March 2015

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March 2015

Information, Education and Entertainment for Northeast Florida Families

Get wrapped up in Nature!

Spring Camp at the Zoo March 16 – 20 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Ages 5-12 Extended care and Chase Scholarship Opportunities available.

Featuring Titanoboa and more: • Sea Lion Splash • Behind-the-scenes excursions • Hands-on animal encounters For more information, visit JacksonvilleZoo.org/Education

TITANOBOA:

Experience the mega-snake exhibit – this year!

June 15th – August 7th 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Ages 5-13 Extended care and Chase Scholarship Opportunities available.

JacksonvilleZoo.org/Education

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Contents

Letter From The Editor

living well

Dear Readers,

Making the Most Out of Loss.................................................................. 4 Community Profile: Leadership Jacksonville............................................ 5

I

t’s time! Time to start planning for summer camps that is, and we want to help you. On page 19 you will find 11 questions to ask yourself before you begin. Throughout the pages of this issue, you’ll find information on a variety of camps. On March 1st our comprehensive summer camps guide will be available online at www.jax4kids.com and on March 7th, you can meet with camp providers and register in person at Jax4Kids Family Expo.

The 7th Annual Family Expo will be held at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds Expo Center. If you’ve never been, you’re in for a treat as we bring together a day filled with lots of FREE family fun – rock climbing wall, SpaceWalks, puppet shows, stilt walker, face painters, airbrush tattoos, costumed characters, robotics and coding demonstrations, Swordfighting with Pirate Ship Black Raven who is offering summer camps now, hands on Engineering activities from Growin’ GEERS, hands on science experiments, Marine Life exploration and a lot of great prizes and giveaways! Bring your child’s bicycle helmet to the Expo and get it fitted and they’ll get a prize.

If they’ve outgrown their helmet or it is damaged they can trade it in for a brand new one at no cost! We thank our friends at Safe Kids for making this valuable resource available. It’s one of many you’ll find at the Family Expo.

Did you know your children may be eligible for Health Insurance through Florida KidCare even if one or both parents are working? Please turn

March 2015

eating well Kale: Lean, Green, Perfect for Your Machine............................................ 6

Health & safety Safe Routes to School Program Is Working.............................................. 8 Feelings of Awe Promote Good Health..................................................... 9

education

to page 35 for information about this affordable insurance option.

If you or a friend or relative has a child with ADHD, you’ll want to read the article on page 32.

Looking for new books for your children? See this year’s award winners for kids of all ages on page 12. Sleep is a key to good health and teens often do not get enough of it. Learn valuable information to help you help your teen get the sleep their bodies need on page 25.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Jax4Kids’ newspaper. If you would like copies delivered to your child’s school or daycare, drop us a note at info@ jax4kids.com.

Until next month, Alison Peters-Carlson Editor

A Closer Look at Advanced Placement Classes......................................11 Library Group Names Top Children’s Books............................................12 That’s My Job! Pediatric Physical Therapist...........................................12 Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives...................................................13

Clay County School news

County Spelling Bee Winners.................................................................15 Wilkinson’s Fields Teacher of the Year....................................................15 Kornegay is Named Deputy Superintendent...........................................15

Duval county public Schools 2015 Fall VPK Registration Now Open...................................................16 Take a “Discover Duval Schools” Tour....................................................17 Top 5 Finalists for “Teacher of the Year” Announced...............................17

St. Johns County School news Finalist Chosen for Outstanding Assistant Principal.................................18 Teachers of the Year Named..................................................................18 Early Registration for Kindergarten.........................................................18

summer camps Camp Selection Step By Step................................................................19 Summer Camp: Unique and Unusual...............................................20-21 Camp Skills Can Be Lasting..................................................................22 Camp Tips............................................................................................23

Teens

Follow us...

Alison Peters-Carlson Editor....................................... editor@jax4kids.com Linda Bigbee Graphic Designer......................................linda@jax4kids.com Judi Fields Circulation Manager........................................judi@jax4kids.com Doug Berle Advertising Sales......................................... doug@jax4kids.com Adam Bolton Advertising Sales..................................... adam@jax4kids.com Beth Canonica Advertising Sales.................................... beth@jax4kids.com Donna Paunetto Advertising Sales.............................. donna@jax4kids.com Steve Tremel Advertising Sales......................................steve@jax4kids.com Mary Gustafson Business Manager............................... mary@jax4kids.com Published by Child Enrichment, LLC, 12620-3 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246. Copyright 2015.

Reproduction of any artwork or copy prepared by Jax4Kids.com To Go is strictly prohibited without written consent of the publisher. We will not be responsible for any errors and/or omissions. The Publisher’s liability for error will not exceed the cost of space occupied by the error. Articles for publication are welcome and may be sent to editor@jax4kids.com. For more information concerning advertising, call 904-710-2020 or e-mail advertise@jax4kids.com.

Page 3 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

Camp Counseling Can Mean More than Just Fun...................................25 Sleep Problems May Be a Lifestyle Matter.............................................25

Infant & Toddler Young STEM Students Learn by Doing...................................................28 Play On! Toys Teach as Well as Entertain...............................................29 Some Toddler Foods Lead to Obesity.....................................................29 Vitamin D Deficiency Common in U.S. Children......................................30

special needs

Parenting a Child with ADHD.................................................................32 Field of Dreams....................................................................................33 Anxiety Disorder Affects All Ages...........................................................33

nature

The Baby Is 6-feet Tall!.........................................................................34

Pets

For Cats Any Box Will Do.......................................................................36

Things to do

March Events.......................................................................................38

Living well

Making the Most Out of Loss O nly one team wins the Super Bowl.

For each player on the New England Patriots going to Disney World after the game there is a player on the Seattle Seahawks going home disappointed without the joy of victory.

It’s a lot like life. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. Sometimes we win the account, the game, the job promotion, the award and sometimes we lose the very thing we want most.

Winning matters. Losing matters. But in life what matters most is what we do with our wins and losses. When we win do we become complacent or stay humble and hungry?

Even more important than what we do after our wins is how we respond to our losses. Do we give up or come back stronger? Do we allow the loss to act like a cancer that eats away at us for the rest of our life or do we turn it into a learning opportunity that leads to our healthy growth?

I certainly know what it feels like to lose. I’ve lost many arguments with my wife. : ) The Energy Bus was rejected by the first 30 publishers. As a sales person years ago, I lost as many accounts as I won. I lost too many games as a Lacrosse player at Cornell and now I watch my children lose tennis matches and lacrosse games.

Through this process of winning and losing we learn the greatest lesson of all: No matter how hard we work and how much we improve there will be times when we experience the worst of defeats instead of the greatest of victories. But ultimately life is about more than winning or losing. It’s about the lessons we learn, the character and strength we build and the people we become along the way.

Whether we win the Super Bowl or not, when we realize this we will surely be a winner in the game of life! j

www.jongordon.com Everyone loses but the key is to make the loss www.positiveschool.com stand for something and in my family LOSS now People often say that success breeds success but stands for: often it breeds complacency. After a win people LOSS (Learning Opportunity, Stay Strong) “Life stands before think they can just show up and achieve the me like an eternal same result, forgetting the effort, determination When we lose we ask what we can learn from and mindset it took to achieve the win. To this loss and how we can improve because of it. spring with new and continue winning, it’s essential to turn the Then we stay strong and work harder to get brilliant clothes.” euphoria of winning into a fire of burning desire better. This leads to more wins in the future…and that fuels your continuous improvement, passion, also eventually more loses…and more learning – Carl Friedrich and quest for excellence. opportunities and opportunities to stay strong and Gauss develop our character.

Kids really do say the funniest things! Please share your favorites with us by e-mailing your story directly to editor@jax4kids.com. One entry each month will be turned into a cartoon to be published in the next issue of Jax4Kids. We’ll send you the original cartoon as a keepsake.

Page 4 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

Living well

Community Profile: L Its year-long programs explore “the dynamics of the Jacksonville community, analyzing major areas of community concern, facilitating the development of leadership capacities and promoting a strong network” while covering topics such as Jacksonville history, local government and political insight, economic development, business outlook, technology growth, local education, environmental sustainability, arts, infrastructure, poverty, growth forecast and health care issues.

Under the guidance of the late Frederick H. Schultz, the organization’s first president, Leadership Jacksonville was formed with the interest and financial support of the Junior League, the Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Jacksonville Community Council, Inc. (JCCI).

Leadership Jacksonville graduated its first class of 29 members in 1977.

The program consists of two weekend retreats, one in August and one in May, and nine day-long programs. The opening retreat provides structured exercises that explore the dynamics of the urban society, leadership styles, and decisionmaking through group process. The program days provide information about the community, analyze critical program areas and issues and provide opportunities for networking and leadership development. The closing retreat brings it all together with focus on developing a vision and a personal trusteeship commitment.

behind-the-scenes experience with a great deal of interaction with the appropriate community leaders.

Students apply through their high school during their sophomore year. They must attend a high school in Duval, Clay, Baker or St. Johns County accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and should have demonstrated proven leadership ability in school and/or community activities. Programs dates are August through March and there is a fee of $250 (scholarships are available).

Program graduates will have met students from all areas of our Community and developed mutual trust and respect; acquired increased awareness of our community needs, opportunities, problems and resources; gained a greater understanding of contemporary issues through interaction and problem solving with peers, adult leaders, and decision makers from all segments of the community; developed effective styles of leadership, communication and decision making skills; and become a responsible, ethical leader committed to active community involvement.

Applications for the Leadership Jacksonville 2016 class are closed. They will begin accepting application for the 2017 class in January 2016.

The organization expanded its role into developing our youth with the first youth leadership class in 1990. It consisted of 40 high school juniors from 31 area schools. Ten years ago the Collegiate Leadership Experience graduated its first class.

Youth Leadership Jacksonville is a year-long program that brings together a diverse group of high school juniors (approximately 54 students) and prepares them to become “ethical leaders committed to active community involvement.”

Those selected attend an opening retreat, six Program Days (one per month) and a closing retreat. Programs are practical in nature with hands-on activities. Program Days deal with specific facets of the community such as government, criminal justice, human services, diversity and business. Each day combines a

Page 5 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

The Collegiate Leadership Experience takes place during the summer. Approximately 36 participants interact with community leaders, network with professionals and go behind the scenes to explore difficult issues facing our community and learn from our successes. Students participate in an overnight opening retreat, three weekday and a Saturday morning Program Day and a closing retreat. It is designed for students that are attending college in Northeast Florida or have their permanent address in Northeast Florida and are attending college outside of the region. The applicants should be rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate students between 18 and 28 years old, and have been enrolled in college for at least two semesters by the beginning of the program in June. All applicants must be in good standing at their college and have demonstrated leadership skills in high school and/or college.

Program dates are May 28 through Aug. 1 and the fee is $500 (scholarships are available).

Program goals include encouraging participants to live and work in Northeast Florida after graduation and serve as a community trustee.

Applications are due on March 23, 2015. A committee of Leadership Jacksonville alumni will review the applications and conduct in-person and phone interviews during March and April.

Local students will have face-to-face interviews; students away at school will have phone interviews. The class will be selected in May and applicants will be notified of the results in mid-May. j Leadershipjax.org

“It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.”

– Rainer Maria Rilke

Learn. Fun. Naturally.

eadership Jacksonville, an organization whose mission is to develop youth and adult leaders to assume greater responsibility, has been improving the quality of life in our community since it was formed nearly four decades ago.

Leadership for All Ages

Animal Encounters Guided Trail Tours Energy or Water Detective

Programs start at just $6/person.

NATURE TODAY!

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BOATING

eating well

Kale: Lean, Green, Perfect for Your Machine W hen I say the word “superfood” what do you think of?

As a licensed nutritionist for over 20 years, when I think of the word superfood, I think of a few things: 1. A whole food.

2. A food that provides vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

3. A food that is low in calories.

To me, a superfood would not be considered something that is processed, high in saturated fat/sodium, low in nutrients and high in empty calories. For example, chips and soda would not be considered superfoods! But let’s take a look at a food that has received a lot of attention lately as a superfood – Kale.

From salads to smoothies, this superfood fits all of my criteria for a healthy choice. Let’s see how it can fit in your household too.

Whole food: Kale is a dark-green leafy vegetable that is easy to grow! Because it is cold-tolerant, it can be grown during the winter months in Florida. The plants can be started from seed anytime from September through January or February and will continue to produce tender leaves until the heat of summer. As a member of the cabbage family, it has big curly leaves that add beauty to a winter garden. The plants do best in 6 hours of sun or more, so plant in a sunny spot and water regularly.

Food that Provides Vitamins, Minerals and Antioxidants: Kale provides a variety of nutrients for you and your growing children. One cup of raw Kale contains 134% of Vitamin C, 206% of Vitamin A, 9% of Calcium and 6% of daily Iron.

A Food Low in Calories: One cup of raw Kale contains no fat or cholesterol, 2 grams of protein, 29 milligrams of sodium and only 33 calories.

So now we know how good Kale is for you, what is the superstition? It is thought for many that if you eat the right foods on New Year’s, you might just improve your luck for the coming year. In the American South, eating greens such as Collards, Kale and Swiss chard on New Year’s Day is said to improve your chances of gaining “greens” (money) during the next 12 months.

MADE SIMPLE!

If you are inspired to try Kale for the first time, here are two recipes to get you started incorporating this superfood into your family’s regular menu!

Fruit/Kale Smoothie (adapted from Real Simple) Ingredients: • 1 Banana, cut into pieces • 1 cup chopped Kale (ribs and thick stems removed) • 1 cup Almond milk (can substitute Vanilla Soy or 1% cow’s milk if desired) • ½ cup 100% Apple juice (optional) Directions: Put the Almond milk (and juice) in the blender first followed by the chopped greens and fruit chunks last. Start on low first, and work your way up to the pureed setting. If it is too thick, you can always add a few ice cubes at the end to thin it down. Voila!

Kale Salad (adapted from Betty Crocker) Ingredients to Prep the Greens: • 1 bunch of Kale (ribs and thick stems removed) • ¼ cup Olive Oil • ¼ teaspoon of salt • Ingredients for the Vinaigrette: • ¼ cup Olive Oil • ¼ cup Greek Yogurt Vanilla • 2 Tablespoons of Red Wine Vinegar • 1 Tablespoon of Lemon Juice • 2 teaspoons of Dijon Mustard • 1 teaspoon of chopped garlic Directions: In a large bowl, massage the greens with olive oil and salt until the leaves soften (about 2 to 3 minutes). Then blend the Vinaigrette ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth and drizzle on top of the greens to desired taste. Top with grilled chicken or tofu, walnuts or slivered almonds, mandarin oranges and/or dried cranberries for a tasty “superfood” meal! j Aurea Thompson,MSH,RD,CSP,LD/N Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition Wolfson Children’s Hospital

“Spring is the time of plans and projects.”

– Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina Page 6 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

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Page 7 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

health & safety

Safe Routes to School Program Is Working M arch is Florida Bicycle Month!

its safety programs in schools, after school youth programs, rodeos and camps. Included While in most other states May is Bicycle in the program are 10-hour workshops to train Month, Florida, because of our warmer weather, elementary and middle school teachers. Traffic celebrates in March. The governor’s proclamaand bicycle safety education at the elementary tion mentions bicycles as a means to travel to school level focuses on pedestrian, school bus school, and their potential to promote health and and bicycle safety. Materials used to conduct the wellness and reduce air pollution and chronic dis- workshops focus on development of pedestrian eases. All of these are goals of the Safe Routes and bike-handling skills appropriate for physical to School program, a movement to create safe, education classes. These are provided at no cost convenient, and fun opportunities for children to to teachers by a grant from the Florida Departbicycle and walk to and from schools. ment of Transportation Safety Office.

Middle school training emphasizes bicycle knowledge and skills in addition to health, nutrition, and exercise. Lessons include on-bike practice and classroom instruction with interactive video components. Scheduling these programs in a crowded curriculum requires creative solutions, which many schools have met by embedding the curriculum in physical education classes.

The program includes community workshops as well. The 8-hour workshops prepare community law enforcement officials, youth group leaders, community safety specialists, and school resource officers bicycle safety and rules of the road at the elementary level. The Traffic In 1969, approximately 50 percent of children in Safety Education Guide is provided at a small the U.S. walked or bicycled to school, with almost cost to participants, who learn how to implement 90 percent of children living within one mile of successful bicycle safety programs and present school walking or bicycling. Today, fewer than bicycle safety information to the public. Partici15 percent of schoolchildren walk or bicycle to pants also receive a copy of “The Guide to Bicycle school. As a result, kids are less active, less Rodeos” by John Williams and Dan Burden. The independent and less healthy. U.S. families drive program also includes a driver’s education pro30 billion miles to take their children to and from gram. “Driver’s Ed for Bike and Ped” fulfills the school, at a cost of $5 billion in fuel and a signifi- need for bicycle and pedestrian safety education cant increase in traffic congestion. in driver education programs. Instructors are given the information for teaching bicycle and Concerned by the long-term health and traffic pedestrian laws, common crash types and reconsequences of this trend, in 2005 Congress ap- sponsible sharing of the road through classroom proved implementation of Safe Routes to School activities, homework, and evaluation tools. programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Communities have used the funding to The program’s Adult Cycling Course provides construct new bicycle lanes, pathways and side- cyclists guidance and instruction in the basic walks, as well as to launch education, promotion principles of bicycling. It combines classroom and enforcement campaigns in elementary and discussion with on-road practice and activities. middle schools.

Instructors for this course are certified by the League of American Bicyclists, the only nationally A recent study of schools in Florida, Oregon, recognized program with certified instructors.

Texas and the District of Columbia shows that The courses are offered by Florida LCI (League the program is working. There has been a 20 Cycling Instructors) certified Regional Trainers at percent increase in walking and bicycling in the various dates and locations throughout the state. j years since the program began.

The Florida Traffic and Bicycle Safety Education Program employs a regional training team to teach educators, law enforcement officials, school resource officers, Safe Kids coalition members and volunteers how to implement

Saferoutestoschools.org, Floridabicycle.org

Page 8 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

We take the Fear out of Dentistry!

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82% of people say fear is the number one reason they don’t go to the dentist?

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Let us help you ease your fears and take care of your smile! At Carlson Dental Group, we offer different levels of sedation allowing you to relax or even snooze!

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Sedation Consultation ExpiRES mARCh 31, 2015.

Osteoarthritis of the KNEE? Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research is seeking volunteers to evaluate novel methods of activity monitoring for individuals who: • Are between 30 and 80 years of age • Have osteoarthritis of the knee and • Are candidates for a hyaluronic acid injection based on a physician’s assessment Study participants will receive study-related medication and study related medical evaluations at no charge. Compensation for time and travel is available for qualified participants.

No insurance required.

For additional information about the benefits and risks of the study, please contact us:

Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research (904) 730-0166

www.jaxresearch.com

health & safety

Feelings of Awe Promote Good Health T aking in the glory of nature at the top of a mountain peak, joining in a song of worship or viewing a breathtakingly beautiful piece of art are some of the experiences that fill us with awe and make us feel most alive. And according to new research, moments like this are both spiritually invigorating and good for our physical and mental health.

A University of California, Berkeley, study, published in the journal Emotion in January, suggests that the feeling of awe we may experience during encounters with art, nature and spirituality has an anti-inflammatory effect, protecting the body from chronic disease.

The researchers found a correlation between feelings of awe and lower levels of cytokines, markers that put the immune system on high alert by triggering a defensive reaction known as inflammation. While inflammation is essential to fighting infection and disease when the body is presented with a specific threat, chronically high levels of cytokines have been linked to a number of health problems, including heart disease,

Alzheimer’s, depression and autoimmune conditions.

“That awe, wonder and beauty promote healthier levels of cytokines suggests that the things we do to experience these emotions – a walk in nature, losing oneself in music, beholding art – have a direct influence upon health and life expectancy,” Berkeley psychologist Dacher Keltner, a coauthor of the study, said in a press release.

In a previous paper, Kelter defined awe as a feeling “in the upper reaches of pleasure and on the boundary of fear,” that is often inspired by encounters with the beautiful and the sublime. Study co-author Jennifer Stellar told The Huffington Post that experiences of awe are most commonly inspired by being in nature, followed by witnessing the impressive feats of others, participating in spiritual and religious events, and engaging with art and music.

To test the effect of awe on physical health, Keltner’s team asked two separate study groups of young adults how much they experienced positive emotions such as awe, amusement, compassion, contentment, joy and pride on a given day. On the same day, the researchers took samples of participants’ gum and cheek tissue to measure cytokine levels. The samples revealed that in both groups, those who had experienced awe, wonder or amazement that day had lower levels of cytokines, and therefore less inflammation, in their bodies.

While awe is relatively under-studied compared to other emotions, previous research has found that feelings of awe can also boost creative thinking, help create a sense of having enough time in the day, and inspire profound personal transformation.

The UC Berkeley study’s findings join a growing body of research suggesting that positive emotions play an important role in promoting physical health. Studies have linked positive emotions with improved heart health and longevity, and some research has suggested that mindfulness practices – which are known to improve emotional well-being – can reduce inflammation.

“Rather than seeing a walk through the park or a trip to the museum as an indulgence, we hope people will view these kind of experiences as important ways to promote a healthy body in addition to a healthy mind,” Stellar said. “Folding these kinds of positive experiences into your daily routine may be more important for health than we previously realized.” j Huffington Post

Page 9 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

Things to Do Health Events

Kids Yoga March 3, 10, 17 and 24, 4:30pm Yoga is a great way to increase flexibility, lower stress, and improve energy. Learn to relax your mind and body with some simple, kid-friendly stretches and exercises. This program is for beginners and fun for the whole family. Please wear loose clothing and bring your own towel or mat. Teens are welcome, too.

Southeast Branch / 904-827-6900 / 6670 US1 South, St. Augustine, FL 32086 / www.sjcpls.org Gate River Run March 14, 8:30am to 12noon Events for the annual Gate River Run include USA 15K Championship Run/Walk, Florida Times-Union 5k for Charity, Brooks Rehabilitation Challenge Mile, Junior River Run, Diaper Dash, 3 Day Runner’s Expo, live music, post race celebration, clowns and entertainment for the kids and more. The runners expo is Thursday, March 12 from 11am to 6pm; Friday, March 13, from 11am to 8pm; and Saturday, March 14, from 8:30am to 12noon. The Junior River Run is a FREE one mile fun run for children age 13 and under. Each child’s parent must fill out and sign an entry form for them. Pick up t-shirt and packet at GATE River Run Expo. First race for the Junior River Run starts at 11am. There will be four heats for ages 9 and under at 11 and 11:15 and 10-13 at 11:30 and 11:45. Pre-register online.

Jacksonville Fairgrounds / 510 Fairgrounds Place Jacksonville, FL 32202 / gate-riverrun.com Youth Mental Health First Aid March 19, 9am to 5pm

904-998-TNT1 (8681) www.tntgymfit.com

SPRING BREAK CAMP 2015

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a 8-hour training course designed to give members of the public key skills to help an adolescent who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The 8-hour course covers a range of common disorders and potential crises such as helping a young person who is having a panic attack, is contemplating suicide or is struggling with substance abuse. Training Cost: $55. Contact Lissette Maldonado, Training Specialist, at 904-6307251 or by email: lissette@coj.net for registration information. Jacksonville Children’s Commission / 904-630-7251 / 1095 A. Philip Randolph Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32206 / jccevents.net NCCAA Annual Sports Clinic March 21, 9:30am to 12noon Free clinic for youths to learn general skills of several sports. Hosted by the NCCAA. City of Palm Coast / 386-986-2323 / James F. Holland Memorial Park, 18 Florida Park Drive Palm Coast, FL 32137 / www.palmcoastgov.com Local Medicinal Herbs March 28, 10am to 2pm In this workshop, Master Herbalist Cindy Whitley will teach you how to identify and properly prepare the locally growing medicinal herbs in the Northeast Florida area. Each participant will make 2 remedies in class and bring home lots of valuable information for future plant identification and medicine making.

Lots of new plants will be covered. Please bring a sack lunch. Cost $40. Pre-registration is required.

Maggie’s Herb Farm / 904-829-0722 / 11400 County Road 13-N, St.Augustine, FL 32092 / maggiesherbfarm.com

Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

March 16 - 20 9am - 3pm Early Drop off – 8am - 9am Extended Day – 3pm - 6pm Ages 3 - 12 (must be potty trained) Join us for gymnastics, games, pit playtime, obstacles, crafts and snack!

Weekly Rate: $145 (1st child) $130.50 (Siblings) Daily Rate: $40 (1st child) $36 (Siblings) ½ Day Rate: $25 per child Must be a member or pay camp registration fee to attend.

Page 10 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

EDUCATION

A Closer Look at Advanced Placement Classes for High School Students

I

f you have kids from elementary school through high school, you may wonder if encouraging your kids to earn college credit while in high school is a worthwhile option. These days, students can choose from Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual enrollment courses and other high school acceleration options to earn college credit while in high school. In this month’s column, I’ll take a look at the some of the benefits and drawbacks of AP classes.

Benefits The possibility of earning college credit (and saving money!) while still in high school is a big benefit for students who enroll and successfully complete AP courses and the tests that accompany them. According to The College Board, the organization that administers AP courses, students have the option of taking more than 30 courses and exams during high school. Classes range from AP Art History to AP Computer Science. Course offerings vary according to individual districts and schools.

The structure of AP courses encourages students to develop better reading comprehension skills, study habits and the ability to use higher order thinking skills, which is another benefit. To succeed in an AP Literature and Composition class, for example, students need to read and understand complex college-level texts and write several types of essays, among other things (according to The College Board’s web site).

Drawbacks One drawback for students can be the increased time AP courses demand for study and homework. Since students are completing collegelevel work, they are expected to perform at an accelerated pace. For high school students who are involved in several extra-curricular activities or who work part-time jobs, the demand of AP courses might be too much.

Another drawback can appear when AP students have deficits in reading comprehension or academic essay writing. Students with literacy challenges may need to take remedial courses or receive tutoring to bolster skills needed to succeed in AP courses.

Student Perspective For students who succeed taking AP courses, the rewards are often worth the effort. A former student of mine, Lisa Green,* is now a graduate of Florida State University. “Taking nine AP classes [in high school] not only saved me time and money in college,” Green said, “but they also taught me invaluable lessons about time

management, prioritizing, and setting goals for myself.”

As for drawbacks, Green told me the only one she could think of dealt with teacher preparation.

“The only AP classes which I felt were poorly structured were ones in which a first-time teacher had been put in charge,” she said. “I had two AP classes that were taught by first-time teachers, and these teachers did not seem prepared to cover the in-depth material or nature of the class.”

Teacher Perspective Teaching AP classes can be challenging for instructors. Though some districts offer AP training for teachers, others sometimes assign newer teachers to conduct the classes.

A friend of mine, Sally Smith,* who teaches on the First Coast, taught both AP Literature and Dual Enrollment English classes for a total of three years. She now teaches other courses.

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www.jcds.com/extra/ summercamp.php

“The strengths of the AP program depend entirely upon the teacher,” Smith said. “Some teachers may be able to give students a real experience with many different sorts of literature, but many others will spend their time memorizing vocabulary lists and teaching writing ‘tricks.’ From a parent or student’s standpoint, the strength of the program is that it enables a student to graduate from college a bit sooner.”

In addition, Smith has reservations about how well high school students can tackle challenging literature. “I think most high school students are not ready for a frank, independent encounter with many works of classic literature,” she said. “They tend to depend only on what they have learned in school, and are likely to opt for a shallow interpretation, or worse, rely only on personal preference to judge the quality of the work.” j Further Resources For parents wishing to research AP courses further, here are three helpful web sites: The College Board - www.collegeboard.org Duval County Public Schools’ AP page - www. duvalschools.org/Page/7602 “U.S. News & World Report” AP Article - www. usnews.com/education/high-schools/articles/2012/05/10/weigh-the-benefits-stress-ofap-courses-for-your-student *Names have been changed.

JUNE 15 - AUGUST 7

9:30AM - 2:30PM

AGES 3 - 18

Summer camp for children with intellectual disabilities and behavior disorders.

5:2 student-to-therapist ratio. Access to a variety of support services including Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis and Mental Health Therapies, provided at an additional rate.

A variety of camp activities include…

• Vocational skills (daily living skills, job ready skills) • Social skills (play skills, peer interaction) • Academic skills (reading, language arts and math)

• Health and Safety (community skills) • Physical activity (gross motor skills and exercise) • Enriching field trips (Jacksonville Zoo, museums, community parks and more!)

Nancy Lee Bethea

Page 11 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

(904) 619-6071

6867 Southpoint Dr North, Suite 101 Jacksonville, FL 32216

WWW.KEYSTONEBEHAVIORAL.COM

EDUCATION

Library Group Names Top Children’s Books T he American Library Association has announced this year’s top books for children and young adults – including the Newbery, Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, and Printz awards.

Magoon for “How It Went Down.”

Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award: “Firebird,” illustrated by Christopher Myers, is the King Illustrator Book winner.

The award winners: Two King Illustrator Honor Books: Christian Robinson for “Josephine: The Dazzling Life of John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding Josephine Baker” and Frank Morrison for “Little contribution to children’s literature: Melba and Her Big Trombone.”

“The Crossover,” written by Kwame Alexander, is the 2015 Newbery Medal winner.

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Two Newbery Honor Books also were named: Author Award: “El Deafo” by Cece Bell, illustrated by Cece Bell; “When I Was the Greatest,” written by Jason “Brown Girl Dreaming,” written by Jacqueline Reynolds.

Woodson.

Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distin- literature written for young adults: guished American picture book for children: “I’ll Give You the Sun,” written by Jandy Nelson, is “The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary the 2015 Printz Award winner.

Friend,” illustrated and written by Dan Santat, is Four Printz Honor Books: “And We Stay,” by Jenny the 2015 Caldecott Medal winner.

Hubbard; “The Carnival at Bray,” by Jessie Ann Foley; “Grasshopper Jungle,” by Andrew Smith; Six Caldecott Honor Books: “This One Summer,” by Mariko Tamaki.

“Nana in the City,” illustrated by Lauren Castillo, written by Lauren Castillo; “The Noisy Paint Box: Alex Awards for the 10 best adult books that The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract appeal to teens: Art,” illustrated by Mary GrandPré, written by “All the Light We Cannot See,” by Anthony Doerr; Barb Rosenstock; “Sam & Dave Dig a Hole,” il“Bellweather Rhapsody,” by Kate Racculia; lustrated by Jon Klassen, written by Mac Barnett; “Bingo’s Run,” by James A. Levine; “Confes“Viva Frida,” illustrated and written by Yuyi sions,” by Kanae Minato; “Everything I Never Told Morales; “The Right Word: Roget and His Thesau- You,” by Celeste Ng; “Lock In,” by John Scalzi; rus,” illustrated by Melissa Sweet, written by Jen “The Martian,” by Andy Weir; “The Terrorist’s Bryant; “This One Summer,” illustrated by Jillian Son: A Story of Choice,” by Zak Ebrahim; “Those Tamaki, written by Mariko Tamaki.

Who Wish Me Dead,” by Michael Koryta; Wolf in White Van,” by John Darnielle.

Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award recognizing an African American author and Recognized worldwide for the high quality they illustrator of outstanding books for children represent, ALA awards guide parents, educators, and young adults: librarians and others in selecting the best materi“Brown Girl Dreaming,” written by Jacqueline als for youth. Selected by judging committees Woodson, is the King Author Book winner. of librarians and other children’s experts, the Three King Author Honor Books: awards encourage original and creative work.

Kwame Alexander for “The Crossover; ” Marilyn For a complete list of awards, please visit www.

Nelson for “How I Discovered Poetry;” Kekla ala.org/yma. j

That’s MY Job!

Dianne Drysdale: Pediatric Physical Therapist

Q. How long have you been a pediatric physical therapist?

A. I have been a pediatric physical therapist since 1993.

Q. Why did you choose this career?

A. I injured my knee playing soccer in high school and reinjured it again in college. After participating in physical therapy off and on for three years, I realized this profession was something I could enjoy. This profession fit me in every way. It takes “exercise” to a different level by focusing on rehabilitating injuries and returning function. As someone who loves children, specializing in pediatric physical therapy was a natural choice.

Q. What kind of education did you get to become a pediatric physical therapist?

A. In the early 1990’s when I went to college, physical therapists were required to obtain a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy. I attended the University of Florida and earned my BS in Physical Therapy in 1993. Our profession has evolved over the decades. Now, in order to sit for the State and National Board exams, new candidates must hold a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Currently, licensed therapists holding other degrees are not required to advance their degree. However, I decided to return to graduate school at University of South Florida and graduated with my Doctorate of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences in 2014.

Q. What are some of your responsibilities?

A. My main role is to assess a child’s functional status and develop a treatment plan to help him achieve his goals. In other words, I figure out why a child isn’t sitting, crawling or walking.

Then I design games, play activities, and ways to modify his daily routine to encourage him to overcome any deficits or weaknesses. A huge part of my job is teaching the child’s family how to therapeutically hold and play with their child. Sometimes, children need special braces, wheelchairs or walkers and it is my responsibility to determine which equipment is best for that child.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I love that my job requires me to use play and creativity to motivate children. I joke that I get paid to play with children all day but the true payment is witnessing a child accomplish his goals. When a four year old walks to his mom for the first time, I feel euphoric. The majority of my patients require physical therapy for several years therefore I develop strong relationships with their parents. I call my patients “my children” but truthfully, I am honored to be considered a part of their entire family.

A New Family Easter Tradition Two local authors have created a new Easter tradition. Similar to the Elf on a Shelf concept of rewarding good behavior, Wishy Life is an Easter Tradition that also rewards and encourages children. The Mother and Daughter-inLaw team of Tiffany and Debbie Oliva started a fun, family tradition in their own homes. They quickly received praise and requests from friends and peers to share the story of their bonding ‘Buddy’ with other families hoping to inspire and remind children that working together and behaving well is the best way to earn positive rewards.

The book includes a ‘Buddy’, Wishy Stem, Wishy Dust and seven (7) empty eggs that are hidden and filled each day for a week leading up to Easter Sunday. Eggs can be filled with anything from stickers and treats to messages and small gifts, but bad behavior results in an empty, unhidden egg (or a note reminding them what they need to work on ;)

Wishy Life Buddies: The Original Easter Tradition provides families with a sneaky, seasonal pal who gives treats, rewards and encouraging messages to wellbehaved children during the Easter season.

This year, Easter falls on April 5th.

Start the tradition in your home this Easter. Wishy Life Buddies is available at wishylife.com and Amazon.com or these local retailers: Cinottis Bakery, Spotted Stork, Sydney Cardel’s, Wardroom and participating area Hallmark stores.

Children bring their ‘Buddy’ to life by naming him and sprinkling him with Wishy Dust.

Page 12 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

On Easter Sunday, when ‘Buddy’ departs for the year, he promises to return the following year to watch after his new family and friends.

EDUCATION

Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives T he March is National Women’s History Month Indian owned museum in the U.S. and 2015 is the National Women’s History Project’s 35th Anniversary. In celebration of this Eleanor Flexner (1908 –1995) landmark anniversary, the project has chosen Historian and Independent Scholar nine women as 2015 Honorees who have contrib“In the end all women uted in very special ways to our work of “writing and all men can only women back into history.” Together, these benefit from the more women have written, co-authored, or edited more truthful and balanced than 60 books. Holly Near has produced 30 CDs. image of women which Collectively, their creations reveal the depth and will emerge from history breadth of the multicultural female experience. where they are shown to They have woven women’s stories into the fabric have been actively of our history. involved in shaping their own destiny and that of Delilah L. Beasley (1867-1934) the country.”

Historian and Newspaper Columnist At her memorial service, Eleanor Flexner’s groundbreaking 1959 book which was a testament to “Century of Struggle: The Women’s Right Moveher life-long crusade for ment in the United States” marked her as a justice, all attending stood pioneer in the field of women’s studies. and made the following pledge – “Every life casts In this landmark publication Flexner relates it shadow, my life plus women’s physically courageous and politically others make power to ingenious work for the vote to other 19th- and move the world. I, early 20th-century social, labor, and reform therefore pledge my life to the living work of movements. Most importantly, she includes the brotherhood and material understanding between importance of the campaigns for equal educathe races.” tion, the abolition of slavery, and the advocacy of temperance laws.

Delilah L. Beasley was the first African American woman to be regularly published in a major Polly Welts Kaufman (1929-Present) metropolitan newspaper and the first author to Writer, Teacher, Activist “By connecting with the present the history of African Americans in early lives of your figurative California. sisters, mothers, grandmothers and great Gladys Tantaquidgeon (1899-2005) grandmothers in all the Mohegan Medicine Woman, Anthropologist, and Tribal Elder diversity of the “In my early years, I backgrounds they wasn’t aware that time represent, you gain was going so rapidly; strength from the later I realized many of challenges and our old people were successes of the women who came before you. If she could do dying and their that — if she could overcome that — if she could knowledge went with create that — so can I!” them. Something had to be done to preserve a record of their way of Polly Welts Kaufman is a writer, teacher and above all an activist for equality. Her path to writlife. My goal has always been that this ing women’s lives began with the sound of a door information be passed on to future generations.” closing, heavy as it was with gendered prejudice.

Graduating from Brown University in 1951 with Gladys Tantaquidgeon’s life spanned the entire a degree in American Studies, she planned to 20th century. She grew up in the Mohegan teach high school in Providence, Rhode Island, community (Uncasville, Connecticut) learning only to be asked, “Are you married or going to be traditional practices, beliefs, and herbalism. She married?” Answering “Yes,” she was told to look only completed grade school but at age 20 she elsewhere for employment. took the opportunity to study anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania. She completed exLynn Sherr (1943- Present) tensive field research on east coast Indian tribal Broadcast Journalist and Author cultures and herbal medicines and published “The modern women’s rights movement has several books based on her research. In 1931, brought about the greatest social change in our she co-founded Tantaquidgeon Museum with her lifetime. It woke me up, gave me purpose brother and father; it remains the oldest American focused my energy…I joined a growing number

Page 13 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

of twentieth-century feminist determined to set the record straight and prove definitively that the same bold women who had lazed the trails deserved our unmitigated thanks.”

Lynn Sherr, an American broadcast journalist and author, began her career at Conde Nast, when she won the Mademoiselle Magazine Guest Editor Competition in college. She soon moved on to the Associated Press, then WCBS-TV, PBS, and ultimately ABC, where she covered politics, space and social change for more than 30 years. As a correspondent for the ABC news magazine 20/20, she received many honors, including the George Foster Peabody Award in 1994 for “The Hunger Inside,” about anorexia.

tions that black women have made to our nation’s progress and to the global struggle against social injustice, and economic and gender inequality.”

As a historian, Darlene Clark Hine sought not only to explore African American history, but to expand the discipline of history itself by focusing on black women “who remained at the very bottom of the ladder in the United States.” A leading expert on the subject of race, class, and gender in American society, Hine is credited with helping to establish a doctoral field in Comparative Black History at Michigan State University.

Holly Near (1949-Present) Singer, Songwriter, Social Activist “I am open and I am willing for to be hopeless would seem so strange. It dishonors those who go before us so lift me up to the light of change.”

Holly Near has inspired generations with music that chronicles progresJudy Yung (1946-Present) sive activism of the Oral Historian, Author, and Professor late 20th and early “The personal is political for me. Inspired by the 21st centuries. DurAsian American and women’s liberation moveing the war against ments in the 1970s, I began researching, Indochina Holly interviewing, and writing about Chinese American began to write songs based on historic and curwomen in an effort to reclaim my history as a rent events that were challenging progressives in Chinese American woman, refute mainstream the United States. She wrote about the killings stereotypes of the China Doll and Dragon Lady, and set the historical at Kent and Jackson State, the struggles of The record straight. And I United Farm Workers and the frightening consequences of nuclear war. Her work with women haven’t stopped in the military as well as women in countries since.” occupied by the US military led Near to rethink the role of women in the world and the policy that Judy Yung is best challenges women in a very particular way. Near known for her began to write songs specifically about women’s groundbreaking lives both in a global and personal context. work in documenting the immigration Vicki L. Ruiz (1955 –Present) history of Angel Educator and Pioneer in Latina History Island and the life stories of Chinese Ameri“For me, history remains a grand adventure, one can women. As a second-generation Chinese which began at the kitchen table listening to the American born and raised in San Francisco’s stories of my Chinatown, Yung embarked on a lifelong mission mother and to reclaim the history of Chinese Americans and grandmother and to educate Americans about the lives, struggles, then took flight and contributions to this country. aboard the local bookmobile.”

Darlene Clark Hine (1947-Present) Historian and Educator The first in her “Receiving the family to receive 2013 National any advanced Humanities Medal was both a blessing degree, Vicki L. Ruiz earned a Ph.D in History at and a profound mo- Stanford in June 1982. Two months later she ment in the history showed up for her first teaching position with a baby on her hip and another on the way. Over the of Black Women’s course of three decades, Ruiz has been a major History because it force in shaping the field of Chicana history. j represented acknowledgement nwhp.org and appreciation of the work that I and my generation of scholars did to include the contribu-

EDUCATION

Movie Effects are More Real Than You Think M uch has been made of the mind-bending visual effects in the movie Interstellar. But the methods created by the film’s Oscar-nominated visual effects team may have more serious applications than wowing movie audiences—they could actually be useful to scientists, too.

Director Christopher Nolan and Executive Producer (and theoretical physicist) Kip Thorne wanted to create a visual experience that was immersive and credible. When they began to construct images of a black hole, they realized that existing visual effects technology wouldn’t cut it—it created a flickering effect that would have looked bad in IMAX theaters. So the team turned to physics to create something different.

“To get rid of the flickering and produce realistically smooth pictures for the movie, we changed our code in a manner that has never been done before,” Oliver James, chief scientist at visual effects firm Double Negative, said. “Instead of tracing the paths of individual light rays using Einstein’s equations—one per pixel—we traced the distorted paths and shapes of light beams.”

That led to a new set of code they called DNGR—the Double Negative Gravitational

Renderer.

But the team soon realized that the images produced using DNGR code could be used for much more than a fictitious interstellar trip. They began to use the code to conduct simulations of how a weird space surface called a “caustic” might affect images of star fields near black holes in a process known as “gravitational lensing.” Their simulations showed that as caustics are dragged around the sky by the spinning force of a black hole, they stretch around the hole again and again, affecting how stars look. This both creates and obliterates images of stars, creating up to 13 images of a star as the caustic flings images out of the black hole.

Think that sounds like a really cool visual? So do scientists. As astrophysicist Kip Thorne of Cal Tech, who co-authored the study, says, “This new approach to making images will be of great value to astrophysicists like me. We, too, need smooth images.” j smithsonianmag.com

Four Win ROWITA Award I n conjunction with Women’s History Month, four women will be awarded for their significant contributions to the artistic environment of St. Johns County. The 2015 Dr. Gail Pflaster ROWITA (Recognizing Outstanding Women in the Arts) recipients are costume designer Mary Rhopa la Cierra, choral director Kerry Fradley, storyteller and actress Twila Fleming Hudson and dance director Felicia Rhoden.

The St. Johns Cultural Council will hold the awards ceremony at The Back Room of the Saint Augustine Amphitheatre on Saturday, March 14, from 4 pm to 6 pm. A short reception will follow the free event.

Mary Rhopa la Cierra received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics and a Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Costume Design.

She has shared her lifetime interest in fabric and thread through her work for Cross and Sword, St. Augustine Art Association, St. Johns County 4-H, and other organizations.

shares her passion for music in many ways but is most proud of founding the St. Augustine Youth Chorus.

Twila Fleming Hudson holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She uses her storytelling abilities to teach children to develop their creative talent and inspires and educates people through her portrayals of legendary historical figures.

Felicia Rhoden studied classical ballet at the New York City Ballet under the direction of George Balanchine and modern dance at The Martha Graham School of Modern Dance. A dancer, choreographer and director for more than 60 years, she teaches and inspires more than 300 dancers as the Director of both the Dance Ministry and Liturgical Dance at Christ Episcopal Church.

Established in 2009, the ROWITA Award is named for the late Dr. Gail Pflaster, a local writer and enthusiastic arts supporter who was instrumental Kerry Fradley was born into a musical family then in establishing it. Nominating guidelines are can went on to earn a Bachelors of Arts Degree in be found on the St. Johns Cultural Council’s Piano and Vocal Performance and a Master of Arts website, www.stjohnsculture.com. For more Degree in Choral Performance. Ms. Fradley information you may call 904-808-7330. j

Page 14 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

Clay County School News County Spelling Bee Winners Kornegay is Named

Deputy Superintendent

Joshua Brown (right) from Wilkinson Junior High School came in first with Zinnia Basil (middle) of Orange Park Junior High School second and London Francis (left) of Argyle Elementary School third. Brown won with the word “roughhewn” in the 18th round. They are shown with Veteran educator Diane Kornegay has been named deputy school board members Janice Kerekes, Carol Studdard, Ashly Gilhousen and Betsy Condon. superintendent of Clay County Schools. She will replace Denise Adams, who will retire June 1, Superintendent Charlie Van Zant Jr. said.

Kornegay has been in the Clay County system for more than a decade and has held her present job, assistant superintendent for instruction for 4 years.

A graduate of the University of North Florida with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, she began her teaching career in Duval County before becoming vice principal and principal of Kings Trail Elementary School. In Clay County she first served as principal of W.E. Cherry Elementary before moving to open Argyle Elementary in 2005. She served as district’s director of school improvement, professional development before moving into her current position of assistant superintendent for instruction in 2011.

“Clay County students’ academic growth has flourished due in large part to Mrs. Kornegay’s leadership as evidenced by our recent rise to a historic all-time-high graduation rate,” Van Zant said in the announcement.

Wilkinson’s Fields Teacher of Year

Clay County’s Teacher of the Year is David Fields, Advanced Placement U.S. History teacher at Orange Park High School. The graduate of the University of Florida (BA History, BA Political Science and M.Ed. Secondary Social Studies) has been at the school for seven years. Fields will now go on to compete to become Florida’s 2016 Teacher of the Year.

Honored along with Fields was Wilkinson Junior High School teacher assistant Larry Scarbrough, who was named School-Related Employee of the Year. Scarbrough, a volunteer in county schools more two decades, works at Wilkinson assisting teacher Linda Ford. Scarbrough also announces football games at district schools.

Kornegay is the recipient of the Northeast Florida American Graduate Champion Award and one of 10 people in the country selected to speak at an upcoming conference in Washington, DC to address educators and members of congress regarding the implementation of practices to develop collaborative classrooms that support learning of critical college and career readiness skills.

As superintendent of instruction, Kornegay is responsible for the direction of curriculum, including the coordination of all instructional programs, basic education K-12. Vocational education, exceptional student education, adult/community education and student services. As the deputy superintendent, she will be administrator-in-charge when the superintendent is out of the county. The deputy is also responsible for supervising all assistant superintendents and principals, coordinating the comprehensive improvement planning as well as developing and maintaining board policies, staff allocations, etc.

Spring Calendar

Teacher of Year David Fields (center right, orange jacket) and teacher assistant Larry Scarbrough (center left, gray suit) pose with Clay school officials.

Page 15 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

Thursday, March 12

End Third Grading Period (45 days)

Friday, March 13

Planning Day, Student Holiday

Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20

Spring Break, Student/Teacher Holidays

Monday, March 23

Students Return to School

Friday, April 3

Good Friday, Student/Teacher Holiday

Monday, April 6

Easter Monday/Fair Day, Student/Teacher Holiday

Monday, May 25

Memorial Day (Observed), Student/Teacher Holiday

Wednesday, June 3

Last Day, Students (4th Grading Period – 50 days)

Thursday, June 4

Last Day, Teachers – Planning Day

www.oneclay.net OP/Middleburg (904) 272-8100 Green Cove Springs (904) 284-6500 Keystone Heights (888) 663-2529 TDD (904) 284-6584

Connect with us!

Page 16 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

Take a “Discover Duval Schools” Tour Duval County Public Schools, in partnership with the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, hosts school tours for community members and groups throughout the year. Each month, citizens meet at either the district’s central administration building to board a yellow school bus (exactly the way nearly 48,000 students travel each day) or at the school site for a comprehensive tour. During the 90-minute session, citizens will visit the campus, talk with students and faculty members, learn about unique and innovative program(s) related to the school, and determine their interests in engaging in public education activities.

The next school tours are: School St. Clair Evans Academy A. Philip Randolph Academies of Technology Mayport Elementary Coastal Sciences Academy Ortega Elementary School Southside Middle School Lake Shore Middle School

Theme Science Academy Career Academies Coastal Sciences Museum Studies Dual Language IB Middle Years Program

Date and Time March 27 at 9 a.m.

April 1 at 9 a.m.

April 15 at 11 a.m.

April 29 at 9 a.m.

May 13 at 9 a.m.

May 20 at 9 a.m.

Meet-up Location School, 5443 Moncrief Rd. School, 1157 Golfair Blvd.

School, 2753 Shangrila Dr. School, 4010 Baltic St. District Office, 1701 Prudential Dr. School, 2519 Bayview Rd.

For more information or to register, visit www.discoverduval.org.

Top 5 Finalists for “Teacher of the Year” Announced After announcing the top 15 Duval County Public Schools’ semifinalists in January, the Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF) just informed the five educators who will continue on the road to becoming the 2015 Florida Blue Teacher of the Year. All of the festivities are leading up to the EDDY Awards where the winner will be announced. Congratulations to the finalists!

The EDDY Awards will be held at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St.; 32202, on March 11 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at eddyawardsjax.org. Visit jaxpef.org for more information about the finalists.

The finalists are:

C. Suzanne Evans Fishweir Elementary School

Sabrina Hall Andrew Jackson High School

Page 17 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

Michael Bostic-Jones William M. Raines High School

Kifimbo Holloway-Parnell Kirby-Smith Middle School

Jill Sullivan Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School

St. Johns County School District News Teachers Of The Year Named Spelling Bee Winner Frank “Charles” Moseley Jr., Information Technology teacher at Switzerland Point Middle School, has been named St. Johns County’s 2015 Teacher of the Year and John “Hank” Samuels, fourth-grade teacher at W.D. Hartley Elementary School, has been named 2015 Rookie Teacher of the Year at the annual Teacher of the Year Celebration sponsored by the St. Johns County Education Foundation.

Amanda Devany from The Webster School; Juliet Hart from St. Johns Technical High School; and Katilyn Collazo from Ponte Vedra High School. then be included for consideration as the Florida Department of Education Macy’s Teacher of the Year 2015.

Victoria Damon, an 8th-grade student at Pacetti Bay Middle School, is the 2015 St. Johns County School District Spelling Bee winner. She won by spelling the word “Frankenstein” correctly. Victoria is the daughter of John and Catia Damon.

Thirty-three elementary and middle school students from 28 public and five private schools competed, runner-up Colin Fraser of Gamble Rogers Middle School was the runner-up.

John “Hank” Samuels Frank “Charles” Moseley Jr. Teacher of the year finalists included: Renata Russell from Crookshank Elementary School;

The awards banquet is produced by the St. Johns County Education Foundation (SJCEF) to recognize excellence in the teaching profession and is sponsored, in part, by THE PLAYERS Championship, Beaver Toyota/Scion and Leonard’s Studios.

Finalist Chosen for Outstanding Assistant Principal

Nigel Pillay, assistant principal at Pedro MenenIt took 28 rounds for the winner to be determined. dez High School and the St. Johns School District Assistant Principal of the Year, has been chosen as a finalist to represent the state as the OutLaurie Hays, program specialist for Elementary Language Arts, served as the spelling bee coordi- standing Assistant Principal of the Year.

Outstanding Assistant nator and the pronouncer was Linda Villadoniga, Principal Nominee retired teacher. Judges for the event were Jim Nigel Pillay has over Welu, retired director of student services; Sandy 13 years of combined Waldeis, community representative; and Laurie educational experiHays. ence in St. Johns and Seminole Counties, serving as a classroom teacher, instructional coach and an assistant principal. He began as a math teacher at MilCunningham Creek, Ketterlinus, Otis Mason, Mill lennium Middle School in Sanford and went on to Creek, Ocean Palms, Osceola, PVPV/Rawlings, serve as a mathematics specialist at Lake Orienta South Woods, Timberlin Creek and Wards Creek Elementary School in Altamonte Springs as well elementary schools. Osceola and Crookshank elas an assistant principal at the middle and high ementary schools as well as The Webster School school level. are expanding their VPK programs to include

Early Registration For Kindergarten The St. Johns County School District will hold early registration for children entering kindergarten and students new to St. Johns County and/or public schools on Thursday, March 12 from 1-5 p.m.; Wednesday, April 15 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; and Friday, May 8 from 1-5 p.m.

HRS Form 680. Proof of a physical examination that has been obtained within one year prior to enrollment in school is also required. Physical examinations can be performed by either a private physician or by the county health department.

Voluntary Pre-kindergarten (VPK) early registramore students. For additional information on tion will also take place at select schools on the VPK, please contact Early Childhood Services at To be eligible for public kindergarten in St. 547-4897.

Johns County, children must be 5 years old on or above dates and times. The St. Johns County before September 1 and must reside in St. Johns School District VPK offers a high-quality early childhood education program with small class Students can be registered during the spring County. To register for first grade, children must sizes and degreed teachers with certification in and summer for the 2015-2016 school year, be 6 years old on or before September 1 and however; parents are encouraged to register durhave documentation of successful completion of disabilities. ing the designated dates above so that schools kindergarten.

Children applying for the VPK program must can adequately prepare for the new school year. be 4 years old on or before September 1.

The Additional information regarding registration and Parents must register children at the school school attendance zones may be obtained from where they are zoned for the 2015-2016 school SJCSD offers full-day VPK at the following locathe Student Services Office at 547-7598. year. Three proofs of residency must be provided tions: The Webster School, John A. Crookshank, such as a current mortgage statement, lease or rent agreement and two other forms of residency documentation such as a current electric bill, car registration and/or driver’s license. Additional inMonday - Friday March 2-13 FSA ELA Writing Component (Grades 4-11) formation on residency and guardianship as well Thursday March 12 Third Quarter Ends as a link to the Attendance Zone Locator can be Friday March 13 Teacher Planning Day-Student Holiday found on the website at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us under “Featured Links.”

Monday - Friday March 16-20 Spring Break - Student/Teacher Holiday

Important Dates

Florida law requires any student entering a Florida school for the first time to show proof of required immunizations documented on the

Monday March 23 Monday - Friday March 23

Classes Resume for Students May 8, 2015 FSA ELA and Mathematics (Grades 3-11)

Pillay has been employed in his present position since he joined the district in 2012. While at Pedro Menendez , he has been instrumental in developing a discipline matrix which has resulted in a 41 percent decrease in Out-of-School Suspensions. He has also implemented a “Know Your Audience” program to identify students with needs in particular areas. Teachers of these students were able to collaborate on a regular basis to track progress of their identified students and share best practices with one another.

“Nigel has taken initiative in many areas including volunteering to be chair of the CHARACTER COUNTS! Steering Committee without even knowing what this position would entail,” said St. Johns Superintendent Dr. Joseph G. Joyner. “His willingness to tackle challenges at PMHS in an effort to make things better and more efficient is amazing.”

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Visit St. Johns County Schools online at http://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/schools/ for more information.

Page 18 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

summer camps

Camp Selection Step By Step

W

hen beginning the camp selection process, consider your child’s interests.

It’s important to know a child’s personality and identify what camp programs will benefit him or her most. With a variety of programs and activities, summer camp offers fun and meaning-

ber, many camps offer financial aid.

Questions to Consider In Selecting a Day Camp Day camps offer experiences that are unique from resident camps. Because of this, there are

Volleyball Association VOLLEY STARS CAMP SESSION 1 SESSION 2 SESSION 3 SESSION 4

JUNE 8-10 JUNE 22-24 JULY 6-8 JULY 20-22

AGES 5-8

Questions to Consider In Selecting a Resident Camp 1. What locale do I want to consider? (mountains, oceanfront, distance from home) 2. Do I want a traditional camp that gives my child a wide variety of experiences or do I want to select a specialty camp that focuses on a particular activity or set of skills?

3. What size enrollment will make my child feel comfortable?

4. How rustic do I want the camp to be?

5. How structured do I want the program to be?

Does my child like to have lots of choice in the activity schedule?

6. Is my child ready to sleep away from home for an extended stay? This will help you to select either a resident or day camp setting.

7. What session length will appeal to my child and to our family plans for the summer? (One week? Eight weeks?)

8. How can I stay in touch with my child during camp? Does the camp allow mail, phone calls or e-mail? Does the camp have parent visitation days?

Source: American Camping Association 9. How will the camp meet my child’s special dietary or physical needs?

10. What is my budget for camp tuition? Remem-

Page 19 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

AGES 9-12

260 per session (FULL WEEK) 165 per session (3 DAY OPTION - MONDAY THRU WEDNESDAY) 110 per session (2 DAY OPTION - THURSDAY & FRIDAY)

SESSION 1 JUNE 8-12 JUNE 8-10 (3 DAY OPTION) JUNE 11-12 (2 DAY OPTION)

SESSION 3 JULY 6-10 JULY 6-8 (3 DAY OPTION) JULY 9-10 (2 DAY OPTION)

SESSION 2 JUNE 22-26 JUNE 22-24 (3 DAY OPTION) JUNE 25-26 (2 DAY OPTION)

SESSION 4 JULY 20-24 JULY 20-22 (3 DAY OPTION) JULY 23-24 (2 DAY OPTION)

AGES 13-16

9AM-4PM

specific points to consider when choosing a day camp.

1. Does the American Camp Association accredit the camp? ACA has specific standards applicable only for day camps.

2. What training does the staff receive on safety, supervision, counseling, problem solving and other issues unique to working with young children?

3. Is the price all-inclusive or are there extra charges for: transportation, overnights, swimming lessons, food service, horseback riding, group pictures, T-shirts, extended care, field trips 4. If transportation is offered, where is the closest pick-up location?

5. Does the camp have an “express bus” which transports children quickly?

6. If before- and after-camp extended care is offered, who is with the children and what activities take place?

7. Is lunch served or do campers bring their own sack lunch? Are snacks and drinks provided?

8. If the camp offers swimming, are there swimming lessons or is it simply recreational swimming?

9. Are campers in a group with a counselor all day? Or, are campers free to go from one activity to another with appropriate supervision? In this case, whom would you talk to if you had a question or concern about your child?

10. Is an open house offered before camp starts where you can meet your child’s counselor and van/bus driver?

11. Are parents allowed to drop by for visits or is there a special parent visitation day? j

9AM-12PM

This camp focuses on motor skills such as volleyball movement, jumping and throwing. Campers will learn basic volleyball skills and work with a light ball. (T-shirt included)

ALL SKILLS CAMP

ful adventures to match a child’s interests and maturity level. Be certain to include your child in the decision-making process. Together with your child, explore the camp options and examine the materials the camps provide. In addition, many camps have web sites that include photos, maps or virtual tours of the camp facility, sample daily schedules and menus, and information about the directors and key staff. As children become better acquainted with the camp experience and more involved in the decision-making process, they will have less anxiety about going away to camp. Think about what you want in a camp before you enroll your child.

95 PER SESSION

SESSION 1 JUNE 15-19 JUNE 15-17 (3 DAY OPTION) JUNE 18-19 (2 DAY OPTION)

SESSION 3 JULY 13-17 JULY 13-15 (3 DAY OPTION) JULY 16-17 (2 DAY OPTION)

SESSION 2 JUNE 29-JULY 1 (3 DAY OPTION) JUNE 29-30 (2 DAY OPTION)

SESSION 4 JULY 27-31 JULY 27-29 (3 DAY OPTION) JULY 30-31 (2 DAY OPTION)

Campers will receive instructional training from JJVA’s most experienced Coaches on the six fundamental volleyball skills. Campers have the choice to attend two days, three days, or five days per session. (T-shirt included) Note: JJVA does not have a cafeteria. Campers will need to bring their lunch.

EVENING SKILLS SESSIONS

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS IN JULY

AGE 13-15: 5-6:30 PM HIGH SCHOOL TEAM CAMP

JULY 7, 11, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 AGE 16-18: 6:30-8 PM

JULY 31 5-8 PM & AUGUST 1 9 AM - 4 PM

For your convenience JJVA will be offering Extended Care from 8-9 am and 4-5 pm:

Extended Day includes: arts & crafts, movies and other fun activities.

1 HOUR $10/DAY

2 HOURS $20/DAY

REGISTER AND PAY ONLINE AT WWW.JJVA.COM

904.854.2323 11661 PHILIPS HWY WE’RE ON FACEBOOK

summer camps

g n i

r

p

Activities Include: Warm up games & stretching, tumbling, gymnastics, dance, arts and crafts, movie, cheerleading and group games.

Come one week or all summer $150 first week $10 off each additional week (max discount 3 weeks)

Camp Theatre 2015 Jacksonville

904.783.8043

Session A June 15July 10 2015

www.gymnasticsunlimitedfl.com

2015

When school’s out, we’ve got you covered!

FREE extended hours available.

Half days and daily drop ins welcomed!

MENTION THIS AD FOR $10 OFF CAMP

i

June 8 - July 31 • 8:30 am - 5 pm

i

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SUMMER CAMP

break aMarch 16-20, leg

Session B July 20August 14 2015

For details and registration info visit www.theatrejax.com/education or call (904) 396-4425

Open House May 9th

Page 20 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

W

hen most people think of summer camp, hikes, swimming and capture-the-flag come to mind. But some niche camps go above and beyond the classic fun and give kids a chance to race cars, swim with sharks, or learn French. From Surf Camp to Camp Jam, here are some of the more unique, and unusual, ones out there.

JUST DOWN THE ROAD CIRCUS CAMP: Visit Tallahassee for a week and let your child experience a truly unique day camp on the Florida State campus. Campers will get to work on all the same acts they’ve seen at the circus: Flying trapeze, juggling, tight rope, balancing and more. The staff is made up entirely of current FSU student performers, and have all been CPR and First Aid certified.

Available for children ages 7-17 the runs Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. Registration opens in March. circus.fsu.edu/Summer-Programs/Summer-Camp 850-644-4874 RANCH CAMP: A short ride south of Orlando in the lush oak groves of Lake Wales, this sleepaway camp is geared toward boys and girls ages 6 to 18. Even if your child hasn’t always wanted to be a cowboy or cowgirl, they’ll be in hog heaven at the authentic Circle F Dude Ranch with Western-themed cabins and enthusiastic college kid counselors. The 500-acre property has a big lake and stables with 65 horses. In addition to horseback riding, campers can choose from over 40 different activities. Daytrips to Orlando attractions are built into the schedule. circlefduderanchcamp.com • 863-676-4113

June 8th - August 7th

Early Registration Cost: $89/week After May 9th: $109/week Sibling Discounts Available

Summer Camp: Unique and Unusual

SURF CAMP: Take your kids to the hometown of 10-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater to learn how to ride summer waves. Cocoa Beach is also famous for the Ron Jon Surf School, a spin-off of the massive souvenir mecca. The summer surfing day camp is open to kids ages 7 to 17 with five-day sessions from June to August.

With instructor to student ratio at 1 to 4, class size is limited. Instructors are local shredders, CPR and first-aid certified. Surfboards, rash guards and board wax included. www.ronjonsurfschool.com • 321-868-1980

Offer expires 4/1/15. No cash value.

FILM CAMP: Make your own Disney film. The New York Film Academy offers digital filmmaking and acting camps at Orlando’s Disney World in six, three and one week sessions. Though they are shooting their films in Florida, students find that they may set their films on a street in Paris complete with the Eiffel Tower and French cafés, and Morocco. These are among the four amazing international locations available for students’ productions at Epcot. www.nyfa.edu/summer_

camp • 800-611-FILM (3456) SPACE CAMP: Offering adventures and learning activities that can’t be found anywhere else, Camp Kennedy Space Center focuses on the space shuttle Atlantis and the historical impact of its 33 missions into space. Campers participate in a simulated space shuttle mission, learn hands-on about the science of space travel and hear real-life stories from a shuttle astronaut.

Week-long camps run from June to August and are open to students from 2nd to 11th grades. www.kennedyspacecenter.com • 866-737-5235 COOKING CAMP: Interact with world class chefs while learning basic kitchen safety and food handling skills then prepare a Southern feast with barbeque and shrimp & grits at a 3-day, June 21-23, cooking camp at the famous Jekyll Island Club Hotel on Jeykll Island, Ga. www.jekyllclub.com • 855-535-9547 RIDING CAMP: Parents vacation on beautiful Hilton Head, while their age 8 to 18 junior equestrians learn to ride like champions at International Riding Academy’s intensive riding camp. Specializing in hunters and jumpers, the one-week all-day program that combines riding on different horses, flat-work, jumping, fitness, video analysis, ground work and learning about competition and what judges look for. www.iridingacademy.com • 843-671-2586 WEIGHT LOSS CAMP: Wellspring Florida is the first and only scientifically-based summer fitness and weight loss camp in Florida. On the campus of the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, boys and girls ages 10-24 join with a professional staff in 3-, 6- or 9-week sessions to become long-term weight controllers. Rapid and dramatic weight loss is achieved through a fun and comprehensive program. www.wellspringcamps.com/wellspring-florida 866-766-9680 GATOR EXPERIENCE: This University of Florida baseball camp gives a player the opportunity to receive the full experience of being a Florida Gator baseball player. The July 19-23 camp focuses on the same basic fundamental skills and mechanics in hitting, pitching, and defensive skills that help prepare the Gators for the toughest conference in college baseball. The 9th to 12th grade players will have full use of practice facilities and stay in the dorms. The Gators also hold camps in football, golf, soccer, swimming, softball and tennis. www.gatorzone.com/camps 352-375-4683 x-4457 Continued on Page 21

summer camps Summer Camp: Unique and Unusual From Page 20

conditioning for boys and body toning for girls.

Other programs during the week-long sessions AND A LITTLE FARTHER AFIELD include billiards and shooting as well as the more traditional swimming, tennis, riding, fishing, golf, OUTWARD BOUND FOR GIRLS: Classic girls-only etc. www.vineyardcamp.com • 336-351-2070 course offers the same challenges as any Outward Bound expedition. On this 22-day AND EVEN FARTHER course participants aged 14-16 will discover what it’s like to live, work, and play in the great SPY CAMP: Break codes, make disguises, outdoors of the Pisgah and Nantahala National attend secret briefings, and go on spying Forests in Western North Carolina. Skills For Life missions. Day-campers 10 to 13-years-old like teamwork, leadership, environmental spend one week from 9 am to 3 pm daily at the stewardship, and self-reliance are taught as the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. team sets up camp in the backcountry and cooks while mom and dad take in the sights. their own meals while using Leave No Trace www.spymuseum.org • 202-654-0933 techniques to minimize their impact on the land. www.outwardbound.org • 866-467-7651 COMEDY CAMP: At Kids ‘N Comedy Camp in New York City, the campers are mentored by SEA CAMP: A year-round, non-profit marine professional comedians. Students learn improv, science camp and educational facility located on comic acting, and stand-up comedy, and end Big Pine Key 30 miles north of Key West in the camp with a live show at Gotham Comedy Club. heart of Florida’s fragile coral reefs. Founded in Open to ages 10-18, and limited to groups of 10, 1966, Seacamp Association offers marine science the students get a lot of attention. No joke. education and a full suite of water sports and www.kidsncomedy.com • 212-877-6115 activities including SCUBA, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, fishing, and arts & crafts for FARM CAMP: At Plantation Farm Camp in campers 12-17 in four summer (18 and 7 day) Cazadero, Ca. (north of San Francisco), everyone sessions. www.seacamp.org • 305-872-2331 lives outside without electricity and works on a sustainable farm. The entire experience is CAMP JAM: Aspiring musicians rock out in their own bands at what is considered the premiere Rock-n-Roll summer camp in the country for kids ages 7 to 17. Located in Norcross, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta, Camp Jam markets itself as “no canoes, lots of rock.” Every Friday night the campers perform a concert. www.campjam.com • 770-874-4653 GAME DESIGN CAMP: Build a video game and get an in-depth view of what it takes to work at top game design companies. Emagination Game Design is a two-week overnight camp on the campus of Emory University in Atlanta for 15-18 year olds. Emagination also holds camps for beginners to experts in animation, website design, coding, app creation, RC Cars and robotics. www.computercamps.com • 877-248-0206 WRITER’S CAMP: Designed for those in grades 6 through 11 who have an enthusiasm for writing and a desire to work to develop writing skills, Young Writer’s Camp on the campus of Duke University in Durham, N.C. has three 2-week sessions this summer. Note: This academically rigorous camp is only for students who are motivated and have the ability to manage their time to complete assignments. www.learnmore.duke.edu/youth/youngwriter 919-684-2827 BODY BUILDING CAMP: Vineyard Camp, a faith-based co-ed sports camp in North Carolina, just north of Winston-Salem, allows campers to major in a particular program such as body

Page 21 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

unplugged with campers choosing from more than 50 activities, including riding a horse bareback, building a fort, tie-dying a shirt, or playing capture the flag in acres of redwood trees after milking the cows and hoeing the corn, of course. www.plantationcamp.com • 707-847-3494 RACING CAMP: At Motorsport Camp in Alton Va., kids get behind the wheel at least twice a day to race on dirt and paved courses. When they aren’t driving, there’s still time for paintball, racing-career exploration, motorsport science and other less-intense pursuits. www.campmotorsport.com • 434-454-6205 FRENCH CAMP: At Canoe Island French Camp, 45 campers spend their summer in the San Juan Islands in Washington State in the Pacific Northwest immersing themselves in French culture, learning the language and partaking in classic summer camp activities such as archery. www.canoeisland.org • 360-468-2329 SHARK CAMP: At Shark Camp, students SCUBA and snorkel next to the sharks in the Fiji Islands (South Pacific). Campers must be SCUBA certified. The survivors receive 10 hours of community service and three college credits for the program. www.gobroadreach.com • 888-833-1907 j

11 weeks of fun filled activities with weekly themes including Pirate, Chef, Little Picasso, Magic Week and many more!

Tons of Field Trips . Candy Factory . Skating Movies . Rebounderz . Bowling . Swimming Lots of Onsite Adventures Zumba . Magic Show . Balloon Twisting Face Painting . Wild Wonders . Science Experiments . Soccer Shots

$165 a week includes lunch and field trips Enroll before May 8 for $50 off the 6th week of camp. * One offer per family. Multiple discounts not allowed.

Contact location for details.

Form a Band, Write and Record a Song!

Kids will learn instruments, rhythms, songwriting, history, performing and recording. Exciting games and activities while learning music.

Your child will receive a T-Shirt and Friday Pizza Lunch.

Age Groups: 5-7 and 8-11

June 8 – August 20 . Ages 5 - 10

Sponsored by

July 13-17: Blessed Trinity School, Beach Blvd.

July 20-24: First Coast Center for the Arts, Atlantic Beach More dates & locations to come!

All skill levels accepted, beginner to advanced.

Cost: $200 Flexible payment options available

Register online at www.FCSOM.com or call 904-236-9700 Limited Space Available, Sign Up Today!

Gate Parkway

11526 Lake Mead Ave. #105 Jacksonville, FL 32256 904-538-0900

OPENING SOON!

summer camps

Camp Skills Can Be Lasting

M

illions of parents choose camp for their child or teen because of the immense benefits of the experience. Not only does camp foster making new friends and learning 21st century life skills like independence, problemsolving, and teamwork, but it’s also fun! American Camp Association chief executive officer, Peg Smith, reminds parents to pack a few extra items from camp in the school backpack.

Confidence – All through the camp experience, children and youth have tried new activities and been successful; they feel empowered.

Curiosity – Camp has given children and youth the chance to explore, study, and observe in an experiential learning environment.

Character – Camp has challenged children and youth to develop character — through fostering respect for each other, a sense of community, and the ability to solve problems.

How can parents help transfer these skills into the home?

appreciate the positive attitude and willingness to help that they developed at camp.

Become Camp-Like – Families can set the example by demonstrating a willingness to change something at home in order to sustain some of the changes campers have made. Bob Ditter, a clinical social worker and psychotherapist who consults with the American Camp Association, suggests: “Parents have to make a decision. Are they willing to change something in their practice at home in order to sustain some of the changes their kids have made, such as having a job wheel that you put up on the wall outlining chores?”

Everyone Gets a Say – At camp, children help determine how their day is spent. Their advice is actively sought, and they feel like equal players.

Emulating this environment at home allows them to continue to stand up for themselves and feel like a contributing member of the household.

Avoid the Negative Compliment – Don’t inadvertently sabotage efforts by pointing out Remember to Remind – When campers come differences in behavior. Instead of saying, “you home, they often keep the spirit of camp alive for never did this before,” praise the behaviors in a a week or two, and then things trail off. Use posi- genuine way. For example, “I noticed how patient tive reinforcement to remind campers that you you were with your little brother.” j

June 15 - August 14, 2015 K-5th grade

www.seacoastchristianacademy.com • 562-4780 Page 22 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

summer camps

Camp Tips: • If your child will wearing shoes they don’t usually wear or are new such as hiking boots, make sure they wear them in advance for a stretch of time to break them in. Better to break them in before they go than to have sore feet and miss activities at camp.

• Look for clothing made with fabrics that the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends as an effective UV protectant. You’ll find them from Lands End, Coolibar, Solumbra and UVSkinz.

• Use plastic grocery bags or Ziploc bags to transport dirty footwear.

• Use ice packs in lunch boxes to keep food fresh. Try Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers Ice Packs, they come in fun colors and shapes like sunglasses, penguins and cars.

• Make sure your child knows what poisonous plants look like.

Exploration Camp

6 Weeks of Summer Art for Ages 5-15 $100 per student / per week $10 Non Refundable Registration & Reservation fee per week

Arts & Craft Outdoor Activites Field Trips Project Based Learning Literacy/Math Experiments Gardening Hands on Activities

3675 San Pablo Rd S., Jacksonville, Fl 32224 / (904) 493-3535

• Use a permanent marker to label everything • Don’t forget the sunscreen! Make it fun to apply by using zinc-oxide based sunscreen in cool colors like Zinka’s Colored Nosecoat (www.zinka.com)

• Planet Wise Wet Bags are perfect for transporting wet swimsuits and towels home from camp. Buy them at www.planetwiseinc.com

• Make camp reservations early

Arts

e Science Festival

JacksonvilleScienceFestival.org June 15 - July 24 • 8am - 5pm

• If your child’s camp experience will include travel, pack some small, lightweight activities like the Camper’s Knot Tying game, Thinkfun Mini Mouth Word Game, book of Sudoku puzzles or a deck of cards.

• Send a disposable camera with your child to document their camp adventures. Waterproof disposable cameras are available for their water adventures.

Jacksonvi

• Put a note in your child’s lunch box to add joy to their day or remind them they’re loved and special. At www.lunchboxnotes.com, you’ll find LunchBox Love, Happy Notes, Lunch Lines (jokes), Ewww That’s Gross Lunch Cards, Happy Napkins and more. j

• Chamois swimmer’s towels and microfiber towels like the Sports Life Towel, available from Amazon, are absorbent and fast-drying.

“Bloom where you are planted.”

– Mary Engelbreit Page 23 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

summer camps

Famous Movie Camps

Camp North Star – Movie “Meatballs” (1979), real name Camp White Pine.

Camp Crystal Lake – Movie “Friday the 13th” (1980), real name Camp No-Be-See. Camp Chippewa – Movie “Addams Family Values (1993), real name Camp Sequoia Lake.

Camp Hope – Movie “Heavyweights” (1995), real name Camp Pinnacle.

Camp Walden – Movie “Parent Trap” (1998), real name Camp Walden!

Camp Ivanhoe – Movie “Moonrise Kingdom” (2012), real name Camp Yawgoog.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAMP: June 8 – July 24 Extended Care Available

MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMP: July 27 – 31 Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Members $180 | Non-Members $200 For more information or to register, call 904.355.0630 or visit cummermuseum.org

Page 24 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

teens

Camp Counseling Can Sleep Problems May Be a Mean More Than Just Fun Lifestyle Matter

S

ome of the best reasons to be a camp counselor this summer may surprise you.

Sure, working with kids is itself rewarding, and spending the summer outdoors is enticing, but have you ever considered that working at summer camp is actually good for your career?

If you are a college student considering a career in athletics, sports management, coaching, teaching, dance, theater, fine arts, child development, child psychology or management, summer camp provides practical, meaningful experience to build your resume.

WORK WITH LEADERS As a specialty counselor at summer camp, you will have the opportunity to apprentice under outstanding professionals in your area. Premier camps employ college and high school coaches, semi-professional and professional athletes, Broadway actors, exhibiting artists, experienced teachers, child development experts and accomplished professionals in all fields. You will learn leadership, teaching and coaching techniques through training sessions and day-to-day application working with children in your chosen field. With plenty of time to practice your own skills, you may even pick up a few pointers along the way. You will develop invaluable lifelong networking contacts with the leaders and future leaders (dedicated camp counselors just like you) in your field.

BUILD A RESUME Athletic and other specialty counselors will build a semester’s worth of teaching hours in only a few weeks. Some colleges even offer internship credit for student summer jobs.

T

eens are notorious for wanting to stay up late creativity, leadership, ability to command respect, and for not wanting to get up early. If your openness to new experiences and relationship teen is no exception, find out what’s behind this building with a diverse group of people. These behavior and how you can help him or her get are all vital to a successful career in business. better sleep — starting tonight.

SKILLS BUSINESS LEADERS VALUE A teen’s internal clock • Teamwork • Relationship building Everyone has an internal clock that influences • Creativity • Conflict resolution body temperature, sleep cycles, appetite and • Leadership • Public speaking hormonal changes. The biological and psycho• Respect • Planning & Organizlogical processes that follow the cycle of this 24• Dedicated Work Ethic ing hour internal clock are called circadian rhythms.

• Communication • Problem solving Puberty changes a teen’s internal clock, delay• Openness to new • Role modeling ing the time he or she starts feeling sleepy and experiences • Decision making awakens.

TOP MENTORS Mentoring college students to become coaches and professionals can be immeasurably rewarding. Our counselors return year after year not only because of great kids, but also, more often because of great mentors. High-level, accomplished program directors have a knack for training others as well as teaching our kids top-notch skills.

ADVENTURE & FUN Camp provides adventures you may not experience elsewhere: White water rafting Camping Mountain hikes Trips to amusement parks Trips to professional ball games Travel to major attractions

Camp counselors are also encouraged to enjoy their days and nights off because all work and no play ...well, you know. During time off, you can explore a different part of the country. Enjoy General camp counselors, often interested in the checking out the nearby quaint towns, big cities fields of child development, teaching, business, like Boston, New York, Chicago and Montreal, and management have the chance to garner spend the day at coastal beaches or hiking practical experience working and living with kids. breathtaking mountains. Camp facilities and You also are provided with ongoing leadership equipment are open to staff as well so you can opportunities and the chance to work your way play tennis under the lights or relax at the pottery up through the “management” ranks to become wheel. After campers go to bed, you can hang head counselor, group leader, and division leader, out with fellow counselors from around the world where you will be responsible for the supervision in the staff lounge equipped with phones, televiand training of other staff members. Week-long sions, and computers with internet access. training session focus on supervision, teaching techniques, problem solving and more. Real All meals, lodging and transportation are provided world management experience for your resume! so you have very few expenses. j Business leaders appreciate the skills necessary to be a successful camp counselor – teamwork,

greatcampjobs.com

Too little sleep Most teens need about nine hours of sleep a night — and sometimes more — to maintain optimal daytime alertness. But few teens actually get that much sleep regularly, thanks to factors such as part-time jobs, early-morning classes, homework, extracurricular activities, social demands, and use of computers and other electronic gadgets.

Stick to a schedule. Tough as it might be, encourage your teen to keep weekday and weekend bedtimes and wake times within two hours of each other. Prioritize extracurricular activities and curb late-night social time as needed. If your teen has a job, limit working hours to no more than 16 to 20 hours a week. Nix long naps. If your teen is drowsy during the day, a 30-minute nap after school might be refreshing. Be cautious, though. Too much daytime shut-eye might only make it harder to fall asleep at night.

Curb the caffeine. A jolt of caffeine might help your teen stay awake during class, but the effects are fleeting — and too much caffeine can interfere with a good night’s sleep.

Keep it calm. Encourage your teen to wind down at night with a warm shower, a book or other relaxing activities.

Know when to unplug. Take the TV out of your teen’s room. Minimize use of electronics in the hour before bedtime.

Adjust the lighting. If your teen does use a phone or tablet near bedtime, tell him or her to turn down the brightness and hold the device at least Sleep deprivation might not seem like a big deal, 14 inches (36 centimeters) away to reduce the but it can have serious consequences. Tired risk of sleep disruption. In the morning, expose teens can find it difficult to concentrate and learn, your teen to bright light. These simple cues can or even stay awake in class. Too little sleep also help signal when it’s time to sleep and when it’s might contribute to mood swings and behavioral time to wake up. problems. Drowsy driving can lead to serious — even deadly — accidents.

Sleeping pills and other medications generally aren’t recommended. For many teens, lifestyle If your teen isn’t getting enough sleep, here are a changes can effectively improve sleep. j few things you can try to help: mayoclinic.com

SRB Rowing Summer Sculling Camps Ages 10 to 100 Mon-Thurs 8:15 to 10:30 am beginning June 15 Camp Sessions last 2 weeks Beginner to Advanced

645 Cesery Blvd.

Jacksonville, 32211

www.SRB-Rowing.org

SRBRowingCoach@gmail.com

(813) 541-4133

Supported by Stanton Rowing Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Page 25 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

teens

Things to Do Teens

Legend Center, 5530 Soutel Dr Jacksonville, FL 32219 / www.wnme.org

Prioritizing Milestones in High School March 2, 6pm to 7pm Learn how to set goals to be successful throughout High School and beyond. Ribault High School, 3701 Winton Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32208 / dcps.duvalschools.org/Page/7398

Babysitters Training Course March 18, 9am to 3:30pm The JCA will hold a Babysitters Training Course for ages 10 to 15 from 9am to 3:30pm. Learn how to prepare for an emergency while home alone or babysitting in this one-day class. Valuable Adaptive Aquatics safety tips will be taught and basic CPR and first org / 904-724-8326 / NFSSE Flagler College Career ExpoCampus Walking Trails, aid skills will be reviewed. The cost is $50 for 223 Mill Creek Rd March 4, 10am to 2pm members and $75 for non-members.

Flagler College hosts a Career Expo for those Jewish Community Alliance / 904-730-2100 / Visit Jax4Kids.com forinternship more event listings. interested in finding a job, or new ca8505 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217 / reer. Flagler College, Ringhaver Student Center www.jcajax.org / 50 Sevilla Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.flagler.edu 3rd Annual Peeps Diorama Contest Entries Due March 20 Matriculation: What’s Next After College AcThe Fleming Island Library hosts the 3rd Annual ceptance?

Peeps Diorama Contest. Teens are invited to March 12, 6pm to 7:30pm create one entry to be dropped off at the library Learn the next steps following college accepfor judging. Entries must be received by 7pm tance. Terry Parker High School, 7301 Parker on Friday March 20. The public is invited to view School Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211 / dcps. the entries on display in the library from March duvalschools.org/Page/7398 21st through April 3 rd and cast their vote for the “Peep-le’s Choice” Award. Fleming Island Library Annual Spring Break College Tour Branch / 904-278-3720 / 1895 Town Center Blvd.

March 16 – 20 Fleming Island, FL 32003 / www.ccpl.lib.fl.us Why Not Me Campaign, Inc. invites teens to spend Spring Break touring one of the premiere Teen Survival Cooking universities in the world: Harvard University.

March 24, 6pm Tour highlights include Harvard University, Teens (ages 11-18) are welcome for a teen surHistoric Tour in Boston, and Sightseeing in vival cooking class. Call the library at 904-827Richmond, VA. The tour leaves from Legends 6900 to register for this free program. Southeast Center, 5530 Soutel Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32208 Branch Library / 904-827-6900 / 6670 US 1 and will be held March 16 through March 20.

South St. Augustine, FL 32086 / www.sjcpls.org For more information, contact Ronn G. Johnson at 904-371-9903 or info@wnme.org.

Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

Fees start at $109. Why Not Me Campaign /

“A single rose can be my garden... a single friend, my world.”

– Leo Buscaglia

MARCH 20, 2015 Total Eclipse of the Sun Primary pathway will be in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.

Partial Eclipse begins 3:41 a.m.; Total Eclipse begins 5:09 a.m.; Greatest Eclipse 5:45 a.m.; Total Eclipse ends 6:21 a.m.; Partial Eclipse ends 7:50 a.m.

Page 26 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

THE TILE APP

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OFTRANSPORTATION

assist veterans in preparing their own income tax returns.

Veterans must have made $60,000 or less in 2014 to qualify for this free tax preparation service. Veterans that made $60,000 or less in 2014 and don’t want to come to City Hall for assistance can also get free tax preparation help online at MyFreeTaxes.com. A free helpline is also available at 1-855-My-Tx-Help (1-855-698-9435).

About MyFreeTaxes.com: MyFreeTaxes.com provides free federal and state income tax preparation and filing assistance both online and in person for qualified individuals and families that earned $60,000 or less in 2014.

Next time you head out on a trip to any Florida destination or before heading to or from work, you can find out if there are any traffic incidents that would warrant you using an alternate route. If you are traveling Florida’s roadways and come upon stopped traffic, you can also use the Florida Department of Transportation’s 511 traffic information system to find out the cause of the delay and expected travel time. Dial 511, download the free app, follow them on Twitter or log on to www.FL511.com.

SPRING FORWARD

PIXEL OF INK

Daylight Saving Time in the United States begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 8 and ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1. First instituted by Germany during World War 1, the idea is to make better use of the natural daylight in the evening. Fire departments encourage people to change the batteries in their smoke detectors when they change their clocks because Daylight Saving Time provides a convenient reminder.

Kindle owners, Pixel of Ink is where you’ll find Free & Bargain Kindle Books. Visit www.pixelofink.com and sign up for their daily emails filled with deals and steals.

SPARK PEOPLE SparkPeople’s mission is to SPARK millions of PEOPLE to reach their goals and lead healthier lives. They offer nutrition, health, and fitness tools, support, and resources that are 100% free.

JUNIOR GENIUS GUIDES

MYFREETAXES.COM

All-time Jeopardy (the game show) champion Ken Jennings is producing a series of books for kids called Junior Genius Guides. Chocked full of facts and formatted like a school class, they are designed to be a fun way to learn. So far he has published “Maps and Geography,” “Greek Mythology,” U.S. Presidents,” “Outer Space,” and “The Human Body”.

See ken-jennings.com for info. There’s a Junior Genius App too.

Qualified Jacksonville veterans can receive free help with their tax preparation at City Hall, 117 W. Duval Street, Suite 175. Call (904) 630-3680 to make an appointment.

An IRS-certified volunteer income tax coach from MyFreeTaxes.com will be at City Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday through June 20, 2015 to

Page 27 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

Always misplacing your keys? Forgot where you left your purse or wallet?

Find them fast with the Tile tag and app.

Attach the tiny, tough, water resistant tag and a Bluetooth signal tracks them down through your smartphone. Buy 1 for $25, 2 for $40, 4 for $70 or 8 for $130 at www.thetileapp.com. Shipping is free.

DRONES AND THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION As we go to press, the Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a new rule to allow commercial drones that weigh less than 55 pounds to fly up to 500 feet above the ground at speeds up to 100 mph. Think about the practical uses and life-changing applications these unmanned aircraft could have on our lives such as delivering needed medications and supplies, allowing a roof inspection of your home without the hazard to the inspector or harm to your roof from walking on it or delivering groceries to your doorstep.

Drones are expected to become a $90 billion industry within the next decade and create 100,000 high-paying American jobs.

COOL DOWN CUBES Help calm your child with this behavior management tool from EntirelyElementary.com. Using a permanent marker, write down cool off strategies on reusable ice cubes such as take 3 breaths, walk away, hug a stuffed animal, sing, look at the sky, try a yoga pose... when the child gets angry they can choose an ice cube and do what it says to help them “cool off”. Plastic ice cubes and containers are available at Target, Dollar Stores, or Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Picture courtesy of craftycounselorchick.blogspot.co.uk

LET’S CONNECT

infant & toddler

Young STEM Students Learn by Doing S TEM is a world of intellectual learning. STEM is an acronym for Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics. The goal of STEM-focused education is to increase America’s talent pool and enlarge the pipeline of students prepared to enter college and graduate with STEM degrees and go on to work in industries that are being transformed by technology and innovation requiring new sets of skills for workers. Our young students learn through hands on experiences, not by memorization. No teacher has to restructure his or her classroom to make it a STEM classroom. One of the best features about STEM-based learning is that because it is so hands-on and creative, teachers can easily incorporate it into most pre-established classroom routines.

The Game of What?

Open ended questions encourage STEM learning.

Make a “Game of What” poster to display in your classroom setting. The poster should contain all of the questions below.

• What did you see happen?

• What did you try?

• What things do you notice about ___?

• What is another way to do this?

• What has changed now?

• What do you think caused ___?

• What do you think ___ might do?

• What might happen if we ___?

• What did you learn?

Use at least two of these questions daily and teach students to ask these questions of each other!

Science Activity Science involves: 1. Observation of natural surroundings 2. Using fine motor skills 3. Using gross motor skills 4. Learning about healthy diet, exercise and eating “What’s on My Plate?” has a STEM science focus. Give each student a white, dinner-sized paper plate and a small white dessert plate.

Have a brief class conversation, asking what are everyday foods such as milk, bread, fruit and cheese, and what are sometimes foods, such as ice cream, cake or chips. Ask what students like to eat for breakfast or as a special snack. Have students draw a plate of everyday food on their dinner plates using crayons. Have students draw a picture of their special snack food on their dessert plates. Display plates on a dinner table themed bulletin board to remind students about nutrition habits.

4. Pillow forts 5. Tents for camping indoors Play a STEM engineering game centered on ramps. Line your students up in pairs of two and take them for a walk around the school. Ask them to look for places where there are stairs and where there are ramps. Come back to the classroom and show them a rolling cart or chair.

Ask the students what they would have to do to take this chair up a set of stairs. Ask what they would have to do to take this chair on a ramp.

Then, give each pair of students a bag of blocks and a small toy car and have them build a ramp for the car.

Technology Activity Some of the technology young students can learn about: 1. Tooth brushing 2. Phone dialing 3. Touch games on a leap pad or tablet 4. Simple coding games 5. Sing-alongs with DVDs Try a technology-based application centered on dinosaurs and coding. Daisy the Dinosaur is an early coding app designed for iPads. By dragging and dropping simple directions, such as “jump,” “spin,” “repeat five” and so on, students can make the tiny dinosaur move across the screen.

Once they learn the control board, they can make her do all sorts of tricks. The free app is a great early introduction to coding technology for students.

Math Activity Incorporate more math activities into your classroom with these ideas: 1. Beaded or macaroni necklaces that follow a pattern 2. Paper dolls with buttons glued on at precise places 3. Grocery shopping corners with bins divided by amounts 4. Play money sorted into piles Finally, get creative with STEM math by making noodle necklaces. This project is perfect around Mother’s Day because students can create a noodle necklace for their mother or grandmother.

Put noodles of different types in bowls (they must be tubular noodles). Give each student an image of a pattern to follow, such as two ziti noodles, then one elbow noodle and so on. Have students string the noodles on a colorful piece of yarn, following the pattern. Tie yarn at ends and help students wrap for a gift. j Sarah Degnan Moje, brighthubeducation.com

Engineering Activity Here are some ideas on how to teach engineering in the primary grades: 1. Block towers 2. Car ramps built from blocks 3. Tinker Toys and Lincoln Logs

Page 28 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

infant & toddler

Play On! Toys Teach as Some Toddler Foods Well as Entertain Lead to Obesity E S

xperts at the National Association for the Education of Young Children agree that play is essential to babies, toddlers, preschool, and school-age children. Children need plenty of opportunities to play with a variety of good toys and materials and use their imagination. So what makes a “good” toy? Members of the association offer this list for reference on its website: Toys for young infants—birth through 6 months Babies like to look at people—following them with their eyes. Typically, they prefer faces and bright colors. Babies can reach, be fascinated with what their hands and feet can do, lift their heads, turn their heads toward sounds, put things in their mouths, and much more!

• Things they can reach for, hold, suck on, shake, make noise with—rattles, large rings, squeeze toys, teething toys, soft dolls, textured balls, and vinyl and board books • Things to listen to—books with nursery rhymes and poems, and recordings of lullabies and simple songs • Things to look at—pictures of faces hung so baby can see them and unbreakable mirrors Toys for older infants—7 to 12 months Older babies are movers—typically they go from rolling over and sitting, to scooting, bouncing, creeping, pulling themselves up, and standing.

They understand their own names and other common words, can identify body parts, find hidden objects, and put things in and out of containers.

• Things to play pretend with—baby dolls, puppets, plastic and wood vehicles with wheels, and water toys • Things to drop and take out—plastic bowls, large beads, balls, and nesting toys • Things to build with—large soft blocks and wooden cubes • Things to use their large muscles with—large balls, push and pull toys, and low, soft things to crawl over Toys for 1-year-olds One-year-olds are on the go! Typically they can walk steadily and even climb stairs. They enjoy stories, say their first words, and can play next to other children (but not yet with!). They like to experiment—but need adults to keep them safe.

• Board books with simple illustrations or photographs of real objects • Recordings with songs, rhymes, simple stories, and pictures

alt and sugar in many packaged meals and toddler snacks for toddlers may create an early taste for foods that can contribute to obesity • Things to pretend with—toy phones, dolls and and other health risks, according to a new doll beds, baby carriages and strollers, government study. dress-up accessories (scarves, purses),

Without listing brand names, the researchers collected data on popular 2012 brands of baby food, toddler dinners including macaroni and cheese, mini hot dogs, rice cakes, crackers, dried fruit snacks and yogurt treats.

Researchers at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzing package • Things to build with—cardboard and wood information and labels for more than 1,000 foods blocks (can be smaller than those used by for infants and toddlers found that the majority of infants—2 to 4 inches) toddler dinners contained too much salt, and most cereal bars, breakfast pastries and snacks • Things for using their large and small muscles—puzzles, large pegboards, toys with marketed for infants and toddlers contained extra sugars. parts that do things (dials, switches, knobs, lids), and large and small balls The study notes that almost one in four U.S. children ages 2 to 5 are overweight or obese Toys for 2-year-olds (toddlers) — and that almost 80 percent of kids ages 1 to 3 Toddlers are rapidly learning language and have some sense of danger. Nevertheless they do a lot exceed the recommended maximum level of daily salt, which is 1,500 milligrams. Excess sugar of physical “testing”: jumping from heights, and salt can contribute to obesity and elevated climbing, hanging by their arms, rolling, and blood pressure even in childhood, as well as later rough-and-tumble play. They have good control on. of their hands and fingers and like to do things with small objects.

Foods for toddlers should contain no more than 210 milligrams of salt or sodium per serving, but the average for toddler meals studied was 361 milligrams or 1.5 times higher. Sugar content should be no more than 35 percent of calorie intake. For many snacks in the study, sugar contributed from 47 to 66 percent of calories.

Also, many toddler dinners and most cereal bars and dried fruit-based snacks contained at least one added sugar, which raises concern because it boosts calorie totals without health benefits.

• Things to create with—wide non-toxic, washable markers, crayons, and large paper

puppets, stuffed toys, plastic animals, and plastic and wood “realistic” vehicles

• Things for solving problems—wood puzzles (with 4 to 12 pieces), blocks that snap together, objects to sort (by size, shape, color, smell), and things with hooks, • buttons, buckles, and snaps • Things for pretending and building—blocks, smaller (and sturdy) transportation toys, construction sets, child-sized furniture (kitchen sets, chairs, play food), dress-up clothes, dolls with accessories, puppets, and sand and water play toys • Things to create with—large non-toxic, washable crayons and markers, large paintbrushes and fingerpaint, large paper for drawing and painting, colored construction paper, toddler-sized scissors with blunt tips, chalkboard and large chalk, and rhythm instruments • Picture books with more details than books for younger children • CD and DVD players with a variety of music • Things for using their large and small muscles—large and small balls for kicking and throwing, ride-on equipment (but probably not tricycles until children are 3), tunnels, low climbers with soft material underneath, and pounding and hammering toys. j www.naeyc.org/toys

Page 29 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

American Academy of Pediatrics www.aap.org

infant & toddler

Your Children Are First With Us!

Vitamin D Deficiency Common in U.S. Children

A

whopping 70 percent of American kids aren’t

getting enough vitamin D. Such youngsters tend to have higher blood pressure and lower levels of good cholesterol than their peers, according to studies published in the journal Pediatrics. Low vitamin D levels may also increase a child’s risk of developing heart disease later in life. There is a lot of data that suggests adults with low vitamin-D levels are at risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and a lot of cancers, and if kids start out with low levels and never increase them, they may be putting themselves at risk for developing all of these diseases at a much earlier age.

Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin” because the human body makes it only when exposed to sunlight -- although it only takes 10 to 15 minutes a day to make an adequate amount.

Vitamin D, which helps the bones better absorb calcium, is also added to multivitamins and milk.

Children with low levels of vitamin D were more likely to have high blood pressure and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein, also known as good cholesterol -- two factors that are considered major risk factors for heart disease later in life. Children with low vitamin-D levels also had higher levels of parathyroid hormone than their counterparts with adequate vitamin D in their blood. Parathyroid hormone is a measure of bone health. When levels are high, it suggests that bones need more calcium to grow.

We take in vitamin D through our diet and from being exposed to the sun. Liver, fatty fish such as salmon, and egg yolks are all good sources of vitamin D. Many foods, especially milk, are fortified with vitamin D. Vitamin D is also synthesized in the skin, a process stimulated by the action of the sun’s ultraviolet light on the skin. Poor diet or insufficient sun exposure can both lead to deficiencies, particularly when one source (diet or sun exposure) is not able to compensate for the other.

Recent research has made doctors aware that more infants, young children and adolescents are vitamin D deficient than was previously realized, even though they show no outward symptoms of deficiency.

Some vitamin D deficient children have even shown x-ray evidence of thinning of the bone. While the significance or even permanence of this x-ray finding is uncertain, the concern is that the density that bones develop during childhood can influence the risk for osteoporosis in later life.

Breast-fed babies need Vitamin D. The exact blood level values of vitamin D that define normality at different ages and the amount of vitamin D recommended for supplementation are both areas of active study. But there is consensus that babies that are breast-fed are at high risk for low D because breast milk is a poor source of this nutrient.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all breastfed infants receive vitamin D supplements.

Children whose dietary habits replace Vitamin D supplemented milk with juice, which generally is a poor source of D, are also at risk for deficiency.

Decreased sun exposure, such as in northern latitudes and during cold seasons, or among dark skinned patients, can also contribute to vitamin D deficiency in some populations.

Numerous studies have documented low vitamin D levels in adolescents both in Europe and the United States, and while the reasons are unclear, it is possible that the sedentary and indoor adolescent lifestyle may result in both decreased sun exposure and poor intake of foods supplemented with vitamin D. Take a supplement or get some sun! A review in the American Journal of Public Health estimates the daily sun exposure needed to maintain a normal vitamin D level at only 15 minutes in summer and 20 minutes in early fall or late spring for people in the U.S. or at a similar latitude. This assumes clear skies and exposure of arms, shoulders and back.

The exposure length is doubled for African Americans. During November to March in the northeast and mid-Atlantic regions and other areas north of 37 degrees latitude, it is not possible to obtain sufficient vitamin D from sun exposure.

Because exposure to ultraviolet radiation is associated with development of skin cancer, it is better for sun-sensitive or fair skinned people or those taking photosensitizing medications to take oral vitamin D supplements rather than the sun. Similarly, the Academies of Pediatrics and Dermatology both advocate using oral supplementation rather than increased sunlight exposure to increase vitamin D levels in children, particularly in very young children who are very vulnerable to damage from UV light.

What Parents Should Do. Because excess vitamin D and excessive sun exposure have serious health consequences, parents and patients should not add supplements or increase their children’s exposure to sunlight without clear medical guidance. Too much vitamin D causes excessively high levels of calcium with symptoms that include weakness, headache, sleepiness, constipation, nausea, bone pain and kidney stones.

Nutrition and disease prevention counseling is an important part of any visit to your pediatrician. Even though measuring Vitamin D levels in the blood is not recommended as part of routine health screening, and bone x-rays are not typically obtained on asymptomatic children, parents should consider discussing their children’s risk for low vitamin D by reviewing their diet and sun exposure and asking what changes they should make to treat this easily preventable deficiency which has long term consequences.

The picture regarding vitamin D is a work in progress, but evidence is accumulating and doctors are able to make informed recommendations based on current and constantly updated information. So, next time you and your children make a visit to the pediatrician’s office, ask your physician about vitamin D. j Aylin Ozdemir, MD, FAAP, ABIHM Pediatric Associates of Jacksonville www.doctor0jax.com 1102 A1A North, Unit 104, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 • 904-273-6533 4745 Sutton Park Court, Suite 801, Jacksonville, FL 32224 • 904-743-2100 1633 Race Track Road, Suite 103, Jacksonville, FL 32259 • 904-287-7000

Page 30 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

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ADD/ADHD without MEDICATIONS

Special needs

Parenting a Child with ADHD K ids are always a handful, but if one of those children has ADHD, each one becomes a double handful. Are these parents doomed to a lifetime of frustration? No way. If parents know what to expect and ways to manage ADHD, life becomes easier. ADHD doesn’t have to have the final word in how smooth or rough parent-child relations are. With appropriate expectations, some planning and foresight, parents can prepare themselves (and their children) for success.

Key problem times for a child with ADHD are times of the day that rely on skills such as wait or patience (going shopping, waiting at a doctor’s office or pharmacy, sitting still), as well as organization and staying on task for routines (getting dressed, cleaning up, completing homework, or anything that “should be” self-directed).

First of all, expect high activity levels and lot of behavior that is highly stimulating and makes big noises, big sights, or big motion. ADHD kids do a lot of behavior for stimulation, because they crave excitement. They fidget, they hum or make noise, they talk a little too loud, stand a little too close, touch things—everything really, jump and climb on furniture, etc. It’s like their motto is “Why do a little when I can do a lot, and why have one when I can have five?” All this stimulation is great fun for them, but is highly annoying to most parents or teachers.

wait, then they will sit appropriately. If a parent does not plan ahead and bring something to do, then they should expect their child to start creating their own excitement, and for that excitement to be annoying (crawling under the table, poking everyone, humming, etc.)

How about a store? Interesting for parents, but boring for kids. No, they don’t want to just look at food jars or keep their hands to themselves.

They want to explore! They want to experience life! The trip can be considerably shortened if parents make a list and stick to it. Another quick fix is to keep them active. They can push the cart. They can put non-breakable items into the basket. They can mark off the list and read you the next item. They can try to stay motivated to behave knowing that they’re getting a lot of praise for staying nearby AND that something fun will happen when the adults are done at the store.

How about a morning or evening routine that has several steps? In the short term at least, this would require supervision and support to make sure that they have all their materials, that they’re making progress, and that they’re on track.

Somewhat older children with ADHD (middle childhood) can possibly just follow a written or visual task list once they’re used to it, BUT it will still require parent oversight and double checking. Will they get off task? Probably, but that’s Of interest, though, they seem to be able to calm why it’s a good idea to stay near. Don’t be surdown and concentrate when playing video games prised, though. Just calmly redirect them to get or watching TV. Why is that? The answer is back to action and make sure they get started. simple. With TV or video games, there’s lots of Saying instructions louder or in an angry voice motion, lots of sounds, lots of colors—it’s highly will not be effective—however, parent anger is a stimulating. Once they reach their ideal stimula- great way to start a fight. Unless you’re looking tion level, they may be able to stick to an activity for a fight, just calmly block them from distraction for longer periods of time. Is that to say that and point out what to do. Pleading, long explanathey should be on video games all day? No. I’m tions, or discussing wrongdoings with the child saying that they’re calmer and better behaved while they are needing to work is equally counwhen we can allow them to do activities that are terproductive. Praise them and be exciting when stimulating, as long as they are acting in a sothe child is in motion and working. When they’re cially appropriate way. If you keep that in mind, not, just say what to do in 1 sentence and block the rest is easier. Make waiting or working seem distractions until they get the ball rolling with the fun and exciting. Make it boring to be off task. routine. That way it’s boring to be off task and exciting to be on task. Work WITH their motivaApplying that formula, think about waiting at a tion, not against it. If parents have a couple restaurant, sitting strapped in the backseat, or children, then make sure that the first child with sitting at a pharmacy for up to 20 minutes to get ADHD gets fully prepared, then allow them to a prescription. It’s boring. Dreadfully, dreadplay. That’s what they want to do anyways, so let fully boring. Do you know what’s NOT boring? them have the fun time AFTER they’re all ready.

Coloring. A game app on a phone. A tablet. If It will keep kids more excited and on track than if they are provided with something to do while they a parent either (a) requires the child to rush then

go straight to bed OR (b) if the child is allowed to play first, then have to rush to get done.

I know, it may seem much easier said than done—especially at the beginning. As someone who’s spent most of my professional life working with children who have ADHD, ODD, and/or developmental disabilities, I can also say that it really can be done. Not only can it be done, it can be simple and easy to do once it becomes a habit, so that the parents and the children are happier and more productive. Parents don’t have to face ADHD alone. There are many parenting books out there such as Driven to Distraction or Taking Charge of ADHD. Also, professionals are delighted to help families in need with children who have ADHD. j Andrew Scherbarth, Ph.D., BCBA-D Licensed Psychologist | Board Certified Behavior Analyst Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics 6867 Southpoint Drive North, Suite 106 Jacksonville, Florida 32216 904.619.6071

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Special needs

Field of Dreams Baseball W hat kid doesn’t want to participate in a sport, hear their name called over the PA system and feel the cheers of pride from the stands? At Field of Dreams Baseball all children with mental and physical disabilities are given the opportunity to experience all these things and more! The 2015 season kicked off on February 14th and continues until April 23rd. Registration and uniforms are free thanks to the generous contributions of sponsors and donations of the public. Players can register at any time throughout the season, no child is ever turned away. If they come, they will play.

The Field of Dreams is a specially designed baseball field with accommodations for various disabilities. The games are played on Saturdays at Aberdeen Park in St. Johns County. Players are accompanied by a volunteer buddy to assist in batting and fielding. Games are an hour long

and all players get the opportunity to bat, field and “run” the bases. Trophies are awarded at the end of the season to every player because they are all winners!

Field Of Dreams Baseball is currently trying to raise funds to repair the field that has experienced a lot of wear since its 2010 inaugural season. They also hope to expand the league into other sports so that these special kids can experience sports year round. If you are interested in learning more about the league or its fundraising efforts visit their website at www.fodbaseballcom.

j

Anxiety Disorder Affects All Ages M ental health issues may seem like adult-only problems, but they can also have a profound impact on younger minds. In fact, anxiety in preschoolers may lead to physiological changes in the brain, a recent study suggests.

Researchers from Yale, Duke and Vanderbilt universities examined children’s brains over the course of five years and found long-lasting neurobiological effects in those with an anxiety disorder (which includes generalized anxiety, social phobia and separation anxiety). The study showed there was weaker connectivity in the brains of these children between the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala, two regions that interact to play an important role in regulating anxiety, the Yale Daily News reported.

Children ages 2 to 5 were tested using a psychiatric assessment developed by the researchers, which examined the kids’ behavior and

emotions through parental interviews. After the participants reached an age range of 5 to 9, the researchers administered MRI scans to look at their brains, discovering that changes varied depending on the type of anxiety disorder.

The study reaffirms the notion that having a mental illness is not simply “all in a sufferer’s head” or a “phase” – even when it comes to children.

The recent findings, published in the journal PLOS ONE, suggest that these types of disorders are rooted in biology and may even lead to physically different brains.

Experts stress that mental illness should be held with the same gravity as other health conditions.

Yet despite the mounting research, there still seems to be an uphill battle when it comes to empathy and treating the illnesses like a physical problem. j

Huffington Post

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”

– Oprah Winfrey

Page 33 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

Things to Do Special Needs

Teaching Language to Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities March 5 – 6, 9am – 3:30pm Jericho School is hosting a free 2-day workshop for parents at UNF Teaching Language to Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities Participants will gain a greater awareness of Behavior Analysis as a Science of Learning. Participants will acquire the understanding and application of the basic principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. A focus will be on utilizing B.F. Skinner’s analysis of Verbal Behavior to assist in the acquisition of language skills for children with developmental disabilities. Participants will also receive training on effective teaching procedures and building instructional control. Parking is free. Lunch will be provided.

Registration is Mandatory. Registration deadline: February 27, 2015. Please register early, registration is limited to a number of participants. UNF University Center / 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / 904-744-5110 / www.thejerichoschool.org Camp Healing Powers March 6, 6pm & March 8, 12pm Camp Healing Powers is a therapeutic camp for children, ages 7-17, who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The camp is sponsored, free of charge,

by Community Hospice of Northeast Florida who provides mental health professionals specializing in grief and bereavement to help children navigate through the grief journey in a safe, supportive and fun environment.

Camp Healing Powers is held at the Marywood Retreat and Conference Center and is open to children in Northeast Florida. Space is limited so call to arrange for a pre-camp assessment.

Marywood Retreat and Conference Center / 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / 904-4076222 / www.communityhospice.com 7th Annual Autism Symposium March 11, 8am - 4:30pm Who Should Attend?

Parents, physicians, caregivers, special needs teachers, psychologists, nurses, speech therapists, occupational therapists, behavioral therapists, marriage and family therapists, child life specialists, physical therapists, mental health counselors, law enforcement personnel, and social workers. UNF University Center / 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / 904-202-6039 / www.wolfsonchildrens.org/autism Believe Autism Dance/Art Classes March 14 9:30am - 10:30am (3 - 4 year olds) 10:30am - 11:30am (5 - 12 year olds) 11:30am - 12:30am (13 and older) Art rotation of 30 minutes and dance rotation of 30 minutes. Art activities will be new each week or a small art project that will be worked on week to week until complete. The dance rotation will consist of creative movement and social opportunities. Classes are taught by Crystal Thompson, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and ballet, tap, and jazz dancer. Classes cost $10.00 and are held at The Performers Academy. Space is limited. To RSVP call or email believeautism@gmail.com. The Performers Academy / 3674 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, 32207 / 704-277-1884 / www.believeautism.com Nathaniel’s Hope Buddy Break March 14, 9am - 12pm Buddy Break is held the second Saturday of every month from 9am - 12pm at Deermeadows Baptist Church and 6pm - 9pm at Raiford Road Church. It is a free kids/respite program where children with special needs (VIP kids) make new friends, play fun games, enjoy crafts, therapy dogs, stories, music activities, and more. Siblings have fun too. Meanwhile, their

caregivers get a break from their ongoing care-giving responsibilities for three hours. Each VIP kid is paired one-on-one with a screened volunteer “Buddy” to participate in that day’s activities.

Deermeadows Baptist Church, 9780 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / 904-302-9766 / www.deermeadows.org Raiford Road Church, 9201 South State Road 121, Macclenny, FL 32063 / 904-259-6015 / www.raifordroadchurch.org Deliver the Dream March 20 – 22 This is a once in a lifetime retreat weekend providing structured family-centered activities offering respite, relaxation, and recreation for families who have children with an autism spectrum disorder or related disabilities. The Cerveny Conference Center (www. campweed.org) is located in Live Oak, Florida on 500 acres of natural beauty. The weekend is at no cost to the family (lodging, activities, and group meals included). Registration deadline is February 21.

Camp Weed / 11057 Camp Weed Place, Live Oak, FL 32060 / 954-564-3512 / www.deliverthedream.org Sensory Friendly Films – Home March 28, 10am AMC Entertainment (AMC) and ASA have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis. Lights are brought up, sound is turned down, and families are allowed to bring their own snacks. Movies are shown at the AMC Regency 24 in the Regency Center Square.

AMC Regency 24 / 904-725-0885 / 9451 Regency Square Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 / www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films

Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

Things to Do

nature

The Baby Is 6-feet Tall!

J acksonville Zoo and Gardens has a new baby giraffe. Born in January, the male reticulated giraffe weighed 193 pounds and was six feet tall. Guests riding the zoo train may see the calf and its mother in the outdoor holding area, pending weather conditions or feeding and health care.

This is the second offspring for mom, 5-year-old Naomi, since she arrived at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in 2006. Duke, the 14-year-old patriarch of the herd, has fathered seven offspring since he came to the zoo in 2003.

The zoo now has nine giraffes.

In the wild, poaching, human population growth and habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation continue to decimate the species. Current estimates by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation place the giraffe population at less than 80,000.

In 1999, it was estimated that there were nearly 140,000.

Here are some fun facts about giraffes: • Female giraffes carry a baby for 15 months and give birth while standing up.

• Baby Giraffes can stand within half an hour and after only 10 hours can actually run alongside their family.

• A newborn giraffe will suckle its mother’s milk as soon as it can stand up. Calves are reliant on their mother’s milk for up to 9-12 months.

Solid food (leaves) can be eaten from about 4 months at which time calves begin to ruminate.

• Giraffes live to about 25 years; longer in captivity.

• The knobs on the top of their head is called ossicones and they are formed from ossified cartilage. The female’s ossicones are thin and tufted and the males’ are mostly thicker and bald on top.

• A giraffes tongue is 18 – 20 inches long • The giraffe is the tallest land animal in the world. Their height allows them to eat leaves located much higher than other animals can reach. Acacia trees are a favorite of giraffes.

• No two giraffes have exactly the same coat pattern. j

Page 34 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

Nature Events

Live Oak School of Sufficiency Homeschool Program • Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 from 1pm to 4pm or Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26 from 10am to 1pm Every week, Live Oak offers folk skills programs open to local home schooled students, covering the subjects of homesteading, primitive survival, and naturalist studies. Students get to experience the planting and harvesting of organic vegetables, tracking of local wildlife, and even basic blacksmithing while spending time with like minded peers and adult role models. Geared for ages 8-12. Cost: $25 per class or $80 for the month. Register in advance; classes are limited to 10 students.

March: Survival Knife Week 1: Forging- We forge full tang survival knives from spring steel.

Week 2: Handles- Riveting and shaping scale handles on our knives.

Week 3: Sheath- Students custom fit leather sheaths to their knives.

Week 4: Safety, Sharpening, and Knife use- An essential class for learning how to safely use a knife.

Live Oak School of Self Sufficiency / 401-793-0777 / 9998 CR 13 N Saint Augustine, FL 32092 / plcipjr. wix.com

insect safari and learn about insect adaptations like camouflage. Bring snacks and drinks. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. $10 per student $5 parking. Crooked River State Park /912-882-5256 / 6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway St. Marys, GA 31558 / gastateparks.org Music in the Gardens March 15, 1pm to 5pm An afternoon of acoustic guitar performances. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Snacks, water and soda will be available for purchases. This is a kid friendly event and there will be a play area for kids with bubbles, a painting wall, hula hoops, and more.

Regular park entrance fees apply the day of the show. Donations are suggested for the concert.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park / 386-4466783 / 6400 North Oceanshore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137 / www.washingtonoaks.org

Migration Madness March 22, 8am to 12noon Come explore some of the trails of this 120-acre nature preserve, while looking for resident birds, including Barred Owl, Prothonotary Warbler, Greatcrested Flycatcher, Black-and-White warbler, White and Red-eyed Vireos. Come prepared for easy to moderate trails (sturdy shoes or sneakers) that could be muddy if there has been recent rains. Bring binoculars (there are a few pairs to borrow if you don’t own your own), a hat, snack, and your best eyes and ears. Contact Inez Whipple for more information 484-769-3816. Duval Audubon Society / 484-769Insects and Invertebrates Nature Camp 3816 / Jacksonville Arboretum, 1445 Millcoe Road, March 6, 8am to 12noon School’s out and parents are invited to send their 1st Jacksonville FL 32225 / duvalaudubon.org – 8th graders to half-day nature camp. Children will learn about all the creepy crawlies that call Crooked Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

River their home. Students will participate in an

It’s health insurance for children from birth through age 18. Eligibility is based on household income and family size. Your child may be eligible for health insurance through Florida KidCare, even if one or both parents are working.

Health insurance is an important part of your child’s success. Children who get regular health care perform at their best and miss fewer days of school.

Parents whose children have health insurance are more productive, miss fewer days of work and have greater peace of mind.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, dial 211. Application assistors are available and trained to guide you through the enrollment process.

We’re Not Just Inflatables Anymore!

(Formerly Jump Zone)

• • • •

Giant Themed Inflatables Awesome Parties Walk-In Play Ages 2-10

Free application assistance is available.

Application Assisters provide families with their children and support them through the application process. To schedule an appointment or for more information, dial 211 or visit www.coverjax211.com.

Monthly premiums depend on your household income and family size. Many families pay $15 or $20 a month. Most pay nothing at all. There is also a full-pay option available for families with higher incomes. See the chart below for more information.

Insurance

Subsized* Monthly Premium

Unsubsized Monthly Premium

MediKids (Ages 1 - 4)

$15 or $20 per family

$157 per child

Healthy Kids (Ages 5 - 18)

$15 or $20 per family

$140** or $153 per child

Children’s Medical Services Network (Ages Birth - 18)

$15 or $20 per family

None

Medicaid (Ages Birth - 18)

None

None

Here are some services Florida KidCare covers: Doctor Visits, Shots, Surgery, Vision & Hearing, Mental health, Check-ups, Hospital, Prescriptions, Dental and Emergencies.

To schedule an appointment or for information about Florida KidCare coverage, CALL 211 or dial (904) 632-0600. Application assistance is FREE. Visit us online at www.coverjax211.com.

Get prepared! Please review this application checklist prior to starting your application.

Your Photo ID Copy of Birth Certificate for each child

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If not a US Citizen, copy of proof of resident alien status/green card (front and back) or Refugee letter Copy of Social Security Cards for all members in application (or date card applied for) Total household income, with proof of in come for each parent to include: • • • •

Last 4 week’s pay stubs OR Most recent federal tax return OR Most recent W-2 Child support court order, if applicable

If job was lost in the last 30 days, date that employment and income stopped and amount earned during last 4 weeks. (Nothing required outside of 60 days) If self-employed, bring letter showing income and expenses from last month or most recent personal and business tax returns (1099 Form/current Federal Income Tax Return) Copy of award letter, if receiving any of the following: SSI, SSA, Worker’s Compensation or Unemployment Income

@CoverJax211 I www.coverjax211.com * Based on family size and household income. There may be co-pays for some services in some program, Premium rates subject to change. ** Without dental coverage.

Things to Do

pets

For Cats Any Box Will Do T ake heart feline enthusiasts. Your cat’s continued indifference toward her new Deluxe Scratch DJ Deck may be disappointing, but there is an object that’s pretty much guaranteed to pique her interest. That object, as the Internet has so thoroughly documented, is a box.

Any box, really. Big boxes, small boxes, irregularly shaped boxes—it doesn’t matter. Place one on the ground, a chair, or a bookshelf and watch as Admiral Snuggles quickly commandeers it.

So what are we to make of the strange gravitational pull that empty Amazon packaging exerts on Felis sylvestris catus? Like many other really weird things cats do, science hasn’t fully cracked this particular feline mystery. There’s the obvious predation advantage a box affords: Cats are ambush predators, and boxes provide great hiding places to stalk prey from (and retreat to).

But there’s clearly more going on here. Thankfully, behavioral biologists and veterinarians have come up with a few other interesting explanations. In fact, when you look at all the evidence together, it could be that your cat may not just like boxes, he may need them.

The box-and-whisker plot: Understanding the feline mind is notoriously difficult. Cats, after all, tend not to be the easiest test subjects. Still, there’s a sizable amount of behavioral research on cats who are, well, used for other kinds of research (i.e., lab cats). These studies make one thing abundantly clear: Your fuzzy companion derives comfort and security from enclosed spaces. This is likely true for a number of reasons, but for cats in these often stressful situations, a box or some other type of separate enclosure (within the enclosures they’re already in) can have a profound impact on both their behavior and physiology.

The ‘If it fits, I sits’ principle: Astute feline observers will note that in addition to boxes, many cats seem to pick other odd places to relax. Some curl up in a bathroom sink.

Others prefer shoes, bowls, shopping bags, coffee mugs, empty egg cartons, and other small, confined spaces.

It’s cold out: According to a 2006 study by the National Research Council, the thermoneutral zone for a domestic cat is 86 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit.

That’s the range of temperatures in which cats are “comfortable” and don’t have to generate extra heat to keep warm or expend metabolic energy on cooling. That range also happens to be 20 degrees higher than ours, which explains why it’s not unusual to see your neighbor’s cat sprawled out on the hot asphalt in the middle of a summer day. It also explains why many cats may enjoy curling up in tiny cardboard boxes.

Corrugated cardboard is a great insulator and confined spaces force the cat to ball up or form some other impossible object, which in turn helps it to preserve body heat.

So there you have it: Boxes are insulating, stress-relieving, comfort zones—places where cats can hide, relax, sleep, and occasionally launch a sneak attack against the huge, unpredictable apes they live with. j

Bryan Gardiner, wired.com

Box (anti-)social: It’s also important to note that cats really suck at conflict resolution. To quote from The Domestic Cat: The Biology of its Behaviour, “Cats do not appear to develop conflict resolution strategies to the extent that more gregarious species do, so they may attempt to circumvent agonistic encounters by avoiding others or decreasing their activity.” So rather than work things out, cats are more inclined to simply run away from their problems or avoid them altogether. A box, in this sense, can often represent a safe zone, a place where sources of anxiety, hostility, and unwanted attention simply disappear.

Page 36 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

Pet Events

Pedal 4 Paws – Register Now Pre-registration Ends April 1 Event is held April 4, 8:30am to 1pm This inaugural bike ride takes off from Unity Plaza and winds through Jacksonville’s urban core. The ride is open to all level of riders. The festival-like atmosphere is will feature history, the arts, live music and more. The event is a fundraiser for First Coast No More Homeless Pets. You can register as a team, or as an individual. Experienced cyclists have the option of riding 50 or more miles, while beginner to intermediate cyclists can do the 7 to 30 mile course.

Costs: $25 for individuals registering before April 1, or $20 each per team member, if registering as a team. Pre-registration is available online and ends April 1. First Coast No More Homeless Pets / Unity Plaza, 220 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.fcnmhp.org Meet Your Dog Trainer March 3, 1:30pm to 2pm March 4, 4:30pm to 5pm March 11, 4:30pm to 5pm Get to know your Petco Dog Trainer with a free 15-minute consultation. Learn about the Petco Positive Dog Training philosophy and customized behavior solutions for you and your dog. See a store associate and sign up. Petco / 904-2730964 / 950 Marsh Landing Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32250 / www.petco.com Pals N Paws Agility Trial March 6, 8am to 3pm; March 7, 8am to 4pm; March 8, 8am to 3pm Pals N Paws Agility Trial. Spectators admission and parking is free. The trial is USDAA (United States Dog Agility Association) and open to all breeds. Jacksonville Equestrian Center / 13611 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32221 / www. palsandpawsagility.com

Jacksonville Pet Food Bank Food Distribution March 14, 10am to 1pm The Jacksonville Pet Food Bank provides about a one month supply of cat or dog food for up to 4 dogs and 5 cats per household, for those who qualify. Food will be given out on scheduled distribution days between 10am and 1pm.

It is not necessary to come early and stand in line. There will be enough food for each event, and the shortest wait time is after 11am.

Qualifications: You must meet income qualifications (details are on the website). You must provide proof of spay/neuter for each pet. If your pet(s) have not been spayed or neutered, those services can also be provided at no cost to you. Please provide proof of income qualifications & photo identification. Bring container/bag for each pet’s food. Please do not bring pets to the distribution. Food will only be given out on designated distribution dates. First Coast No More Homeless Pets Clinic / 6817 Norwood Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32208 / www.fcnmhp.org You and Your Best “Four Legged” Friend March 28, 2pm Special guest Silke Royer, from My Pet Camp located in St. Augustine, Florida, will to discuss how to create a healthy and well-balanced relationship with your dog. From good communication skills to fun games and activities you can share with your dog. She will also share some insights on creating a positive environment for your dog to ensure he/she will fit in well within our human social structure. This program is open to the public. No Dogs Please.

For more information about the program contact Julie at: 904-471-5579. Anastasia Island Branch / 904-209-3730 / 124 Seagrove Main St St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 / www. sjcpls.org Like Jax4Pets.com’s Facebook page at facebook.com/jax4pets to find out about other events for pets.

“Celebrate what you want to see more of.”

– Tom Peters

“There are two means of refuge from the troubles of life: music and cats,” Dr. Albert Schweitzer wrote. There are probably many opinions regarding that quote but one thing most people will agree on is too many unattended cats roaming the neighborhood is not good for people, other wild life or the cats themselves. RAP’s Cats, a 3-yearold effort to control unattended cats in the Riverside/Avondale neighborhood of Jacksonville, has resulted in more than 400 cats being trapped, neutered and returned, the preservation group says.

With the assistance of First Coast No More Homeless Pets, RAP will continue the free service to reduce the numbers of homeless cats.

Call Mary Coleman for assistance in trapping and transport at 4837189.

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things to do Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra Festival of Strings • March 1, 5pm to 7pm Area young strings students gather in Jacoby Symphony Hall, performing side-by-side with the strings of the JSYO Philharmonic. This showcase event includes the JSYO’s Overture, Foundation, Encore and Premiere strings, the Jump Start Strings violin students, and ensembles from LaVilla School of the Arts and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. More than 300 students will gather on stage for the grand finale. Tickets: $9 adults, $4 children. Times Union Center, Jacoby Symphony Hall / 904-354-5547 / 300 West Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org Purim Holiday Baking March 2, 1:30pm to 2:15pm The Jewish Community Alliance hosts a Purim Holiday Baking from 1:30pm to 2:15pm. Cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Register in advance.

Jewish Community Alliance / 904-730-2100 / 8505 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217 / www.jcajax.org IHOP National Pancake Day March 3 On March 3, guests from around the country will once again celebrate National Pancake Day at IHOP and enjoy a free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes. In return for the free pancakes, guests will be asked to consider leaving a donation for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals or other designated local charities. There is a limit of one free short stack per guest. Valid only at participating locations, for dine-in only and while supplies last. Not valid with any other coupon or offer or discount. www.ihoppancakeday.com 7th Annual Jax4Kids.com Family Expo March 7, 9am to 2pm Join us for the 7th Annual Jax4Kids.com Family Expo.

It’s a day filled with fun and play with face painters, stilt walker, magic shows, rock climbing wall, space walks and so much more! Register for Summer Camps, meet with schools, find educational resources, important health and safety information and giveaways, new and expectant parent resources as well as pre-natal belly painting. All activities, admission and parking are FREE. Enter to win free weeks of summer camp, gift cards, tickets to Disney Live, Disney On Ice, LEGOLAND® and many more prizes! Jacksonville Fairgrounds / 510 Fairgrounds Place Jacksonville, FL 32202 / Jax4Kids.com Theatre of Youth Show: Peter Pan March 7, 7:30pm March 8, 2pm March 14, 7:30pm The Jewish Community Alliance hosts a presentation of Peter Pan. Tickets are available in advance.

Jewish Community Alliance / 904-730-2100 / 8505 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217 / www.jcajax.org Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show March 7, 1pm 4pm and 7pm Disney Live! presents Mickey’s Magic Show. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and a host of Disney friends come together with a world-class illusionist to perform magic from legendary Disney films right before your eyes. See the Fairy Godmother transform Cinderella’s rags into a beautiful ball gown in a split second; the spectacular levitation of Aladdin’s Princess Jasmine; and the enchanted dancing brooms of Fantasia. Three performances on March 7, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm. Children ages 1 and up must have a ticket. Doors open 1 hour prior to performance. Save $4 with the code JAX4DL when you order tickets online. Times Union Center / 300 West Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www. ticketmaster.com PBR BlueDEF Velocity Tour March 7, 7pm Florida bull riding fans will get the opportunity to experience the toughest sport on dirt when the Professional Bull Riders return to the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday, March 7, 2015, with the BlueDEF Ve-

locity Tour. Tickets, ranging in price from $10 to $50, are available at Ticketmaster.com or the Arena box office.

Additional fees may apply. Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena / 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / jaxevents.com/event/professional-bull-riders JSO: Major-Minor Concert March 7, 8pm The JSYO’s advanced ensembles and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, side-by-side! The JSYO Repertory Orchestra will perform music by Tchaikovsky and Delibes. The JSYO Philharmonic will perform Enescu’s Roumanian Rhapsody and Holst’s The Planets. Winners of the JSYO Young Artists Competition will also be featured in solo performances with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. They will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Jacksonville Symphony Guild. Tickets: $9 adults, $4 children. Times Union Center, Jacoby Symphony Hall / 300 West Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org Music Festival and Silent Auction March 8, 6pm The annual Music Festival and Silent Auction to benefit UCOM. All ages are welcome. Refreshments and a silent auction will follow the concert. Proceeds benefit UCOM’s programs to end hunger and poverty in Jacksonville.

UCOM Jacksonville / Lakewood Presbyterian Church, 2001 University Blvd West, Jacksonville, FL 32217 / www.ucomjax.org Different Roles of Parents (Dads are Different) March 11, 6pm to 7pm Understand the father’s value in children’s lives (Childcare provided; ages 0-10). Early Learning Coalition of Duval / 8301 Cypress Plaza Drive, Room 201 Jacksonville, FL 32256 / dcps.duvalschools.org/Page/7398 Bullying in the 21st Century March 11, 6pm - 7pm – Kirby Smith Middle School 2034 Hubbard Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206 March 12, 5:30pm - 6:30pm – Brentwood Lakes 761 Village Center Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32206 March 17, 4pm - 5pm – Blodgett Villas 1301 North Davis Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209 March 18, 5:30pm - 6:30pm – Victory Pointe 6750 Ramona Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205 March 19, 5:30pm - 6:30pm – Southwind Villas 8711 Newton Road, Jacksonville, FL 32216 This course will review the warning signs and descriptions of behavior associated with bullying for both the victim and the bully and strategies that children can use when faced with a bully. Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools / dcps.duvalschools.org/Page/7398 St. Michael Academy’s Spring Carnival March 12, 5pm to 10pm March 13, 5pm to 11pm March 14, 12noon to 11pm March 15, 1pm to 6pm St. Michael Academy hosts a Spring Carnival with rides, games, food, raffles and vendors. Events held in Central Park in Fernandina Beach.

Cost: Pay at the Gate ($25 per session for Unlimited Rides during that session). Unlimited Rides does not include Attractions and Game booths. Cash is accepted for Attractions and Game booths. Or, purchase tickets and pay for individual rides – cost is $3-$6 per ride.

St. Michael Academy / 904-432-7211 / Central Park, 1200 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 / www.smacarnival.com 7th Annual Rib Cook-Off March 14, 10am to 4pm The 7th annual rib cook-off will be held at Main Beach Park. Rib dinner plates go on sale at 12noon for $10 each. There will also be live music, arts & crafts vendors, face painting, a kid’s zone and a Cornhole Tournament at 1pm. For more information, contact Jay Robertson, 904-310-3361.

City of Fernandina Beach / Main Beach Park, 25 Tarpon Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 / www.fbfl.us

Page 38 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celtic Music and Heritage Festival • March 14 – 15 On Saturday, St. Augustine’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins at 10am. Then, the Celtic Music and Heritage Festival returns, featuring traditional Irish music, Scottish pipes and drums, contemporary Celtic Rock, and more. There will also be the Highland Games of skill and strength on Saturday and Sunday, with Celtic vendors, and kids activities. The festival takes place at Francis Field located behind the St. Augustine Visitors Information Center. Admission to the festival is $7 per day if purchased before February 28. Rates increase to $10 for general admission on March 1. Children 12 and under are free. Francis Field / 29 W. Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.celticstaugustine.com Jaguars Junior Scouting Combine March 15 Jaguars Kids Club members and one adult guest are invited on the Florida Blue practice fields for the second annual Jaguars Junior Scouting Combine. This will be a great chance to show off your speed, agility and football skills. Kids Club members will test their skills in a 40yard dash, vertical jump, and more.

Make sure you RVSP to kidsclub@jaguars.com by March 9th, as space is limited. Water and a light snack will be provided for all members. Make sure you dress in athletic gear and be sure to wear sunscreen.

Everbank Field, Florida Blue Practice Fields / 1 Everbank Field Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaguarskidsclub.com Spring Break Arts Workshops March 16, 9am to 2pm - All About Painting March 18, 9am to 2pm - All About Drawing Spring Break Arts Workshops are an opportunity for the 9 to 16 year old artist or art-enthusiast to experience working with real artist’s materials in a professional studio setting. These one day workshops are a great platform for kids to understand the art making process.

Pre-registration is required one week in advance. Space is limited.

Monday, March 16, 9am to 2pm – All About Painting Learn different painting styles like impressionism and realism while using professional art materials in this one day painting workshop. Members, $36; Non-members, $45.

Wednesday, March 18, 9am to 2pm – All About Drawing In this one day workshop our talented instructor will introduce different drawing techniques, including comic book sketching and figure drawing. Members, $36; Non-members, $45.

Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach / 904-280-0614 / 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www. ccpvb.org Carrie Clarke Day March 21, 10am to 4pm Food, music and exhibits as well as tours of the historic Clarke House for all those that attend. Parking available at First Baptist Orange Park. Free and open to the community.

Town of Orange Park / 904-264-2635 / Clarke House Park, 1039 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073 / www. townoforangepark.com GastroFest March 21, 11am to 10pm GastroFest will be Jacksonville’s foremost food festival.

Restaurants, local food providers, local cookbook authors, chef demos, and tastings will all be a part of this fest. During the day, until 4pm there will be kid-friendly educational booths featuring urban chicken, farming, bees and more. The event will be held in Hemming Park.

Gastrofest / Hemming Park, 303 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.gastrofest.com Itzhak Perlman March 24, 7:30pm Itzhak Perlman will perform at Jacksonville’s TimesUnion Center’s Moran Theater in one show only. Tickets

start at $42.50. FSCJ Artist Series / 904-442-2929 / Times Union Center, Moran Theater, 300 West Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.artistseriesjax.org Stewards of Children: Child Sexual Abuse Prevention March 26, 5:30pm to 7:30pm Stewards of Children is a two-hour training designed to educate adults on how to recognize, prevent and react responsibly to the reality of child sexual abuse, emphasizing child safety as every adult’s responsibility.

A trained adult can protect an average of 10 children from sexual abuse. This training is designed for teachers, ministers, after school staff, early learning staff, community members, parents, and family members.

Jacksonville Children’s Commission /904-630-7251 / 1095 A. Philip Randolph Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32206 / jccevents.net Finders Keepers Children’s Consignment Sale March 26, 9am to 8pm; March 27, 9am to 5pm; March 28, 9am to 3pm Register online to be a consignor and/or volunteer.

Public shopping days are March 26-28, including half price day on March 28. Admission and parking are free.

Credit cards and cash are accepted. $12 fee to consign, payable when you register. Finders Keepers / Morocco Shrine Center, 3800 St Johns Bluff Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / finderskeepersjax.com Peter Cottontail Express March 28, 10am to 4pm The St. Marys Railroad Peter Cottontail Express excursion. Journey to the land of magic eggs and Easter bunnies with Peter Cottontail taking center stage to ride the return trip and host a fun Easter Egg Hunt. Tickets for open air railcar rides are: Adults $17, Children (3-12) $11, and Children under 2 free.

St. Marys Railroad / 912-200-5235 / 1000 Osborne Street, St. Marys, GA, 31558 / www.stmarysrailroad.com Publix Apron’s - Creative Kid’s Kitchen March 28, 10am Cooking class for kids ages 8-12, where playing with one’s food is definitely allowed. They’ll be making edible art while learning a few basic culinary skills. Menu: Checkerboard Cheese Tray with Fruit and Veggie Playing Pieces; Red and White Pizza Pinwheels; Creative Colored Eggs; Puffed Rice Cereal Treat Sushi. Cost is $35. Register in advance. Publix Aprons Cooking School / 904-262-4187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, Florida 32257 / www.publix.com/aprons 2015 Jest Fest March 29, 12noon to 6pm This free family event will feature lots of performers including World famous Circus Stars: The Flying Wallendas, Broadway and Film Star: Silent Clown Avner the Eccentric, Arsene From Paris: Comedic Silent Clown, Magical Mystical Michael, Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus Star: Johnny Peers’ Muttville Comix Dog Show, One Man Band: Marc Dobson, Wild Cello Playing Goblin and Jester, Rushad Eggleston, 12-year-old ventriloquist Cole Tucker, the Gainesville Homeschool Chorus and more.

City of Gainesville / 352-393-8532 / The Historic Thomas Center and Garden, 302 NE 6th Ave Gainesville, FL 32601 / gvlculturalaffairs.org Test Taking Strategies That Work March 30, 5:30pm to 6:30pm This course will include ways to master reading skills that can be used to reach proficiency on classroom and standardized tests.

Victory Pointe, 6750 Ramona Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205 / dcps.duvalschools.org/Page/7398

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dates, times and locations are accurate at time of publication; events and activities listed in this guide are subject to change without notice. Visit Jax4Kids.com for updated information and more events!

Trim: 10.625” x 10.875” Bleed: N/A

Safety/V.O.: .25 Colours: CMYK

DPI: 300 Built: 12/01/2015 – KN

EXCEPTIONAL TOWNHOMES

Extraordinary Communities Live The Very Good Life In Jacksonville Live where you want to live in the Jacksonville area — and move up to a style you’ll quickly become accustomed to. Elevated design principles ensure all Mattamy homes maximize your usable living space. As well, every Mattamy community is created to maximize your enjoyment of local features, natural surroundings, and the company of your neighbors.

Willowbrook

SEGOVIA

OAKLEAF PLANTATION

ST. AUGUSTINE

Townhomes From The Low $100s

Townhomes From The Mid $100s

• 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bathrooms

• 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

• Variety of Floor Plans

• From 1,507 Sq.Ft. to 1,673 Sq.Ft.

• From 1,507 Sq.Ft. to 1,570 Sq.Ft.

• From 1,507 Sq.Ft. to 1,673 Sq.Ft.

• Excellent Clay County Schools

• Pool with Clubhouse

• 2 Fully Appointed Clubhouses

• 2 Multi-Million-Dollar Athletic Centers

• Over 60 Acres of Preserved Wetlands

• Resort-Style Pool with Lap Lanes

• State-of-the-Art Water Parks

• Many Small Lakes Throughout the Community

• Kid’s Water Feature and Pool Slide

SALES CENTER:

SALES CENTER:

SALES CENTER:

3747 Aubrey Lane 904-291-4111

24 Adelanto Avenue 904-342-8793

87 Richmond Drive 904-482-3660

ST. JOHNS Townhomes From The Mid $100s

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR COMMUNITIES REGISTER AT MATTAMYHOMES.COM Follow us: SALES CENTER HOURS: Monday to Thursday and Saturday 10 am – 6 pm; Friday and Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm All illustrations are artist’s concept. All dimensions are approximate. Prices, specifications, terms and conditions subject to change without notice. E.&O.E. Builder #CRC1330987

MATJACKSONVILLE-1018885-MH_Towns_Jax4Kids Mag.indd 1 Page 39 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015

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