaks” after every 10 minutes of serious homework time.

Students at Naperville Central take “brain breaks” about 20 minutes into each class, meaning they get out of their desks and do some kind of activity for a few minutes.

“Anytime a teacher can be creative and get the kids up,

moving and engaged, they will be better off,” he says.

Chicago Public Schools is phasing in a program called 30-20-10, which will include 30 minutes of daily physical education, 20 minutes of recess split into two segments and 10 minutes of active class time.

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“At a certain point for kids, sitting in a traditional classroom, their brain kind of shuts down,” Laughlin says.

Teachers benefit when the kids get back to their desks because the kids are more focused and actually learn better, she says.

Illinois is the only state that requires daily PE for K-12, but many schools across the state avoid the requirement with waivers.

Chicago Public Schools previously had a waiver, but in January voted to reinstitute daily physical education for all students—30 minutes a day for elementary students and 42 minutes a day for high school students.

Exercise not only helps students focus on their classwork, but it can also help them get better grades in the classes where they struggle the most, Zientarski says.

Starting in 2006, Zientarski put a group of struggling freshmen in PE directly before math class. When compared to students who didn’t have gym before math, the students who were active before their most difficult class improved at a rate

of two to three times more on standardized tests.

Guidance counselors at the school now suggest that students schedule their most difficult classes directly after physical education.

“Changes to your student’s after-school routine could also help improve their study habits,” he says.

“Too often we have students come home, play, have dinner and then start homework and go to bed,” Zientarski says.

Instead, the routine should be a mixture of homework and activity both before and after dinner.

As with many other aspects of healthy living, parents need to set a good example, experts says. “Walk with them, run with them, play with them,” Zientarski says.

Don’t forget to have fun, too, experts say.

“This is an opportunity to build on your relationship with your child and reinforce that physical activity has value,” Nemeth says.

Melissa Silverberg is a Chicago area freelance

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

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Emma Langelan grimaces as she fits a piece on her team’s robot during the robotics club at Percy Julian Middle School in Oak Park.

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of STEM Why local experts are still trying to reach more girls and need your help

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lthough women now represent more than half of the labor force in the United States, they are still underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

That’s why local experts and professionals are continuing work to get girls involved and enlightened about STEM at a young age.

According to Theresa E. Mintle, president and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, STEM fields are among the fastest growing occupations in the country, with many reports suggesting there will be close to 500,000 new jobs in STEM by 2020. STEM jobs also tend to pay higher entry salaries.

“Our young women have significant wage and employment opportunities in STEM fields, but only if they receive the encouragement and opportunity in primary and secondary education to explore and pursue STEM learning, internships and jobs,” says Mintle.

Michelle Larson, president and CEO of Adler Planetarium, experienced first-hand the

TEACHER TIPS Set goals for the year “Discuss the previous school year in terms of what your child was successful at and what he could have done better. Then come up with three goals for the upcoming year—one academic, one peer-related and one family-related. Success in school is not just getting As; it is being a positive friend and family member as well.”

Emily Horvath, social studies teacher, Glenbrook North High School, Northbrook

CONTINUED ON PAGE 76

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encouragement to study in the STEM fields.

“I was encouraged to enter physics because I was notorious for not knowing what I wanted to do when I grew up and my mentors convinced me that physics would provide me with a diverse set of skills and would leave all doors open,” she says.

“My experience has been that more minds are always better than a fewer minds. STEM is no exception, and progress requires teams with diverse talent and perspective,” Larson says. “By empowering and encouraging more girls, and more diverse populations overall, to pursue these disciplines, we strengthen our ability to ask meaningful questions and solve the mysteries and challenges that STEM professionals tackle every day.”

In order to reach more girls, Larson suggests meeting them where they are with their current interests.

“By exploring crossover areas like fashion and technology, mathematics and music, or engineering and community problem-solving, we have a better chance at starting with a shared interest,” she says.

One obvious place to start is within the classroom.

GEMS World AcademyChicago is one school that is strongly focused on providing the tools and creating the atmosphere that will foster interest in STEM subjects.

According to Geoff Jones, GEMS World Academy Chicago founding head of school, educators must nurture students’ interest.

“At GEMS World Academy, we develop STEM subjects in the ways we live our lives and how we use knowledge by connecting to daily relevance in kids’ lives at that time,” says Jones.

Mintle, Larson and Jones all agree that empowering and encouraging more girls to pursue

interests in STEM begins with parental involvement at home.

“As adults, especially women, we need to make sure our daughters, nieces and granddaughters are aware of the vast opportunity and application of STEM learning,” says Mintle.

“And the best way to create the awareness is through example.”

“Bring your daughters into the kitchen and show them the science of baking and cooking.

When the weather is changing and discussed on the news, talk about it, go outside, and experience the cold or rain. Find clubs that experiment with writing code and gaming. Support classroom learning and exploration even if it is nontraditional for you or your daughter.”

Larson suggests letting your child’s curiosity lead the way.

“Observe what they are wondering about, and enable them to follow their interest wherever it might take them,” Larson says.

“Find ways to connect your child with resources to further explore their backyard, their world and their universe. Focus on exploring and finding a passion. Then, that passion will drive your child to seek out the skills needed to go further.”

Mintle’s best advice to parents is to be fearless.

“Even if you don’t know the basics of the chemical reaction between flour and baking soda, or understand relative humidity, or see the value in writing code, give your young girl the chance to try it herself and get her the support through teachers, tutors, web-based application learning and science clubs to figure it out,” says Mintle.

“Embrace the opportunities that are inherent in STEM learning and be aware of the science that is all around us every day,” she says.

Megan Murray Elsener is a writer and mother of three.

76 August 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

Lock down on sexting Middle school is a prime time for kids’ risky behaviors

S

BY SHANNAN YOUNGER

tories of Chicago suburban middleschoolers sexting made the news a few months ago, catching many parents by surprise who couldn’t believe it hit so close to home.

Sexting is not a new practice of kids with phones, however, and a lot of kids engage in it. A recent report found that 20 percent of kids with phones have sent nude or semi-nude photos of themselves.

When someone asks if they want to see a sext, the answer is “no.”

Shocking, isn’t it?

That means that parents need to discuss sexting with their kids. No, it isn’t a fun conversation, and it’s one that you and your kids would probably rather avoid. The consequences of sexting, however, are far more uncomfortable than talking about it.

So, how to talk to kids about sexting? Approaches vary depending on the kid, but experts agree on a few of the basic tactics parents should use when talking with kids.

The time to have the conversation is before getting the child a phone, or certainly when they have one. It also should take place if their friends have phones.

First, parents should ask kids what they think sexting is and what they know about it.

You need to know what they know. Also ask what they’ve heard from their friends. Parents are often surprised to hear the extent to which it is already occurring

in their child’s circle of friends.

Second, make it clear that it is wrong and explain exactly why.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 80

TEACHER TIPS Keep an eye on social media “Friends are so important to students. Unfortunately kids can pressure, bully and betray on social media at rates we can’t even wrap our minds around. Have honest conversations about these things.”

Vanessa Ahmed, English teacher, Bronzeville Scholastic Institute, Chicago

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SEXTING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 79

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List the consequences, including: Complete lack of control over the image and possible damage to reputation The possibility of it ending up in the hands of a sex offender, which is highly dangerous Bullying Blackmailing.

Sexting can and likely will impact their future, both in the short term and in the long term. That can include consequences at school (the Evanston baseball team had to forfeit the state playoff game they had scheduled due to a sexting scandal involving team members) or criminal charges. Two Barrington Middle School students were charged with child pornography after a sexting scandal.

Parents can use this as a way to start the conversation with their children. And when kids get squirmy, say that you’d far prefer to have this talk at home than at jail after they’ve been arrested.

Also, having this uncomfortable conversation now is far preferable to the one that comes with your child trying to explain a criminal record to a college admissions officer or future employer.

Third, teach your kids to just say no.

We teach them to say no to drugs and alcohol at a very

One helpful rule of thumb for kids: If you wouldn’t share it at the dinner table, don’t share it online. young age. We also need to teach them that when someone asks them to send a naked picture, the answer is always “no.” When someone asks if they want to see a sext, the answer is “no.”

Acknowledge that it can be hard to say no, but also tell your child that you have confidence that he/she has the strength to do so.

Parents also need to check their kids’ phones. I know you’re busy.

Find the time to check anyway.

I know it’s tricky to figure out their phone. Find the time to figure it out. I know you trust your child. Check anyway. Trust but verify.

TEACHER TIPS Share the details of the day “Talk with your child about the ups and downs every day.

If they get used to telling you the little things, they will tell you the big things, too.”

Mary Zuccarello Jaeger, special education teacher, Glenbrook South High School, Glenview

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Gillian Marchenko is freelance writer and a Chicago mom of children with special needs and without.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Secrets to success

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Secrets to success

T

Seven ways to help your child with special needs start the school year on a positive note

BY GILLIAN MARCHENKO he beginning of the school year brings newness and anticipation. Most families relish the preparation.

Kids pick out first day of school outfits. Parents buy classroom supplies and root around the pantry to see if last year’s lunch box will work again or can be repurposed for the next child in line.

But for families affected by special needs, the new school year has added challenges and concerns. How will my child interact with her new teacher? What can I do to ease him into a new routine? Will she be able to keep up with the curriculum? Is his placement the best?

Where did I put her most recent IEP? Here are seven ways to help your child with special needs start the new school year on a positive note.

how to customize your own.

Take pictures of the school, the teacher and the classroom and make a story geared specifically to your child. Read it every day leading up to the first day of school.

3

Review expectations of school behavior with her and set up a reward system.

Kids do well with boundaries. Be sure to review expected behavior at school.

Talk about things like personal

1

Resume an earlier bedtime routine a week in advance.

Children with special needs may need a little more time to get used to a new routine. Give their little bodies the opportunity to adjust to a new sleep pattern before adding revved-up nerves for the big day. Try to keep their nightly routine the same.

2

Create a social story about going back to school.

Social stories help children learn social norms and transition into new environments with less trepidation and anxiety. Google ‘social stories for kids with special needs’ to find premade books or look for directions on

82 8 2 A August ug gu usst 20 2 2014 01 14 4 Ch C ChicagoParent.com hicag ic cag go oP Pa arre en nt. t.co com om

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I go to bed early to be ready for school.

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space, following directions, and taking turns with other kids. It might help to set up a reward system at home that can transition to the classroom. ‘If I listen well and get my daily sticker, Mom will watch a special show with me Friday night.’

4

Provide worthwhile information to the teacher.

Give an ‘all about me’ handout not only to your child’s teacher, but also to the principal and any other teachers or therapists who will interact with her.

Include likes/dislikes, allergies, favorite subjects and activities, behavior strategies, common challenges, information about your family (siblings, pets), food preferences, fears and anything else you can think of that will help staff know, appreciate and help your child succeed.

5

Locate your child’s most recent IEP, read it and make sure her new teacher has a copy.

Chances are the teacher already has it, but it never hurts to provide another copy with a note requesting frequent review to ensure that goals are being sought after and met throughout the school year.

6

Figure out an appropriate method of communication with the teacher.

Communication is your job.

I meet my teacher before school starts. I tell her all about me so that she knows how best to help me learn.

Teachers want to keep up with parents, but the number of kids they need to manage compared to you is exponentially more.

Decide a communication method that works best for you. A journal passed back and forth in the backpack? Email?

Monthly face-to-face meetings?

It is up to you to initiate healthy and reoccurring communication.

Have a back-up option in case your preferred method doesn’t pan out once school starts.

7

Do a presentation about your child’s disability in the classroom.

Knowledge is power. Within the first week or two of school, visit your child’s class to talk about special needs. Find a book to read on the topic and prepare a quick object lesson appropriate to the grade. For younger kids, an example is as simple as “Who here has shoes?” (Twenty-nine hands shoot up in the air.) “What color are your shoes?” (Twentynine voices sing out red, black,

When I do well in school I get to watch my favorite movies with my mom as a reward. yellow, pink.) “Just like we all wear shoes that are a little different from each other, we all are people who are a little different from each other, too.” Print out a take-home sheet for the kids

to talk about with their families around the dinner table at home.

Gillian Marchenko is freelance writer and a Chicago mom of children with special needs and without.

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■ Photography ■ Homemade Treats ■ Small gift for Birthday Child ■ Games

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Rain or Shine, Hot or Cold, we always bring the FUN to you year round!

Please call (708) 388-2200 to schedule your party

www.TheBusofFun.com

The Bus of Fun is fully insured.

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L UTHE RAN

SCHOOLS

Witness Always ASHBURN LUTHERAN SCHOOL

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN SCHOOL

PreK – 8th grade

Grades PreK (3 yrs.) – 8

(773) 737-2156 ashburnlutheranschool.org

(773) 736-1196 StJohnsChicago.org

Demetra Kirksey, Principal 3345 W. 83rd St, Chicago

GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN SCHOOL

3 yr. PreK – Grade 8, extended care Mr. Bryan Scriver, Principal 525 63rd St., Downers Grove

Douglas Markworth, Principal 4939 W. Montrose Avenue, Chicago

ST. PHILIP LUTHERAN

Preschool to 8th Grade Come visit us at our open houses on: Tuesday, August 5, 6pm -8pm Sunday, September 7, 11:30am - 2pm

2500 West Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago

773.561.9830 StPhilipLutheran.com

Good Shepherd Lutheran School

(630) 852-5081 gsdg.org

JERUSALEM LUTHERAN SCHOOL

Ages 3 – 14, extended care

Duane Vance, Principal 6218 Capulina, Morton Grove

(847) 965-4750 www.jerusalemlutheranschool.org

PARK VIEW LUTHERAN SCHOOL

Mary Perillo, Administrator PreK 3 and 4 year old Programs Elementary K - 8th 3919 N. Monticello, Chicago

(773) 267-0072 parkviewlutheran.org

SAINT LUKE ACADEMY

Preschool Age 3 through 8th Grade, Extended Care Donna Beck, Principal Enrolling now Call for a private tour today!

1500 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago

(773)472-3837 stlukechicago.org

Lutheran schools admit students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin.

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Faith in Learning From a Christian Perspective

Calvary Academy Day Care Center Janell McGuire & Betsy England 6 months to 5 yrs 16360 South State St, South Holland (708) 333-0796 Southwest Chicago Christian Schools Joel Satterly, Superintendent PreK – 12th grade Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Tinley Park (708) 388-7656 swchristian.org Trinity Oaks Christian Academy PreK – 8th grade Dr. Paul Wrobbel, Head of School Susie Noe, Admissions Director 233 Trinity Oaks Way, Cary (847) 462-5971 trinity-oaks.org

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Montessori Making a Difference in our World for 100 Years For Further inForMation, please Call anD visit anY oF the loCations listeD.

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

“We must have faith in the child as a savior capable of regenerating the human race and society and Create an environment which gives them the opportunities to explore their possibilities and develop the skills they need to be peacemakers.”

—Maria Montessori

Chicago Intercultural Montessori Language School

114 S. Racine., Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 265-1514

www.interculturalmontessori.org Ages 3-12 yrs, Dual language in Spanish, Japanese & Mandarin Chinese. Oak Park campus as well.

Montessori Academy of Chicago

1335 W. Randolph Street Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 243-0977

Country Meadows Montessori School

6151 Washington St., Gurnee, IL 60031 (847) 244-9352

Deerfield, Glenview and Riverwoods Montessori Schools 3140 Riverwoods, Riverwoods, IL 60015 (847) 945-8661

Near North Montessori

1434 West Division, Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 384-1434

www.nnms.org Est. 1963 serving students 6 mos – 14 years; Early morning, Afterschool & summer programs. Fully Accredited.

8 West Scranton Ave., Lake Bluff, IL 60044 (847) 295-8338

926 Noyes Street, Evanston IL 60201 (847) 328-6630

www.midwestmontessori.com Demonstration School (MMTTC) ages 3-6, full and part time.

www.rpmschool.org Serving Chicago for 46 years, children ages 2-14, Fully Accredited through AMS and ISACS.

Montessori Children’s House of North Barrington

Chicago northwest Brickton Montessori School

8622 West Catalpa, Chicago, IL 60656 (773) 714-0646

www.brickton.org Year round partial and full day programs for ages 2 through 8th grade. Fully accredited.

suburban north Alta Vista Montessori School 1850 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville, IL 60048 (847) 918-1621

www.altavistamontessori.com 16 mos - 6 yrs, full and half day, school year and year round AMI accredited.

suburban south

Greenbrook Montessori Montessori Children’s Schoolhouse 1675 Greenbrook Blvd.

5935 Hohman Ave., Hammond, IN 46320 (219) 932-5666

Hannover Park, Il 60133 (630) 830-1675

www.greenbrookmontessori.com www.mcshammond.com Toddlers thru Kindergarten; All day AMS accredited, toddler- middle school. Before Montessori; family friendly. & after care available est. 1968.

Southwest Suburban Montessori 8800 W. 119th St., Palos Park, IL 60464 (708) 448-5332

115 Clover Hill Lane North Barrington, IL 60010 (847) 550-0917

suburban northwest

Mansio Mens Montessori 102 Howard St. Geneva, IL 60134 (630) 232-6750

Buffalo Grove Montessori School

5728 Virginia Ave. Clarendon Hills, IL 60514 (630) 655-1066

www.bgmsweb.com Toddlers through Kindergarten (infants – 6 yrs.) AMS accredited programs. A lifetime foundation.

West Suburban Montessori School

950 Ellen Drive, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 (847) 541-8111

Children’s Learning World, A Montessori School Inc.

www.mchnb.net We are a lab school of Seton Montessori, 8101 Golf, Niles, IL 60714 started in 1970, serving children birth to age (847) 470-0370 6, half and full day programs. www.clw-montessori.com 6 wks - 12 yrs, open year round.

Old School Montessori 144 Commerce Drive Grayslake, IL 60030 (847) 223-9606

Crystal Lake Montessori School

Ronald Knox Montessori School

www.clms.org Remarkable country setting in the heart of McHenry Co. Birth – 8th grade, AMS accredited. Spanish, art, drama, music & Physical Education.

www.OSMKids.com 15 mos to 6th grade. Half, full and extended day programs. Spanish, enrichment and summers.

2031 Elmwood Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091 (847) 256-2922

www.ronaldknox.org Est. 1963. Celebrating 50 years of guiding and educating children ages 6 mos. – 6 yrs.

www.setonmontessori.org A Lab School serving infant to Elementary children. Also offering parent-child and summer camp programs.

1039 S. East Ave. Oak Park, IL 60304 (708) 848-2662

www.wsms.org AMI accredited, Accepting applications for ages 3-6, child care, extracurricular classes.

3013 S. Country Club Rd, Woodstock, IL 60098 (815) 338-0013

suburban West Alcuin Montessori

Chiaravalle Montessori

Skokie Montessori School

www.chiaravalle.org Spark Interest, Ignite discovery. 6 mos – 14 yrs, full & half day, fully accredited.

www.alcuin.org www.skokiemontessorischool.com 2 - 12, toddler, 3-6, Elementary, full day and Founded in 1961: ages 0-14, Spanish, art, half day, summer programs available. theater. Come to a monthly tour.

425 Dempster Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (847) 864-2190

www.foxvalleymontessori.com 18 mos – 6th grade, Groundbreaking Montessori STEM Program. Before and After.

Extracurriculars. 45 yr History.

www.forest-bluff-school.org www.swsmontessori.com AMI accredited 1982. Birth to 14 yrs. Paula Serving children 2-6, AM and PM, full day www.genevamontessori.org 15 months-6 yrs. Yoga, Spanish. Full and Part Polk Lillard, Lynn Jessen founders. kindergarten, Spanish, Music, Gym, Yoga and time programs offered.

Summer School.

Midwest Montessori Seton Montessori Schools Children's House

Rogers Park Montessori School

1800 West Balmoral Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 271-1700

Fox Valley Montessori School

21 Hawthorn Parkway, Vernon Hills, IL 60061 850 N. Commonwealth Ave Aurora, IL 60506 (847) 918-0342 (630) 896-7557 www.vernonhillsacademy.com

www.cmmontessori.net 15 months-6 years; afterschool, summer camp, Serving chidlren 15 mos to age 12 since 1990 private piano, voice, semi-private karate, in the Gurnee area. Offering half day, full day music and summer programs.

www.montessori-schools.com Est. 1966. AMS Accredited, 3 mos.-12yrs, www.montessoriacademychicago.org Full & half day, Elementary, Summer Camp, Setting the standard in urban Montessori from Spanish, Monart, Orff, Piano.

Birth through 8th Grade Forest Bluff School

Chicago north

Vernon Hills Montessori

8401 North Karlov Avenue, Skokie, IL 60076 324 N. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park , IL 60302 708-366-1882 (847) 679-4614

Members of Association of Illinois Montessori Schools. For additional information or membership call 847-945-7582 or email info@illinoismontessorischools.com.

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calen1dar AUGUST

1

You’ve always taught your kids not to play with their food, but what about turning it into works of art? At Jelly Belly & Gummy Mosaic Art, kids use jelly beans and gummy treats to create beautiful mosaics that are sure to rival ancient Greece—and taste a whole lot sweeter. Best of all, they’re just as fun to take apart as they are to assemble! This “Candy Camp” runs at both locations of Morkes Chocolates. $18. 2-3:30 p.m. or 4-5:30 p.m. Aug. 5 and 7; 1890 N. Rand Road, Palatine. 1011:30 a.m., noon-1:30 p.m., 2-3:30 p.m., or 4-5:30 p.m. Aug. 4; 2-3:30 p.m., 4-5:30 p.m. or 6-7:30 p.m.

Aug. 6; 2755 W. Algonquin Road, Algonquin. (847) 359-3454, morkeschocolates.com.

2

Calling all pet lovers! Kids with an interest in animals can get a taste of what it’s like to be a veterinarian at FutureVet. A Banfield Pet Hospital veterinarian leads kids in an interactive program that introduces them to veterinary medicine. They’ll meet and care for a real pup patient and then take home a stethoscope and an honorary veterinarian certificate. Save it to hang next to their real diploma someday! Free with admission. Check website for time. Aug. 11.

Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.

3

Freckles aren’t usually a badge of honor, unless you’re at the Fox Valley Irish Festival. There, kids can win a prize if they have the most freckles—or if they can eat the most ice cream. In addition to fun contests, the revamped fest features Irish cultural displays, dancers and bagpipers, Jameson-tasting and Gaelic lessons for the grown-ups, and a moon jump, crafts and face painting for the kids. Just try to keep your eyes—Irish or otherwise—from smiling. $10, $5 kids 3-14, free kids 2 and under.

1-10:30 p.m. Aug. 2. RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway St., Aurora. riveredgeaurora.com/ events/fox-valley-irish-festival.

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CALENDAR 1 | FRIDAY LAMASEUSS: THE 500 HATS OF BARTHOLOMEW CUBBINS. Kids 5-8 hear a book

from Dr. Seuss, then explore behatted artifacts to learn what ancient hats can tell an archaeologist.

11 a.m.-noon. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago.

(773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.

Science is about observing what’s happening all around you.

Your family can have fun with science by practicing observation skills together. Challenge your kids to look for something that seems strange or out of place to them. An observation that starts with “That’s weird!” often leads to discovery. Just by wondering why, you’ve started exploring.

Keep looking up! @AdlerPrez

Try this at home!

Put your family’s observation skills to the test with a fun memory game–Quick Change–that teaches an important science skill: paying close attention to detail.

Have friends or family observe you for a few minutes, taking note of what you are wearing.

Leave the room and secretly make a few subtle changes to your appearance. Take off your watch, untuck your shirt, or put on a hat.

When you come back into the room, ask the group to identify what changes you made. Take turns being “it” and have fun practicing your observation skills!

Looking for more fun ways to do science at home? adlerplanetarium.org/Science4Everyone

#Science4Everyone

STORY BOOK SCIENCE. Choose a character from stories or movies or invent one of your own. Come in costume and enjoy games, art, crafts and demonstrations. Free with admission. 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA. Set against the backdrop

of the 1896 Yukon Gold Rush, the play features prospectors, saloon gals, and outlaws. Follow a zany troupe as they travel from Verona to Yukon to seek their fortune and find love. Family-friendly, 90-minute production is a great introduction to Shakespeare and a new take on a classic comedy. Bring picnics, blankets and/or chairs. Donations are welcome. 5 p.m. Jackson Park, 6401 S. Stony Island. spectralia.org.

FAMILY TROLLEY TOURS.

CHICAGO

Professional tour guide Josh Eisenberg leads family-friendly urban exploration in an open-air trolley. Today’s theme is Water, Water Everywhere. $25, $10 kids; $20 members, $5 member kids. 10 a.m.-noon. Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. (312) 642-4600, chicagohistory.org.

CHICAGO BEARS MEIJER FAMILY FEST. Get a first look at the 2014

JUBA! MASTERS OF TAP AND PERCUSSIVE DANCE. Concert fea-

Chicago Bears as they gear up with new players. Enjoy kid-friendly activities, live music, a fireworks show and a live Bears practice. $8 and up. 3 p.m.; 6:45 p.m. practice.

Soldier Field Stadium and Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive. (312) 235-7000, soldierfield.net.

tures foot drummers and percussive arts masters. Recommended for families with kids 6 and older. $25-$32.

7:30 p.m. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. (773) 2811825, chicagotap.org.

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY. Free cheesecake samples and

FAMILY ADVENTURES. Learn

2 | SATURDAY

games, including Bingo, Spin & Win, and Cheesecake Hula Hoop. Eli’s Cheesecake World, 6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive. (773) 308-7000, elicheesecake.com.

SUBURBS

to use a GPS to find hidden clues along the trails, shoot a bow and arrow, build shelters in the woods, or work together to build a fire. End the afternoon with a cookout (grills are provided). $35 family of four or

About the calendar The deadline for submitting listings for the September issue is July 28. All events are subject to change. Please call the event sponsor at the number listed to confirm before you go. Events taking place on four or more dates are listed in Ongoing Events, beginning on page 120.

Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar 96 August 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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⎯ Save the date ⎯

WILL COUNTY FAIR 2014 Aug. 20-24

Buford Bear

• Free ping pong ball drop on opening day for children.

• Free Petting zoo!

• Buford Bear and his miniature truck!

• The Nation-Wide Demolition Derby!

willcountyfair.org Located 1/4 mile east of I-57 at Peotone exit.

708-258-9359

Jewish Day Schools

Celebrate Knowledge...

AriellA Joy FrAnkel keshet DAy school 3210 Dundee, Northbrook (847) 205-0274 keshet.org

chicAgolAnD Jewish high school

wsthZ eArly chilDhooD ProgrAm

Ages 2-5 years old, Preschool, Enrichment, Hours 7:30-6:00pm M-Th, 7:30-3:30pm F Ilana Marczak, Early Childhood Director 1040 North Harlem Avenue, River Forest (708) 366-9000 wsthzece.com

9th – 12th grade Tony Frank, Head of School 1095 Lake Cook Rd., Deerfield (847) 324-3700 cjhs.org

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EVOLUTION. From preschool through eighth grade, the Catherine Cook Community offers students personal attention and a collaborative spirit, creating an innovative environment that inspires a culture of curiosity, passion, and achievement. Our students evolve into confident, adaptive, and ethical young people.

Please visit our Open House on Sunday, November 2nd

CatherineCookSchool.org

(312) 266-3381

226 W. Schiller, Chicago

Sign up online for

Weekly Newsletters Be in the know about family events, coupons and great giveaways!

Find us on Facebook

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Follow us @ChicagoParent

98 August 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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CALENDAR less; $10 additional family member.

3-7 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

MOZART’S MAGNIFICENT VOYAGE. This show in the Classical

Kids series for kids 6 and up features Mozart’s young son, Karl, who longs to spend more time with his famous father. An old traveling trunk serves as a magic chest that reveals an incredible journey back in time to Mozart’s childhood and into the world of Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute. Audiences will enjoy 23 excerpts of music. $10, $5 lawn.

11-11:50 a.m. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. (847) 266-5100, ravinia.org.

ART IN THE GARDEN. View live artist demonstrations and start a nature art collection at miniworkshops throughout the Children’s Garden. Free with admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 9680074, mortonarb.org.

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participants. Post-race party includes DJ, food, sponsor material, photos and more. $25 kids 5-12, $35 teens, $45 adults participating in family wave. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Frontier Park, 3380 Cedar Glade Drive, Naperville. goballisticevents.com.

3 | SUNDAY CHICAGO

DOG DAYS AT CANTIGNY.

Lots of special entertainment for all ages and their furry friends, plus vendor exhibits and sales. $5 parking. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

KIDS’ FISHING DERBY. Fishing

derby for kids 5-15. Prizes awarded for the largest fish, smallest fish and the greatest number of fish caught.

Each participant receives a goodie bag and ice cream. $5. 7 a.m.-noon.

Monee Reservoir, 27341 Ridgeland Ave., Monee. (708) 534-8499, reconnectwithnature.org.

SPARTAN JV AND VARSITY CHALLENGE. Event challenges

all ages and fitness levels with varying levels of 14 intense and fun obstacles. Numerous wave starts keep the action moving, including kids, teens, families and special needs. JV course is 2K and Varsity course is 4K; adaptive special needs course is a half-mile and includes a professional racer to run alongside the

MAKING HISTORY: TOYS AND TINKERING. Lincoln Logs,

Ludwig drums and Harmony guitars were all made and shipped along the Bloomingdale Rail Line. Kids 3-12, with adult, learn about the manufacturing history and make some toys and musical instruments to take home. Part of Trail Mix, a free monthly series of family events and conversations about The 606. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Quilombo Cultural Center, 1757 N. Kimball Ave. the606.org.

FAMILY SUNDAYS. Includes short 20-minute tours, story time in the library and book sales, and activities and crafts for families connected to monthly theme. $5 family. Noon-4 p.m. Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, The University of Illinois at Chicago, 800 S. Halsted St. (312) 413-5353, hullhousemuseum.org.

KIDICAL MASS. Bike ride for kids and their families is held the first Sunday of every month, rain or shine. 10 a.m. Audubon School,

3500 N. Hoyne Ave. (773) 534-5470, chicagokidicalmass.org.

SUBURBS MALOTT JAPANESE GARDEN FAMILY SUNDAY. Enjoy hands-on

activities related to Japanese gardens and culture, and make a take-home project. Different projects and activities are featured each week, including raking miniature dry gardens, trying chopsticks and practicing calligraphy. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

SUMMER BEES. Kids 6 and up put on a bee suit and visit the hives to see what the bees are doing to get ready for honey harvest. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. All participants must wear closed shoes and tall socks to visit the hives. $8.

3:30-5 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 4336901, hellernaturecenter.org.

ART IN THE GARDEN. Lisle. See

fishing license required if 16 or older. $32, $25 members. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

5 | TUESDAY FOXTALES STORYTELLING FESTIVAL. Join storytellers and pup-

peteers from the greater Chicago area on the library’s back patio. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy the festivities.

Includes stories, puppets, songs and more. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Algonquin Public Library, 600 Harnish Drive, Algonquin.

(847) 458-6060, aapld.org.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME. Visitors can meet

members of Tinley Park’s various departments and view village-owned vehicles, the Tinley Park Public Library’s Bookmobile and a Trace Ambulance unit. Music and family entertainment are provided, and representatives of local businesses are on-hand. 5-9 p.m. Zabrocki Plaza, 17375 Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park. (708) 342-4200, tinleyparkdistrict.org.

Aug. 2.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT. FAMILY SUMMER CAMP. This

family version of camp for families with kids 4 and up includes hiking, fishing, a picnic and toasting s’mores over the campfire, all while exploring the favorite spots of the arboretum.

A picnic lunch and bait are provided.

A fishing pole is required. A state

Features music and an outdoor movie, plus representatives from the DuPage Sheriff’s Office. Kids can explore trucks, including fire trucks, police cars and garbage trucks. 6 p.m. Oakbrook Terrace Park District, 1 South 325 Ardmore Ave., Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 627-6100, obtpd.org.

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Bienen School of Music • Northwestern University

2014-15

KIDS FARE

School of the Salt Creek Ballet Celebrating 30 years of Excellence in Dance Complete Ballet Curriculum Beginner - Advanced Ages 2 1/2 - Adult Beginning & Continuing Tap ages 5 - 9 Ballet for Athletes Ages 9 & Up

Fun, interactive concerts on Northwestern’s Evanston campus help your child discover the magic of music!

Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.

September 2014 - May 2015

Dates coming soon!

Tickets & Information 847/467-4000 www.pickstaiger.org

Dance Training • increases musicality • promotes teamwork • improves coordination CLASSES NOW • builds strength FILLING Is Fun!

FALL SESSION BEGINS AUGUST 25th

Good Shepherd Lutheran School Academic Achievement in a Christian Setting

Pre-School & Elementary School

525 63rd Street Downers Grove, IL 60516 630.852.5081 www.gsdg.org Call for a tour of our school!

• Affordable • Safe • Caring Teachers • Quality Academics • Christian Values

98 E Chicago Ave. Westmont IL 60559 630/769-1199 saltcreekballet.org

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100 August 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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Photo by G. Yoshioka

CALENDAR

Redefining Smart.

Allle A ey A Arrt Fe F est est stiv ival val al See Se ee Au Augg.. 30 Aug.

PARENT/CHILD BINGO AND PIZZA. Includes 12 games of

Bingo, a snack at the start, pizza and a drink at the halfway point, and prizes geared to adults and children 6 and up. $17, $15 resident.

6:30-8 p.m. Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

SUN-SATIONAL FLOWERS. Kids

3-5 learn about sunflowers while hiking, listening to stories and playing games. $25, $18 members.

9:30-11 a.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

6 | WEDNESDAY SECRET OF THE MUMMIES.

Kids 8-12 help prepare a simulated mummy for the afterlife, meet some real mummies, and discover tomb treasures. 11 a.m.-noon. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago. (773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.

At Brickton Montessori School we measure our students’ abilities to THINK critically, MAKE responsible decisions, and SOLVE problems creatively.

Call 773.714.0646 today or visit www.brickton.org.

Redefining Smart.

EVENING STORYTELLING AND CAMPFIRE. As the sun sets and the

Enroll now for Academic Year 2014-2015 Contact us today to schedule your private tour

Brickton stars come out,At enjoy nature storytell-Montessori School we measure our Located just South of I-90MAKE between ing and campfire snacks. $2. 7-8:15 students’ abilities to THINK critically, p.m. Trailside Museum of Natural Cumberland East River Road responsible decisions, andand SOLVE problems History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River 8622 West Catalpatoday Avenueor in visit Chicago Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc.com. Call 773.714.0646 creatively. www.brickton.org.

Ages 2-14 (Toddlers

MILITARY SCIENCE: ROCKETS.

BABIES IN NATURE. Take a stroll

with a naturalist and let nature engage the senses of infants and toddlers. $6 adult and child, $3 t need to be toilet trained) additional family member. 10-10:45 dependent Schools Association a.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 the American Montessori Society.

Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

do not need to be Kids 11-14 learn about military rocktrained) Located just South oftoilet I-90 ets, experiment with basic principles Fully accredited of rocketry andbetween launch different types Cumberland and by the Independent of rockets. All East students take home River Road Schools Association an Estes rocket. $15, free parking. of the Central States 8622 West 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Cantigny Park,Catalpa Avenue and the American Chicago Montessori Society.

1S151 WinfieldinRoad, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

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Did you know…

Former Chicago Cub’s Pitcher, and World Series Champ, Ryan Dempster has a daughter diagnosed with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome?

Do you have a friend or family member whose child who is always sick, has multple serious health issues or is failing to meet developmental mile markers?

What you need to know about 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome • Present in 1 out of every 2,000 live births • Present in 1 in 68 children with congenital heart disease • Present in 5 to 8 percent of children born with cleft palate

Since 2009 The Dempster Family Foundation (DFF) has granted over $500,000 in funding to 22q/VCFS organizations, clinics and programs world wide. The DFF has also maintained an active campaign and literally driven over 50,000 miles of awareness for 22q through the 22Q Mystery Tour. DFF has nearly 30,000 fans on social media and reaches nearly all of them daily with 22q information.

22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome…

Don’t miss the signs!

Though not always present, the key characteristics of this syndrome include combinations and varying degrees of: • heart defects • palate differences • feeding and gastrointestinal difficulties • immune system deficits • growth delay • kidney problems • hearing loss • low calcium and other endocrine issues • cognitive, developmental and speech delays • behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric differences (ADHD, autism, anxiety, etc.)

FOR MORE INFO OR TO DONATE AND JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST 22q VISIT DempsterFamilyFoundation.org /TheDempsterFamilyFoundation @RyanDempsterFDN Info@DempsterFoundation.org CHIPAR0814_102.indd 1

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CALENDAR SUN-SATIONAL FLOWERS. Kids

18-35 months, with adult, learn about sunflowers while hiking, listening to stories and playing games. $22, $15 members. 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

7 | THURSDAY WINDY CITY RUBBER DUCKY DERBY. Spectators cheer

on more than 50,000 yellow rubber ducks during the race to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Family entertainment includes face painting, games, free food and appearances by several sports mascots. Donated prizes will be provided to the adoptive parents of the winning ducks. $5 to adopt a duck. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Chicago River, Columbus Avenue bridge to Michigan Avenue bridge, Chicago. duckrace.com/chicago.

STORIES IN THE WOODS. Kids 3-6

enjoy story time with a naturalist,

play a game, take a short hike and make crafts to take home. $8 adult/ child, $3 additional child. 10-11 a.m.

Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 4336901, hellernaturecenter.org.

8 | FRIDAY LAMASEUSS: ONE CENT, TWO CENT, OLD CENT, NEW CENT. Kids 5-8 hear a story from

Dr. Seuss, then learn why and how money was invented and create make-believe money. 11 a.m.-noon.

Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago. (773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.

Frre F en nch ch Conn Co nne ec cttiion n Day Da Seee AAuug.

Se g. 10

Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford.

(815) 963-6769, discoverycenter museum.org.

CREEPY CRAWLIE SCIENCE.

Cuddle up with a cockroach, wiggle like a worm, shake hands with a snake, and try your skills at arthropod art. Assemble an insect, copy some camouflage, and become a game show contestant to find out how bugs taste. Free with admission.

11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Discovery Center

DRIVE-IN NIGHTS. Enjoy a family

movie night under the trees, complete with theater-style concessions available for purchase. Tonight’s movie, “Newsies,” tells the story of a turn-of-the century newspaper boy strike. $40 carload; $30 member carload. 8 p.m. Morton Arboretum,

4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

9 | SATURDAY CHICAGO BUD BILLIKEN PARADE, PICNIC & FESTIVAL. Parade

features floats, bands, drill teams, dance teams and celebrities. At the end of the parade route, there is a

A LIFETIME LOVE OF LEARNING STARTS HERE. • Toddler (2 to 3 yr olds) • Preschool (3 to 6 yr olds) • Extended Day Kindergarten (5 and 6 yr olds) • Elementary School • Middle School • After School Daycare until 3:15pm Please email Julie Einstein at jeinstein@rpmschool.org to learn more.

established in 1966

www.rpmschool.org | 1800 W. Balmoral Ave. Chicago ChicagoParent.com August 2014 103

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Think of the Possibilities...

We Do. polish Fest krakus kid’s stage

TribuTe STage Covers playing: The Beatles,

Santana, Elvis, Motown, CCR, Crosby Still Nash & Young.

Music of the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s.

Face painting, Balloons, Music Lessons, Games, Theater Performances, Contests, Karate, Demos, Mascots, Climbing Wall

caSino bingo polka

Integrated Educational programs for children with special needs

bounce houS houSe hou Se village

Tributosaurus Gentl ish eman plays of Lei a sure c Crosby still Nash & youNg ri e m A Wedding Banned Libido Funk Circus Rico

gl n En

Milwaukee + Lawrence I 90 exit 84

847-205-1234 keshet.org

1 block from Jefferson Park (CTA+Metra)

Free Parking – 10

min walk (see over)

www.topchicago.org

Even though temps are still hot, Once Upon A Child is stocking up for cooler weather! Get CASH for your kid’s gently used:

SIX Amazing Locations

• Long Sleeves • Denim • Sweaters

• Hoodies • Coats • Boots & more!

Chicago Ridge • 708-499-7035 9990 Ridgeland Ave.

Harwood Heights • 708-867-8651 4616 N Harlem Ave.

Oak Brook • 630-468-2330 1600 West 16th St.

Crest Hill • 815-744-0202 2108 Plainfield Rd.

Naperville • 630-416-9344 552 South Route 59

Orland Park • 708-364-6333 9520 West 159th St.

www.onceuponachild.com

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CALENDAR picnic with entertainment, food and music. 10 a.m. Martin Luther King Drive from 39th Street (Oakwood Boulevard) to 51st Street. (773) 5363710, budbillikenparade.com.

SECOND SATURDAYS. Explore the city’s stories with your family through interactive activities, make-and-take crafts, music, performances, and more. Today’s theme is Maps: Use a compass and connect artifacts to where they came from in the city, follow clues and share stories.

Free with admission; free kids 12 and under. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. (312) 642-4600, chicagohistory.org.

SUBURBS BACK TO SCHOOL FESTIVAL.

Play games and enjoy other contests with the family. Lunch is served starting at noon with games/contests throughout the afternoon. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nowell Park, 3000 W. Jefferson St, Joliet. (815) 741-7275, jolietpark.org.

ANTHOTYPE AND SUN PRINT WORKSHOP WITH HEIDI NORTON. Learn how to make prints

using plant material as emulsion and the sun. Participants will forage the landscape for plants of various colors and use different coating and sun exposure techniques to make contact photographic prints. Free with admission. 11 a.m. Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst.

(630) 834-0202, elmhurstart museum.org.

BIRD WALK. This monthly bird walk has a special theme: “Take a Kid Birding Day!” Volunteers from the DuPage Birding Club show kids 8 and up some colorful and interesting birds while providing a light introduction to a new hobby. Binoculars available for borrowing. 7:30 a.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

DRIVE-IN NIGHTS. Lisle. See Aug.

8. Tonight’s movie is the Gene Kelly classic “Singin’ in the Rain.”

Cou Co un ntr trry yF Fa air ir See Au See Se Augg.. 30

Keeping you COOL with 6 great pools!

MT. PROSPECT PARK DISTRICT’S POOL PASS INCLUDES

• Big Surf Wave Pool • Meadows Aquatic Center • RecPlex Indoor Pool • Des Plaines Park District pools CHIPPEWA & IROQUOIS MYSTIC WATERS AT REDUCED FEES

You can see the wonderful impact The Little Gym can have on your child when you join us for an introductory experience.

Fall Season Begins August 25th. Don't miss out!!!

For more info, visit www.mppd.org or call 847-640-1000

The Little Gym of Chicago www.TheLittleGym.com/ChicagoIL (773) 525-5750

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CALENDAR

Intercultur a l Montessori Language School Two Locations: Oak Park (708) 848-6626 Chicago-West Loop (312) 265-1514

Dual Language Montessori Programs • Chinese/English • Spanish/English • Japanese/English • Ages 3-12 years old

ENROLL NOW FOR FALL 2014!

E-mail: admissions@interculturalmontessori.org Visit: www.interculturalmontessori.org Elementary After School Language programs in Spanish and Mandarin – Oak Park campus only 106 August 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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CALENDAR

You belong at Latin

Every student brings a unique perspective to a learning community. Learn about how Latin values those perspectives and how we make every learner feel at home. Visit us.

Open House

for grades 5-12

Sunday, October 26 59 W. North Blvd. | Chicago Program starts at 12:30 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.

Register at: latinschool.org/visitus

This free access online mathathome.org site provides you with printable lesson plans, videos, a blog and resources to help you with planning math activities for young children.

Questions? Write to info@mathathome.org

www.Mathathome.org a free access online Professional development Center for family Child Care home Providers, Center and school Based Teachers and Parents Math at Home is a University of Illinois College of Education project funded by CME Group Foundation

UniversiTy of illinois aT ChiCago College of edUCaTion http://education.uic.edu ChicagoParent.com August 2014 107

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CALENDAR

Win Wi nd dy Ci City t Rubb Ru berr D ck Du cky De Derrb by S e AAuugg.. 7 Se

demonstrations, activities and more.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Batavia Riverwalk, Houston Street at Island Avenue, Batavia. greenfaironthefox.com.

A STIMULATING SENSORY EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS. Each

station incorporates one of the senses and is accessible for all ages and abilities. Plus enjoy a business expo with giveaways. Register online. $10, $20 two kids, $25 three or more kids; free kids under 2. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Windsor Elementary School, 1315 E. Miner St., Arlington Heights. (847) 757-2815, stepfwdtherapy.com.

10 | SUNDAY

FAMILY WORKSHOP: DRAW OUR GARDEN IN A CITY. Kids 6-10

can find their favorite flower, insect, leaf or shadow and investigate the architecture surrounding the garden.

Through playful activities, make choices about what to draw and capture a vision of the garden. 2-4 p.m.

The Lurie Garden in Millennium Park, Columbus Drive and Monroe Street.

(312) 228-1004, luriegarden.org.

GET IN, GET ART DAYS. A series of free monthly hands-on art days. Today’s theme is “Get Game,” putting an arts twist on favorite games from bingo to bridge. 2-4 p.m.

Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. (773) 445-3838, beverlyartcenter.org.

CHICAGO ECUADOR PARADE. Parade

GREEN FAIR ON THE FOX.

Includes a huge eco-marketplace and artisan village, Bicycle Polo Exhibition,

Fox Valley’s Largest Zumba Class and the Alternative Transportation Show. Enjoy food, live music,

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takes place in the Albany Park neighborhood. Features a vibrant train of floats, along with Andean music and dancing from local folkloric troupes, all celebrating Ecuadorian independence. Noon. 4346 N. California Ave. cityofchicago.org/specialevents.

STORIES & SONGS WITH SHANA HARVEY. Chicago-based

teacher and singer/songwriter Shana Harvey leads kids 6 and under, with adult, in an interactive sing-along with folk songs from all over the world. Snacks, blankets and musicmakers welcome. Pre-registration is required. 11 a.m.-noon. The

7/15/14 3:36 PM

7/18/14 10:57 AM

CALENDAR

family

fun festival

at Millennium Park

Develop a passion for learning through play.

JUNE 23–AUGUST 24 • 10AM–3PM

Join the fun all summer long with activities, including music and arts and crafts, for kids of all ages. For details, follow us on TWITTER and INSTAGRAM @MPFamilyFun and like us on FACEBOOK, MP Family Fun Festival.

Presented by

daily activity

Fall registration for these parent-tot classes is now open!

Wiggleworms®

Reading Circle

Family Performances

Join the Wiggleworms® instructors from the Old Town School of Folk Music as they lead children in sing-alongs, circle dances and more.

Chill out with a story time that is sure to delight.

Enjoy a mix of live music and interactive dance performances that are sure to have you up on your feet.

10am

11am

1pm

new this summer!

Movement Mondays 1pm

Join us for hip hop yoga, tap dance, hoopnotics and much more!

activity zone partners • Lurie Garden June 23–29

...and Read All about it!

Wednesdays • 11am

• Barrel of Monkeys July 7–13

• Easel Art Studio August 4–10

• Museum of Science and Industry July 21–27 Brought to you by Millennium Park Foundation millenniumparkfoundation.org

Robotics Discovery

For registration and information about all our programs visit 708-374-8286 30 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302

Kids will enjoy a special reading of a featured author.

• Chicago History Museum July 28–August 3

new!

Problem Solving with Coding

www.codeplaylearn.com

• Get Out & Grow June 30–July 6

• Chicago Parent Magazine July 14–20

Pre-school Digital Discovery Classes

new!

Engage Challenge Empower Inspire

• CircEsteem, Chicago’s Youth Circus August 11–17 • Lookingglass Theatre August 18–24 Sponsored by

family fun • exhibitions • films • tours • workouts • music + more

312.742.1168 • millenniumpark.org @Millennium_Park

St. Clement School offers a rigorous curriculum which challenges the student’s intellect, promotes service, and enriches their faith. Our students enter their high school of choice with a foundation which enables them to become compassionate leaders, serve the common good, and respond with confidence to the challenges of the day.

Please Check Website for 2014-2015 Admission Coffee Dates To learn more contact our Dean of Students Dean of Students, Anne Byrne abyrne@stclementschool.org www.stclementschool.org 2524 North Orchard Street Chicago IL 60614 ChicagoParent.com August 2014 109

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CALENDAR 14 | THURSDAY

Lurie Garden in Millennium Park, Columbus Drive and Monroe Street.

(312) 228-1004, luriegarden.org.

IN SEARCH OF BATS. Investigate

the myths and facts about bats. Roast marshmallows around a campfire while learning about bats, then go on a hike to find these mosquito-eating machines. Plus, use bat detectors to “listen” for them as they search for food. Wear long sleeves, pants and bug repellent. $8. 7:30-9 p.m. Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet. (815) 741-7277, jolietpark.org.

TOUR UNION STATION WITH THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM!

Explore the architecture above street level, the action of the rails below, and the stories of one of America’s last grand railway stations. The walking tour runs 90 minutes to two hours. $25, $20 members. 1 p.m. Union Station, 210 S. Canal St. chicagohistory.org.

SUBURBS

FAMILY NIGHT OUT: OLDFASHIONED PICNIC AND GAMES.

BUTTERFLY BOOGIE. Kids 3-5,

with adult, learn about a butterfly’s stages and appetite on this butterfly hunt in the heart of the prairie’s ecosystem. $15 pair, $7.50 additional child; $12 resident pair, $6 additional resident child. 10-11 a.m.

Fuller Air Station Prairie and Tyner Interpretive Center, 2400 Compass Road, Glenview. (847) 299-6096, glenviewparks.org.

Bring a picnic and enjoy lawn games, including water balloons, sack races and egg relays. $2 parking. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

Ba B a abi bies bi es iin n Nattur ure ure

PEDALS & PETALS GARDEN BIKE TOUR. Cantigny’s resident

See Aug. 6.

horticulturists lead a leisurely bike ride through the sprawling gardens, with stops at different areas of the gardens, for families with kids 8 and up. $2 parking. 6:30 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

JUNIOR ARCHAEOLOGISTS.

SUN-SATIONAL FLOWERS. Lisle.

Kids 5-12, with adult, learn how archaeologists work in the field and discover artifacts, then take part in excavating a simulated dig in the Oriental Institute’s Kipper Family Archaeology Discovery Center. $18, $10 member; $9 additional person, $5 additional member. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago. (773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.

See Aug. 5.

SSeee AAuugg.. 5

FRENCH CONNECTION DAY.

Day-long festival and family fun to commemorate the personal history of the park’s benefactor, Robert R. McCormick. Colonel McCormick named his Cantigny estate after a French village, scene of the first American victory during World War I. $5 parking. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

KITE FEST. Includes stunt, trick, and show kite demonstrations, a family fun fly, candy drop and kitebuilding for kids. Bring kites to fly during open fly times. Chicago Kite will also be on site. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Berens Park, 493 Oak Lawn Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 782-4955, epd.org.

FULL MOON RISING CAMPFIRE.

Take a short hike with a naturalist along the trails, play games with family and friends and enjoy marshmallows roasted over the campfire while watching the full moon rise over Lake Michigan. $8, free kids 2 and under. 7-8:30 p.m. Millard Park, 35 Ravine Drive, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

11 | MONDAY

SUN-SATIONAL FLOWERS. Lisle.

STROLLER TOURS IN THE PARK.

Take a stroller tour of Chicago’s historic parks with public historian and stay-at-home dad Josh Eisenberg.

Today’s location is Lincoln Park. $20, $15 members; free kids in strollers. 9:30-11 a.m. Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago.

(312) 642-4600, chicagohistory.org.

12 | TUESDAY PERSEID METEOR SHOWER STAR PARTY AT CANTIGNY PARK. Celebrate the surroundings

of Cantigny Park as hundreds of meteors shoot through the night sky.

Event features activities for the entire family, including shows for children in the Adler’s portable planetarium dome, telescope viewing, hands-on educational activities and a lecture by an Adler astronomer. $15, $12 in advance; $9 members and kids 3-11.

7:30-10:30 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 S. Winfield Road, Wheaton. (312) 922-STAR, adlerplanetarium.org.

13 | WEDNESDAY SUN-SATIONAL FLOWERS. Lisle.

See Aug. 5.

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE FAMILY PROGRAM: RAPTORS. Learn about

Terrapenes and meet and touch several live turtles. Deb Krohn (“The Frog Lady”) will present. $3, free parking. 6 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org.

PARENT/TOT FALL ADVENTURES - ANIMAL SAFARI. The evening

begins with a group story time followed by activity stations. Parents lead kids ages 2-4 ½ through the themed activity stations. Stations include: craft projects, snack, explore/touch, a movement activity, and a sensory table. $14. 6:30-7:15 p.m. Pioneer Park, 500 S. Fernandez, Arlington Heights. (847) 577-3000, ahpd.org.

16 | SATURDAY CHICAGO INDIA INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE. A celebration of Indian

independence. 11:30 a.m. Devon Avenue from Western to California avenues. cityofchicago.org/ specialevents.

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CALENDAR

ASHBURN TAKE A NEW LOOK...

LUTHERAN SCHOOL A BLENDED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Blended Learning embraces the fact that we live in a digital age and the ways in which we learn are changing. Ashburn Lutheran School and the Chicagoland Lutheran Educational Foundation (CLEF) are in partnership to incorporate Blended Learning into Ashburn’s classrooms.

Take a NEW look at Ashburn Lutheran School and its approach to student learning. Visit Ashburn today. 773.737.2156. Office hours are 9a-3p. ◆ Preschool (3-5 year olds) to Grade 8; Full Day Kindergarten; Before and After Care: 6:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.; Hot Lunch. ◆ Christian Education, Spanish, French, Computers, Art, Music, Library, P.E. & Yearly Achievement Testing at All Grade Levels. ◆ Extracurricular Activities Include: Tutoring, Band, Choir, Volleyball, Basketball, Track, Cheerleading & Student Council. ◆ After School Enrichment : Classes Include: Mad Science, Creative Writing, Dance, Flag Football, Chess.

3345 W. 83RD STREET CHICAGO, IL 60652

773-737-2156 We’ve Expanded!

New Banquet Facilities Now Available!

The Heart of the Matter Find out why Sacred Heart is ranked among the top schools in Chicago.

As Seen on TV ABC’s Ch. 7 “190 North”

■ K-8th Grade • Independent • Catholic

Celebrating Over 55 Years in Business • EST. 1957 PRIVATE PARTIES • PRIVATE & GROUP LESSONS FUND RAISERS • ROLLER DERBY & SPEED SKATING ENJOY YOUR NEXT BIRTHDAY PARTY AT FLEETWOOD

BIRTHDAY PACKAGE INCLUDES:

■ Co-ed campus • Single-gender classrooms ■ 9:1 student teacher ratio ■ Outstanding curriculum • Extensive athletics • Rich extracurricular program

As Seen on TV WGN’s Ch. 9 “Around Town”

To register call 773.681.8418

(Birthday package available during any public session.)

325 - $500 (Taxes Included)

$

FREE

ADMISSION

shschicago.org

12 -$14 PER PERSON MINIMUM 10 PEOPLE

$

DAY TIME AND EVENING AVAILABILITY 7 DAYS A WEEK

GOOD FOR ONE

6250 North Sheridan Road, Chicago, Illinois 60660

• BIRTHDAY HOST & MIC ANNOUNCEMENT • GIFT FOR BIRTHDAY PERSON • FREE PASS ON YOUR NEXT VISIT ($8 VALUE)

PRIVATE EVENTS, GRADUATIONS, SHOWERS AND MORE!

■ Twenty percent of students receive need-based scholarships ADMISSIONS COFFEES:

• ADMISSION TO RINK • SKATE RENTAL • DECORATED CAKE • PIZZA & SOFT DRINK • HELIUM BALLOONS

NEW BANQUET FACILITIES NOW OPEN FOR

■ Diverse, welcoming and involved community

Wednesdays, 9:15am to 11am October 8, October 22 November 5, December 10 January 14, February 4 April 15, May 6

www.ashburnlutheranschool.org

WITH ONE PAID ADMISSION

ANY PUBLIC SESSION. SKATE RENTAL EXTRA. EXPIRES 8/31/14

PUBLIC SKATING HOURS WED EVENING 6:30PM-9PM $7 FRI EVENING 7:30PM-10:30PM $8 SAT MORNING 10:30AM-1PM $7 SAT AFTERNOON 1:30PM-4:30PM $8 SAT EVENING 7:30PM-10:30PM $8 SUN AFTERNOON 1:30AM-4:30PM $8 SUN EVENING 6:30PM-9PM $7

PARENTS! Enjoy a Drink While Watching Our Big Screen TVs & Try Your luck on Our Slot Machines While the Kids Skate!

PLUS $3.00 FOR SKATE RENTAL

7231 West Archer Ave. • Summit (1/4 Block West of Harlem, 3 Blocks South of I-55)

708-458-0300 • www.fleetwoodrollerrink.com

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CALENDAR

jamberry program

We Believe In Educating Mind, Body and Soul

Progressive and dynamic, St. Viator Elementary School has been an integral part of the Old Irving Park community for 110 years. We strive to develop the whole child, intellectually, spiritually and physically through a supportive partnership of award winning faculty and parents. ✦ PreK 3 year old program: 3 or 5 days a week, Full or Half days (a.m.) ✦ PreK 4 program: 5 days a week, Full or Half days (a.m.)

Want to learn more about jamberry?

• Open hOuse/ picnic at the Beach: July 26th • FREE SCREENINGS: July 28th and 31st WE NOW OFFER BIRTHDAY PARTIES! need a place to host your child’s birthday party? starting this month, we will be hosting birthday parties. Families can choose from a morning or afternoon party on a saturday or sunday. crafts, activities, and invitations will be included!

Jamberry program at Clinical Connections is now enrolling!

Spaces have opened up in our Babies, Sprouts, and Kids program for the fall of 2014.

Jamberry has programs for children ages 0-11.

To learn more about the programs we have available, call today!

ClINICAl CONNECTIONS 2227 lakeside Dr. Bannockburn, il 60015 847-234-0688 clinicalconnections.info

✦ Excellent Academic Program built on the principles of differentiated, hands on learning using interactive technology — including iPads and Smart Boards ✦ 26 Languages offered in our Rosetta Stone World Language Program ✦ Super Kids Reading Program ✦ Peacebuilders Program – Learning peace and positive behaviors ✦ Reading Specialist for students with special needs, as well as advanced readers ✦ Award winning Art Zone program as well as Music, Choir and Band ✦ Championship Athletic and Intramural Sports Programs ✦ Before and after school Kid Care Program

[

]

ADMISSIONS EVENT & OPEN HOUSE Parent/Faculty Panel October 14, 2014 7:00-8:30p.m.

Open House October 15, 2014 9:00-10:30 a.m.

Believe

4140 W. Addison Chicago, IL 60641 773-545-2173 www.stviatorchicago.org

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CALENDAR SUBURBS ARLINGTON MILLION. Event is

filled with food, drinks, music, entertainment and the best thoroughbreds in the country. Includes performances by the Jesse White Tumblers, singer Johnny Vincent, the National Anthem sung by Jim Cornelison and colors presented by Marine Air Control Group-48. $22, $2 kids.

Gates open at 10:30 a.m. Arlington Park Racecourse, 2200 W. Euclid, Arlington Heights. (847) 385-7500, arlingtonparklive.com.

FARM & BARN FEST.

Features sheep-shearing demo, petting zoo, horse rides, farm antiques, horse-shoeing demo, raffle, stage entertainment, square dancing, kids’ games and activities, face painting and food vendors. Plus, wool-carding and corn-grinding demonstrations, baby contest, quilt show, flea market and country concert. Some activities cost extra. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Yunker Farm, 10824 LaPorte Road, Mokena. (708) 390-2401, mokena park.com.

KIDS’ CONCERT: LAURA DOHERTY & THE HEARTBEATS.

Laura Doherty celebrates the release of her third children’s CD, “In a Heartbeat.” Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome. $5 parking. 2 p.m.

Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny. org.

17 | SUNDAY SUBURBS ART IN THE PARK. Sculpturemaking event for kids. Supplies are provided. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park, McCormick Boulevard between Dempster and Touhy avenues, Skokie.

(847) 679-4265, sculpturepark.org.

Back Back to School School Back to School Back to School Back to School Back to School

SALE SALE SALE SALE

LET’S MAKE LET’S MAKE LET’S MAKE EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT HAPPEN. LET’S MAKE HAPPEN. LET’S MAKE HAPPEN. LET’S MAKE EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT HAPPEN. HAPPEN. HAPPEN.

THE SWEET RIDE. A unique,

non-competitive adventure that takes bicyclists throughout Palatine, starting and stopping at six locations, tasting chocolate treats along the way. All profits go to a senior dog rescue organization, Young at Heart, which will have some of its adoptable pets available to meet. Basic ride is 10-11 miles, mostly flat. $35, $30 in advance; $25 kids 5-12, $20 in advance; free kids 5 and under.

8 a.m. Morkes Chocolates, 1890 N. Rand Road, Palatine. (847) 3593454, morkeschocolates.com.

NAPERVILLE PLAYS! Naper

Settlement and DuPage Children’s Museum offer a day of play focusing on the history of play, the importance of play in child development, and the role of play in innovation. Enjoy activities such as croquet, vintage games, obstacle courses, hula hooping, musical performances, and more. Free with admission. 1-4 p.m. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) 420-6010, napersettlement.com.

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CALENDAR 18 | MONDAY

Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 8355440, chicagobotanic.org.

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO SUMMER CONCERT. Concert features

cast members from the world premiere of Amazing Grace and Dee Snider’s Rock & Roll Christmas Tale and hit musicals Annie, Disney’s Newsies, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Million Dollar Quartet and more. 6:15 p.m.

Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. (312) 742-1168, millenniumpark.org.

19 | TUESDAY WILDLIFE! Visit the Fox Valley

Wildlife Center at the Lurie Garden.

Observe common urban reptiles and mammals, learn about their habitat, adaptations and the challenges that they face in this urban environment. 6-8 p.m. The Lurie Garden in Millennium Park, Columbus Drive and Monroe Street, Chicago. (312) 228-1004, luriegarden.org.

BABIES IN NATURE. Highland

Park. See Aug. 5.

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Highland Park. See Aug. 7.

23 | SATURDAY

Check website for cost. First wave starts 8:30 a.m. Montrose Avenue Beach. (773) 404-2372, ltkidstri. com/page/show/1102119-chicago-il.

SUBURBS

CHICAGO LIFETIME KIDS TRI CHICAGO.

HEIRLOOM TOMATO WEEKEND. Family activities include

The swim takes place in Lake Michigan, including a shallow water start, parallel to the beach, and is open to boys and girls 7-14. The bike and run take place on closed park roadways and running paths all along Chicago’s beautiful lakefront.

creating an herb mix for pasta sauce, a tomato toss, a tomato test, “sorting supper,” “rainbows of tomatoes,” and “indicator art.” Plus, get tips on growing and using tomatoes, explore the types of tomatoes you can grow at home. $20 parking. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Includes live music, live dance, food, activities, games and more. All activities/rides included in price of admission. All funds raised will be donated to CURED (Campaign Urging Research for Eosinophilic Disease) for research and treatment. $10 at door, $8 in advance.

Terrace View Park, Oakbrook Terrace.

(630) 579-3404, drewfest.com.

KRATT BROTHERS SHOW. Chris

and Martin Kratt from the PBS show Wild Kratts bring their adventures to Brookfield Zoo as they teach youngsters about rare wildlife behaviors.

The Amazon Adventure show takes place on the zoo’s West Mall, and they will sign autographs from 2-4 p.m.

Free with admission. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. (708) 688-8000, czs.org.

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Saint William School Spiritual. Welcoming. Successful.

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Half Day & Full Day Preschool for 3 & 4 Year Olds Kindergarten (Half & Full Days) & Grade School 1-8

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Call Mrs. Peggy Forgione, Principal Or email at PForgione@stwilliamschool.org

Join us for Young Explorers Mondays, a weekly series of hands-on activities that promote creativity, fun and scientific investigation.

Build a kite, dodge balloon asteroids, create constellations and more!

Free with general admission.

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 Small Class Sizes  Computer Lab  Sports Program  Music Program  PE and Recess  Intro to Spanish  Student Council  Hot Lunches  Rowland Reading Program

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CALENDAR Jonathan Devin & New Country, and some classic Motown with the 10-piece variety band The Associates.

Plus, activities and face painting for the kids, food trucks and a beer tent. 5-10 p.m. Berens Park, 493 Oak Lawn Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 7824955, epd.org.

CHILDREN’S SAFETY EXPO.

Representatives share information on fire safety, home safety, dog bite prevention and nutrition. Also features free child ID cards processed on-site, and kids get the chance to participate in an interactive “Touch-a-Truck” exhibit featuring a real medical helicopter, fire trucks, ambulances, a police SUV and more. 9 a.m.-noon.

Frontier Park, 3380 Cedar Glade Drive, Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

24 | SUNDAY CHICAGO PUBLIC TOUR. Explore the

sculpture park with trained docents.

Kids get a bit of culture and art education, but aren’t expected to sit still, be quiet and never touch anything. 1-2 p.m. Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park, McCormick Boulevard between Dempster and Touhy avenues, Skokie. (847) 6794265, sculpturepark.org.

SUBURBS HEIRLOOM TOMATO WEEKEND. Glencoe. See Aug. 23.

30 | SATURDAY CHICAGO BUILD-A-TALE. A family-friendly improvised show that helps teach audiences about setting goals, overcoming obstacles, establishing friendships and being unique individuals. Audience suggestions help create character attributes, storylines and more. Following the 35-minute improvised tale, kids have the opportunity to participate in some easy improv games with the cast. $10. 3 p.m. Gorilla Tango Bucktown, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave. (773) 598-4549, gorillatango.com.

SUBURBS COOKING WITH WHOLE FOODS MARKET OF SCHAUMBURG. Discover how to

prepare simple dishes using local and seasonal produce. Food samples and tips for packing a sustainable lunch are included. Reservation required.

1-3 p.m. Elk Grove Historical Museum, 399 Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village. (847) 439-3994, elkgroveparks.org/museumcampus.asp.

26 | TUESDAY CREEPY CRAWLER DAY. Kids learn

31 | SUNDAY

Brookfield. See Aug. 23.

how insects live and create antennae of their own. Free with admission.

Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 8326600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

• NEW 3 year old program • Offering Pre-K through 8th grade and Full Day Kindergarten • On-site Extended Day Care program • Students consistently achieve in the top 15% of the nation • Small class sizes facilitate meeting all students’ needs • No cut athletics and a variety of after school clubs • Tours available the first Friday of each month or by appointment

Established in 1937 To apply call

847-945-0135 or visit holycrossdeerfield.org

Holy Cross School • 720 Elder Lane • Deerfield, IL 60015

COUNTRY FAIR. Experience a re-created 1890s country fair for the whole family. Take in entertainment like a flea circus and an acrobatic performance. Join in games, hop on a horse-drawn hayride and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago.

(630) 876-5900, dupageforest.org/ klinecreekfarm.

ALLEY ART FESTIVAL. More than 60 artists converge on Water Street Mall in downtown to display their wares. Food is available for purchase, plus yoga and hula hoop demonstrations, lots of family-friendly activities and live music. Noon-5 p.m. Water Street Mall, Aurora. downtownauroran.wordpress.com.

KRATT BROTHERS SHOW.

HOLY CROSS SCHOOL Join our Community of Faith and Achievement!

Find us on Facebook Join the Twitter party!

Follow us @ChicagoParent

SUBURBS COUNTRY FAIR. West

Chicago. See Aug. 30.

is part of your favorite social networks

On Pinterest pinterest.com/chiparent

ChicagoParent.com August 2014 117

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SHE SNORES MOREMORE SHE SNORES THAN THAN I DO, BUT I DO,I STILL BUT I STILL LOVE MY LOVEHUMAN. MY HUMAN. — BANDIT — BANDIT adopted 11-26-09 adopted 11-26-09

118 August 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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The colorful world of

Dr. Seuss

SEUSSICAL Chicago Shakespeare Theater Navy Pier Through Aug. 17 $28, $18 kids

Chicago Shakespeare’s Seussical is a fun outing for families

W

ho doesn’t love Dr. Seuss?

It seems that, whether you’re a child or adult, everyone has a favorite Dr. Seuss story.

Fortunately at Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s performance of Seussical, you don’t have to pick just one. The lively musical cleverly intertwines plots and characters from 14 beloved Dr. Seuss books, including Horton Hears a Who!, Horton Hatches the Egg, and The One Feather Tail of Miss Gertrude McFuzz, plus throwaway references to If I Ran the Circus, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish and I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Solew.

chicagoshakes.com

The plot is narrated by the Cat in the Hat. The lessons, told through catchy songs, are simple, focused on such Seussian lessons as “A person’s a person no matter how small” and the power of imagination. There’s even a sweet story of friendship (or maybe more?) between Horton and the oft-overlooked Gertrude, who also has to learn to be content with herself—one tail feather and all.

The colorful, creative sets and costumes look straight out of Seuss’ pages, while the talented cast of just a dozen does great work transitioning between characters and musical styles. I loved their choice to make the troublemaking monkeys extreme sports enthusiasts,

and chuckled at some of the characterizations (Ira Glass, anyone?) by the Cat in the Hat that will go right over kids’ heads. And the theater-in-the-round style of the facility means there are no bad seats and the audience is fully integrated into the action.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater recommends the show for ages 5 and up, but with a run time of only 80 minutes, my 2-year-old nephew sat entranced throughout the play (although there are a few intense moments if your little ones are a bit fearful). There’s no intermission, so get bathroom breaks out of the way before the show. And if you have Dr. Seuss gear, don’t be afraid to bring it.

Elizabeth Diffin

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ONGOING EVENTS FAIRS & FESTS EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH.

Features 10,000 aircraft, 2,500 show planes, world-class daily air shows plus two night air shows featuring pyrotechnic and fireworks (Wednesday and Saturday), evening entertainment, 800 exhibit areas, 1,000 forums and workshops, onsite camping, and KidVenture with handson activities. Visit website for cost.

Gates open at 7 a.m. July 28-Aug. 3.

Oshkosh, Wis. airventure.org.

FIESTA DEL SOL. Includes Aztec dancing, local art exhibit, craft workshop, a children’s area with read-outloud sessions, free books, games and educational activities, Civil Rights of Immigrants Booth, College Fair, live entertainment, Pilsen School Expo, indoor soccer tournaments, free health screenings and food vendor.

Check website for cost and schedule.

July 31-Aug. 3. 1400 W. Cermak Road, Chicago. (312) 666-2663, fiestadelsol.org.

LA GRANGE ENDLESS SUMMERFEST. Celebrate summer

at its best with family fun, live music and entertainment for all ages. Includes rides, entertainment, food vendors, beer garden, music, raffles, games, face-painting, petting zoo, pony rides and inflatables.

Plus, two nights of fireworks.

Check website for cost. 4-10:30 p.m. Aug. 1; noon-10:30 p.m.

Aug. 2-3. Gordon Park, Ogden and Tilden, La Grange. lgba.com/ lagrangeendlesssummerfest.

CONSCIOUS LIVING WORLD’S FAIR. A health and well-being

event to bridge the gaps between continents, science, parapsychology and spirituality. Includes a Conscious Kitchen, performance stage, Meditation Room, Conscious Kids’ Kingdom, Conscious Spa, Australia’s top mediums, plus free seminars.

See website for details. $15, $8 online. Aug. 1-3. Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. consciousliving worldsfair.com.

FESTA ITALIANA. Three days of au-

thentic music, carnival, kids’ activities

EAA AirV EA Ven nture Oshk Os kos osh h See this pag age

and Italian food. Check website for cost and schedule. Aug. 1-3. Boylan High School, 4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford. (815) 636-2902, griaa. com.

TASTE OF LATIN AMERICA.

Enjoy food from countries including Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, Mexico and Cuba. Plus, cooking demonstrations, a world music lineup, kids’ activity tent, and arts and crafts.

Check website for cost. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 2-3. 3600 W. Armitage Ave. at Central Park, Chicago. (773) 868-3010, chicagoevents.com.

GLENCOE FESTIVAL OF ART.

Features more than 130 juried artists from around the world. Live music, great food and fun activities for kids, including an art scavenger hunt.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 2-3. Green Bay Road and Park Avenue, downtown Glencoe. (847) 926-4300, glencoe festivalofart.com.

WRIGLEYVILLE SUMMERFEST.

Includes live music, food, drinks and the Kid’s Zone, with interactive games, crafts, a bouncy castle and other family-friendly activities. $5.

Noon-10 p.m. Aug. 2; noon-9 p.m.

Aug. 3. 3309 N. Seminary Ave., Chicago. (773) 665-4682, wrigleyvillesummerfest.com.

EVANSTON LAKESHORE ARTS FESTIVAL. Focuses on high-

quality juried artwork in 11 categories. Plus live music, a silent auction, children’s craft tent and food booths.

11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 2-3. Dawes Park, Sheridan Road at Church Street, Evanston. (847) 448-8260, cityof evanston.org/lakeshore.

DESTINATION ASIA SUMMER FESTIVAL. Explore the diverse

12. 5:30-9 p.m. Aug. 8; 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 9; 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 10. Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W. Menomonee St., Chicago. (312) 943-7801, ginzachicago.com.

WOOD DALE PRAIRIE FEST.

Community summer fest with food, music, arts and crafts, carnival games and more. 6-11 p.m. Aug. 8; 1-11 p.m. Aug. 9; 1-10 p.m. Aug. 10.

Town Square, Wood Dale Road and Commercial Street, Wood Dale. (773) 868-3010, wooddale.com.

culture of Asia through live music, dance performances, Asian-inspired fare, and much more. Visitors can participate in a walking tour and discover beautiful and historic tree collections from China, Japan and Korea. Free with admission. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 2-3. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

CHICAGO HOT DOG FEST. Features a music stage and kids’ activity area, plus Chicago’s favorite food. Check website for cost. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 9; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 10. Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago.

(312) 642-4600, chicagohistory.org.

ANNUAL GINZA HOLIDAY.

RETRO ON ROSCOE. Features local

Experience a taste of Japan at this cultural festival, which features Japanese cultural exhibits and demonstrations, classical dances, drumming, ukulele, martial arts and fencing. Skilled master craftsmen (Waza) demonstrate crafts.

Traditional Japanese cuisine and merchandise available for purchase.

On Saturday at 8 p.m., Yoko Noge and Japanesque perform. $7, $6 seniors and students, free kids under

restaurants, artisans, vendors, chili cook-off and a family area with crafts, balloon artists, face painting, music, rides and more. $10. Noon-10 p.m.

Aug. 9-10. Roscoe and Damen, Chicago.

(773) 665-4682, retroonroscoe.com.

ART AT THE GLEN. Families can stroll past the work of 185 artists, enjoy food from local restaurants, listen to music and enjoy kids’ activities, including an art scavenger

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ONGOING EVENTS hunt. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 9-10. Glen Town Center, 1800 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview. (847) 926-4300, artatthe glen.com.

VEGGIE FEST. Features health booths, vegetarian food demos, talks by health professionals, drawings, live music, food to purchase and kids’ activities. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 9-10.

Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, 4S175 Naperville Road, Naperville. (630) 955-1200, veggie festchicago.org.

CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN’S KITE FESTIVAL.

Members of the award-winning Chicago Fire Kite Team perform sport kite ballet and precision flying demonstrations, and experts offer kite-flying tips. Guests can purchase kites or bring their own. Kids are encouraged to make their own kite during kite-making workshops. $20 parking. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 9-10.

Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 8355440, chicagobotanic.org.

TAYLOR STREET FESTA ITALIANA.

Features authentic Italian activities, Italian cuisine, cooking demos and live entertainment. Plus, a meatballeating contest and grape-stomping. $5, free kids 12 and under. 5-11 p.m. Aug. 14-15; noon-11 p.m. Aug. 16; noon-10 p.m. Aug. 17. Taylor Street, between Racine Street and Ashland Avenue, Chicago. (312) 243-3773, starevents.com/festivals/ festa-italiana.

EDISON PARK FEST. Includes music, food, craft fair, dog show, bags tournament and basketball clinic. Kids’ Play Area features a rock climbing wall and waterslide, and Children’s Stage has kid-friendly performances, craft booths and a playground. Visit website for schedule. Aug. 15-17. 6730 N. Olmstead Ave., Chicago. (773) 631-0063, edisonpark.com.

GLENWOOD AVENUE ARTS FESTIVAL. Includes a street art

fair, indoor art displays, and live entertainment on three outdoor

stages featuring 48 acts. KidFest Area features free hands-on arts activities.

On both days, the South Stage offers family-friendly circus, theater, dance and music acts (11 a.m.-4 p.m.). 6-10 p.m. Aug. 15; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 16-17. 6900-7000 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. (773) 761-4477, glenwood ave.org.

SOUTH ELGIN RIVERFEST.

Features food, carnival, kids’ activities, arts and crafts show, live music and entertainment. 5-10 p.m.

Aug. 14; 5 p.m.-midnight Aug. 15; noon-11 p.m. Aug. 16; noon-10 p.m.

Aug. 17. Panton Mill Park, Route 31 and State Street, South Elgin. (847) 774-1151, riverfestexpress.net.

ALBANY PARK WORLD FEST.

The northwest side neighborhood celebrates its melting pot diversity with food, music, arts and crafts, and activities for kids and families. $5 donation. Noon-10 p.m. Aug. 16-17.

Lawrence and Kimball, Chicago.

(773) 868-3010, chicagoevents.com.

CHICAGO AIR AND WATER SHOW. One of Chicago’s longest-

running events, the show includes a wide variety of civilian acts with daredevil pilots performing their aerial stunts in the skies above Lake Michigan. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Aug. 16-17. North Avenue Beach, Chicago. (312) 744-3370, chicagoairandwatershow.us.

FESTIVAL OF THE HORSE AND DRUM POW WOW. Includes Native

American dancing and drumming; native and multicultural vendors; Nakota Horse Conservancy; tipi contest; Renaissance Faire; Birds of Prey exhibit; Medallion the stallion; kids’ corral with pony rides; horse demos and more. Check website for cost. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 16; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Aug. 17. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 Randall Road, St. Charles. (630) 524-0088, festivalofthehorse anddrum.com.

MALOTT JAPANESE GARDEN SUMMER FESTIVAL. Learn about

the summer festivals (matsura)

Come to an Open House Thursday, November 13 – 9-11am Call us for an appointment to tour the school.

Preschool to 8th Grade 1120 Washington St., Evanston, IL 60202 847-475-5678 | www.popejohn23.org

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ONGOING EVENTS

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celebrated in Japan during this special weekend of activities. Listen to performances of Kokyo Taiko (Taiko drumming) and Chicago Koto Group (koto harp), enjoy traditional storytelling from Anne Shimojima, and watch a tea ceremony by the students of Dr. Nakashima. Kids of all ages can make projects to celebrate summer, such as a paper fan, kite and gyotaku fish prints, at family-friendly, hands-on stations. $20 parking. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 16-17. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

TROLLEYFEST. Vintage trolleys and

trains run in conjunction with South Elgin Riverfest Express. $4, $3 seniors, $2 kids 3-11, free kids under 3; $8 all-day pass. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 16-17. Fox River Trolley Museum, 361 S. LaFox St. (Ill. 31), South Elgin.

(847) 697-4676, foxtrolley.org.

CHICAGO DANCING FESTIVAL. A four day-long celebra-

tion of the finest dancers and choreographers from around the world showcasing a wide range of dance, including ballet, modern and ethnic dance forms. Times and locations vary. Tickets for indoor performances need to be reserved in advance. No tickets are required for the outdoor Grand Finale at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Check website for schedule. Aug. 20-23. Various locations, Chicago. chicagodancing festival.com.

CHERRY VALLEY FESTIVAL DAYS.

Includes entertainment, amusement

rides, kids’ activities, fireworks and food. Check website for cost and schedule. Aug. 22-24. Baumann Park, 218 S. Walnut St., Cherry Valley.

(815) 332-2152, valleydays.com.

PORT CLINTON ART FESTIVAL. Features more than

260 artists including a Youth Art Division with works from kids 18 and younger. Event includes kids’ activities, music and food from many local restaurants at the Taste of Highland Park, which runs in conjunction with the festival. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 22 (Taste only); 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 23-24. Central Avenue at the intersections of First and Second streets, Highland Park. (847) 926-4300, portclintonartfestival.com.

BASH ON WABASH. Includes a wide variety of musical acts, food and beverages (including beer and wine), arts and crafts, a family fun zone with carnival games, magicians, bounce houses, a music and entertainment stage, and vendor booths. Check website for cost. Aug. 23-24. Wabash Avenue between 13th Street and 14th Place, Chicago. greatersouthloop.org/bash.

CHICAGO FASHION FEST. More than 20 unique fashion runway shows will be held over the two days.

An on-site “Shopper’s Row” will be home to up to 50 exclusive booths of local fashion designers, boutiques, and salons, as well as food and drink tents and a dedicated kids area. $5 donation. Noon-10 p.m. Aug. 23-24.

Division Street from Wolcott to Paulina, Chicago. chicagofashionfest.com.

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ONGOING EVENTS CHICAGO FOOD SOCIAL. Top Chef

TASTE OF POLONIA. Features four

finalist and Michelin Star-awarded Carlos Gaytan, plus other guest chefs, provide live preparation demonstrations and sell selections of culinary creations. Plus, communal dining, hands-on culinary activities for adults and kids, and a live music stage. $5 donation. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Aug. 23-24. Kendall College, 900 Branch St., Chicago. chicagofood social.com.

stages of music (Polish, American, Dance and Club music), Polish cuisine, arts and crafts, game arcades, and a Kid’s World featuring activities and entertainment. $7, free kids 12 and under. 5-10 p.m. Aug. 29; noon10 p.m. Aug. 30-Sept. 1. Copernicus Center, Lawrence and Milwaukee avenues, Chicago. (773) 777-8898, topchicago.org.

TASTE OF GREECE. Food,

music and entertainment, including Greek bands, belly dancers and games for both kids and families.

Noon-10 p.m. Aug. 23-24. Greek Town, 400 S. Halsted, Chicago. (847) 509-8050, tasteofgreektown.com.

CHICAGO JAZZ FESTIVAL.

The Labor Day weekend tradition showcases Chicago’s vast jazz talent along national and international artists to entertain, encourage and educate a jazz audience of all ages with live musical performances in the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park. Check website for schedule. Aug. 28-31. Grant Park, Chicago. (312) 744-3315, chicago jazzfestival.us.

AFRICAN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS.

Festival highlighting African culture features dancing, music, art and entertainment. $20, $10 in advance; $30 family (two adults and four children).

Check website for schedule. Aug. 29-Sept. 1. Washington Park, 51st and Cottage Grove, Chicago. (773) 9552787, africanfestivalchicago.com.

REMIX CHICAGO. Features juried art made from recycled and found materials and music, food and workshops/educational events for all ages. $5 gate donation. Noon-10 p.m. Aug. 30-31. 2200-2300 N. Milwaukee, Chicago. (773) 433-8048, remix chicago.com.

FRANKFORT FALL FESTIVAL.

Features artisans, live entertainment, carnival and a parade on Sunday at 1 p.m. Check website for schedule.

Aug. 30-Sept. 1. Frankfort Historic Business District, Kansas Street, Frankfort. (815) 469-3356, frankfort fallfestival.info.

FOX VALLEY FOLK MUSIC AND STORYTELLING FESTIVAL. Features

eight stage areas with performances of folk music and storytelling, workshops and kids’ activities. Plus a Barn Dance and Ghost Stories on Sunday night. $20, $15 teens and seniors, free kids 12 and under. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 31-Sept. 1. Island Park, routes 25 and 38, Geneva. (630) 8973655, foxvalleyfolk.com.

EXHIBITS DESTINATION SOLAR SYSTEM.

Set in the future, the live show flies audiences from one end of the Solar System to the other in under 30 minutes. Check website for ticket cost. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-STAR (7827), adlerplanetarium. org.

BUTTERFLIES & BLOOMS.

Outdoor butterfly garden where visitors can immerse themselves with hundreds of live tropical butterfly species from around the world. $6, $5 seniors, $4 kids 3-12. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 8355440, chicagobotanic.org.

FUNKY TURNS 40: BLACK CHARACTER REVOLUTION EXHIBITION. Exhibit commemo-

rates the 40th anniversary of 1970’s Saturday morning cartoons that featured positive black characters for the first time in television history. Free with admission. DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago. (773) 947-0600, dusablemuseum.org.

SOX VS. CUBS: THE CHICAGO CIVIL WARS. Exhibit highlights the

longtime rivalry between the fans

of these two teams. This cultural history exposé covers all the bases of the crosstown rivalry to examine concepts of loyalty and fandom through videos of each team’s colorful supporters; interviews with former players, sports journalists and broadcasters; and fan souvenirs and ephemera. Free with admission.

Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 833-1457, elmhursthistory.org.

OPENING THE VAULTS: WONDERS OF THE 1893 WORLD’S FAIR. Visitors see items

that thrilled fairgoers 120 years ago.

Included in Discovery and All Access passes. Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 9229410, fieldmuseum.org.

THE MACHINE INSIDE: BIOMECHANICS. Exhibit explores

animals and plants as machines built for survival, complete with pumps, pipes, insulation, motors, springs, and intelligence gathering devices.

Presented in English and Spanish.

Included in Discovery and All-Access passes. Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 9229410, fieldmuseum.org.

STINGRAY TOUCH. Shedd staff

members guide guests through the 15-minute touch experience. The outdoor exhibit also allows visitors to see the cownose stingrays through various angles. John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago.

(312) 939-2438, sheddaquarium.org.

SCIENCE + YOU. Exhibit features a

child-sized laboratory where kids can explore how scientists impact health and wellness through hands-on, interactive machinery, processes and technology. A demonstration area allows guest scientists and educators to perform fun and interactive scientific experiments. Free with admission. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

80 AT 80. Special exhibit showcases 80 rarely displayed artifacts from the museum’s extensive collection in honor of the museum’s 80th anniversary. Free with admission. Museum

of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 6841414, msichicago.org.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRESENTS: EARTH EXPLORERS.

Journey to the wildest places on the globe: the Polar Regions, Oceans, Rain Forests, Mountains and Caves and Savannas. $9, $7 kids, plus admission. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 684-1414, msichicago. org.

THINK. This exhibit engages guests

through a unique combination of experiences, including a 40-foot gesture wall. A short film inspires guests to think about humankind’s quest to build a better world and how technological progress is made possible. Free with admission. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 6841414, msichicago.org.

MODEL RAILROAD GARDEN: LANDMARKS OF AMERICA.

The railroad delights visitors of all ages with the sights and sounds of garden-scale trains traversing bridges and trestles, past miniature scenes of America’s best-loved landmarks and gardens planted to scale. $6, $5 seniors, $4 kids 3-12, free kids under 3; $1 discount for members. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays.

Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 8355440, chicagobotanic.org.

OTHER EVENTS YOUNG EXPLORERS’ MONDAYS.

A weekly hands-on science program that provides an opportunity for kids 3-5 and parents to do science together and conduct experiments in the Adler’s Planet X Lab. Participants can construct a kite, make dodge balloon asteroids, create constellations, and more. Free with admission.

9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-STAR (7827), adlerplanetarium.org.

BABY AND ME TIME. A chance for

parents of infants to meet others adjusting to parenthood, ask questions

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ONGOING EVENTS

Find Your Home At Baker From Toddler-8th grade, we offer a uniquely well-rounded education in a once-in-alifetime community. Our graduates aren't just ready for high school. They're ready for everything.

• PE or swimming every day • Full-time visual arts, music and drama teachers • Challenging and integrated curriculum • After school enrichment • Onsite before- and after-care

Th hin nk Seee pa Se p ge 1233

Find out more at bakerdemschool.org or call 847-425-5813 to schedule a tour. and make friends. A nurse representative from Advocate Lutheran General Hospital will answer questions and facilitate discussions.

Free with admission. 9:30-11 a.m.

Mondays. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum. org.

Every Tooth Counts Pediatric Dental Center Carmella Barrett Perry, DDS Specialist in Dentistry for Infants, Children & Adolescents • Flexible Hours • Insurance Accepted Located 2 blocks from downtown Flossmoor

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GARDEN BUDDIES. Program teaches children about seeds, weeds, worms, fruits, vegetables and the joy of digging in the earth and helping things grow. Master gardeners from local horticultural institutions will lead sessions. This August, kids measure plant growth. Free with admission. 10 a.m.-noon. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

Ave., Chicago. (877) 247-5223, americangirl.com.

ORGANIC GARDEN. Kids can plant, weed, water and more in the garden, maintained by The Organic Gardener, as well as take part in special activities, such as crafting seed packets, edible necklaces, and window greenhouses. 2-3 p.m.

Tuesdays and Saturdays. Westfield Old Orchard, 4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie. (847) 674-7070, westfield.com/oldorchard.

NATURE ENCOUNTERS. Curious

SUMMER READING BOOKMARK CRAFT. Girls 8 and

nature-loving kids can experience the outdoors and learn how to use their powers of observation and understanding to relate to the natural world around them. Free with admission. 2-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

up decorate bookmarks and summer reading logs to keep track of all the books they read over school break.

Includes a doll-sized poster to take home. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays.

American Girl Place, 835 N. Michigan

WILD WEDNESDAYS. Kids 3-10 enjoy hands-on nature exploration through games and crafts. Each week has a theme. $5 parking. 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays. Cantigny Park,

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ONGOING EVENTS Center, 17W063 Hodges Road, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 941-8747, obtpd.org/lvnc.

1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

DANCIN’ SPROUTS. Children may get up, dance and sing during these lively evenings created just for them. Picnicking is permitted during this event on the Esplanade only.

Free, $20 parking. 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Wednesdays. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

AFTERNOON ADVENTURES.

Through Aug. 13. Features fun and educational activities for kids 5-12 with an adult. $4, $2 members.

1-4 p.m. Wednesdays. Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. (847) 391-5399, desplaines history.org.

WILD WEDNESDAYS. Through Aug. 20. Hear stories, enjoy a special hike, and learn about the featured animal. Borrow a fishing pole, or rent a paddle boat. Popcorn and lemonade for sale. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wednesdays. Lake View Nature

TREE POSE YOGA. Kids 4-6, with

adult, learn about the environment while stretching, moving and breathing like the creatures around them with a certified YogaKids instructor. $17, $10 members. 10-11 a.m.

Wednesdays, plus Aug. 9. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb. org.

SEUSSICAL CRAFTS.

Through Aug. 14. Chicago Shakespeare Theater partners with the Chicago Children’s Museum to offer hands-on craft activities in the theater’s lobby. 10-11 a.m.

Wednesdays; 12:15-1:45 p.m.

Thursdays. Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 595-5600, chicagoshakes.com.

ACORN EXPRESS ADVENTURES.

Kids 2 and up take an open-air

tram ride adventure through the arboretum. Plus, make a craft and explore new topics each week. $5, $4 member, plus admission. 11-11:45 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays.

Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

SUMMER FIREWORKS. The

spectacle is choreographed to music and produced by award-winning Melrose Pyrotechnics. Watch from a lakefront boat cruise, Navy Pier’s South Dock or one of the Ferris wheel gondolas. 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 10:15 p.m. Saturdays. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. (312) 5957437, navypier.com.

HISTORY ALIVE! Kids 6-12 learn about a different war each week. Dress in the uniform of a soldier, and interact with artifacts, games and crafts from the time period. $5 parking. 1-3 p.m.

Thursdays. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org.

THEATRE GAMES. Kids can participate in a range of silly, wild and inventive theater games. Free with admission. 1:30 p.m. Thursdays. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

SELF-REGULATION: A FAMILY AFFAIR. Through Aug. 28.

Occupational therapy group for children in the sensory-motor clinic, while parents can go across the street to the Yogaview studio for a 60-minute yoga class. For more information, contact kim.brahm.oswald@ gmail.com. $120 for eight sessions; $20 drop-in. 1-2:30 p.m. Thursdays.

Kids in Sync Pediatric Occupational Therapy, 1820 W. Webster Ave., Suite 202, Chicago. (773) 235-5070, kids-in-sync.com.

PARENT AND TODDLER YOGA.

Toddlers practice fun animal yoga poses and engage in activities like guided nature exploration, reading storybooks and more. After class, visit animals that inspire this unique,

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ONGOING EVENTS animal-themed yoga class. $20. 10-11 a.m. Thursdays. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago.

(312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org.

THURSDAY FAMILY NIGHTS.

Families can enjoy live music, kidfriendly fare, and entertainment afterhours. Exploration of the Children’s Garden, Maze Garden, and Tree House Tales is encouraged. Free with admission; admission discounted to $5 per person after 4:30 p.m. 5-8 p.m. Thursdays. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

CHICAGO SUMMERDANCE.

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ory

One-hour dance lessons by professional instructors and two hours of live music and dancing are presented as a part of the largest annual outdoor dancing series in the U.S. 6-7 p.m. dance lessons, 7:30-9:30 p.m. live music and dancing FridaySaturday; 4-5 p.m. dance lessons, 5-7 p.m. live music and dancing Sunday.

Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (312) 742-4007, chicagosummerdance.org.

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ONGOING EVENTS NORTHWESTERN MEDICINE SCIENCE FRIDAYS. Features activi-

ties like Frozen, Fizzy, Fun and Ice Cream Science. Budding scientists enjoy a combination of learning and play as they experiment. Free with admission. 2:30-4 p.m. every other Friday. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

SUMMER SATURDAYS. Through

Aug. 9. Family programs, such as Sun Prints, LEGO Architects, Art Glass Done Wright, Origami and Family Printmaking, facilitated by a youth educator, encourage children to explore Robie House as it inspires their own creativity. $5 kids, free adults.

10 a.m.-noon Saturdays. Frederick C. Robie House, 5757 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago. (708) 848-1976, gowright.org.

CRAFTS FOR KIDS. Kids 3

and up enjoy crafts at all Lakeshore locations. Aug. 2: You Name It! Door Hanger; Aug. 9: Summer Spinning Top; Aug. 16: Blooming Numbers

Garden; Aug. 23: Silly Face Magnetic Note Holder; Aug. 30: Whimsical Wind Catcher. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Saturdays. Lakeshore Learning Store, various locations. (847) 705-5052, lakeshorelearning.com.

$9.50 kids, free kids 4 and under.

10 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends. West of I-94, exit Russell Road and follow the signs, Kenosha, Wis. (847) 395-7773, renfair.com/bristol.

FITNESS FOR ALL. A series of

SETTLEMENT SUNDAYS. Through

Aug. 24. Includes free sundaes with do-it-yourself toppings and a variety of hands-on family activities, games, demonstrations and tours of historic buildings. Free with admission. 1-4 p.m.; ice cream 2-3:30 p.m. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) 420-6010, naper settlement.com.

BRISTOL RENAISSANCE FAIRE.

More than 1,200 performers, artisans and merchants take visitors on a trip through Elizabethan England with games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music, and special entertainment.

Kids Kingdom is an enclosed play area filled with oversized sand boxes, a climb-aboard pirate ship, interactive games, crafts and other child-friendly diversions. $19.95,

events focused on getting and staying healthy through practicing physical activity and gross motor skills for children and their parents.

Kids can choose from a variety of fun and fit events including Bubble Extravaganza!, Yoga in the Park and Jump, Jump, Jump. Free with admission. 10:30 a.m.-noon. MondaySaturday. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

OUTDOOR ART. Famous artists

Monet, van Gogh and Georgia O’Keefe were all inspired by nature.

Look at pictures of famous nature art, and make a water-lily masterpiece to take home. Free with admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

SHAPES OF NATURE. Use shape viewers to search for triangle trees, heart-shaped leaves, and square stems, and discover the kind of nature scene collage you can make using basic shapes. Free with admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

DOLLAR DROP-IN DAYS. Through

Aug. 8. Participate in crafts, demonstrations and farm-related activities.

Activities change daily and include: public milking demonstrations at 4:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; costumed interpreters 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Mondays-Sundays; and storytelling at 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. $1.

10-11 a.m. Wagner Farm & Heritage Center, 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview.

(847) 657-1506, glenviewparks.org.

BEGINNER’S ART STUDIO. Children

and adults can explore their creative sides in this fully engaging, open-ended art experience. Materials change daily and trained facilitators assist with the artistic process. 10:30 a.m.-4:30

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ONGOING EVENTS p.m. Mondays and WednesdaysSaturdays; 12:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays.

Free with admission. Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park. (708) 383-4815, wonder-works.org.

TARGET FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL. Through Aug. 24. A

summer-long fun festival featuring interactive activities, arts and crafts and games for kids. Highlights include daily appearances by Wiggleworms instructors at 10 a.m., daily reading circle at 11 a.m. and Movement Music Mondays at 1 p.m. Chase Promenade North, Millennium Park, Chicago.

(312) 742-1168, millenniumpark.org.

GRUNSFELD CHILDREN’S GROWING GARDEN FAMILY DROP-IN ACTIVITIES. Get close

to nature and discover where food comes from with activities. Learn about plant parts, the life of a bee, different types of seeds, how to plant a rainbow garden, worm composting and more. $20 parking. Noon-4 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends.

Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake

ory

Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 8355440, chicagobotanic.org.

KLEINMAN FAMILY COVE FAMILY DROP-IN ACTIVITIES.

Explore the plants and animals in aquatic habitats. Use scientific tools to look at tiny critters living under water, find out what makes water plants different from land plants, and more. Activities vary from week to week. $20 parking. Noon-4 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends.

Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 8355440, chicagobotanic.org.

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WTTW KIDS GREAT FOOD FAN VAN. The WTTW Kids Great

Food Fan Van educates parents and children about proper nutrition in a fun, interactive, two-hour performance that includes stretching, dancing, singing, healthy food sampling, and one-on-one nutritional guidance and education. Each performance is led by Miss Lori of Miss Lori’s CAMPUS and WTTW’s Mr. Brandon.

Plus, an appearance and photo

op with Arthur. Check website for schedule and locations. wttw.com/ greatfoodfanvan.

WTTW KIDS READERS ARE LEADERS TOUR. Features move-

ments and songs by the Miss Lori of Miss Lori’s CAMPUS and dialogic reading by WTTW’s tour manager,

Mr. Brandon. Plus, interactive games help create excitement about reading. Following every 60-minute show, WTTW gives each child a bag with special learning materials, resources for parents and caregivers, and a book. Check website for schedule and locations. wttw.com/ readersareleaders.

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THE PLACE WHERE AWESOME LIVES

DISCOVER THE PLACE WHERE AWESOME LIVES. Every one of our 17 interactive exhibits is a play station that ignites curiosity, inspires imagination and stirs creativity. We’re not just a kid’s museum – we’re an incubator for transforming young minds into creative thinkers, learners, and leaders. Now through November 2, explore Science + You, a child-sized laboratory where kids become little scientists. Discover for yourself just how powerful play can be.

2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview | (847) 832-6600 | kcmgc.org ChicagoParent.com August 2014 129

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5 things not

to miss on

the South Side

T

here’s more to do on the South Side than cheer on the White Sox and eat in Chinatown. There are worldclass museums, incredible dining establishments and lots of ways to have fun.

1 Flossmoor Station Restaurant and Brewery, 1035 Sterling Ave., Flossmoor; flossmoorstation.com Housed in a historic train station, this restaurant and pub is the perfect spot for a meal both kids and parents will love.

The kids’ menu includes dishes such as the Mini Choo Choo Burger and Pullman Car Pizza, while adults can’t go wrong with choices ranging from appetizers to sandwiches, burgers and flatbreads. Try the Chicken Berry Wrap, Pullman Pork Beer-B-Que or Chicken Caprese Sandwich.

Adults also flock here to sample the beers brewed on site.

Some nights, families can catch special entertainment. On a recent visit, we enjoyed a magician who traveled from table to table doing tricks.

After dinner, grab a frozen treat at the Old Caboose Ice Cream Shoppe, an authentic

1

2

renovated caboose located on the brewery’s south lawn.

2 Bud Billiken Parade, Martin Luther King Drive from 35th to 55th; budbillikenparade.org Affectionately known as “The Bud” by the many of its young performers, the Bud Billiken Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Aug. 9 in Bronzeville.

Marching bands and tumblers are joined by floats and celebrities during this event, which focuses on getting students ready to go back to school. It is the largest and oldest back-to-school parade in the nation.

An institution in the Chicago African-American community, the parade’s participants span generations and travel across the country to be here. The parade and picnic began in 1929 as a way for the Chicago Defender newspaper to say thanks to the

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3

indoor Exploration Adventure, filled with tunnels and slides, and the outdoor Kidz Park filled with bounce houses and rides.

If a typical day here doesn’t offer enough excitement, visit 6-8 p.m. Aug. 22 for a backto-school bash with Radio Disney’s road crew.

4 children who sold the paper.

The list of celebrities who have appeared over the years is a who’s who in the entertainment and sporting worlds.

You never know who you will see at “The Bud.” 3 Beverly Farmers Market, parking lot at 9500 S. Longwood Drive, Chicago The Beverly Farmers Market is the best in Chicago, says Crystal Nells, owner of C+D Family Farms, which sells all natural free range meats at the market.

The market is held 7 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sunday through Oct. 26 with friendly vendors and colorful fruits, vegetables and flowers.

On a recent Sunday, kids sat on a curb eating freshmade frozen yogurt from the Yoberri Yogurt tent as parents

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taste-tested cheeses made by Stamper Cheese Company, which brings artisan-made cheeses to Chicago from southwestern Wisconsin.

Other vendors from local farms sell fresh grown produce, fresh eggs, jams and flowers. Where else in the city are you going to find pesticide-free strawberries picked the day before for only $5?

4 Odyssey Fun World, 19111 Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park; ofwtinleypark.com Any attraction you can imagine is pretty much under this roof or on its sprawling outside grounds. Families can enjoy mini golf, laser tag, an indoor Ferris wheel, bumper boats, speed boats, ziplining, batting cages, go karts and video games galore.

Little ones will love the

5 Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago; oi.uchicago.edu The mummies on exhibit are always a hit with kids and parents, says Moriah

5

Grooms-Garcia, youth and family program coordinator at the museum, located on the University of Chicago campus.

They also marvel at the 16foot statues of King Tut and the Assyrian Bull.

Permanent galleries are devoted to ancient Egypt, Nubia, Persia, Mesopotamia, Syria, Anatolia and the ancient site of Megiddo.

Although all ages are welcome, the museum appeals most to kids 5 and older as many of the artifacts have no cases or glass around them.

This allows the public to get an up-close view, but may prove stressful for parents when young fingers want to touch.

Family programs take place throughout the year. On Aug. 1, a reading of “The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins” will be accompanied by a discussion on ancient hats. On Aug. 6, stop in for Secrets of the Mummies, where kids take out organs of a faux mummy and learn about the mummification process.

Junior Archaeologists meets on Aug. 12 and allows participants 5-12 to go on a simulated archaeology dig. Online reservations at oi.uchicago. edu are needed for the Junior Archaeologists program.

Jennifer Pallay

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Show Chicago spirit at new sports museum

I

t’s a tough time of year for Chicago sports fans. The Cubs and Sox have given up hope on fall ball; the Bulls and Blackhawks are probably relaxing on a beach; and the Bears are still sweating it out down in Bourbonnais.

But fortunately for diehards, there’s a new sports shrine in town. The Chicago Sports Museum, housed alongside Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch on the top floor of Water Tower Place, honors our beloved Chicago teams—plus the thrill of victory and agony of defeat that go along with them.

The museum, which surprised me by its size, is divided up into five sections. The first, “Measure Up,” lets fans compare their vertical to Jordan’s, throw a pitch under Cy Young winner Steve Stone’s tutelage, check their wingspan against Scottie

Pippen’s monstrous reach, try on the Fridge’s Superbowl ring, and block shots against Patrick Kane.

In “Forensic Sports,” the museum uses CSI-style techniques to examine some mysteries of Chicago sports, including Sammy Sosa’s infamous corked bat. “The Hall of Legends” lets kids and adults play with the legends of baseball, basketball, football and hockey, thanks to realistic-looking simulation technology. And in “Fan Zone,” try out your best Harry Caray impression in the broadcasting booth or prove how true-blue you really are with the interactive trivia game.

For Chicagoans who’ve been around the block—especially long-suffering Cubs fans—a highlight is “Curses & Superstitions,” the section devoted to playoff beards … and goats. You’ll find the infamous

“Bartman Ball,” now a blown-up mess of yarn, leather and rubber, plus have the chance to explode it yourself, thanks to a clever simulation.

For those who might not follow the big five teams, there are shout-outs to the Fire, the Sky, the Wolves, the Bandits, the Chicagoland Motor Speedway and even the now-defunct Sting.

The museum is free if you spend at least $6 per person at the adjoining restaurant, which has a kids’ menu and some truly delicious selections (try the Mac ‘n Cheese Muffins!). It all adds up to an experience that will make fans of all ages stand up and cheer.

Elizabeth Diffin

Chicago Sports Museum Water Tower Place, Level 7, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily $6, $3 seniors, free kids under 3 (312) 202-0500; harrycarays. com/chicagosportsmuseum

On your desktop. In your pocket. On the go.

We’re with you.

Chicago Parent 99¢ Tablet editions available at your favorite digital newsstand now!

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PERFORMANCES

Seussical See this page

OLIVER! Through Aug. 2. Show

brings to life the story of the young runaway orphan, colorful Artful Dodger, infamous Fagin and his gang of pickpockets, sinister Bill Sykes, nurturing and lovable Nancy and other memorable characters. $14, $12 kids. Overshadowed Theatrical Productions, 210 S. Walnut St., Itasca. (630) 250-7518, over shadowedproductions.com.

MATINEE PERFORMANCE. Enjoy a performance of the Tempel Lipizzans set to classical music. The program follows the horses through varying stages of development and training. After the performance, take a self-guided tour through the stallion stable and visit foals in the pasture.

Riders, trainers and handlers will answer questions. Aug. 3, 6, 10, 20 and 24. $25, $15 kids 4-14. 1-3 p.m.

Tempel Farms, 17000 Wadsworth

Road, Wadsworth. (847) 623-7272, tempelfarms.com.

THE TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC.

Through Aug. 10. The performance includes gentle sound and lighting effects that create a full sensory experience, building a simple story with the audience through repetition and participation. The show lasts about 45 minutes and is recommended for families with kids 4 and younger. $14 ages 1 and up, $7 kids under 1.

Emerald City’s Little Theatre, 2933 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. (773) 529-2690 ext. 810, emeraldcity theatre.com.

CHICKEN LITTLE. Through Aug. 15.

Recommended for families with kids 2-12. $12. Chicago Kids Company, Beverly Arts Center, 111th and Western, Chicago. (773) 205-9600, chicagokidscompany.com.

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD.

SEUSSICAL. Through Aug. 17.

Through Aug. 15. Recommended for kids ages 2-12. Check website for days and time. Chicago Kids Company, Stahl Family Theater, 5900 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. (773) 205-9600, chicagokidscompany.com.

The musical based on the stories by Theodor Seuss Geisel and narrated

by The Cat in the Hat. $28, $18 kids.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago.

(312) 595-5600, chicagoshakes.com.

GRANT PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL. Through Aug. 16.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. Through Aug. 24. This

Presents more than 20 concerts.

Visit website for concert schedule.

Millennium Park, Chicago. grantpark musicfestival.com.

Midsommer Flight show runs in conjunction with the Chicago Park District. Performances will be at Gross Park, 2708 W. Lawrence Ave., Aug. 2-10; and Touhy Park, 7438 N. Paulina St., Aug. 16-24. 6 p.m.

Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. midsommerflight.com.

CHARLOTTE’S WEB. Through Aug.

17. When Wilbur is saved and sent to live on a farm, he finds a new unexpected family and the help of a remarkable spider, Charlotte. Call for cost. Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. (800) 775-2000, broadway inchicago.com.

THEATRE-HIKES. Follow a day in the life of Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” A low-impact hikes suitable for strollers,

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PERFORMANCES walkers and wheelchairs takes place on Aug. 3. Each performance lasts about three hours. Wear comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing and bring a chair or blanket, water bottle and insect repellent. $20, $10 kids; $10 members, $5 member kids. 1-3:30 p.m. weekends. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

ILLINOIS SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL. Festival produces full

HOGWASH: AN IMPROVISED TALL TALE. Interactive kids’ show

CIRQUE SHANGHAI. Cirque

where the audience helps guide the story from scene to scene and song to song. For tickets, email shelby@ bughousetheater.com. Recommended for families with kids 3-10. Donations welcome. 10:30 a.m. Saturdays.

Bughouse Theater, 2054 W. Irving Park, Chicago. bughousetheater.com.

productions of Shakespeare, as well as a family-oriented 45-minute version: Shake, Shake, Shake Your Shakespeare, performed Wednesdays and Saturdays. Visit website for schedule and tickets. Ewing Manor, 48 Sunset Road, Bloomington. (866) IL-SHAKE, thefestival.org.

Shanghai returns this summer to Chicago’s Navy Pier with a new show, “Cirque Shanghai: Warriors.”

Performances take place at the Pepsi Skyline Stage, a 1,500-seat, canopied, open-air theater on Navy Pier.

Call for cost. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. (312) 595-PIER, navypier.com.

Brand new show! Through sepTemBer 1

pepsi skyline sTage, navy pier Tickets start at just $15.50 Kids | $19.50 Adults* ®

Tickets

®

Call 800.745.3000 or Visit ticketmaster.com/shanghai Groups 10+ call 773.327.3778

* facility fee applies

Celebrations Th he Te Teddy y Be B ear ars’ s Pic s’ cniic SSeee ee pa page g 134

ChiCago Parent’s Party Planning guide Coming in October For more information, call (708) 386-5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com

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For more information, call (708) 386 5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com

Chicago Playworks for Families & Young Audiences Presents:

by Margaret Larlham directed by Ann Wakefield

by Susan Nanus based on the book by Norton Juster directed by David Catlin

OCT 7 NOV 15, 2014

JAN 13 – FEB 21, 2015

by Eric Pfeffinger directed by Ernie Nolan

APRIL 7– MAY 16, 2015

at DePaul’s historic Merle Reskin Theatre 60 E Balbo Dr, Chicago | 312 922 1999 | theatre.depaul.edu

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special advertising section // Adler Planetarium Destination Solar System - Now Boarding 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago (312) 922-STAR alderplanetarium.org

American Dance Center A Nationally Recognized School & Performing Company 1933 Ridge Rd., Homewood 10464 W. 163rd Pl, Orland Park (708) 349-4964 americandancecenter.net

Ballet D’Enfant Fairytale & Academy Ballet 18 mos. – 16 yrs.

Lakeview & Evanston (773) 477.4488 Wicker Park/Bucktown (773) 606-0318 AFairytaleBallet.com

Ballet Legere NUTCRACKER Auditions August 16 & 17 7377 W. North Ave., River Forest (773) 237-1874 balletlegere@yahoo.com

Brain Surgeon Theater at Gorilla Tango

DePaul University School of Music/Community Music Division Music instruction for all ages in a university setting 804 W. Belden Ave., Chicago (773) 325-7262 Music.depaul.edu/cmd

Disney on Ice Princesses and Heroes Sept 10-14 United Center Ticketmaster.com Disneyonice.com

Heart and Sole Dance Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy 7038 183rd Street, Tinley Park (708) 532-6237 ABTinley.com

Language Stars Fostering future generations of multilingual children with summer programs Locations throughout Chicagoland (866) 55-STARS (557-8277) languagestars.com

Arts Education Guide

Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts and Fitness Associates We’ll help your child’s strength and confidence 6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park (708) 383-3456 Master-SH-Yu.com

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament I-90 & Roselle Rd., Schaumburg (888) WE-JOUST (935-6878) medievaltimes.com

Naperville Suzuki Specialists in Suzuki Music Education, Preschool - High school 32 Foxcrest, Warrenville (630) 420-9309 wsste.com

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts North Shore Center’s 2014 Showcase for Performers for Young Audiences.

A tradeshow matching educational entertainers with schools, libraries & park districts.

9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie (847) 679-9501 x3100 NorthShoreCenter.org/Showcase

Pick-Staiger Concert Hall 50 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston (847) 467-4000 pickstaiger.org

Salt Creek Ballet Dedicated to Excellence in Dance.

Classes for ages 3 - Adult 98 E Chicago Ave., Westmont (630) 769-1199 saltcreekballet.org

Skokie Park District 9300 Weber Park Place, Skokie (847) 674-1500 SkokieParks.org

Theatre at the Center Theatre for Young Audiences 1040 Ridge Rd., Munster, IN (219) 836-3258 TheatreAtTheCenter.com

Western Springs School of Talent Education Enriching the lives of children through the study of music 1106 Chestnut St., Western Springs (708) 246-9309 wsste.com

Theatre arts, movie-making day camps, birthday parties, and more.

1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago (773) 757-6206 brainsurgeontheater.org

Chicago Children’s Museum Circus Zirkus- Where you’re the Star of the Show, now open Located at Navy Pier Chicago (312) 527-1000 chicagochildrensmuseum.org

Chicago Kids Yoga Fest Practice for Peace with free music and fun Garfield Park Conservatory on 8.17.14 Media Sponsor Chicago Parent) #chicagokidsyogafest Chicagokidsyoga.com

Chicago Playworks For Families and Young Audiences DePaul’s Merle Reskin Theatre 60 E. Balbo Dr., Chicago (312) 922-1999 theatreschool.depaul.edu

Cirque Shanghai: WARRIORS Through September 1 Pepsi Skyline Stage at Navy Pier (800) 745-3000 Ticketmaster.com/shanghai

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Back-to-School Education Guide // special advertising section SUBURBS Acacia Academy Our therapeutic day school serves students with learning differences.

6425 S. Willow Springs Rd., La Grange Highlands (708) 579-9040 acaciaacademy.com

The Achievement Center, Inc.

Chiaravalle Montessori School

Intercultural Montessori Language School

Every moment of the day should engage a child’s mind.

425 Dempster St., Evanston (847) 864-2190 Chiaravalle.org

Language immersion programs in Spanish, Japanese, or Chinese PreK – 6th 301 S. Ridgeland, Oak Park 114 S. Racine, Chicago (708) 848-6626 interculturalmontessori.org

Chicagoland Jewish High School

Evaluations, Tutoring, Year Round Programs, all subjects. All ages.

6425 S. Willow Rd. LaGrange Highlands (708) 579-9040 achievementcenters.com

A fully accredited college preparatory Jewish high school in Deerfield 1095 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield (847) 470-6700 CJHS.org

AIMS (Association of Illinois Montessori Schools)

Council Oak Montessori School

(847) 945-7582 for membership information illinoismontessorischools.com info@illinoismontessorischools.com

Alcuin Montessori School 50 years of Montessori Excellence – Classes for children birth to 14 years 324 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park (708) 366-1882 alcuin.org

Ascension School Rooted in Catholic teaching and philosophy Ages 3 - 8th grade.

601 VanBuren, Oak Park (708) 434-1523 Ascension-School.com

Ashburn Lutheran School Demetra Kirksey, Principal 3345 W. 83rd St, Chicago (773) 737-2156 ashburnlutheranschool.org

Avery Coonley School Pre-K ~ 8th grade independent school for academically gifted students.

1400 Maple Ave., Downers Grove (630) 969-0800 averycoonley.org

Baker Demonstration School Early Childhood-8th Grade Demonstrating progressive education since 1918 201 Sheridan Road, Wilmette (847) 425-5800 bakerdemschool.org

Bright Horizons Early Education and Preschool Programs for infants through private kindergarten, plus School’s OUT camps.

Locations across Chicagoland.

Call or visit us online to find the school nearest you.

(877) 624-4532 brighthorizons.com/CP814

Age-appropriate Montessori materials for all or students, from 3 to 14 years of age.

11030 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago (773) 779-7606 counciloakmontessori.org

Countryside Montessori School It’s about Character: Respect, Responsibility, Resourcefulness.

Pre-K through 8th Grade 1985 Pfingsten Rd., Northbrook (847) 498-1105 countrysidemontessori.org

The Gardner School of Naperville Award winning, academically focused, ages 6wks - 5 years Warrenville (630) 657-5029 GlenviewNorthbrook (847) 770-6260 Chicago Bucktown (773) 661-0151

Jerusalem Lutheran School Christian Education, High Standards, PreK - 8 6218 Capulina Ave., Morton Grove (847) 965-4750 jerusalemlutheran.org

Kiddie Academy Life Essentials curriculum meets and often exceeds state standards 2201 Main Street, Batavia (630) 761-4500 kiddieacademy.com/batavia 540 W. Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook (630) 679-9400 kiddieacademy.com/bolingbrook 112 Tay River, Carpentersville (847) 844-8600 kiddieacademy.com/ Carpentersville Naperville (630) 416-8000 13703 South Route 59, Plainfield (800) 554-3343 kiddieacademy.com/plainfield 1040 S. Sutton, Streamwood (630) 497-0200

Lake Forest Academy A coeducational, independent, boarding and day school serving grades 9-12 1500 West Kennedy Road, Lake Forest (847) 234-3210 lfanet.org

Lakeshore Learning Discover a world of learning!

Orland Park (708) 403-6300 Chicago/Beverly (773) 233-9210 Palatine (847) 705-5052 Lakeshorelearning.com

Little Hands Learning Centers 10126 S. Western Ave., Chicago 2324 W. 111th St., Chicago (773) 445-1900 LittleHandsPreschool.com

Mi Sol Montessori Spanish Immersion Pre-School 14249 S. Wolf Rd., Orland Park (708) 226-9850 misolmontessori.org

Moraine Valley Community College Changing Lives for a Changing World 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills (708) 974-2110 morainevalley.edu

Northridge Preparatory School College Prep school for young men 6-12 8320 Ballard Rd., Niles (847) 375-0600 NorthridgePrep.org

Glenview Methodist Preschool Celebrating our 50th year of excellence in preschool education 727 Harlem Avenue, Glenview (847) 729-3606 glenviewmethodistpreschool.com

Good Shepherd Lutheran School Academic Achievement in a Christian Setting Preschool-8th 525 63rd Street, Downers Grove (630) 852-5081 gsdg.org

Holy Cross School Catholic education in a caring community of faith and achievement.

720 Elder Lane, Deerfield (847) 945-0135 holycrossdeerfield.org

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special advertising section // Pope John XXIII School Catholic education in a small, caring, and diverse community 1120 Washington, Evanston (847) 475-5678 popejohn23.org

Quest Academy Independent day school, gifted and talented students prechool-8th 500 N. Benton, Palatine (847) 202-8035 questacademy.org

River Forest Community Center Early Childhood Learning Center 8020 Madison St., River Forest (708) 771-6159 rfcc.info

Roycemore School A challenging college preparatory curriculum in a nurturing environment Pre-K - Grade 12 1200 Davis, Evanston (847) 866-6055 roycemoreschool.org

Southwest Chicago Christian Schools Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Tinley Park (708) 388-7656 swchristian.org

St. Vincent Ferrer Parish School A beacon of excellence for 73 years.

Early childhood-8th 1515 Lathrop Ave., River Forest (708) 771-5905 svfschool.org

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart Catholic, independent, day and boarding college preparatory school for young women Grades 9-12 760 E. Westleigh Rd., Lake Forest (847) 234-4300 woodlandsacademy.org

WSTHZ Early Childhood Program Ages 2-5 years old, Preschool, Enrichment, Hours 7:30-6:00pm M-Th, 7:30-3:30pm F Ilana Marczak, Early Childhood Director 1040 North Harlem Ave., River Forest (708) 366-9000 wsthzece.com

Back-to-School Education Guide

CITY Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School Pre-school through 8th grade Multi-denominational with small, multi-age classrooms 5235 S. Cornell Ave, Chicago (773) 493-8880 akiba-schechter.org

Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts Dr. Megan Stanton-Anderson, Principal Grades PreK - 8, extended care 1439 W. Wellington Ave.,Chicago (773) 348-4629 www.alphonsusacademy.org

The Ancona School Ages 3 through 8th grade Progressive, 21st Century education-featuring a Montessori early childhood program. Open Houses and Admissions Coffees being in Oct 4770 South Dorchester Ave., Chicago (773) 924-2356 anconaschool.org

Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools Nationally students lead in graduation rates, and they’re the most likely to go on to college Preschool – 12th grade 243 elementary and high schools in Chicago, Cook and Lake Counties (312) 534-5250 schools.archchicago.org

Brickton Montessori School Good Thinking Brickton Montessori School is fully accredited by the American Montessori Society and ISACS Year-round programs for Toddler (age 2) through 8th Grade 8622 W. Catalpa Ave. in Chicago (773) 714-0646 brickton.org

The British School of Chicago Grades PreK-12th Grade A world of learning in Lincoln Park, now offering IB Diploma Program 814 W. Eastman St., Chicago South Loop Campus Opening Fall 2015 (773) 506-2097 britishschoolchicago.org

Catherine Cook School

Francis W. Parker School

Preschool - 8th Grade Nurturing, technology-rich environment inspiring personal excellence and community values 226 W. Schiller Street, Chicago (312) 266-3381 catherinecookschool.org

Serving JK–12th Grades 330 W. Webster Ave., Chicago (773) 797-5107 fwparker.org facebook.com/parkerchicago twitter.com/fwparker

Chicago Friends School

Nurturing the potential within each child Programs offered for children 15 months to age 12 3748 West Montrose, Chicago (773) 539-3025 gatewaymontessorischool.org

Progressive education in a nurturing environment 1246 W. Thorndale Avenue, Chicago (773) 442-2371 ChicagoFriendsSchool.org info@ChicagoFriendsSchool.org

Chicago Grammar School PreK thru 8th grade 900 N. Franklin St., Chicago (312) 944-5600 chicagogrammar.org

Chicago Waldorf School Grades served: pre-k - 12th Join us for a school tour on Oct. 23rd, Nov. 13th or Dec. 11th 1300 W. Loyola Ave., Chicago (773) 465-2371 chicagowaldorf.org

Concordia Place Provides quality, licensed, and NAEYC accredited children’s programs: Early Learning for children six weeks to 36 months, Preschool for children 3-5 years, and After School for children 6-12 years.

3300 N. Whipple Ave, Chicago (773) 463-1600 3855 N. Seeley Ave., Chicago (773) 935-3739 concordiaplace.org

Creative Scholars Preschool Shouldn’t your child be a confident, well-rounded and creative scholar?

1735 N. Elston Ave., Chicago (773) 489-6543 Info@CreativeScholarsPreschool. com CreativeScholarsPreschool.com

The Frances Xavier Warde School 3 yr PreK – 8th grade Old St. Patrick’s Campus (Preschool – 3rd grade) 120 S. Desplaines St., Chicago Holy Name Cathedral Campus (4th grade – 8th grade) 751 N. State St., Chicago (312) 268-2558 (Admissions) fxw.org

Gateway Montessori School

GEMS World Academy Chicago Grades JK-12. Now accepting applications.

350 East South Water Street, Chicago gemsworldacademy-chicago.com

Greenfields Academy What if we could start from scratch? Education, Reinvented.

1933 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago (312) 860-4843 GreenfieldsAcademy.com Rob@GreenfieldsAcademy.com

It Takes A Village At River City Infant Care & Preschool: 6 weeks to 6 years old 800 S. Wells Street, Suite 180, Chicago (312) 675-0053 www.thevillagellc.com

It Takes A Village Early Learning Center Infant Care & Preschool: 6 weeks to 3 years old 4020 W. Division Street, Chicago (773) 772.9940 www.thevillagellc.com

It Takes A Village Child Care Services Preschool: 3 to 6 years old 4000 W. Division Street, Chicago (773) 276.1730 www.thevillagellc.com

Kids Work Chicago 2608 W. Addison, Chicago (773) 572-0308

Kids Work Chicago Too 2633 W. Addison, Chicago (773) 747-3200 Devoted to creating a nurturing, stimulating and accepting learning environment that provides children with the tools they need for future happiness and success.

KidsWorkChicago.com

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Back-to-School Education Guide // special advertising section Lakefront Children’s Academy

North Park Elementary School

Preschool ( with after school care for ages PreK thru 12 years old) 400 E. Randolph St., Ste. 6B, Chicago (312) 819-1760 lakefrontchildrensacademy.com

A private, independent school that offers an exceptionally rich curriculum, reasonable tuition and state-of-the-art technology.

Grades served: PreK-8th grade 2017 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago (773) 327-3144 NPES_info@npeschool.org npeschool.org

Latin School of Chicago Pre-K through 12th grade A co-educational independent day school on the near north side of Chicago.

59 W. North Blvd. Chicago (312) 582-6000 latinschool.org

Lincoln Park Preschool and Kindergarten Educating children ages 2 -6 108 W. Germania Place; Chicago (312) 482-9009 312 W. Belden Ave., Chicago (773) 665-0110 lppschools.com

Little Gems International Lincoln Park Little GEMS International is a preschool for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.

2301 N. Clark St., Chicago (312) 361-3532 LittleGEMSInternational/lincolnpark.com

Little Green Tree House 6 weeks to 5 years old Year-round enrollment for all ages 3111 North Ashland Ave., Chicago (now open) 118 South Ashland Ave., Chicago (312) 492-9876 littlegreentreehouse.com

Lycée Français de Chicago French curriculum & Baccalaureate with an English program Pre-k through 12th grade 613 W. Bittersweet place, Chicago (773) 665-0066 lyceechicago.org

Montessori Academy of Chicago 6 weeks - 12 yrs old Top rated care in activity based learning environments.

1335 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 828-0907 montessoriacademychicago.org

The Nicholson School Learning through the power of play in environments where children feel safe and confident.

1700 West Cortland Street, Chicago (312) 493-6044 novellanicholsonschool.org

Northside Catholic Academy 6216 N. Glenwood (Primary school campus) Grades PreK – 5, extended care 5525 N. Magnolia (Middle school campus) Grades PreK and 6,7,8 (773) 271-4310 northsidecatholic.org

Park View Lutheran School

St. John’s Lutheran School Douglas Markworth, Principal Grades PreK (3 yrs.) – 8 4939 W. Montrose Avenue, Chicago (773) 736-1196 StJohnsChicago.org

St. Josaphat School Ms. Colleen Cannon, Principal Grades PreK - 8, extended care 2245 N. Southport,Chicago (773) 549-0909 stjosaphat.net

St. Philip Lutheran Preschool to 8th Grade Come visit us at our open houses on: Tuesday, August 5, 6pm -8pm Sunday, Sept. 7, 11:30am - 2pm 2500 West Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago (773) 561-9830 StPhilipLutheran.com

Mary Perillo, Administrator PreK 3 and 4 year old Programs Elementary K - 8th 3919 N. Monticello, Chicago (773) 267-0072 parkviewlutheran.org

St. Viator Elementary School

Queen of Angels School

Mrs. Peggy Forgione, Principal Grades: PreK(3&4)-8th 2559 N. Sayre Ave., Chicago (773) 637-5130 stwilliamschool.org

2013 Blue Ribbon Award winner Julia Byrns Kelly, Principal Grades PreK (3 yrs.) - 8, extended care 4520 N. Western Ave., Chicago (773) 769-4211 queenofangelschicago.org

Rogers Park Montessori Building a strong and fulfilling academic foundation for life.

Ages 2-14, Toddler - Middle School 1800 W. Balmoral, Chicago (773) 271-1700 RPMSchool.org

Sacred Heart Schools

Ms. Kathleen Kowalski, Principal 4140 W. Addison, Chicago (773) 545-2173 stviatorchicago.org

St. William

Kindergarten through 8th grade 800 S. Wells Street, Suite 90, Chicago (312) 675-0056 www.vlacademy.org www.justusseekingjustice.wordpress.com

SPECIAL NEEDS Acacia Academy Our therapeutic day school serves students with learning differences.

6425 S. Willow Springs Rd., La Grange Highlands (708) 579-9040 acaciaacademy.com

Saint Andrew School

Offers educational, recreational and vocational programs for individuals with special needs 3210 Dundee, Northbrook (847) 205-0274 keshet.org

St. Clement School Melissa Dan, Principal Grades PreK – 8, extended care 2524 N. Orchard, Chicago (773) 348-8212 stclementschool.org

German International School Chicago German immersion, individualized education with global perspectives.

Pre-K through 4th Grade 1447 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago (773) 880-8812 germanschoolchicago.com

Intercultural Montessori Language School Language immersion programs in Spanish, Japanese, or Chinese PreK – 6th 301 S. Ridgeland, Oak Park 114 S. Racine, Chicago (708) 848-6626 interculturalmontessori.org

Language Stars Fostering future generations of multilingual children Numerous Locations in Chicago and suburbs (866) 55-STARS (557-8277) languagestars.com

Lycée Français de Chicago French curriculum & Baccalaureate with an English program Pre-k through 12th grade 613 W. Bittersweet place, Chicago (773) 665-0066 lyceechicago.org

Village Leadership Academy

Independent, Catholic, Single Gender, Coed Campus, K-8, Extended Care Mr. Nat Wilburn, Head of Schools 6250 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago (773) 681-8436 shschicago.org A 2013 Blue Ribbon school Grades PreK-8th Allen Ackermann, Principal 1710 West Addison, Chicago (773) 248-2500 GoSaintAndrew.com

(773) 325-7262 Music.depaul.edu/cmd

Keshet

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Tutoring/ Enrichment Center for Talent Development, Northwestern University Programs and resources to supplement the education of academically gifted students, age 4 - grade 12.

Program sites throughout Chicagoland (847) 491-3782 ctd.northwestern.edu

Club Z In Home Tutoring Services (708) 534-3981 clubztutoring.com

Code Play Learn, Inc. Learning about programming logic, and coding, through the creation of games.

30 Chicago Ave Oak Park (708) 374-8286 codeplaylearn.com

DePaul University School of Music (Community Music Division) Music instruction for all ages in a university setting 804 W. Belden Ave., Chicago

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Back to school...Already?

SIX Amazing Locations

At Once Upon A Child you’ll find everything your kids need for the new school year. We have a huge selection of your kid’s favorite brands in like-new condition! Have stuff your kids have outgrown from last school year? Save even more money when you sell us their gently used clothing, toys and equipment for CASH! Chicago Ridge • 708-499-7035 9990 Ridgeland Ave.

Harwood Heights • 708-867-8651 4616 N Harlem Ave.

Oak Brook • 630-468-2330 1600 West 16th St.

Crest Hill • 815-744-0202 2108 Plainfield Rd.

Naperville • 630-416-9344 552 South Route 59

Orland Park • 708-364-6333 9520 West 159th St.

www.onceuponachild.com

Peace of mind

building families through relationships

Earn Income At Home Safe, Sensible, Simple

Surrogates earn $30K+ per cycle

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Looking for 2-3 motivated individuals that want the same.

Donors receive $7K+ per cycle

Why choose The Center for Egg Options?

• 30+ years experience in OB and Infertility • Available 24/7 through the cycle as needed • We are trusted by physicians worldwide

Who is the ideal surrOgaTE?

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Between the ages of 21-38 Has had at least one uncomplicated pregnancy Resides in a legally “surrogate friendly” state Non-smoker and healthy Must have private health insurance

Who is the ideal dOnOr? • Between the ages of 20-29 • Non-smoker and healthy • High school graduate • Mature & responsible

APPLY TO BE A SURROGATE OR EGG DONOR

info@egg411.com (847) 656 8773 www.egg411.com

focuscope ChiCago oak Park oak Brook

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Participate in market research discussions on infant products from major manufacturers. You’ll receive generous monetary compensation for your valuable consumer opinions.

Research discussions are strictly confidential and NEVER involve any sales.

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Offices in Oak Brook, Chicago, and Oak Park

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Nanny Services

Tutor Services

We specialize in active role models who support your family’s lifestyle.

Summer

Flexible Care Solutions Individualized sessions to your child’s needs by a certified tutor.

www.collegenannies.com Lincoln Park • 773-697-9326 | Glenview • 847-998-5657

Surrogate Mothers with a big heart needed to help infertile couples. Must be 21-37 and have had a child. $25,000 to $35,000+ and expenses paid.

A child's early years are critical for growing and learning.

The Irving Park Early Learning Center (IPELC) strongly believes that the foundation for learning is best achieved with a careful balance between structured learning experiences and free play chosen by the child.

Open Monday - Friday

Private insurance preferred.

For more information call:

Parenting Partners 847-782-0224

www.parentingpartners.net

Member, Chicago Better Business Bureau

Infant Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. • Pre-School Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Age Groups

6 wks. - 14 mos..............................Infants 15 mos. - 23 mos..........................Toddlers 2 yrs................Non-potty trained accepted 3-5 yrs................Full Day Pre-School for All

Daily Program

Reading readiness Research based Creative Curriculum and Baby Talk Curriculum Early Childhood Assessments Parent Teacher conferences

Enroll Now for Fall!

Early Childhood certified teachers Outdoor

Large, safely equipped playground Field trips Nature walks Neighborhood park outings

We Need Your Help!

Do you care about kids?

Need additional income?

Enjoy helping others?

We have part-time and full-time opportunities working with unique, educational toys, books and games.

For more information, call Sherre Brutzkus 847-905-1293 sherre311@gmail.com

Rescuing Sleep Deprived Families Specializing in Night Time Infant Care Services Include: • Baby Nurses • Registered Nurses • Postpartum Doulas • Lactation Support • Parenting Classes • Sleep Training • Temporary Daytime Services

(708) 429-BABY • SweetDreamsInfantCare.com

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Call Walter 708-613-3357

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Two Separate Locations

3000 W. Montrose • 3023 W. Montrose • Chicago, IL 60618 773.539.7422 • Fax: 773.539.5265 earlylrningcntr@aol.com • www.IPELC.com

Wanna

www.discoverytoyslink.com/sherre

Give your child a higher learning advantage!

Our high quality enrichment programs are designed to make each child successful, regardless of their academic level.

With extremely small class sizes, each student is guaranteed an individualized learning experience. We offer classes such as:

Science • Cooking • Art • Music Spanish • Technology • Lego

World of Enrichment • 708-249-4008 18035 Dixie Hwy., Homewood, il 60430 • worldofenrichment.com

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A Grantee of the University of Chicago Medical Center & the University of Chicago Childcare Initiative in Hyde Park serving a diverse group of children ages 2 to 5 years old.

ARR Alternative Reproductive Resources One of the first agencies in the country and Chicago’s premier agency is looking for interested:

Egg Donors:

Gestational Surrogates:

$7,000 to all healthy, $30,000+

to women nonsmoking women between the ages of 21-38 and between ages of 20-29. delivered at least one child.

To learn more, Contact ARR:

773.327.7315  info@arr1.com www.arr1.com

Quality Rating System StAR LEvEL tHREE Illinois Department of Human Services

Quality Counts

• We offer high quality, creative, full-day childcare from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

• Accredited by NAEYC • We accept subsidy child care (child care initiative)

5467 S. University Ave., Chicago, IL 60615 773-643-0452 / www.cccsociety.org

Infant and Toddler Care Preschool Afterschool Care Summer Camp visit us on-line @ kidwatchplus.com 3901 N. Ridgeway • Chicago, IL 60618

773-539-5431

An Upscale Children’s Resale Boutique 954 W. Armitage Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 883-0880

Chicago’s only local magazine and resource guide to life for families who have children with special needs.

Shop Early!

• 50,000 copies distributed in early intervention specialist offices, and local libraries • Expanded special needs resource directory online at ChicagoParent.com

The Best Ever Back To School Selection

28th Closed July 27th &

Fall Opening: July 29th Be Smart!

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For more information, call (708) 386-5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com

Accepting Fall Consignments Now

Store Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10-6 • Sun. 12-5

www.2ndchild.com Join our e-mail list or become a fan on Facebook.

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS

The play’s the thing

D

id you know that we can thank William Shakespeare for such words as “majestic,” “zany” and “puking”?

The bard added more than 1,700 words to the English language thanks to his many written works. But even with such down-to-earth vocabulary, the idea of sitting through a full Shakespeare play can feel downright daunting.

That’s why Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks is the perfect solution. The Chicago Shakespeare Theater productions travel to 18 Chicago Park District locations to put on free, family-friendly plays that are only 75 minutes long. The parks range from Loyola Park on the northside to Ridge Park on the south, and intentionally represent a diverse range of communities.

This year’s show is A Midsummer’s Night Dream, the slightly trippy tale of mismatched

lovers and a mischievous sprite who intervenes in their lives. CST describes its version as “acrobatic and riotously entertaining,” without the intimidation factor of a theater. And it’s a great intro for kids who might not be quite ready to sit still and quiet for long periods of time. (If they resist, you can always tell them the “puking” thing. Will loved potty humor.)

Kids also like the Shakespeare masks that are handed out (bring crayons to color) and perfect for a little selfie fun with the 450-years-young English playwright.

Best of all, if you’re looking for some family togetherness, the outdoor setting practically begs for a picnic and a blanket. Little ones and even dogs are up and about, enjoying the play at their own speed. As the bard would say: Majestic, indeed.

Elizabeth Diffin

Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks Free July 18-Aug. 17 Millennium Park, Chase Promenade North, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago chicagoshakes.com

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If there were a vaccine against cancer, wouldn’t you get it for your kids?

HPV vaccine is cancer prevention.

Talk to the doctor about vaccinating your 11–12 year old sons and daughters against HPV.

#UCanStopHPV

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NOW BOARDING

Presented by:

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