Kids 2016 finalproof

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Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016

Kids: Preschool, Private, Charter & Online Schools | Thursday, January 28, 2016

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Is your child ready for kindergarten?

Age 5 is a big year in a child’s life. In many school districts, children enroll in kindergarten shortly after their fifth birthdays. But age alone does not dictate if a child is ready to transition from a preschool environment to kindergarten, and parents may need to work with educators to determine if their children are ready to take the first big step of their academic careers.

Many developmental and education experts believe that numerous factors, in addition to age, determine school readiness, including physical, social and cognitive development. Many parents want their kids to begin kindergarten at the same time as other kids their age, but enrolling youngsters before they’re ready could have repercussions for years to come.

Students who begin kindergarten before they’re ready may fall behind, resulting in frustration that turns them off from school.

With such significant stakes, parents may want to answer a few questions and look for these generalized kindergarten readiness clues before enrolling their youngsters in school.

• Does my child have solid oral-language skills?

Language is more than drilling letters and sight words into a child’s head through repetition. Language allows kids to share in new experiences and lessons that will expand their vocabularies. The more kids experience, the more their curiosity grows. This opens up opportunities for discussion about a variety of topics and introduces words and concepts that may be new and exciting to children. Research indicates one of the best predictors of eventual reading success is a welldeveloped oral vocabulary in kindergarten. Children will retain words if they hear them enough and if they’re used in context and conversation.

• Can my child listen to and follow instructions?

Kindergarten students will be introduced to many foreign things, and some kinds may be in a school environment for the very first time. Teachers will be issuing instructions and seeking cooperation from the class. To keep up with peers and lessons, kindergarteners will need to be able to remain quiet for extended periods of time, listen to instructions and then properly act on them.

• Is my son or daughter excited about learning?

Some children cannot wait to go to kindergarten, especially those who are excited at the prospect of going to the same school as their older siblings. Enthusiasm about school and an eagerness to learn and discover new things are indicative of kindergarten readiness.

A child does not need to have mastery over every skill just yet, but taking the initiative to try and ask questions is a good start to successful learning.

• Does my child want to be independent? The phrases “I’ll do it myself” or “I’ll try” can be music to a kindergarten teacher’s ears. Parents may be in a rush and find it easier to dress kids or get them snacks. But doing everything for kids puts them at a disadvantage.

Independent streaks can help kids adjust to school.

Kindergarteners may have to go to the bathroom and wash up independently. They also may have to fasten buttons, open up lunches and hang up coats. Children who cannot handle such tasks may struggle to adjust to a school environment.

• Can my child recognize basic letters and numbers? Children entering kindergarten should know most letters by sight and be able to count to 10.

Preparing for kindergarten can be fun and does not require flash cards or homework. Encourage kids to count objects in the world around them or do some preliminary reading by recognizing letters on signs at stores or places in the neighborhood.

Kindergarten readiness is determined by a variety of factors, including age, school assessment, enthusiasm about learning, and signs of independence.

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On the Cover: Maya Haslett sketches during Young Rembrandts drawing class at Brookside Elementary School.

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Kids: Preschool, Private, Charter & Online Schools is a special advertising supplement to ThisWeek Community News. Kids: Preschool, Private, Charter & Online Schools is not responsible for opinions and views expressed in the paid advertisement in the business profiles. All real estate advertising herein is subject to the federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familiar status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

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Kids: Preschool, Private, Charter & Online Schools | Thursday, January 28, 2016

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Kids: Preschool, Private, Charter & Online Schools | Thursday, January 28, 2016

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Spark something new this year

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School is not always easy, and some students struggle as they transition from grade to grade. As students get older, some who may have experienced smooth sailing as youngsters may find they need some extra help grasping the material as coursework becomes more complicated.

Those who need some extra clarification and reinforcement may first turn to their parents.

But parents may not be familiar with certain subjects or capable of explaining certain concepts in terms kids can understand. In such situations, tutors can prove to be valuable resources to get kids back on the right academic track.

One-on-one attention from a tutor can benefit all types of learners.

Students who discover newfound success under the guidance of a tutor may have more self-con-

fidence in the classroom.

Parents wondering if a tutor can help their children may want to consider the following indicators that students may need tutors. • Consistently falling grades: Tutors may be necessary for students whose grades are gradually on the decline.

First speak with your child’s teachers, who may recommend tutors that specialize in certain subjects. • Confusion in and out of the classroom: Some kids struggle to grasp certain concepts, and such confusion can sometimes be remedied with the kind of intense study available in tutoring sessions. • Low confidence: Some kids’ confidence wanes when their grades suffer. Kids whose grades have been on the decline may feel a sense of defeat even before they take a

test or work on an assignment. Tutors can help restore confidence by creating small victories that slowly build up to larger successes. • Indifference to coursework: No student will be captivated by every subject he or she studies, but there should be some subjects that students find engaging. Students battling indifference toward their coursework may benefit from a dynamic tutor who can present subject matter in new ways and revive students’ interest.

Students who are struggling in the classroom may need some extra help outside the classroom, and many tutors are adept at reviving interest in subjects kids are studying at school. Some teachers may recommend certain tutors, while others may do some tutoring work themselves.

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Kids: Preschool, Private, Charter & Online Schools | Thursday, January 28, 2016

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At Columbus School for Girls, all girl means unlimited potential Columbus School for Girls (CGS) has been a national leader in the field of all-girls education since 1898. CSG is the only school in Central Ohio where girls can truly thrive in an environment created specifically for them. The curriculum is purposefully designed to foster strong leadership development and encourage open and meaningful dialogue.

CSG isn’t just focused on rigorous academics, girls have interests outside of the classroom such as theater, music, and sports. At CSG, girls can take part in student

performances (CSG holds an average of 33 student performances each year), take numerous music or theater classes to better develop her trade, or can train in the weight room, eight-lane pool, or yoga studio. As a multiple sport state qualifier in the Central Catholic League, CSG girls know hard work and dedication inside and outside of the classroom.

Why All Girl?

Research confirms what CSG has known for over 100 years - that a single-sex educational environment is better for girls. Consequently, the girls and young women

of CSG embrace the opportunities and challenges of adolescence with a great level of assurance and poise. Girls are always center stage - they participate, take charge, and get involved. Graduates of girls’ schools are confident learners, critical thinkers, self-starters, and contributing team players. CSG is all girl by design, and each girl is empowered to develop her true voice and embrace her full potential.

Contact the Office of Admission at (614) 252-0781, ext. 310 or visit www.columbusschoolfor girls.org

Understanding individualized education programs Children with specialized learning needs may be eligible for special services provided in public schools. Parents of students with special needs often work closely with educators and even outside therapists to develop plans to give their children the best opportunity to succeed at school.

Individualized education programs, or IEPs, is a term used to describe the goals educators and parents establish for children to ensure those youngsters’ achieve academic success. Required under a federal law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), IEPs serve as legal documents that spell out kids’ learning needs and the services the school will provide to meet those needs. IEPs also may include information on how progress will be measured and documented. Roughly 13 percent of students in the United States participate in IEPs. IEPs can include a

variety of information and education models.

An IEP may include: • the child’s present level of performance; • educational goals; • what the school will provide to help the student reach goals; • modifications and accommodations the school will adhere to; • any accommodations that will be offered during standardized testing; • timelines of when progress will be measured.

Students must be evaluated to determine their IEP eligibility. Professionals may diagnose students with specific learning disabilities.

Such a diagnosis is made outside the school and then discussed with school personnel. School counselors or psychologists may give children various tests and observe them in the classroom setting.

After an evaluation has been completed, the IEP team, including parents and school officials, will determine

if a student qualifies for an IEP. Parents must consent to an IEP before it is implemented. Many students with ADHD, autism, hearing impairment, dyslexia, cognitive challenges, and developmental delays benefit from IEPs. It’s important for parents to maintain frequent contact with teachers to ensure the IEP is being followed and to get periodic progress reports.

Concerns may require another IEP meeting, and changes can be discussed during such meetings.

IEPs are typically subject to annual reviews, and if the child isn’t making progress, certain components of the IEP may be revised.

Individualized education programs can be a great opportunity for children with special learning needs to fulfill their potential. Parents who would like to have their children evaluated should make an appointment with their child’s school to discuss the next steps.

Saturday, February 27 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Mall at Tuttle Crossing, Dublin

FREE EVENT! Don’t miss the fun!

The first annual Camp & Activities Expo presented by Columbus Parent and ThisWeek Community News will feature exhibitors from camps, activities and local businesses, an entertainment/ demonstration stage, and a family fun zone.

Information on summer camps and activities for children, early registration discounts, handson experiences, and more.

EXHIBITORS-Only a few booth spaces remain.

Please contact our team to reserve your space at (614) 583-5793 or advertising@thisweeknews.com.

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Kids: Preschool, Private, Charter & Online Schools | Thursday, January 28, 2016

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Columbus Kids

Washington Elementary School fourthgrader Kiana Glassburn practices her gymnastics during the school’s annual field day at Ballantrae Community Park.

Lorrie Cecil/ThisWeekNEWS

Amina Osman, a first-grader at Horizon Elementary School, chooses a duck from the duck pond during the school’s fourth-grade fun fair.

Paul Vernon/ThisWeekNEWS

Deer Run Elementary’s Brett Podobinski uses fancy footwork to avoid being hit by a ball during the Dublin City Schools Dodgeball Championship at Dublin Scioto High School.

Chris Parker/ThisWeekNEWS

Lauren Wahl (left) helps Alexis Schmidt read during the mentorship program session at Monterey Elementary School.

Chris Parker/ThisWeekNEWS

Caring Kids Club members Aidan McKeachie, Lauren Festi and Morgan Childs make a paper chain representing acts of kindness at Olentangy’s Tyler Run Elementary.

Barbara J. Perenic/The Columbus Dispatch

Mark Rose, 10, plants perennials at the one-room schoolhouse near Lincoln Elementary School in Gahanna. Lincoln students were celebrating Arbor Day.

John Hulkenberg/ThisWeekNEWS

Emily McGeorge, a seventh grader at Heritage Middle School, makes and sells her own jewelry. She set up a table in front of Sunny Street Cafe in Westerville last fall.

Chris Parker/ThisWeekNEWS

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Kids: Preschool, Private, Charter & Online Schools | Thursday, January 28, 2016

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Things to consider before choosing a summer camp Though February does not often elicit images of youngsters building campfires or playing games in the pool, the month more synonymous with the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day is a great time for parents to start thinking about summer camps for their kids.

Summer camp is often something kids look forward to, and something they will fondly recall long after they reach adulthood. For many kids, summer camp provides a first taste of independence, as youngsters spend significant time away from home without their parents for the first time in their lives. But as great an experience as summer camp can be for youngsters, it can be just as difficult an experience if parents don’t find the right fit for their children. That’s why it behooves parents to start thinking about summer camps for their kids in winter, before camps start filling out their rosters, which tends to happen in early spring. The following are a few things parents should take into consideration when seeking a summer camp for their kids.

Staff The right summer camp staff can make all the difference. Many children are understandably shy when arriving at a summer camp, as their friends from back home might not be joining them.

That can make kids hesitant to participate in activities or less enthusiastic about those activities. But a good staff will know how to make kids feel welcome, which should help them come out of their shells and make the most of their summer camp experiences.

The quality of staffs can vary significantly depending on the camp, so it’s important that parents ask camp representatives about their staffs before making any commitments. Ask how long the staff has been together and the types of training new and even veteran staff members undergo before the start of camp season? Does the training include first aid and emergency medical training and certification?

It’s also good to ask about the vetting process the camp employs before hiring new staff, including the extent of its background checks. Are criminal background checks conducted? How many references must potential staff members supply to be considered for employment? A good camp will be forthcoming with answers to all of your questions, so eliminate those that appear hesitant to share information about their staffs.

A day in the life When vetting camps for kids, parents should ask what a typical day is like once the season hits full swing. Many

parents want their youngsters to have a well-rounded experience, while others might want their kids to attend a more specialized camp, whether it’s a sports camp focusing on a particular sport or a music camp devoted to helping kids become better musicians. Regardless of the type of camp parents are considering for their kids, they should ask about what daily life at the camp is like.

Ask to see schedules and how strictly camps adhere to those schedules. When considering specialized camps, ask the staff representative if kids will have the chance to simply have a little fun and which types of recreational activities are planned to give kids a break from what are often rigorous schedules.

Camp goals Another thing parents must consider before choosing a summer camp for their kids is the goals of each individual camp. A camp should be dedicated to ensuring kids have fun, even when kids are attending more specialized camps that tend to be more strict. In addition, parents should look for a camp that wants its attendees to foster relationships with their fellow campers. Camp can be lonely for some youngsters, especially those attending summer camp for the first time, but a summer

Pick up the latest issue of

Columbus Parent

camp that strives to promote friendship among its campers can reduce, if not eliminate, any feelings of homesickness.

Late winter is when parents should start looking at summer

camps for their kids, and there are a host of factors moms and dads should take into consideration during the vetting process to ensure their youngsters have as much fun as possible.

Inside you’ll find: Buddy Bags a program to combat hunger in our schools

Surviving international travel with a toddler

A special kind of Valentine from Wholly Craft

columbusparent.com

plus 133 Things to Do

Coming in March... 2016 Summer Camp Guide!

The most comprehensive summer camp guide in Central Ohio!

Kids: Preschool, Private, Charter & Online Schools | Thursday, January 28, 2016

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Begin planning kids’ summer recreation now Mango’s Place offers hourly, flexible and full-time childcare for children 6 weeks to 10 years of age Mango’s Place meets the needs of today’s parents by providing hourly, flexible, and full time childcare. This service is perfect for parents who run errands, go to the doctor, go out to dinner, work from home, work part time or just need time for them. With our flexible scheduling, parents make reservations based on their needs and pay for just that time, without long-term commitments or contracts.

Mango’s Place is committed to the growth of each child by providing qualified, enthusiastic teachers, and providing a nurturing center where children can use their imagination.

Within our unique service, Mango’s

also offers a preschool program with morning and afternoon classes.

Our program has no potty training requirements and allows parents the option to use our drop-in program before and after class. Siblings can also stay in our drop in program so parents have hours of free time.

Mango’s Place has been in business for over 12 years and has helped thousands of families. Visit us at mangosplace.com for more information or tour one of our facilities at 5601 Woerner Temple Road, Dublin, or at 3967 Presidential Parkway, Powell.

Call us in Dublin at (614) 790-9970 and in Powell at (614) 792-7720.

A true sense of self A confidence that empowers A life with no limits

At Columbus School for Girls, all girl means unlimited potential.

From preschool through 12th grade www.columbusschoolforgirls.org 614.252.0781

Many families spend winter figuring out how to chase away cabin fever and endure frigid temperatures until spring and summer mercifully return. Parents thinking ahead to swimming pools and days lounging on the beach can put their daydreams to practical use by planning ahead for their youngsters’ summer vacations.

Youth recreational programs and summer camps can bridge the gap in care between the end of school and the day when classes resume. Due in part to high demand, parents who want to place their kids in summer rec programs or summer camps should being vetting such programs and camps well in advance of summer. The following are a handful of tips for moms and dads who want their kids to have fun and fulfilling summers.

• Ask for recommendations. Speak with fellow parents and trusted friends about where they send their children.

Personal recommendations can be very helpful, providing firsthand insight into a particular camp or program. Schedule appointments to visit camps that fall within your budget. Take your son or daughter along so he or she can get a sense of what camp will be like.

• Explore all options. Camps come in more flavors than ever before. Certain camps may be faith-based ministries while others may focus on particular sports. Band camps and art camps may appeal to creative kids. Also, there are plenty of general-interest camps that offer various activities without narrowing in on any particular one. Parents may need to choose between a sleepaway camp or day camps, depending

on which camp experience they want for their children.

• Inquire about camp schedules.

While many camps are flexible, day camps do not have the same level of flexibility as after-school programs. Arrangements will need to be made if care is required after regular camp hours.

Speak with camp staff to see which types of after-hours programs, if any, are available.

• Determine your camp budget. As varied as program offerings may be, camps also can vary greatly with regard to cost. Government-run camps may be less expensive than those offered by private companies. Day camps typically cost less than those that provide room and board. Find out if a particular organization subsidizes a portion of camp costs. Scouting programs often have a dedicated camp and may offer affordable options for scouts. Martial arts schools and dance centers frequently offer camp schedules.

If camp seems out of reach, look into local summer recreation programs at parks or schools. Such programs may not be as extensive as those offered by camps, but they can quell kids’ boredom and keep children occupied during the day.

In addition to camp, remember to plan for some free days so children can just enjoy some downtime. Such days can break up the monotony of a routine and provide kids and families time to relax together.

Summer recreation may be far off, but it is never too early to start making summer plans, including finding camps and other activities for kids.

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