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NOVEMBER 2014 // FREE

MUSIC & CHILDREN 8 w ay s m u s i c enhances T HE L I V ES OF kids

WHAT IS OPEN ADOPTION? UNDE R S TANDIN G MISC O NCE P T I O NS

celebrating years !

30 FEATURING »

A LOOK BACK AT THE HISTORY OF INDY'S CHILD

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Indy's Child EBRATIN L g E C

30 years

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4 1 8 4-2 0

TH A NK YOU! These two little words hardly express the enormous gratitude we feel for the relationships we have built at Indy’s Child with our partner advertisers over the years. Each month as our issues go from a conception of ideas to a tangible product, we are reminded that the support we receive from local businesses and organizations makes it all possible.

As we celebrate our thirtieth year of publishing, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation for those of you who have shared our mission of providing Indianapolis families with a valuable, and always free, magazine to serve our most important population – our children.

Mary W ynne Cox, Publisher and Barbara s. wynne, founding publisher

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IN EVERY ISSUE

contents

// NOVEMBE R 2014

INDYSCHILD.COM

AROUND TOWN 24

NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS

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FIZZLE! BUBBLE! POP!

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A FAMILY CIRCUS

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INDIANAPOLIS REPERTORY THEATRE

C O M M E N TA R Y & PA R E N T I N G 46

RESEARCH TO REAL WORLD

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ASK THE TEACHER

W O M E N ' S H E A LT H 22 N O B O N E S A B O U T I T

IN EVERY ISSUE 1 6 PUBLISHER'S NOTE

F E AT U R E S

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THREE GENERATIONS OF INDY'S CHILD An interview wih Barbara Wynne, Mary Wynne Cox and Wendy Cox

1 8 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT 20 ONLINE BUZZ

RESOURCES & CALENDARS 42

SPECIAL NEEDS CALENDAR

44 SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

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INDY 'S CHILD TIMELINE

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WHAT IS AN OPEN ADOPTION?

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MUSIC AND CHILDREN

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WHEN PARENTING STYLES CLASH

SPECIAL NEEDS

Finding common ground for a more harmonious household

38 AUTISM HOME SAFETY

A look back at our history

Understanding the differences in adoptive relationships

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PRIVATE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE

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EDUCATION & CHILDCARE GUIDE

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DAILY EVENTS

60 ONGOING EVENTS 61

MARKETPLACE

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FUN & WACKY CALENDAR

8 ways music education enhances the lives of kids

40 SUPERPOWER SMILE

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PUBLISHER'S NOTE

Congratulations Mary

for Surviving the Onion Patch hand-me-downs. She had a bow or headband on her bare head, because she didn’t have much hair until she was two. Yes, I was very proud of Mary from the day she was born!

A

s mothers we often sing “silly songs” to our babies and I was no exception. I had a silly song for each of my six children. I would sing to them at the swing set, on those neighborhood stroller walks and of course when putting them to bed. I believe children like routines and that includes silly songs.

In my heart, I am dedicating this column to my only daughter, Mary Wynne Cox, who has taken a dream of mine to standards beyond my greatest expectations. I know that Mary is a survivor. She survived more pranks than I ever knew about and her five brothers never stopped talking about the stupid stuff they did when I was out and about.

That brings me to Mary’s silly song: “Mary Elizabeth is a little petunia in the onion patch, The onion patch, the onion patch.

Mary Elizabeth is a little petunia in the onion patch And I love her very, very much!”

I probably sang that song to her thousands of times when she was a little girl and I am ashamed that I don’t take her flats of petunias each year for her garden. I should! My good intentions often falter.

Mary Elizabeth Wynne was born when my husband was still in IU Law School and was the fourth of our six children. She had a few privileges that her brothers never enjoyed: her own room and fewer

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Mary has many attributes that developed in her formative years. She had lots of neighborhood girlfriends who remain her closest friends to this day. I believe good friends support you in all that you do and buffer you with their love in tough times.

Mary is blessed to have many good and loyal friends. They helped her become a “people person” and her ability to network and work with partners and staff members can be traced to those experiences of developing loyalties and teamwork as a child.

When we started Indy’s Child, Mary had just graduated from DePauw University and thought that life in other cities sounded very exciting. Today, her optimism is always how great and innovative Indianapolis is and how much support Indy’s Child has from our community. She is like the Chamber of Commerce, always extolling the quality of life in Indianapolis.

Lastly, Mary is always excited about change and new ideas. She loves that Indy’s Child readers “blog.” She loves the responses we get to our e-mail offers and our offices are packed with baskets of toys and baby items for the special events we support. Her daughter, Wendy, has become more than a Girl Friday as she coordinates events and handles our promotions on social media.

Congratulations to our staff, our loyal advertisers and our faithful readers who constantly make our informed parenting mission paramount in all we do.

Many thanks to all of you for thirty years of community support which we recognize as the primary reason for our success and our promise for a bright future.

Barbara Wynne FOUNDING PUBLISHER

M eet the S taff FOUNDING PUBLISHER Barbara Wynne | barbara@indyschild.com

PUBLISHER Mary Wynne Cox | mary@indyschild.com

EDITOR Susan Bryant | susan@indyschild.com

SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Jennica Zalewski | jennica@indyschild.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Katie Clark | katie@indyschild.com

WEB EDITOR Wendy Cox | wendy@indyschild.com

BUSINESS MANAGER Roxanne Burns | roxanne@indyschild.com

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Jennifer Beahrs | jbeahrs@indyschild.com

WEBSITE DESIGN & GRAPHICS ASSISTANT Maria Tancredi | maria@indyschild.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Wendy Schrepferman | s.wendy@indyschild.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Maggie Loiselle, Steffy McCourt, Sarah Bricker-Hunt, Karen Ring, Sarah McCosham, Wendy Schrepferman, Pete Gilbert, Deb Krupowicz, Kelly Blewett, Jessica Beer, Chrissy Colgrove of Downtown Indy, Kimberly Harms of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

PHOTOGRAPHERS Front Cover: Hannah Hilliard Inside Magazine: Katie Maynard, Keyla Jones, Lindsay Konduris, Summer Kegeris

CONTACT US 921 E. 86th Street., Suite 130 | Indianapolis, IN 46240 PHONE: 317.722.8500 | FAX: 317.722.8510 EMAIL: info@indyschild.com

COPYRIGHT Indy’s Child Parenting Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2014

by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein. For information on subscriptions, editorial guidelines, advertising rates and more visit www. indyschild.com.

[on the cover] photo by Hannah Hilliard PHOTOGRAPHY // hannahhilliard.com

AVA & A N N I E MA N N

AGES: 7 & 4

FAVORITES . . . school subject: Reading // Everything color: Orange // Pink movie: Bedknobs & Broomsticks // Frozen food: Both love mac n' cheese restaurant : Both love Noodles & Co tv show: Good Luck Charlie // Sofia the First sport: Basketball // Tennis ice cream: Vanilla // Chocolate book: Sisters // Brown Bear, Brown Bear candy bar: A sucker // Anything chocolate toy: Hide Away Pet // Elsa doll super hero: Word Girl // Wonder Woman

INTE RESTING FAC T. . .

When they grow up, Ava wants to be an athlete and Annie wants to be a teacher!

AVA (LEFT) WITH HER SISTER ANNIE (RIGHT)

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IN EVERY ISSUE

COMMUNIT Y

spotlight

C ALL ING ALL ARCHI T EC TS! Conner Prairie invites individuals, families, businesses and other organizations to create a gingerbread house or other structure for the annual Gingerbread Village competition! A reception and awards ceremony for all participants will be held on November 25. All entrants will receive two tickets for Conner Prairie’s 2015 season and will have their creation on display during The Gingerbread Village exhibit December 1st – January 4th.

Entry deadline: Friday, November 14th by 5 p.m.

HOL IDAY M ART It’s time for Indy’s most popular shopping event, The Indianapolis Junior League’s Holiday Mart! Experience over 100 unique merchants from around the country and support Junior League’s grant initiatives for local, nonprofit organizations. Be sure to check the website for special opportunities to visit Holiday Mart on Shoppers' Eve and Girls' Night Out. November 13 – 16th at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Marsh Pavilion $10 advance tickets are available at all Marsh Supermarkets or at www.JLindy.org $15 tickets will be available on the day of the event

W IN T ER WAR MT H Warm the heart of a foster child by donating new gloves, hats, scarves and socks during the “Winter Warmth” drive sponsored by Indy’s Child, Broadway Across America, Old National Bank and The Villages. From November 17 – December 20th, all central Indiana Old National Bank branches will be collecting these new items. Theatre patrons are encouraged to bring donations to the production of Elf, The Broadway Musical playing at The Murat Theatre December 16 – 20th. Help make this winter a little warmer for an Indiana foster child!

Delivery of entries: Friday, November 20th or 21st between 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Visit www. connerprairie.org, call (317) 776-6000 or email festivals@connerprairie.org for additional details.

Helping Second Helpings Tiny Tonic is the kid’s version of Indy’s popular Tonic Ball. The event benefits Second Helpings, a not for profit specializing in food rescue, hunger relief and culinary job training. Tiny Tonic is a great opportunity to introduce kids to philanthropy and volunteerism while celebrating great, live music! This free event features the family friendly selections of Fleetwood Mac, Velvet Underground and Nirvana. Children will also have the opportunity to help out in the Second Helpings community kitchen.

Saturday, November 15th fro 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Second Helpings www.tonicindy.com/about-tonic-ball/tiny-tonic/

RE AL I T Y T V MEETS SCIE NCE Bloomington’s WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology will unveil its latest exhibit, Big-Headed Ants on November 4! Museum guests will have an intimate view into the secret lives of one of the planet’s most successful creatures inside an enclosed, clear Plexiglass habitat. Even visitors who do not particularly enjoy insects will be amazed!

Visitors can engage in the scientific process of recording observations such as what food the ants prefer, when ants are most active, etc. Feeding demonstrations are held on Saturdays at 1 p.m. in November and December as well.

In addition to the multifaceted habitat exhibit, visitors can learn about the remarkable chemical system of trail pheromones ants use to communicate. Don’t miss the handson portion of the exhibit comparing the relative strength of humans and ants!

Spreading cheer at R iley The Riley Cheer Guild invites girls, their friends and families to experience an American Girl Fashion Show.

The event will showcase historical and contemporary fashions and will also include doll-themed food stations, craft stations, party favors, photography and a doll hair salon. Proceeds will benefit The Cheer Guild Toy Room at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health.

Saturday, November 22nd and Sunday, November 23rd at The Palms Banquet and Conference Center http://cheerguild.org

WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. & Sunday, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

(812) 337-1337 | www.wonderlab.org 18

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IN EVERY ISSUE

buzz ONLINE

// CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S

Tickets to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Legends

facebook & weekly e-newsletter contests

// FACEBOOK TALK WE ASKED:

Where is your family's favorite pizza place?

Marvel Universe LIVE Tickets

YOU SAID: Greek's Pizzaria. There is one in Noblesville and Fishers. – Roxanne B. Mother Bears in Bloomington! – Michelle E. Jockamo! – Misty G. Chicago in Clermont – Amanda P. Pizza King! – Jana D. Bob's to your door – Crystalyn S. Bazbeaux Pizza or Bebop Pizza in Broad Ripple – Sasha G. Roselli's in west Carmel – Nikki S.

Tickets to LEGO Kids Fest

Monical's – Kristy F. Bruno's in Lafayette, IN. Here in Indy, Bazbeaux! – Lori S. Our house!!! I make killer pizza!! – Cindy B. Puccini's! – Lindsey B. Union Jack's Pizza – Eleanor T. “ L ike ” us on F acebook to J oin the C onversation . . .

Over 14,000 fans & counting

F I ND U S ON L I NE

FACEBOOK // indyschild.com TWITTER // @indyschild 20

INDYSCHILD.COM // NOVEMBER 2014

Sign up for your FREE Indy's Child Weekly E-newsletter, featuring upcoming news, weekend events & exciting contests!

Go to IndysChild.com

Disney on Ice: Princesses & Heroes Tickets

NOVEMBER 2014 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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WO M E N ' S H E A LT H / / B R ANDED CONTENT

No Bones About It // Lack of sun exposure, low vitamin D can weaken your bones Just around the time we come into

motherhood, we begin witnessing our mothers and grandmothers suffering broken wrists, hips and spines. As it happens, osteoporosis – the result of losing too much bone, producing too little of it, or both – leaves one in two women over age 50 with a broken bone, and many with loss of height. After that, a cascade of repeated fractures, pain and disability can occur.

It doesn’t have to be that way!

Taking steps to prevent osteoporosis is easy and inexpensive. Here, we focus on one bone health villain: vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D occurs naturally in the body in response to sun exposure.

Just let the sun kiss your bare skin for a few minutes, and voilà: you’ve got a new stash of vitamin D. Easy enough, right? The trouble is with

more of us slathering on 60 SPF sunscreen around the clock and leading indoor lifestyles – especially as winter approaches – we don’t get enough rays to produce vitamin D, says Dr. Emily Frank, a bone health specialist with St.Vincent Carmel.

That deficiency, Dr. Frank explains, can lead to porous, brittle bones, worsening the natural decline in bone strength and density we experience in our 50s, around the time menopause hits. “Frequently, by the time I see patients, it’s too late,” she says. “They’ve already had a fracture and bones are weak all over the body.”

You may lack vitamin D if you: • Spend little time outdoors.

• Wear sunscreen or cover your skin most of the time.

• Have dark skin.

• Underwent bariatric surgery or have health issues that hinder food absorption.

• Are pregnant or obese.

People with vitamin D deficiency may experience tiredness and general aches and pains, according to the Vitamin D Council. A severe deficiency may trigger pain in the bones or infections. Yet, in most cases, vitamin D deficiency (like osteoporosis) is symptom-free until it evolves into something more serious.

So how do you get enough vitamin D? While some foods carry the nutrient, beware: you can’t get enough through diet. Small amounts can be found in fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), eggs, mushrooms, dairy and grains that are fortified with vitamin D, but not enough to maintain healthy levels.

That leaves us with two alternatives: the sun and supplements. Dr. Frank advises a few minutes of sun exposure without sunscreen one or two days a week. Vitamin D kicks into production in about half the time it takes your skin to turn pink and begin to burn, according to the Council – that’s about 15 minutes for a fair-skinned person, or a couple of hours for a dark-skinned person. The closer to midday sun, the better, the Council advises: “A good rule of

@3384HER

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thumb is if your shadow is longer than you are tall, you’re not making much vitamin D.” Uneasy about sun exposure? Take a supplement. “It’s safe, inexpensive and widely available,” says Dr. Frank, recommending 600–1000 IU daily for most adults. Vitamin D3 is your best bet, says the Council – “not the stuff mixed with calcium,” Dr. Frank adds.

To find out your vitamin D levels, you’ll need a blood test. Winter is the best time to get one, when you have the least amount of sun exposure. If vitamin D deficiency is diagnosed, doctors may treat it with a single big dose, a higher dose once a week or a dose every day. After levels are normalized, “expect to take lower levels of vitamin D for the rest of your life,” says Dr. Frank, advising you start even before you run low on the nutrient.

Practicing good bone health habits now can mean the difference between thriving and struggling in old age. Maintaining healthy vitamin D levels is a no-brainer way to get there. Make no bones about it.

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A RO UN D TOWN

November Happenings // Top family-friendly picks to try this month!

Chrissy Colgrove, Downtown Indy

There is something remarkable about downtown in the fall.

Whether it’s warm or frigid, sunny or brisk, the city offers something for your family every weekend in November.

Be sure to grab your hat and mittens and watch Indy’s most beloved tradition, Circle of Lights® presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW #481, the ceremonial lighting of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, on November 28 from 6 – 8 pm.

Flip the switch That magical moment is quickly approaching where one lucky child will have the opportunity to “flip the switch” at this year’s event. All children ages 12 and under are invited to participate in the Circle of Lights Coloring Contest, which runs November 1-17. While only one child will get the chance to light up Monument Circle, five finalists will be selected to receive a College Choice 529 Savings Plan, valued at $529. For more information, visit www.indydt.com/COL.cfm.

Buuurrrrrr….

Too chilly to be outdoors? Check out one of the eight home Pacers games at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Dress in all blue and head over to support Colts Nation at Lucas Oil Stadium: November 16 vs. New England Patriots, November 23 vs.

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Jacksonville Jaguars and November 30 vs. Washington Redskins.

It’s almost that time It may be November, but the sights and sounds of Christmas are already here. Enjoy holiday shows at some of Indy’s best theatres.

Phoenix Theatre will feature an Indy favorite, A Very Phoenix Xmas 9: Flashing Through the Snow, from November 28 - December 21.

Starting November 15, Indiana Repertory Theatre is bringing back the beloved classic, A Christmas Carol. For a whimsical reinvention of Dickens’ Christmas story, visit The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis for A Seussified Christmas Carol from November 28 - January 4.

Free fun Bring the kids to Indy Reads Books for Paws to Read every first and third Saturday of the month. The gang of certified reading therapy dogs make supportive (not to mention adorable) listeners. Also at Indy Reads Books, kids can have a blast on Tuesdays at the Chess Club for Kids. Professional chess instructors facilitate the event, offering lessons free of charge.

With so much happening this November downtown, be sure to take advantage of all there is to do!

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t hree generations

of Indy’s Child Susan Bryant, Editor

An interview with Barbara Wynne, Mary Wynne Cox & Wendy Cox

T

hirty years ago, a busy mother of six felt overwhelmed – but impressed – by the sheer volume of interesting, engaging activities available to children in the Indianapolis area. She guessed that other parents, like her, would appreciate a “one stop” allinclusive resource that compiled these various opportunities so that families could easily access those they found most appealing.

And so, seeking to fulfill this need, Barbara Wynne created Indy’s Child.

I recently sat down with Barbara, her daughter Mary and granddaughter Wendy, to talk about the history of their family business and what the future holds for this longtime Indianapolis magazine.

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Barbara, did you have any publishing or magazine experience prior to starting Indy’s Child? »Barbara: Well, I didn’t really know what I was doing in the beginning! Although, I did have a little background in journalism – I wrote a weekly column for the Shortridge Daily Echo called “For Nit Wits Only” for three years with Nancy Browning Peterson. My teachers used to say I had printer's ink in my nails (which meant I liked to write). I was also a writer and editor for the Junior League of Indianapolis "Pen and Inklings" newsletter.

What really helped me was that I happened to see a copy of Austin’s Child while I was in town there for a wedding. This publication actually led me to reaching out to the publisher of Seattle’s Child, which was a great model for what I wanted to do.

How many family members have worked for Indy’s Child over the years? »Mary: Nine members of our family have worked here at some point or another. Currently, Wendy is our web editor and developer and handles PR and event planning. »Barbara: And Mary has worked with me from day one.

What were some of the challenges or struggles you faced in the early days? »Barbara: All the layout had to be done by hand. »Mary: The technology was very different – it’s so much easier now! Looking back, I don’t know how we did it. I remember being really excited when we got a fax machine! The process of putting the magazine together used to be incredibly slow. Everything is so much faster and simpler now.

Did you have any difficulty getting community support when you started? »Mary: Well my mom was so well-known in the community – she still is – that people embraced it because of her. Really, she is practically the unofficial mayor of Indy! So her prior connections and success really helped us.

Wendy, you’ve grown up with Indy’s Child, even appearing on the cover with your sister once.

What’s it like to play such an integral role now? »Wendy: It’s really interesting – especially to see how everything works together. Even since I started here a few years ago, the technology has changed so much.

What would you consider some of the highlights over the years? »Barbara: The bonding and teambuilding experiences I’ve had with staff throughout the years. And seeing us grow and connect with the community – I know that even grandmothers pick up Indy’s Child to get ideas for things to do with their grandchildren.

»Barbara: And she does such a good job!

»Wendy: Just seeing how it’s changed and grown over the years.

»Mary: It’s nice to have a young person on staff who is so quick to understand Twitter, Facebook – all the social media. Sometimes I stumble around on the computer, and she’ll say, “Just give it to me Mom.”

»Mary: It was a huge highlight to win multiple awards at the PMA conference (Parenting Media Association) last year – each of our magazines won gold, and we won eight awards overall. It was really exciting.

You’ve expanded into other markets with Cincinnati Parent, Dayton Parent and Hamilton County Family magazine – what prompted this decision?

Some say that print publications are on their way out – how do you respond to that?

»Mary: We really just wanted to extend our reach to parents. In Cincinnati, we acquired a publication called All About Kids 28 years ago and renamed it Cincinnati Parent. Hamilton County Family magazine began in 2012 because that area is growing so much, we wanted to be a part of it. And Dayton is a great market as well – we just celebrated the one year anniversary of Dayton Parent this past September.

»Mary: They’re wrong! Print is not dead! I think when it comes to magazines, many people still like to hold what they’re reading. »Barbara: I know I do. »Wendy: And sometimes there are things you want to rip out from a magazine and put on your frig!

What would you still like to accomplish in the future?

Can you talk about your staff a little? How they work together from three different cities?

»Mary: I like the hyper-local model. I’d like to consider expanding into other cities like Bloomington or West Lafayette.

»Mary: I have the best team in the entire world.

We work remotely from home for the most part, but we’re close knit even though it’s mostly online. Technology makes it so easy to stay connected. Yesterday I needed to talk to two staff members and we just got on Google Hangout and accomplished our meeting that way.

Thirty years is a long time to stay in one line of work, what still gets you excited about it?

»Wendy: I bet it’s a different work environment than what my grandmother was used to. »Barbara: Yes!

»Mary: For me, it’s like playing Monopoly. It’s a game – and I still like the hunt of each sale every day. »Wendy: I like the community that we’ve developed on our Facebook pages – how readers interact and learn from each other. And our following keeps growing – it’s fun to keep up with. »Mary: Also, I’m just so proud of what we’ve done. I feel really good about what we’re offering people – it’s a great resource for parents.

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Indy’s Child a lot can happen in 30 years!

JAN 1995

Here’s a look back at the history of Indy’s Child – from our start as a single four-page black and white paper to four local magazines with their own web sites, Facebook pag e s, e - new slet ter s and Twitter followers.

1994 Midwest Parenting Publications (MPP) is founded, the parent company of Indy’s Child, Cincinnati Parent and future publications

1986 Indy’s Child joins NPPA (National Parenting Publications of America) which later becomes the Parenting Media Association (PMA)

MPP, Inc.

AMP FA I RC

R

8 198

SUMM E

With each year, new challenges arose along with opportunities to expand our reach and better serve our audience. In 1984, we couldn’t have possibly known the growth that awaited us – which only makes us more excited to see what the next decade brings!

Indy’s Child changes from a newspaper format to a magazine format

Indy’s Child 1986 NOV 1984 First issue of Indy’s Child is published by mother-daughter team Barbara Wynne (Publisher) and Mary Wynne Cox (Editor)

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All About Kids in Cincinnati is founded, which Indy’s Child acquires in 2008 and renames Cincinnati Parent

FEB 1988 The first annual Camp Fair is a big success, connecting Indianapolis families to a wide range of camp and summer programs

NOV 1994 Mary Cox’s daughters, Wendy and Courtney, appear on the cover

1998 indyschild.com launches

TIMELINE

EBRATIN g EL C

30 years

JAN 2011

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Wendy Cox becomes the third generation of family to work at Indy's Child

FEB 2008 Cincinnati Parent debuts

JUL 2011

FEB 2004 Steve Martin appears with local child actor to promote Cheaper by the Dozen

FEB 2014

Magazine is redesigned to a slightly smaller tabloid format

2010

Midwest Parenting Publications receives 8 awards in the PMA Design and Editorial Awards Competition

Indy's Child joins Facebook

SEPT 2013

MAY 2011

MAY 2008

Full color glossy magazine cover debuts

Racecar champion Dan Wheldon appears on the cover

8 4-2 0 1 4

Dayton Parent launches

JAN 2012 Hamilton County Family launches

2006 The first e-newsletter is sent to readers

JAN 2009 Colts player Bob Sanders appears on the cover

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AROUND TOWN

Fizzle! Bubble! Pop! Kimberly Harms, Director Media Public Relations, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

A new witch’s brew? No, it’s Chemistry Day at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, where families will be introduced to the world of chemistry. Children may not know that chemical reactions are happening all around them, such as when their family bakes cupcakes or when they help wash greasy dishes in soapy water. Chemistry Day is an opportunity to explore cause and effect and interactions between objects. Seeing and exploring mixtures that create bubbles, give off light or heat, or drastically change form are all reactions that children can observe at the museum with the help of scientists from our community.

Chemistry can be explored at home, using common items from your kitchen. A simple activity for small children is to create indoor bubbles, using colored vinegar and baking soda. Add a drop or two of food coloring to a small amount of vinegar. Place baking soda in a baking dish or plastic container with sides. Allow your child to use an eye dropper to add vinegar to the baking soda. This simple reaction is captivating as it produces bubbles and provides an opportunity for

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children to use scientific process skills such as observation or prediction. Ask your child if he is surprised by what he saw or ask him to describe what happened on the plate.

Exploring solutions and evaporation can seem like magic to young children. But it is actually a fundamental experience in helping to understand basic chemistry. Have your child mix a spoonful of salt into a glass of water and ask what may have happened to the salt. You can also have your child predict what might happen if you leave the salt water sitting on the counter.

Carefully pour a small amount of the salt water into a colored plate or bowl. Let it sit for a few days and have your child make an observation each day. After the water has evaporated, observe carefully as you may see that salt has “magically” been left on the plate. This is a great opportunity for children to think through a scientific principle.

The opportunity to interact with scientists is a powerful component of Chemistry Day as well. Talking with real people who do science, helps them understand that science

is accessible to them as a career.

The Children’s Museum offers children and families other extraordinary ways to access science and talk with real scientists.

Exploring fossils in the Paleo Prep Lab in Dinosphere is an opportunity to talk with paleontologists. Children can discover the stories of archaeologists such as Dr. Charlie Beeker (Extraordinary Underwater

Archaeologist-in-Residence) in National Geographic’s Treasures of the Earth. Whether you are interested in chemistry, dinosaurs or another science topic, have fun and take time to explore!

Chemistry Day at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is November 1, 2014 from 10 am – 3 pm and is free with museum admission.

photo cREDIT // THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS

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what is an

Open Adoption?

Understanding the differences in adoptive relationships Sarah Bricker-Hunt

A

ccording to the Child Welfare League of America, there are over 150,000 children in the United States awaiting adoption, and an additional 500,000 in foster care. Many of these children will also become eligible for adoption. The process of adopting a child is often complicated and lengthy, but sorting through some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding this issue can help put prospective parents on a clearer path.

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The way that adoption is often portrayed in movies and television, where couples visit an orphanage and return home as parents, is hardly accurate. Children are adopted in many ways – through agencies that pair up adoptive parents with interested pregnant women, through the foster care system, international adoptions, as a result of family situations including death and remarriage and a whole host of other circumstances.

Making sense of a complicated process Becoming a parent is always a vulnerable experience, but adoption adds an extra layer of exposure. “You’re basically naked,” Andrea, mother of two adopted children and a set of twins, says. “You’re being poked and prodded and inspected by complete strangers. The

paperwork is overwhelming, and you feel like you're walking on eggshells the whole time.” Still, she is quick to add, “I would have gone through 100 times worse. It is all completely worth it.”

No matter the path, adoptions generally fall into a few categories: open, semi-closed and closed.

These categorizations refer to the amount of privacy and ongoing contact the adoptive and birth families will maintain.

Diane Jasper, Director of Foster Care and Adoption at The Villages in Indianapolis, describes open adoption as a “fully disclosed adoption,” where identifying information is exchanged and contact is maintained to some degree. This is in contrast to a semi-open adoption, where limited contact is maintained through a mediator and less identifying details photo cREDIT (LEFT) // SUMMER KEGERIS

are shared, and to a closed or “confidential” adoption, where there is no contact between the families.

Jasper points out that these categories can change throughout the course of the adoption process and even years after the adoption is final. This is due, in part, to the influence of the internet and social media. “It is quite easy for one person to locate another,” she says. “This may be a teen who locates birth family members via Facebook or some other internet search. So, a closed adoption may turn into an open adoption.” She also says safety concerns that emerge later can lead to an open adoption becoming closed.

After the adoption For Andrea, the circumstances following her two adoptions “couldn’t be more different.” One birth mother maintains limited email contact, and Andrea sends occasional updates. “Honestly, I wish it could be more,” she says, “but I need to respect her privacy and desire to keep a far distance.” Her other child’s birth family, in contrast, has become an extended family to her own. She was present in the delivery room and the family bonds have only grown stronger over the years. Both sons even participated

in her younger son’s birth mother’s wedding.

Jasper says many fears regarding open adoption are based on myths. “The biggest misunderstanding is that open adoption is viewed as shared parenting,” she says. “This is not the case – there is only set of legal parents and that is the adoptive parents.” All decisions for the child are made by the adoptive parents.

She says some people worry that open adoption could create confusion for the child in terms of who is their parent, or fear about birth parents taking them away from their adoptive parent. “This is not supported by research that has been conducted on open adoptions," Jasper says. “Birth parents do not attempt to ‘reclaim’ their children, and children do understand the different roles of adoptive and birth parents in their lives.”

St. Elizabeth/Coleman Pregnancy and Adoption Services echoes this point on its website: “Adoptees are not confused by contact with their birthparents,” the site reads. “In reality, adoptees benefit from the increased understanding that their birthparents gave them life but their forever families take care of and nurture them.”

Jasper says that adoptive parents need to educate themselves “not only on what type of adoption plan they feel the most comfortable pursuing, but also on the multitude of other adoption issues that will present as their child matures and begins to ask questions about their adoption and family of origin.”

November is National Adoption Month. To find out more, visit the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services website at www.childwelfare. gov/adoption/nam/#twtr=pro.

A few Indianapolis adoption resources Adoption Support Center: www.adoptionsupportcenter.com Children’s Bureau, Inc.: www.childrensbureau.org Indiana Department of Child Services: www.in.gov/dcs/2730.htm ML J Adoptions: www.mljadoptions.com St. Elizabeth/ Coleman Pregnancy and Adoption Services: www.givingbirthtohope.org The Villages: www.villages.org

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M usic

and Steffy McCourt

8 ways music education enhances the lives of kids

i

f your toddler loves banging pots and pans, your middle schooler is still singing all the songs from Frozen or your tween has his ear buds in 24/7, you may have a music lover on your hands. Which is great news, because music is incredibly beneficial for children! Beyond learning how to play an instrument or sing, children who receive music education develop a broad skill set that can enhance their lives for many years, in many ways.

What are these benefits? “Let’s start at the beginning/ A very good place to start…” – Maria, The Sound of Music.

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children

DO

Discipline “I personally believe the biggest correlation between success in school and studying a musical instrument has to do with the discipline it takes to learn a musical instrument,” says Hillary Blake of Meridian Music.

“Successful music students must practice their craft on a regular basis in order to make consistent progress. They must learn to manage their time to include this practice into their daily lives. When children start music instruction early on, they are building these habits without even thinking about it.”

RE

Empathy In a 2012 year-long study, researchers from the University of Cambridge, England found that schoolaged children who participated in group music education classes which taught ensemble and rhythmic work, were more capable of accurately recognizing another’s emotional state. Researchers

discovered that specific musical activities like “imitation” where children were asked to imitate another musician or musical piece increased the child’s ability to recognize another’s “mental state.”

Amy Hayes, co-founder and executive director of Intimate Opera of Indianapolis, adds, “People are people and while we may have different experiences our cores are the same. By experiencing the music of cultures that are either removed from us in time or space, we can see our interconnectedness and, perhaps, we can become kinder individuals.”

MI

Spatial-temporal and math skills If you have one tired parent, one algebra assignment and one musical child, how late will you be up working on homework? Not long probably! Research has found a link between students’ understanding of music and their ability to visualize elements that should go together (spatial-temporal skills). This is the same ability that is needed to successfully complete those

tricky word problems found in math classes.

Spatial-temporal skills are also fundamental in architecture, engineering, art and especially information technology.

FA

Confidence Learning to read music, play an instrument or sing on pitch isn’t easy – and mastering these skills builds confidence and self-esteem. Pair these abilities with performing in front of people and you provide kids with an opportunity to show off what they can do – to resounding applause!

SO

Language development “When children start studying music before the age of seven, they develop bigger vocabularies, a better sense of grammar and a higher verbal IQ. These advantages benefit both the development of their mother tongue and the learning of foreign languages. During these crucial years, the brain is at its sensitive development phase, with 95% of the brain's growth occurring now. Music training started

during this period also boosts the brain's ability to process subtle differences between sounds and assist in the pronunciation of languages – and this gift lasts for life, as it has been found that adults who had musical training in childhood still retain this ability to learn foreign languages quicker and more efficiently than adults who did not have early childhood music training.” From the book The Music Miracle: The Scientific Secret to Unlocking Your Child's Full Potential by Liisa Henriksson Macaulay.

LA

Test scores A study done at the University of Kansas in 2007 found that elementary schools with superior music programs had students who performed 22% higher in English and 20% higher in math on standardized tests.

TI

Creativity “Musical activity can foster creativity in a number of ways,” says Blake. “Music naturally gets people thinking and even can change one’s mood. Also,

most musical curriculums encourage musical creativity from the very beginning stages. Children have the opportunity to improvise, create their own melodies, rhythms and lyrics very early in their musical studies.”

DO

Motor skills In order to make music, a child must learn to simultaneously do several things at once. For example, a trumpet player must control his breathing, manipulate the airstream with his tongue to start and stop notes, use his fingers to press valve buttons, use his eyes to read the music and listen to the notes that he and others create. As the student progresses, so too will his motor skills.

Music education can begin to benefit a child as early as the first month of life. With such far-reaching effects, encouraging the musicmakers in your household to express themselves in this way can be one of the best parenting decisions you ever make!

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AROUND TOWN

A Family Circus // The Friscos, their elephants and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Sarah McCosham

Most parents would agree there are times they feel like the ringleader of a circus – a wild, unruly circus. In fact, this comparison might not be fair – for the animals, that is.

Ringling Bros. are always treated with the utmost care, and their wellbeing is top priority. “These elephants are part of my family.”

Joe Frisco III, Lead Senior Elephant Handler for Ringling Bros., says that working with “the second smartest animals in the world” is a pleasure – and a job he’s very lucky to be able to do. (For the record, only great apes are considered smarter than elephants.)

Frisco’s wife and five children are all actively involved in the circus as well.

The kids help Frisco care for the elephants, and even participate in shows on occasion. “When [oldest son] Lucas was two and a half, he was part of a special performance with my grandfather and one of the elephants,” recalls Frisco. “That’s a really special memory.”

Elephants have been part of Joe’s family for generations, beginning with his grandfather. “When my grandpa [Joe Senior] was 10, he ran away from home and joined the circus,” says Frisco. “He observed the elephant trainers, and worked his way up to become one of the best-known trainers in United States.”

Joe Senior had three sons – Joe’s father (Joe II) and his two uncles.

They were each taught to work with different animals: horse, tiger and elephant. “But they all wanted to work with the elephants,” says Frisco.

While Frisco was always interested in the circus, he wanted to explore other options as well. He won a scholarship to play college football, but suffered a major injury during his high school’s all-star game. With a torn ACL and a football career on hold, Frisco decided to join the family business, a decision that “was always a possibility, something I knew I wanted to do.”

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Fast forward to today, and just like his father, uncles and grandfather, Frisco is an experienced elephant trainer. As the Lead Senior Elephant Handler for Ringling Bros., Frisco is responsible for “everything that has to do with elephants and their well-being.” He manages all aspects of the elephants’ training and care – a job that starts in infancy. “When the elephants are born, we watch what they like to do and how they naturally play. For example, if they like to lay down a lot, they’ll be trained to do that on command,” he says.

Frisco says that what spectators see in the shows is simply an extension of what the elephants do on their own,

just “glammed up.” “Our elephants go through routines to be physically fit every day, and that’s why elephants with Ringling Bros. live really long lives – they are mentally stimulated and physically fit,” he says. He adds that the elephants receive lots of rewards during training, and learn almost solely by verbal cues.

“It is very important to surround our lovely girls with the most experienced and talented handlers, and make sure they are always taken care of,” says Frisco. While there are often complaints about how elephants are treated with the circus, Frisco says that the elephants with

Being part of the circus is a 24/7 job, says Frisco, “so it’s important for my kids to have ‘normal’ childhood experiences, too.” His children attend school with other Ringling Bros. kids, and Frisco takes them to sports games and non-circus related events in the different cities they visit.

At the end of the day, Frisco says he’s lucky to be around his family so much and is grateful his kids are also growing up with the opportunity to be around elephants. “But,” he adds, “I’ll support anything they want to do – circus or not!”

Frisco and his pachyderms will be performing in Indianapolis December 4-7 as part of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey LEGENDS Tour.

For more information, visit www.ringling.com. *photo courtesy of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey

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INDY 'S CHILD SPECIAL NEEDS SECTION

AUTI S M HOME SAFET Y // Special considerations for those on the spectrum

C r e ate safe s pac e s The basics of childproofing are a good place to start when creating a safe home for a child with autism – secure heavy furniture to walls; install childproof latches on drawers and cabinets; cover outlets and cords; and lock away medicines and chemicals, including cleaning supplies.

Kent McCool, founder and owner of Home Safe Homes, a Carmel-based home safety service, recommends parents focus their efforts on creating several safe spaces within the home.

“Place baby gates in stairways, both at the top and at the bottom, and use additional gates in doorways of rooms that are off limits,” such as laundry and utility rooms, attached garages and attics, he advises.

Maggie Loiselle

Childproofing a home is a daunting task for anyone, but for those parents of children with autism, tendencies like wandering and hiding create unique problems.

According to the National Autism Association, roughly half of children on the spectrum are prone to elopement – bolting from a safe environment. And wandering-related factors, such as drowning and exposure, are among the top causes of death for those with autism.

Ashley Miller, an Indianapolis mother of a 5 year-old son with autism, suggests keeping home decor in these safe spaces to a minimum. “I keep very few decorations on the walls because almost anything can be pulled down and cause injury,” she says.

Frequent re-evaluation of home safety measures is also a must as the child grows, McCool stresses.

“Even though you put locks on cabinets, as they age, they may be able to figure them out, or they may be able to climb up somewhere where they couldn’t before.”

Pr e ve nt wan d e r i n g “Children with autism face extra challenges staying safe at home,” says Dr. Jim Dalton, president and CEO of Damar Services. “We encourage parents to understand the individual risks and the individual needs of their children.”

Helpful tools to keep children within supervised, safe spaces include locks installed where children can’t reach, windows limiters and chimes that sound when a door or window opens.

It’s also important that out buildings, such as garages, sheds and barns, are secure along with any bodies of water, Dalton stresses. “They go to what they think are safe places or soothing places.

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Anything that has to do with water is, obviously, a big area of concern,” he says.

Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental injury-related deaths for children 14 and younger, on the spectrum or not, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Secure your pool with multiple layers of protection, including a self-closing, self-latching gate and alarms,” McCool stresses. “Don’t rely on just one thing to protect your kids from the water.”

Take n i g ht ti m e pr ecauti o n s The overnight hours can be an uneasy time for parents of children with autism.

“If you polled all of our parents, I think you’d find the time that they are most afraid of is when they’re asleep and not as aware,” Dalton says. “We encourage parents to utilize things like baby video monitors, which are relatively inexpensive."

Miller has had success with The Safety Sleeper, a locking tent-like enclosure that attaches to a child’s bed. “Although it seems strange, our son now sees his bed as a safe place where he can unwind,” she says.

Other families choose to lock their child’s door from the outside at night. While Dalton says Damar doesn’t encourage the practice, they do understand. As with any effort to keep a child safe, he stresses that all families should have a detailed fire escape plan.

For more home safety tips, parents can consult their child’s therapists and doctors.

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SUPERPOWER

SMI L E

// Mickey Deputy spreads her charm everywhere she goes Maggie Loiselle

Dancer. Down syndrome advocate.

Poet. Cancer survivor. Beauty queen.

At only 17, Mickey Deputy has risen to life’s challenges again and again, inspiring her parents, friends, teachers and even Colts Coach Chuck Pagano along the way.

Mickey, who has Down syndrome, required openheart surgery shortly after she was born to fix several holes in her heart. At 7, she was diagnosed with leukemia and underwent 26 months of treatment, including some 30 nights at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health.

Nearly 10 years after her cancer diagnosis, the now bubbly Franklin Community High School junior and her mom, Jenny Deputy, talk about the family’s friendship with Pagano, dancing and Mickey’s secret superpower.

You’ve become close with Colts Coach Chuck Pagano, and you’re even mentioned by name in his book! How did that come to be?

Mickey: When Coach Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia, they had a challenge where lots of people shaved their heads, so I shaved my head! It was cool, but some moments made mom and dad twitch.

You inspired a lot of people when you helped raise more than $135,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by taking part in the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in San Francisco!

What was that like?

Mickey: I had a friend who was a baby, and he passed away from infant leukemia, so I wanted to do a half marathon to raise money for infant leukemia. I also made a song, like a poem. The poem I made for them was about believing in yourself, and I talked about that you can do all these things for kids who can’t.

Jenny: We had been asked to speak at the Inspiration Dinner (for more than 5,000 people before the race), and we were asked if we could switch it up, and have me tell Mickey’s story, and have her read her song. There was a standing ovation before she even started, and she just stood up there and smiled. She did it with such grace.

We hear you also have a superpower?

Mickey: My smile! Smiling makes you feel good and makes other people feel good.

And how do you use your superpower to raise awareness for kids battling cancer and those with Down syndrome?

Mickey: I want to make a difference!

Jenny: She’s always said that, even as a little kid!

Mickey: My message to people would be, be a hero. I posted on Instagram, and I took a picture of my superhero cape with the hashtag #BeAHero. I would challenge everybody to be a hero to a person with Downs syndrome. You can do anything. Be their friend.

What was it like speaking in front of all those people?

Mickey: Well it was so bright on stage, I didn’t even notice, but it felt cool!

Jenny: I couldn’t breathe when they first started shaving her head, because it took me back a little bit!

You’re used to being on stage! You won Miss Junior Teen at the Miss Amazing pageant for girls with special needs, and you danced in The Nutcracker. What do you like about performing?

How did it feel to be without your hair again, but this time for a good cause?

Mickey: I like the dream, and the feeling that you have that things are good. I always think my life is like a movie. Sometimes you have romantic days, and other days you get in trouble. I love dancing!

Mickey: I felt kind of awesome doing that because no one should go through that. People should try to inspire people to do things for the good.

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photo CREDIT // Larae Photography

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NOVEMBER SPECIAL NEEDS EVENTS

SPECIAL NEEDS CA L ENDA R T U E S 04

The Center for Aac and Autism presents: Lamp Workshop Location: Hamilton Southeastern Schools Administration Building Time: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM Price: $79; 50% discount available for parents/students www.aacandautism.com/trng/ Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning (LAMP) is an augmentative alternative communication (AAC) approach designed to give individuals who are non-verbal or have limited verbal abilities a method of independently and spontaneously expressing themselves through the use of a voice output communication device.

F R I 07

An Evening for Autism Location: EventzPlus Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM http://answersautism.org/autism-event/an-evening-forautism-2/

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For the third year, Answers for Autism in collaboration with Talk About Curing Autism Indiana will co-host An Evening for Autism. An elegant and fun event featuring food from Indy’s favorite restaurants, wine, drink, music, dancing and silent auction. Proceeds of this event will be used to increase both autism awareness and funding for autism programs in Indiana.

Our Starry Night: Special Needs Prom Location: Traders Point Christian Church Time: 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM Price: Free www.formstack.com/forms/?1781453-m5YGc17NgJ Please join us for a red carpet prom event for teens and adults with special needs, ages 18 and up. The evening will be free of charge and will feature all the glamour of a typical prom. We will provide our honored guests with dresses, suits, a makeover in the salon, a red carpet entrance, dinner, dancing, games, karaoke and photography. We hope every guest experiences the love of Christ and has an unforgettable night.

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BACA-presented by Gordon Homes Location: BACA Prep Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM www.thebaca.com/baca2.html Financial planning: for parents that have special needs dependents. Discuss: waivers/SSI/ Trusts/Wills/long-term Care/ Medicaid/life insurance much more.

S AT 2 2

Answers for Autism Holiday Bazaar Location: Faith Presbyterian Church Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM http://answersautism.org/autism-event/2014-holiday-bazaar

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Parent Group Meeting: Addressing Challenging Behaviors in the Home Setting Location: Lebanon High School Time: 7pm www.arnionline.org/index.php?option=com_content&view =article&id=11526:parent-group-meetingslebanon Sponsored by the Boone-Clinton-North West Hendricks Joint Services, at this month's meeting, Dr. Cathy Pratt, director of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, will address how parents and caregivers can best handle challenging behaviors at home.

S AT 29

AMC Sensory Friendly Films: "Home" Location: AMC Castleton Square 14 Time: 10:00 AM The program provides a special opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment.

The auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing.

FOR A FULL LIST OF EVENTS, VISIT WWW.INDYSCHILD.COM .

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INDY 'S CHILD SPECIAL NEEDS SECTION

SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE ABA Autism Services by Damar ABA provides proven research-based treatments and interventions for children with Autism and their families, ensuring that children learn, gain confidence and purpose, and engage in meaningful interactions in their everyday lives. 9905 Fall Creek Road, Indianapolis, IN 46256, Contact: Kristin Dovenmuehle, Director, Phone: 317-813-4690, Email: info@damar.org, www.DamarABA.org

Applied Behavior Center for Autism Carmel The mission of the Applied Behavior Center for Autism is to provide high quality ABA and Verbal Behavior therapy and consulting services to children and their families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders by using researched based ABA methodology delivered by highly qualified and certified professionals to increase language skills, social skills, academic skills, and reduce problematic behavior. 13431 Old Meridian St, Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Jenny Lanham, Phone: 317-573-KIDS, Email: jennyL@appliedbehaviorcenter.org, www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org

Applied Behavior Center for Autism Early Childhood Center This center houses some of our clients ages 2 to 6. At the Early Childhood Center, typical peers are also present, and therapeutic opportunities for interaction are incorporated into many of the children's individualized treatment plans. A program designed to facilitate transition into an on-site behavior analytic preschool program with typical peers is also offered to appropriate candidates. 7857 E. 88th St, Indianapolis, IN 46256, Contact: Jenny Lanham, Phone: 317.849.KIDS ext 112, Email: jennyL@appliedbehaviorcenter.org, www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org

BEHAVIORWORKS ABA Applied Behavior Center for Autism Indy North The mission of the Applied Behavior Center for Autism is to provide high quality ABA and Verbal Behavior therapy and consulting services to children and their families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders by using researched based ABA methodology delivered by highly qualified and certified professionals to increase language skills, social skills, academic skills, and reduce problematic behavior. 7901 E. 88th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46256, Contact: Jenny Lanham, Phone: 317-849-5437, ext 112, Email: jennyL@appliedbehaviorcenter.org, www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org

Applied Behavior Center for Autism Indy West The mission of the Applied Behavior Center for Autism is to provide high quality ABA and Verbal Behavior therapy and consulting services to children and their families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders by using researched based ABA methodology delivered by highly qualified and certified professionals to increase language skills, social skills, academic skills, and reduce problematic behavior. 6865 Parkdale Place, Indianapolis, IN 46254, Contact: Jenny Lanham, Phone: 317-849-5437 ext 112, Email: jennyL@appliedbehaviorcenter.org, www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org

ASD Services is dedicated to serving children through adults with autism or other diagnosis in their homes and in the community. Our mission is to teach each individual the skills they need to lead their most independent life.

Contact: Leah McKenzie, MS, BCBA Executive Director, Phone: 317-695-7876, Fax: 317-747-7786, Email: lmckenzie@ asdservicesofindiana.org, www.asdservicesofindiana.org

Autism Consultation Individually designed behavior and academic support and intervention strategies for families and children dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders. With 35+ years experience in special education in public schools I am comfortable attending IEP meetings to advocate for the family and child. Introductory meeting at no charge. Providing service to central Indiana, Contact: Mika Adams, Phone: 866-968-3698, Email: mikaadams@sbcglobal.net, www.autismconsultation.net

Behavior Analysis Center for Autism BACA

The mission of the Applied Behavior Center for Autism is to provide high quality ABA and Verbal Behavior therapy and consulting services to children and their families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders by using researched based ABA methodology delivered by highly qualified and certified professionals to increase language skills, social skills, academic skills, and reduce problematic behavior. Address: 374 Meridian Parke Lane, Greenwood, IN 46142, Contact: Jenny Lanham, Phone: 317-889-KIDS, Email: jennyL@appliedbehaviorcenter.org, www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org

The Behavior Analysis Center for Autism (BACA) has four locations throughout Indiana. This includes BACA 1 and Prep in Fishers, BACA Z in Zionsville and BACA Hart in Elkhart. BACA uses the principles and procedures of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to teach language, social, self-help, academic, daily living and life skills to children ages 2-21 with autism and related disorders.

BACA was established by Dr. Carl Sundberg and a group of highly trained Board Certified Behavior Analysts.

11902 Lakeside Drive, Fishers, IN 46038, Contact: Devon Sundberg, Phone: 317-288-5232, Email: dsundberg@ thebaca.com, www.thebaca.com

INDYSCHILD.COM // NOVEMBER 2014

Children's Therapy Connection Children’s Therapy Connection is a therapist-owned and family-operated pediatric therapy provider in Indianapolis. We strive to be the provider of choice in central Indiana for quality, comprehensive, and familycentered pediatric therapy services for families of children with disabilities. Services we offer include: First Steps, private PT, OT, and Speech Therapy, Social Skills/ Communication/Gross Motor Playgroups, Feeding Groups, Kindermusik, Apraxia Groups, Hanen Programs, and Therapeutic Yoga for Kids. Visit our website or follow us on Facebook to see how we are Connecting Kids with Their Potential! 7424 Shadeland Station Way, Indianapolis, IN 46256, Phone: 317-288-7606, Email: info childrenstherapy connection.com, www.childrenstherapy connection.com

Hopebridge Pediatric Specialists ASD Services of Indiana

Applied Behavior Center for Autism Greenwood

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We work with you! BehaviorWorks provides Early Intervention for Autism and Indiana Medicaid Waiver Behavior Support Services. BehaviorWorks is a team you can grow with. We use the evidence-based strategies of ABA to create effective behavioral solutions. Are you looking for a fresh perspective?

Take action for positive change with BehaviorWorks.

8206 Rockville Road No. 146, Indianapolis, IN 46234 Contact: Ann Baloski, Executive Director, Phone: 317-4360037, Email: info@behaviorworksaba.com,

www.behaviorworksaba.com

Hopebridge Pediatric Specialists offers a wide range of outpatient services designed to meet the needs of children requiring behavioral diagnosis and applied behavioral analysis (ABA), physical, occupational, feeding, and speech treatments in both home and school settings. It has clinics in Kokomo, Marion, Ft. Wayne and Greenwood.

Pediatricians and schools across Indiana trust Hopebridge for its expertise in treating neurological, genetic, sensory processing, and feeding disorders; language delays; and behavioral concerns. Children with special needs require extraordinary, individualized care and Hopebridge’s staff helps families understand their children's difficulties while working to help them realize their potential. 1949 S. Elizabeth Street #A-B, Kokomo, IN 46902, Contact: Allegra East, Phone: 317-410-8646, Email: aeast@hopebridge.com, www.hopebridge.com

Special Smiles Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Satterfield-Siegel is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist specializing in providing dental care for infants, children and patients that have special needs. We provide routine dental care, fillings, in office sedations and hospital dentistry for all of our patients. We build long-lasting relationships with our families through active listening and understanding. New patients are welcomed! 10801 N Michigan Rd Suite 210, Carmel, IN 46077, Contact: Jennifer Satterfield-Siegel, D.D.S., Phone: (317) 873 3448, Email: info@specialsmilesdentistry.com, www.specialsmilesdentistry.com

[ C O N TA C T ] J E N N I C A@ I N DY S C H I L D .C O M T O H AV E YO U R L I S T I N G I N C L U D E D !

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C O M M E N TA R Y & PA R E N T I N G

Research to Real World:

Maximizing the Benefits of Reading Together Jessica Beer, PhD

Even though this study used informational books with kindergarteners, contingent responding and lexical richness are great interaction techniques for any book and any age. So when you think you can no longer stand to read that book about how the body digests food – stay strong, let your child lead you through it and do your best to get into your child’s head and respond contingently (and with big vocabulary.)

We have all heard by now that parentchild book reading starting in infancy has benefits for vocabulary development, early literacy and socio-emotional development. And as mentioned before in this column, shared reading time is now recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, so we should all expect our pediatricians to ask about it at well visits. But is there something special we should be doing during reading time? Is it good enough to just read what is written on each page? A new study out of the University of Michigan describes the types of things parents do during joint reading and identifies two techniques that are related to better vocabulary in four to six year olds.

The researchers asked parents to share an informational book with their child. The book was written to teach kids about a topic using scientific facts; think National Geographic Readers: Spiders with lots of cool illustrations and some new vocabulary words. Parents were rated on six interactional techniques they did while reading (e.g., labeling, scaffolding, repetition, etc.).

On average, parents spent about six minutes going through the book with their child and two techniques were related to their children’s vocabulary skills: 1) lexical richness and 2) contingent responsiveness. Lexical richness is the complexity and variety of words parents used. For example, using words like “enormous” as opposed to “big” and “ferocious” rather than “scary.” Providing

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definitions of new vocabulary and explanations for ideas from the book is also part of lexical richness. A sentence like “Look how the spider has two body segments which is why it is an arachnid not an insect” highlights the big idea of how arachnids and insects are different and provides a definition of arachnid that complements the picture in the book.

The second interaction technique that was related to better vocabulary was contingent responses. For example, the child asks: “Is that a spider web?” and the parent responds: “Yes, that web is made on the ground by a grass spider that sits in that tiny funnel-shaped hole (parent points to funnel web picture in book).” Contingent responsiveness is a parent’s ability to respond to the

child’s cues, rather than the other way around, and then accurately “read” the child’s motives and opinions to provide an appropriate response.

Contingent responsiveness is not just a one-way street. Children who rated high in initiative, meaning they took the lead in the book reading, also elicited more responsiveness from their parents. If you have a talkative child, you probably have many opportunities to be responsive, but if your child is more of the listening type then you might need to be more creative. Reading your child’s nonverbal behavior, like their laughs, sighs, groans and smiles can be used as great jumping off points for responding. This strategy works well with babies too.

If you are interested in helping to get books into the homes and hands of children in the Indianapolis area who need them, check out www. thecoolbus.org, a great nonprofit whose mission is to give away books for free. (If you are a child of the ‘80s growing up in the Midwest, this might remind you of the bookmobile, just way cooler.)

Developmental psychologist Jessica Beer combines her real world experience as a mother with her professional training as a researcher to provide parents with a practical way to apply the most current findings in childhood development research to their everyday life. Jessica is also a co-founder of The Urban Chalkboard playcafe, and welcomes questions and feedback from readers at experiencematters@ theurbanchalkboard.com.

AROUND TOWN

Indiana Repertory Theatre Wendy Schrepferman

// For the young – and the young at heart!

Indiana Repertory Theatre’s launch of “Exploring Stages” seeks to embrace and build young audiences by bringing The Velveteen Rabbit to life. The production, geared toward children ages three to nine, explores friendship, the rewards of loyalty and the enduring power of love - themes that speak to one’s heart regardless of age.

Associate Artistic Director, Courtney Sale, identifies “a deeper need for meaningful theatre experiences at a young age.” She describes the new program’s mission as “helping children develop a lifelong relationship with the performing arts.”

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams was adapted by IRT’s playwright-in-residence, James Still.

With children in mind, he masterfully presents the play’s abstract ideas of journeying through time and inanimate objects coming to life. The interactive, 55 minute production staged in the intimate Cabaret Theatre gives audiences a true immersion experience.

Sale also notes, “Several youth actors were cast so that children can envision themselves on the stage.”

In addition to the strong connections made with traditional audiences, IRT is committed to community outreach. A combination of affordable student

matinees and engaging, arts-integrated curriculum creates access to theatre arts for all students.

(each Saturday and Sunday with Friday performances on November 28). For tickets, visit www.irtlive.org or call (317) 635-5252.

Artists-in-the-classroom provides a “door to door” experience which begins with on-site instruction by IRT professionals and culminates in the live performance. The curriculum, tailored for students age three to 18, is closely tied to Indiana’s academic standards but goes far beyond. A look through the creative lens of live theater fosters dramatic play, creativity, early literacy and most importantly, social and emotional connections.

Join IRT as they complement Indy’s theatre landscape with the new “Exploring Stages” production of The Velveteen Rabbit. Its themes of loving, being loved and growing up are pure magic and will inspire audiences of all ages this holiday season.

The Velveteen Rabbit can be seen November 22 – December 13

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C O M M E N TA R Y & PA R E N T I N G

Ask the Teacher // Parent-teacher conferences, distracting students and computer spelling tests Deb Krupowicz

If you have concerns about something that is happening socially, especially if you are concerned about bullying or something that could escalate to that, contact the teacher immediately. Often social problems escape the teacher’s observation because they occur on the bus, in the lunchroom, during recess or in the hall. Never assume that the teacher is keyed in to a social problem – big or small.

Q:

My daughter’s school has decided that it will no longer offer designated days for parent-teacher conferences but instead, just have parents and teachers work out when to have a meeting. How do I decide when to do that?

A:

Consider your daughter’s past school experiences and the challenges that have been typical for her. If the difficulties that she has had tend to occur during a certain time of year or in specific subject areas, it would be a good idea to request a conference with the teacher ahead of that curve. The more information the teacher has, the better prepared she will be to help your daughter before the challenge becomes a problem. When you contact the teacher about scheduling the conference, be as specific as possible about what you would like to discuss. If the teacher has some time to consider your daughter’s situation, she may have some possible solutions for you to discuss.

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Should you simply want to hear the teacher’s perspective on how your daughter is doing in school and it is not urgent, wait until after the first of the year. That way the teacher will have something significant to tell you about how your daughter is doing and will have had a chance to observe her in a variety of learning and social situations.

This will ensure that your conference time is meaningful and you get the most helpful feedback from the experience.

Q:

My fifth grade son comes home every day complaining that he cannot finish his work because the person sitting next to him is so distracting. Is it appropriate to contact the teacher about changing his seat?

A:

Rather than rushing in to remove your son from this distraction, help him problem-solve. Encourage him to tell his neighbor what he would like for him to do. If that doesn’t work, he should try ignoring the person. To avoid creating a problem with this classmate, he could explain at recess that he is sorry, but he really has to concentrate in order to get

his work done. Moving to another place in the classroom during work time is a possible solution if the teacher allows that.

If those solutions do not work, contacting the teacher is a good idea.

Instead of telling her that the seating arrangement needs to be changed, tell her that your son says he is having trouble working and what he has tried.

Ask her to observe your son and his neighbor for a few days to determine exactly what is happening and whether the distraction is coming from just one party. Knowing whether or not your son is playing a role in the problem is an important part of finding a solution. She may have additional strategies for your son and his neighbor to try before moving their desks.

Q:

All spelling tests in my third grader’s class are done on the computer – and she just does not do well on them. When she practices with me, she knows all of the words. But on the computer, she is missing two or three each week. What can I do to help her be more successful?

A:

To make sure that your child has mastered the words, try testing her in a few different ways. Give the words to her orally and have her write them out, as in a traditional spelling test format.

Then have her type them on the computer. Have her spell the words aloud. Give her a test to “grade” in which you write out the words with some spelled incorrectly that she must find and correct. Enter her spelling words into a computer program like Quizlet.com and have her take the test. Evaluate her work in the various modes to determine if she experiences more success using a particular format. Some children need to produce the words in different ways to genuinely master them.

If she appears to know the words well using a variety of testing methods, but continues to miss a few on the test at school, she may be experiencing test anxiety. To overcome that nervousness, be sure that the study and quizzing of words begins as early as possible. Waiting until the night before will only add to the tension.

Then, teach her test-taking strategies.

One strategy would be to skip something she isn’t sure about; another would be to highlight the tricky words. Explain that she must spell the words letter-by-letter rather than read them when she is proofreading her test. This will help her to catch errors that the brain automatically overlooks when reading.

Finally, give her some ideas for taking a few seconds to relax before starting: take a deep breath, picture a relaxing place, count to ten, etc.

// Ask the Teacher is written by Deb Krupowicz, a mother of four and current teacher. Deb holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and has over twenty years of experience teaching preschool, elementary and middle school students.

Please send your questions to her at asktheteacher@indyschild.com.

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2014–2015

Indy’s ChilD Private School Open House Guide The Indianapolis area has a variety of quality options for families considering private schools for their children. Indy’s Child has gathered open house dates for the 2014-2015 academic year for several area schools. Prospective parents are always encouraged to contact schools to arrange tours outside of the formal open house dates. It’s a great idea to tour schools during the day to see the students in action, as well!

Bishop Chatard High School

Culver Academies

5885 Crittenden Ave, Indianapolis

1300 Academy Rd, Culver

(317) 251-1451 www.bishopchatard.org Grades 9–12

(574) 842-7000 | www.culver.org Grades 9–12

Open House: November 6, 2014, 5:30–8:00 pm

Open House: November 15, 2014

2801 West 86th St, Indianapolis

(317) 524-7050 | www.brebeuf.org Grades 9–12 Open House: November 2, 2014, 12–3:00 pm

5225 East 56th St, Indianapolis

(317) 542-1481 www.cathedral-irish.org Grades 9–12 Open House: November 13, 2014, 5:30–8:00 pm

2404 W. 62nd St, Indianapolis

317-253-3033 thechildrenshouseindianapolis.com Open House: November 3, 2014, 1–3:00 pm Covenant Christian High School 7525 West 21st St, Indianapolis (317) 390-0202 www.covenantchristian.org Grades 9–12 Open House: November 4, 2014, 7–8:30 pm Student shadow days are also offered.

INDYSCHILD.COM // NOVEMBER 2014

Midwest Academy 1420 Chase Ct, Carmel

Open House: January 25, 2015 St. Luke Catholic School 7650 N. Illinois St, Indianapolis

(317) 843-9500 www.mymidwestacademy.org Grades 4–12 Call to schedule a tour.

(317) 255-3912 www.stluke.org/school K–8 Open House: January 26, 2015 (Time TBA)

The Oaks

St. Richard’s Episcopal School

Brookside Campus: 3092 Brookside Parkway North Dr, Indianapolis

(317) 822-4900 www.theoaksacademy.org PreK–3 Call to schedule a tour.

Indianapolis

33 East 33rd St, Indianapolis

(317) 926-0425 www.strichardsschool.org PreK–6 Open House: January 23, 2015 Sycamore School

1750 West 64th St, Indianapolis

Open House: November 9, 2014, 1–3:30 pm

The Orchard School

(317) 202-2500 www.sycamoreschool.org PreK - 8 Open Houses: PreK screening: February 7, 2015 Middle School: April, 2015 (Final Date TBA)

(317) 251-9253 | www.orchard.org PreK–Grade 8

Traders Point Christian Academy

6401 East 75th St, Indianapolis

(317) 849-3441 www.heritagechristian.net PreK–12 Open House: November 11, 2014, 6:00 pm

Lower School: 200 West 49th St, Indianapolis

615 West 64th St, Indianapolis

Open Houses: November 2, 2014, 1–3:00 pm December 9, 2014, 8:30–10:30 am January 27, 2015, 8:30–10:30 am Our Lady of Grace Catholic School (317) 770-5660 | www.ologs.org PreK–Grade 8 Call to schedule a tour.

Upper School: 4330 North Michigan Rd, Indianapolis

(317) 415-2700 | www.parktudor.org Junior K–12

(317) 932-1951 | www.isind.org Grades 4–12 Open Houses: November 9, 2014 & February 8, 2015, 2–5:00 pm Legacy Christian School

470 Lakeview Dr, Noblesville

6600 South Indianapolis Rd, Whitestown

(317) 769-2450 | www.tpcs.org Pre K–Grade 12 Open Houses: January 26, 2015, 6:30 pm (Kindergarten Round Up Parent Night) February 10, 2015, 6:30pm–8:00 pm

9900 East 191st St, Noblesville

(317) 923-1951 | www.isind.org PreK–3 Open Houses: November 18, 2014, 8:30–11:30 am & 4–6:00 pm February 26, 2015, 8:30–11:30 am & 4–6:00 pm

(317) 776-4186 www.legacychristianonline.org PreK–8 Call to schedule a tour.

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(317) 283-1518 | www.sjoa.org PreK–8

500 E. 42nd St, Indianapolis

(317) 582-0120 www.guerincatholic.org Grades 9–12

International School of Indiana The Children's House

(317) 787-5474 | www.lhsi.org Grades 9–12 Open House: November 12, 2014, 6:30 pm

(317) 931-3043 www.theoaksacademy.org Grades 4–8 Call to schedule a tour.

15300 North Gray Rd, Noblesville

Heritage Christian School Cathedral High School

St. Joan of Arc School

5555 S. Arlington Ave, Indianapolis

Fall Creek Campus: 2301 North Park Ave, Guerin Catholic High School

Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

Lutheran High School

Park Tudor

7200 North College Ave, Indianapolis

“See us in action” Mornings (8:30 am, Call to register): Early Education: November 14, January 12 & February 4 Lower School: November 11, January 16 Middle School: November 20, January 20 & February 27 Upper School: November 12, December 2 & January 15

University High School 2825 West 116th St, Carmel (317) 733-4475 www.universityhighschool.org Grades 9–12 Open Houses: November 2, 2014, 2–4:00 pm, March 8, 2015, 2–4:00 pm Prospective Parent Breakfasts: November 12, 2014, 8:30–10:30 am January 14, 2015, 9–11:00 am April 21, 2015, 8:30 am–10:30 am

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E D U C AT I O N R E S O U R C E S

E D U C AT I O N A N D CHILDCARE GUIDE [ S C H O O L S & E D U C AT I O N ] carmel Carmel Montessori Schools, Inc. Carmel Montessori School is located on the beautiful campus at St. Christopher’s Church on the NE corner of Main St. and Meridian in Carmel. Our directress is American Montessori Certified with 16 years head-teaching experience. We offer a beautiful, peaceful and positive Montessori learning environment. Extended days available. 1402 W. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Emily & Scott Rudicel, Phone: 317-580-0699, Email: info@carmelmontessori.com, carmelmontessori.com

Clay Montessori A Montessori school offering morning, afternoon, and full-day programs. Available for ages 3-6 years old. Call for more information. (Affiliated with Fisher’s Montessori) 463 East Main St., Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Peggy White, 317-849-9519 or 317-580-1850

Education Station USA Whether your child needs to catch up, keep up, or be enriched, our tutors work to tailor sessions based on current curriculum.

Our instructor engage students using interactive exercises that help them conquer homework assignments and class projects while boosting their confidence. Our instructors are selected for their expertise in study strategies and innovative approaches to learning. Our center provides Elementary, Middle School, High School, and College Test prep tutoring. 959 Keystone Way, Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Allan Seif, Email: aiseif@ educationstationusa.com, www.educationstationusa. com, Type of School: Supplemental Education, Ages/ Grades: K-12 and College Test Prep

Starting Line Preschool The Right Start for A Lifelong Love of Learning! Our strong academic-based curriculum prepares and encourages your child to succeed in school while discoving learning is fun! * Develop Social Awareness & Friendships, Build Confidence and Master Academic Skills for Kindergarten. All of our classes focus on an introduction to colors, number and letters with exciting art and science projects. Math, social studies and sight words are taught in the older classes. 110 Third Ave NE, Carmel, IN 46032. Contact: Diane Atkins. Phone: 317-753-9397. Email: dkatkins22@msn.com, www.startinglinepreschool.com

fishers Fall Creek Montessori Academy Fall Creek Montessori Academy is a culturally diverse environment where children grow and develop their unique talents and gifts. Through child-centered learning, children excel physically, academically and emotionally. Conveniently located one mile east of I-69 on 96th St. FCMA serves children at all levels.

Programs are available two to five days per week. 8888 Fitness Ln, Fishers, IN 46037, Contact: Diana Brugh, Phone: (317) 436-8606, Email: diana@fallcreekmontessori. com, www.fallcreekmontessori.com

Fishers Montessori A quality learning environment offering preschool, kindergarten and elementary. Certification through American Montessori Society. 12806 Ford Rd and 131st and Allisonville Rd., Fishers, IN 46038, Contact: Peggy White, 317-849-9519 or 317-580-1850

Space Center with a planetarium, and an urban farm. 3020 Nowland Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46201 Contact: Peggy Purvis, 317.775.6660, school@paramountindy.org, www.paramountindy.org

indianapolis // north Arthur M. Glick JCC Our loving caregivers and teachers demonstrate by example and encourage children to behave according to these values as the children are learning, playing and socializing with one another. The JCC embraces a learning-through-play teaching method to engage children in activities that promote creativity, accelerate learning and stimulate social interaction, all at each child’s individual pace. 6701 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260, 317-251-9467, emills@ JCCindy.org, www.JCCindy.org

Beth-El Zedeck Early Childhood Center Fall School Year. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Full Academic Curriculum and Innovative Arts’ Enrichment. Our Program recognizes that intellectual, social, emotional and physical development are interwoven. Our children will thrive on exploration, creativity, curiosity, discovery, spontaneity and more important, lots of love! Type of School: Early Childhood, Full Time/Part-Time/Flexible Hours, Ages: 12 months old+, 18 months old+, 2’s+, 3’s+, 4’s/PreK (3 day or 5 day program) and Full Day Kindergarten (5 full-day program) (8:50 am to 3:00 pm) Before School/After School Care available daily as needed for all ages: Early drop off as early as 7:30 am and late pick up anytime up until 6:00 pm/5:30 pm on Fridays. Call or email for brochure. 600 W. 70th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Joanie Waldman, Phone: 317-259-6854, Fax: 317-259-6849, Email: jwaldman@bez613.org, www.bez613.org in.us

indianapolis // D OWN TOWN Primrose West Carmel

IUPUI Center For Young Children

Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

With The Right Foundation, Anything is Possible. And at Primrose, we provide The Right Foundation to Build Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts. How do we do it?

It's a matter of creating the right balance. Laughing and learning. Playing and exploring. Talking and listening. We call our philosophy Balanced Learning because it promotes and supports children's learning in multiple mays- through listening, seeing, hearing, touching and playing. Come by today for a tour! We are still enrolling! 3746 W. 98th Street,

Spaces are available for 3-to-5-year-olds for the 2014-2015 academic year. Enroll by September 15, 2014, and the first four weeks of tuition will be 50% off. Call (317) 274-3508 to set up a tour. Please visit our website for more information.

321 Limestone, Indianapolis, IN 46202, Contact: Dave Sandrick, Phone: 317-278-7801, Hours: 7:00 am. - 6:00 p.m.; Monday-Friday, Email: dsandric@indiana.edu, www.childcare.iupui.edu, Ages/Grades: 3-5

You are invited to visit the only Catholic Jesuit school in the state of Indiana that has been educating students in the Jesuit tradition for more than 50 years. Brebeuf Jesuit’s Mission Statement: Brebeuf Jesuit, a Catholic and Jesuit school, provides an excellent college preparatory education for a lifetime of service by forming leaders who are intellectually competent, open to growth, loving, religious and committed to promoting justice. Fostering a culture of understanding and dialogue, Brebeuf Jesuit seeks and welcomes students from diverse religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Students at Brebeuf Jesuit are called to discover and cultivate the fullness of their God-given talents as a responsibility and as an act of worship. CORE VALUES: Education of the Whole Person, A Caring and Diverse Community, The Greater Glory of God. 2801 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Contact: Liz Otteson, Director of Admissions. Phone: 317-524-7090.

Email: admissions@brebeuf.org, www.brebeuf.org

Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Kelly Spelman, Phone: 317-876-0123, Email: kspelman@primrosewestcarmel. com, www.primrosewestcarmel.com, Ages/Grades: Infant-Private Kindergarten and After School, Before/ After School Care: Yes

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PARAMOUNT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE Paramount School of Excellence is a tuition-free K-8 charter school that educates students in an innovative environment that instills high expectations for success. Paramount accomplishes its mission and teaches the mastery of Indiana State Standards through an emphasis on rigorous academics, technology and the environment. Integral to the school’s approach to education is school-wide use of computer technology, a green initiative, project-based investigations, community partnerships and three on-site Discovery Centers – an indoor Eco Center, Time and

BJE Bright Beginnings Preschool

The Children's House, inc

Montessori Centres

The BJE challenges your child through a nurturing environment that stimulates creativity, community, learning through nature and outstanding academic programming.

Highly trained teachers emphasize both group and individualized learning in the classroom with encouragement throughout. Open to the public. Cost/Tuition: Call for more info; Financial Aid: Call for more info; Hours/Dates: 7:45 am to 5:45 p.m; Ages/Grades: 12 months to 6 years; Restrictions: None - open to the public; Uniforms/Dress Code: none; Before/After School Care: yes; Open House Dates: ongoing - will arrange family visit upon request. 6711 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Elaine Fairfield, Phone: 317-255-3124 ext 3704, Email: efairfield@bjeindy.org, www.bjeindy.org

The Children's House was founded in 1971 to provide a classical education through individual instruction. in an atmosphere free of competition, the child can discover her or his own unique talents on the way to becoming a self-actualized person. 2404 W. 62nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46268, Contact: Mary Sexson, Phone: 317-253-3033, Email: childrenshouse08@gmail.com, www.thechildrens houseindianapolis.com, Cost/Tuition: 2014 school year: preschool $5,500, elementary $6,500. Financial aid available to qualified registered applicants. Hours/Dates: 9 am to 3 pm Extended care also available 7 am-5:45 pm .

Sept. through May. Summer School/Summer Camp June through August. Ages/Grades: 2 1/2 years - 14 years of age, Before/After School Care: yes, Open House Dates: Sunday, November 9, 2014

Peace and respect for all is our main goal. Montessori Centres has worked with children to develop criticalthinking and time-management skills since 1966.

Montessori-certified lead teachers serve children aged 3-3rd grade. Classroom structure and materials allow children to be self-directed and self-paced. Our well-rounded curriculum includes French and Spanish, art, science, computer skilles, grace and courtesy, social studies, nature and outdoor gardening. 563 West Westfield Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46208, Contact: Lynn Boone, Director, Phone: 317-257-2224, Fax: 317-257-3034, Email: montessoricentres@sbcglobal.net, www.montessoricentres.com/

The Orchard School Children’s Circle Preschool at Second Presbyterian Church Children’s Circle Preschool is a developmentally appropriate, activity based, Christian preschool. We offer classes for children ages 9 months to 5 years old. We meet the needs of the whole child in a creative and loving environment. Our experienced staff embraces excellence in education by nurturing the whole child- physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. Please call for more information or to set up a tour. 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Cara Paul, Director, 317-252-5517, cpaul@ secondchurch.org, www.childrenscircle.org

Children’s Day In Nursery School and Traditional Preschool

Early Childhood Center, The Church at the Crossing Our Mothers Day Out (12-35 mos) and Preschool (3 yrs-PreK’s) programs provide relaxed, playful, secure environments that nurture creativity and encourage the exploration of God’s world, with a wide variety of learning materials & readiness skills woven through each unit. Need longer hours? Try our child care ministry, The Neighborhood, designed for 16 mos-PreK. 9111 N. Haverstick Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46240, Contact: John Drake or Kelly Belt, Phone: 317-575-6508, Fax: 317-5756509, Email: jdrake@golove.org or kbelt@golove.org

The Orchard School, an independent, non-sectarian, progressive school, emphasizing experiential learning.

Orchard teachers engage the natural curiosity of children, develop academic excellence, and provide leadership experience through well-rounded education. Orchard’s diverse community and commitment to multicultural education inspires responsible, global citizenship. Founded in 1922. NAIS, ISACS, NAEYS accredited. 615 W. 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Kristen Hein, Director of Admissions, Phone: 317-713-5705, Fax: 317-254-8454, Email: khein@orchard.org, www.orchard.org

Park Tudor School Heritage Christian School

The Children’s Day In traditional preschool and nursery school program provides a fully inclusive early childhood program with an emphasis on Christian values in a play based setting. It is designed to offer children ages 9 months to 5 years a positive and developmentally appropriate experience in the care of experienced teachers and caregivers. We play and learn! Classes are offered weekdays from 9 am to 2:30 pm. Children attend up to 3 days a week. 5500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, Contact: Christy Whaley, 317-253-0472, cwhaley@meridianstreet.org, www.meridianstreet.org

Established in 1965, accredited through ACSI and NCA, HCS is the choice in college preparatory discipleship Christian education for 1,400 students each year grades Prep K-12. Advanced , Honors and AP classes. Full Fine Arts and 2A IHSAA ATHLETICS . HCS is training up the next generation of Christian leaders through challenging, Biblically taught curriculum including internships and service to others. Bus transportation available. Schedule a tour today! 6401 E. 75th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46250.

Contact: Angela Proctor, Director of Admissions, 317-849-3441, Admissions@heritagechristian.net, www.heritagechristian.net

Park Tudor creates an inspiring college-preparatory learning environment, with exceptional educators and extraordinary opportunities, that prepares and motivates students to become balanced, confident and resourceful lifelong learners. With small class sizes, teachers are able to know students deeply and help build on their strengths. Park Tudor students benefit from a breadth of experiences, including world language and fine arts education at every grade level; educational travel opportunities and a wide variety of athletic activities. 7200 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46240, Contact: Alicia Carlson, Phone: 317-415-2777, Fax: 317-254-2714, Email: info@parktudor. org, www.parktudor.org

A Children’s Habitat Montessori School

Little Friends of God International Childcare Ministry

St. Luke’s Early Childhood Programs

For over 40 years, A Children's Habitat Montessori School has been providing a place where children thrive and discover their love of learning. Habitat provides a traditional Montessori school experience for families seeking a half-day preschool and kindergarten, or full-day elementary program. We are a not-for-profit school based on the principles of Maria Montessori, and we are fully accredited by the American Montessori Society. For more information, visit our website: www.childrens-habitat. org. 801 W. 73 Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Carmen Nieves, Phone: (317)726-5584, Email: info@ childrens-habitat.org, www.childrens-habitat.org, Type of School: Montessori, Hours/Dates: Monday - Friday Regular Day 8:30-11:30 Extended Day 11:30-1:30 Kindergarten 11:30-1:30, Ages/Grades: 18 months - 6 years, Before/After School Care: No

Our full-time childcare ministry offers the finest facilities available for children ages 6 weeks to school-aged. We offer an extensive school-age program for before and after school and planned activities to keep them busy with age appropriate groupings of ages 5 to 7 year olds and 8 to 12 year olds. 8350 Ditch Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Bradley Wilson, Director, Phone: (317) 523-3478, Email: info@littlefriendsofgod.com, www.littlefriendsofgod.com

Meridian Hills Cooperative Nursery School Share your love of learning with your children. Founded in 1960 by involved parents like you, Meridian Hills Cooperative provides a positive, nurturing environment wherein children explore and learn by doing. Spacious classrooms. Beautiful, wooded playground. Caring, experienced staff of trained and degreed lead teachers.

Adult/child ratios 1:4 - 1:6. Find us on Facebook. 7171 N. Pennsylvania, Indianapolis, IN 46240, Contact: See Admissions/Tours Info Online, Phone: 317-721-2322, www.meridianhillscoop.org

St Luke’s Community Preschool is a weekday, developmentally appropriate and experience based program. Two well-trained, degreed teachers are in each classroom. Parents’ Day Out is a structured play experience that provides parents some time for themselves on a regular basis on M, W, Th, F. We provide a warm and loving Christian environment in which children can learn and grow. Tours available upon request. Visitors welcome. 100 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Mollie Smith, Director, 317-844-3399, smithm@stlukesecp.com, www.stlukesumc.com

St. Richard’s Episcopal School SRES strives for academic excellence through its classic curriculum with innovative teaching methods; it also provides preparation and knowledge in areas such as faith, leadership, civic responsibility, and global readiness. St. Richard’s offers a rigorous academic curriculum, three world languages, public speaking and leadership opportunities, a strong fine arts program and organized athletics for continued lifetime success. Our newly redesigned Early Childhood Program uses brain-based research and proven instructional practices that lay the NOVEMBER 2014 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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foundation in math and literacy skills. The program features unique field experiences, community partnerships, year-round offerings, and a full-day curriculum along with part-time options. 33 E. 33rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205, Contact: Abby Williams, Director of Admission and Communications, 317-926-0425 x134, Fax: 317-921-3367, awilliams@strichardsschool.org, www.strichardsschool.org

multiple locations Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives: ICPC Indianapolis Area Preschool and Kindergarten Cooperatives Preschools: great for your child, great for you! Children and parents learn and grow together in the classroom with caring, experienced teachers. Multiple Locations in Indianapolis Area, ICPC Line: 317-767-7596

program through: Organizing the environment so it is conducive to success, Providing specific directions and instructions, Acknowledging and encouraging each child’s efforts, Creating challenges and supporting children in extending their capabilities. The Indiana Foundations for Young Children will be a resource/framework for UP. Preschool Sites are at Boone Meadow, Pleasant View and Union Elementary Schools. 900 Mulberry St., Zionsville, IN 46077, Phone: 317-873-1251, Email: GROW@zcs.k12.in.us, http://zcsgrow.zcs.k12.in.us

Sycamore School At Sycamore, teachers trained in gifted education deliver a curriculum designed to challenge and engage gifted learners.

Art, music, Spanish, PE and technology are taught at all levels. Extensive field trips, athletics, child care, financial aid, and a wide variety of after school activities are offered.

1750 W. 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Dr. Susan Karpicke, Director of Admissions. 317-202-2500, Fax: 317-202-2501, skarpicke@sycamoreschool.org, www.sycamoreschool.org

indianapolis // south The Children's Cottage The Children's Cottage is a privately owned preschool, providing a loving and playful environment for toddlers thru school age children. Our compassionate and experienced staff offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum that stimulates creativity and promotes learning through play. Our small classrooms provide the individual attention your child needs and deserves. We are a paths to quality level three. Please call for more information or to set up a tour. 5935 S. Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN 46227, Contact Ann Derheimer or Echo Shepheard 317-787-2990

indianapolis // northeast Polly Panda Preschool & Bridgford Kindergarten

Polly Panda provides a safe and healthy environment which enhances each child’s total growth. Our themebased hands-on preschool program provides a widerange of experiences that foster learning, creativity and problem solving in all areas. A child’s sense of selfworth, independence and growth in social skills are developed through positive interaction with peers and our well-qualified and loving staff. 2944 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220, Contact: Gail Hacker and Tammy Clark, Phone: 317-257-9127, Email: pollypandaindy@ sbcglobal.net, www.pollypanda.com

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westfield Montessori School of Westfield, Inc. Located on 3 wooded acres in Central Indiana, the Montessori School of Westfield adheres to the academic traditions of Montessori while serving the present day child. The Montessori School of Westfield serves children from Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Zionsville, Westfield, Sheridan, Noblesville, Cicero and Tipton. We serve children ages 18 months to 15 years. 800 E. Sycamore Street, Westfield, IN 46074, Contact: Mary Lyman, Directress, Phone: 317-867-0158, Fax: 317-896-5945, Email: montessori westfield@gmail.com, www.montessori schoolofwestfield.com

[ childcare ] Peanut Butter and Jelly 24/7 Childcare PB&J is a childcare that is a safe, nurturing environment where your child will get the attention and care that he or she needs. We are licensed and always working to meet and exceed all health and safety guidelines. You can rest assured that your child will be cared for with the utmost kindness, love and respect . Open late for lots of flexiblity.

Stop in for more info. Follow us on twitter @ pbj247childcare. 5501 E. 71st Street, Suite 4, Indianapolis, IN 46220, Contact: Anita Beck. Phone: 317-205-9211, Email: peanutbutter_jelly18@yahoo.com, www.peanutbutterjelly.info

z ionsville Advent Lutheran Preschool Advent offers a Christian learning environment for children ages 2 through 5, including a half-day kindergarten. Our wellbalanced program supports emotional, social, cognitive, physical and spiritual development. All children, regardless of faith or church affiliation, are welcome. Call to schedule a tour.

Registration is open for the 2014-15 school year. 11250 N. Michigan Rd., Zionsville, IN 46077, Contact: Deb Trewartha, Phone: 317-873-6318, Email: dtrewartha@ adventlutheran.org, www.adventlutheran.org/298544. ihtml; Type of School: Early Childhood; Hours/Dates: Mornings and afternoons Monday through Friday. See website for details; Ages/Grades: Ages 2-5; Mom's Morning Out, Preschool, Pre-K and day Kindergarten; Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour.

Zionsville Community Schools Universal Preschool The ZCS Universal Preschool provides a hands-on learning experience, focused on the whole child, in an inclusive and supportive environment that ensures maximum child growth, for life-long learning.We will provide a quality

INTERESTED IN HAVING YOUR SCHOOL LISTED? [ C O N TA C T ] J E N N I C A@ I N DY S C H I L D .C O M T O B E I N C L U D E D in our monthly directory !

when parenting styles clash Finding common ground for a more harmonious household Karen Ring

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calendar S at 01 Mystery at the Palladium Time: 4-5:30 p.m Price: $15/family Location: The Palladium at the Center for Performing Arts http://carmelclayparks.com/events Use your best detective skills to help solve a mystery at the Palladium. For the first time ever, the Palladium concert hall is transformed into a life-size board game as you and your family work together to solve a "musical mystery" of the missing cello. Discover clues to help us find the cello. Perfect for Elementary-aged kids and their families.

S AT 01 – Sun 02 Power Recycling Weekend Phone: 317-630-2001 Location: Indianapolis Zoo www.indianapoliszoo.com/events-andgroups/zoo-events-2014/power-recyclingweekend You have the opportunity to join the Zoo in a mass recycling effort held twice a year! At Power Recycling Weekend you can get rid of all your clutter and help the environment, too!

Just drop off your old electronics, phone books, cardboard, and paper ready for shredding in the Zoo parking lot. Our recycling partners will take it from there. In addition to doing good, you will receive a discount coupon for Zoo admission.

Indy Cooking Expo Time: 10am Price: $10 Phone: 317-927-7500 Location: Indiana Fair Grounds www.indycookingexpo.com

The destination for the home cook and food lover - shop aisles of cooking tools, appliances and specialty foods; sit in on a seminar/live cooking demo; enter cooking/baking contests; and meet celebrity chefs.

MON 03 PlayFULL Hours - Indoor Fort Building Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m Price: R$6/NR$9 Phone: 317-595-3150 Location: Roy G. Holland Memorial Park Building www.Fishers.in.us/Parks Your child(ren) ages 1-5 are invited to PlayFULL Hours for unstructured play time each with its own theme. Parent participation is required so get your play on too.

Indy Word Lab Time: 7-9 p.m.

Price: FREE Location: Indy Reads Books www.meetup.com/IndyWordLab/ Indy Word Lab is an experimental writing group that has been described as, "what writing workshops are SUPPOSED to be".

Join us every first Monday for this free event, whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out.

T U E S 04 WE THE PEOPLE Time: 10 a.m.

Price: Students-$8, Adults-$15 Location: Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University

D A I LY E V E N T S / / N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4

// NOVEMBER 2014 www.cloweshall.org/education/ event/261-we-the-people Back by popular demand on Election Day 2014! A great way to bring American government to life in this musical revue, setting Civics lessons to rock, rhythm-andblues and hip-hop musical styles. Students will tap their toes while learning about democracy, elections, the three branches of government, constitutional amendments and diplomacy, while perhaps inspiring them to get involved and make a difference.

F R I 07 First Friday Evening Science of Art: Felted Ant Sculpture Time: 5-8:30 p.m.

Price: Members: Free | Non: $3.50 Phone: 812-337-1337 Location: WonderLab Museum www.wonderlab.org Enjoy half-price admission during First Friday Evening as you meet dimensional weaver and scientist Martina Celerin, who will demonstrate the process of creating fiber sculptures as works of art. Ms. Celerin created the felted big-headed ant models for the new science exhibition, Big-Headed Ants.

Related visitor activities include making felted wool balls and “ant” sculptures.

Mom and Me Cupcake Party Time: 6-7 p.m.

Price: R$18/NR$27 Phone: 317-595-3150 Location: Roy G. Holland Memorial Park Building This is a sweet ladies night out Mothers and daughters are invited to create their own

cupcake pottery piece with help from Creative Escape, Inc. After pottery is complete, families will be able to enjoy cupcakes This program is best suited for children ages 5-10 and price is per child. Moms, this event is hands on, so come ready to participate.

F ri 07 – Sun 09 LEGO KidsFest Price: $20 per child $22 per adult Location: Indianapolis Convention Center www.legokidsfest.com The LEGO Master Builder Academy is just one of the many exciting areas families can visit during the LEGO KidsFest, a giant, hands-on, traveling LEGO extravaganza!

Visitors will also enjoy DUPLO and LEGO building areas with thousands of bricks, The Challenge Zone, Creation Nation, an incredible LEGO Model Museum, and more in a three acre space! All sessions offer the same exhibits and activities and all activities are included in the price of admission. Come be amazed!

S at 08 Annual Model Railroad Meet at the Library Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Phone: 317-844-3363 Location: Carmel Clay Public Library Program & Storytime Room www.carmel.lib.in.us November is National Model Railroad Month! Join the celebration and come to the library to see amazing operating model trains and circus trains. While taking in the sights and sounds, you’ll have lots of fun talking model railroading with others who enjoy this hobby. Admission is free for this event and no registration is required, so all aboard!

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HOLD IT! Time: 1:30 - 3:30 pm Price: FREE! Location: Indianapolis Museum of Art www.imamuseum.org/familyactivities/ hold-it Hold it! is a hands-on experience for visitors of all ages. Discover carts filled with objects everyone can hold and see up close. Currently, there are three cart experiences. The African and Asian carts both contain objects representative of those found in the IMA's permanent collection. The Art Basics cart explores the fundamentals of art, artists’ materials, and various art samples.

Sun 09 Holliday Park Create and Decorate: Nature Bandanna Time: 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Price: $5/bandanna Phone: 317-327-7180 Location: Holliday Park Nature Center www.hollidaypark.org Come and create and decorate your own nature-inspired bandanna! We will provide all materials and decorations. All ages, pre-registration required.

Teen Mystery Dinner at the Indianapolis Propylaeum Time: 5 p.m.

Price: $20 Location: Indianapolis Propylaeum www.thepropylaeum.org/ A 5-course dinner and the Mystery of the Lost Tea Cup. You will have a part and prizes will be awarded.12-18 yrs. Reservations required. symFUNy Sunday: Life and Times of Beethoven Time: 3 p.m.

Phone: 317-639-4300 Location: Hilbert Circle Theatre www.indianapolissymphony.org/

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season/1415season/symfuny.aspx Spark the imagination of your wigglers and gigglers as they explore a lifelong relationship with music during these one-hour, familyfriendly concerts. Make sure to arrive early for each concert and enjoy a fun and interactive carnival of pre-concert activities.

T ues 11 Holliday Park Small Wonders: Autumn Adventures Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Price: $5/child Phone: 317-327-7180 Location: Holliday Park Nature Center www.hollidaypark.org Explore the natural world through fun and creative activities and hikes. Hands-on experiences designed for children and their caregiver offer a chance to discover nature together. This is a parent/child class for children ages 3-4. Pre-registration required.

W eds 1 2 Clowes 4 Kids - The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Time: 10-11 a.m.

Price: $15 Children and Adults Phone: 317-940-6444 Location: Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University http://cloweshall.org/ The incredible FLAT STANLEY is back from a whirlwind musical travelogue across the United States. Stanley is a normal 10-year-old boy—too normal, if you ask him. His wish for adventure is granted when a bulletin board flattens Stanley, enabling him to mail himself all around the world Stanley—the ultimate exchange student—searches the globe, visiting Paris, Los Angeles, Hawaii, and more in this heartwarming musical adventure.

T hurs 1 3 Earthly Adventure Series – The Hole Story Time: 9:30-11 a.m.

Price: R$6/NR$9 Phone: 317-595-3150 Location: Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve www.Fishers.in.us/Parks Your child(ren), ages 3-5, get to explore a nature-related topic through books, hikes and hands-on experiences. Be sure to dress for the weather as most activities take place outdoors. Parent participation is required and the cost of the program is per child per session. Noticing some of the trees at Ritchey Woods have holes in them? During this program participants will learn how they got there and who uses them.

F ri 14 Teen Night: Hunger Games Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Price: FREE Phone: 812-337-1337 Location: WonderLab Museum www.wonderlab.org Teens have their own "night at the museum" with free admission, free food, and special themed activities that evoke the popular books and movies! Teen Nights are open exclusively to teens in middle and high school. Youth groups are welcome.

S at 15 Bingo Bonanza Time: 6-8 p.m.

Price: $5/person Phone: 317-848-7275 Location: Monon Community Center www.carmelclayparks.com B-I-N-G-O! Join us for a relaxing evening playing this fun classic game with family and friends. Five in a row, four in the corners, black out, and other fun directions will be potential winners. Pizza will be provided and prizes will surely be won.

The Indiana Wind Symphony presents "Summon the Heroes" Time: 7:30-10 p.m.

Price: $5 -$35 Phone: 317-843-3800 Location: The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts www.indianawindsymphony.org/ Join us for an evening of music the whole family will enjoy as we "Summon the Heroes." The pieces in this performance celebrate all types of heroes. Composer John Williams honors the athletic hero in his Summon the Heroes and military heroes in his Midway March. Beethoven's Egmont Overture is a tribute to Count Egmont, whose bravery became the Dutch symbol of heroism against Spanish oppression.

Tiny Tonic Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Price: Free. Donations to Second Helpings are encouraged Phone: 317-361-2977 Location: Second Helpings www.tonicindy.com/about-tonic-ball/ tiny-tonic/ Tiny Tonic features musical fun for the youngest Tonic fans. At this Tonic Indy event, Indy's own, Ruditoonz, will be performing child-friendly versions of our featured artists, as well as original music. Combining unique and imaginative songs and storytelling with highly active audience participation, Rudi ensures everyone has a good time listening, singing, dancing, and participating at his concerts. Ruditoonz music is suited for all ages from 0 to 101.

Mon 17 Clowes 4 Kids – Click, Clack, Moo Time: 10-11 a.m.

Price: $15 Children and Adults Phone: 317-940-6444 Location: Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University http://cloweshall.org/

“Cows that type? Hens on strike? Whoever heard of such a thing” Farmer Brown cries.

When his granddaughter Jenny comes for a visit, Farmer Brown declares the farm a “tech-free zone.” He puts Jenny’s laptop in his cold barn along with the shivering cows who end up using her computer to type requests for themselves and for the other farm animals.

Will Farmer Brown give in to the animals’ demands? Will Jenny get her computer back?

Find out in a hilariously “mooooo-ving” musical about negotiation and compromise, based on the Caldecott Honor Book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin. From: TheatreWorks USA.

T ues 18 Two Times the Fun – Fall Friends Time: 10-11 a.m.

Price: R$6/NR$9 Phone: 317-595-3150 Location: Billericay Park Building www.Fishers.in.us/Parks Come get your play on Join in the play with your two year old or watch them play with other toddlers. Either way your child(ren) will play, sing and interact with art, games and hands-on activities designed so that you only stay at each station as long as your child remains interested.

W E DS 19 Meet Children's Author Chris Van Allsburg!

Time: 6:00 pm Location: Central Library Children and families are invited as noted children's book author and illustrator Chris Van Allsburg discusses his new book, "The Misadventures of Sweetie Pie." Van Allsburg is a two-time Caldecott Award winner for picture book illustration for "Jumanji" (1981) and "The Polar Express" (1985), both of which he wrote and were adapted into successful motion pictures. Book sales, courtesy of KIDS INK, and autographing will follow the presentation. This program will be held in Central Library's Clowes Auditorium.

S at 22 Evening With The Stars Time: 8 p.m.

Price: $75-$35 Phone: 317-940-6444 Location: Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University http://cloweshall.org/events/upcoming/ event/331-evening-with-the-stars Indianapolis City Ballet once again brings to Indianapolis the Stars of the International Ballet World together in a special, one-nightonly performance featuring both the classical and the latest contemporary works by dancers and choreographers from Europe and the Americas.

Luminary Walk Time: 6-9 p.m.

Price: FREE Phone: 317-848-7275 Location: Central Park West Trail www.carmelclayparks.com Spend a relaxing evening taking a walk through the winter wonderland at Central Park. Enjoy music and hot chocolate as you take in the ambiance of more than 2,000 luminaries lighting the path through the wetlands, floating over the lagoon, and spanning across the boardwalk. Come see Central Park in a new light.

F R I 21 – Sun 2 3 Indy International Festival Time: 2-9 p.m.

Price: Adults $8.00 Advance / $10.00 At the door Children (6-12) $6.00 Flat rate Phone: 317-236-6515 Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds West Pavilion www.indyinternationalfestival.org/ The INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL will feature exhibits from the 50 + ethnic groups represented in Central Indiana as they gather to share their rich cultural histories and traditions. Highlights of the festival include authentic foods from 20+ ethnic vendors;

continuous ethnic music and dance by local and national performing groups.

T ues 25 Family Films Location: Carmel Clay Public Library Storytime Room www.carmel.lib.in.us For children ages 2-5 & their caregivers.

10:00-10:30 a.m. and 11:00-11:30 a.m. Join us for a few short, action-packed films based on popular children’s stories. Free tickets are required and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Children’s Reference Desk 30 minutes prior to the scheduled program start time.

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F ri 28 Celebration Crossing Opening Day Time: 11 a.m.

Price: Included with museum admission Phone: 317-232-1637 Location: Indiana State Museum http://indianamuseum.org/events/details/ id/1692 Enjoy the Indianapolis Children's Choir at 11 a.m. then gather on the museum's front lawn to witness Santa’s arrival by helicopter at noon. Once safely on the ground, they will greet the crowd and move to their home in Celebration Crossing. The day's festivities include the unveiling of the 92 County ornament tree.

Circle of Lights® Celebration presented by Quality Connection Time: 6-8 p.m.

Location: Monument Circle www.indydt.com/ For 52 years, thousands of spectators have gathered Downtown at Monument Circle to see the most spectacular holiday display of over 4,000 lights illuminate. Central Indiana’s most beloved tradition is here again. Don't miss this Indianapolis tradition.

S AT 29 SANTA ARRIVES AT THE INDIANAPOLIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Location: Indianapolis International Airport www.indianapolisairport.com/ As part of Santa's travels around the world, he’s making a special stop at the Indianapolis International Airport! Santa will be dashing across the tarmac on a fire truck to see all the boys and girls that have come out for his visit.

Pictures with Santa, holiday activities including face painting, balloon artistry, glitter tattoos, magicians, and more are all part of the free celebration.

Sun 30 Fresh Beat Band Time: 6 p.m.

Location: Murat Theatre at Old National Centre The Fresh Beat Band: Greatest Hits Live!

PLEASE NOTE // At Indy's Child, we work hard to ensure our calendar and guide information is accurate. Occasionally, event specifics change after we go to press. Therefore, we encourage our readers to call locations or visit them on the web to verify information.

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ONGOING EVENTS

// ONGOING EVENTS A Christmas Carol November 15th – December 26th Location: Indiana Repertory Theatre www.irtlive.com/ The beloved classic of loss and redemption returns to IRT’s snow-covered stage! Dickens’ characters bring new life every season in this faithful, fanciful and frolicsome adaptation.

It’s Indy’s favorite holiday tradition.

Experience it for the first time all over again!

Heroes from the Heartland Display November 1st – 11th Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Price: Included with museum admission Phone: 317-232-1637 Location: Indiana State Museum http://indianamuseum.org/ The Indiana State Museum seeks to explore the contributions of Hoosier veterans and highlight the state's military history and patriotic pride. Residents of Indiana are encouraged to participate by electronically contributing photos and by visiting the museum to attend live performances and demonstrations.

Day of the Dead/Dia de Muertos Through November 6th Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Price: Adults: $12, Youth 5–17: $6 Children 4 and under: Free Phone: 317-636-9378 Location: Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art www.eiteljorg.org The Mexican holiday of Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is celebrated throughout Mexico, in communities across the United States and around the world. Celebrated between October 31 and November 2, this festive and colorful holiday is a time to remember and honor deceased loved ones.

Experience Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead at the Eiteljorg. This year, NOPAL Cultural Center is partnering with the Eiteljorg to provide an upbeat experience including festive and thoughtful ofrendas; art created by local artists; a mercado; and a Katrina fashion show. A Nopal DJ will entertain between performances by Eiteljorg favorite, Anderson Ballet Folklorico. Visit with Eiteljorg artists, Richard Gabriel Jr, New Mexican tin artist, and Beatriz Schlebecker, local contemporary papel picado artist.

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Benaiah Cusack, Rachel Illingworth, and Mark Smith Exhibit Ongoing Daily (except Sat & Sun) Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Price: Free Admission Phone: 317-940-6444 Location: Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University http://cloweshall.org/art/artatclowes Since the 2000-2001 season, Clowes Memorial Hall has collaborated with Hoosier artists to display their works in the lobby as part of a rotating art exhibit. Exhibits are free and open to the public during regular business hours, Monday thru Friday, 9am to 4pm.

The Velveteen Rabbit November 22nd – December 13th Price: $8 children, $15 adults and seniors Location: Indiana Repertory Theatre www.irtlive.com A little boy and his favorite stuffed animal learn about life, love, and growing up in this lively adaptation of the classic children’s book.

Rhythm! Saturday Programs Occuring Every Saturday Phone: 317-275-9030 Location: Rhythm! Discovery Center http://rhythmdiscoverycenter.org/ Rhythm! offers a special program every Saturday of every month! From drum circles, to concerts, to instrument building, to very special events, Rhythm! will be your home for educational and interactive events every Saturday.

Community Tuesday at the Indiana State Museum Occurring the First Tuesday of each month Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Location: Indiana State Muesum www.indianamuseum.org Start the month off right by joining us for Community Tuesday. Guests will receive a 50% discount off standard admission fees on the first Tuesday of the month. Please note that this discount is good for full-fee admissions only, and cannot be redeemed in conjunction with any other discount or promotion.

Fall Exhibition Series Opening Occurring Daily Through Sunday, November 23rd Time: 6-8 p.m.

Price: Free Phone: 317-255-2464 Location: Indianapolis Art Center http://indplsartcenter.org/exhibitions/ future/ "Not A Cup: Sculptural and Conceptual Ceramics," an exhibition of ceramicists working outside the boundaries of functional claywork. “Recent Futures: Work by Harry William Sidebotham II," Sidebotham presents paintings that play with the concepts of geometry, op-art, and tonal scale."On the Home Front," glass artist Melissa Kistler’s artwork focuses on identity and belonging in relation to families and military membership.

Follow the North Star November 6th Through 22nd (Thurs-Sun) Price: $20/non-member ($17/member) Location: Conner Prairie Interactive History Park www.connerprairie.org/Plan-Your-Visit/ Special-Events/Follow-the-North-Star. aspx Become a runaway on the Underground Railroad, fleeing from captivity, risking everything for freedom. Follow the North Star plays out as an intense, living drama where guests become actors on a 200-acre stage, running from slave hunters and working together to navigate the Underground Railroad to freedom. This powerful program brings to life a pivotal period of our nations' history, and shines a light on issues of social injustice that we still struggle with today in schools and workplaces across the country. *You must be age 12 or older for the program.

Tales for 2s & 3s Occuring Every Monday & Tuesday through November 18th Location: Carmel Clay Public Library Storytime Room www.carmel.lib.in.us Storytime for children ages 2-3 and their caregivers. Free tickets are required and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Children’s Reference Desk 30 minutes prior to the scheduled program start time. A ticket will be required for each person, including infants, attending the program.

Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure November 22nd Through January 19th Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Price: Adults: $12, Youth 5–17: $6, Children 4 & under: Free, IUPUI: Free Phone: 317-636-9378 Location: Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art www.eiteljorg.org Enter a locomotive wonderland--a network of trestles, bridges and tunnels with chugging trains and detailed replicas of national treasures, all made of natural materials like twigs, moss and nuts and wrapped up in holiday trimming. Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure is a journey to the Great American West – the real West and the West of the imagination. Watch seven trains wind past the local treasures of downtown Indianapolis, including the Eiteljorg Museum, Monument Circle, Union Station, the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Lucas Oil Stadium, where you will hear veteran Colts radio announcer Bob Lamey call a game. The trains then head through the national parks of the American West, passing legendary sites, including grand railway lodges, Northwest Coast Native villages, and wonders both natural and human-made—Mt. Rushmore, Grand Canyon, Yosemite Falls, Old Faithful and more.

Festival of Trees Occurring Daily (except Mon) Beginning Saturday, November 22nd Time: 10 a.m.

Price: Included with Indiana Experience Admission Phone: 317-232-1882 Location: Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center www.indianahistory.org At the center of the first annual Festival of Trees is a winter wonderland of beautifully decorated Christmas trees in stunning Lilly Hall. Your business or organization has an opportunity to share its story with History Center holiday guests by sponsoring one of 25 trees. Guests to the six-week-long festival will not only enjoy the beauty of the trees, but will celebrate the season with caroling, share in a variety of fun family-friendly activities and events and be eligible to win great door prizes.

C O N TA C T U S

W E E K LY P R I Z E S

// MARKETPLACE E N T E R TA I N M E N T + S E RVI C E S + C HI L D C A R E + S T UDI E S + CLASSES...

A ND M O R E

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

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CHILDCARE

CHILDCARE

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B A BY S I T T I N G/ NA N NY P L A C E M E N T S E R VI C E S

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FUN &WACKY INDY'S CHILD // NOVEMBER 2014

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Sources // familycrafts.about.com, brownielocks.com, holidayinsights.com, zanyholidays.com & thenibble.com

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