Staten Island Parent Magazine August 2015

AUGUST 2015

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A SCHOOL ZONE LITTLE SCHOLAR TABLET

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ADVERTISER INDEX PAGE 89

TABLE OF CONTENTS AUGUST 2015

COVER STORY Summer Days in Staten Island: Where To Go And What To Do Looking for some fun, low-cost ways to enjoy time with your family and not break the bank? There’s plenty to do close to home to fill the rest of your summer days with memorable events before packing the kids backpacks and sending them off to school!

Dante Marco, age 2, of Rossville enjoying his summer day at Woodhull Playground in Staten Island

Read more on page 46

COLUMNS

ARTICLES 20 The Summer of Play: Let Your Kid Be a Kid

32 Ask the Doctor

22 99 Problems and the Beach is One

42 Good Sports

26 Back to School Shopping Smarts

52 Dear Teacher

Check out our Summer Fun Page on

by Carol Olsen RN, BSN, IBCLC, RUMC

30 Say Hello to Healthy Goodbyes: Tips to Reduce Separation Anxiety 34 Using Video Games As Lessons in Life 36 Are You Ready For Back to School?

by Joe LoVerde

by Peggy Gisler & Marge Eberts

siparent.com/summer

58 Growing Up Online

Sign up for our

by Carolyn Jabs

family of friends

64 Life is Grand

on

by Marianna Randazzo

www.siparent.com!

40 Pros & Cons of Waiting to Start a Family 70 Gigi’s World

by Gigi & Gina LaGuardia-Schrecker 44 Who Really Rules the Roost?

48 How to Enjoy a Staycation 54 Sunburn Relief 68 Use High School Senior Year to Prepare for College Life

FAMILY NEEDS

38 60 66 87

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Roselle Farina Hecht

OPERATIONS & FINANCES DIRECTOR Linda Bellesi

SENIOR EDITOR/ DESIGNER Gerri Friscia

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ilene Cohen Janine Mulé Cecilia Saccomagno Jodi Fatto

DESIGN Michelle Yannaco

10 Community & School News 66 Birth Announcements 72 Family Calendar

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SPECIAL SECTION

It’s In The Cards Party Services Family Classifieds Professional Directory

STAFF

67 82 86 88

S. I. LIVING

Members gain access to exclusive contests and giveaways AND receive updated events and activities information.

Back To School Directory

Just Sayin’ OMG! I’m a Mom Birthday Club

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Nicole Farina Jeannine Cintron

PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION (PMA) AWARD-WINNING MAGAZINE

A Learning Tablet Page 36 OR

Shrek Tickets Page 56

S.I. Parent magazine is published 12 times a year. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. The publishers of this magazine do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or writers.

16 Shenandoah Avenue, Suite C • SI, NY 10314 Advertising: 718.494.1932 | Info@siparent.com

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FREE NEW PATIENT EXAMINATION

Michael D’Anna, DDS Start the new school year with a new smile!

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• We provide orthodontic care for adults and children • All treatment chairs and instruments sterilized after every patient • State of the art self-ligating brackets in metal & clear • Invisalign 2013 preferred provider • Digital x-rays • Friendly and courteous staff • Family discount (not applicable with discounted insurance fees)

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AUGUST 2015

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S.I. LIVING

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scholarships for tots While there’s certainly nothing wrong with teaching your little ones their ABC’s and 123’s, recent studies have shown that toddlers are capable of absorbing much more than the basics.

Research conducted by the National Research Council (NRC) and National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) indicates that the expectations regarding the concepts preschoolers may be able to grasp are greatly underestimated. That’s why the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum has chosen to host a program this fall for children 2.5-4 years old which will feature both bilingual learning and early STEM (science, math, technology, and engineering) concepts. Children will learn aspects of STEM through age appropriate books, and they will be immersed in the Italian language through musical play, literacy, finger play and puppetry.

The program is funded through a grant from Richmond County Savings Foundation and will give away 10 scholarships, worth $240 each. Classes will meet on Wednesday mornings from 10-11am for eight weeks, beginning in October at the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum. You must enter by September to be eligible to win a spot for your child. Go to siparent.com/garibaldi-meucci-scholarship to enter.

national night Out Against Crime National Night Out Against Crime is a nationally celebrated annual event intended to promote involvement in crime

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prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie, and to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are united in fighting back. On a more local level, it’s a fantastic way to show your support for the NYPD and the brave men and women who protect our city every day. This year’s night out will be held Tuesday, August 4 at the Midland Beach Boardwalk. The family-friendly event will include rides, arts and crafts, refreshments, music, and live entertainment as well as free health screenings, safety tips, and NYPD vehicles on display.

Go to siparent.com to link to more information about National Night Out Against Crime.

summer meals Kids may be out of school for another month, but hungry bellies don’t take time off for the summer. The Summer Meals program provides free, healthy breakfast and lunch to all children ages 18 and under at hundreds of locations around the City. Children do not need to register or show any kind of documentation or ID to receive their free meal. The program will be available up until the first day of the 2015-16 school year. To find a Summer Meals location near you, text “NYCMEALS” to 877877, call 311, or go to siparent.com for a link. And like most things nowadays, there’s also an app for it. Search “Feed Your Mind” in the app store to help you find the nearest Summer Meals location.

A Clearer Future For students with poor eyesight, a clearer future begins with a new pair of glasses. That’s why Mayor De Blasio has teamed up

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STATEN ISLAND PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Specializing in Dentistry & Orthodontics for Children, Adolescents & Patients with Special Needs INVISALIGN AVAILABLE • DIGITAL X-RAYS Deborah Gries, D.M.D., M.S.

Michelle Flanigan, D.M.D. Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Sara Skurnick, D.M.D. Orthodontist

Community & School News with Warby Parker to provide a free pair of eyeglasses to any students in need. The city estimates that glasses will be provided to approximately 20,000 students over the next four years. The new partnership will strengthen New York City’s Community Schools initiative, which helps students overcome barriers to learning, such as vision impairments that prevent children from reading or seeing the blackboard.

“Nearly 20 percent of school-aged children have some type of vision impairment.

Unfortunately, too many children – particularly those in low income communities – go without vision screenings and glasses because they are inaccessible and unaffordable. And when our students can’t see, they can’t learn. I am grateful to Warby Parker for this partnership so that every child is granted a vision test, and every child who needs glasses will be given a free pair,” said Public Advocate Letitia James.

Helping John Hudson Dilgen “EB children are like butterflies: fragile but beautiful!” That’s the message you’ll see when you visit the website of John Hudson Dilgen, a young Staten Islander who has been diagnosed with a severe form of a rare skin disease called Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

John’s condition causes his skin to be fragile and blister off easily, and his particular type of EB causes loss of fingernails and toenails, anemia, failure to thrive, difficulty eating and swallowing, and blisters of the eyes, mouth, esophagus, and even internal organs.

There is currently no known cure for this disease, and John’s life expectancy is only 40 years long. His family is working hard to raise money for research supporting a cure and treatment.

To learn more about John and how you can help, go to siparent.com/john-hudson-dilgen

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Mobile Beach Chargers Don’t you just hate it when you’re at the beach and your cell phone battery dies? This summer, NYC Parks has teamed up with AT&T in deploying nine solar powered mobile charging stations at four of New York City’s beaches, including Midland and South Beach

AUGUST 2015

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S.I. LIVING Community & School News here in Staten Island. The charging stations work day or night, in the sun or shade. The AT&T Street Charge was inspired by restoration efforts following Hurricane Sandy, when AT&T had set up charging stations in devastated areas to help people connect with loved ones in the aftermath of the storm.

No School on Lunar New Year Another school holiday? The kids won’t mind! The Asian Lunar New Year holiday has been added to the official New York City public schools calendar. Beginning this upcoming school year, all New York City public schools will be closed on the Lunar New Year. During the 2015-16 school year, schools will close on February 8 for the holiday. Students will not lose any instructional days as a result of the Lunar New Year school holiday. “We are proud to be the largest school district in the nation to recognize the heritage of our Asian-American community by recognizing Lunar New Year,” said Mayor DeBlasio.

Project Alive Ask any child what he wants to be when he

grows up, and he might tell you he wants to be a doctor, an actor, or maybe a police officer. But children suffering from Hunter Syndrome only want one thing -- to be alive.

That’s because most kids with Hunter Syndrome, a rare and degenerative genetic disease, may only live until their teenage years. Four year-old Dany Colmenares was diagnosed with the devastating disease last year, and his parents have been fighting for him every step of the way. They are encouraging others to learn about the Project Alive campaign, which seeks to raise awareness of this devastating disease and to fund research for a cure. Go to siparent.com to learn more about Dany’s journey and to find out how you can help.

Their Futures Look Bright!

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Congratulations to Burhan Azeem, 18, and Dylan Kirdahy, 17, of Staten Island Technical High School, winners of the inaugural “10 Under 20: Young Innovators to Watch” award competition. The winners were honored

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If it’s important to you and your child, it’s important to us.

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S.I. LIVING Community & School News during CE (consumer electronics) Week in June for their inventive projects. Azeem’s project involved a new carbon microtube which may be utilized for anything from energy transportation to biomedical devices, while Kirdahy created a finger-print protected autofill device that will keep people’s online wallet accounts safe without the need for password memorization. The new award competition, which is cosponsored by CE Week and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), celebrates NYC’s commitment to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) and STEM.

Arthur Ashe Kids Day Arthur Ashe Kids Day is celebrating its 20th year! Coinciding with the US Open, the exciting family-friendly event will be held on Saturday, August 29, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens. Children of all ages and skill levels can participate in tennis clinics, play interactive games, hear live music, and check out tennis’ biggest stars. The event is considered the largest single-day, grassroots tennis and entertainment event in the world.

Go to siparent.com to find out how to purchase your tickets.

Supplying Those in Need

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Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Ballet, Lyrical, Acro, All Boy Hip Hop, Pole Dance Fitness, Zumba Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary!

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As you start to check off your child’s supply list for the back-to-school season, consider filling the backpack of a child in need as well.

Volunteers of America-Greater New York’s annual Operation Backpack sets out to do just that every single year, by providing backpacks and school supplies to thousands of NYC’s homeless children. Want to help?

Donations will be accepted at any Walgreens or Duane Reade location near you. Visit siparent.com to learn more.

The Staten Island Board of Realtors is also collecting donations of school supplies for their annual Pack-to-School Drive. They are now collecting: marble notebooks, loose leaf paper, washable markers, black ink pens, pencils, two-pocket folders, and rulers.

Donations may be dropped off at 1535 Richmond Ave. (Suite 3) in Bulls Head/Graniteville or other participating

KATHY BRIER S T U D I O S

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PRIVATE STUDIO LOCATED IN WESTERLEIGH

Visit Staten Island's amusement park at Midland Beach, home to Staten Island's only roller-coaster "The Verrazano Viper," the new "Ocean Breeze Baja Buggies," and other fun rides, games, & live entertainment.

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AUGUST 2015

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S.I. LIVING

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Dea Music & Art School

Community & School News offices. For additional info, contact Linda F. Smith at 718-928-3230 or LSmith@sibor.com.

Kohl’s Cares Winners

What Your Child Could Accomplish...

We teach in a unique way which challenges the student intellectually and creatively. Skills to be used for life.

OUR PROGRAMS INCLUDE: Music - individual classes in piano, guitar, violin, voice Visual Arts - painting, drawing, sculpture and more Musical Theater - acting, pantomiming, singing with harmonies Music Theory - reading and writing music, prepare for ABRSM exams (extra credit toward college) Guitar Ensembles/Rock Band - performing in band, from Beatles to pop

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Interested in getting your child accepted to Mark Twain or LaGuardia High School?

We’ll prepare them to bring out their inner talent and demonstrate their skills in a natural way.

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The annual Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program recognizes students who have made outstanding contributions in their community. This year’s young winners include three of Staten Island’s own.

Congratulations to local winners Jordan Clanton, 12, and Christopher Motola, 17, who each won a Kohl’s Cares Gift Card.

Hearty congratulations also go to regional winner Meghan Ortega, 11, who received a $1,000 scholarship for higher education. Meghan set out to raise awareness of rare diseases, after being diagnosed with one herself, by organizing a Jeans for Rare Genes fundraiser. She succeeded in raising over $12,000!

Free Mammograms Project Renewal is back this summer with its mobile Scan Van, providing free mammograms and other health screenings to the uninsured. Women over 40 who haven’t had a mammogram in the last year and are without insurance are welcome to visit a Scan Van location this summer to be tested at no charge.

You must first call 1-800-564-6868 to make an appointment. Visit siparent.com for a list of Scan Van locations and dates.

That’s What Friends Are For 718.370.7733 • 585 North Gannon Avenue (Willowbrook) 718.876.5223 • 19 St. Mary’s Avenue (Rosebank)

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Fun family-friendly events, exclusive online giveaways, big savings from local merchants, and always up-to-date seasonal happenings are just a few great reasons to become a “Family of Friends” member! To start receiving the S.I. Parent weekly newsletter, just go to siparent.com and fill out the form in the upper right box of our home page. You can also sign up directly from our Facebook page by clicking on the “Sign Up” app button. We promise we won’t spam you; we’ll only send you the good stuff!

AUGUST KIDS CLUB EVENT

Join Scooter and the Staten Island Yankees for our Back-to-School Party before the game on Sunday, August 16! Free hot dogs and beverages for all members!

Gates open at 3pm

A one time $15 Membership Fee includes admission to this event & other special events.

718-313-1305 kidsclub@siyanks.com

www.siyanks.com/kidsclub Online customers, use password "scooter"

• An Official Kids Club t-shirt • Three ticket vouchers to Kids Club games (1 for each game) • 10% off on SI Yankees Birthday Parties • 10% off on SI Yankees Baseball/Softball Camps • $1 off admission to the SI Children's Museum • Monthly newsletter about upcoming events • Birthday letter from Scooter • Free access to Kids Fun Zone during Kids Club games • Discounted 3-game mini-plan for parents wishing to attend with their children

• And much, much more!

AUGUST 2015

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SUMMER

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THE SUMMER OF PLAY: LET YOUR KID BE A KID

o doubt about it: Time for unstructured play is dwindling. There are many reasons why this is so. We’re working more hours. We’re spending more time “plugged in” to TV, phones, video games, and the Internet. Kids have more homework than ever. And as a society we seem to have decided that structured activities—academic, athletic, and otherwise—are more beneficial than play.

N

Madeline Levine, PhD, educator and author of Teach Your Children Well: Parenting for Authentic, maintains that a lack of play exacts a heavy price on kids. If you’re ready to change your high-pressure, overscheduling ways, summer is the perfect time to get started. Here’s how: First, YOU have to buy in to the PLAY IS SERIOUS BUSINESS. WE TEND TO SEE IT AS WASTED TIME, belief that play is important. This is BUT IT’S ACTUALLY ANYTHING BUT. PLAY IS THE WORK OF CHILDHOOD. tough for some parents. We’re steeped in a culture that elevates overscheduled all their lives, they’re not used to thinking this way. Part work and downplays play. Consider, however, that tomorrow’s adults of the joy of this summer will be in seeing their sense of play emerge.” may need the skills developed by play—innovation, collaboration, problem solving, and so forth—more than any other generation Pencil in some low-key friends and family time. This may mean before. This makes it even more ironic that time for free, unstructured, saying no to some invitations. Or it may mean setting aside one self-directed play is at an all-time low. evening as family night. Just make sure kids have substantial blocks of time to just hang out with you or with friends. (Surprise…even video Think back to your own best memories from childhood.“They won’t games aren’t that bad in limited quantities, says Levine.) “The point is to be the classes or the lessons but the time you were allowed to just be,” make sure there is plenty of free time available for the kids to just be says Levine.“It’s important to allow your kids this right as well. Children kids,” says Levine.“If you don’t set aside the time, and guard it with your deserve a childhood.” life, you’ll just end up keeping your usual chaotic schedule by default.”

Get back in touch with your own playfulness. Maybe you haven’t Encourage free-range (not pre-packaged) play. The more natural really had fun in a long time. Decide this is the summer you’re going to and spontaneous the play is the better. A sandbox in the backyard is change that. Get in the pool with your kid. Go camping. Dust off your better than an amusement park. Blocks are better than a plastic bat bicycle and go for a spin. When your child sees you playing, she will be cave. Impromptu games of neighborhood soccer are more valuable more willing to play, too. “Kids really do model what they see,” notes than soccer camp.

Levine. “Plus, part of your job is to present a picture of adulthood that Be aware that loafing and hanging out are more valuable than you your children will want to emulate. If all they see you doing is working, think. The next time you’re tempted to tell your kid, “Why don’t you go or sitting around watching them play baseball, why would they ever do something!” rethink your belief that busy is always better. Even if it want to grow up?” doesn’t look like kids are doing much, a lot of learning may be going on.

Explain to your kids that you’re going to “back it off” a bit this Never underestimate the value of lying in the grass looking at the sky, summer. Tell them you’re worried that they’re too busy to really have or sitting on the sidewalk talking and laughing with a friend. any fun and that you want to help them change that. Then, ask them to Finally, trust your kids enough to give them some freedom. “Choice help you create a summer “bucket list.” What would they really like to is the hallmark of true play,” notes Levine. “Have confidence that when do this summer? “Don’t be surprised if they don’t know how to answer your child is off on his own and enjoying himself and directing himself that question,” notes Levine. “If they’ve been overbooked and in activities he chooses…well, that is his job.

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By Madeline Levine, PhD, www.madelinelevine.com.

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SUMMER

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R

99 PROBLEMS AND THE BEACH IS ONE

emember when a friend would call up and ask you to go to the beach, and you’d put on your bikini (wait, what’s a bikini?), grab a towel and a pair of sunglasses and be on your way?

Remember when you could lie in the warm summer sun, work on your tan, read a good book or a magazine, maybe even have a cold beer, and watch the cute guys pass by?

Remember when a trip to the beach was actually RELAXING? Well, for those of you who went and had kids, those days are over.

Can you imagine if you went to the beach today, at least one kid in tow, with nothing but a towel and a magazine? Someone would probably call Child Protective Services on you and your screaming, sunburned, dehydrated, starving children.

A RELAXING DAY AT THE BEACH WITH KIDS? IMAGINE THAT!

Yesterday I woke up at 7am and decided it was a good day for the beach. I spent the next three hours of the morning in deep preparation mode, careful not to forget a single thing because failing to remember even the slightest detail for a trip to the beach could have catastrophic results. Remember, a trip to the beach is merely a very hot day outdoors surrounded by nothing but sand, water, and halfnaked strangers. It’s up to you to make it a little more eventful for the kids, and as bearable as possible for yourself.

Since this was my first trip to the beach with two children who were both old enough to walk, I wanted to get some tips and ideas to help me out. I decided to consult my old friend Google and typed in “ways to make a family beach trip more fun,” then came upon some helpful stuff like “construct a sun shade using only bamboo poles, rubber bands, markers, and a sheet!” and “make sure the kids are wearing hats!” Well, let me just slide these here bamboo poles in my bag right next to my towels and sunblock, then superglue these here hats to my kids’ heads (since that is the only way they will ever keep them on), and go! Thanks Internet!

After I finished my useless research and packed the car with more bags and beach chairs than my husband and I could carry in from the parking lot in a single trip, we finally headed to the beach. Our day continued like this:

My kids spend the first fifteen minutes fighting over a tiny plastic shovel, despite having enough toys for half the kids on the beach.

Eventually my daughter gives up the fight and grabs a giant sand pail, fills

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it to the top with sand, and dumps the entire thing in my lap. Thanks!

She quickly gets bored of us and wanders onto our neighbor’s blanket before I am able catch her. I apologize profusely for her getting sand on their blanket but still receive numerous dirty looks. I walk away wishing I’d instead demanded an apology from them for disobeying the unspoken rule of personal beach space and setting up less than ten feet away from us.

We then eat lunch and enjoy the crunchy, gritty goodness of sand sprinkled generously by the wind onto our turkey and cheese sandwiches, and I resist the urge to make a painfully corny joke about how I’m eating a SANDwich on the beach.

I grow increasingly annoyed with our too-close neighbors, who are noisy and curse like truck drivers. Hey, Parents of the Year? Just because you’re cool with dropping f-bombs in front of your kids doesn’t mean I am.

I pry a tiny seashell out of my daughter’s hand before she puts it in her mouth and potentially chokes, then repeat several times with various other tiny objects. Not really in the mood for the Heimlich today.

I decide to take the kids down to the shore and have about five heart attacks once the water is deep enough to cover their toes (I have some MINOR anxiety issues with drowning). I get over it after a minute and allow them to go ankle-deep, then have five more heart attacks when a plastic bag lightly grazes my foot. I get super grossed out when I realize

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just how disgustingly filthy this ocean water is and then daydream about being in Aruba.

I take about twenty different iPhone pictures of the kids with the ocean in the background until I finally have one where both children are sort-of both looking at the camera, then silently curse my phone for taking such crappy pictures of my beautiful children.

We head back to our sandy abyss and I change my daughter’s diaper while wondering why toddler bathing suits don’t have little crotch snaps like onesies do. The only thing easier than changing the diaper of a sweaty, squirmy toddler is changing the diaper of a sweaty, squirmy toddler in a WET BATHING SUIT. Even more fun than THAT? Is putting the soaking wet bathing suit BACK ON after the diaper change is over. I can’t even blame her for being miserable after that.

I reapply the kids’ sunblock and my daughter tries desperately to escape, falling in the sand before I’ve managed to rub it all in. She now resembles a 20-pound chicken cutlet in a bathing suit.

My husband takes the kids for a walk and I have ten whole minutes to myself, most of which are spent refolding towels, shaking sand off of blankets, and throwing away garbage.

Three long, hot hours have passed and it’s finally time to head home. We take a moment to consider how we can get these kids home without taking half the beach’s sand with us. We give up quickly– it’s really not possible.

We go home, give baths, make dinner, sweep up the sand left behind, and get the kids to bed.

Once I’m finally sitting down to relax, I take out my phone and look at at all the pictures I took. I can’t help but smile to myself because I can see they were having an awesome time, and, believe it or not, I think maybe I did too.

By Jeannine Cintron, future inventor of the toddler bathing suit with onesie snaps.

Follow her blog at HighchairsandHeadaches.com

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BACK TO SCHOOL

>>>

BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING SMARTS

ummer break never feels long enough for parents who have already started prepping for the upcoming school year. According to data collected by the Rubicon Project, 40% of parents with children in grade K-12 got a head start on back-to-school shopping two months before the first day of class. With school shopping lists getting longer and supplies getting pricier, it's no surprise families have spent over 40% more on back-to-school products over the last decade.

S

Though your son or daughter's education is priceless, there's no need to blow your money on school supplies. Study these nine smart shopping strategies to save time and money on back-to-school lists.

1. Shop at home. When you go grocery shopping, you generally PENNY PINCHING MOMS FOLLOW THESE GREAT TIPS AND have a good idea of what's filling SAVE WHEN IT COMES TIME FOR BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING. your 'fridge and pantry. Take the 4. Time your purchase. They say timing is everything, and that's same approach with back-to-school shopping and search around the especially true for back-to-school shopping. Since summer clothes are house for any supplies you already have or can reuse. If there are on clearance, it's best to load up on tee shirts and shorts and hold off optional items on the supply list, hold off on buying those until you're until September and October for fall apparel, including denim. If you're absolutely sure your student needs them. unsure of the best time to buy items, use tools like TrackIf.com or the SnapUp app to track prices for you. Finally, continue tracking prices 2. Know what to buy in-store & what to order online. The customereven after you make your purchase, since stores including Kohl's and service firm StellaService has reported that the average cost of Target will offer price adjustments. purchasing a typical list of school supplies in a store was 41 percent cheaper than buying those same items online, as reported by 5. Buy second-hand clothes. As all parents know, kids grow out of Consumer Reports. Though it's wise to stick to traditional retailers for clothing so quickly that it doesn't make sense (or cents!) to purchase notebooks and pencils, you should research deals online for backpacks, full-priced garments. Instead, shop second-hand at local thrift or sporting goods and sneakers since you have a wider selection of consignment shops, or online at websites like thredUp.com. In addition products and prices available at your fingertips. to buying clothing for less, you can sell items your kids have outgrown for credit toward the upcoming season's purchase. Otherwise, consider 3. Compare prices on the fly. Who has time to drive from store to hosting a swap with family and friends who have school-aged children. store to compare prices? Luckily, the ShopSavvy app provides instant Everything from unused notebooks and crayons to sneakers and price comparison by snapping a picture of the barcode so you know clothes can be traded to help each other save big bucks. the cheapest price on any good across retailers, both in store and online. If you're shopping online, use the Invisible Hand browser 6. Shop smart for sports and other activities. In addition to school extension to get price alerts in case what you're shopping for is sold clothing and classroom supplies, many parents have to buy sporting elsewhere for less. equipment and musical instruments to support their kids' activities.

Shopping smart for these pricey items can help you save big bucks. For AUGUST 2015 example, Play It Again Sports offers gently-used sporting equipment www.siparent.com

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for up to 90% savings compared to department stores. You can also shop online for musical instruments and save with coupon codes.

7. Know where to find coupons. Retailers will release storewide and sitewide sales during back-to-school, but you can often find coupons and promo codes to save even more. Scour your favorite deal site for extra savings, plus special deals on specific backto-school products. Also, sign up for retail newsletters to receive a first-time subscriber coupon. For instance, GAP offers 25% off to new e-newsletter subscribers. Deal bloggers like TheKrazyCouponLady.com will help match coupons with store sales, saving you time in the hunt for the best bargains.

8. Use social media. Stores reward customers who like, follow, post, tag, pin, tweet and retweet, offering social media fans exclusive coupons codes and special savings. Like a brand on Facebook or follow them on Twitter for a chance of unlocking special savings. Create retail lists for easy-tobrowse sales and instant offers. Check in to a retail location on Foursquare for freebies and coupons and track prices with Pinterest.

Ultimately, it pays to be social!

9. Look for last year's model. More students are carrying smartphones and using are tablets or laptops for schoolwork.

Unfortunately, these devices are quite expensive. To save big bucks, opt for last year's models or consider refurbished. A previously-owned and certified laptop, tablet, or smartphone from Apple, Samsung, AT&T, or Verizon comes with a warranty and can save you anywhere from 20 to 40%. You can also trade in old gadgets and smartphones at such sites as NextWorth.com or to retail stores including Target and Best Buy for cash or store credit.

By Andrea Woroch, a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. AndreaWoroch.com.

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29

HEALTH

>>>

T

SAY HELLO TO HEALTHY GOODBYES: Tips to Reduce Separation Anxiety

hose first days of school or daycare can be a doozy for young children and parents when it’s time to say goodbye. While separation anxiety is a natural part of development, a parent’s response to it is critical for children to make healthy transitions and begin to trust caregivers and teachers. Parenting coach Liz Warrick says there are definite no-no’s when it comes to saying goodbye as outlined below.

Bye-Bye Don’ts

1. Don’t sneak away. It’s tempting. But the disappearing act actually creates more fear in your child and does not help your child learn the important ritual of saying good-bye.

2. Don’t ask: “Is it ok for mom to leave now?” Um. Bet I can guess the response, and there really is only one answer.

3. Don’t bribe your child with a treat. Bribing sets a bad precedent for both of you as you will be forced to always amp up the bribe to get the behavior you desire.

4. Don’t linger. It’s tempting. But just scram.

Healthy Goodbye Rituals

SAY GOODBYE TO DIFFICULT GOODBYES WITH THESE TIPS.

Author of 151 Ways to Help Your Child Have a Great Day at School and parenting expert Robin McClure suggests creating a parting ritual.

“Maybe it is a special hug or handshake, a kiss and a twirl, or a set verbal exchange between you (such as "I love you best because...").” Get creative so these formerly tough moments make way for fun memories.

A Jedi Goodbye. Social worker and blogger Dana Aderhold came up with a clever customized ritual. “When my son was four he started a new preschool where he didn’t know any of the other students. We created the ‘Jedi Goodbye;’ when my husband or I dropped him off at preschool we would do a secret light saber signal that was our goodbye ritual. It meant that ‘the force was with him’ until we picked him up. He found this very reassuring.”

Consistent Goodbyes. Mom, daycare owner, and blogger Nicole Dash says, “It is a good idea to say goodbye in the same way each day. If you help your child hang up his/her coat and then give a kiss and hug before turning and leaving with a wave, then do not break that routine by one day sitting and playing.” Also, Dash says consistent means it is important you not try to shortcut the goodbye because you are running late.

Low Stress Goodbyes. Parents should keep their emotions in check and fake it if necessary. Dash says it’s not a coincidence when your child chooses to melt down and cling to you on a day you are running late to a

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meeting. “Never tell your child you are running late, or show signs of stress. This will place undue stress on your child and will make the morning miserable for everyone.”

Less Guilt-riddled Goodbyes. There will be days your child will cry due to fatigue, a cold, etc. Dash says “Whatever the reason, these sad goodbyes do not usually last longer than it takes you to get back into your car. It does not mean they hate you for leaving them in daycare.”

Smiley Goodbyes. Warrick says on the big day, keep smiling and stay positive. “Remind your child of all the ‘new and exciting things’ they will do. If you are confident about your child’s new environment, your child will be positive too.”

Courageous Goodbyes. Dr. Laura Markham has this advice when it is you shedding the tears: “Have faith in your child, and in nature. Nature designed kids to hang onto their parents for protection, but to start exploring once they feel safe. Worrying about leaving your child at school is a way of saying you don’t believe he can cope…have faith in your child’s inner strength to rise to the occasion and grow.”

Michele Ranard has a husband, two sons, and a master’s in counseling. She blogs at http://hellolovelystudio.com and http://hellolovelychild.blogspot.com.

Resources: Aderhold, Dana. http://edgeviews.wordpress.com Dash, Nicole. http://www.dcmetromom.com/easy-blog/entry/ease-goodbye-drama.html McClure, Robin. 151 Ways to Help Your Child Have a Great Day at School.

Sourcebooks, 2009.

Warrick, Liz. http://www.parentcoach411.com/please-dont-leave-me.

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Breastfeeding Benefits & Back to Work Routines This month’s Ask the Doctor column is written by Carol Olsen RN, BSN, IBCLC at Richmond University Medical Center.

Nature designed human milk especially for human babies, and it has many advantages over formula. Your milk contains just the right balance of nutrients, contained in a form most easily used by the baby's immature body systems.

Medical authorities, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, strongly recommend breastfeeding. International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Carol Olsen offers guidance to expectant mothers, “I have counseled mothers for over thirty years, explaining the many reasons why breast milk is the best milk for babies.

Breast milk provides the perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat – everything your baby needs to grow. And it's provided in a form more easily digested than infant formula.”

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria.

Breastfeeding lowers your baby's risk of having asthma or allergies.

The physical closeness, skin-to-skin touching, and eye contact help your baby bond with you and feel secure.

Breastfed infants are more likely to gain the right amount of weight as they grow rather than become overweight children.

The AAP says breastfeeding also plays a role in the prevention of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Ms. Olsen adds, “Babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea. They also have fewer hospitalizations and trips to the doctor.”

There are also many benefits to mothers. She continues, “Breastfeeding burns extra calories, so it can help you lose pregnancy weight faster. It releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce uterine bleeding after birth.”

Returning to Work

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Many mothers find they maintain milk production more easily if they breastfeed before showering or getting ready for work and then breastfeed again just before leaving the baby with the care provider.

If possible, develop a pumping routine based on when the baby would normally breastfeed, especially when first returning to work. However, you, your baby, and your milk production will adjust to a new routine if you are able to pump often enough. Many mothers do find pumping sessions go more quickly when they are able to pump at about the same time each day.

Plan to breastfeed your baby as soon as you are back together. Ask your care provider to try not to feed your baby for 1 to 2 hours before you arrive. It may help to call the care provider when you are ready to leave work so he or she knows when you are on your way.

You may need to arrange your evening schedule so you can spend more time with your baby when you get home. Breastfeeding more frequently in the evenings and on weekends can help you better maintain milk production. And, you and your baby will enjoy the time together after separation.

The first few days or weeks after you return to work may be difficult until you and your baby develop a new routine. You can expect a period of adjustment as your body and your baby respond to the change. Some mothers experience a decrease in milk production the first week they return to work due to the stress and changes in schedule. If this does occur, it should increase with frequent pumping sessions. Continue to breastfeed your baby as often as possible when not at work.

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Employer support will be beneficial to successfully continuing breastfeeding.

Discuss your plan to continue to breastfeed, and your need to pump or express breast milk during the workday, with your employer when you are pregnant or before you return to work.

Be sure your employer understands that continued breastfeeding, and providing your milk by pumping at work, are not just good for your baby--they also are good for the company. Evidence indicates that employer support for continued breastfeeding, and the breast-pumping breaks it requires, results in fewer employee absences and increased worker productivity.

Let your employer know that frequent workday breast-pumping breaks do not continue indefinitely. The number will decrease during the second half of your baby's first year, as he or she develops and eats more solid foods.

“Motherhood can be extremely stressful for new moms. Not only are you healing from labor and often sleep deprived, but you are now solely responsible for a new life. It is an overwhelming time, but trust in nature. Once you learn the proper techniques including guiding your baby to latch properly, breastfeeding will become easier. Building your confidence is so important. Know that you can do this,” shares Ms. Olsen.

Talk with your doctor or a lactation consultant to discuss breastfeeding and what is best for your baby and you. Resources are available on Staten Island - Richmond University Medical Center’s Lactation Support Center offers consultation services and resources for new mothers having difficulties with breastfeeding.

For more information, call 718-818-4375.

Mrs. Olsen, a former neonatal intensive care unit nurse, works at Richmond University Medical Center as a Lactation Consultant.

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TECHNOLOGY

>>>

I

USING VIDEO GAMES AS LESSONS IN LIFE

n the history of child development, the widespread participation in the use of video games is not only a relatively new phenomenon, but a widespread one, too.

Ninety-seven percent of children and adolescents in the United States play at least one hour per day, according to the American Psychological Association.

Naturally, many parents and educators worry that this game time is subtracting from healthy skills children should be developing, such as reading.

“As children grow into teenagers and then young adults, finding your favorite novel as a young person, for example, can have immeasurable benefits by answering questions like: Who am I? What do I value? How do THERE ARE WAYS TO USE YOUR CHILD’S FONDNESS FOR VIDEO GAMES IN YOUR ADVANTAGE I move forward in life?” says Mark WHEN FOSTERING HEALTHY HABITS. Cheverton (markcheverton.com), a former public school teacher of 15 • Computer gaming can have positive benefits with family years, an engineer with GE and a father who was inspired to write novels relationships. It turns out that there has been plenty of research out there for his son and other children to help teach life lessons. on the benefits of parents playing computer games with their kids – not “Of course, books – whether print or digital versions – are the best by computer game makers, but by respected universities. Researchers sources for in-depth knowledge about anything, from gardening to history from Arizona State University suggest that “Parents miss a huge to science and more. Establishing reading as a habit is necessary for the opportunity when they walk away from playing video games with their well-being of the world.” kids.” From Brigham Young University, researchers studied 287 families and looked at how they play video games together. The BYU team found Cheverton offers tips for parents who want to encourage healthy habits that girls from ages 11 to 16, who played video games with a parent, to their children, including reading and more video game playing. reported better behavior, more feelings of family closeness and less aggression than girls who played alone or with friends. In addition, there • Find books that reflect video game themes. “Invasion of the is a great TED talk that discusses game playing and the positive effectives Overworld: Book One in the Gameknight999 Series: An Unofficial – both for family closeness and health.

Minecrafter’s Adventure,” a book by Cheverton, is an effective example.

What better way to get a kid to read a book than to offer one that’s about • Games like Minecraft may offer an interest in engineering, city the video games they are obsessed with? In this case, it’s about the planning, etc. Many children who take to games that entail building cities popular game Minecraft. may naturally take an interest later in life in the details of building things

• Parent participation can create additional teachable moments for issues like bullying. “I’ve come to love playing Minecraft with my son, who spent months building things on his server: castles, bridges, underwater cities, factories, everything and anything his imagination could conceive,” Cheverton says. “Video games can have its benefits, too, creating opportunities to communicate with your child on those teachable moments we may dread, like when my son was bullied, but other habits ought to balance a child’s life as well.”

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in the real world. Of course, children who love video games may want to know how the games themselves work or are of a high quality, which can lead to further interest in technology. Whether it’s a future career in video games, computer programming, engineering or a very long list of highpaying jobs, gaming can lead to good things.

By Mark Cheverton (markcheverton.com), who holds a Bachelor’s & Master’s degree in physics. He began writing his Minecraft series to help explain difficult lessons to his son, now 11. Those lessons include taking risks, a willingness to try something difficult and how to be brave. The books also address the sensitive topic of bullying.

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ARE YOU READY FOR BACK TO SCHOOL? BACK TO SCHOOL CHECKLIST:

BACK TO SCHOOL DIRECTORY ON PAGE 38

c Be sure your child’s medical checkups are up-to-date, including Pediatrician, Dentist, and Optometrist.

✔

c Practice the new bedtime routine and morning routine a week or so before school begins, to allow time to get the kinks out. Prepare as much as you can the night before, setting the table for breakfast, packing lunch, and laying out outfits. Even if each task saves just a few minutes in the morning, it will surely save unnecessary stress.

✔

c Take a walk or ride to your child’s bus stop and be sure they know who will meet them at the bus, or if they will be going to an afterschool program, who will pick them up and when. Review safety procedures in exiting a school bus.

Teach them to walk far enough away from the bus before crossing to be sure the driver can see them.

✔

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c Make sure they know their teacher’s name and class. If you know of any friends that will be in their class, remind them. If you can, plan a play date before school starts.

✔

c If they are likely to get homesick—paste a picture of the family in the book and remind them that you will be waiting for them. Give them something of yours to hold on to so they feel secure when they look at it. Get a BFF necklace to share.

✔

✔ c Make sure there is time to talk/play/relax when you are all

back home together.

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BACK TO SCHOOL DIRECTORY

4 Angels Day Care, Inc.

245 Simonson Avenue • 10303 917.821.5048 Email: my4angelsdaycareinc@msn.com www.4angelsdaycareinc.com

Child Mind Institute’s Healthy Brain Network

1 Teleport Drive, Suite 201 • 10311 347.934.2880 Email: hbn@childmind.org www.healthybrainnetwork.org

Alphabet Academy 65 Foster Road • 10309 718.701.1720 Email: info@alphabetacademysi.com www.alphabetacademysi.com

Children at Play

Art Lab – The School of Fine & Applied Arts in Snug Harbor

Children’s Harbor Montessori School On the grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center

40 Merrill Avenue • 10314 718.370.7529 Email: cap@childrenatplayeic.org

Friends Preschool

610 Bloomgindale Road • 10309 718.984.5194 Email: friendspreschool@verizon.net

Great Beginnings Infant & Toddler Center 2221 Richmond Avenue • 10314 718.983.0014 Email: gbkids2221@aol.com

High Hopes 1000 Richmond Terrace • 10301 718.447.8667 Email: info@artlabsi.org www.artlabsi.org

1000 Richmond Terr, Bldg G, 3rd Floor • 10301 718.442.6112 E-mail: childharborms@aol.com www.childrensharbormontessori.com

Bedazzle Dance Studio, Inc.

1298 Woodrow Road • 10309 718.317.8143 Email: admin@highhopeschildcare.com www.highhopeschildcare.com

Holy Child Pre-School 4747 Amboy Road • 10312 718.356.5159 Email: holychildprek@gmail.com www.holy-child.org

458 Midland Avenue • 10306 718.980.0189 Email: bedazzledance@aol.com www.bedazzledance.com

Children’s Playhouse Inc.

Big Bird’s Playhouse Corp.

Claire Guttsman, M.A.,C.C.C.-SLP

1859 Richmond Avenue • 10314 718.982.0550 Email: BigBirdsPlay@aol.com www.BigBirdsPlayhouse.com

1076 Forest Avenue • 10310 718.447.5501 Email: speechrose1@msn.com

1779 Richmond Avenue 718.982.0202 Email: statenisland@ivyleagueearlylearning.com www.IvyLeagueEarlyLearning.com

Community Resources Preschool

Islander’s Kids

3651 Richmond Road • 10306 718.568.3105 Email: j.smith@cr-si.org www.cr-si.org

219 Jefferson Avenue • 10306 718.979.5331 • 718.979.5315 Email: islandersinfo04@gmail.com www.siccnyc.org

Dance Dance Dance Ltd.

JCC of Staten Island

1212 Forest Avenue • 10310 Email: info@dancedancedanceltd.org www.dancedancedanceltd.org

1297 Arthur Kill Road • 10312 • 718.475.5224 485 Victory Boulevard • 10301• 718.475.5290 1466 Manor Road • 10314 • 718.475.5230 www.sijcc.org

Brainy Academy 12 Jefferson Blvd, 2nd Floor • 10312 347.838.6980 Email: info@brainyacademysi.com www.brainyacademysi.com

Brienza’s Academic Advantage 259 Rose Avenue • 10306 718.232.0114 Email: info@brienzas.com www.brienzas.com

Building Blocks Montessori School 55 Forest Avenue • 10301 718.448.2992 Email: bbms411@verizon.net www.buildingblocksmontessori.com

950 Rockland Ave & 85 Monahan Ave 718.761.0129 Email: childrenplay@aol.com

Dorothy Delson Kuhn Music Institute of the JCC 1466 Manor Rd • 10314 1297 Arthur Kill Rd • 10312 718.475.5263 www.sijcc.org

Ivy League Early Learning Academy

JCC of Staten Island First Foot Forward 1466 Manor Rd • 10314 1297 Arthur Kill Rd • 10312 718.475.5225 www.sijcc.org

Eltingville Lutheran School C.B.J Hebrew School 275 Martling Avenue • 10314 718.556.9883 Email: cbjhebrewschool@gmail.com www.cbjsi.com

Center Stage Dance Co. Ltd. 10 Akron Plaza • 10314 718.982.9226 Email: centerstagedanceltd@yahoo.com www.centerstagedancecoltd.com

300 Genesee Avenue • 10312 718.356.7811 Email: elselc@yahoo.com www.eltingvillelutheranschool.org

Kiddie Academy of S.I.–Great Kills

Foresight School, The

125A Greaves Lane 718.984.1919 Email: statenisland-greatkills@kiddieacademy.net kiddieacademy.com/statenisland-greatkills

2221 Richmond Avenue • 10314 718.761.6060

Little Excellence Pre-School/Day-Care 2144 Richmond Avenue • 10314 718.370.3784 • Fax 718.370.2744 Email: littleexcellence@gmail.com

Mini World Preschool

Staten Island Academy

7516 Amboy Rd • 10307 718.948.9535 E-mail: miniworld2001@aol.com

715 Todt Hill Road • 10304 718.303.7803 Email: admissions@statenislandacademy.org www.statenislandacademy.org

New Dorp Christian Academy 259 Rose Avenue • 10306 718.351.4442 Email: contact@ndca.email www.ndca.academy

Oakdale Academy 366 Oakdale Street • 10312 718.948.4220 Email: Oakdaleacademy1@gmail.com

Prodigy Ice Skating Preschool 3080 Arthur Kill Road • 10309 718.948.4800 Email: carylstingo@thepavilion.org www.pavilionprodigypreschool.com

Richmond Hill Children’s Center 501 Richmond Hill Road • 10314 718.494.7422 Email: rhcc@verizon.net www.rhccny.com

Rise Dance Studios 1 Gunton Place • 10309 718.966.7473 Email: risedancestudios@verizon.net www.risedancestudios.com www.facebook.com/risedancestudios

St. Joseph Hill Academy 850 Hylan Boulevard • 10305 718.981.1187 Email: egregor@stjhill.org www.stjosephhill.org

Staten Island Community Tennis 2800 Victory Boulevard • 10314 718.982.3355 Email: sitenniscenter@gmail.com www.statenislandtennis.com

The Children’s Center College of Staten Island 2800 Victory Blvd •10314 Bldg. 2R / Rm 104 718.982.3190 Email: childrenscenter@csi.cuny.edu www.csi.cuny.edu/childcare

Wagner College Academy of Arts & Sciences One Campus Road • 10301 718.390.3221 Email: external@wagner.edu www.wagner.edu/external

Staten Island Community Charter School 309 St. Paul’s Avenue • 10304 347.857.6981 • Fax 347.861.0601 www.si-ccs.org

Wizard of Art and Design 255 Nelson Avenue • 10308 718.227.7600 Email: siwizardofart@aol.com www.siwizard.com

Staten Island Pavilion Skate School 3080 Arthur Kill Road • 10309 718.948.4800 Email: skateschool@thepavilion.org www.thepavilion.org

Xaverian 7100 Shore Road • Brooklyn, NY 11209 718.836.7100 Email: admissions@xaverian.org www.xaverian.org

Staten Island YMCA 651 Broadway • 10310 718.981.4933 • E-mail: asicuranza@ymcanyc.org 3939 Richmond Ave • 10312 718.227.3200 • E-mail: bschiuma@ymcanyc.org www.ymcanyc.org/statenisland

Zion Lutheran Preschool 505 Watchogue Road • 10314 718.981.3623 E-mail: misskimzion@aol.com www.zionlutheranpreschoolsi.com

Staten Island YMCA Counseling Service 3911 Richmond Avenue • 10312 718.948.3232 • Email: awexler@ymcanyc.org 285 Vanderbilt Avenue • 10304 718.981.4382 • Email: hbrown@ymcanyc.org www.ymcanyc.org/counseling

Seido Karate of Staten Island 1000 Richmond Terr • Rm G202 718.207.3613 Email: statenislandseido@verizon.net www.statenislandseido.com

Silhouette Dance Studio 230 Livingston Avenue 718.727.2649 Email: silhouette92@gmail.com www.silhouettedancestudio.net

Small World Preschool 144 Bloomingdale Road • 10309 718.356.7795 E-mail: kdsrmybiz@aol.com www.smallworldpreschool.net

SMB Studio Arts Inc. 3777 Richmond Avenue • 10312 718.984.5700 Email: smbstudioarts@verizon.net www.smbstudioarts.com

Speech & Language Therapy Associates 4056 Amboy Road • 10308 718.356.6604 Email: speechandlanguagetherapy@verizon.net

www.pediatricandadultspeech.com

WANT

MORE INFO?

Visit www.siparent.com to find more information on these schools and learn more about their services.

PARENTHOOD

>>>

P

PROS AND CONS OF WAITING TO START A FAMILY

resent-day couples are opting to start families later than their parents and grandparents before them. It is no longer uncommon for grown children to live with their parents well into their 20s, and many adults are opting to get married, and have children later in life, if they plan to have any children at all.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average age for men to get married is 27 and for women 25.5.

However, couples who come from more religious families in which living together before marriage is often frowned upon, may get married earlier. On the flip side, couples who live in communities and cities where cohabitating is readily accepted may wait until their thirties before tying the knot. In such communities, starting a family is often put on hold. In the 1970s, many women were having THERE ARE MANY ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES TO STARTING A FAMILY EARLY; children in their early twenties, HOWEVER, WAITING TO HAVE CHILDREN HAS ITS OWN SET OF PROS AND CONS. whereas now women tend to have activities may make age disparities more evident. A couple who doesn't their first child in their mid- to late twenties. One survey of women from have a child until their forties may not have as many years as younger the United Kingdom found the average age for a woman to have a baby parents to see their children as adults with families of their own. for the first time was 29. Although there is no right and wrong answer as to when is the best time to start a family, there are some advantages and Advantages. Couples who wait longer to get married and have children disadvantages to waiting to have children. may be more financially secure than couples who start their families earlier. They may already have a nest egg and have established careers Disadvantages. Starting a family later in life can seem like a good idea with high salaries. Individuals who have had a few years to acclimate to but may cause some unnecessary obstacles. One of the first challenges is married life or who have enjoyed all of the activities of singlehood may biological. Aging may make it more difficult for women to conceive a end up in more stable relationships in the long-run. child. Not only is the number of unfertilized eggs a woman carries finite, but also there are only a set number of years in which a woman can Children of parents who have a higher education may be more likely to conceive before reaching menopause. But men, too, also have varying succeed in school, according to scholars at the Office of History and degrees of infertility as they get older. One study conducted at Soroka Science at the University of California, Berkeley. Parents may interact University in Israel found semen quantity peaked for men between the with their children more to help them to do well academically. Since they ages of 30 and 35, while overall semen quantity was found to be lowest have already completed their own schooling, older parents may not need after age 55. Sperm motility is best before age 25 and lowest after age 55. to continue education or take time away from their children for their own Aging as well as sexual abstinence can have effects on the health of sperm. educational needs.

Waiting to have a baby may increase the risk of having a child with Engaging in enjoyable nights out socially before having kids may help chromosomal abnormalities or increase the risk of having a miscarriage, parents not to feel guilty about missing out on something as they raise their and an older woman's body may not recover from childbirth as quickly as children. Such men and women will have already sowed their wild oats a younger woman's. and will now be able to devote more attention to family life. However, raising a child does require a lot of energy and time, which may prove In addition to the physical challenges associated with waiting to have more difficult for older parents. Waiting longer to start a family has distinct children, couples who wait longer to have children may find themselves pros and cons. Ultimately, couples need to weigh their own situations and the oldest parents at peer-related events. School and extracurricular make decisions that best fit their lifestyles.

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GOOD SPORTS

by Joe LoVerde

The ‘Travel’ Commitment Your child tells you she wants to try out for a travel sports team. Before saying yes, it’s important that you realize just what you are getting yourself into.

There are a lot of positives about having your child play on a travel team, be it soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, football, hockey or any other sport.

They will most likely make great friends, have plenty of fun and improve their skills.

But it is not just a commitment for your child; it is a commitment for you — and even for other members of the family.

If your child is asked to try out for a travel team, and if he makes the team, it’s a nice accomplishment. It means someone feels she has the ability to play at higher than the recreational level, and you undoubtedly will feel a sense of pride. And that’s when the fun begins.

Does Your Child Have A Disability or Special Health Care Needs?

You are not alone! “We care, we’ve been there.”

Expectations are much higher with a travel program. There will often be several practices a week, and your child is expected to be at the practice site on time and until the end. That means arriving early so your child is ready to practice at the assigned time, dressed for practice with cleats on and equipment handy.

Practices can be scheduled any time or place, especially for hockey, where the lack of facilities will sometimes lead to an early-morning or latenight session.

Depending on the location of the league, you will need to leave the Island for the games. You and your child must be ready to leave well before game time. You will be expected to be at the field an hour or so prior to the game, and since you will need to travel at least one hour to reach the field, you will need to leave the Island at least two hours before the start of the game.

STATEN ISLAND SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT CENTER

Parent to Parent is a support network and is the Staten Island Parent Resource Center for children with Special Education Needs, Developmental Disabilities, Behavioral Challenges and Special Health Care Needs.

Your holiday weekends? Forget about barbecues or family gatherings.

Expect to spend Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July or other weekends with your “new family” at a tournament in another state.

And while the seasons will have beginnings and endings, travel doesn’t end. It’s a year-round commitment in many cases, since there’s probably always a tournament somewhere.

Founded & directed by parents of children with special needs.

For More Information 718.494.4872 1050 Forest Hill Rd • SI, NY 10314 Email: siptp@aol.com

www.parenttoparentnyinc.org

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Travel coaches expect a full commitment. Your child probably can play other sports — as long as the other games and practices don’t interfere with the travel team’s. Have a championship basketball game when there is travel soccer practice? Your child will be expected to be at soccer practice, unless the coach is willing to bend.

This has led to more children specializing in just one sport, something many experts lament. The three-sport athlete has become a rare occurrence.

Playing on a travel team can also be pricey.

Between registration, uniforms, equipment, your part of the trainer’s fee and tournament fees, many teams may require you to put up $1,000 a year. The sport and the age group also impact the total — and that’s not counting the cost of gas, tolls, meals on the road and hotel fees during tournaments.

Many travel teams don’t promise playing time, so you could be making this commitment even though your child could play very little if he or she isn’t a starter. You may disagree with the coach regarding your child’s role. It may not matter.

Your child will benefit from practices and the advanced training, and will undoubtedly improve as a player and benefit in other ways.

Still, this may not be enough for some parents.

Don’t let the pride you feel in your child turn to worship. Some parents of travel players fall into the trap of catering inappropriately to their children; their kids were selected to be on the team and are now “stars.” Big mistake.

Travel sports are an opportunity to teach your son or daughter responsibility. Make them in charge of making sure they have their equipment and water, and make them carry their equipment to the field. You are not their servant. You are their parent.

Specializing in Children’s Optometry Dr. Linda Bui is a graduate of the Southern California College of Optometry where she graduated with honors. An optometrist who loves taking care of children, she is an expert at performing eye exams on children age 5+ and a contact lens specialist as well.

The travel experience can be fun and rewarding. Your child will be part of something that will improve his or her selfesteem, will have fun and might even make lifelong friends. Chances are, you will also develop good friendships with other parents.

If your child may be having trouble with their vision or you just want to be sure they have healthy eyes, call us today at 718-984-7616 to make an appointment.

Knowing what to expect and the potential pitfalls before saying yes to the opportunity will help keep the experience a pleasant one.

Dr. Bui also can fit first time contact lens wearers as well, and we have a wide selection of both eyeglasses for children and contact lenses to offer in our optical shop.

www.silasik.com Joe LoVerde has been coaching youth sports on Staten Island for nearly 40 years. He’s also a longtime newspaper editor and sportswriter.

Read Good Sports on siparent.com Click on “Columns”

New Victory Blvd Location!

1500 Victory Blvd SI, NY 10301

877-4SILASIK •718.984.7616 AUGUST 2015

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TODDLERS

>>>

I

WHO REALLY RULES THE ROOST?

am not allowed to sit on my couch on certain days, I cannot always choose what shoes I am going to wear, and I must always have a plethora of cherry tomatoes in my fridge. I am not under the rule of a strict tyrant but rather the mother of a toddler, a two year-old to be exact.

The “terrible twos” as they are often referred to, are in full swing in my household and my entire concept of motherhood has been knocked on its head.

Our daughter, Avery, did everything on her own timeframe; she was walking and talking by 10 months old, by a year she was running and counting, and I was never prepared for each milestone that came seemingly earlier than expected. Around the one-and-a-half year mark it became apparent that in addition to being intelligent and independent, Avery was fiercely THEY DON’T CALL THEM THE “TERRIBLE TWOS” FOR NOTHING! vocal and outspoken. She was what anyone would consider a good baby; It would be unfair to say this is solely a terrible age, because it is also she slept well, ate well, and had the sweetest demeanor, and because of an enjoyable one. Avery loves going to the Staten Island Zoo because she this several people had warned me what a handful she would be as a knows all of the animals I love watching her mind explore and absorb so toddler. Like most mothers I thought, not my kid! I was constantly being much and she has even recently started a pre-k program. On the other reminded of how difficult her teenage years would be and how much of hand, getting dressed to leave the house takes a good half hour and we a daddy’s girl she would become, but I never considered what was lurking can’t drive past Ralph’s Ices without a full blown meltdown occurring. just around the corner: toddlerhood.

We are continuously trying new approaches to this uneasy age; everything from time outs to bribes, ignoring Avery completely, and Upon entering our home, it is apparent that a toddler lives and rules different types of punishment. But most days I just follow her around with here. Despite my best efforts, there are crayon drawings covering Avery’s a vacuum pleading for good behavior. I am not a perfect mother (I don’t walls. My once chic décor and furniture has now been reduced to a mere think that exists,) and I do beat myself up from time to time when I see a indoor playground, and Play-Doh fills all the cracks and crevices. perfectly polished mom easily strolling through a store with her toddler.

Tantrums are thrown here over the most trivial of subjects, i.e.; mommy I am not the first parent to struggle through this age and I know eventually not being allowed on the couch, separating veggie chips by their different I will look back and laugh on the fact that this part of my life was colors, and the devastation of not owning Gary the snail from SpongeBob essentially one giant Clorox commercial. But until then I’ll just have to as our family pet. Many of our friends find these stories humorous, and buckle up and enjoy the ride. think it is wonderful that our toddler is so opinionated and articulate, but unless they’ve been in the trenches of toddlerhood themselves they can’t

By Sara Wieboldt, a Staten Island mom who is mom trying to keep her sense of fathom the frustration.

I’ve read all the articles concerning how to survive this time, how to discipline your rowdy toddler, etc. but there are days like today when Avery is beside me crying for money to put in her piggy bank and I realize she has just dumped a handful of change into my much-needed coffee, and I feel helpless.

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humor intact during the trials and tribulations of the (sometimes) terrible twos. If you have a parenting article you’d like to submit, please follow the guidelines at www.siparent.com/writers-guidelines/. We’d love to hear from you!

AUGUST 2015

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COVER STORY Pile the kids on the famous turtle sculpture at the S.I. Zoo for a great photo op!

Looking for unlimited summertime family fun? Here’s some great news: you don’t need to break the bank to have a good time! Save your pennies for the big family vacation and have some low-cost local fun right here in Staten Island – all summer long! Here’s what’s happening this month: FIREWORKS – Fireworks are not just for the Fourth of July! Especially not in Staten Island, where there are spectacular shows every week until Labor Day. Catch a fireworks display every Wednesday at sundown in South Beach until September 2, or after a Staten Island Yankees game on select Fridays (August 14 & 28, September 4) and Saturdays (August 1, 8, & 15) at Richmond County Bank Ballpark.

FREE CONCERTS – What’s better than live music? How about FREE live music? The Summer Sunset Concert Series, hosted by Borough President Oddo, offers free concerts in Staten Island parks throughout the summer every Thursday at 7pm. There’s also free concerts every Sunday at the South Beach Boardwalk from 4-8pm. Go to siparent.com/summer to see concert schedules.

$1 MOVIES - Beat the heat for a few hours by ducking into a cool theatre with your kids to catch a family-friendly flick. Save a few bucks by heading over to the United Artists Theater, where the Regal Summer Movie Express is showing a collection of popular titles for just one dollar per ticket every Tuesday and Wednesday until August 26. To view the lineup, go to siparent.com/summer. The United Artists Theater is located at 2472 Forest Avenue.

SUMMERSTAGE – SummerStage is an ongoing performing arts festival offering free shows and concerts in city parks throughout all five boroughs in NYC. This year’s lineup includes tons of kidfriendly puppet shows, dance troupes, concerts and more in several of Staten Island’s parks.

Visit siparent.com/summerstage-2015 for a complete list of performances, dates, and locations.

BOWLING SPECIALS - Hit the lanes this summer in Staten Island for deals so cheap, you’ll bowl over with excitement (get it?). Rab’s Country Lanes (1600 Hylan Blvd.) is offering two games, shoe rental, a slice of pizza or hot dog, and soda for only $9 per child. Showplace Entertainment Center (141 East Service Road) is also offering a sweet deal for families on weekdays from noon to 5pm: one hour of bowling, four shoe rentals and a pizza pie for only $25.

BOOGIE WOOGIE WEDNESDAYS - Grab your dancing shoes and get ready to boogie down at the Staten Island Children's Museum! Every Wednesday, free admission starts at 5pm, snack time is at 6pm, and the dancing kicks off at 7pm. Each week includes an exciting new international dance theme. The Staten Island Children’s Museum is located at 1000 Richmond Terrace.

BEACHES, SPRINKLERS, AND POOLS – When the dog days of summer hit, cool off with a dip in the pool, a splash through the sprinkler, or a tumble in the waves. Staten Island’s public pools are free and open to the public every day from 11am to 3pm and from 4pm to 7pm, until September 1. Staten Island’s public beaches are: Cedar Grove Beach, Midland Beach, South Beach, Wolfe’s Pond Beach, and Great Kills Park.

Cedar Grove and Wolfe’s Pond close for the summer on Labor Day, while all other beaches are open until September 13. Lifeguards are on duty daily from 10am to 6pm. Sprinklers and spray showers are turned on in local parks whenever the temperature rises above 80 degrees. Go to siparent.com/summer to see a full list of Staten Island pools, beaches, and sprinklers.

SUMMER DAYS IN STATEN ISLAND: WHERE TO GO & WHAT TO DO

COOL ZOO SUMMER SERIES - Check out the Staten Island Zoo’s Cool Zoo Summer Series, featuring different events and programs every Saturday or Sunday throughout the summer. All Cool Zoo activities are free with admission ($5 for kids, $8 for adults, and free for kids under 3).

Go to siparent.com/summer to see the 2015 program schedule.

LIBRARY PROGRAMS – If you aren’t taking advantage of your free local library programs, then you need to grab the kids and go today. The libraries are the unsung heroes of the event scene, regularly providing fun and educational programs that are free of charge and cater to every age group. They offer mommy and me play groups, toddler story time, puppet shows and plays, live entertainment, arts and crafts, character appearances, theme parties, comic book fun, homework help, video game time, teen groups, and so much more. Visit siparent.com/events every day to find free events at your local library.

IDNYC – Want free access to loads of cultural institutions around NYC? All you need to do is apply for your IDNYC card, which entitles you to a free year-long membership to 33 cultural institutions, as well as discounts to Broadway shows, sporting events, local attractions and more. Here in Staten Island, an IDNYC card will get you into the Staten Island Museum, the Staten Island Children’s Museum, the Staten Island Zoo, Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, and the Staten Island Historical Society and Historic Richmond Town. Go to siparent.com/summer to find out how to apply.

LOCAL PARK PROGRAMS – Many Staten Island parks offer free summertime recreational programs for kids in order to encourage physical activity and outdoor play.

• Police Athletic League (PAL) Sumer Playstreets – Activities include sports, arts and crafts, games, music and dance, every Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm until August 22. The Staten Island locations are: Corporal Thompson Park, Mahoney Playground, BIG PARK, and Bowen Street.

• Kids in Motion – Activities include organized sports, games, fitness demos, guided walks, board games, water games, and more, every Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm, until September 5. The Staten Island locations are De Matti Park, Grandview Playground, Levy Park, and McDonald Playground.

• Ocean Breeze Summer Fitness – This series takes place weekly at the Midland Beach Splash Plaza and includes programs for both children and adults. The “Parents and I Chalk Art” program allows kids to tap into their creative side with theme-inspired chalk art, and meets every Friday at 9:30am until August 28. The “Obstacle Course Playground” program allows young children and toddlers to hop, skip, and jump to their hearts content, and meets every Thursday at 3pm until August 27.

By Jeannine Cintron, and a Staten Island mom.

VACATION

>>>

HOW TO ENJOY A STAYCATION

ecovery from the recession has sparked renewed interest in vacation travel. Resort bookings are up, and millions will enjoy exotic vacations in the months to come.

R

While discretionary spending is increasing, some individuals and families continue to take a conservative approach to their finances, and that approach extends to how they spend their time off. Many are still embracing "staycations," in which families forgo travel in favor of staying home. Staycations may not be as exotic as trips abroad, but there are several ways that families can make their staycations enjoyable and memorable. · Invest in your home or lifestyle. Repurpose your vacation funds this year to install that pool or landscape the backyard to make it feel like a tropical paradise. End of season sales can make it more affordable and you’ll reap the benefits in the future.

MAKE THE MOST OF A VACATION SPENT AT OR NEARBY HOME.

· Become a tourist in your hometown. Chances are you have never experienced the sights of New York the way a tourist might. Plan a few days when you can act like someone visiting Staten Island or

F R E E Full Day UPK

Large Outdoor Play Yard

Academic Curriculum • Certified Teachers

Openings in our 2 Year Old Program

Diapers OK • Video Security

5 Spacious Classrooms

Preschool • Daycare • Free UPK • Summer Camp Children Ages 2-6 • Open 7am-6:30pm

Seats are Limited Call to schedule a Tour

718 494-7422 • 501 Richmond Hill Rd www.rhccny.com Check us out on www.siparent.com & Facebook

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You can find a number of entertaining and low-cost activities that your family will enjoy in the pages of S.I. Parent’s Family Calendar or online at www.siparent.com.

Fireworks displays, movies under the stars, concerts, and fairs are just a handful of the fun events that may be coming soon.

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Manhattan for the first time. Visit local cultural or historic places right here in our own backyard. Hop on one of those sightseeing buses in Manhattan and learn something new about where you live. You may just be surprised at what you can discover. · Look for hidden gems. Some local businesses may be willing to open up for "behind the scenes" tours if you ask. This can be a fun excursion for young children.

Ask employees of a movie theater if you can see the projection room. Newspaper offices may host tours of their facilities.

Even a bowling alley can be fascinating to kids if they can see ball-return mechanisms or how equipment is stored. Watching the zamboni machine clean the ice at a rink also may be an entertaining sneak peak into rink operations.

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Mon-Sat 10am-6pm Closed Sundays Credit & Debit Cards Accepted

· Splurge on a show or sporting event.

Attend an event you normally wouldn't unless you were on vacation. Take a trip to see a Broadway or Broadway-inspired musical at a nearby theater or take the family to see your local sports team play a home game against its biggest rival. Treat yourself to concession stand snacks and a few souvenirs. · Dine out a few nights. Vacations often entail eating out, especially if meals are not included in a traditional vacation package.

Use your staycation as the opportunity to dine at local restaurants you have yet to visit. Indulge the kids one night and put them in charge of choosing the meals.

Forget those diet plans for a day or two and savor that triple-scoop ice cream cone.

If the cost of dining out has you concerned, select restaurants that offer coupons or special deals like Kids Eat Free nights. (See the list of local Kids Eat Free restaurant deals on SIParent.com) · Turn off electronics. Take a break from some of your devices during your staycation. By doing so, you will be less likely to fall into your daily habits and more likely to make the most of your time to rest and relax.

Richmondtown Soccer Club is growing stronger every year.

Over 400 children, from ages 3 to 14, think it's the place to be to learn the game of Soccer. Richmondtown Soccer is dedicated to teaching kids about the world's most popular game, with an emphasis on good sportsmanship. Boys and girls from Pre-School to High School play with Richmondtown.

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Our youth teams ages 5 - 14 are always looking for new players.

Our experienced licensed coaches make learning the game fun and enjoyable.

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AUGUST 2015

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DEAR TEACHER

by Peggy Gisler & Marge Eberts

Establishing a School Routine

Question: We start each new school year with the best intentions of getting our kids out the door without too much hassle and handling afterschool activities including homework. But the sad truth is that we slip up and throw in the towel after a few weeks. What is the secret of making our family's life go smoother this year? -- Disorganized Answer: Perhaps the secret for your family is not to do too much at first. Start by choosing to structure either the morning or the after-school routine. And select the routines that fit your family's personality and are age-appropriate for your children. Remember that changing behaviors takes time. Don’t give up too quickly.

Morning Routines

1. Successful morning routines start the night before. Clothes should be selected, baths taken, alarms set and backpacks laid by the door.

2. Create a realistic morning schedule for your children that includes breakfast and departure times.

3. Include in your routine - time for brushing teeth and putting on outerwear.

4. Use timers for dressing and eating.

5. Have a strategy for making school lunches or paying for them.

6. Use music as a transition to eating and/or leaving home -- different tunes for each activity. This can be programmed into an electronic device.

7. Eliminate all use of electronic media.

8. Post the routine in a prominent spot.

9. Be willing to change parts of the routine that simply do not work.

After-School Routines

1. Successful afternoon routines will need to have some latitude, as activities do vary. You may need different routines for different days.

2. Include a time for snacks. Kids love them, and snack time is a great time to talk about what happened at school.

3. Choose a specific time for homework, dinner and going to bed.

4. Include a definite play time for fun each day, if possible.

Talk, Talk, Talk to Children

Question: All I see everywhere is parents either talking, texting or searching for messages on their cellphones in the presence of their children. No one seems to talk to children anymore. How is this affecting children? -- For More Personal Attention Answer: There has been very little research on the effects of adults (parents and caregivers) being tied to their phones in the presence of kids.

One study noted that children in fast-food restaurants reacted either by entertaining themselves -- often with tablets or mobile devices -- or simply misbehaving.

Since the development of language in young children is strongly dependent on adult-child conversation, it only makes sense for cellphones to be put away when adults are around children.

Choosing the Perfect Planners

Question: The school wants our young children in elementary school to use planners. However, the teachers have not made very specific

recommendations. What should I be looking for?

-- Need Advice Answer: The type of planners children use depends upon their grade level. The younger the child, the smaller the planner should be. They do not need heavy, bulky planners. In early elementary school, a planner should have: --Plenty of space to write down assignments, as younger children usually have large handwriting.

--A front and/or back pocket to bring work home from school and assignments and forms to school.

--A spiral binding so papers will not fall out and be lost.

Depending on a teacher's requirements, it can also be handy to have pages for logging the books a student has read and spelling words.

As children advance to later grades, schools may provide planners or require a specific planner. These planners are usually larger and will offer more options. A calendar is definitely necessary so the children can write down the dates when assignments and reports are due, as well as the schedule of family events, extracurricular activities and appointments.

Records Families Need to Keep

Question: Every year I get a barrage of information from my kids' schools. How do I know what I should keep? -- Need to Know Answer: Schools do not always keep all the important records related to your child's education. You should establish a file folder for each of your children and keep it in a file cabinet or special place. The folders should include the following records: --Report cards and transcripts of grades.

--Copies of letters or emails that you have sent to a teacher or school on significant issues, as well as copies of their important communications to you.

--Standardized test scores.

--Medical records, especially immunizations.

Besides keeping important school records, it is also nice to have a portfolio of work completed by each of your children. You certainly don't have to keep every piece of artwork or paper that they have written. Be selective. An accordion file folder can keep these papers organized by grade level. You also might want to include an annual school picture of each child.

Parents should send questions to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or ask them on the columnists’ website at www.dearteacher.com.

AUGUST 2015

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53

HEALTH

>>>

SUNBURN RELIEF

unburn is something nearly everyone will experience at least once in their lifetimes. Though men, women and children should look to prevent sunburn entirely, sometimes sunburns occur, making those exposed to too much sun uncomfortable and possibly even dealing with considerable pain.

Sunburn is marked by red, sensitive skin that can be hot to the touch.

Inflammation and blistering may occur. The Skin Cancer Foundation says that while sunburn may seem like a temporary irritation, it can cause long-lasting damage to the skin. Treating sunburn may require several different approaches. · Get out of the sun the moment you first feel irritation. Your skin may not be red, but irritation may be the first indication that you are being burned by the sun. · Take cool baths or showers to relieve the pain and heat in the skin.

Cool, damp towels also can do the trick. · Use a moisturizing lotion with aloe vera. Avoid moisturizers with petroleum, as they will lock in heat. · The American Academy of Dermatology notes that sunburn may lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water to keep your body well hydrated. · Blisters may occur if sunburn is particularly bad. Do not succumb to the temptation of popping the blisters, as doing so may result in an infection. · Take a dose of ibuprofen to reduce swelling and counteract the pain.

Ibuprofen also may help prevent some long-term damage.

S

TREATING A SUNBURN CORRECTLY MAY HELP REDUCE SOME PAIN AND DISCOMFORT.

· If a blistering burn covers more than 20 percent of the body, seek medical attention. In addition, visit your physician if a sunburn is accompanied by fever and chills. · Keep sunburn covered up with tightly woven clothing to aid in healing.

Sunburn can be painful and increase your risk for skin cancer, so prevention and treatment should be taken seriously.

Michael De Simone Ph.D, LCSW

fall 2015 registration open

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Musical Theatre, Mom & Me, Creative Movement (3-4 yrs), Tumbling, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Lil Hop (4-5 yrs) Award Winning Company (Competition Team) Adult classes, Zumba, JAMZ5B Cardio Ballet Barre Professional, award winning instructors and choreographers Registration Dates: August 24, 25, 26, 27, 31 September 1, 2 & 3

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GROWING UP ONLINE

by Carolyn Jabs

How is Social Media Changing Our Schools?

Is social media a powerful educational tool or a dangerous distraction? All over the country, educators are wrestling with that question. So far, there is no consensus. Some schools try to create walled compounds in the hope that it will help students concentrate on their studies. Other schools regard it as their responsibility to teach young people to use the networking tools that are likely to dominate their adult lives.

The downside to social media can be summarized in two words – danger and distraction. The danger comes both from adult predators and from peers. Social media creates “more opportunities for potential offenders to engage with children,” according to Ernie Allen, CEO of the Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Adult predators often comb social media sites for information about the interests and activities of young people. Even children who use appropriate privacy settings may be vulnerable if they interact or are tagged in photos on the sites of less conscientious friends.

Schools are also keenly aware that social networks create new opportunities for students to torment their peers. When the National Education Association surveyed teachers about bullying, almost 20% said they were aware of incidents of cyberbullying. Even when cyberbullying originates off-campus, its effects can spill over into school. In many schools, administrators worry that if social media were encouraged or even permitted during the school day, they would incur even more responsibility and perhaps liability for bullying incidents.

Even if students don’t harass each other, many educators regard social media as a distraction that keeps young people from focusing on schoolwork. Dr. Michael Rich, a Harvard researcher who calls himself the Mediatrician, argues that when young people use social media constantly, “their brains are rewarded for not staying on task but for jumping to the next thing.” Other researchers have found that multi-tasking actually slows the ability to master and retain new information.

Technology can also be a distraction for teachers. In several highly publicized cases, teachers have blogged or posted Facebook messages about classroom activities. In Pennsylvania, a teacher was dismissed after she characterized her students as “lazy.” Because they can anticipate problems that might arise if students or even parents “friend” a teacher, some schools are writing rules about how teachers use social media in their private lives.

On the other side of the fence, a small but growing group of wired educators argue that social media offers remarkable opportunities for communication and collaboration precisely because it commands the attention of young students.

Some teachers now believe that schools are missing an opportunity if they don’t teach their students to use social media for something more than making mindless wisecracks and swapping silly videos. One teacher routinely collects student cellphone numbers. If they aren’t in class, she calls to find out why. Other teachers make themselves available online in the evenings so students can ask questions about homework. These wired teachers believe Facebook and other social media allow them to make a more personal connection with students.

Teachers have also found that social media can be a powerful tool for social learning. Because of the risks built into popular public networks like Facebook, some educators prefer social networks that are designed specifically for the classroom. Kidblog and Edublogs allow students to post and comment on classroom assignments in a secure and private setting. TeacherTube and School Tube are educational variations on YouTube. And Edmodo is a customized social networking site where teachers can post classroom materials, share videos, access homework and distribute school notices. Students in turn can collaborate on projects even on snow days.

Because educators vary so widely in their approach to social media, parents need to do their own homework. While school districts try to figure out the appropriate role for social media in the classroom, parents must step up to shape the social media experience so what kids learn is constructive. Here are some suggestions.

By Carolyn Jabs, M.A., who raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs.

She has written Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses conflict. Other columns are available at www.growing-up-online.com. @ Copyright, 2015. Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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1. Get involved. It’s hard to understand social media from the sidelines.

Even if you can’t spend hours a day doing social networking, set up an account so you can talk knowledgably to your child. If your school or your child’s teacher makes use of social media, friend them and join their groups so you can keep up with what’s being said by and about the school.

2. Support school policy. Even though the rules may be in flux, all schools have an Acceptable Use Policy for technology. Read it. If you have suggestions or concerns, take them to administrators. Don’t debate the policy with your child. If the school has decided that cellphones are disruptive in the classroom, insist that your child stow the technology during the school day. Kids need to get a consistent message from parents and school personnel about how social media fits into the curriculum.

3. Don’t rush it. Social media requires social sophistication. To use it effectively, kids need to be able to recognize and deflect predators. They also need to have the savvy to manage relationships at different degrees of intimacy.

Those skills begin to emerge in middle school. Coincidently, Facebook requires members to be thirteen. Under that age, your child will have to lie to get an account. Rather than encouraging that kind of deception, parents can point younger kids toward social media sites that require parent approval and include some kind of monitoring.

4. Explore alternatives. Most adolescents want to be part of Facebook because it is the most popular of the social networking websites. Still, Facebook isn’t right for everyone. Just as some adults decide that they prefer to do their social networking on a professional site like LinkedIn, kids may get more out of social media that is tied to a special interest such as music or social issues. Wikipedia maintains a List of Social Networking Websites that will help you point your teen toward networks where relationships revolve around books, films, community service or environmental issues.

5. Start with training wheels. When you think your child is ready for social media, set up an account together. At the beginning, you should approve each addition to the friend list and you should insist on being one of the friends.

Follow the same progression you did when your child first started having play dates. Initially, you’ll pay a lot of attention to be sure the friends are suitable and your child is playing nice. As your child demonstrates maturity, you can back away.

6. Teach survival skills. At every age, children need to know how to protect themselves online. Coach your child about how to use privacy tools so profile information is not visible to the general public. Point out how to block and report content that is aggressive or inappropriate. Encourage your child to come to you if they—or others--are threatened or harassed.

7. Expect civility. Like every other online activity, social media can be used in constructive and destructive ways. Be sure your child understands that being online isn’t a license to be disrespectful or cruel. If anything, young people should be more thoughtful about what they say in social media because mean comments or compromising photos linger online. Suggest that your child adopt the time-tested rule: If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.

8. Discuss reputation. What’s said online stays online—forever. Kids often don’t understand that what they do and post in social media settings can easily leak out and become part of a permanent online profile. Even if they remove an impulsive post or an ill-advised photo, someone else may have copied and distributed it. Be sure your child understands that school administrators, college admissions officers and employers (not to mention grandma) routinely use online resources to gather information.

9. Set limits. Social media is available 24/7. Many teenagers actually sleep with their cellphones so they can be available to for tweets, text messages and status updates anytime of the day or night. Parents have to help their kids find balance. Insist that your child disengage regularly from social media to do other important things like finishing chores, having conversations, reading books, getting exercise or just thinking without interruption.

Smart parents have always thought about education as a collaboration between home and school. When your child learned to read, for instance, you supported the teacher’s efforts by reading bedtime stories and playing rhyming games. Taking the time to teach your child to use social media wisely gives your child the same head start. Once your child has mastered these skills, he or she will be able to connect with the constructive potential of social media regardless of the policies the school adopts.

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59

ZOO TALK

Just Sayin’...

Millions of people flock to zoos all over the country to catch a glimpse of animals not native to North America. Where else can one watch a lion lay in the warm sun in close proximity to penguins diving into arctic depths?

The following are some zoos in the U.S. and Canada.

• San Diego Zoo & Safari Park: This 100-acre zoo features more than 650 species and subspecies of animals and known for its giant pandas.

• Dallas Zoo: Laid out across 106 acres, its Wilds of Africa exhibit was the first in the world to include every major African-continent habitat.

• Columbus Zoo: At 580 acres, and home to some 575 species from around the world, it is well known for its exhibits and conservation efforts.

• St. Louis Zoo: While not the The 50-50 Raffle is one of the largest zoo, it boasts one of the most most popular games of chance around, impressive penguin habitats in the country. It's also one of the although few people expect to strike it rich when few zoos to offer free entry. they buy a ticket. Last July, however, Connor Croken • Toronto Zoo: One of the world's largest, coming in at around won one of the largest jackpots in 50-50 sports raffle 710 acres and housing more than 5,000 animals of nearly 500 history, leaving an Edmonton Eskimos game with species. $322,216.00 in his pocket. Remember that • SI Zoo – Ok, so covering 8 acres, it’s not one of the largest Zoos next time you are asked in North America, but it is quite an exceptional place to bring the if you’d like an “arm’s length.” kids. This summer they are featuring the Cool Zoo Summer Series with events such as a special Penguin visit, Dinos & Fossils, Snake feeding events and much more. All are included with the Zoo admission.

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES?

FIREFLIES Fireflies are often seen lighting up

BRAIN FREEZE!

Ice cream headaches occur when the the night sky on warm summer cold ice cream moves across the roof of the evenings. One reason that mouth and back of the throat. Scientists are not fireflies glow is to attract quite certain what causes ice cream headaches, but mates. Males will flash, and females will respond to mates some suggest that it involves cold ice cream temporarily they find interesting. Fireflies altering blood flow. This constriction and expansion of also may glow to avoid blood vessels can cause pain. Once the predators. Despite their body adapts to the change in name, fireflies aren't really temperature, the pain should flies. They actually are a subside. Eating ice cream slowly type of beetle– and there can help prevent ice cream are more than 2,000 headaches. species of them, found on every continent except Antarctica! Want to find the best way to catch fireflies (and of course, release them)?

Check out siparent.com/the-science-behind-fireflies/

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DOING THE CAN-CAN

According to the Earth Echo International, recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a television for three hours.

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Elizabeth W. Pouch Center for Special People A Division of the Staten Island Mental Health Society, Inc.

“A Lifeline for a Lifetime” Serving Staten Island Residents of All Ages Who Are Developmentally Challenged • Clinical outpatient services including diagnosis, treatment, specialized therapies, and supportive services for children and their families • Comprehensive CPSE evaluations • Saturday socialization groups for children with autism • Parent partnership in all programs Preschool Inclusion Classes at Head Start

718.448.9775 657 Castleton Ave. www.simhs.org Early Childhood Program services are funded by local and state taxes earmarked for special education and other services. Transportation for the Preschool Inclusion Classes available at no cost to parents.

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Six Inexpensive Memory Makers As we begin the second half of the summer vacation, time with the grandchildren can become more challenging and expensive. It’s great when kids are outdoors pursuing activities, but unbearable heat could drive them indoors and that could mean pricey activities. Below are a few frugal ideas to keep grandparents and youngsters occupied as summer comes to an end.

• If you belong to an organization or volunteer somewhere, bring the kids along for a few hours. It’s a great way to show off the grandchildren and let them see you around other adults. Most of the Island’s museums and historical sites welcome volunteers, even temporarily. Sign up for a single fundraiser or commit to a weekly service project. Find something that fits your schedule and will give you and your teen an opportunity to work together. Check out siparent.com for volunteer opportunities under the “Resources” tab.

• Hungry? Dine at a “Kids Eat Free” restaurant. Here on Staten Island, on certain days of the week, some restaurants offer free kids’ meals with the purchase of an adult meal. Mark your calendar to keep track of the various offers or check out siparent.com for a list.

• Cook a special meal together for the family. Call it a special event!

There is so much less pressure bringing the family together on a nonholiday occasion. And what better way than to involve the grandchildren?

First, plan a menu with the kids. Teach them to scan the weekly circulars for good deals. Next, shop for the grocery items together. You can get adventurous with your meal choices or choose cuisine from different parts of the world to really make it interesting! Then invite everyone over to eat.

• Visit a nature preserve or wildlife center. Bundle some education in with a fun trip to a local nature preserve. The Greenbelt Nature Center and High Rock Park are two ideal places to begin a tour of the Staten Island Greenbelt Preserve. A visit to these centers is often free, and participating in programming may be as well. If not, the fee likely will be inexpensive.

They have both educational programs and outdoor exhibits. Volunteering at a nature center is not only a great way to get involved in your community, but it’s also a great way to get to know one of New York City’s largest and most beautiful parks. Check out siparent.com’s “Family Fun” tab.

Call For a Tour!

718.761.1858 www.school.stjohnslutheransi.org

663 Manor Rd • 10314

by Marianna Randazzo

• Play cards: the old fashioned kind, with a deck! Youngsters will learn several essential life skills. Card games enable children to think strategically, see patterns, and strengthen their memories. Start with shuffling, which demands dexterity and perseverance. Once that’s done, build a house of cards. While you’re playing a game of Rummy or War, teach them how to hold their cards so that they are not showing. Build up to more skilled games. How about a few card tricks? Teach them to amaze a crowd!

You can find simple tricks online. Last, but not least, card playing encourages good sportsmanship—win, lose or draw, it’s all for fun or chips!

FREE UPK SPOTS AVAILABLE Kindergarten to 8th Grade

Christian Values

LIFE IS GRAND!

Small Class Attention

St. John’s admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.

• Grab a ride on the Carousel in Willowbrook Park, which is open seven days a week all summer long. Rides are still just $1.50, and multiple ride vouchers are available.

Life is a one-time offer. Use it well!

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By Staten Islander Marianna Randazzo, author, educator, and a newly minted grandmother.

AUGUST 2015

www.siparent.com

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Tips • Prod Fun uc t

s

ents • Giveaw ay em nc

PRODUCT REVIEW

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Made of high-end jersey knit material, it allows mother and child the opportunity for skin-to-skin bonding while nursing or bottle feeding.

SRP $24.99 www.itzyritzy.com

August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month! Here are some little-known facts about breastfeeding: • Three quarters of women produce more milk with their right breast than their left.

• Human milk is sold on the internet for about $4 per ounce, which is approximately 262 times the price of oil (according to thebump.com).

• Most women who have implants are still able to breastfeed.

• According to the World Health Organization, if every child was breastfed within an hour of birth, given breast milk exclusively for their first six months of life, and continued breastfeeding until two years of age, about 800,000 child lives would be saved every year.

• Breastfeeding can save a family upwards of $1,500 per year.

• Babies will breastfeed only until they are full, not until they have emptied the entire breast.

ws • Birth Ann ou vie Re

O.M.G. I’m a MOM!

BREASTFEEDING FACTS • The flavor of breast milk changes according to what mom eats.

• In the days immediately following birth, the breasts release a sticky, yellowish liquid called colostrum, often referred to as “liquid gold” because it is filled with powerful nutrients.

• The human body burns 20 calories to produce a single ounce of breast milk, which means moms can burn hundreds of calories per day while breastfeeding.

• Some women suffer from a condition called insufficient glandular tissue, which causes a low production of breast milk and makes breastfeeding not possible.

• Alcohol only remains present in breast milk for the same amount of time that it remains in the bloodstream. The practice of "pumping and dumping" can help prevent engorgement, but is not necessary to get rid of "tainted" milk. Moms who have had a drink should simply wait several hours before nursing.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS Submit Your BABY’S ANNOUNCEMENT on www.siparent.com London Storm Thompson June 25, 2015 4 pounds, 1 ounce Parents: Melinda & David

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Haley Grace Shantz June 27, 2015 8 pounds, 6 ounces Parents: Steven & Julie

EquiptBaby Diaper Bag and Portable Bassinet Balance a day soaking up the sun at the beach and finding shade for your little one with EquiptBaby's ultimate diaper bag with Portable Bassinet. The bag and bassinet were designed to be used day-to-day, overnight, or on an extended stay with all goodies in one bag.

EquiptBaby diaper bag features an insulated cooler pocket, ample storage space, outside pockets with magnetic snaps to create easy access for car keys or wallet, and an adjustable shoulder strap to hug stroller handles.The SPF 50 material Bassinet with insert pad features a one-handed set up, which pop ups in less than 2 seconds, as well as visibility panels all-around and fine mesh insect screen windows.

Pricing separately: Diaper bag - $89.95 and Bassinet - $69.95 • www.equiptbaby.com

A $149.95 VALUE! • VISIT SIPARENT.COM/CONTESTS TO ENTER.

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>>>

GOING TO COLLEGE

USE HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR YEAR TO PREPARE FOR COLLEGE LIFE ollege is the first taste of true independence many young students experience. Whereas mom and dad were always around to make sure kids were out the door on time and homework was done, that safety blanket is no longer there once kids move into their dorm rooms.

C

The transition to college life can be exciting.

But while students typically welcome that transition with open arms, parents often worry about how their children will handle their suddenly more independent life. Parents who want to help their kids make as smooth a transition to college life as possible can take steps during their children's senior year of high school to help them adjust to their new surroundings and responsibilities more easily.

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路 Let kids fly solo on school day mornings.

New college students have to make many adjustments upon moving into their dorms, and getting themselves out of bed and off to class on time is one such change. Parents worried that their students will sleep in when mom and dad

isn't around to remind them to wake up can start letting kids fly solo on school day mornings during their final year of high school. Let kids set their alarms, prepare their own breakfasts and get out the door on time all on their own. By the time their freshman year of college arrives, kids will know how to handle their mornings by themselves. · Teach kids how to develop budgets.

Another problem many first-year college students encounter is an inability to effectively manage their money. Whether you plan to give kids an allowance while they are in school or intend for them to work parttime for their spending money, use senior year of high school as an opportunity to show kids how to budget their money. If they don't have accounts already, open bank accounts in your youngster's name, and insist that he or she start paying for his or her expenses via these accounts. Resist the urge to give high school kids gas money or money for shopping trips if they have already spent their allowances so they can learn how to effectively manage money between paydays. In addition, teach kids about the right and wrong ways to use credit cards, including the importance of paying balances in full and on time. · Let kids handle more standard responsibilities. Adults tend to take more mundane responsibilities like making doctor's appointments or grocery shopping for granted. But kids likely have no idea how to handle such tasks. Parents can encourage their high school seniors to make their own medical appointments. In addition, take kids along on grocery shopping trips, explaining how to find sale items and which foods to buy and which to avoid. Nutrition is not always foremost on the minds of college freshmen, but those who understand the importance of healthy diets are more likely to buy nutritious meals than junk food. · Emphasize time management. Today's high schoolers are busier than ever before, so many may already be prepared for the juggling act that is college life. But college students have more free time than their high school counterparts, so parents can emphasize the importance of managing that free time wisely as opposed to spending it lounging on the couch or napping.

The transition from high school to college can be both exciting and difficult. But parents can get a head start on that transition by encouraging their youngsters to be more independent during their final year of high school.

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• Core Curriculum • Emphasis on Language & Communication Skills CALL FOR A VISIT • FLEXIBLE PROGRAM SCHEDULE ON-GOING REGISTRATION Monday-Friday, Half & Full Days Available Liz Brandefine - Educational Director • Early Drop Off Established 1990 Licensed by the Bureau of Day Care • 4 year old Pre-K program Call for a Visit • 3 year old Pre-K program • 2 year old Nursery program

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Pre-School 3 Year Old Thru Grade 8 FOR OVER 50 YEARS WE HAVE BEEN: “Large enough to serve your child…

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by Giavanna and Gina Schrecker

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Eltingville Lutheran School admits students of any race, religion, national or ethnic origin.

OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA SCHOOL

Start your child off on the right path!

Become a part of the Catholic school tradition.

• Advance ED Accredited/NCA • NYS Certified teaching staff • Common Core Curriculum PreK 4 to Grade 8 • High tech computer lab • Interactive Smartboard in all classrooms • Internet access throughout the school • Grades 7 & 8 use online textbooks for science, reading and social studies through school provided IPads.

• Remediation program, school counselor & meeting room • NJHS Chapter; Student Government • Science, Engineering and Technology Club; • Grade 8 Honors Math • Spanish Grades 3-8 Pre-K • State of the art athletic center with two new gymnasiums and an outdoor soccer field to 8th • Before and after care school program Grade • Full time school nurse

Pre K 3 Half Day: Tues & Thurs • 8:30-11:00 & 12:00-2:30 Pre K 4 Full Day: Mon, Wed & Fri • 8:30-2:30 Pre K 4 Emergent Literacy with Happily Ever After Reading Program, Formal Music and Computer Classes.

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To Register Call 718-984-5750 Irma Cummings, Principal or 718-984-0593 Debbie Emigholz, Parish Manager 5411 AMBOY ROAD • SI, NY 10312

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This month, we are saying goodbye to the Gigi's World column.

After 12 years of allowing us insight into the world of a child growing up on Staten Island, Gigi is on to new adventures. She'll still be around town, loving life as she exemplifies the best Staten Island has to offer.

So if you see her, be sure to say hi!

It’s a lot of work being a four-month-old, but I think I’m lovin’ it. Every day brings with it a new adventure, new touch, new smile, different voice.

I’m finding myself, discovering the world around me, and learning oh-somuch that I’m finding it increasingly important to take notes.

And that’s how “Baby Gia’s World” (what this column was originally called) began 139 issues ago. It was January 2004, and my mom embarked on this journey on my behalf, chronicling my every move and milestone. Over the years, she and I shared many things – our thoughts on the latest diaper bag and bottles, pacifiers and party places, first concerts and last days of school, moments and memories.

Alas, as I turn 12 years old this month, we’ve decided it’s time to say "So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye…” (Yes, we are “Sound of Music” fans!)

We consider it a privilege to have had an opportunity to share our life with you all. From those early days of me being recognized as “that baby in the magazine,” you’ve been an encouragement to us. As the years passed and we felt like we were running out of things to share that would matter to people, you told us that we did…. that you were able to relate to my stories because your “son/daughter/grandchild did the same thing!”

Our friends at Staten Island Parent have been like a second family to us.

They’ve cherished me even before I was born through their friendship with my mom. The editors there have guided her through moments of “mommy madness,” helping her shape those ins and outs of life with children into vignettes we hope have both educated and entertained you through the years.

They have certainly made her a better mom thanks to their support, advice, and love.

Penning this column has been so important to my family as it’s helped us hold onto the days that have seemed to pass by so quickly. All of these monthly pages, filed neatly in mom’s big red binder, are tangible memories we can re-live by re-reading about me taking my first steps, setting my hair with mom's oldfashioned rollers, learning how to bake, going to Disney, meeting my sister for the first time, enjoying laughs with dad, spending time with my grandparents, family, and friends, ushering in new school years, discovering new adventures, and more.

These days, with all of the digital gadgets and point-and-click shuffle, Mom tells me that the sense of community she grew up with is often lost. But thanks to "Baby Gia’s World/Gigi’s World,” we have had a unique connection to moms and dads in the area that can never be replaced with technology. Though we may be bidding these monthly deadlines and pages adieu, I’d like to think of it more as an “I’ll see you later” – in the bowling alley, down New Dorp Lane, walking in the St. Patrick’s Day parade with my Girl Scout troop, at the movies with my cousins, or simply at my next great “Gigi adventure.”

Because…

It’s a lot of work being a 12-year-old, but I think I’m going to love it!

By Gigi Schrecker (with a help from her mom, Gina LaGuardia-Schrecker, VP of Content Development for CareerCo). Gigi has been providing S.I. Parent readers with a kids'-eye perspective into life growing up on S.I. since 2004.

AUGUST 2015

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saturDay,august 1

couch to 5K the conference House 718-984-6046 8:00 am • Free • Ages 16+ Bicycle association Bicycle ride new Dorp High school 718-667-8686 8:30 am • Free • Ages 18+ gardening at gericke gericke Farm 718-967-1976 9:00 am • Free • All ages Bank of america museums on us staten island museum 718-727-1135 10:00 am • Free • All ages get up and grow stop n shop (Hylan Blvd.)

718-980-2059 10:00 am • Free • All ages Fitness saturday mariners Harbor library 212-621-0690 10:15 am • Free • All ages science saturdays Dongan Hills library 718-351-1444 11:00 am • Free • All ages saturday morning arts and crafts conference House park 718-984-6046 11:00 am • Free • All ages conference House tours the conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • Free • All ages art studio si children's museum 718-273-2060 1:00 pm • Free • Ages 2-10 eating america tour Historic richmond town 718-351-1611 2pm • Free w/admission • All ages X-Box Kinnect port richmond library 718-442-0158 2:00 pm • Free • Ages 5-11 cleaning & maintaining Westerleigh park 718-442-0336 9:00 am • Free • All ages Free Family Films new Dorp library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • All ages Kiddie game time mariners Harbor library 212-621-0690 3:00 pm • Free • Ages 6-11 cinema saturdays stapleton library 718-727-0427 3:00 pm • Free • All ages Knitting Hour south Beach library 718-816-5834 3:00 pm • Free • Adults get up and grow stop n shop (richmond ave.)

718-761-4856 3:00 pm • Free • All ages

events announced in this calendar are subject to change. call to confirm before you attend.

lori Belilove & the isadora Duncan Dance company alice austen House museum 718-816-4506 6:00 pm • $10 • All ages

sunDay,august 2

Dog Days of summer Hike High rock park 718-667-2165 10:00 am • Free • All ages Discovery Day Fresh Kills freshkillspark.org 11:00 am • Free • All ages Bank of america museums on us staten island museum 718-727-1135 12:00 pm • Free • All ages Kayaking Kayak staten island kayakstatenisland.org 12:00 pm • Free • All ages

Building the american Dream tour Historic richmond town 718-351-1611 2pm • Free w/admission • All ages Doggie Boot camp Henry Kaufmann campgrounds 718-761-1423 3:30 pm • Free • All ages Boardwalk concert series the vanderbilt at south Beach 718-477-0800 4:00 pm • Free • All ages Family Day clove lakes park 212-639-9675 4:00 pm • Free • All ages new york city skyline tour Fort Wadsworth 718-354-4500 4:00 pm • Free • All ages

events & ACtIvItIEs more events & Details on siparent.com

PLEASE NOTE: Events announced in this calendar are subject to change.

We strongly suggest calling to confirm times, prices, ages, etc. before you attend.

August Is:

Children’s Eye Health and safety Month get Ready for Kindergarten Month Kids Eat Right Month Immunization Awareness Month

IMpoRtAnt dAtEs: World Breastfeeding Week - August 1-7 Respect for parents day - August 1 Watermelon day - August 3 World Humanitarian day - August 19

Dinos and Fossils staten island Zoo 718-442-3100 12pm • Free w/admission • All ages conference House tours the conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • Free • All ages art studio si children's museum 718-273-2060 1:00 pm • Free • Ages 2-10 Diabetes prevention group rossville a.m.e. Zion church 718-494-0472 1:30 pm • Free • Adults

monDay,august 3

the science of superheroes stapleton library 718-727-0427 3:30 am • Free • Ages 12-18 Blood Drive richmond university medical center 718-818-1234 7:00 am • Free • Ages 16+ Be a city Hero st. george library 718-442-8560 8:00 am • Free • All ages silly Dance party port richmond library 718-442-0158 10:30 am • Free • Ages 1.5-5

summerstage Kids: abdou sarr Willowbrook park 718-698-2186 10:30 am • Free • All ages Heroes on camera st. george library 718-442-8560 11:00 am • Free • Ages 6-11 toddler story time great Kills library 718-984-6670 11:00 am • Free • Ages 1.5-3 all Join in! stapleton library 718-727-0427 11:00 am • Free • Ages 2-4 Baby space! stapleton library 718-727-0427 11:45 am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Baby and me great Kills library 718-984-6670 1:30 pm • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Hero story Writing with Heroic Dialogue Dongan Hills library 718-351-1444 2:00 pm • Free • Ages 7-12 teen cafe remixed new Dorp library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • Ages 12-18 read aloud/picture Book time new Dorp library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • Ages 3+ Wii gaming port richmond library 718-442-0158 2:30 pm • Free • Ages 5-11 Be a city Hero todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 3:00 pm • Free • Ages 6+ story time todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 4:00 pm • Free • Ages 3-11 read aloud Huguenot library 718-984-4636 4:00 pm • Free • All ages super craft mariners Harbor library 212-621-0690 5:00 pm • Free • Ages 6-12

tuesDay,august 4

vacation Bible school Bethel united methodist church 718-984-1277 9:30 am • $15 • 4-11 tot time tuesday the interpretive center 718-605-3970 10:00 am • Free • Ages 1-4 Baby space st. george library 718-442-8560 10:00 am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 summer Workshop for Kids the conference House 718-984-6046 10:00 am • $25 • Ages 6-10

la leche meeting Christ Church of New Brighton 347-432-1134 10:30 am • Free • adults Baby Bounce Port Richmond library 718-442-0158 10:30 am • Free • ages 0-1.5 Tuesday Storytime Barnes & Noble 718-982-6983 11:00 am • Free • all ages Tot’s Time Plus Si Children's museum 718-273-2060 11:00 am • $5 • ages 1-5 Free Counseling american institute For Creative living & Staten island mental Health Counselor association 718- 698-0300 12:15 pm • Free • adults Baby Space St. George library 718-442-8560 1:00 pm • Free • ages 0-1.5 Buzzy Bees Garden Club Stapleton library 718-727-0427 2:00 pm • Free • all ages Every Hero Has a Story mariners Harbor library 212-621-0690 3:00 pm • Free • ages 6-11 Captain Underpants Party Tottenville library 718-984-0945 3:00 pm • Free • ages 5-12 Teen/Tween Sewing Great Kills library 718-984-6670 3:30 pm • Free • ages 10+ afternoon Story Time and Craft Port Richmond library 718-442-0158 3:30 pm • Free • ages 3-5 Writopia Writing Workshop Todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 4:00 pm • Free • Grades 1-5 Craft Corner Todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 4:00 pm • Free • ages 3-11 Read aloud South Beach library 718-816-5834 4:00 pm • Free • all ages National Night out against Crime midland Beach Promenade 718-876-8500 5:00 pm • Free • all ages

WEDNESDay,aUGUST 5

Evening Fireworks at South Beach The vanderbilt at South Beach 718-477-0800 12:00 am • Free • all ages vacation Bible School Bethel United methodist Church 718-984-1277 9:30 am • $15 • ages 4-11

Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

Summer Workshop for Kids The Conference House 718-984-6046 10:00 am • $25 • ages 6-10

Under a Shady Tree Storytime Tottenville library 718-984-0945 3:00 pm • Free • ages 3-12

Baby Time South Beach library 718-816-5834 10:30 am • Free • ages 0-3

Board Games South Beach library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free • all ages

Summer Fun for the Wee ones Greenbelt Nature Center 718-351-3450 10:30 am • $8 • ages 2-4

Family Story Time mariners Harbor library 212-621-0690 4:00 pm • Free • all ages

Create your own Super Hero St. George library 718-442-8560 11:00 am • Free • ages 8-12

origami Wednesdays!

Todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 4:00 pm • Free • ages 6+

Clay Day Si Children's museum 718-273-2060 1:30 pm • Free • ages 2-10

Boogie Woogie Wednesday!

Si Children's museum 718-273-2060 5:00 pm • Free • all ages

EvENTS & activities moRE EvENTS & DETailS oN SiPaRENT.Com

Family Day

Sunday, august 2 Clove lakes Park 4pm-7pm ages 1-12 www.cityparksfoundation.org a dance party experience for kids ages 1 to 12 years old and their parents too! Featuring little Club Heads, Sugar Free allstars, Hopalong andrew, and Uptown Dance academy. This event is part of SummerStage Kids, NyC’s largest FREE performing arts festival.

Weekday Weed Warriors Greenbelt Nature Center 718-351-3450 1:30 pm • Free • ages 13+ Create your own Super Hero Stapleton library 718-727-0427 2:00 pm • Free • ages 4-9 voice of the People Tour Historic Richmond Town 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/admission • all ages Summer Study Time mariners Harbor library 212-621-0690 3:00 pm • Free • Grades 1-6 Be a City Hero Todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 3:00 pm • Free • ages 6+ Put a Hero on it!

South Beach library 718-816-5834 3:00 pm • Free • ages 12-18

Evening Guided Hike and Trail Run Greenbelt Nature Center 718-351-3450 6:00 pm • Free • all ages

THURSDay,aUGUST 6 outdoor Story Time St. George library 718-442-8560 8:00 am • Free • ages 0-4

vacation Bible School Bethel United methodist Church 718-984-1277 9:30 am • $15 • 4-11 oh, Deer!

Clay Pit Ponds 718-967-1976 10:00 am • Free • all ages Summer Workshop for Kids The Conference House 718-984-6046 10:00 am • $25 • ages 6-10 Tree Census measuring Session St. Patrick's Church 718-351-0044 10:00 am • Free • ages 13+

Tot’s Time Plus Si Children's museum 718-273-2060 11:00 am • $5 • ages 1-5 Baby & me Tottenville library 718-984-0945 11:00 am • Free • ages 0-1.5 Tropical Border Tour Snug Harbor Cultural Center 718-448-2500 1:00 pm • $10 • all ages Paint Day Si Children's museum 718-273-2060 1:30 pm • Free • ages 2-10 a Helluva Choir Noble maritime Collection 718-447-6490 1:30 pm • Free • all ages CloseKnit Noble maritime Collection 718-447-6490 2:00 pm • Free • adults literacy inc. Pajama Storytime St. George library 718-442-8560 2:00 pm • Free • ages 5-12 Read aloud & Craft Dongan Hills library 718-351-1444 2:00 pm • Free • ages 1.5-5 Superheroes Stories & Song New Dorp library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • all ages Behind the Scenes at the museum Historic Richmond Town 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/admission • all ages obstacle Course Playground midland Beach Turtle Circle nycgovparks.org 3:00 pm • Free • all ages Kids’ movie mariners Harbor library 212-621-0690 3:00 pm • Free • all ages literacyiNC: Story Hour Stapleton library 718-727-0427 4:00 pm • Free • all ages Summer Sunset Concert Series Bloomingdale Park 718-967-3542 7:00 pm • Free • all ages The Pipes are Calling St. alban’s Episcopal Church 718-984-6060 7:30 pm • Free • all ages

FRiDay,aUGUST 7

Parents and i Chalk art midland Beach Turtle Circle nycgovparks.org 9:30 am • Free • all ages Fantastic Fridays: Book Heroes mariners Harbor library 212-621-0690 10:00 am • Free • all ages Toddler Time Port Richmond library 718-442-0158 10:30 am • Free • ages 1.5-3

toddler time dongan Hills library 718-351-1444 10:30 am • Free • ages 1.5-5 Preschool story and Craft Huguenot library 718-984-4636 10:30 am • Free • ages 3-5 toddler rhyme time New dorp library 718-351-2977 10:30 am • Free • ages 1.5-2.5 toddler time tottenville library 718-984-0945 10:30 am • Free • ages 1.5-3 summerstage Kids: Hopalong andrew Bloomingdale Park 718-967-3542 10:30 am • Free • all ages the story museum Historic richmond town 718-351-1611 11:30 am • $3 • ages 0-5 Preschool story time todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 11:30 am • Free • ages 3-5 Kidz Cook si Children's museum 718-273-2060 12:00 pm • Free • all ages Computers for Kids Port richmond library 718-442-0158 12:00 pm • Free • Grades 3-6 summer reading Book Club st. George library 718-442-8560 1:00 pm • Free • all ages super reader meeting Port richmond library 718-442-0158 2:00 pm • Free • ages 5-11 read aloud/Picture Book time New dorp library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • ages 3+ light, liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness tour Historic richmond town 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/admission • all ages Family yoga mariners Harbor library 212-621-0690 3:00 pm • Free • all ages Fun Fridays: stories and a Craft Great Kills library 718-984-6670 3:30 pm • Free • ages 4+ Wii love Gaming stapleton library 718-727-0427 3:30 pm • Free • ages 5-11 Wii time south Beach library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free • all ages Friday Hikes Clay Pit Ponds 718-967-1976 4:00 pm • Free • all ages

events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Calling to confirm before you attend.

saturday,auGust 8

all american BBQ Fundraiser the Conference House 718-984-6046 12:00 am • $40 • all ages Couch to 5K the Conference House 718-984-6046 8:00 am • Free • ages 16+ Bicycle association Bicycle ride New dorp High school 718-667-8686 8:30 am • Free • ages 18+ Gardening at Gericke Gericke Farm 718-967-1976 9:00 am • Free • all ages

art studio si Children's museum 718-273-2060 1:00 pm • Free • ages 2-10 Freshkills Park tour Fresh Kills 212-360-3440 1:00 pm • Free • all ages eating america tour Historic richmond town 718-351-1611 2pm • Free w/admission • all ages viva italy Garibaldi-meucci museum 718-442-1608 2:00 pm • $5 • all ages Free Family Films New dorp library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • all ages

la leche meeting Huguenot library 718-984-4636 10:00 am • Free • adults

eveNts & activities more eveNts & details oN siPareNt.Com

disCovery day sunday, august 2 Freshkills Park 11am-4pm all ages www.freshkillsparks.org

Come to Freshkills Park for an opportunity to discover the trails and hills of the landfill-to-park project! Freshkills is opening up the future North Park and miles of additional interior trails for walking, bicycling, jogging, and exploring.

Freshkills Park tour Fresh Kills freshkillspark.org 10:00 am • Free • all ages

outdoor explorium mariners Harbor library 212-621-0690 3:00 pm • Free • all ages

Fitness saturday mariners Harbor library 212-621-0690 10:15 am • Free • all ages

Cinema saturdays stapleton library 718-727-0427 3:00 pm • Free • all ages

science saturdays dongan Hills library 718-351-1444 11:00 am • Free • all ages

Cleaning & maintaining Westerleigh Park 718-442-0336 9:00 am • Free • all ages

saturday morning arts and Crafts Conference House Park 718-984-6046 11:00 am • Free • all ages

Knitting Hour south Beach library 718-816-5834 3:00 pm • Free • adults

story Faces staten island Zoo 718-442-3100 12pm • Free w/admission • all ages

suNday,auGust 9

Conference House tours the Conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • Free • all ages

trail of the month Native Plant Center (718) 370-9044 11:00 am • Free • all ages Conference House tours the Conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • Free • all ages

art studio si Children's museum 718-273-2060 1:00 pm • Free • ages 2-10 diabetes Prevention Group rossville a.m.e. Zion Church 718-494-0472 1:30 pm • Free • adults Building the american dream tour Historic richmond town 718-351-1611 2pm • Free w/admission • all ages ‘the soldier that Wagged Her tail’ reading Historic richmond town 718-351-1611 2:00 pm • Free • all ages doggie Boot Camp Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds 718-761-1423 3:30 pm • Free • all ages Boardwalk Concert series the vanderbilt at south Beach 718-477-0800 4:00 pm • Free • all ages New york City skyline tour Fort Wadsworth 718-354-4500 4:00 pm • Free • all ages

moNday,auGust 10

Blood drive richmond university medical Center 718-818-1234 7:00 am • Free • ages 16+ Be a City Hero st. George library 718-442-8560 8:00 am • Free • all ages summerstage Kids Presents: Puppetmobile Willowbrook Park 718-698-2186 10:30 am • Free • all ages Heroes on Camera st. George library 718-442-8560 11:00 am • Free • ages 6-11 toddler story time Great Kills library 718-984-6670 11:00 am • Free • ages 1.5-3 all Join in! stapleton library 718-727-0427 11:00 am • Free • ages 2-4 Baby space! stapleton library 718-727-0427 11:45 am • Free • ages 0-1.5 Baby and me Great Kills library 718-984-6670 1:30 pm • Free • ages 0-1.5 Hero story Writing with Heroic dialogue dongan Hills library 718-351-1444 2:00 pm • Free • ages 7-12 read aloud/Picture Book time New dorp library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • ages 3+

Wii Gaming port richmond library 718-442-0158 2:30 pm • Free • ages 5-11 Superhero party!

Todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 3:00 pm • Free • all ages Stop Motion productions: Four Workshops, Four Films Stapleton library 718-727-0427 3:30 pm • Free • ages 12-18 Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 4:00 pm • Free • ages 3-11 read aloud Huguenot library 718-984-4636 4:00 pm • Free • all ages Super craft Mariners Harbor library 212-621-0690 5:00 pm • Free • ages 6-12

TuESDay,auGuST 11

Vacation Bible School Bethel united Methodist church 718-984-1277 9:30 am • $15 • 4-11 Tot Time Tuesday The Interpretive center 718-605-3970 10:00 am • Free • ages 1-4 Summer Workshop for Kids The conference House 718-984-6046 10:00 am • $25 • ages 6-10 Baby Bounce port richmond library 718-442-0158 10:30 am • Free • ages 0-1.5 Tuesday Storytime Barnes & noble 718-982-6983 11:00 am • Free • all ages Tot’s Time plus SI children's Museum 718-273-2060 11:00 am • $5 • ages 1-5 rab’s Bowlopolis Blastoff rab's country lanes 718-979-1600 11:00 am • • all ages preschool Fun Tottenville library 718-984-0945 11:00 am • Free • ages 3-5

Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. calling to confirm before you attend.

Heroes on camera Mariners Harbor library 212-621-0690 2:30 pm • Free • ages 6-18

Summer Fun for the Wee ones Greenbelt nature center 718-351-3450 10:30 am • $8 • ages 2-4

abracadabra Tottenville library 718-984-0945 3:00 pm • Free • ages 3-12

create your own Super Hero St. George library 718-442-8560 11:00 am • Free • ages 8-12

afternoon Story Time and craft port richmond library 718-442-0158 3:30 pm • Free • ages 3-5

Midweek Bird Walk Great Kills park 718-987-6729 1:00 pm • Free • all ages

Writopia Writing Workshop Todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 4:00 pm • Free • Grades 1-5

clay Day SI children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30 pm • Free • ages 2-10

Kids’ Movie St. George library 718-442-8560 4:00 pm • Free • all ages

real life Heroes port richmond library 718-442-0158 2:00 pm • Free • ages 5-11

EVEnTS & activities MorE EVEnTS & DETaIlS on SIparEnT.coM

VIVa ITaly

Sunday, august 8 Garibaldi-Meucci Museum 2pm all ages 718-442-1608 Enzo Boscarino presents “Viva Italy” at an outdoor concert on the grounds of the museum for a summer afternoon. The well-traveled troubadour introduces us to the regions of Italy, their contributions, famous residents, culture and songs. craft corner Todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 4:00 pm • Free • ages 3-11 read aloud South Beach library 718-816-5834 4:00 pm • Free • all ages

WEDnESDay,auGuST 12

Evening Fireworks at South Beach The Vanderbilt at South Beach 718-477-0800 12:00 am • Free • all ages

Free counseling american Institute For creative living & Staten Island Mental Health counselor association 718- 698-0300 12:15 pm • Free • adults

Vacation Bible School Bethel united Methodist church 718-984-1277 9:30 am • $15 • 4-11

comic Book club port richmond library 718-442-0158 2:00 pm • Free • ages 5-11

Summer Workshop for Kids The conference House 718-984-6046 10:00 am • $25 • ages 6-10

Buzzy Bees Garden club Stapleton library 718-727-0427 2:00 pm • Free • all ages

SummerStage Kids presents: puppetmobile Snug Harbor cultural center 718-448-2500 10:30 am • Free • all ages

create your own Super Hero Stapleton library 718-727-0427 2:00 pm • Free • ages 4-9 Teen club Magic the Gathering/yu-Gi-oh Tournament new Dorp library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • ages 12-18 Voice of the people Tour Historic richmond Town 718-351-1611 2:30pm•Free w/admission •all ages Summer Study Time Mariners Harbor library 212-621-0690 3:00 pm • Free • Grades 1-6 under a Shady Tree Storytime Tottenville library 718-984-0945 3:00 pm • Free • ages 3-12 Board Games South Beach library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free • all ages

Family Story Time Mariners Harbor library 212-621-0690 4:00 pm • Free • all ages origami Wednesdays!

Todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 4:00 pm • Free • ages 6+ Boogie Woogie Wednesday!

SI children's Museum 718-273-2060 5:00 pm • Free • all ages Evening Guided Hike and Trail run Greenbelt nature center 718-351-3450 6:00 pm • Free • all ages

THurSDay,auGuST 13 outdoor Story Time St. George library 718-442-8560 8:00 am • Free • ages 0-4

Vacation Bible School Bethel united Methodist church 718-984-1277 9:30 am • $15 • 4-11 Tree ID clay pit ponds 718-967-1976 10:00 am • Free • all ages Summer Workshop for Kids The conference House 718-984-6046 10:00 am • $25 • ages 6-10 Tot’s Time plus SI children's Museum 718-273-2060 11:00 am • $5 • ages 1-5 Baby & Me Tottenville library 718-984-0945 11:00 am • Free • ages 0-1.5 paint Day SI children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30 pm • Free • ages 2-10 a Helluva choir noble Maritime collection 718-447-6490 1:30 pm • Free • all ages picture Book Time St. George library 718-442-8560 2:00 pm • Free • ages 3-8 read aloud & craft Dongan Hills library 718-351-1444 2:00 pm • Free • ages 1.5-5 Draw yourself as a Superhero/Heroine new Dorp library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • ages 4+ Behind the Scenes at the Museum Historic richmond Town 718-351-1611 2:30pm•Free w/admission•all ages obstacle course playground Midland Beach Turtle circle nycgovparks.org 3:00 pm • Free • all ages Kiddie Tech Time Mariners Harbor library

212-621-0690 4:00 pm • Free • ages 6-11 LiteracyINc: Story Hour Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 4:00 pm • Free • all ages Movie time South Beach Library 718-816-5834 4:30 pm • Free • all ages Summer Sunset concert Series Snug Harbor cultural center 718-448-2500 7:00 pm • Free • all ages the pipes Are calling St. Alban’s Episcopal church 718-984-6060 7:30 pm • Free • all ages

FRIDAY,AUgUSt 14

parents and I chalk Art Midland Beach turtle circle nycgovparks.org 9:30 am • Free • all ages Fantastic Fridays: villain Day Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 10:00 am • Free • all ages toddler time port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 10:30 am • Free • ages 1.5-3 toddler time Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 10:30 am • Free • ages 1.5-5 preschool Storytime South Beach Library 718-816-5834 10:30 am • Free • Pre-K

Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. calling to confirm before you attend.

Summer Reading Book club St. george Library 718-442-8560 1:00 pm • Free • all ages

gardening at gericke gericke Farm 718-967-1976 9:00 am • Free • all ages

Music and Movement for Little Superheroes port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 1:00 pm • Free • ages 2+

Jr. Science club: Rubber Band Racecars Staten Island Museum 718-727-1135 10:00 am • $8 • ages 8-13

Read Aloud/picture Book time New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • ages 3+ Light, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness tour Historic Richmond town 718-351-1611 2:30pm•Free w/admission•all ages crafts with Linda Decresenzo great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30 pm • Free • ages 4+

SummerStage Kids: Hybrid Movement company Bloomingdale park 718-967-3542 10:30 am • Free • all ages Itty Bitty play time Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 11:00 am • Free • ages 0-3 the Story Museum Historic Richmond town 718-351-1611 11:30 am • $3 • ages 0-5 preschool Story time todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 718-494-1642 11:30 am • Free • ages 3-5 Kidz cook SI children's Museum 718-273-2060 12:00 pm • Free • all ages computers for Kids port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 12:00 pm • Free • Grades 3-6

Fitness Saturday Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 10:15 am • Free • all ages Science Saturdays Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 11:00 am • Free • all ages

EvENtS & activities MORE EvENtS & DEtAILS ON SIpARENt.cOM

ARE YOU A MEMBER OF S.I. pARENt’S FAMILY OF FRIENDS?

Baby Rhyme time New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 10:30 am • Free • ages 0-1.5 toddler time tottenville Library 718-984-0945 10:30 am • Free • ages 1.5-3

Storytime on the terrace greenbelt Nature center 718-351-3450 10:00 am • Free • ages 3-6

Sign up for our weekly E-Newsletter and get instant access to the best family-friendly events on Staten Island, plus tons of exclusive giveaways, big savings from local merchants, and so much more! Just go to siparent.com/signup to register. It’s fast and easy!

Wii Love gaming Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 3:30 pm • Free • ages 5-11

Saturday Morning Arts and crafts conference House park 718-984-6046 11:00 am • Free • all ages

Wii time South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free • all ages

Kayaking Kayak Staten Island kayakstatenisland.org 12:00 pm • Free • all ages

Friday Hikes clay pit ponds 718-967-1976 4:00 pm • Free • all ages

Serpent Day Staten Island Zoo 718-442-3100 12pm • Free w admission • all ages

SAtURDAY,AUgUSt 15

conference House tours the conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • Free • all ages

Staten Island Beach Fest South Beach Boardwalk statenislandbeachfest.com 12:00 pm • Free • all ages

couch to 5K the conference House 718-984-6046 8:00 am • Free • ages 16+ Bicycle Association bicycle ride New Dorp High School 718-667-8686 8:30 am • Free • ages 18+

Art Studio SI children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:00 pm • Free • ages 2-10 Naturalist-Led Hike Fresh Kills freshkillspark.org 1:00 pm • Free • all ages

compasses Navigation 101 Mt. Loretto 718-984-1534 1:30 pm • Free • ages 10-14 Eating America tour Historic Richmond town 718-351-1611 2pm • Free w admission • all ages Summer Safety Saturdays clay pit ponds 718-967-1976 2:00 pm • Free • all ages X-Box Kinnect port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 2:00 pm • Free • ages 5-11 Free Family Films New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • all ages Kiddie game time Mariners Harbor Library 212-621-0690 3:00 pm • Free • ages 6-11 cinema Saturdays Stapleton Library 718-727-0427 3:00 pm • Free • all ages Knitting Hour South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:00 pm • Free • adults Stargazing in great Kills great Kills park 718-987-6729 8:30 pm • Free • all ages cleaning & Maintaining Westerleigh park 718-442-0336 9:00 am • Free • all ages Insects of the Night Mt. Loretto 718-984-1534 8:30 pm • Free • ages 9+

SUNDAY,AUgUSt 16

Kayak the creeks Fresh Kills freshkillspark.org 12:00 pm • Free • all ages conference House tours the conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • Free • all ages Art Studio SI children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:00 pm • Free • ages 2-10 Diabetes prevention group Rossville A.M.E. Zion church 718-494-0472 1:30 pm • Free • adults Building the American Dream tour Historic Richmond town 718-351-1611 2pm • Free w/admission • all ages Sea Shanty Sessions Noble Maritime collection 718-447-6490 2:00 pm • Free • all ages Doggie Boot camp Henry Kaufmann campgrounds 718-761-1423 3:30 pm • Free • all ages

Boardwalk Concert series the vanderbilt at south Beach 718-477-0800 4:00 pm • Free • all ages new York City skyline tour Fort Wadsworth 718-354-4500 4:00 pm • Free • all ages

MonDaY,auGust 17

Blood Drive richmond university Medical Center 718-818-1234 7:00 am • Free • ages 16+ summerstage kids: Claire Parsons Co. Willowbrook Park 718-698-2186 10:30 am • Free • ages 2-6 heroes on Camera st. George library 718-442-8560 11:00 am • Free • ages 6-11 toddler story time Great kills library 718-984-6670 11:00 am • Free • ages 1.5-3 all Join in! stapleton library 718-727-0427 11:00 am • Free • ages 2-4 Baby space! stapleton library 718-727-0427 11:45 am • Free • ages 0-1.5 Baby and Me Great kills library 718-984-6670 1:30 pm • Free • ages 0-1.5

events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Calling to confirm before you attend.

summer Workshop for kids the Conference house 718-984-6046 10:00 am • $25 • ages 6-10

read aloud south Beach library 718-816-5834 4:00 pm • Free • all ages

Baby Bounce Port richmond library 718-442-0158 10:30 am • Free • ages 0-1.5

summer Movie night: an american tail Westervelt Community Garden 212-788-7900 8:00 pm • Free • all ages

tuesday storytime Barnes & noble 718-982-6983 11:00 am • Free • all ages tot’s time Plus si Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11:00 am • $5 • ages 1-5 Free Counseling american institute For Creative living & staten island Mental health Counselor association 718-698-0300 12:15 pm • Free • adults

Wii Gaming Port richmond library 718-442-0158 2:30 pm • Free • ages 5-11 stop Motion Productions: Four Workshops, Four Films stapleton library 718-727-0427 3:30 pm • Free • ages 12-18 story time todt hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 4:00 pm • Free • ages 3-11 read aloud huguenot library 718-984-4636 4:00 pm • Free • all ages super Craft Mariners harbor library 212-621-0690 5:00 pm • Free • ages 6-12

tuesDaY,auGust 18

tot time tuesday the interpretive Center 718-605-3970 10:00 am • Free • ages 1-4

evening Fireworks at south Beach the vanderbilt at south Beach 718-477-0800 12:00 am • Free • all ages summer Workshop for kids the Conference house 718-984-6046 10:00 am • $25 • ages 6-10 summerstage kids: Marika hughes & Bottom heavy snug harbor Cultural Center

events & activities More events & Details on siParent.CoM

Movies in the Park: an aMeriCan tail

hero story Writing with heroic Dialogue Dongan hills library 718-351-1444 2:00 pm • Free • ages 7-12 read aloud/Picture Book time new Dorp library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • ages 3+

WeDnesDaY,auGust 19

tuesday, august 18 Westervelt Community Garden 8pm all ages www.nycgovparks.org

Bring a picnic and a blanket, and enjoy an evening under the stars watching a family-friendly movie. Complimentary hot popcorn will be served.

Buzzy Bees Garden Club stapleton library 718-727-0427 2:00 pm • Free • all ages every hero has a story Mariners harbor library 212-621-0690 3:00 pm • Free • ages 6-11 afternoon story time and Craft Port richmond library 718-442-0158 3:30 pm • Free • ages 3-5 Preschool Program new Dorp library 718-351-2977 3:30 pm • Free • ages 2.5-5 Writopia Writing Workshop todt hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 4:00 pm • Free • Grades 1-5 Craft Corner todt hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 4:00 pm • Free • ages 3-11

718-448-2500 10:30 am • Free • all ages Dendrology: Walk and talk Conference house Park 718-984-6046 11:00 am • Free • all ages Clay Day si Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30 pm • Free • ages 2-10 teen Cafe remixed new Dorp library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • ages 12-18 voice of the People tour historic richmond town 718-351-1611 2:30 pm • Free w/ admission • all ages end of summer reading Program Celebration huguenot library 718-984-4636 2:30 pm • Free • all ages

summer study time Mariners harbor library 212-621-0690 3:00 pm • Free • Grades 1-6 under a shady tree storytime tottenville library 718-984-0945 3:00 pm • Free • ages 3-12 Board Games south Beach library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free • all ages Build a Birdhouse Clay Pit Ponds 718-967-1976 4:00 pm • Free • all ages Family story time Mariners harbor library 212-621-0690 4:00 pm • Free • all ages origami Wednesdays! todt hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 4:00 pm • Free • ages 6+ Boogie Woogie Wednesday! si Children's Museum 718-273-2060 5:00 pm • Free • all ages evening Guided hike and trail run Greenbelt nature Center 718-351-3450 6:00 pm • Free • all ages la leche virtual Meeting Google hangout 347-432-1134 7:30 pm • Free • adults

thursDaY,auGust 20 outdoor story time st. George library 718-442-8560 8:00 am • Free • ages 0-4

Weather Watchers Clay Pit Ponds 718-967-1976 10:00 am • Free • all ages summer Workshop for kids the Conference house 718-984-6046 10:00 am • $25 • ages 6-10 tot’s time Plus si Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11:00 am • $5 • ages 1-5 Baby & Me tottenville library 718-984-0945 11:00 am • Free • ages 0-1.5 Paint Day si Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30 pm • Free • ages 2-10 a helluva Choir noble Maritime Collection 718-447-6490 1:30 pm • Free • all ages Picture Book time st. George library 718-442-8560 2:00 pm • Free • ages 3-8 read aloud & Craft Dongan hills library 718-351-1444 2:00 pm • Free • ages 1.5-5

Superhero training Academy new dorp library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • all ages behind the Scenes at the museum historic richmond town 718-351-1611 2:30p • Free w/admissio • all ages Obstacle course playground midland beach turtle circle nycgovparks.org 3:00 pm • Free • all ages Kids’ movie mariners harbor library 212-621-0690 3:00 pm • Free • all ages Summer reading celebration South beach library 718-816-5834 3:00 pm • Free • ages 6-12 literacyinc: Story hour Stapleton library 718-727-0427 4:00 pm • Free • all ages Summer Sunset concerts Series Willowbrook park 718-698-2186 7:00 pm • Free • all ages the pipes Are calling St. Alban’s episcopal church 718-984-6060 7:30 pm • Free • all ages

fridAY,AuguSt 21

parents and i chalk Art midland beach turtle circle nycgovparks.org 9:30 am • Free • all ages

events announced in this calendar are subject to change. calling to confirm before you attend.

Summer reading book club St. george library 718-442-8560 1:00 pm • Free • all ages

gardening at gericke gericke farm 718-967-1976 9:00 am • Free • all ages

Super reader meeting port richmond library 718-442-0158 2:00 pm • Free • ages 5-11

cleaning & maintaining Westerleigh park 718-442-0336 9:00 am • Free • all ages

read Aloud/picture book time new dorp library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • ages 3+

fitness Saturday mariners harbor library 212-621-0690 10:15 am • Free • all ages

light, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness tour historic richmond town 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/admission • all ages

Science Saturdays dongan hills library 718-351-1444 11:00 am • Free • all ages

family Yoga mariners harbor library 212-621-0690 3:00 pm • Free • all ages

eventS & activities mOre eventS & detAilS On SipArent.cOm

Wildlife At the librArY

fantastic fridays: historic heroes mariners harbor library 212-621-0690 10:00 am • Free • all ages

Wednesday, August 26 Stapleton library 3pm All ages www.nypl.org

toddler time port richmond library 718-442-0158 10:30 am • Free • ages 1.5-3 toddler time dongan hills library 718-351-1444 10:30 am • Free • ages 1.5-5 preschool Story and craft huguenot library 718-984-4636 10:30 am • Free • ages 3-5 toddler time tottenville Library 718-984-0945 10:30 am • Free • ages 1.5-3 the Story museum Historic Richmond town 718-351-1611 11:30 am • $3 • Ages 0-5 preschool Story time todt hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 11:30 am • Free • ages 3-5 Kidz cook Si children's museum 718-273-2060 12:00 pm • Free • all ages computers for Kids port richmond library 718-442-0158 12:00 pm • Free • Grades 3-6

Saturday morning Arts and crafts conference house park 718-984-6046 11:00 am • Free • all ages

Animals in the library? Join Andrew Simmons and his traveling zoo as he introduces you to pythons, alligators, eagles, and owls. You may meet a lion, toger, or bear. Oh my!

Sock Superheroes great Kills library 718-984-6670 3:30 pm • Free • ages 4+

drawing: chalk and talk the conference house 718-984-6046 11:00 am • Free • ages 10+

Wii love gaming Stapleton library 718-727-0427 3:30 pm • Free • ages 5-11

Weed Warriors Schmul park 212-788-8277 11:00 am • Free • all ages

Wii time South beach library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free • all ages

conference house tours the conference house 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • Free • all ages

friday hikes clay pit ponds 718-967-1976 4:00 pm • Free • all ages

Art Studio Si children's museum 718-273-2060 1:00 pm • Free • ages 2-10

SAturdAY,AuguSt 22

eating America tour historic richmond town 718-351-1611 2pm • Free w/admission • all ages

couch to 5K the conference house 718-984-6046 8:00 am • Free • ages 16+

bicycle Association bicycle ride new dorp high School 718-667-8686 8:30 am • Free • ages 18+

free family films new dorp library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • all ages

Outdoor explorium mariners harbor library 212-621-0690 3:00 pm • Free • all ages cinema Saturdays Stapleton library 718-727-0427 3:00 pm • Free • all ages Knitting hour South beach library 718-816-5834 3:00 pm • Free • adults

SundAY,AuguSt 23

Origami uSA Staten island Zoo 718-442-3100 12pm • Free w/admission • all ages conference house tours the conference house 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • Free • all ages Art Studio Si children's museum 718-273-2060 1:00 pm • Free • ages 2-10 diabetes prevention group rossville A.m.e. Zion church 718-494-0472 1:30 pm • Free • adults building the American dream tour historic richmond town 718-351-1611 2pm • Free w/admission • all ages doggie boot camp henry Kaufmann campgrounds 718-761-1423 3:30 pm • Free • all ages boardwalk concert Series the vanderbilt at South beach 718-477-0800 4:00 pm • Free • all ages new York city Skyline tour fort Wadsworth 718-354-4500 4:00 pm • Free • all ages

mOndAY,AuguSt 24

blood drive richmond university medical center 718-818-1234 7:00 am • Free • ages 16+ end of Summer reading program celebration: carnival & Art gallery new dorp library 718-351-2977 10:00 am • Free • all ages heroes on camera St. george library 718-442-8560 11:00 am • Free • ages 6-11 toddler Story time great Kills library 718-984-6670 11:00 am • Free • ages 1.5-3 All Join in!

Stapleton library 718-727-0427 11:00 am • Free • ages 2-4 baby Space!

Stapleton library 718-727-0427 11:45 am • Free • ages 0-1.5

Baby and Me Great kills library 718-984-6670 1:30 pm • Free • ages 0-1.5 Hero story Writing with Heroic Dialogue Dongan Hills library 718-351-1444 2:00 pm • Free • ages 7-12 Wii Gaming port richmond library 718-442-0158 2:30 pm • Free • ages 5-11 Be a city Hero Todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 3:00 pm • Free • ages 6+ stop Motion productions: four Workshops, four films stapleton library 718-727-0427 3:30 pm • Free • ages 12-18 story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 4:00 pm • Free • ages 3-11 read Aloud Huguenot library 718-984-4636 4:00 pm • Free • all ages

TuesDAy,AuGusT 25

Tot Time Tuesday The interpretive center 718-605-3970 10:00 am • Free • ages 1-4 Baby Bounce port richmond library 718-442-0158 10:30 am • Free • ages 0-1.5

events announced in this calendar are subject to change. calling to confirm before you attend.

Writopia Writing Workshop Todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 4:00 pm • Free • Grades 1-5

voice of the people Tour Historic richmond Town 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/admission • all ages

kids’ Movie st. George library 718-442-8560 4:00 pm • Free • all ages

Wildlife at the library stapleton library 718-727-0427 3:00 pm • Free • all ages

craft corner Todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 4:00 pm • Free • ages 3-11

Be a city Hero Todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 3:00 pm • Free • ages 6+

read Aloud south Beach library 718-816-5834 4:00 pm • Free • all ages

Board Games south Beach library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free • all ages

WeDnesDAy,AuGusT 26

Herbarium Art clay pit ponds 718-967-1976 4:00 pm • $5 • all ages family story Time

evening fireworks at south Beach The vanderbilt at south Beach 718-477-0800 12:00 am • Free • all ages

evenTs & activities More evenTs & DeTAils on sipArenT.coM

Bikers for Bini saturday, August 30 staten island Mall 11am-6pm All ages www.binifund.org

Tuesday storytime Barnes & noble 718-982-6983 11:00 am • Free • all ages Tot’s Time plus si children's Museum 718-273-2060 11:00 am • $5 • ages 1-5 free counseling American institute for creative living & staten island Mental Health counselor Association 718-698-0300 12:15 pm • Free • adults comic Book club port richmond library 718-442-0158 2:00 pm • Free • ages 5-11 Teen club Magic the Gathering/yu-Gi-oh Tournament new Dorp library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • ages 12-18 America’s Heroes story songs!

Todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 2:30 pm • Free • ages 4+ Monkey Monkey Music: Macaroni! stapleton library 718-727-0427 3:00 pm • Free • ages 0-5 Afternoon story Time and craft port richmond library 718-442-0158 3:30 pm • Free • ages 3-5

The borough’s largest event featuring motorcycles, monster trucks, classic cars, vendors, fod, rides, games, live musical performances and so much more!

Midweek Bird Walk The conference House 718-984-6046 10:00 am • Free • all ages create your own super Hero st. George library 718-442-8560 11:00 am • Free • ages 8-12 clay Day si children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30 pm • Free • ages 2-10 Art lab port richmond library 718-442-0158 2:00 pm • Free • ages 5-11

Mariners Harbor library 212-621-0690 4:00 pm • Free • all ages origami Wednesdays!

Todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 4:00 pm • Free • ages 6+ Boogie Woogie Wednesday! si children's Museum 718-273-2060 5:00 pm • Free • all ages

THursDAy,AuGusT 27 outdoor story Time st. George library 718-442-8560 8:00 am • Free • ages 0-4

create your own super Hero stapleton library 718-727-0427 2:00 pm • Free • ages 4-9

run with the Wind clay pit ponds 718-967-1976 10:00 am • Free • all ages

end of summer reading celebration new Dorp library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free

Tot’s Time plus si children's Museum 718-273-2060 11:00 am • $5 • ages 1-5

Baby & Me Tottenville library 718-984-0945 11:00 am • Free • ages 0-1.5 paint Day si children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30 pm • Free • ages 2-10 A Helluva choir noble Maritime collection 718-447-6490 1:30 pm • Free • all ages literacy inc. pajama storytime st. George library 718-442-8560 2:00 pm • Free • ages 5-12 read Aloud & craft Dongan Hills library 718-351-1444 2:00 pm • Free • ages 1.5-5 Wildlife superheroes Tottenville library 718-984-0945 2:00 pm • Free • ages 5-12 Behind the scenes at the Museum Historic richmond Town 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/admission • all ages obstacle course playground Midland Beach Turtle circle nycgovparks.org 3:00 pm • Free • all ages kiddie Tech Time Mariners Harbor library 212-621-0690 4:00 pm • Free • ages 6-11 literacyinc: story Hour stapleton library 718-727-0427 4:00 pm • Free • all ages Movie Time south Beach library 718-816-5834 4:30 pm • Free • all ages summer sunset concert series silver lake park 718-698-2186 7:00 pm • Free • all ages The pipes Are calling st. Alban’s episcopal church 718-984-6060 7:30 pm • Free • all ages

friDAy,AuGusT 28

parents and i chalk Art Midland Beach Turtle circle nycgovparks.org 9:30 am • Free • all ages Toddler Time port richmond library 718-442-0158 10:30 am • Free • ages 1.5-3 Toddler Time Dongan Hills library 718-351-1444 10:30 am • Free • ages 1.5-5 Toddler Time Tottenville library 718-984-0945 10:30 am • Free • ages 1.5-3 itty Bitty play Time Mariners Harbor library 212-621-0690 11:00 am • Free • ages 0-3

The Story Museum Historic Richmond Town 718-351-1611 11:30 am • $3 • ages 0-5 Preschool Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 11:30 am • Free • ages 3-5 Kidz Cook SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 12:00 pm • Free • all ages Read aloud/Picture Book Time new dorp library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • ages 3+ light, liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness Tour Historic Richmond Town 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/admission • all ages Fun Fridays: Stories and a Craft Great Kills library 718-984-6670 3:30 pm • Free • ages 4+ Wii love Gaming Stapleton library 718-727-0427 3:30 pm • Free • ages 5-11 Wii Time South Beach library 718-816-5834 3:30 pm • Free • all ages Friday Hikes Clay Pit Ponds 718-967-1976 4:00 pm • Free • all ages

SaTuRday,auGuST 29 Couch to 5K The Conference House 718-984-6046 8:00 am • Free • ages 16+

Bicycle association Bicycle Ride new dorp High School 718-667-8686 8:30 am • Free • ages 18+ Gardening at Gericke Gericke Farm 718-967-1976 9:00 am • Free • all ages arthur ashe Kids’ day uSTa Billie Jean King national Tennis Center 718-760-6200 9:30 am • $10 and up • all ages Splendid Summer Hike Greenbelt nature Center 718-351-3450 10:00 am • Free • all ages living with deer Mt. loretto 718-984-1534 10:00 am • Free • all ages Fitness Saturday Mariners Harbor library 212-621-0690 10:15 am • Free • all ages Science Saturdays dongan Hills library 718-351-1444 11:00 am • Free • all ages

events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Calling to confirm before you attend.

Saturday Morning arts and Crafts Conference House Park 718-984-6046 11:00 am • Free • all ages Kayaking Kayak Staten Island kayakstatenisland.org 12:00 pm • Free • all ages Conference House Tours The Conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • Free • all ages art Studio SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:00 pm • Free • ages 2-10 Kite Crafting Clay Pit Ponds 718-967-1976 1:00 pm • Free • all ages

Sunday,auGuST 30

Bikers for Bini Staten Island Mall 718-412-1851 11:00 am • $15 • all ages endangered Species day Staten Island Zoo 718-442-3100 12:00 pm • Free w/ admission • all ages Conference House Tours The Conference House 718-984-6046 1:00 pm • Free • all ages art Studio SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:00 pm • Free • ages 2-10

evenTS & activities MoRe evenTS & deTaIlS on SIPaRenT.CoM

STaTen ISland BeaCH FeST

12-6pm every Weekend through Sept. 6 www.statenislandbeachfest.com Staten Island Beach Fest is a series of free, family-friendly activities ocurring in five different locations: Richmond County Bank Ball Park, Borough Hall Plaza, Midland Beach, South Beach, and Conference House Park. There will be vendors, food, music, live entertainment. eating america Tour Historic Richmond Town 718-351-1611 2:00 pm • Free w/ admission • all ages Free Family Films new dorp library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • all ages Kiddie Game Time Mariners Harbor library 212-621-0690 3:00 pm • Free • ages 6-11 Cinema Saturdays Stapleton library 718-727-0427 3:00 pm • Free • all ages Knitting Hour South Beach library 718-816-5834 3:00 pm • Free • adults

diabetes Prevention Group Rossville a.M.e. Zion Church 718-494-0472 1:30 pm • Free • adults Building the american dream Tour Historic Richmond Town 718-351-1611 2pm • Free w/admission • all ages doggie Boot Camp Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds 718-761-1423 3:30 pm • Free • all ages Boardwalk Concert Series The vanderbilt at South Beach 718-477-0800 4:00 pm • Free • all ages new york City Skyline Tour Fort Wadsworth 718-354-4500 4:00 pm • Free • all ages

Monday,auGuST 31

Blood drive Richmond university Medical Center 718-818-1234 7:00 am • Free • ages 16+ Toddler Story Time Great Kills library 718-984-6670 11:00 am • Free • ages 1.5-3 all Join In! Stapleton library 718-727-0427 11:00 am • Free • ages 2-4 Baby Space!

Stapleton library 718-727-0427 11:45 am • Free • ages 0-1.5 Baby and Me Great Kills library 718-984-6670 1:30 pm • Free • ages 0-1.5 Hero Story Writing with Heroic dialogue dongan Hills library 718-351-1444 2:00 pm • Free • ages 7-12 Read aloud/Picture Book Time new dorp library 718-351-2977 2:00 pm • Free • ages 3+ Wii Gaming Port Richmond library 718-442-0158 2:30 pm • Free • ages 5-11 Stop Motion Productions: Four Workshops, Four Films Stapleton library 718-727-0427 3:30 pm • Free • ages 12-18 Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh library 718-494-1642 4:00 pm • Free • ages 3-11 Read aloud Huguenot library 718-984-4636 4:00 pm • Free • all ages

Register now for an upcoming charity walk this fall!

Go to siparent.com/ fundraisers and pick your cause today.

AUGUST 2015

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AUGUST 2015

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FAMILY NEEDS Classifieds “Help Bring Your Child’s Education to the Next Level”

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BIRTHDAY CLUB

Join S.I. Parent Magazine’s BIRTHDAY CLUB! Log on to www.siparent.com and click on the “Contests & Clubs” Tab

August AUGUST 1 Sabrina Damaskinos Ramon Hernandez III Brianna F. DiGregorio Jasmine Alexia Hall Mathew Lee Megan Lopez Jahmeiah Wingate Brandon Nowak Mike Migliorisi Thomas Gadsden Avaraielle D’Souza Alexa Raucci Ryan Devlin Vincent Canepa Sean Brady AUGUST 2 Gale Marie Jean Marianne Ricetti Shannon Fasula Jaso Paris Jakob LeNy Leanna Mocerino Liana Andersen Amanda Barone Nicole Conroy William Conroy Jaelyn Cardona Triniti Mia Jackson Emil Ellis AUGUST 3 Krystal Lynn Tramutola Joseph Canoro Louis Musto, Jr Chris A. Hernandez Victoria Rose Corriere Victoria Rose Rivoli Katrina Brady Mark Perrini Daniel Wankowicz Anthony Martinez Kristen Jacoby George D’Angelo Jason Flores Alyssa Cashin George D’Angelo AUGUST 4 Ashley Wilkinson Johnathan A. Guash Robyn Traina Alyson Schwartz Robert Stevens Alexandra McCormick Erin Savitsky Joseph Puzio Joseph Finazzo Fia Guerriero Shane Desilver Angelina Fonseca Calvin Herft Emily Chertkova Chelsea Ioshpa AUGUST 5 Christine Obermaier Adam Gandolfo Michelle Alyse Chinnici Gabriella Lubrano Nada Ahmed Jessica Michelle Carandola Madison Elizabeth Marcirak Ryan C. McRoberts Jocelyn Jackson Abigail Guerriero

Angelina Guerriero Giavanna Schrecker Emily Portalatin Michael Steinherz AUGUST 6 Leanna Rivera Nicholas Ambio Hailey Jana Bischoff Christopher Casaliggi Vincenzo DiSimone Biggins Justin Stetter Ryan Casey Eric Portalatin Angel Pagan Jr. Liam Intoci Nicholas Bourekas Rachel Bourekas Madison Cirelli AUGUST 7 Christopher Stimus Jenifer Sacaccio Morgan Froehlich Brian Lobritto Ryan Stetter John Giammanco Joseph Boylan Daisy Saenz AUGUST 8 Paul Joseph Seblano Nicholas Contrada Christina Lorenz William Ryan Wood Michael Grassi Joseph Philip Ardolino Michelle Pugliese Sophia Blunk Annie Sebastiano Larry Merrill Gianna Martinez Stephen Montano Marco Cucchia AUGUST 9 Mikey Hess, Jr. Meghan Sullivan Meredity Marsini Victoria Carney Kaitlyn Hilton Samantha Rodriguez Samantha Armstrong Joshua-Ted Agustin Irima Ajang Kaitlyn Diaz Kaylee Lopez AUGUST 10 Michael Phraner Alyssa Ewert Antonio Rick Virella Charles Angelo Virella Kaylee Rose Ettinger Lucy Clementoni Alexia Adragna Nicholas Weinman Peter Helfman Thellenza Neziri Nicholas Palmer Emily Nicholson Michael Cosentino Flanza Neziri Morgan Pastoriza-Webster Flanza Neziri Lyndsey-Cheyenne Clark

AUGUST 11 Michael V. Magliocca Kenneth Sclafani Chelsea E. Vera Amanda Craven Anthony Monaco Emma Grace DeMuro Sana Ahmed Brandon Tang Cindy Resnick Chloe DiGiacomo Madison Smith Gavin Grassi Dominic Joseph Homan Noah Pantoja Emma Grace DeMuro Ariana Grace Falleta Noah Pantoja Emma Grace DeMuro AUGUST 12 Dayna Spordone Robert Rastetter Anthony Taccetta Nichole Diane Giglio Damian Murphy Miriam Alyssa Perez Alexandria R. Garcia Louis Marretta Marco Antonio Gomez Aryana Montano Mary Spurrell Judy Jordan AUGUST 13 Andrea Rose Schiano Steven Nieves Alexandra Armao Steven Griffin Marisa Nicole Russo Christoper D. DiGregorio Aleksandra Rzonca Victoria Hughes Branyon Rodriguez Olivia Ducalo Ronald Wilton AUGUST 14 Ashley Journeay Matthew J Kleinstein Dayna Haylee Kleinstein Nicholas Bernstein Amanda Torres Daniel Jones Erin Cameron Emily Anne Greenfield Katelin Teresa Gambale Nicole Yuka Quinn Julianna Taromina Kymani Ebanks Jason Lanazzi Rhondell Madden Max Rahmatov AUGUST 15 Joseph Ruggiero John Joseph Morlano Christoper Shagan Cody Leanza John Kurulgan Eric Fomichev Joseph Anthony Cristiano Daniel Cuenca William Soren Nicolette Mauriello John Sangiorgio

Angela Barberie Victoria Candela AUGUST 16 Kyle MacDonald Adriana Fatto Alyssa Parham Alexis Parham Kayla Dharmaalan Emily Rodriguez Adriana Fatto Nicole Przybyszewski Vincent Kraker AUGUST 17 Amber Wyatte Samantha Schwartz Grace Varriano Chelsea Restrepo Katie Delikat Jack Pranci Faith Gasparik Veronica Hansen Blake O’Sullivan AUGUST 18 Matthew Arciero Celina Hynes Victoria Pompa Gabriella Vinci Samantha Friedman Dominic Cenatiempo Kelley Korenski Clara Page Gambale Anthony Cardinale Tyler Castagliola Kaitlyn Zhurov Vincent Torre Anthony DeSimone Jackson Guyon AUGUST 19 Alicia Rebelo Anthony Kadziela Matthew T. Yarmolinsky Mariah Angelika Scafidi Nelson Archibald Victoria Van Name Anthony Paino Fallon Lombardo Arianna Ramirez AUGUST 20 Michael Thomas Justin Cohen Matthew John Velez Austin R.L. Fasano Leah N. Cruz Victoria Gullo Vincent Gullo Imani Ebanks AUGUST 21 Alyssa Adzemovic Paul DiVilio Amanda Thompson Casseem Collis Caitlin Gleavy Kayla Hall Risa Jo Sang Courtney Anglieri Aiden Ng Gia Squarciafico Brendan Lyons AUGUST 22 Kim Engel

James Marino Matthew J. Melfi Devon Shea Louis LaRosa August Engel Daniella Cardinale Kaliee Villiarola Nicholas Tortora Lauren Stillman Brianna Bunay Giuliana Colon Arianna Lynn Todoro AUGUST 23 Matthew Acevedo Chris Cocolicchio Tyler Bauzyk Amara Symone Thomas Elijah Mendoza Thomas Gabriel Carchietta Gabriella Muschello Christina Mezzadri Addison Wall AUGUST 24 Thomas Carbonaro Ariel Santiago Alexa Antonelli Brenna Rose Dominick S. DiGregorio Xhuljeta-Julie Moshkulli Kristen Jefarijian Alexa Portney Riley O’Brien Louis Martinez Kristen Piscitelli Anthony Barry Maya George Ibrahim Qureshi AUGUST 25 Laura Harding Steven Avery Ramos Frankie Zingaropoli Bethany McGlyn Kayla Marie Festa Liliana Maldonado Adriana Desposito Vanujan Dharmaalan Vanessa V. Vasqez Mireigha M. Vasquez Perparim Neziri Alessia DiDonna David Zapata Rimi Neziri Ileesha Wijayaratna Rimi Neziri AUGUST 26 Matthew Gutkes Gabrielle Mary Grieco Kaitlyn Rose O’Connor Joseph Delaney Kristen N. Avallone Andrea DiBenedetto Marquise Hyman Loai Hamdallah Julia Hafizi Eddie Finn AUGUST 27 Patrick Bowen Tracey Beth Sanchez Steven Carlone Stephen Sanicola Nicholas Alessi

Sabrina Riz Wong Jason Fieros Lauren Casella Christopher Damiano Gabriella Nicholasi Dawnie Fox Rocco Lauria Hailey Sarah Walsh AUGUST 28 Kim Casale Adrianna Parello Michael Moreno Nkiruka Ague Caitlyn Moulton Riley O’Brien Gavin Levine Arianna Velez Alex Castro Christian Kelly Flamur Budzaku Najwa Khass AUGUST 29 Vincent Conti Gianna A. Granato Samantha Goon Briana Maruffi Michael Mancuso James Armstrong Gianna Elizabeth Marani Jayden Rodriguez Kristi Deljudice Terrance Graham Jr. John Edward Sciarrino Vincent Vicinanza Giavonna Decicco AUGUST 30 Matthew J. Lorenzo Monique Yatwa Paul Brennan Susan Peters Tamara Lechner Taylor M. Montalto Jordan Isiah Wyke Sean Andrew Keane Gabriella Nicole Glorioso Angela Gottlieb Sienna Selvitella Andrew Perez Anthony Navarrete AUGUST 31 Maureen Gorman Michael Gennaro Vincent Gennaro Alexandra Bannon Chris Messina John Maruffi Noah Lau Daniel J. Crawford Krista Schacht Justin Fago Michael Bonilla Elizabeth Safir Ponton Vita Stabile Victoria Mazell Hector Guzman Lucas Reich John Paul Buccheri Jaiden Brown

Birthday Club members are entitled to receive

10 FREE TOKENS AT FUNSTATION Funstation is located on 3555 Victory Boulevard • 718.370.0077 Good only for birthday club members on this list. Not to be combined with any other offers. Offer valid on child’s birthday only.

FAMILY NEEDS Professional Directory

DIVORCE ATTORNEY

Family Court • Child Custody Spousal & Child Support Domestic Violence • Adoptions Name Changes • Annulments Separation Agreements Free Initial Consultation for Divorce Actions 24 Kurt T. Richards, P.C.

Hour Phone Service

COUNSELING SERVICES

COUNSELING SERVICES

KAREN L. GOLDMAN

Mindful Therapy Solutions LCSW PLLC

NYS Licensed Psychotherapist Bereavement Specialist

MA, LMHC-BC

For Individuals, Groups, Adults and Children

Attorney at Law

• Play & Art Therapy • Anxiety • Grief & Loss Issues • Relationship Issues • School/Career Issues • Depression

www.krichardspc.com 718.720.1000

1076 Forest Ave • S.I. 347-850-2322

1200 South Ave, Ste 201 • SI, NY

By Appointment • Day & Evening Hours

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

DIANE MILIO, L.C.S.W.

Elissa Donner LCSW-R, CASAC, SAP COUNSELING SERVICES FOR CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS AND EMOTIONAL RETREATS FOR THEIR PARENTS.

Children & Adolescents With Anxiety & Behavioral Challenges

We use many adopted remedying techniques

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy • Play Therapy • Coping Strategies • Calming Techniques

(718) 967-5213

718.966.0317

www.bracesbydrindelicato.com

2 Convienent Locations

1749 Victory Blvd • 10314 8 Johnson Street • 10309

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Culturally Competent Compassionate Counseling

Over 25 Years Experience Most Insurance Accepted Evening & Saturday Appointments Available

718.317.5782

2504 Richmond Road • 10306

47 Lucy Loop • SI, NY 10312

917-613-4009

718.605.4301 3767 Hylan Blvd (Great Kills) Randi Pino M.A., CCC-SLP/TSHH, Director

www.qualitycarespeech.com

444 Huguenot Avenue • SI, NY 10312

Individual, Couples & Family Counseling for Adults Too! Most Insurances Accepted

• Advanced Integrative Therapy • Indiv/Couples/Family • Special Needs/Identity/Self Esteem • Work & Educational Issues/ Abuse-Recovery • Autism/Aspergers

NYS Licensed Speech Pathologists, Occupational & Physical Therapists Evaluation and Treatment of Pediatric Speech, Language, Feeding, Oral, Fine & Gross Motor Disorders, P.R.O.M.P.T., Russian Bilingual Services, State of the Art Sensory Gym Dept of Ed Provider (CPSE & RSA) Top of Tertiary Tier Designation

Specialist in Orthodontics

GENTLE, PERSONAL, QUALITY CARE FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS

Member American Association of Orthodontists

SPEECH & OT

LCSW-R, MSEd, CRC, CASAC

Specializing in the treatment of children, adolescents, adults, couples and families

QUALITY CARE SPEECH CENTER, INC.

Salvatore R. Indelicato, D.M.D.

Kim Williams-Jenkins

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

SPEECH, OT/PT

ORTHODONTICS

SOME INSURANCES ACCEPTED

SPEECH PATHOLOGY CLAIRE GUTTSMAN M.A., C.C.C. - SLP 1076 FOREST AVE. (corner of Manor Rd.)

718-447-5501 Certified professional, providing quality evaluations and treatment of adults and children for over 35 years.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES: Public Speaking Improvement, Accent Reduction, Corporate Speech Pathology & Lecturing

CALL US AND HAVE YOUR BUSINESS ADVERTISED HERE!

EVALUATION & TREATMENT OF PEDIATRIC SPEECH & LANGUAGE, FINE & GROSS MOTOR DELAYS & DISORDERS • Department of Education CPSE & CSE Tertiary Designation • Most Insurance Accepted • Homecare and School Services Offered

718-608-1508

southshorespeechtherapy.com 520B Bloomingdale Rd SI, NY 10309 415 Route 34, Suite 218 Colts Neck, N.J. 07722

SPEECH PATHOLOGY FIND THE FUN IN FEEDING is a twelve-week feeding program, utilizing the SOS Approach to Feeding. It utilizes a non-invasive developmental model, that teaches your child how to interact, tolerate and eat a variety of foods in a non-stressful, supportive environment. Parent/caregiver training is a key part of this program to foster success at home.

A multidisciplinary approach is also utilized, incorporating the expertise of a feeding therapist, an occupational therapist, a nutritionist, a pediatrician or any relevant professional working with your child.

www.pediatricandadultspeech.com LISA JIANNETTO, MA, CCC-SLP, DIRECTOR

718.356.6604 • 4056 Amboy Rd • 10308 SPEECH PATHOLOGY

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY ASSOCIATES OF STATEN ISLAND, PLLC PROMPT TRAINED THERAPISTS SOS FEEDING APPROACH ORTON-GILLINGHAM & WILSON TRAINED THERAPISTS EAROBICS

Individualized and Customized: Language Enhancement Programs, Auditory Training Programs, Fluency Enhancement Programs, Oral-Sensory-Motor Plans, Voice Treatment Programs, Accent Reduction Programs, Feeding Treatment Plans, Pediatric & Adult Clients We welcome NYC DOE clients, and we are now an associate of The Perfect Playground for all CSE cases.

www.pediatricandadultspeech.com

718.494.1932

NEW LISA JIANNETTO, MA, CCC-SLP, DIRECTOR LOCATION 718.356.6604 • 4056 Amboy Rd • 10308

SPEECH PATHOLOGY

SPEECH PATHOLOGY

DOE APPROVED TO PROVIDE MONO AND BILINGUAL SERVICES FOR PRE-SCHOOL AND SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN.

PreCare Speech Language Pathology PC

Speech and Language Pathology Practice Serving You and Your Children

• Diagnosis & treatment of infants, toddlers, adults • Autism, learning and communication disabilities • Articulation, impaired language, stuttering or lisps • All major credit cards and insurances

Autistic Spectrum Disorders, PDD, Craniofacial Differences, Fluency Disorders, Apraxia of Speech, “Late Talkers,” Hearing Impairments & Phonological / Articulation Disorders

WWW.SLPMD.COM 718.259.4001 • 1829 Richmond Rd CALL US AND HAVE YOUR BUSINESS ADVERTISED HERE!

718.494.1932

347.640.4SLP (4757) • 188 Hylan Blvd • 10305 www.bbslp.org • Email: info@bbslp.org

SPEECH PATHOLOGY 718-967-0359 • 3767 Richmond Ave www.brightstartspeech.com brightstart@si.rr.com

• Private practice with energetic & talented Speech Language Pathologists • Extensive experience Now • Full range of services Offering (diagnostics & evaluations) Homecare • Occupational Therapy • NYS & ASHA Certified

Speech & Language Pathology, P.C.

• Multi-Lingual Therapists • NYC Dept of Ed Contracted Agency for Preschool & School Age Children

WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR INSURANCE PLANS. FREE CONSULTATIONS.

Most Insurances Accepted

SPEECH PATHOLOGY

Sandra Mazzucco M.A., C.C.C.-SLP

NYS Licensed Speech Language Pathologist

EVALUATIONS & THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS PROMPT Trained Oral Motor & Feeding Therapy Specializing in Fluency ASHA Certified 465 Belfield Ave • Annadale Town North Shore: 1076 Forest Ave

718-815-6024

ADVERTISER INDEX A Taste of Honey..............................61

Elizabeth Pouch ..............................64

Kids ‘N Shape ..................................56

SI Pediatric Dentistry ......................12

Academic Advantage ..................53

Evolution Dance Co. ......................52

LA Dance ..........................................13

SI Skating Pavillion ..........................29

Alphabet Academy ........................7

Exposure Dance Studio ................16

Land of Make Believe ....................63

SI Yankees ........................................62

American Karate ............................59

Fantasy Shore Amusement Park..17

Little Excellence ..............................35

Sesame Place..................................25

Art Lab ..............................................61

Fast Break Basketball......................24

Mabel’s Labels ................................19

Showplace Entertainment ............49

Athletic Edge ....................................5

Fastrackids ..........................................8

Master Curry Karate ........................3

Silhouette Dance Center ..............33

Bethel Church ................................27

Field Station Dinosaurs ..................41

Melissa’s Dance Workshop ..........50

Small World Dental ........................53

Big Bird’s Playhouse........................59

Geico ................................................81

Mickey’s Rides..................................83

Small World Preschool ..................57

Bricks 4 Kidz ......................................41

Genesis Fertility ................................63

Miss Jessica’s Jamz ........................54

South Shore Toddler Academy ....57

Brighton Ballet Theatre ..................14

Gingerbread Learning Center ....91

Most Terrific Child Daycare ..........14

St. George Theatre ........Back Cover

Building Blocks Montessori............57

Grade Power Learning ..................35

New Dorp Christian Academy ....55

St. John Villa Academy ..................42

CBI Academy Preschool ..............57

Great Expectations ........................28

Once Upon A Child ........................69

St. John’s Lutheran ..........................64

Casa Belvedere ..............................71

High Hopes ......................................63

Our Lady Star of the Sea................70

St. Joseph Hill Academy ................68

Center Stage Dance Co. ..............49

Hampton Inn Suites ........................65

Parent to Parent ..............................42

St. Paul’s School of Nursing............55

Children at Play ..............................35

Hugs and Kiddies............................32

Party Jam Party Centers ..........84, 85

St. Teresa School ..............................57

Created By You................................61

Inspirations in Dance......................56

Pinot’s Palette ..................................41

Studio 11 Dance..............................69

Dance Dance Dance ......................9

Island Eye Surgery ..........................43

Pole Position ....................................32

Suzanne’s Fashion Corner ............50

Dance Sensations ..........................58

Ivy League of Staten Island

Rab’s Country Lanes ......................15

The Splart Studio ..............................17

Dea Music ........................................18

Early Learning Academy..........14

Rainbow’s Reach ............................16

The Village Preschool ....................69

Dr. Lisa Lazzara (Kids Dental) ......49

JCC of Staten Island ......................37

Richmond County Savings Bank ..2

Thursday’s Child ..............................90

Dr. Maryellen Romano MD ..........11

JCC Reality Check..........................31

Richmond Hill Children’s Center..48

Total Dental Care ............................27

Dr. Michael D’Anna ..........................6

JCC Richmond Gymnastics ........28

Richmond University Med. Ctr. ....23

Volunteers of America ..................51

Dr. Michael De Simone ................54

Jewish Little Star Preschool ............68

Richmondtown Soccer ..................51

Wagner College External..............61

Dr. Michelle Giumenta ..................52

Just Cribs ..........................................12

Roller Jam, USA ................................45

Wizard of Art ....................................35

Dr. Phyllis Merlino ............................58

Kathy Brier Studios ..........................17

SI Braces............................................21

Words ‘N Motion ..............................63

Eltingville Lutheran School ............70

Kiddie Academy ............................16

SI Mental Health Society................64

Young Voyces ..................................27

90

AUGUST 2015

www.siparent.com

UPK/Pre-K For All Full Day Program

~Equal Opportunity Employer~

To you, they’re learning.

To them, they’re having fun.

For Information About The EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM Call 311.

available with Master Degree level teachers

Classroom Based Programs With ABA Instruction for 2-3 years olds (limited space) PROGRAMS AVAILABLE FOR AGES 0-5 5 DAYS - FULL DAY/HALF DAY EXTENDED DAYCARE HOURS 7AM-7PM AVAILABLE As per Section 4410 of Article 89 of the Education Law

• Group or Individual Curriculums at Your Home, Preschool or our Center.

• Diagnostic Evaluations and Therapy

by Licensed Certified Professionals.

• FREE TUITION AND TRANSPORTATION* * For all eligibile children. Funding provided through state and local agencies. Parent may transport for reimbursement.

Placement determined by NYC CPSE.

• NYS Approved Preschool Evaluation Site.

Call or Visit our School & Pick Up a Free Brochure.

Not responsible for any typographical errors.

• Developmental Areas: Behavior and Socialization, Cognitive Development, Speech and Language Hearing Loss, Physical and Occupational Therapy.

718-356-0008 WWW.GINGERBREADLCTR.COM ~THREE CONVENIENT STATEN ISLAND LOCATIONS~ 80 Woodrow Rd • 471 North Gannon Ave • 144 Bloomingdale Rd Email: gingerbread@gingerbreadlctr.com AUGUST 2015

www.siparent.com

91

PRST STD

SOLUTIONS TO EVERYDAY PARENTING

16 Shenandoah Avenue • Suite C Staten Island, New York 10314

www.siparent.com

U.S. POSTAGE PAID STATEN ISLAND, NY