October 2015

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October 2015

Information, Education and Entertainment for Northeast Florida Families

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Page 2 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

Contents

Letter From The Editor Dear Readers,

living well

A

h, Fall! Festivals and Halloween events are here and in this issue and online at Jax4Kids.com, we bring you events, Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals plus lots of other great information to help you make the most of the season. In our Community Profile, we share how you can say “Thank You” to our Troops with leftover Halloween candy. Follow us on Pinterest to find more creative ideas for Halloween and turn to page 6 for tips to keep Halloween healthy and safe.

The end of the first grading period of the school year is here, making it a good time to look at educational tools and tips. In this issue you’ll find ideas for study spaces, five top time management skills for students, mobile apps that inspire, what you need to know about the new state standards, Barnes & Nobles’ Teacher Appreciation contest plus discover the Smarter College Guide and much more! Teachers, turn to page 19 to find out about a special library card just for you and, Barnes & Noble Educator Appreciation Days discount.

October is National Teen Driver Safety Week (October 18 - 24). I can’t remember when I’ve been this excited to share something with you.

Former Formula One race car driver and founder of Apex Resource Center, Trish Johnson has developed a simulator that teaches teens how to drive in a safe environment, before they venture out to face real life dangers on the road. It’s a game-changer and a life-saver and my hope is that one day every high school in every city in the country will have this simulator to teach driving skills. Until then, we are fortunate to have the

October 2015 Community Profile: Say “Thank You” to Our Troops.................................. 4

tidbits........................................................................................... 5 Health & safety Tips to Keep Halloween Healthy and Safe................................................ 6 Young Athletes Perform Best if Nutritional Needs Are Met......................... 7

Infant & Toddler Speak Parentese, Not Baby Talk.............................................................. 9 Things to Do.........................................................................................10 only one of its kind in the world. If you have a child who will be learning to drive soon or needs more experience, I encourage you to log on to www.apexresourcecenter.com, or call 904-3942912 and read Trish’s tips to prepare for a teen driver on page 25.

If you’re traveling to Disney World this Fall, here are some fun facts about Halloween at the Magic Kingdom - there are 4,000 pumpkins throughout the park and 125 Mickey Mouse pumpkins; it takes over 750 hours to dress the Park for Halloween and after Halloween, all of the décor comes down in one evening; each and every decoration is handmade; all of the ribbon bows stretch out to over 1 mile in length. Enjoy the Magic Kingdom and all of the other wonderful festivals and events during this season!

Look for our Holiday Events Guide in next month’s issue.

Until next month, Alison Peters-Carlson Editor

special needs Things to Do.........................................................................................11

education

Parents Crucial in Reaching Those Hostile to Reading............................13 Mobile Apps That Inspire.......................................................................13 What You Need to Know About New State Standards..............................14 The Smarter College Guide...................................................................15 Study Pages.........................................................................................16 That’s My Job, Frances Hyde, Certified VeterinaryTechnician...................16 Learn About Saving Contest..................................................................17 Five Top Time Management Skills for Students.......................................19 Teacher’s Get Special Library Card........................................................19 Educator Appreciation Days...................................................................19 Clay County School News.....................................................................20 St. Johns County School News..............................................................21 Discover Duval Schools Tour Dates........................................................22

nature Every Kid in a Park Program..................................................................24

Teens Preparing for a Teen Driver....................................................................25 Things to Do.........................................................................................25

pets

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 Beth Canonica Advertising Sales.................................... beth@jax4kids.com Donna Paunetto Advertising Sales.............................. donna@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 • OCTOBER 2015

Take Your “Best Friend” When You Go Shopping.....................................26 Things to Do.........................................................................................26

halloween events.........................................................28 pumpkin patches..............................................................29 Things to do, october...............................................30

HAVE A SAfE AND HAPPY hALLOWEEN!

Living well

Community Profile: Say “Thank You” to Our Troops with Leftover Halloween Treats OPERATION SHOEBOX wo special organizations want to take all that • DO include donations of individually-packaged Operation Shoebox was founded in 2003 by military mom Mary Harper. While five of her candy that will be floating around your house toothbrushes, dental floss and toothpaste children, and two son’s in law, were deployed at the end of the month and put it to good use.

— we need to keep smiles on the troops’ around the world, the central Florida mom They want to use it to brighten up the day and faces all shiny, bright and healthy! say “thank you” to the thousands of our troops • DO fill out the Donation Form and include the learned from her kids that troops didn’t receive many care packages or mail. She rolled up her that are deployed overseas, far from their homes number of pounds of candy, number of sleeves and started an informal care package and loved ones. toothbrushes, etc., you are shipping. This project out of her living room. donation form is a downloadable PDF file, so OPERATION GRATITUDE even if you don’t see a window pop up, a file While troops receive the very basic necessities This group started sending care packages to our has been downloaded. like meals and shelter from the U.S. military, troops in 2003. They passed the million package Harper realized the need to boost morale with threshold a decade later. They have a list of Don’ts practical tokens of kindness in the form of specific do’s and don’ts for your candy shipment.

• DON’T ship the candy to any other Operation snacks, personal care items, entertainment and Gratitude address than the Victory Boulevard thank-you notes to men and women stationed Do’s address. around the world.

• DO ship your candy NO LATER THAN Novem• DON’T purchase candy for us at the 1/2-off ber 15 to: sales after Halloween — just send us your Her homegrown project grew into a full-fledged Operation Gratitude extra/leftover candy. nonprofit organization so quickly that after just a 17330 Victory Boulevard • DON’T use boxes any larger than 24”x 24”x few years of operation, Harper was honored at Van Nuys, CA 91406-5438 20” please. the White House for her work on behalf of the ATTN: Halloween Candy/Angel Cuevas • DON’T send Pixy Stix – unfortunately, they men and women of the armed forces.

• DO separate chocolate and non-chocolate make a mess for the troops. candy.

Whatever global events shape foreign policy, • DO line your boxes with big bags to safely We encourage everyone to write letters/cards to Mary continues her mission at the Operation ship loose candy, or place the candy into the troops that we can include with the candy in Shoebox headquarters in Florida, where the orgazip-close bags. our care packages.

T

nization ships between 800-1,000 care packages a week. In 2012, 114 tons of supplies were sent to hardworking members of the U.S. military around the world.

When you give a tax-deductible donation to Operation Shoebox, you can take pride in knowing that 100% of your gift goes directly to shipping costs and care package supplies.

Shipping costs for an average month total between $11,000 and $17,000 in postage.

Honor the sacrifices that members of our armed forces make every day by contributing to our mission today.

Operation Shoebox is an independent 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.

Candy Donations Christmas! Easter! Halloween!

Operation Shoebox volunteers love packing boxes year-round with candy, but especially for the holidays. Collect bags of individually wrapped candies; heat-resistant candy is best in warm seasons. Mail your candy donation to: Operation Shoebox 8360 East Highway 25 Belleview, Fl 34420 j

FALL 2015-2016

CHILDREN’S ART CLASSES now in Jacksonville! This program of ART for your child was developed in the Southwest, and has taken Children’s Art to an entirely NEW level! Your child will learn and achieve, and will be given recognition for this achievement at his/her very own Annual Art Show!

Classes will be taught and supervised by a certified Art Teacher with 25 years experience in this proven method of Studio Art Education. Students will work with pencil, charcoal, ink, printmaking, painting, design, water colors, cast paper, clay and much, much more!

Art Classes are available to children ages 3 and up, and will meet once a week. Tuition is $79/month.

Classes meet at: 1406 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073 8411 Baymeadows Way #2, Jacksonville, FL 32256 Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Give your child this gift of Art! Class size is limited, so register TODAY! Call for further information or visit us online at www.childrensartclasses.com to view details and print out your own REGISTRATION FORM. Upon registration, you will receive confirmation and registration packet.

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Page 4 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

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CRISIS TEXT LINE

Crisis Text Line exists to help anyone in crisis any time.

Text 741741 when in crisis. Anywhere, anytime.

MILITARY APPRECIATION

As a way of saying thank you to those who are serving our country, all Active Duty Military Members can snag a FREE Annual Pass to National Parks (an $80 value!). All Active Duty men and women – Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and activated National Guard and Reserves – can get their pass at any national park or wildlife refuge that charges an entrance fee by showing their military ID. Each family member will also be able to obtain their own pass even if the service member is deployed or if they are traveling separately. Visit http://store.usgs.gov/pass/ military.html for more information

HOW TO GET SNUG FITTING RINGS OFF If you have a ring that’s snug and hard to get off, here’s a tip from Underwood Jewelers. Spray your finger with Windex. Not only will it help the ring come off but it will leave your diamonds sparkling

Page 5 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION ASSOCIATION According to the National Fire Prevention Association roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep. Smoke alarms save lives. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. This year, fire prevention safety week is October 4 – 10 and the message of this year’s campaign to save lives is “Hear The Beep Where You Sleep. Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm!” Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement. Larger homes may need more alarms. Be sure to change the batteries in your smoke alarms too.

enrichment of the animals during the months of October and November. Please only donate unused pumpkins. 1860 Starratt Road, Jacksonville, FL 32226 | www.cattyshack. org | 904-757-3603

RUST-OLEUM’S GLOW IN THE DARK PAINT Rust-Oleum’s Glow In The Dark spray paint makes objects glow bright green in the dark after exposure to light.

(Colour appears off white in normal light.). Imagine the Halloween crafts you can make with this product! Also comes in a brush on paint formula.

PLASTIC TUBE TIP THE CATTY SHACK RANCH

Can’t get that last bit of product out of a plastic tube (think eye cream, hand lotion)? Cut the tube with scissors. You can fit the top of the tube back over the bottom to keep product from drying out until it’s gone. If it’s a long tube, you can cut multiple times as product is left behind along the length of the tube.

The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary asks for donations of large pumpkins for both decoration and the

LET’S CONNECT

health & safety

Tips to Keep Halloween Healthy and Safe F

all celebrations like Halloween and Harvest Day are fun times for children, who can dress up in costumes, enjoy parties, and eat yummy treats. These celebrations also provide a chance to give out healthy snacks, get physical activity, and focus on safety.

S words, knives, and other costume accessories

should be short, soft, and flexible.

A void trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

F asten reflective tape to costumes and bags to

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opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.

• Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could result in falls.

• Keep candle-lit jack o’lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.

• Remind drivers to watch out for trick-ortreaters and to drive safely. j

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you see and others see you. Always WALK and don’t run from house to house.

ALTERNATIVE IMAGES A lways test make-up in a small area first.

Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

Is this the sign you’ve been waiting for?

L ook both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

L ower your risk for serious eye injury by not

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O

nly walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

Irritable Mood | Hard to Cheer Up

W ear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes

Lack of Interest in

Bored | Detached | Disinterested

to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.

School or Friends

E at only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating

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homemade treats made by strangers.

E nter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult.

Only visit well-lit houses. Never accept rides from strangers.

N ever walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Expecting trick-or-treaters or party guests?

Follow these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone: • Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks. For party guests, offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses.

• Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an

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health & safety

Young Athletes Perform Best If Nutritional Needs Are Met

C

hild athletes (age 5-18 years) must consume enough energy, not only to support growth, but to fuel their exercise, which is why it is important to make sure they are getting the nutrients they need to do and feel their best.

Calorie and protein needs depend on the level and type of physical activity and depends on their physical development. A 10 year old running cross country is not going to have the same calorie and protein requirements of a 17-year-old football player. Individual nutrient requirements for serious athletes cannot be expressed here in this article, but some general guidelines on eating and hydration are outlined below.

EATING BEFORE EXERCISE Include protein as a part of your child’s meals/ snacks throughout the day. Protein helps to build and repair muscle tissue.

A pre-game meal (more than 2 hours before exercise) should include a combination of protein, carbohydrate and fat.

Encourage a good source of carbohydrate (not protein or fat) 30 minutes before a practice or game for that last boost of energy without causing stomach upset – examples include a jelly

sandwich, banana, apple or grapes, saltine crackers, pretzels or a sports drink. Granola bars are not a good source of energy right before a game because they normally contain protein and fat which can lead to stomach discomfort.

Examples of pre-game meals (more than 2 hours before exercise): • Peanut butter (or another nut butter) on toast with honey and skim milk.

• A fruit and yogurt smoothie made with Greek yogurt, plus low-fat granola.

• Oatmeal with brown sugar & almonds plus a banana and skim milk.

• Lean hamburger on a whole grain bun with lettuce and tomato plus a side salad and a layered yogurt/fruit parfait.

• Low-fat cottage cheese with whole grain crackers, apple butter or other fruit spread, and fresh fruit such as grapes or strawberries.

• Turkey and Swiss on a whole grain pita wrap with lettuce & tomato plus fresh fruit and a sports drink.

• Low-fat tuna melt sandwich on whole grain bread with a fruit cup and fat-free Greek Yogurt.

GOALS OF HYDRATION

Page 7 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

For shorter duration of exercise (60 minutes or less), water is the preferred choice of rehydration before, during and after exercise.

For longer duration of exercise (over 60 minutes), a sports drink such as Gatorade or Powerade (6-8% carbohydrate) is a better option because electrolytes will most likely need to be replaced as well.

For older children/teens that may lose a lot of fluid during training, replace those lost fluids by drinking 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of fluid (water or sports drinks) for every pound of weight lost during practice. Encourage your child to stay hydrated throughout the day so that he/she doesn’t start a workout already thirsty.

EATING FOR RECOVERY AFTER EXERCISE The goal of eating for recovery is to restore lost fluids and electrolytes, replace muscle fuel (carbohydrates) used during practice and provide protein to aid in the repair of damaged muscles.

The optimal time for nutrition recovery is with a snack or meal within 15 to 60 minutes following the end of practice or a game.

Some recovery snack ideas include: • Smoothie made with Greek yogurt (carbohy-

drate, protein, fluid) and frozen blueberries/ strawberries (carbohydrate).

• Sports drink (carbohydrate +electrolyte + fluid) plus a sports bar (carbohydrate, protein, fat).

• Graham crackers (carbohydrate) with peanut butter (protein, fat), a banana (carbohydrate) plus low-fat chocolate milk (carbohydrate, protein).

• Almond or coconut milk can be substituted for cow’s milk, but the protein content will be lower overall.

• Some recovery meal ideas include: • Rice and beans with cheese, salsa, avocado plus whole grain tortilla chips or whole wheat tortilla.

• Stir fry with lean steak or chicken, broccoli, bell peppers, carrots and brown rice.

• Whole grain pasta with lean ground beef and marinara sauce plus a side salad.

Remember that fueling right will not create a great athlete, but fueling right can make all athletes perform their best. j Aurea Thompson, MSH, RD, CSP, LD/N Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition Wolfson Children’s Hospital

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infant & toddler

Speak Parentese, Not Baby Talk S

Parentese helps babies learn language. The elongated vowels, high pitch, exaggerated facial expressions and short, simple sentences actually ee a baby and you’ll probably start talking in help infants learn language. Their brains are a high-pitched tone and stretching out your “mapping” the sounds they are hearing, and vowels. “Whoose a prettyy baybeee?” Experts call talking in a way that gets their attention helps this musical way of talking “parentese” and them learn to speak and understand language. report there’s a true value to it. Parentese helps parents and caregivers connect to their babies How do you talk Parentese? and helps babies develop language skills.

Parentese features well-formed, elongated consonants and vowels. We tend to pronounce Everyone talks parentese. The sing-song speech, words precisely when we talk to babies — pulloften accompanied by exaggerated facial ing out the vowel sounds and clearly voicing expressions, seems to be used by almost consonants — in marked contrast to the hurried everyone who talks to a baby. Parentese is not way we speak to other adults. A “sweet baby” merely an English-speaking practice. It’s spoken becomes a bright “sweeet baybeee.” Move in around the world, because we all love to do it close so your baby can see your eyes widen and — mothers, fathers, grandparents, friends, older sparkle and your lips move. siblings, even preschoolers. And what’s more, babies seem to like it too.

How is Parentese different from baby talk?

Baby talk uses sounds and nonsense words.

Parentese delights babies. Research shows that Parentese uses actual words, in short and simple infants actually prefer parentese to adult sentences, often repeated over and over again, conversations. They will turn their head to hear it, for example, “Who’s my li-i-ttle baybee? Are you even if it’s spoken in a foreign language. Babies my littlee baybee? Yes, yoooo are!” j not only enjoy the high-pitched sounds, they also like watching our faces as we talk to them.

PBS.org/ChildDevelopment

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infant & toddler

Things to Do

learn about fire safety, prevention and how to best prepare for an emergency. Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum.

MOSH / 904-396-MOSH / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.themosh.org

Child Learning and Development October 1, 6pm to 7:30pm Presented by: The Early Learning Coalition of Duval.

As a part of the Born Learning Series, this course will provide information on the topics of developmental milestones, social and emotional development, problem-solving skills, and communication skills for families that have children ages birth to five. Childcare provided ages 1-10.

The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and community members.

Duval Public Schools Parent Academy / Historic Springfield Community Learning Center, 1601 N. Main Street (2nd floor), Jacksonville, FL 32206 / dcps.duvalschools.org

Free Nemours BrightStart Screenings October 8, 10am to 12:30pm Children ages 3 – 5 are invited to receive a free, 10-minute Early Literacy Screening at the library, courtesy of Nemours BrightStart. Registration is taken on a first-come, first-serve basis by a Nemours representative. Utilize this free screening to find out where your child’s literacy strengths lie, and what you can do to help them improve in any other areas before they start school.

St. Johns County Public Library / Ponte Vedra Branch Library, 101 Library Blvd. Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.sjcpls.org

Infant & Toddler

TNT Pre-school Open Gym October 2, 9, 16 and 23 - 9am to 10am October 7, 14, 21 and 2 - 10am to 11am TNT offers Pre-school Open Gym. There is a dedicated preschool area, giant foam pit, trampolines and more. Children do not need socks or shoes. This is parent supervision only; no coaches or instruction are provided during the free play sessions. For ages 14 months to 5 years. Cost is $5 cash, or $6 card.

TNT Gymnastics / 904-998-TNT1 / 2683 Saint Johns Bluff Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www. tntgymfit.com You May Just Be a Dinosaur Book Launch Event October 3, 2pm Join Author Heather Macht for a book reading of her first picture book, You May Just Be a Dinosaur.

There will also be a book signing, free dinosaur face painting, treats, dino-crafts and a book raffle. Free.

Barnes & Noble St. Johns Town Center / 10280 Midtown Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www. bn.com Postpartum Recovery Classes October 5, 5:30pm Postpartum Recovery Classes are for all moms who are at least two weeks postpartum for vaginal birth and 6 weeks for cesarean birth. Nursing infants are welcome, of course. Held Monday nights beginning October 5 through November 9 at 5:30pm. Classes are held at Bay and Bee. Register in advance, as class size is limited. 4th Trimester Fitness / 336-813-0223 / Bay & Bee, 13475 Atlantic Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32225 / www.4thtrimesterfitness. com Breastfeeding 101 October 6, 6pm A Certified Lactation Consultant offers professional advice and practical tips to help prepare new and expectant moms for a successful nursing experience.

Babies R Us / 904-997-6291 / 4875 Town Center Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.babiesrus. com Pre-K Fire Prevention Day October 7, 10am to 12noon Preschoolers are invited from 10am to 12noon to

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Keeping Children Safe October 10, 9:30am to 11am As a part of the Born Learning Series, this course will provide information on the topics of signs and symptoms of abuse (sexual, physical, and emotional), child-neglect, and reporting abuse for families that have children ages birth to five.

Childcare provided ages 1-10.

The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and community members.

Duval Public Schools Parent Academy / St. Paul United Methodist Church, 8264 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211 / dcps.duvalschools.org

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Baby Food Bonanza October 13, 6pm The “Baby Food Bonanza” class will teach expectant parents how to make homemade baby food with items typically found in the kitchen. This session will demonstrate how to grind brown rice for baby cereal, how to puree fruits and vegetables, and how to properly store food for safety. Class will conclude with a recipe card handed out to attendees.

Babies R Us / 904-997-6291 / 4875 Town Center Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.babiesrus. com YogaKids: Baby & Me Yoga October 15, 22 & 29, 10am Babies (not yet walking) and mothers can practice YogaKids with Diane Appel, YKA. Learn to relax your mind and body with some simple, kid-friendly stretches, exercises and activities. Please wear loose clothing and bring your own towel or mat. For more information, please contact Diane Appel at makeyogafun@gmail.com St. Johns County Public Library / Anastasia Island Branch, 124 Seagrove Main St St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 / www.sjcpls.org Registry Party October 24, 11am Join Babies R Us for a Registry Party. Learn how easy it is to create & update your registry, and enjoy games, giveaways, and more.

Babies R Us / 904-997-6291 / 4875 Town Center Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.babiesrus. com Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

Page 10 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

FSCJ Artist Series presents

Broadway in Jacksonville Sponsored by

2015 Big Idea Entertainment, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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Tinseltown 9726 Touchton Rd. #111 (904) 683-4554 License # C04DU0978

Special needs

Things to Do Special Needs

FARE Walk for Food Allergy October 10 Registration: 9am - 10am Walk Ceremony: 10am The FARE Walk for Food Allergy brings together thousands of people who are seeking a safer world for the 15 million Americans living with food allergies. The Walk is a family-friendly event that takes place in communities nationwide to raise funds for food allergy research, education, advocacy and awareness. This special day will include fun activities for the entire family. Register today as an individual or start a team and invite your friends, family and co-workers to help us say FAREwell to food allergies. Nocatee Park, 245 Nocatee Center Way, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 / 404-990-3555 / www.foodallergywalk.org Community Hospice Monster Mash Dash October 16, 6pm This year’s Monster Mash Dash 5K will take place at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall and is bound to be a run of a different sort.

This race features a one–mile fun run followed by the 5K race; both of which benefit Community PedsCare. The race event also features food, adult beverages, children’s activities and entertainment on the main stage. Participants are encouraged to dress to impress and run in a costume. The Monster Mash Dash 5K is held in conjunction with the annual Halloween Doors and More event. This race is a great opportunity for families and friends to come together to partake in the Halloween spirit and support a great cause! All proceeds of the Monster Mash Dash 5K will benefit Community PedsCare, a nationally recognized pediatric palliative and hospice program for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

Jacksonville Fairgrounds, 510 Fairgrounds Place, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / 904-268-5200 / www. communityhospice.com

make-over at the Emerald City Salon, have a magical voyage through Harry’s Wizarding World, or hangout with Jaxson de Ville in his awesome playhouse! Each door features special games and activities for the children to partake in and food and beverage are available for all. All proceeds of Halloween Doors and More will benefit Community PedsCare, a nationally recognized pediatric palliative and hospice program for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. Jacksonville Fairgrounds, 510 Fairgrounds Place, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / 904-268-5200 / www.communityhospice.com Spooktacular Halloween Costume Party for Kids with T1D • October 22, 6pm - 8pm Costume contest for children with Type 1 Diabetes. It’s a great time for families with T1D to have fun and make new friends. Free pizza and drinks provided. Held at Slinkee’s in Mandarin, 10503 San Jose Blvd, Suite 18. Participants must RSVP to PWilliams@Jdrf.org to attend. Slinkee’s 10503 San Jose Blvd, Suite 18, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / 904-739-2101 / www.northflorida.jdrf.org

Mainspring Academy Superhero 5K and Mile Fun Run • October 24 7:30am Registration 9am 1 Mile Fun Run Start 9:30am 5km Race Start Unleash your inner superhero and run, walk or stroll in support of the kids at Mainspring Academy in the 2nd Annual Superhero 5k and Mile Fun Run! Grab your superhero costume, cape and mask and join in on the greenway trails of Nocatee. All ages and abilities are welcome.

Prizes will be awarded for the best adult and children’s costume. To register go to www. prsracetiming.com.

All proceeds from the 2nd Annual Superhero 5k & Mile Fun Run will directly benefit students at Mainspring Academy by raising funds for student hardship scholarships, teacher advancement and education, and capital improvements. Mainspring serves students ages 5-22 with a variety of challenges including Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, Speech/Language Disorders, ADHD, and Anxiety Disorders, to name a few.

Mainspring is proud to sponsor this special event Sensory Friendly Films - PAN on behalf of our amazing students. They truly are October 17, 10am AMC Entertainment (AMC) and ASA have teamed superheroes! Village Lakes Drive & Town Plaza up to bring families affected by autism and other Ave, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 / 904-503-0344 / disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their fa- www.mainspringacademy.org vorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis. Lights are brought up, sound Spirit of the ADA is turned down, and families are allowed to bring October 25, 9am - 4pm their own snacks. Movies are shown at the AMC The Spirit of the ADA is an annual celebration Regency 24 in the Regency Center Square. 9451 of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It was a great leap forward for the disability community Regency Square Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 and needs to be celebrated! Come enjoy a day / 904-725-0885 / www.amctheatres.com/proof family fun with the ILRC at the Jacksonville grams/sensory-friendly-films Zoo and Gardens, proudly brought to you by The ILRC and the City of Jacksonville’s Military Community Hospice Halloween Doors and Affairs, Veterans and Disabled Services Division.

More • October 17, 3pm - 8pm There will be a scavenger hunt throughout the This event features a spin on the average zoo that raises awareness for the Americans trick–or–treating experience and is bursting with Disabilities Act and disabilities in general. with activities and attractions for children and Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, 370 Zoo Pkwy, parents alike. Participants are invited to explore the 14–foot fantasy doors which will feature new Jacksonville, FL 32218 / 904-399-8484 / www. theilrc.com ventures like It’s a Frozen World and the return of classic favorites; you’ll get your groove on in Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings. the Fantasy Forest Disco; enjoy a spooktacular

Page 11 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

Food, Carnival Games, Pumpkin Patch, Trick-or-Treat Lane, Face Painting, Mark Alan Magic, Balloon Artist, and more!

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904-493-7300 Page 12 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

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After School Programs and Summer Camp Available!

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EDUCATION

Parents Crucial in Mobile Apps That Inspire Reaching C Those Hostile to Reading

A

s a teacher I’ve noticed them for a few years now, those students who keep their heads down when we read in class. Sometimes they scoff when asked about their summer reading assignments or their favorite books. They act as though reading is for the hopelessly uncool.

For decades reading instruction gurus have conducted research, written books and sold strategies to help “reluctant” readers improve.

Most of this is good. I have seen students who struggle with reading comprehension make measurable gains.

That said, I’ve also seen an increasing number of kids who don’t engage in the struggle at all.

They’re not reluctant readers; they’re downright hostile toward reading.

I call them hostile readers because when asked to read, they often respond with sarcasm or ridicule giving off the idea that reading is not worth their time.

I have worked with many of them in large and small classrooms over the last fifteen years, and I’m working with a few this school year. While I do not believe there is one cookie-cutter approach for raising good readers, I do think there are effective strategies parents and teachers can use to help students make progress. And parents, your role is crucial.

Here are a few strategies I’ve seen work well in my teaching, tutoring and parenting: Check Reading Level The first step in helping kids read better is to find out their current reading level. Most hostile readers I’ve worked with read at least two to three years below their grade level. One 12thgrade student I taught last year read on a 5th grade level. You can gather valuable information like test data and teacher input from your child’s school.

An even simpler approach involves asking your student to read a few snippets of different texts to you. One could be a newspaper article; another could be a passage from a novel. While your child reads to you, listen and take note of how many times your child falters in pronunciation. If you hear repeated mistakes, restarts or word substitutions, your child may not be reading at grade level.

educator Jim Trelease offers lists of high-interest books for students. Through documented research and anecdotal evidence, Trelease shows the power parents and teachers have when they take time to read books aloud to their students.

Hearing books read aloud piques student interest and exposes them to different genres of writing. It also opens a door of communication between readers and listeners which can aid reading comprehension, among other things. Your willingness to take time to read to them will show you value reading in your home.

On his web site (http://trelease-on-reading.com/ index.html), Trelease offers a wealth of information on what parents and teachers can do to help instill a love of literature in children. The site also offers lists of recommended books for readalouds.

GO TO THE LIBRARY Libraries today are happening places. In our branch library, for example, the librarians host family game nights, lego-building sessions and teen lock-ins, among other events.

If your child is hostile to reading, try taking him or her to a non-reading event at your local library.

Then, take the opportunity to show them sections of the library where they can find different materials. Some students are unaware that their local library has a teen section (or children’s section) full of books, computers, magazines, games and more.

TRY AUDIO BOOKS Another way to hook kids on reading is to listen to audio books. We have played audio books in the car since my 7-year-old daughter was born.

From “Because of Winn-Dixie” to “Charlotte’s Web,” she has enjoyed hearing plots unfold and voices express various emotions as we drive to and fro around Northeast Florida.

You can download free audio books from the Internet, check them out in various formats form the library or record your own.

THE BOTTOM LINE Kids who turn hostile toward reading need help.

While teachers and schools can offer aid, parents play the most crucial role in raising good readers.

It’s never too late to make reading a priority in your home. j nancyleebethea@gmail.com

TRY READ-ALOUDS In “The Read-Aloud Handbook,” author and

Page 13 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

hildren can benefit from mobile applications that promote problem-solving, productivity, and originality. These playful apps inspire pre-kindergartners to high school students to write, draw, brainstorm, and explore a community of creatives.

DRAWING DESK - Draw, Paint, Doodle, Sketch (iOS & Android, Free) Drawing Desk’s primary appeal is its universality and robust utility; students of all ages can draw, sketch, and tweak photos with ease. The app’s Kids Desk mode makes sure the youngest creative minds have a space to thrive. They can select from a diverse offering of brush patterns (like hearts or flowers), and choose from coloring book galleries of animals, vehicles, and more. The Sketch Desk, Photo Desk, and Doodle Desk each offer distinct tools and the option to save or share creations. We recommend parents pay $1.99 via in-app purchase to get rid of advertisements.

MR. POTATO HEAD - Create & Play (iOS, Free) This timeless children’s toy has gone digital with the recent release Mr. Potato Head - Create & Play. While Hasbro Gaming has abandoned Mr. Potato Head’s “bucket of parts”, this entertaining app promotes spatial awareness and creativity.

The free version includes six outfit changes and two background worlds, all of which are accessible through the toy chest. Each world includes five programmed animations and children can save their favorite moments to an in-app gallery.

Alas, the app doesn’t allow mixing and matching parts from various outfits, so there will be no pirate ballerinas. Parents can unlock all 26 outfits and 13 interactive worlds for $4.99.

CREATIVE WRITING PROMPTS (iOS, $2.99) Creative Writing Prompts was developed by Tanner Christensen, who works as a product designer for Facebook. This iOS universal app provides impromptu inspiration for middle and high school students with writer’s block, including over 1,000 lines and prompts. If a student uses Creative Writing Prompts on the regular, he or she will definitely develop a writing routine, which in turn can make them more effective in other school subjects. Free writing is a great way for students to start the day, even if it means composing during breakfast or on the school bus.

Creative Writing Prompts was designed for professionals and academics alike, so this app is a superb investment that won’t outlive its usefulness.

BEHANCE (iOS & Android, Free) Behance provides creatives, no matter the medium, with a network to distribute their latest opuses. This mobile app is a nice addition for high school and college students who are serious about their craft and want unfiltered feedback from the creative community. Students will need

to set up an Adobe account first, then they can pick artistic veterans and curated galleries to follow. Behance is organized with an extensive arrangement of creative fields, including Photography, Illustration, Architecture, Motion Graphics, Computer Animation, and Writing, to name a few. Students can observe works in progress, checking in with pieces at various stages.

INKFLOW Visual Notebook (iOS Free) Inkflow Visual Notebook is a necessary tool for visual learners. Great for middle and high school students, who would benefit from QuickStart Guide tutorial, the app is essentially a blank canvas that can be used for brainstorming, organizing ideas, and drafting multi-page projects. Students can add text and images from their device’s Camera Roll, change their stationary background, and more. The full version can be purchased for $7.99, which includes a color palette, brush tools, page management, and unlimited pages, as opposed to the free version’s 20-page max. j Appolearning.com

EDUCATION

60 Years of Academic Excellence

What You Need to Know About New State Standards I f you have a child in public school this year, you may be hearing a lot about new standards and new standardized tests. Maybe your child’s math homework looks a little different. What’s the deal? Read on to learn a little bit more about what’s happening in the Florida’s public school landscape.

What are the standards?

The world that our children will inherit is very different than the one we grew up in — what they need to know and be able to do has changed a lot. In an effort to help students get ready, our state has adopted new standards — guidelines about what skills students should have by the end of each grade — called the Florida Standards. This shift is well under way for our local public schools, students and teachers, who are working with new ways to help students learn even more.

conducted by Alpine Testing, deemed the results of the FSA to be valid. Consequently, public and charter schools in Florida will receive school grades for the 2014-2015 school year — likely released sometime in December or January. This fall, the Florida Department of Education will be determining and releasing cut scores for the FSA. Cut scores will determine what constitutes a Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5.

More information is available on the Florida Department of Education website, www.fldoe.org/ accountability/assessments.

What will be the impact?

These new scores will likely mean that school grades and student achievement levels will be lower than what most parents and community members are used to. But it doesn’t mean that our schools are backsliding! What it does mean is that schools, teachers and students will need Think about baking for a moment. If you learn time and extra support to adjust to these how to follow a recipe for making red velvet cake, changes. you know how to make red velvet cake. But if you learn how that cake is made — the proportion of What can you do? wet to dry ingredients, the amount of baking soda Stay informed and get involved! The Jacksonville needed — you will have the skills needed to Public Education Fund will be hosting a commuunderstand how to make many kinds of baked nity meeting to empower community members goods, not just follow a recipe. That’s what this and public education advocates to voice their shift is all about, and while it requires more of opinions on proposed boundary changes and take teachers and students, it will ensure the next action. There will be a Q&A with students, generation is prepared with the tools and skills educators and Duval County Public Schools they need to be ready for future success.

Superintendent Nikolai Vitti. Participants will find out ways to get involved, discuss this issue with What about the test? others, and brainstorm ideas to elevate commuNew standards mean a new end of year test, so nity voice and support public schools. the FCAT is out and the FSA is in. The Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) is administered in ONE by ONE Public Education Forum: New Shifts, English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and One Vision will take place on October 19 from end-of-course (EOC) subjects (Algebra 1, Algebra 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Jessie Ball duPont 2, and Geometry) to measure proficiency levels Center in downtown Jacksonville. The event is and gains among students. free and you can register online by visiting www. jaxpef.org.

During the 2014-2015 school year, the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) was administered If you can’t make it on October 19, visit jaxpef.org for the first time in grades 3-10 but not without a to sign up for regular updates and check out the few glitches. School districts across the state latest news about this and many other issues experienced technology issues ranging from affecting public education. j computer hacking, students being unable to access the test and being kicked out. Lawmakers Jacksonville Public Education Fund required an independent review of the test to www.jaxpef.org make sure it was valid. In September, that review,

“Mother Nature has the best box of crayons..”

– Unknown Page 14 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

Admissions open House

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EDUCATION

The Smarter College Guide F orbes magazine has launched “The Smarter College Guide,” its first-ever guide book ranking the best colleges and universities in the U.S. The 360-page book expands on Forbes’ definitive ranking of the top 650 schools, including exclusive lists featuring colleges offering tuition discounts, the most entrepreneurial schools and college profiles by state. Forbes staff writers and expert contributors discuss what you need to know about saving and paying for school, financial aid and loans, student spending and how to maximize your return on investment.

student-consumer value over marketing prestige.

Forbes’ ranking looks at the cost of a degree versus its future worth in terms of low student debt, future salary and career success, setting it apart from other rankings in the marketplace.

“This is an entirely new breed of college guide, with a singular mission: to give parents and students the tools to make the best decisions about investing in higher education and selecting the right school. The Forbes guide stands out among the others in that it approaches the college selection process from a return on College has become one of the biggest financial investment viewpoint to ensure students receive decisions an individual will ever make. In the last long-term value in their educational pursuits,” four decades, tuition and fees have risen 270% at said Caroline Howard, “The Smarter College public four-year colleges and 204% at private Guide” editor. schools.

In the rankings, Forbes ignores a school’s Approximately 43 million students have outstand- reputation, student SAT score and high school ing loan debt, with an average balance per class rank, and college spending per student. The borrower of $27,000. The average balance is rankings, compiled exclusively for Forbes by the drastically increasing; between 2004 and 2014, Center for College Affordability and Productivity, the average balance increased 74%, and the focus on one measurement — outcome. Twelve number of borrowers increased 92%. As a result, factors are used to calculate the rankings, each more colleges and universities are addressing the of which falls into one of five categories: student return on investment in education, focusing on satisfaction, postgraduate success, student debt,

Page 15 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

graduation rate and academic success.

Additional features in the guide include: • Best Value Schools – Top colleges and universities that deliver the goods at highly affordable prices.

• 50 College Gems With Bargain Tuitions – Desperately seeking applicants, these awesome schools are offering steep tuition discounts.

• 61 Super Safety Schools – Stop fretting over the super-elites. Dozens of great colleges are eagerly awaiting your application.

• Private College Financial Health Grades – Which schools get an A+ in finances, and which are on the verge of failing?

• America’s Most Grateful Graduates – The best schools produce successful alums who want to give back money to their alma maters.

• Common College Savings Mistakes And How To Avoid Them – Financial pros and college planning experts weigh in to school us on how to avoid the most frequent oversights and blunders.

• Best Advice For Taking Out Student Loans –

Many schools offer financial aid packages that include loans; how to figure out if the debt is really worth it.

• Top Apps For Spending Smarter In College – College students can better track and manage their money with these winning apps. j

EDUCATION

Study Spaces

T

he better the study space, the better the studying! Use these tricks to make your child’s homework area a welcoming haven of learning.

1. GET HIM COMFY. If you’re continually reminding your child to sit still, try a different approach. Some students work well standing up, completing homework on the kitchen counter. Others like the living room couch, with the help of a lap desk.

2. LET HIM SPREAD OUT. Most students do best when they have ample space to spread out their materials. The dining room table is a good option. Also, consider an L-shaped desk. It allows the student to have a place for her laptop and a separate place for writing.

3. CONSIDER A BEANBAG chair for reading to help your kids feel snug and relaxed. Some children do especially well sitting on a “ball chair.” They can gently bounce as they do their work.

4. PLACE THE COMPUTER your child uses for studying in a well-traveled area of your home, not in his bedroom. This will cut down on his exploring other websites instead of studying for a test.

5. HAVE YOUR CHILD STUDY IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS around the house. Moving locations increases novelty, which can improve focus.

6. TIMERS ARE EXCELLENT TOOLS for students who feel that they can’t muster the energy to get started. By setting the timer for 10 minutes and getting to work for this brief period, students realize that the task isn’t overwhelming. j

That’s MY Job! Frances Hyde – Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) How long have you been a Certified Veterinary Technician?

I have been a Certified Veterinary Technician for 5 years, and prior to that I was a veterinary assistant for 10 years. When I was younger and in high school, I wanted to be a veterinarian so I applied for a kennel assistant job at a local veterinary hospital and worked there through my senior year of high school, eventually becoming a veterinary assistant. After I received my AA, I changed career paths and wanted to become a technician instead of a veterinarian, and it was the best decision I made, and one that continues to provide me with many opportunities in the veterinary field. I started working at Beaches Animal Clinic, where I have been for the past 11 years.

Why did you choose this career?

I have always loved animals and my parents will tell you that as soon as I was able to talk I said I wanted to be a veterinarian. After I started working in veterinary medicine, I decided that I loved having more hands on care with our patients and being a direct influence to their recovery from illness or injury.

What kind of education did you get to become a Certified Veterinary Technician?

After fulfilling general education requirements, which I had from my AA, a CVT takes two to four years of veterinary technician courses, depending on the degree type of AS or BAS. The school must be an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited school, and the courses include nursing, radiography, behavior, laboratory, and surgical nursing, just to name a few. After graduation, the CVT must pass a National Board exam, and in some cases a state exam to become credentialed.

I decided two years ago to go back to school and anticipate graduating with a BAS Veterinary Technology in advanced nursing and practice management in December of 2015.

What are some of your responsibilities?

As a head technician in the practice where I work, I make sure that each patient is getting the appropriate care and work alongside the veterinarian to make our patients better. I help prepare patients for anesthesia, calculate drug dosages and anesthesia, place IV catheters, take x-rays, and help direct the workflow for the day’s surgeries and treatments. I also help with training new employees and love teaching what I have learned over the years to new technicians.

What do you like most about your job?

The thing that I love most about my job is being an advocate for our patients. I love the relationship that I have with our veterinarians and being able to tell them if I feel a patient is in pain, or what has made them feel better and having them trust my education and knowledge so we can make that patient feel better. One of my favorite feelings is being able to comfort a patient that is scared in the hospital and using calming techniques to make each visit better than the last until they aren’t scared of the hospital anymore. I am proud that our hospital uses fear free techniques and it shows when almost all of our patients are actually happy to see us.

Page 16 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

A different way of teaching. A better way of learning.

Grades middle through high school Low student to teacher ratio Standard high school diploma Multi-sensory instruction Outdoor science laboratory McKay Scholarship participant Accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools

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Space available for the 2015-2016 school year Call today for information and a campus tour!

EDUCATION

Learn About Saving with a Contest

I

t’s never too early to start saving for the future, and Florida CFO Jeff Atwater is challenging students to do just that. Florida’s “Learn to Save” Challenge encourages students to show how financial literacy is important to them.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CHALLENGE (Grades 6-8) – Using the Department of Financial Services’ Your Money Matter$ website, show how saving,

budgeting or banking is important to you now and in the future. Using your category (saving, budgeting or banking), design a billboard that promotes financial literacy in that area and illustrates its importance. The submission must include a written explanation and drawing. Prizes: 1st Place $300 and billboard displayed locally;

2nd place $200; and 3rd place $100.

HIGH SCHOOL CHALLENGE (Grades 9-12) – Using the Department of Financial Services’ Your Money Matter$ website, select one of the Life Events listed and develop a creative 30 second Public Service Announcement video related to the chosen Life Event that can be used to promote financial literacy and financial preparedness.

Prizes: 1st place $300 & PSA on public access TV; 2nd place $200; and 3rd place $100.

Winners will be chosen from each of five designated regions: Northwest Florida, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and South Florida.All entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Oct. 31.

Visit the following websites for more info: www.myfloridacfo.com/YMM/ LearnToSaveChallenge/MiddleSchool.aspx www.myfloridacfo.com/YMM/ LearnToSaveChallenge/highschool.aspx j

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 17 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

Greatness Starts Here.

CHARTER SCHOOLS USA

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At CSUSA we have clearly defined, high standards for academic excellence, personal growth and social development incorporated into our curricula, across all grades.

Accreditation | CSUSA has full, system-wide accreditation through AdvancedEd Targeted Instruction | Personalized Learning Plans for all students Informed Instruction | CSUSA uses proprietary methods to get data in the hands of teachers real-time.

Outstanding Educators | Attracting and developing the best educators/leaders.

Parent Involvement | CSUSA engages parents at every level and welcomes their involvement.

Innovation | New technology and instructional practices are continuously piloted and implemented in a disciplined manner.

CLAY COUNTY Clay Charter Academy

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DUVAL COUNTY Duval Charter School at Flagler Center Duval Charter School at Mandarin Duval Charter at Southside Duval Charter Scholars Academy Duval Charter at Westside Duval Charter School at Baymeadows Duval Charter High School at Baymeadows

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Tuition-Free Public Charter Schools

Why Choose Charter Schools USA?

www.CharterSchoolsUSA.com Page 18 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

- Tuition-free public charter schools - Personal learning plans - Before and after care - Character education and leadership - Meaningful parental involvement - Certified, dedicated teachers

APPLY NOW! for the 2015-2016 school year

EDUCATION

Five Top Time Management Skills for Students 1. Learn to say “no.” Party this weekend? Cool club to join? Overnight trip on Saturday?

Learning how to say “no” is a difficult but important skill for good time management.

Instill this lesson now.

instead of shutting down, panicking or going into crisis mode. If big projects are not being left to the last minute, and the flow of work remains relatively steady, then there should be built in time for worst case scenarios (computer crashes, lost notes) and minor but predictable happenings (running out of ink or paper for the printer. ) Have unreliable Internet access at home? Check out the availability and guidelines about computer use after school or at the public library. Be thorough. What are the possible transportation and scheduling issues?

2. Don’t procrastinate. If you know your college-student-in-training has a lab report or research project due in a month, use it as an opportunity to teach youngsters to plan.

Outline what needs to be done, and break the project into small, doable tasks.

3. Use social time wisely. If your young student complains that he or she is missing out on something because of homework, remind him or her that how good it feels to be totally caught up and free of nagging guilt when it is time to have fun.

4. Prioritize and reprioritize. No matter how on top of things a student is, life just happens sometimes. Having good time management skills means that, when things shift around, youngsters will be able to deal with things

5. Keep health, sleep and exercise in check.

Sure, students feel as if they have 25 hours worth of work to do each day, yet paying attention to these vital needs makes a fundamental difference in the ability to manage time. j collegelife.about.com

Teachers Get Special Library Card T he Jacksonville Public Library is offering a new Educator Card exclusively for educators in Duval County public, charter and private schools. The special card allows teachers to supplement their curriculum with an abundant, ever-changing supply of books on a range of subjects and reading levels to support educational success for students of all ages.

The Educator Card benefits include: • Check out of up to 100 books (includes print and audiobooks only).

• Place holds on up to 50 books (includes print and audiobooks only).

• Borrow the books for six weeks from any Jacksonville Public Library location.

• Renew books up to two times. Return to any JPL location.

• Place multiple holds on a single title by contacting any library location.

Educator Appreciation Days

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

– Anne of Green Gables Page 19 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

October 10th4-7

PM

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arnes & Noble bookstore’s first Educator Appreciation Days of the school year will be on Oct. 10-18. All Pre-K through 12th grade educators and homeschoolers that have a Barnes & Noble Educator Discount Card will save 25% on most items in store and online. Visit bn.com for additional information on educator-only events at the San Jose location during Educator Appreciation Days. Don’t have an Educator Card? Visit any Barnes & Noble location to sign up for your free card today (You will need to provide a School ID as proof of employment).

Also the company is sponsoring a contest for middle and high school students to honor their teachers. The students write an essay, poem, or thank-you letter (500 words or less, in English on 8.5” x 11” white paper) sharing how a teacher has influenced their life and why they appreciate and admire them. Each entry should be submitted with the entry form. A parent or legal guardian must sign the entry form acknowledging that they have read the Official Contest Rules.

Participating schools will collect • Visit the library to select materials and/or the essays and provide place holds on materials online for pick up. them to their local Barnes • No overdue fines are assessed on the & Noble store representative.

Educator Card. Teachers are asked to return Deadline for entries is March 1. If your school books on time to ensure a good inventory for is not participating in the contest and you would others. like your teacher to be considered for the local and regional award as well as the national Barnes & Noble Teacher of the Year Award, please To apply, educators may complete an Educator Card application, available online or at any library, submit your signed entry form in person or by mail to your local store. Forms must be postand visit any JPL location to present proof of home address and employment at a Duval County marked by March 1, 2015 and can be sent to any public, charter or private school. Educators do not Barnes & Noble store near you (a complete list of stores is available at stores.barnesandnoble. have to live in Duval County. com).

The Educator Card expires on July 31, 2016, but may be renewed annually if eligible. The Educator Winning students receive a certificate of recognition and be will honored at their local Card holder is responsible for any lost or store during a ceremony for the winning teachers damaged fees. Teachers may have an Educator from their schools.

Card in addition to their regular library card.

Find more details about the Educator Card at jaxpubliclibrary.org/lib/circ.html. j



Teachers will receive a special award acknowledging their achievement. Five regional winners will each receive a $500 Barnes & Noble Gift Card. The “Barnes & Noble Teacher of the Year” will receive $5,000 and recognition at a special event at a Barnes & Noble store. The winning teacher’s school will also receive $5,000. j

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Clay County School News Toys, Toys, Toys!

OneClay App Now Available

How did you spend your summer?

Oakleaf High School’s Aaliyah Manning (right) spearheaded a toy drive for the patients at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. The school beauty queen used social media and texting to get out the word and the toys rolled in.

Clay County parents, your public school now has an app. The OneClay app is the best way to stay connected with your child’s school! It includes calendars, push notifications, news, photos, menus, and bus information! Search “OneClay” in your app store and download it today for free!

“I contacted my school’s football, cheerleading and summer league basketball team and they were more than happy to help! The girls on my volleyball team, as well, purchased toys. I posted on the Oakleaf Residents News Group page, where everyone talks about things going on in the community. Lastly, (at) my summer job at Bright Minds Youth Development (where) I worked at the Oakleaf Junior High location, I left messages for all the parents and every day I had new toys!”

www.oneclay.net/news/oneclayapp-information

‘Tis the Season: Football is in the air and the cheerleaders are flying high

Oakleaf Ridgeview

Orange Park

YUM! Culinary Arts students prepare for a Teacher Luncheon at Keystone Heights Junior/Senior

Page 20 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

Middleburg

October Calendar Friday, October 9, 2015

End First Grading Period (39 days)

Monday, October 12, 2015

Planning Day/Student Holiday

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Report Cards available through Parent Portal Accounts

Friday, Oct. 30, 2015

Elementary Schools Early Dismissal

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!

St. Johns County School District News Better than an E-mail To get the message at Timberlin Creek Elementary you must go to the rock.

and families enjoy either surprising their children or painting as a family.”

That’s Eagle Rock, of course.

Although it’s up to the families as to what they paint on the rock, the “set in stone” guidelines must be followed said Evans.

It’s situated outside the front door of the school, and for $20, a can of paint and a brush, members of the Timberlin Creek family can say happy birthday, congratulations, thanks, or show a little school spirit.

The brainchild of the school PTO board, the rock has been spreading the word, and raising money, since January. According to board Co-President Dawn Evans “It has quickly gained momentum

To check them out and reserve your space go to www.timberlincreekpto.com and hit the Eagle Rock tab.

Go Eagles!

Hunger Doesn’t Take the Weekends Off Last month, six Ponte Vedra High School students spent a morning bagging food for First Coast Blessings in a Backpack. The organization provides food to elementary schoolchildren who are on the federal Free and Reduced Price Meal Program. For many of these students, lunch on Friday is their last meal until Monday. Blessings in a Backpack provide them with includes easyto-prepare, ready-to-eat foods to take home for 38 weekends during the school year. The bags packed at Ponte Vedra went to students at Ocean Palms Elementary and PVPV-Rawlings.

Blessings in a Backpack is a 501 C (3) nonprofit organization currently feeding over 78,000

children 800 schools in 45 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Students who participate in the program show marked improvement in school attendance, test scores, behavior, and health. The program is a hybrid of private sector funding and public partnership carried out in public schools. It takes $80 to $100 to feed one child on the weekends for one 38 week school year resulting in “Nourished Kids Ready to Learn.”

To learn more see www.facebook.com/FirstCoastBlessings, or the national web site: www.blessingsinabackpack.org

Assessment Information Nights Set The district Instructional Services Departments are hosting Florida Standards information nights for parents throughout the district. The Florida Standards Assessments tests will be discussed as well as what resources are available to help students with them. Students are welcome to attend with their parents.

All meetings will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8 p.m.

Elementary Information Nights

Day

Date

R.B. Hunt Valley Ridge Academy Osceola Ocean Palms South Woods Mill Creek Timberlin Creek Patriot Oaks Academy

Thursday Tuesday Thursday Tuesday Thursday Tuesday Thursday Thursday

October 1 October 6 October 15 October 20 October 22 October 27 October 29 November 5

Secondary Information Nights

Day

Date

Creekside HS Ponte Vedra HS Pacetti Bay MS Sebastian MS St. Augustine HS

Tuesday Thursday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday

September 29 October 8 October 13 October 27 November 3

Fall Calendar

Friday Monday Wednesday Thursday – Friday Friday

October 16 October 19 November 11 November 26-27 December 18

First Quarter Ends

Monday

Dec. 21 – Jan. 4

Winter Break – Student/Teacher Holiday

Teacher Planning Day-Student Holiday ✔ Veterans Day – Student/Teacher Holiday ✔ Thanksgiving Break – Student/Teacher Holiday Second Quarter/First Semester Ends (Friday Dec 18*)

*ALL Schools will be dismissed 1 hour early on Dec 18, 2015 and May 26, 2016 All Schools participate in a weekly early release on Wednesday: Elementary @1:50, Middle @1:00, High @ 2:45 ✔ Denotes hurricane make-up days

Interims Issued: November 13

Report Cards: October 26

Follow us on Twitter

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

Page 21 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

STOP

Discover Duval Schools

TOUR DATES First Coast High School Beauclerc Elementary Alimacani Elementary Martin Luther King, Jr. FAME Academy GRASP Choice Academy Fletcher Middle School Dinsmore Elementary First Coast High School Merrill Road Elementary Highlands Middle School Jefferson Davis Middle School Twin Lakes Middle School Westview K-8 Venetia Elementary Bartram Springs Elementary Twin Lakes Elementary

September 21st – 9:00am October 27th – 9:00am November 5th – 9:00am November 19th – 9:00am November 23rd – 9:00am December 3rd – 10:00am December 17th – 9:00am January 7th – 9:00am February 1st – 9:00am February 4th – 10:00am February 18th – 10:00am March 3rd – 10:00am March 16th – 9:00am April 7th – 9:00am April 28th – 9:00am May 5th – 9:00am

For more information and tour dates, visit www.discoverduval.org Page 22 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

Page 23 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

nature

Every Kid in a Park Program

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ourth graders nationwide can visit the new Every Kid in a Park website to obtain a pass that provides free access to students and their families to all federally managed lands and waters – including national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and marine sanctuaries. The pass is valid for the 2015-2016 school year and grants free entry for fourth graders and three accompanying adults (or an entire car for drive-in parks) at more than 2,000 federally-managed sites.

paper pass for a more durable pass at participating federal sites nationwide. Educators and community leaders can access educational activities, field trip options, and the ability to print passes for their classrooms. Parents visiting the new website can find additional links for more information on planning trips to nearby public lands.

As an integral component of this effort, the National Park Foundation (NPF) – the congressio“Every Kid in a Park is a chance for fourth graders from every background to be outside and nally chartered foundation of the National Park Service – will award Every Kid in a Park transporget to know the lands and waters that belong to tation grants, focusing on removing barriers for them, whether it’s a national forest, a wildlife youth from underserved communities to get to refuge, a marine sanctuary or a historic site in the center of a city,” said Christy Goldfuss, Managing their parks, public lands and waters. For more information, visit www.nationalparks.org.

Director at the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). “By expanding their The Every Kid in a Park program is designed to horizons and learning all the ways the outdoors continue each year with the then-current group of can enrich their lives, this innovative program fourth graders. After twelve years, every schoolhopes to create greater awareness of the many benefits of our nation’s public lands and waters.” age child in America will have had an opportunity to visit their public land and waters for free, inspiring the next generation to be stewards of Leading up to the 100th birthday of the National our nation’s shared natural and cultural heritage.

Park Service in 2016, President Obama announced the Every Kid in a Park initiative earlier this year as a call to action to get all children to experience America’s unparalleled outdoors, rich history and culture. Today, more than 80 percent of American families live in urban areas, and many lack easy access to safe outdoor spaces. At the same time, youth spend more hours than ever in front of screens instead of outside.

To further support getting youth outdoors, the President’s 2016 Budget includes a total increased investment of $45 million for youth engagement programs throughout the Department of the Interior, with $20 million specifically provided to the National Park Service for youth activities, including bringing one million fourthgrade children from low-income areas to national parks. This increase will also fund dedicated By introducing fourth graders to public lands in their backyards and beyond at an early age, Every youth coordinators to help enrich children and Kid in a Park is part of a multi-pronged approach family learning experiences at parks and online. to inspire the next generation to discover all that our nation’s public lands and waters have to offer, The Every Kid in a Park program is an Administration-wide effort administered in partnership with including opportunities to be active, spend time the Department of the Interior, the Department of with friends and family, and serve as living Agriculture, the Department of Education, U.S. classrooms to build critical skills.

Army Corps of Engineers, and the National “The National Park Service is inviting every kid in Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

America to find their park as we celebrate our 100th birthday in 2016. When fourth graders and their families use their free passes, they will discover fun-filled adventures in the outdoors and learn about themselves and our collective history,” said Jonathan B. Jarvis, Director of the National Park Service.

Fourth graders can log onto the website at www. everykidinapark.gov and complete a fun educational activity in order to obtain and print their paper pass. Students may also trade in their

The program is part of an overall strategy to engage young people from all ages and all backgrounds with the great outdoors. This includes the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps, a bold national effort to put thousands of young people and veterans to work protecting, restoring and enhancing America’s public lands and waters.

For more information, please visit www.everykidinapark.gov, and follow the program on Twitter @ everykidinapark. j

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Page 24 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

Things to Do

teens

Preparing for a Teen Driver Teens

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For example, where should their mobile phone be placed while driving?

And, for a good reason, more teenagers are reluctant to get their license. The U.S. has gone from No. 1 in terms of highway safety to No. 42; we’ve become one of the most dangerous countries in the world to drive!

Experience is gained while the novice driver holds their learner’s permit. Florida requires a minimum of 50 hours of practice driving with at least 10 hours of night driving. We recommend 75 hours, 20 night hours, of consistent and continuous practice driving for at least 12 months.

There are apps available to track practice driving.

Parents are encouraged to ride with their new driver even after they’re licensed to monitor, and continue the development process.

or many families preparing for a teen driver evokes mixed emotions. The independence and mobility are positive, but for parents, having loved ones behind the wheel of a car is frightening.

While our roads have become challenging, most teens have far less “pre-driving knowledge and experience” then previous generations. So families need a thoughtful action plan to prepare their teen for this step.

Here are the elements to consider when helping a new driver become not only licensed but, more important, skilled: Mindset determined by maturity, responsibility, expectations, and motivation. To start the process families should draft a “Driving Agreement” by clearly outlining the expectations. Ideally this is drafted before a permit is obtained but they’re also effective if a teen is already licensed.

Knowledge which must go well beyond state laws and driving basics in order to be safe on today’s roads. Parents must decide if family members, friends or professional training will be the source of this advanced knowledge. A word of caution; never assume a new driver “already knows how to...” because they’ve ridden in cars for years.

We’ve heard of close calls and even crashes when a parent assumed their student knew how to back out of the driveway, pull out of their neighborhood, etc.

Skill in driving means the ability to use knowledge, and proper techniques to maintain control of the vehicle, drive defensively, and avoid close calls and crashes. We intentionally call them crashes, not accidents, because 90% are caused by driver error, which means they’re preventable.

Developing proficient driving skill requires deliberate practice; again families must determine who will provide this important coaching.

Focus and ability are necessary in order to drive with skill. There can be no breaks in concentration, distractions or impairments including; mobile devices, passengers, fatigue, strong emotions either positive or negative, medications, drugs, and alcohol. These should be discussed and listed on the Family Driving Agreement including how the new driver should handle each.

Teens should obtain their license only when parents are confident with all of these elements.

To help determine this skill level, we ask parents to think in terms of riding in the back seat. When they’re very comfortable with the thought of being in the vehicle with minimal ability to coach or assist, their teen is probably ready for solo driving.

The predominant new driver culture is “They all crash and that’s necessary to figure it out.”

However, this expectation and acceptance of crashes is a contributing factor to high crash rates with new drivers. Simply stated: Preparation + Expectation = Behavior.

Consider flight, another mode of transportation that allows for a teenager to become licensed.

No one hands a 16-year old a pilot’s license and says, “All new pilots crash, so your first plane will be an old one.” The new pilot is expected to NEVER crash and to ensure this outcome and keep them safe; they are well trained and prepared before they’re allowed to fly solo.

Please do the same for your new driver and let us know if we can help!

Apex Resource Center’s non-traditional programs bridge the dangerous skill gap between a driver’s license and staying safe on today’s challenging roads. We provide training, mentoring and guidance for families who: Want to help their teen become a responsible and safe driver; are concerned traditional drivers education won’t be a good fit for their student; and have a new driver struggling or reluctant to practice. j Trish Johnson, Founder Apex Resource Center 10752 Deerwood Park Blvd. South Jacksonville, Florida 32256 904-394-2912 www.apexresourcecenter.com

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” – Albert Camus Page 25 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

Citizen CPR October 3, 2pm to 3pm Ages 11 and up are invited to take a free American Red Cross class and learn how to do hands-only CPR. Class size is limited so register for this event by calling 904-827-6950 or visiting theAquatics Reference Desk at the Ponte Vedra Adaptive org /branch.

904-724-8326 / NFSSE Campus Walking Trails, Beach 223 MillCounty Creek Rd St. Johns Public Library / 904-827-6950 / Ponte Vedra Branch Library, 101 Library Blvd.

Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.sjcpls.org Seeing Our Student Athletes to High School Success & Through College Completion October 5, 6pm to 7:30pm This course will teach parents how to fully support student-athletes both on and off the team.

Learn about the Dynamic Education Foundation, Inc., NCAA requirements, SAT/ACT prep,and more.

The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and all community members. You do not have to live in Duval County or have a child enrolled in a DCPS to attend.

Duval Public Schools Parent Academy / Sandalwood High School, 2750 John Prom Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246 / dcps.duvalschools.org Prioritizing Milestones in Middle School October 8, 6pm to 7pm Learn how to set goals to be successful through Middle School and upon the entrance into High School.

The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and all community members. You do not have to live in Duval County or have a child enrolled in a DCPS to attend.

Duval Public Schools Parent Academy / Joseph Stilwell Middle School, 7840 Burma Road, Jacksonville, FL 32221 / dcps.duvalschools.org Teen Financial Literacy Workshop October 17, 10am to 3pm The St. Johns River Chapter of the FICPA , and the St. Johns County Public Library are teaming up to help teens learn financial literacy. Subjects covered will include Careers and Income, Spending Wisely, Saving and Investing, Credit Cards and Debit Cards, How to Buy a Car, How to Pay for College and more. Lunch will be provided. Please call 904-209-3730 to register, class size is limited.

St. Johns County Public Library / Anastasia Island Branch, 124 Seagrove Main St St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 / www.sjcpls.org LEGO Architecture Event October 17, 2pm The LEGO Architecture Studio event will give teens ages 14 and up and adults the opportunity to build with Architecture Studio bricks, discuss the inspiration for their build and explore how they can use basic architecture shapes and

principles to influence it. Space is limited and advance sign-up is required. Call 904-886-9904 for more information or to sign up.

Barnes and Noble San Jose / 904-886-9904 / 11112 San Jose Boulevard Suite 8 Jacksonville, FL 32223 / www.bn.com Seeing Our Student Athletes to High School Success & Through College Completion October 19, 6pm to 7:30pm This course will teach parents how to fully support student-athletes both on and off the team.

Learn about the Dynamic Education Foundation, Inc., NCAA requirements, SAT/ACT prep,and more.

The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and all community members. You do not have to live in Duval County or have a child enrolled in a DCPS to attend.

Duval Public Schools Parent Academy / Ribault High School, 3701 Winton Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32208 / dcps.duvalschools.org Teen Read Week-Teen Movie Club: “Catching Fire” • October 20, 5pm In recognition of Banned Books Week, in celebration of Teen Read Week, and in anticipation of the release of the final Hunger Games movie “Mockingjay, Part II”, teens are invited to watch and discuss the movies based upon Suzanne Collins’ popular Hunger Games series. For ages 13 – 17 only. Pizza and sodas will be provided.

St. Johns County Public Library / Ponte Vedra Branch Library, 101 Library Blvd. Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.sjcpls.org Prioritizing Milestones in High School October 21, 6pm to 7pm Learn how to set goals to be successful through High School and beyond.

The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and all community members. You do not have to live in Duval County or have a child enrolled in a DCPS to attend.

Duval Public Schools Parent Academy / Andrew Jackson High School, 3816 N. Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206 / dcps.duvalschools.org College and Career Exploration October 26, 5:30pm to 7:30pm Presented by: Community Resource Coordinators of Keiser University. This course will provide students and parents with a comprehensive overview of things to consider when choosing a college and career. Participants will be encouraged to evaluate their thoughts about what they expect in a college and career, explore “in demand” fields, and take a personality assessment to help match them with careers.

The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and all community members. You do not have to live in Duval County or have a child enrolled in a DCPS to attend.

Duval Public Schools Parent Academy / Keiser University, 6430 Southpoint Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / dcps.duvalschools.org

Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

pets

Take Your “Best Friend” When You Go Shopping F or many pet lovers, bringing a furry friend along on a shopping trip would be the perfect way to spend a day. While many big-name chain stores do have a “service dogs only” policy, you may be surprised to know that a number of them will in fact allow you to shop with your Shih-Tzu or browse with your Bulldog.

Please keep in mind that many of these stores only welcome pets on a limited basis. In some cases, the decision to allow pets is left to individual store managers. This means that while one chain location may welcome your pooch, another may have a no-pets policy. In other cases, a stand-alone chain location may allow pets, while a mall location may have to comply with that mall’s no-pets policy.

PET STORES

Perhaps not surprisingly, both Petco and PetSmart celebrate their doggie clientele, and leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome throughout each store at every location. Some locations even offer doggie day care for shoppers.

HOME IMPROVEMENT STORES Lowe’s Home Improvement and Home Depot are both well-known for allowing pets. However, the degree to which pets are welcome varies widely from location to location, so it’s important to check with each individual store before bringing your dog with you to help you select your lumber or bathroom fixtures.

OUTDOOR STORES

Rules and policies change all the time from store to store and from location to location. It’s important to contact any store you plan to visit with your pet to ensure that they will in fact allow him in - even if you have brought him into that store before.

Tractor Supply Company, a well-known agricultural and farming supply store, welcomes leashed, friendly dogs at most of its locations.

That’s what you might expect from a store that supports pet adoptions and holds an annual Pet Appreciation Week. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s – both of which are hunting, fishing and allOut of respect to the establishment and its around outdoor authorities – also allow pets at patrons, any time your pet visits a store he should many of their locations; a fact that’s not wellbe leashed and under your control at all times. known, but also not surprising.

Some stores ask that pets ride in shopping carts and be kept securely and tightly leashed, and CRAFT STORES some ask that they be contained in a carrier.

Michael’s Craft Store has a reputation for being Make sure you are aware of the store’s specific dog friendly. While not every location may policies before visiting. welcome your pooch, some of them will allow him to ride in the cart as you browse.

DEPARTMENT STORES Several department store chains around the country have been known to welcome pets.

Banana Republic is notably dog friendly, with some locations offering treats to canine visitors.

The Gap and Old Navy, which are owned by the same company as Banana Republic, have also been known to allow dogs. Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, TJ Maxx and Marshall’s allow dogs in at least some of their locations, and Nordstrom has welcomed pooches through its doors for over 20 years. Bed Bath and Beyond goes above and beyond at some of its locations by not only allowing pets, but providing specialty dog carts for them to ride in.

LOCAL STORES Many local chains or mom-and-pop stores work to develop personal relationships with their clientele. They also tend to have a lot of discretion and autonomy when it comes to whether or not they will allow pets in their establishments. Call ahead to your favorite local retailer. They may surprise you by saying your pet is welcome, especially if he’s small enough to fit in a carrier or shopping cart. j TripsWithPets.com

Page 26 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

Things to Do Pet Events

3rd Annual Family Pet Fair & Blessing of the Pets • October 3, 10am to 2pm St. Francis Animal Hospital and St. Philip Neri Animal Ministry host the 3rd Annual Family Pet Fair & Blessing of the Pets. There will be vendors with items for pets and people, food vendors, “Laundromutt” $5 charity dog wash, $15 Pet Microchipping, Ask the Vet, Ask the Trainer, face painting, dogs available for adoption, and more, concluding with a blessing of the pets at 12:30pm.

All types of pets are welcome to participate in the blessing and for those pet parents who can’t bring your pet, a photo of your pet is encouraged.

All dogs should be on a leash and all cats should be in carriers.

Proceeds raised from the event will go to local nonprofits St. Francis Animal Hospital and St. Philip Neri Animal Ministry to help family pets in need of medical care.

St. Francis Animal Hospital / Fletcher Park, 1652 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.saintfrancisanimalhospital.org

jacksonvillelanding.com Dogtoberfest October 18, 12noon to 6pm First Coast No More Homeless Pets hosts Dogtoberfest at the Beaches Oktoberfest. The special event will feature a costume contest, pet vendors, adoptions and other pet friendly activities. The dog costume contest will be held from 2pm to 4pm. All ticket packages include Complete Dogtoberfest access for you and your pet.

Tickets are available in advance online and start at $30 plus fees. First Coast No More Homeless Pets / Sea Walk Pavilion, 11 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / www.fcnmhp.org

DogFest Walk ‘n Roll October 24, 10am to 4pm Canine Companions DogFest Walk ‘n Roll is a community dog walk that supports the mission of Canine Companions for Independence. The event will be held during the Riverside Arts Market, and will include games for adults, children and dogs, food, music, and more. Visit website Free Puppy Playtime for fundraising information, registration, and pet October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; 2pm to 2:30pm specific rules. DogFest Walk N Roll / Riverside This 30-minute session provides puppies ages 8 Arts Market, 715 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, weeks to six months a safe and fun environment FL 32204 / www.kintera.org to learn social skills. Build a lifetime bond with your puppy while learning about puppy play and Jacksonville Pet Food Bank Food Distribution social development from a Petco Positive Dog October 24, 10am to 1pm Trainer.

The Jacksonville Pet Food Bank provides about Petco Yulee / 904-225-0014 / 463713 State a one month supply of cat or dog food for up to Road 200, Yulee FL 32097 / www.petco.com 4 dogs and 5 cats per household, for those who qualify. Food will be given out on scheduled Mega Pet Adoption distribution days between 10am and 1pm. It is October 9 – 11, 10am to 6pm not necessary to come early and stand in line.

First Coast No More Homeless Pets hosts a There will be enough food for each event, and Mega Adoption Event with lots of adoptable pets. the shortest wait time is after 11am.

Free entry, free parking. Adoption fee on all pets. Qualifications: The adoption fee includes spay/neuter, microYou must meet income qualifications. (Details are chip, vaccines, and city license. Adoption hours on the website.) You must provide proof of spay/ are 10 am – 6 pm. Volunteers are also needed neuter for each pet. If your pet(s) have not been for the event. Visit the website if you are able spayed or neutered, those services can also be to help. First Coast No More Homeless Pets / provided at no cost to you. Please provide proof Jacksonville Fairgrounds, 510 Fairgrounds Place of income qualifications & photo identification.

Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.fcnmhp.org Bring container/bag for each pets food. Please do not bring pets to the distrubition 7th Annual Yappy Hour HOWL-o-Ween Food will only be given out on designated October 11, 2pm to 5pm distribution dates. First Coast No More Homeless The Jacksonville Landing hosts the 7th AnPets / FCNMHP Clinic, 6817 Norwood Avenue, nual Yappy Hour HOWL-o-Ween. There will be Jacksonville, FL 32208 / www.fcnmhp.org a pet expo, games, prizes, trick-or-treating for Like Jax4Pets.com’s Facebook page the dogs, and a pet costume contest. Costume at facebook.com/jax4pets to find out contest will take place around 3:30pm. about other events for pets.

Jacksonville Landing / 904-353-1188 / 2 Independent Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.

“Autumn carries more gold in its pockets than all the other seasons.”

– Jim Bishop

Ask About Our After School Program

Page 27 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

Halloween events Haunt Nights October 2 – 31 Haunt Nights features 3 haunted houses, including Florida’s only 3D Haunted House, Apocalypse 3D: Clown Takeover. Tickets are available for one haunt, or combo passes are available. Open on select dates beginning October 2. Visit website for complete schedule.Adventure Landing / 904-246-4386 / 1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach FL 32250 / www.hauntnights.com Smashing Pumpkins Class October 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30, 4pm Each guest will enjoy a tempering demonstration and make a three dimensional chocolate jack o lantern. Guest will choose from Sweet Pete’s signature candies to fill the Jack O Lanterns. Smash the pumpkins at home to enjoy the chocolates and the treats. $15 per person – includes a one scoop ice cream. Wednesdays & Fridays at 4pm thru October Sweet Pete’s Candy / 904-376-7161 / 400 North Hogan Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.sweetpetescandy.com Sykes and Cooper Farms Homeschool Day October 7, 9am to 2pm The official Homeschool Day will be Wednesday, October 7th from 9am to 2pm. Reservations are required and space is limited. Please email or call to reserve your field trip. Bring your library card or register for one and check out a book or two; the St. Johns County Public Library System Bookmobile will be on site. Sykes and Cooper Farm / 904-6921370 / 5995 Brough Rd, Elkton, FL 32033 / www. sycofarms.com Spooky Treats For Kids October 7, 2:30pm Kids can come into the library to make some spooky, sweet Halloween treats. Participants will be able to make Dracula’s teeth, Marshmallow Witches, roast some S’mores bites, and more. This is a free event and will last until the supplies run out.

St. Johns County Public Library / Anastasia Island Branch, 124 Seagrove Main St St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 / www.sjcpls.org Halloween Haunted Forest October 9 and 16, 5pm to 9pm October 10 and 17, 3pm to 9pm October 11, 1pm to 5pm The event offers crafts and games, the option to stroll through the Haunted Forest, and time to view the animals, all included in the admission price. Catty Shack residents include Siberian tigers, lions, cougars, black spotted leopards, a bobcat, coatimundis, and foxes. There will be no Night Feeding of the residents during the Haunted Forest. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. At the end of your visit, all kids get a bag of candy to go home with. Tickets are $10, adults; $5, children 3-11; and 2 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance online, or at the gate.

Catty Shack Ranch / 904-757-3603 / 1860 Starratt Road, Jacksonville, FL 32226 / www.cattyshack.org

The Hungry Day. Bring one non-perishable food item per child and receive $2 off their admission (Discounts cannot be combined).

Admission: 0 to 23 months – free; 24 months to 4 years old – $11 – tax included; 5 years to 64 years – $14 – tax included; 65 and up – $11 – tax included. Military Discount – Military Person Free any day with proper ID. Conner’s A-Maize-Ing Acres / 904-879-5453 / 19856 County Road 121 Hilliard, FL 32046 / www. conners-a-maize-ing-acres.com The Haunting Hour: Don’t Think About It October 14, 2:30pm Kids can come into the library to enjoy this RL Stine classic, The Haunting Hour: Don’t Think About It. Light snacks will be provided.

St. Johns County Public Library / Anastasia Island Branch, 124 Seagrove Main St St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 / www.sjcpls.org Monster Mash Dash October 16, 6pm to 9pm This year’s Monster Mash Dash 5K will take place on Friday October 16th at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall. This race features a 1 mile fun run followed by the 5K race; both of which benefit Community PedsCare. Costumes are encouraged. The race event also features a restaurant village of food, children’s activities and entertainment on the main stage. The Monster Mash Dash 5K is held in conjunction with the annual Halloween Doors and More event which features a spin on the average trick – or – treating experience.

Community Hospice / 904-886-3883 / Jacksonville Fairgrounds, 510 Fairgrounds Place Jacksonville, FL 32202 / communityhospice.com

Isle of Faith UMC hosts a craft fair with handmade crafts, live music, refreshments for sale, and more.

Held in conjunction with the pumpkin patch.

Isle of Faith UMC / 904-221-1700 / 1821 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / www.iofumc.org Halloween Doors and More: Heroes Among Us October 17, 2pm to 7pm Join Community Hospice of Northeast Florida for the annual Halloween Doors and More, a gala of a different sort. This event features a spin on the average trick–or–treating experience and features activities and attractions for children and parents alike. Features include the Disco, a spooktacular make-over at the Salon, It’s A Frozen World, explore Jaxson’s Clubhouse and more. Each door features special games and activities for the children to partake in, and food and beverages. All proceeds of Halloween Doors and More will benefit Community PedsCare, a nationally recognized pediatric palliative and hospice program for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. Tickets are available online and are $50 for ages 2 to 12, and $100 for adults. Free for kids under 2.

Community Hospice / 904-886-3883 / Jacksonville Fairgrounds, 510 Fairgrounds Place Jacksonville, FL 32202 / communityhospice.com Not-So-Spooky Puppet Theater October 23, 3:45pm Kids are invited for a reading of Frangoline and the Midnight Dream by Clemency Pearce and The Hallowienerby Dav Pilkey. After, participants can create their own shadow puppets and play with them in the theater. St. Johns County Public Library / Anastasia Island Branch, 124 Seagrove Main St St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 / www.sjcpls.org

Spooktacular : Bippity Boppity Zoo October 16 – 18; October 23 – 25; October 28 – 31, 6:30pm to 10pm The annual Spooktacular event at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens returns with Charlie Brown’s Pumpkin Patch, the Great Lawn with bounce houses and a giant inflatable slide, Peter Pan’s Neverland, The Lands of Far Far Away, Wizard of Oz in Range of the Jaguar, DJ, Jack o’lanterns, candy stations throughout the zoo, scare zones (not recommended for the faint of heart), and more. Guests are encouraged to dress up in family-friendly and safe costumes. Members $8, Non-members $10, $1 off coupon available when purchasing tickets online.

Gates close at 9pm. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens / 904-757-4463 / 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218 / www.jacksonvillezoo.org

Mall-O-Ween Spooktacular October 23 Kidgits members are invited for a Mall-O-Ween Spooktacular at the Avenues Mall. Membership is available for a small annual fee. Join online or in the mall. Avenues Mall / 10300 Southside Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.simon.com

Baby’s First Halloween October 17, 11am Dress up your little one and join Babies R Us for a fun Halloween time, with giveaways and more.

Babies R Us / 904-997-6291 / 4875 Town Center Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.babiesrus.com

Halloween Camp-In October 24, 6pm to October 25, 7am Guests will have the opportunity to explore the Museum’s newest traveling exhibit, Nature Unleashed, see a Wild Weather Science Show, take an eerie flashlight tour of Currents of Time, and end the night with a movie. Cost is $35 per person (adult required) and includes a late night pizza snack and continental breakfast. Members receive a 20% discount.

MOSH / 904-396-MOSH / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.themosh.org

City of Atlantic Beach Fall Festival October 10, 12noon to 4pm The City of Atlantic Beach hosts a Fall Festival with free food, games, music, arts & crafts booths, community info & exhibits, and more. Be sure to bring a lawn chair to sit in. Free.

City of Atlantic Beach / Donner Park, 2072 George Street, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 / www.coab.us

Town of Orange Park’s 33rd Annual Fall Festival October 17 – 18, 10am to 5pm The Town of Orange Park hosts their 33rd Annual Fall Festival featuring music, food, crafts, vendors, kid’s activities and live entertainment. Parking will be available at Moosehaven with a free shuttle service running throughout the day and some space will be available closer to Town Hall.

Town of Orange Park / 904-264-2635 / Town Hall Park, 2042 Park Avenue Orange Park FL 32073 / www.townoforangepark.com

Conner’s A-Maize-Ing Acres October 10, 10am to 6pm Conner’s A-Maize-Ing Acres hosts Kids Kount/Feed

Christ United Methodist Church Fall Festival Isle of Faith UMC Craft Fair October 17, 10am to 3pm

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CrossRoad United Methodist Church Fall Festival October 23, 6pm to 9pm CrossRoad United Methodist Church hosts a Fall Festival with games, bounce houses and slides, live music, concessions, and more. Food available for purchase includes BBQ, Chick-fil-A and Domino’s.

CrossRoad Church UMC / 904-448-1288 / 10005 Gate Parkway N, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www. crcumc.org

Click Clack Boo Storytime October 24, 11am Kids 4 and up are invited for a reading of Click Clack Boo Storytime with activities to follow.

Barnes and Noble San Jose / 904-886-9904 / 11112 San Jose Boulevard Suite 8 Jacksonville, FL 32223 / www.bn.com Symphonic Spooktacular October 25, 3pm

The Jacksonville Symphony hosts a Symphonic Spooktacular as part of their Family Series. Join the orchestra as they perform the musical mystery, The Composer is Dead by Lemony Snicket, and other Halloween favorite tunes. Come early and in your favorite costume for fun Halloween surprises. Concert starts at 3pm, with pre-concert activities starting at 2pm. Tickets are available online. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra / Times Union Center, Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 West Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org Halloween Storytime October 28, 10:30am Kids 4 and up are invited for a reading of Scaredy-Cat, Splat and Where’s My Mummy? A Halloween craft will follow storytime.

Barnes and Noble San Jose / 904-886-9904 / 11112 San Jose Boulevard Suite 8 Jacksonville, FL 32223 / www.bn.com Halloween & Dia de Los Muertos Crafts for Kids and Tweens • October 28, 2:30pm Kids and tweens can come into the library to create some festive Dia de Los Muertos and Halloween crafts: scratch skulls, paper flowers and spooky scenes. There will also be a spooky woods dressup/photo station for you to create a funny costume.

There will even be some pumpkin slime on hand for you to feel. St. Johns County Public Library / Anastasia Island Branch, 124 Seagrove Main St St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 / www.sjcpls.org Magic Show and Trail of Treats October 28, 3pm Come see Doctor Magic’s Mystifying Magic Show.

Then, follow the Trail of Treats through the library after the show. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. St. Johns County Public Library / Bartram Branch, 60 Davis Pond Blvd. Fruit Cove, FL 32259 / www.sjcpls.org Conner’s A-Maize-Ing Acres Wizard of Oz October 31, 10am Conner’s A-Maize-Ing Acres hosts a Wizard of Oz experience. Children can meet characters from the Wizard of Oz and take photos.

Admission: 0 to 23 months – free; 24 months to 4 years old – $11 – tax included; 5 years to 64 years – $14 – tax included; 65 and up – $11 – tax included. Military Discount – Military Person Free any day with proper ID. Conner’s A-Maize-Ing Acres / 904-879-5453 / 19856 County Road 121 Hilliard, FL 32046 / www.conners-a-maize-ing-acres.com Zombie Tea Party October 31, 2pm to 3pm Teens and Tweens are invited to a tea party with zombies. Held in the Meeting Room. Ages 12 to 17 only. Clay County Public Library / Fleming Island Library Branch, 1895 Town Center Blvd. Fleming Island, FL 32003 / claycountygov.com Trick or Treat at the Anastasia Island Branch October 31, 10am to 5pm Kids of all ages can come into the library to receive a special treat on Halloween between 10am and 5pm. St. Johns County Public Library / Anastasia Island Branch, 124 Seagrove Main St St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 / www.sjcpls.org

For a complete list of all the area Halloween Events and Fall Festivals, visit us online at jax4kids.com.

pumpkin Patches Area pumpkin patches throughout Duval, Clay, St. Johns and surrounding areas. Always call before you go to confirm hours and availability. Most pumpkin patches only accept cash–check before going!

Clay County Amazing Grace Crop Maze – Open October 2 thru November 7. Open Fridays, 5pm to 10pm and Saturdays 10am to 10pm.

Pumpkin patch, duck races, hay rides, mini hay bale maze, country store and more. Admission is $11 (plus tax) for ages 4 and up.

904-284-2949 / 2899 Wisteria Farms Road, Green Cove Springs / agcropmaze.com

Duval County Christ United Methodist Church – Pumpkin patch runs thru end of October. There will also be a Fall Festival on October 17. 904-249-5370/ 400 Penman Road, Neptune Beach / christumcnb.org Conner’s A-Maize-Ing Acres – Open to the public October 3 thru November 7; Saturdays, 10am to 6pm. Field trips & reservations will be available during the week. Call for specific hours for the pumpkin patch. Admission fees apply.

904-879-5453 / 19856 Country Road 121 / www. conners-a-maize-ing-acres.com Isle of Faith United Methodist Church – Open September 28 thru October 31. Open SundayFriday 12noon to 8:30pm and Saturdays 9am to

8:30pm. Hay Maze, multiple photo ops, pumpkin patch, and more. Special events every weekend.

Free admission. Pumpkins sold by donation.

904-221-1700 / 1821 San Pablo Road S / www. iofumc.org Mandarin United Methodist Church – Pumpkins arrive in late September. Visit website for hours.

There will be photo ops in the pumpkin patch.

904-268-5549 / 11270 San Jose Blvd / www. mandarinumc.com/ or www.facebook.com/MandarinPumpkinPatch Ortega United Methodist Church – Pumpkins arrive late September. 904-389-5556 / 4807 Roosevelt Blvd / www.ortegaumc.org Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church – Pumpkins arrive in October. Open October 12 – October 31. 904-641-8385 / 6595 Columbia Park Ct / sotwjax.com Southside United Methodist Church – Pumpkins arrive in late September. Open Monday-Friday, 12noon to 8pm and Saturdays, 10am-8pm. Schools can schedule a visit by contacting the church.

There will be a Fall Festival on October 25, and Trunk or Treat on October 28. 904-396-2676 / 3120 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville / www.southsidemethodist.org/ St. Paul’s Catholic School Riverside – There will also be photo opportunities, crafts and games.

904-387-2841 / 2609 Park Street / www.spsjax.org

St. John’s County

River of Life United Methodist Church –September 27 thru October 31; Monday-Friday, 10am to 12noon & 2pm to 8pm; Saturdays, 10am to 8pm; Sundays, 11am to 8pm. Pumpkins, gourds, hay bales, games in the patch, photo ops and more.

There will also be a Fall Festival on October 24.

904-230-2955 / 2600 Race Track Road, St. Johns / www.rolumc.com Sykes and Coopers Farm – October 3 thru October 25. Open Friday: 5pm – 10pm. Saturday: 10am – 10pm. Sunday 11am – 5pm. Corn Maze, Pumpkins, Hayrides, and more. Admission is $9 for ages 3 to 64, $7 for seniors and military. 904-692-1370 / 5995 Brough Road, Elkton / www.sycofarms.com

Tommy’s Pumpkin Patch – Opens September 25-November 1; Sun-Thurs, 10am to 8pm; Fri and Sat, 10am to 9pm. Hayrides, bounce house, petting zoo, play area, corn maze, and more. Admission fees apply. 904-342-2092 / 2460 County Road 210 West / tommyspumpkinpatch.com

For a full list of all the area Pumkpin Patches, visit us online at jax4kids.com.

Lord of Life Lutheran Church – The pumpkin patch will be open October 12-31, Monday-Friday, 2pm to dusk; Saturday, 9am to dusk; Sunday, 11am to dusk.

904-285-5347 / 276 Roscoe Boulevard North, Ponte Vedra / www.lordoflifepvb.org

FALL

The Composer is Dead with text by Lemony Snicket

TOWN OF ORANGE PARK

AT L A N T I C

Free!

Tickets start at just $10! Come in Costume!

Jacoby Symphony Hall

Maze Dayz 2015 – Open every weekend, October 2 thru November 1; Fridays, 5pm to 10pm; Saturdays, 10am to 9pm; Sundays, 11am to 7pm. Admission: $10, Three and under free; *cash only. Pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, farm animals, farm slide and more. 386-437-0750 / 8185 W Highway 100, Bunnell, FL 32110 / cowartranchandfarms.com

Shores United Methodist Church – Pumpkins arrive in October. Fall Festival is scheduled for October 24th, and Trunk or Treat on October 31st.

904-797-4416 / 724 Shores Blvd, St. Augustine / www.shoresumc.org

Symphonic Spooktacular

Sunday, October 25 at 3 pm

Flagler County

Pre-concert activities begin at 2 pm

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Oct.17 &18

» » » » »

250 Vendors Pet Adoptions Food Kid’s Zone Entertainment All Day On Two Stages » & More!

Town Hall Park – 2042 Park Ave. (US 17 / Kingsley Ave.) Park at Moosehaven and ride the shuttle!

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets: 904.354.5547 JaxSymphony.org Page 29 • Jax4Kids.com • OCTOBER 2015

#OPFF15 www.opfallfestival.com | 904.264.2635 | thyder@townop.com

things to do Jacksonville Symphony Free Community Concerts • October 1, 7pm The Jacksonville Symphony season opens with three days of free community concerts. Join the celebration at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre as Courtney Lewis begins his inaugural season as music director.

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra / St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340C A1A South St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www. jaxsymphony.org Golf Festival at the World Golf Village October 2 – 4 Celebrate the Game with free events for the entire family.

There will be World Golf Hall of Fame Member Appearances, clinics, demo day, golf tournaments, putting contests, free family golf, kids’ zone, interactive games, live music, food trucks, and more.

Schedule: World Golf Hall of Fame/ 904-940-6116 / 1 World Golf Place, St. Augustine, FL 32092 / www.worldgolfvillage.com “We’re in the Wrong Book” Story Time October 3, 11am Kids 4 and up are invited for a story about two characters who find themselves in the wrong book. Activities will follow. Barnes and Noble San Jose / 904-886-9904 / 11112 San Jose Boulevard Suite 8 Jacksonville, FL 32223 / www. bn.com Jacksonville Symphony Free Community Concerts • October 3, 8pm The Jacksonville Symphony concludes its Free Community Concerts with a performance at Jacoby Symphony Hall.

Come at 6pm for an Open House with pre-concert activities for all ages, backstage tours, and more. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra / Times Union Center, Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 West Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org

9th Annual Sea Turtle Festival October 4, 12noon to 5pm The family-oriented festival will feature: live music, conservation and wildlife education tables, arts and crafts vendors, a silent auction, an assortment of food truck options, and “Keeper’s Cove,” an interactive children’s program. This will be a plastic free event. Be sure to bring a water bottle or you can purchase a stainless steel one from the Keepers tent.

Keepers of the Coast / Riberia Street Marina, 134 Riberia Street, St. Augustine, FL 32085 / www.keepersofthecoast. org Barnes and Noble Fall Storytime October 7, 10:30am Kids 4 and up are invited to celebrate the changing leaves and cooler weather with Fall Storytime and a reading of Penguin and Pumpkin and Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf. Barnes and Noble San Jose / 904-886-9904 / 11112 San Jose Boulevard Suite 8 Jacksonville, FL 32223 / www.bn.com Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Friday, October 9, 8pm Saturday, October 10, 2pm Saturday, October 10, 8pm Sunday, October 11, 1:30pm Sunday, October 11, 7pm Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is returning to Jacksonville as part of The Artist Series 50th year. There will be five performances. Tickets are available online.

FSCJ Artist Series / 904-442-2929 / Times Union Center, Moran Theater, 300 West Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.artistseriesjax.org Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues Storytime October 10, 11am Kids 4 and up are invited for a Pete the Cat and the Bed-

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time Blues Storytime. There will be coloring and activities after the storytime. Barnes and Noble San Jose / 904-8869904 / 11112 San Jose Boulevard Suite 8 Jacksonville, FL 32223 / www.bn.com Fourth Annual St. Johns River Ferry Fest October 10, 11am to 8:30pm Celebrate a day of community activities, music, food and fun to highlight the St. Johns River Ferry as the connector of State Road A1A to Commerce, National and State Parks, historical and recreational tourism as well as leisure for all residents of Duval and Nassau counties and beyond. There will be food trucks, music, entertainment, kids fun and more, as well as a Timucuan Treasure Quest from 8:30am to 12:30noon. The Ferry Fest runs from 11am to 8:30pm.

Friends of the Ferry / Mayport Landing, 4610 Ocean St, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 / www.friendsoftheferry.com Apple Fun Storytime October 14, 10:30am Kids 4 and up are invited for an Apple Fun Storytime with a reading of Ten Apples Up on Top and Apple Pie Tree. Kids will be making paper plate apples afterwards. Barnes and Noble San Jose / 904-886-9904 / 11112 San Jose Boulevard Suite 8 Jacksonville, FL 32223 / www.bn.com Town Mouse Country Mouse October 16, 10am and 12noon FSCJ Artist Series presents Town Mouse Country Mouse as part of their School Performance series. Tickets are $8.50 per person. Visit website to download study guide.

FSCJ Artist Series / 904-442-2929 / Wilson Center for the

Arts, 11901 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www. artistseriesjax.org Imaginary Fred Storytime October 17, 11am Kids 4 and up are invited for an Imaginary Fred Storytime with special costume character guest Cookie Mouse.

There will be a reading of Imaginary Fred, along with a visit from Cookie Mouse. Be sure to bring a camera! Barnes and Noble San Jose / 904-886-9904 / 11112 San Jose Boulevard Suite 8 Jacksonville, FL 32223 / www.bn.com Jacksonville Jaguars Home Game October 18, 1pm Regular season home game vs. Houston Texans. Single game tickets and season tickets are available. Visit website for a pricing chart and list of prohibited items. Kids, visit Jax4Kids.com in the Fan Zone from 10am – 1pm to get game-ready crazy hair and giveaways! Jacksonville Jaguars / Everbank Field, 1 Everbank Field Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaguars.com Jacksonville Sea & Sky Spectacular October 24 – 25, 9am to 3pm Highlighted by the world famous United States Navy Blue Angels, this free event will feature two days of the most exciting military and civilian air acts in the world in an over-the-ocean sky show, a street festival featuring static displays of aircraft and military vehicles, simulators, recruitment booths, autograph sessions, and kids’ area.

Free. City of Jacksonville Beach / Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront, 503 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / jaxhappenings.com

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!

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