Staten Island Parent February 2019

FEBRUARY 2019

SOLUTIONS FOR PARENTING IN STATEN ISLAND

Winter

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15 Questions to Ask a Pediatrician February Cover2.indd 1

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contents

Publisher & editor-in-chief Roselle Farina Hecht Editor Jeannine Cintron

February 2019

Production director Michelle Yannaco

Sophia Mallette, age 4

16 February Family Fun

So may holidays to celebrate this month!

Account Executives Ilene Cohen, Janine Mulé Jodi Fatto information Advertising: 718.494.1932 Questions: info@siparent.com keep in touch

ILPM siparent.com facebook.com/siparent instagram.com/statenisland_parent twitter.com/siparent pinterest.com/siparent

18 Stay-at-Home School Pros and cons of homeschooling in Staten Island

30 Can’t Wait For Camp It’s not too soon to start planning for summer

raising kids

Member of the Parenting Media Association (PMA)

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Mike Reilly: Sandy Ground

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15 Questions to Ask a Prospective Pediatrician

48

Professional Services

Staten Island Parent is published 12 times a year. All rights reserved.

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

50 Dear Teacher: Important Educational Questions 52

22-time AWard Winning Magazine

Good Sports: Coaching With Cancer

fun stuff

events & news

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Valentine’s Day Love Bots

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Cozy Winter Soups

6 Community and

School News

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Birthday Club

54

Winter Date Night Ideas in Staten Island

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HeavenLee Float Spa Giveaway

41

Family Calendar

a davler media group business david l. miller ceo

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Photo Credit: pbs.org Staten Island kids born in 2016 can attend 3-k program in the fall

3-K Coming to Staten Island; Apply Now Next fall, children born in 2016 will be eligible to attend the new 3-K program in Staten Island. If your child lives in New York City and will be turning three next year, you can apply for a District 31 3-K program this month. Children living in NYC who were born in 2015 may apply for Pre-K this month as well. The admissions process for each is similar. According to the NYC Department of Education, there is no first come, first served basis. All applications submitted online, by phone, or in person by the deadline are treated the same based on admissions priorities. You can list up to twelve schools on your application.

There are three types of settings available for Pre-K and 3-K: district schools, pre-k centers and NYC Early Education Centers (community-based organizations contracted by the DOE). You can visit siparent.com to link to a 3-K or Pre-K finder tool and see which schools have seats available. When selecting the right school for your child, the DOE suggests parents ask staff members the following questions: • How will the teachers learn about my child’s interests, strengths, and needs?

• How will your program help children get to know the teachers and the other staff?

• How would you describe the community of teachers and families here?

• How do teachers work with families?

• How do teachers guide children’s behavior?

• How will staff members make sure my child feels safe and cared for?

• What are your program’s strengths?

• What are you working on improving?

• How do teachers support children who speak a language other than English at home?

Important School Dates: • Tuesday, February 5

Lunar New Year (public schools closed)

• Monday, February 18 to Friday, February 22 Midwinter Recess (public schools closed)

• Monday, February 18

President’s Day (Catholic schools closed)

Go to siparent.com for info on: • 3-K & Pre-K Application Info • National Day of Unplugging • Free Microsoft Download

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NYC PASSES LAW REQUIRING CHANGING TABLES IN MEN’s ROOM

AKC DOG MUSEUM GETS NEW manhattan DIGS

Diaper Duty for All

Dog Museum Opens in NYC

Mayor Bill de Blasio recently signed a new bill requiring public buildings to provide diaper changing stations to all New York City parents. The bill is to ensure all parents have access to these stations— meaning both moms and dads can comfortably change their child’s diaper when they are out in public. New York City is one of the first cities in the nation to make this enforcement in new or recently renovated buildings.

“Requiring diaper changing stations in all public restrooms, regardless of gender, will go a long way to promote gender equity and encourage dads to also be on diaper duty,” said Council Member Rafael Espinal, prime sponsor of the bill. “After witnessing a father changing his daughter’s diaper on an unsanitary sink in a public space, I realized diaper changing stations must be a requirement in all public bathrooms, because moms and dads should have equal access to sanitary and safe spaces when changing their baby’s diapers. Our city is now leading the nation on this issue, and I am proud that we are building upon the work of President Obama when he required federal buildings to have this service. For too long most public restrooms have not had dedicated spaces for families to care for their children, but after today’s signing, every public building in NYC will be required to create a space to allow parents to change their child’s diaper with dignity.”

“As a Dad, I know first-hand how frustrating it can be to handle diaper emergencies in public without a changing station,” De Blasio said in a statement. “This new law will ensure that all parents will have access to these stations in public buildings regardless of their gender, and help make New York City a fairer place to live.”

Here’s some doggone good news for the canine-loving crowd: The American Kennel Club (AKC) Museum of the Dog is finally returning to New York City. The museum is home to one of the largest collections of dog art in the world, with more than 180 pieces of dog artwork and half dozen interactive digital exhibits spanning two floors and three stories.

The new hi-tech exhibits aim to bridge the digital and physical and bring new life to the collection. The gallery includes interactive exhibits such as a “Find Your Match” kiosk that takes your photo, aligning its likeness with an AKC-registered dog breed. A “Meet the Breeds” touchscreen table allows visitors to explore breeds’ physical features, traits, and history. On the top floor, you’ll find digital, interactive puppy training.

“We have a very sophisticated work where we took a ten-month-old Labrador Retriever and put her in a motion capture suit and had her go through her basic obedience drills,” museum director Alan Fausel said (akc.org). “Then we transferred that to a screen where you can actually train the avatar of that dog in real time through voice and hand signals.”

The museum also has an app where kids can interact with the exhibits with “Arty” a virtual dog/tour guide throughout the museum. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children under 12, and $10 for students, seniors, youth, and military/veterans. The museum’s official opening will be February 8. It is located at 101 Park Ave in midtown Manhattan.

National Day of Unplugging Ever feel like you’re missing out on life while staring at a phone screen? You’re not alone. National Day of Unplugging is a movement that encourages people to stop missing important moments because their faces are in their devices. You can pledge to “unplug,” or disconnect from those devices and reconnect with yourselves and others, from sundown to sundown on March 1-2. If you go to nationaldayofunplugging.com and take the pledge, they will send a free toolkit with activity guides and conversation starters. Link to the pledge at siparent.com.

Free Microsoft Programs for Students & Teachers Did you know students and teachers can download Microsoft Office 365 entirely for FREE? Microsoft piloted the program here in New York City in 2016, and has since expanded to include students and teachers throughout the country. There are only three requirements for eligibility: You must be a full-time or part-time faculty or staff member or student at an academic institution; have a school-specific email address provided by the school that can receive external email of legal age to sign up for an online offer individually; and have internet access. NYC public school students can sign up through your NYC Schools account. Link to the form at siparent.com. Microsoft 365 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Microsoft Teams, plus additional classroom tools.

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y r a u r b fe

raising kids

Family

Fun on Staten Island

W

ith just twenty-eight days (barring leap years, of course), February is the shortest month. Many people have no idea why that is, as it’s the only month to have fewer than thirty days. There is no scientific reason behind it, but rather we can contribute it to the Romans. The early Roman calendar did not include January or February because winter had no agricultural advantages. February was later added by Julius Caesar, who likely shortened the month simply to get to March more quickly (can you really blame him?). Although it’s a short month, there’s no shortage of significant holidays. Here’s how to celebrate tons of February family fun on the Island: Groundhog Day at the S.I. Zoo closed in observance of the holiday. Celebrate Station, authored by Deputy Borough President Will winter be quick and painless or long with the Korean community at the Korean Edward Burke and released in 2017, follows and drawn-out this year? Ask Staten Island Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, Staten Island Chuck and his animal friends as Chuck, the Staten Island Zoo’s famous resident February 2 at the Staten Island Museum (on they work together creating a weather-tracking groundhog, who will once again emerge from the grounds of Snug Harbor). You can also team. You can purchase it at the Staten Island hibernation on Groundhog Day to make his check out the Year of the Boar celebration at Zoo gift shop; proceeds support the zoo’s annual, seasonal prediction. According to Greenbelt Nature Center on Sunday, February educational programs. tradition, if Chuck emerges from his 3 and celebrate festive Lunar New burrow and fails to see his shadow, Year events all day at the Staten Island spring will arrive early. However, if Children’s Museum on Tuesday, he comes out and is frightened by There are tons of ways for families to celebrate love in February 5. Get more details about his shadow, causing him to return to Staten Island this month! Both Home Depot and Michael’s offer these events in our Family Calendar at hibernation, winter will persist for six Valentine’s Day crafting for kids on various Saturday mornings siparent.com/events. additional weeks. throughout the month. Create some old-fashioned love notes at Black History Month With a nearly 80% accuracy rate, we Historic Richmond Town’s Victorian Valentine Workshop on Celebrate black history all month hope Chuck doesn’t see that shadow!

Saturday, February 2. Show some love to our animal pals at the long at the Staten Island Children’s Want to meet him? The Groundhog Staten Island Zoo on Saturday, February 16 at their annual I Love Museum with Caribbean recipe Day event at the Zoo is free and open the Zoo event. Feeling fit? Grab a partner and run the Valentine’s workshops on Friday afternoons and to the public, with gates opening at Day 5k at Conference House Park on Sunday, February 16. collage-creation inspired by Kenyan 6:30am on Groundhog Day (Saturday, Both adult and youth runners are welcome to register. Design artist Wangechi Mutu on weekends.

February 2), ceremony starting at 7am a special valentine tee shirt for your sweetie at Fort Wadsworth You can also check out Rossville’s and Chuck’s prediction at 7:30. This on Saturday, February 10. And of course, check our calendar Sandy Ground, the oldest continyear’s ceremony will feature a special (siparent.com/events) for free programs at local library branches. uously inhabited free black settlement appearance from Patrick Raftery, in the United States. Go to page 26 for more Rock-a-Silly Band and the P.S.29 Chorus.

Lunar New Year information about Sandy Ground. See more Did you know Chuck has his very own It’s the Year of the Pig! Lunar New Year is events on siparent.com/events. book? Groundhog Chuck Builds a Weather Tuesday, February 5. Public schools will be

Valentine’s Day

16 February 2019 • siparent.com

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LIPM President’s Day Learn about our country’s many great leaders while enjoying a whole week off of school this month! The midwinter recess usually takes place during President’s Week and this year is no exception. Create a portrait inspired by Barack Obama’s official portrait at the President’s Day Art Workshop at the Staten Island Children’s Museum on Monday, February 18 (enjoy reduced admission all day as well). On Tuesday, February 19, stop by the Greenbelt Nature Center for a fascinating lesson on presidents’ horses and real life war horses from American history. You might even get to meet a real horse!

Looking for some major midwinter break fun?

Staten Island Skating Pavilion 3080 Arthur Kill Road Staten Island, NY 10309 718-948-4800 info@thepavilion.org www.thepavilion.org facebook.com/statenislandskatingpavilion Staten Island Skating Pavilion is the only indoor year around NHL regulation size ice skating rink in Staten Island. We provide high-quality programs to teach and support the sports of ice hockey and figure skating for people of all ages. We offer public ice skating sessions for the recreational ice skater.

Learn to ice skate classes are for those that want to become an expert skater. Our birthday parties are a blast and summer camp for all skill levels at the Pavilion is the “coolest” place to be this summer. Want to play in the NHL? Join our Richmond Thunder hockey team.

iPlay America 110 Schanck Road Freehold NJ, 07728 732-577-8200 info@iplayamerica.com iplayamerica.com facebook.com/iplayamerica instagram.com/iplayamerica twitter.com/iPlay_America We have something for everyone! Our all indoor, family-friendly environment provides guests nearly four acres of outstanding rides, games, and attractions making it the perfect destination for FUN year round! ALWAYS free to enter, guests can enjoy a 4D movie theater, two-level laser tag arena, NJ’s largest indoor ropes course, go- karts, bumper cars, indoor boardwalk with rides and games, and arcade with over 250 games. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, make your way over to one of iPlay America’s many dining options including Game Time Bar and Grill for the ultimate day of fun!

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Stay-at-Home Schooling The Pros & Cons of Homeschool in Staten Island

For 13-year-old Johnny Tafuri and his 9-year-old brother, Salvatore, a typical school day starts like most middle-schoolers – with the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the National Anthem.

However, unlike their peers, they aren’t rushing through the hallways with hundreds of other students when the bell rings in between classes.

That’s because they are being homeschooled in their Great Kills residence rather than attending a traditional public school setting, according to their mom, Dana Tafuri.

A

less formal home-based education model that centers around individualized learning and development, home-schooling is an alternative to public and private schools and is typically conducted by tutors, online teachers, or parents themselves.

With the advent of online education courses and other alternatives, home-schooling has grown nationally in the last decade, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

The federal agency estimated that about 3.3% – or two million – of the country’s school-aged children were homeschooled as of January 2018.

In the 2017-2018 academic year, 91,400 of New York’s three million school children ages 5 to 17 were homeschooled -- up from 89,000 in the 2016-2017 academic year.

On Staten Island, parents who converted their children to non-traditional, home-schooling programs said it helped improve their aptitude and ability -- attitude toward school – with few challenges.

Mrs. Tafuri, a stay-at-home mom and former elementary school teacher,

coordinates and teaches her sons’ home-school lessons herself.

She made the decision for two of her four children that are on the Autism spectrum out of necessity.

When the public school setting was not accommodating Johnny’s needs, she transitioned to homeschooling back in third grade.

“They wouldn’t do the things he needed unless we kept reopening his IEP to fight for it,” she said of the document formally called an Individualized Education Program that is developed for each public school child who needs special education.

“They wanted to do things their way even though it wasn’t working for my son,” she explained. “He didn’t understand what they were teaching; and he couldn’t do his homework.”

She then began homeschooling Salvatore a little over a year ago. Although she was happy with his former District 75 school, teachers, and therapists, he was anxious about going to school and was constantly ill.

“My husband and I felt that homeschool would give him an opportunity to lessen

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raising kids his stress and anxiety as well as improve his health,” she said. “He was absent so much he wasn’t making appropriate progress in school.”

Since their transition to home-schooling, both boys have made tremendous strides, Mrs. Tafuri reported.

After independent work in handwriting, math, and reading, they also do everything from art and science experiments, to attending shows, and conquering life skills, like learning how to fold their clothes, make simple lunches, and how to shop and ask for help in stores, according to their mom.

They are progressing beautifully academically because they have my one-on-one attention,” she added.

“While one of them is working independently, I work one-on-one with my other son, giving him his lessons and then we switch,” Mrs. Tafuri explained.

“Some days they are little powerhouses and plow through everything. Other days, if they need more breaks, they can take them.”

She generally adheres to typical school hours on most days, but each day is different – with some ending later than the traditional school day if needed.

“The beauty of homeschool is the flexibility,” she said.

For instance, if she has a lesson planned, but one of her sons wants to create his own comic book from scratch, she allows it because it involves academic skills. “He measures the boxes for the comic strips with a ruler, draws and traces the boxes, writes a story, and illustrates it,” she said.

Her teaching background combined with extensive research on homeschooling methods – especially the New York requirements – Mrs. Tafuri created a curriculum for each of her boys based on their individual needs.

“It is constantly evolving based on their changing styles and needs,” she said.

Mrs. Tafuri admits that coordinating her sons’ homeschooling programs is a lot of work, but the rewards far outpace the effort – and she has no regrets.

“They are so much happier, relaxed, and well-rested,” she said. “They are able to learn about things that interest them and they can work at their own pace,” she continued.

Two of the most common methods of home schooling include structured and unstructured programs.

The structured program most mirrors a traditional classroom setting in that it follows basic curriculum with articulated goals and outcomes, however it personalizes the curriculum according to a child’s capabilities.

Unstructured homeschooling centers around selfdirected learning based on a child’s daily moments and experiences -- free of textbooks, structured curriculum, or even teachers.

Staten Island parents found homeschooling to be beneficial because of the freedom to make individualized choices and tailor the pace and content of the 20 February 2019 • siparent.com

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2019 Day Camp Open House Dates:

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Look for these programs this summer:

Early Bird registration Deadline: Monday, April 15, 2019

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raising kids curriculum to their children’s academic needs versus a traditional teacher-led classroom setting.

Disappointed with the new curriculum standards at her sons’ Catholic grammar school three years ago, Jessica Castro-Festa decided it was time to try an alternative to the traditional classroom setting.

After six months of research, the Westerleigh resident began homeschooling her sons, Joseph, then age 9 in fourth grade, and James, then age 8 in third grade.

“Some of the reasons I switched was because I was unhappy with the Common Core [curriculum] and the way it was being introduced, and the fact that our children were being used as test subjects,” she explained.

New York state adopted Common Core Standards for math and english language arts for grades K through 12 in 2010 as part of the national education initiative aimed at raising the achievement levels as well as skills and knowledge of students across the country as they progress through different grades levels.

The biggest “con” with homeschooling, according to Mrs. Tafuri, is that her sons will have to take the GED exam in order to get a high school equivalency diploma, she said.

“If college is on your radar, you do want to do some research in advance to see if the colleges you are interested in will accept homeschooled students or those who have taken a GED,” she advised.

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Ms. Castro-Festa felt the drastic changes in the curriculum and extensive testing, as well as the teachers themselves learning about the process all while teaching the students “left me without options.”

She ended up utilizing a Christian-based program she was impressed with for its use of traditional curriculum and virtual teachers that engaged her children to move through the lessons with ease and without distractions – and without the need for homework.

One of Ms. Castro-Festa’s sons liked having things explained to him in more detail if needed, and thrived academically, while enjoying the extra downtime.

Her other son excelled academically – even more so than in his previous classroom setting – but had difficulty focusing and concentrating one-on-one and missed the traditional school-based group learning environment.

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raising kids Ultimately, she stopped homeschooling after one year because the costs outweighed that of her sons’ Catholic school, and there was a lack of homeschooling support groups for her religious affiliation.

In addition, she felt her sons lacked acceptance by peers and other parents because of being home-schooled.

“One of the difficulties we faced was not having enough socialization,” even though they were enrolled in Boy Scouts, karate, and private art and music lessons, Ms. Castro-Festa admitted. “They became outcasts in the traditional settings,” she explained. “Some parents and students treated my children differently because of my decision.”

While it is legal in all fifty United States, the pros and cons of homeschooling are debated by parents, educators, advocates, and critics who disagree about the merits of the overall effectiveness as it relates to regulations, curriculum, testing requirements, and other oversight. Each state has its own set of mandates and laws that can be found on the state’s website.

The biggest “con” with homeschooling, according to Mrs. Tafuri, is that her sons will have to take the GED exam in order to get a high school equivalency diploma, she said.

“If college is on your radar, you do want to do some research in advance to see if the colleges you are interested in will accept homeschooled students or those who have taken a GED,” she advised.

Overall, Mrs. Tafuri feels her sons have the perfect balance of academics and social interaction. Besides home instruction, they are active in karate, sports, and music, to name a few – without the stress or bullying found in typical school-based settings, she noted.

“They are getting the education they need in a way that works for them – plus the social interaction, but without the stress and drama school often brings,” Mrs. Tafuri explained.

She said she will continue to home-school her sons as long as they want, and would consider a traditional school based if and when they showed interest.

“They are very happy right now and I get to have my kids with me all the time,” she said. “I know they are safe, fed, and being cared for properly.”

Despite some minor obstacles, overall Ms. Castro-Festa agreed homeschooling offers a personalized environment that boosts learning and academic development, while also giving them more time to bond with their children and enhance the parent-child relationship.

“The time my boys and I had together was priceless,” Ms. Casto-Festa said. “We were on our own schedule and could start and end our classes at any given time.”

By Christine Albano

24 February 2019 • siparent.com

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FREE LUNCH FREE TRANSPORTATION FREE EXTENDED HOURS Like us on Facebook

7AM - 6PM

www.FunstationDayCamp.com 718.569.5426 • 3555 Victory Boulevard

Chris Mancusi, Director

February 2019 • siparent.com

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raising kids

Sandy Ground A Piece of African-American History in Staten Island

A

By Michael Reilly, NYS Assemblyman, previous District 31 Community Education Council President and former New York City Police Department Lieutenant.

s February rolls in we celebrate and honor the rich African-American history of our country. Schools and communities explore the struggles and triumphs of AfricanAmericans in the United States, from the blight of slavery to the civil rights movement and up to today.

On Staten Island’s South Shore there is a majestic piece of African-American history in Sandy Ground, located in today’s community of Rossville. Sandy Ground first appeared in records dating back to 1799. The name Sandy Ground refers to the rich soil which covered the area.

The first African-American land owners appeared in documents in 1828, migrating from New York, Maryland and Delaware. The first freed black families arrived at Sandy Ground to establish farms and prosper in the oyster trade when new laws in Maryland severely restricted them from harvesting oysters. The South Shore Staten Island oyster trade was very prosperous for these new settlers until it dried up due to overfishing, pollution and industrialization of the area. Eventually the oyster trade ceased to exist after a major typhoid outbreak linked to eating contaminated oysters hit the community.

This led to the closure of the oyster bed in 1916.

Rossville AME Zion Church In 1930 and 1963 the Sandy Ground community was impacted by severe fires that destroyed significant parts of the community. The community was still able to persevere. One of the anchor points of Sandy Ground was the Rossville AME Zion Church, founded in 1850. Aside from Sunday services, the church hosted many events, including fundraisers, socials, summer camps, concerts and dances. It truly was the epicenter of the community.

One notable member was Reverend Thomas James, a famous abolitionist and civil rights leader.

The church served as a stop on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. As the congregation expanded, the community needed a new church. The new AME Church was built in 1897 on Crabtree Avenue between Bloomingdale Road and Turner Street. The original church building was demolished around 1930, but its cemetery still exists with over two dozen gravestones, some dating back to the community’s first days. The AME Zion Church eventually moved to the current location at 584 Bloomingdale Road, where it stands today.

Legacy Lives On The Sandy Ground community is preserved in many ways, including the work by the Sandy Ground Museum and Historical Society located at 1538 Woodrow Rd. (Executive Director, Mrs. Sylvia Moody-D’Alessandro). The Museum & Historical Society hosts classes for children and adults. Visit sandyground.wordpress.com for more information.

The newest Public School in the area, a “green” environmentally friendly school located on Bloomingdale Road, includes Sandy Ground in the name: Public School 62: The Kathleen Grimm School for Leadership and Sustainability on Sandy Ground.

In April 2017 Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that one of the three new Staten Ferry Boats operated by the New York City Department of Transportation will be named Sandy Ground. The Sandy Ground will join The Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis when the new Boats hit the waterway beginning in 2019.

26 February 2019 • siparent.com

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February 2019 • siparent.com

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15 Questions to Ask a Prospective Pediatrician A good pediatrician is an invaluable resource— here’s how to find the best fit for your family’s needs.

By Bethany Braun-Silva

A

s

soon-to-be

parents

can

imagine, and current parents know,

having

a

trusted

pediatrician is monumentally important.

When you’re expecting, the checklists of tasks to be completed before baby comes home are already substantial, but nevertheless, it’s important to take the time to vet different pediatricians in order to find the right doctor for your family, location, and needs. And, since your baby will need to be seen by a doctor within the first week of birth, it’s important to find the right fit before baby arrives so you’re comfortable and confident at appointments.

If you’re past that stage, there are many reasons why you might be considering switching pediatricians, from the practical concerns such as office hours or location to worries about fit and approach.

So whether you’re expecting your first child or looking to switch pediatricians for your kids, we’ve come up with a list of 15 questions to guide you on your journey to finding the right doctor.

1. Is the location convenient?

It’s one thing to strap your week-old baby in a carrier and hop on the subway for a few stops, but it’s quite another to lug a stroller up and down those subway stairs or call a car service to get you to the opposite end of town. A convenient location might not be the most important requirement, but it sure does help should your child need an urgent sick visit or if you will be traveling solo or with more than one kid.

2. Is the pediatrician board-certified?

If the doctor is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, that means she has passed a specialized exam in pediatrics. Additionally, if the doctor is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics the letters “FAAP” will appear after her name. This means she has met established standards for providing child health care.

3. What’s his child-care ideology?

What are his thoughts on breast-feeding?

Co-sleeping? Circumcision? These are all important things your pediatrician can help you with. You might also want to find out his philosophies on sleep training, potty training, and discipline. If your thoughts don’t align, this can make for some challenging visits.

4. How long does a typical check-up last?

This is something you can get an idea of during a prenatal visit with a pediatrician, should you choose to have one. Does the doctor take her time? Does she give you an opportunity to ask all of your questions?

It is best that you don’t feel rushed during appointments. New parents are especially exhausted and overwhelmed and it’s important they feel at ease at the pediatrician’s office.

5. Is it a group or solo practice?

If it’s a solo practice you will be seeing the same pediatrician each time you visit, although you should ask who covers for him while he’s away. If it’s a group practice you might be scheduled with different pediatricians or nurse practitioners each time you are there. Consider what’s important to you: seeing the same pediatrician every time, or the accessibility that can come from multiple doctors on staff.

6. Does the pediatrician have a subspecialty?

Certain pediatricians have subspecialties, such as advanced training in allergies, behavioral issues, endocrinology, or psychiatry.

This might be something to consider if there are pre-existing conditions that run in your family.

28 February 2019 • siparent.com

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LIPM 7. What is the doctor’s stance on vaccinations?

While the topic of vaccinations can be a bit touchy, you’ll want to get clear before you commit on what the doctor’s opinion is regarding the timing of vaccinations.

Some practices offer a gradual vaccination schedule, if that’s something you might be interested in, while others will only stick to the standard schedule.

8. Can you get a same-day sick visit?

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve called my son’s pediatrician needing an appointment for that same day. I have never been denied, and it has been a source of great relief for me and my family. Not all doctors offer this service, so if urgency is important to you, make sure this is an option.

9. Does the office offer evening or weekend hours?

you can call that will connect you to a doctor, nurse, or nurse practitioner on staff. This is also an important after-hours feature as well.

13. What is the practice’s emergency protocol and hospital affiliation?

If your child has a serious accident or allergic reaction, you will need to know your pediatrician’s protocol for handling these emergencies. Does she make house calls?

Will he visit children if they end up in the ER? If the practice has a hospital affiliation, find out about its reputation and if it’s close to where you live. Ask how the hospital works in conjunction with the pediatrician’s office and if it allows parents to stay in the room overnight with admitted children. Hopefully this will be something you never have to experience, but it’s good information to have nonetheless.

14. Does the practice accept your insurance?

Find out what plans the office accepts and whether your plan is one of them. Also, it’s a good idea to have some knowledge of all the plans they accept in case your insurance changes. If the practice does not accept your insurance, find out if it offers payment plans or a sliding scale for certain services.

15. What is your gut feeling?

This is a question for yourself, not the pediatrician, but an important one nonetheless.

This doctor will be a very important part of your child’s life for years to come. Ultimately you want to find someone who you trust and feel comfortable with. After all, he will be a key player in your child’s health and development.

If you’re a working parent, it will be difficult to get your child to well visits, never mind sick ones, during regular working hours. Extended and weekend hours can be a lifesaver for some parents.

10. What’s the wait time?

You’ll probably experience some wait time in any doctor’s office, but if the office is consistently behind schedule that can be a real issue. Waiting rooms are notoriously germy and full of not-so-happy-kids. Visit prospective offices and check out the wait time for yourself, or ask a parent who’s there.

There’s nothing worse than a room full of crying kids waiting to get shots.

11. How does the office look?

Is the place clean? Are there toys and books for your child to play with? Because you might spend at least a few minutes waiting to be seen, it’s best to have an office that is appealing to kids. Some offices even provide patients with separate waiting rooms for sick and well kids—something to consider.

12. Can you call with questions?

Is there a number to call if you have a simple question regarding your child’s health? Sometimes issues are small enough they don’t warrant a trip to the office. You want to make sure your office has a number

Joseph DePaulo, age 8, having fun with Dr Buonaspina.

February 2019 • siparent.com

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Caroline Shade, age 10, and Justin Shade, age 7, smile for a photo at Richmond County Day Camp

Can’t Wait for Camp!

It’s time to consider your summer camp options

We know what you’re thinking. It’s freezing outside!

Who’s already thinking about camp? The truth is, now is the time to start thinking about where and how your child will be spending their summer.

Summer camp open houses will be starting soon – March or even earlier – and many will be full not long after the registration period begins.

To ensure your child makes the most of his or her summer vacation, start researching camps now and you will be ready when it’s time to sign up.

T

here are various types of summer camps, each offering youngsters something different. With camps to meet every interest, price range, and schedule, camping can be good for anyone!

The following are some of the summer camp options parents can expect to encounter as they search for the right experience for their little campers.

Day camp Day camps are not overnight camps, which means kids will return home each night rather than sleep over at camp. Day camps typically offer many of the activities people have come to associate with camps, including crafts, sports and even day-trips to experience local museums or attractions. Many day camps are co-ed, and counselors typically live within the community.

Sports camp Some summer camps focus on a particular sport, catering to young athletes who want to further develop their athletic talents. Sports camps may feature guest lectures and lessons from notable local athletes and coaches, while

some camps may provide instruction from current and/or former professional athletes.

Some sports camps are overnight, while others are day camps.

Special interest camp Some camps focus entirely on one particular activity that will serve the main interest of its campers. Campers will spend the majority of their time on this main activity. Types of special interest camps could include drama, nature, computer/technology, dance, music, art, or science/math. There are many special interest camp options right here in Staten Island.

Faith-based camp Faith-based camps offer many of the same activities as more traditional summer camps, but do so while simultaneously offering campers the opportunity to celebrate and further explore their religious beliefs. Some faith-based camps may focus heavily on religion, incorporating faith into daily camp activities, while others may be more subtle with regard to integrating religious beliefs and lessons into camp activities.

30 February 2019 • siparent.com

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Camp for children with special needs There are many camps that accommodate children with special needs. Staff at these camps typically undergoes extensive training, which helps to calm some of the fears parents may have about leaving their children at camp. Facilities are often built to accommodate the specific needs of these campers.

Questions to Consider in Selecting a Day Camp: • What is a typical day like? Can the children select their activities or do they follow a strict schedule?

• Are parent visits permitted? Can you “drop in” any time or is there a parent visit day?

• What is the ratio of counselors to campers? For day camps, the American Camp Association guidelines call for one staff member for every six campers ages 4 and 5; eight campers ages 6 to 8; one staff member for every 10 campers ages 9 to 14; and one staff member for every 12 campers ages 15 to 17. ACA standards also include the need to train staff to minimize 1:1 camper/ staff interactions when out of sight of others.

• What are the qualifications and training requirements for the staff? Are there Counselors in Training (CIT)?

You may want to consider a CIT program if your teen is aging out of the camping experience.

• What is included in the camp fee? Is there an extra charge for certain activities, camp shirt, food, lessons, field trips, transportation, extended care?

• Is there a lunch program, or do campers bring their own lunch, drinks, and snacks? Will it be kept in a refrigerator or cooler? Are their food/drink restrictions?

• Is transportation available, and is it door-to-door?

• Is there a before and/or after care program?

• Is there a pool or other water activities? If there is a pool, is there a lifeguard on duty? Are swimming lessons offered?

• How are discipline issues resolved?

• Is the camp accredited? ACA collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to be sure required practices are current and sound.

• What is the camp policy regarding cell phones and other technology items brought to camp?

If you are considering a Day Camp, the American Camp Association (ACA) recommends considering your child’s interests, personality, and maturity level.

Be certain to include your child in the decisionmaking process. Together with your child, research camp options and examine the information the camps provide. Many camps have web sites that include a good overview of what they have to offer. There may be photos, maps or virtual tours of the camp facility, sample daily schedules and menus, and information about the directors and key staff. As children become better acquainted with the camp experience and are more involved in the decision-making process, they will have less anxiety about going to camp

32 February 2019 • siparent.com

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Valentine’s Love Bots

Boot up your creativity this Valentine’s Day with these adorable Valentine Love Bots! You and your little sweethearts can even create a whole Love Bot family together. Here’s how to make them.

YOU WILL NEED:

Step 1

Step 2

• Googly eyes • Tape • Glue • Scissors • Marker • Pipe cleaners • Valentine’s Day decorations such as hearts • 2-5 used 6.75-ounce Juicy Juice boxes • Valentine’s Day gift wrap

directions Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 1 – Wrap your empty juice box in Valentine’s Day gift wrap using glue or tape.

Step 2 – Use glue to adhere your robot’s eyes in place.

Step 3 - Now it’s time for the arms! Use glue or tape to adhere your robot’s arms (pipe cleaners) in place.

Step 4 - Continue to bring your robot to life by using tape or glue to add another pipe cleaner to the top of the robot’s head.

Step 5 - Use a marker to draw your robot’s mouth.

Step 6 - Decorate with supplies of your choice! We used red, white & pink hearts.

Step 7 - Repeat steps 1-6 at least once or twice to create a whole robot family!

Provided by Juicy Juice. See more crafts at juicyjuice.com.

34 February 2019 • siparent.com

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For information 718-442-6112

February 2019 • siparent.com

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Cozy Winter Soups

There’s nothing like a bowl of hearty soup to warm up on a chilly night. But by February, you’ve probably made more pots of chicken soup or beef stew than you can count. Try something different before winter ends and you might have a new cold weather go-to for soup night. Here are a few of our favorites:

Pear & Sweet Corn Soup with Basil-Macadamia Pesto

Rich Potato Leek Soup

Smoky Turkey Lentil Chili

Ingredients • 3 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, diced • 3 leeks, white and light green parts sliced • 3 carrots, peeled and diced • 3 stalks celery, finely chopped • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 5 small or 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped • 5 cups vegetable broth Parmesan Croutons: • 2 cups whole wheat bread cut into 1” chunks • 2 tbsp olive oil • ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredients • 2 lbs ground turkey • 1 1/2 cups whole green lentils • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 large onion, diced • 3 garlic cloves, crushed • 2 28 oz cans diced tomatoes • 3 cups turkey or chicken broth • 1 cup water • 1 can black beans • 1 can refried beans • 1 cup fresh, frozen, or canned corn • 1 package chili seasoning (or a favorite blend) • ½ can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (optional) • 2 tsp cinnamon • 2 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions: 1. In large soup pot, add olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add onion, leeks, carrots, celery, garlic, and potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook until softened, about 10-12 minutes.

3. Add thyme and vegetable broth, and bring to a simmer.

4. Reduce heat and let cook for 15 more minutes, until potatoes are softened.

5. Using an immersion blender or high-powered blender, puree until smooth.

For the parmesan croutons: 6. Preheat oven to 375 °F. 7. Add olive oil to a bowl, then add bread cubes, tossing to coat.

8. Toss with cheese and season with salt and pepper.

9. Place on baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until golden.

Directions: 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot.

2. Add onions and cook until translucent, 5-7 minutes.

3. Add garlic and cook through, an additional 2 minutes.

4. Add turkey and cook through, 8–12 minutes.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Add tomatoes and stir thoroughly.

7. Add lentils, turkey broth, and water.

8. Add spices and chipotle peppers (if using) and bring to a gentle simmer.

9. Cook for 25–35 minutes, until mixture thickens and lentils are cooked through (may take longer to ensure lentils are fully cooked).

10. Add black beans and refried beans. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until flavors are thoroughly incorporated. If mixture is too thick, add additional water to desired consistency.

11. Season with salt and pepper, serve.

Directions: For the pesto: 1. Combine ingredients in a food processor.

2. Scrape down the sides and continue to pulse until you get a chunky, scoopable pesto. Set aside until the soup is ready.

For the soup: 1. In a medium pot, combine the pears, corn, ginger, and water.

2. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Turn off heat and allow soup to cool for 15-20 min.

3. Once cooled slightly, puree the soup in a blender in batches until smooth. For a perfectly smooth soup, pass the liquid through a fine mesh strainer.

4. Return soup to the pot over low heat and stir in salt and coconut milk. Once warmed through, the soup is ready to serve.

5. To each bowl of soup, add a generous spoonful of the Basil-Macadamia Pesto.

potatogoodness.com

lentils.org

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Ingredients Pesto • 2 cups lightly packed basil leaves • 3 tbsps macadamia nuts (about 10 nuts) • 2 tsps fresh lime juice • ¼ tsp salt • 1 tbsp canola oil Soup • 4 ripe pears, cut into quarters • 3 cups corn kernels • 1 tbsp chopped fresh ginger • 4 cups water • 1 tbsp salt • 1 cup coconut milk

36 February 2019 • siparent.com

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February 2019 • siparent.com

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Birthday Club members are entitled to these gifts on their birthday!

Free junior cone with sprinkles

Free $5 power card

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110 Schanck Road, Freehold, New Jersey 07728-2938 732.577.8200

at Rock‘em extreme

February 1 Stephanie Brandi Foye Jimmy wepy Tyler Hummler Bella Weinerman Victoria Lamberti Carmen Spurrell Alexandra Mauro Riley Corson Robert Ralph Russo Rebecca Stengle-Wilson Patricia Aponte Kylie Olivia Norman Michael Casale Shannon Riley February 2 Nevin Ibroci Angel Espada Joanne Mary Darretta James Phelan Gianna Phelan Angeliah Negron Dominic Hughes Abigail Harlow Angeliah Negron Dominic Hughes Zacari Kizer February 3 Heavenlia Janvier Justin Levine Juan Carlos Robles-Corona George Elkik Giavanna Anwar Corey Newell-Hopkins Kyle Kavanagh Luna Velasquez Raina Garcia Amiya Harris February 4 Gabrielle Cestone Joseph R. Thompson Jr. Amanda Guarino Silvia Sereno Hiba Ahmed Blake Benevento Samantha Smith Alyssa Bavaro February 5 Kayla Dawson Andrew N. Gargiulo Camilla Abdalmegeed Fatima J. Gonzalez Olivia Frances DePeppo Lori Caban Mariham Tharwat Leilani Jenkins Jason Anzalone

at iPlay America

Sign up for the Birthday Club on siparent.com’s home page.

Matthew Tzur Mirai Adame Gracie Abel Emily Sciusco

February 6 Catherine Mignano Bashkim Ardolic Chioma Agu Nicole Buccellato Kevin Schoenau Nicholas Dropp Elizabeth Maira February 7 Patrick James Calvo Dominick Maruffi Noah Samuel Liebman J.D. Overton Xavier Gonzalez Stefania R. Santoro Gabrielle Darretta Arianna Monteleone February 8 Julie Higgins Robert Butler Ashley Lambert Gianna Clarke Gabrielle Morri Kyle Taylor Jacob Alvarez Jake Terzo

February 9 Devin Bernard Bester Jessica Vasquez Anthony Di Leo, Jr. Ryan Rocchio Dennis Mitchell Giada Gagliardotto Susan Borazzo Byrant Sandiford Caleb Larsen February 10 Maliyah A. Greene Kerri McCarthy Kristen Ann McGill Jason Young Gia Reyes Roshan Mathew Alexandra Nat Bajek Kristinia Lamberti Nicholas Barbieri Lily Olsen Ryan Milone Rivka Steinherz Michael O’Leary Juliana Rae Melisi

February 11 Gianna Taylor Clark Brittani Taylor Agosta Venus Collins John Castelucci John Rutherford Katie Schoenau Gianna Borriello Ayana Angell Aiden Ciero Liam Morales Aza Villodas Halle Marie Nova Isabella Carrescia Aiden Briggs Theresa Diaz February 12 Jared Moller Alexis Compton Lauren Ormond Salvatore Polemeni Joseph Sciarrone Hunter Pesin Lisa Lamberti Ryan Rocchio Kassandra Mojica Sasha Tolbert-Francis Kailani Collado Kassandra Mojica

February 13 Taylor Nicole Bove Omar Hegazy Olivia Becker Julianna Milillo Joel Rivera Rebecca Holzer Alishah Warraich Sophia Deserto Brianna Sampson Joseph Turturro

February 14 Antonio Bella Linda Newman Elliot Taylor Ryan Angelica Reyes Maxwell Roach Salvatore Isolda Sophia Esposito Teddy Novick Sabrina Velez February 15 Joseph Di Leo Joseph Anthony Guarnieri Michael Joyce Chris Best

Brianna Osorio Alyssa Cianfrone Ralphie Cimmino

February 16 Alexander Olinsky John Doyle Tyler David Antoinette Lamberti Anthony Sercia Joseph McDonough Alexandra Nonnenmacher Isabella Delehanty Antonio Bordwick Aria Brousseau Kalvin Ball Isabella Delahanty Nicolette Brancoccio February 17 Alyssa Lynn Sperrazza Valerie Colon Anthony Guidotti Michael Joyce Kaitlin Jennifer Arroyo Joseph A. Temperino Jr. Samantha Taylor Slovitz Michelle Piazza Joseph DePalo Alyssa Sperrazza Connor Higgins

February 18 Sabrina Bodden Lucas S. MacDonald Santo Agosta Jr Stephanie De Molfetto Kate Hagen Kendall Savino Adrian Rzonca Gia Koppie Christina Losinno Christian Wikande Jenna Hershkowitz Daniel Palmeri Sydney Eil February 19 Lanette Batts Anaya Fieros Joseph Vann Jordan Clanton Emily Retino Jade Yu Joseph Gottlieb Juan Diego Cordova Tyrese Tucker Devon Nieves Henry Cartier

February 20 Liana Ortiz Grace Angelica Rignola Jalen K.M. Payne Jakub Rodriguez John Chernack Nadia Chernack Francesca Saccomagno David Kurbalidze Joe Lamberti Paulie Battipaglia David Ginsburg February 21 Chris Corrado Nicholas J. Aspromonte Justin Joseph Sterlacci Andrew Snyder Lauren Marino David Kholodovsky Christena Armento Victoria Lopez Tyler Wise Lucas Gasparino Joseph DiStefano

February 22 Neyla Ibroci George Lambert, Jr. Grace Paulina Tabora Nicholas Medordi Connor Kealy Sienna Gallego-Montantine Haelee Chan Pamela Aliotta Mikayla Prather February 23 Kali Young Sarah Westin Christopher Slinger Constandina Haralambidis Sanuli Dharmawardena Samantha Sicari Sabrina Mogollon Jenna Labarbera Michael Vergo Olivia Medordi Brandon Gentner Isabella Tadros February 24 Alexis Rivera Daniel Agarunov Jose Carlos Aguilar Jr. Antonio M. Antonaros Matthew Marino Christopher Zandler Vincent Villani Sean Keag

Hunter McCarthy Anthony Del Re Lucas Jiminez Shardasza Johnson February 25 Nicolas Fichtl Anthony R. Cassieri Lawrence Frank Joseph Pellegrino Daniel Guariglia Daniel Dewakumara Giselle Rau Giavanni Esposito Luis Rios February 26 Michael Kelly Kyle Ryan Guzman Antonio Facciolli Comfort Majekodunmi Emily Becker Zachary Bellantoni John Marsh, Jr. Francesca Delapi Nicholas Garcia Jessica Paoli Ava Valenti Meaghan Viviani Julia Jamrog February 27 Myah Simms Jaysen Sullivan Nina Russo Jordan Hafiz Thomas Mantellino Dominique Litrell Lauren Minks Amaya Lewis Hunter Mahoney Sydney Calabrese Dominique Litrell Benjamin Mailloux February 28 Nicholas Casuccio Victoria Rymer Jordan Roman Jordana Roman Andrew Trapani Cristina Mogollon Diandre Green Ayden Villodas Ta’Jon Duncan February 29 Joseph A. Toto Daniel Korenski

Please present this page. Good only for birthday club members on this list. Offer valid on child’s birthday only. Call before for to check availabilty.

38 February 2019 • siparent.com

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Come Visit Us!

ST. JOSEPH HILL ACADEMY

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, MARCH 10 • 10:00AM-1:00PM PRE-K 3 THROUGH GRADE 8

Middle States Accredited School Providing a premier education, Pre-K through Grade 8, to the Easy drop off for commuting parents.

Close proximity to the Verrazano bridge.

Staten Island community for nearly 100 years.

718-981-1187 x9136 • 850 Hylan Boulevard • stjosephhillacademy.com

February 2019 • siparent.com

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CELEBRATING 33 YEARS OF CREATIVE LEARNING Curriculum reflects the changing needs for today’s child including:

• Parent Child Playgroups -Baby Buzz 4-12 months -Tot-Time Together 12-20 months • 2 Year Old Program

• Early Literacy • Critical Thinking Skills • Handwriting Program • Music Enrichment

• 3 Year Old Program Half & Full Day Classes

all through an integrated curriculum

• 4 Year Old Program

• State-of-the-Art Outdoor Playground • Large Indoor Gym • Certified Staff • Reasonable Rates

A CREATIVE PRESCHOOL WITHIN A CHRISTIAN ENVIRONMENT

Including SMART Board Educational Technology

OPEN REGISTRATION BEGINS Friday, February 8th from 5-7pm

718-442-5350 • 1657 Victory Blvd www.castletonhillpreschool.com • Like us on Facebook

Providing Quality Home-Based Early Intervention Evaluations and Services

Early Start:

EVALUATIONS AND SERVICES FOR CHILDREN BIRTH TO 3 YEARS

ALL THERAPISTS ARE LICENSED, CERTIFIED, OR BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSTS

Elise Vetere, PhD., ABSNP Director Licensed Psychologist

Diplomate in School Neuropsychology with extensive experience evaluating, diagnosing, and providing behavioral interventions for over 25 years.

Dr. Vetere is also well versed and lectures on topics including “The Psychology of the Exceptional Child” and “Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)”.

• Psychology • ABA/VBA • OT – Fine motor and sensory integration • PT – Gross motor • ST – Speech/language and feeding • Developmental - Infant stimulation • Family Training

PRIVATE NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS AVAILABLE FOR PRESCHOOL AND PRIMARY AGE SCHOOL CHILDREN

718-887-5128 • 311 • EarlyStartInc.com Like us on Facebook

40 February 2019 • siparent.com

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events & news

Follow us on social media

LIPM

family C • a • l • e • n • d • a • r Important February Dates February 1 – National Wear Red Day February 2 – Groundhog Day February 3 – Super Bowl LIII February 4 – World Cancer Day February 5 – Lunar New Year February 14 – Valentine’s Day February 18 – Presidents’ Day Friday, February 1

Baby Rhyme Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 10:30am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

Toddler Rhyme Time & Toy Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Ln 718-351-2977 11:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-2.5 Game Day! South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 2pm • Free • Ages 3-12 ShopRite Kidz Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 3pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Wii Love Gaming!

Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-11 Family Story Time Richmondtown Library 200 Clarke Avenue 718-668-0413 4pm • Free • Ages 3+ YMCA Teen Night 3939 Richmond Ave 718-227-3200 7:30pm • Free • Ages 11-15

Saturday, February 2

Groundhog Day Staten Island Zoo 614 Broadway 718-442-3100 7am • Free • All ages

Saint George Greenmarket St. Mark’s Place and Hyatt St 212-788-7900 8am • Free • All ages Survival Skills 3: Emergency First Aid Zimmer Club 4411 Arthur Kill Road 718-948-9599 9am • Free • Ages 8-17 DIY Heart Candy Box Home Depot All Staten Island Locations 800-466-3337 9am • Free • All ages Kids Club Foxy Valentines Michael’s All Staten Island Locations michaels.com/classes 10am • $5 • Ages 5+ Kids Club Foxy Valentines Michael’s All Staten Island Locations michaels.com/classes 10am • $2 • Ages 3+ Music & Movement New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 11am • Free • Ages 1-5 Maple Syrup Saturdays Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 1pm • Free • Ages 5+ Korean Lunar New Year Celebration Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 718-727-1135 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Weekend Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Monthly Beach Cleanup Fort Wadsworth 210 New York Avenue 718-354-4606 10am • Free • All ages

Victorian Valentine Workshop Historic Richmond Town 441 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 1:30pm • Free w/ admission • Ages 7+

Chinese New Year: Year of the Boar Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 12pm • $6 – $8 • Ages 6+

Groundhog Day Hibernation Pajama Party Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 2pm • Free • Ages 4-8

the Year of the Pig Staten Island Zoo 614 Broadway 718-442-3100 12pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Cinema Saturdays!

Stapleton Library 132 Canal St 718-727-0427 2pm • Free • All ages

Valentine’s Day Artists Market Flagship Brewery Company 40 Minthorne Street 718-448-5284 1pm • Free • All ages

Family Film New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 2pm • Free • All ages

Weekend Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Paper Crafting Conference House Park 7455 Hylan Blvd.

718-984-6046 2pm • Free • All ages

Sunday, February 3

Monday, February 4

Toddler Storytime & Craft Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 10:30am • Free • Ages 18-36 months

NYRR Open Run Conference House Park 7455 Hylan Blvd.

855-569-6977 9am • Free • All ages

Toddler Storytime Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free • Ages 18 mos to 3 yrs

NYRR Open Run Silver Lake Park Silver Lake Park Road and Forest Ave 855-569-6977 9am • Free • All ages

Toddler Time!

Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11am • Free • Ages 2-4

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

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events & news Baby Storytime South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 11am • Free • All ages

Lego Free Play New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 5pm • Free • All ages

Paint, Stamp & Draw: SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/admission • All ages

Toddler Playtime Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 11am • Free • Ages 18-36 months

Free Parents & Family Substance Abuse Support Group Christopher’s Reason Recovery Ctr 521 Arthur Kill Rd, 3rd floor 7pm • Free • All ages

Wednesday STEMDay Stapleton Library 132 Canal St 718-727-0427 4pm • Free • Ages 5-11

Baby Space!

Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11:45am • Free • Ages 0-18 months Lego Builders South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • All ages Into the Wild Stories & Craft New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • Ages 3+ LEGOs Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free • Ages 4-12

Tuesday, February 5

Tot Time Tuesdays Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 10am • Free • Ages 0-3 La Leche League Breastfeeding Meeting Rossville Call for location details 718-727-1265 10:30am • Free • All ages Toddler Storytime South Beach Library 25 Robin Rd 718-816-5834 11am • Free • All ages Baby and Toddler Playtime Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free • Ages 0-4 Cool School Holiday: Lunar New Year SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • Free • All ages

Maple Syrup Saturdays Saturdays in February 1-3pm Clay Pit Ponds 2351 Veterans Rd. W 718-967-1976 nysparks.com Learn about the entire process of making maple syrup from tap to table! We will hike for up to an hour on our trails to find maple trees, drill holes, hang buckets, and collect sap so please wear snow boots, gloves, and a hat. If you think this program might be cancelled due to weather, call 718-605-3970 x201. Ages 5+

Future Dentists!

SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free • All ages Preschool Time & Phun with Phonetics New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Ln 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • Ages 2.5-5 LiteracyINC: Story Hour Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free • All ages

Wednesday, February 6

Infant Lapsit Storytime Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free • Ages 0-18 months

Family Storytime New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • Ages 3+ Lego Free Play New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 5pm • Free • All ages Family Association Meeting YMCA- South Shore 3939 Richmond Ave 718-227-3200 7pm • Free • All ages

Thursday, February 7

Toddler Rhyme Time & Toy Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Ln 718-351-2977 11:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-2.5 Game Day! South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 2pm • Free • Ages 3-12 ShopRite Kidz Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 3pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Wii Love Gaming!

Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-11 YMCA Teen Night 3939 Richmond Ave 718-227-3200 7:30pm • Free • Ages 11-15

Saturday, February 9

Tot’s Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • $6 • Ages 2-4

Saint George Greenmarket St. Mark’s Place and Hyatt St St. Mark’s Place and Hyatt St 212-788-7900 8am • Free • All ages

Sculpt & Shape: 3D Art Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/admission • All ages

Introduction to Scuba Diving & Treasure Hunting Zimmer Club 4411 Arthur Kill Road 718-948-9599 9am • Free • Ages 8-17

CloseKnit Noble Maritime Collection 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-447-6490 2pm • Free • All ages Polymer Clay Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 3pm • Free • Ages 13-18 Teen Game On! Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Ages 11+

Friday, February 8

A – Bee – C’s of Beekeeping Staten Island MakerSpace 450 Front St, Unit B 718-273-3951 10am • $20 • Call for ages Kids Club Lovely Frames Michael’s All Staten Island Locations michaels.com/classes 10am • $5 • Ages 6+ Kids Club Lovely Frames Michael’s All Staten Island Locations michaels.com/classes 10am • $2 • Ages 3+

Baby Rhyme Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 10:30am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

Baby And Toddler Storytime South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 10:30am • Free • Ages 0-3

Preschool Playtime Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 10:30am • Free • Ages 3-5

Music & Movement New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 11am • Free • Ages 1-5

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

42 February 2019 • siparent.com

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LIPM Sensory Storytime Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11am • Free (pre-register) • All ages

Weekend Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Toddler Storytime Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free • Ages 18 mos to 3 yrs

Story and Art South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • Ages 0-12

Soak Up Some Science SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 12pm • Free w/admission • All ages

Cinema Saturdays!

Stapleton Library 132 Canal St 718-727-0427 2pm • Free • All ages

Toddler Time!

Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11am • Free • Ages 2-4

La Leche League Breastfeeding Meeting Sunnyside Call for location details 347-558-0743 12:15pm • Free • All ages

Family Film New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 2pm • Free • All ages

Baby Space!

Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11:45am • Free • Ages 0-18 months

Anti-Bully Support Workshop Projectivity 51 Broad Street 646-765-6531 4pm • Free • All ages

Maple Syrup Saturdays Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 1pm • Free • Ages 5+

Paper Crafting Conference House Park 7455 Hylan Blvd.

718-984-6046 2pm • Free • All ages

Lego Builders South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • All ages

Family Art Workshop: Bug Bling Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 718-727-1135 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Pre-K for All Program Information & Registration SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Imagination Station New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 3:30pm • Free • All ages

Seasonal Jewelry Making Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 1pm • Free • Ages 12+

SAT Practice Test Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4:30pm • Free • Ages 13-18

Sunday, February 10

NYRR Open Run Conference House Park 7455 Hylan Blvd.

855-569-6977 9am • Free • All ages

Korean Lunar New Year Celebration Saturday, February 2 1-4pm Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-727-1136 statenislandmuseum.org Say goodbye to the Year of the Earth Dog and hello to the Year of the Pig! Enjoy art activities, performances, traditional Korean clothing (hanbok), games, customary Lunar New Year refreshments, and much more.

NYRR Open Run Silver Lake Park Silver Lake Park Road and Forest Ave 855-569-6977 9am • Free • All ages

LEGOs Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free • Ages 4-12 Lego Free Play New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 5pm • Free • All ages Free Parents & Family Substance Abuse Support Group Christopher’s Reason Recovery Ctr 521 Arthur Kill Rd, 3rd floor 7pm • Free • All ages

Tuesday, February 12

Design a Valentine Tee Shirt Fort Wadsworth 210 New York Avenue 718-354-4606 1pm • Free • All ages

Tot Time Tuesdays Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 10am • Free • Ages 0-3

Design a Valentine Tee Shirt Fort Wadsworth 210 New York Avenue 718-354-4606 1pm • Free • All ages

Tot’s Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • $6 • Ages 2-4

Weekend Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Toddler Storytime South Beach Library 25 Robin Rd 718-816-5834 11am • Free • All ages

Monday, February 11

Toddler Playtime Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 10:30am • Free • Ages 18-36 months

Baby and Toddler Playtime Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free • Ages 0-4

Preschool Time & Phun with Phonetics New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Ln 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • Ages 2.5-5 LiteracyINC: Story Hour Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free • All ages Free Special Education Workshop Event Staten Island University Hospital 375 Seguine Avenue 718-227-2171 7:30pm • Free • All ages

Wednesday, February 13

Infant Lapsit Storytime Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free • Ages 0-18 months La Leche League Breastfeeding Meeting Sunnyside Call for location details 347-558-0743 12:15pm • Free • All ages

Paint, Stamp & Draw: 2D Art Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/admission • All ages Valentine’s Day Craft Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 3:30pm • Free • Ages 3-6 Anti-Bully Support Workshop Rossville A.M.E. Zion Church 584 Bloomingdale Road 646-765-6531 4pm • Free • All ages Wednesday STEMDay Stapleton Library 132 Canal St 718-727-0427 4pm • Free • Ages 5-11

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

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events & news Family Storytime New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • Ages 3+ Lego Free Play New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 5pm • Free • All ages Family Association Meeting 3939 Richmond Ave 718-227-3200 7pm • Free • All ages

Thursday, February 14

Tot’s Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • $6 • Ages 2-4

Friday, February 15

Baby Rhyme Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 10:30am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

Preschool Storytime & Craft Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 10:30am • Free • Ages 3-5 Preschool Playtime Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 11am • Free • Ages 3-5 Toddler Rhyme Time & Toy Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Ln 718-351-2977 11:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-2.5

Sculpt & Shape: 3D Art Day SI Children’s Museum Game Day! 1000 Richmond Terrace South Beach Library 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/ admission • All ages 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 2pm • Free • Ages 3-12 Teen Game On! Great Kills Library ShopRite Kidz Cook 56 Giffords Lane SI Children’s Museum 718-984-6670 1000 Richmond Terrace 3:30pm • Free • Ages 11+ 718-273-2060 3pm • Free w/admission • All ages Wii Love Gaming!

Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-11

Victorian Valentine Workshop Saturday, February 2 1:30-4pm Historic Richmond Town 441 Clarke Avenue 718-351-1611 historicrichmondtown.org Get ready for Valentine’s Day at Historic Richmond Town! Join us and create your very own Victorian Valentine! All participants will have access to historic valentines from the museum’s collection.

Lego Challenge Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free (pre-register) • Ages 7+ YMCA Teen Night 3939 Richmond Ave 718-227-3200 7:30pm • Free • Ages 11-15

Saturday, February 16

I Love the Zoo! Staten Island Zoo 614 Broadway 718-442-3100 12am • Free w/ admission • All ages Saint George Greenmarket St. Mark’s Place and Hyatt St 212-788-7900 8am • Free • All ages Range Procedure & Marksmanship Zimmer Club 4411 Arthur Kill Road 718-948-9599 9am • Free • Ages 12-17

Valentine’s Day 5K Run Conference House Park 7455 Hylan Blvd. conferencehouse.org 10am • Pricing online • All ages Kids Club Flower Power Michael’s All Staten Island Locations michaels.com/classes 10am • $5 • Ages 6+ Kids Club Flower Power Michael’s All Staten Island Locations michaels.com/classes 10am • $2 • Ages 3+ Music & Movement New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 11am • Free • Ages 1-5 Maple Syrup Saturdays Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 1pm • Free • Ages 5+ Weekend Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Cinema Saturdays!

Stapleton Library 132 Canal St 718-727-0427 2pm • Free • All ages Family Film New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 2pm • Free • All ages Paper Crafting Conference House Park 7455 Hylan Blvd.

718-984-6046 2pm • Free • All ages

Sunday, February 17

NYRR Open Run Conference House Park 7455 Hylan Blvd.

855-569-6977 9am • Free • All ages

NYRR Open Run Silver Lake Park Silver Lake Park Road & Forest Ave 855-569-6977 9am • Free • All ages Weekend Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Sea Shanty Session Noble Maritime Collection 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-447-6490 2pm • Free • All ages

Monday, February 18

Winter Animal Adaptations Staten Island Zoo 614 Broadway 718-442-3100 9am • $6 • All ages President’s Day Workshop SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 10am • $5 • All ages Lego Free Play New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 5pm • Free • All ages Free Parents & Family Substance Abuse Support Group Christopher’s Reason Recovery Ctr 521 Arthur Kill Rd, 3rd floor 7pm • Free • All ages

Tuesday, February 19

Tot Time Tuesdays Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 10am • Free • Ages 0-3 School’s Out; We’re In: The President and War Horses Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 10:30am • Free (pre-register) • Ages 6+ Toddler Storytime South Beach Library 25 Robin Rd 718-816-5834 11am • Free • All ages Preschool Picassos — Scratch Art Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free • Ages 2-4 Future of Fashion SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • Free w/admission • All ages Birds 101 Great Kills Park Hylan Blvd. & Buffalo Street 718-354-4606 12pm • Free • All ages

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

44 February 2019 • siparent.com

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LIPM School’s Out; We’re In! Movie Matinee: The Wild Stallion of Cimarron (G-rated) Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 12:30pm • Free • Ages 6+ Imagination Playground SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Story and Art South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • Ages 0-12 Preschool Time & Phun with Phonetics New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Ln 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • Ages 2.5-5

Infant Lapsit Storytime Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free • Ages 0-18 months Future of Fashion SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • Free w/admission • All ages Winter Waterfowl Art Contest Great Kills Park Hylan Blvd. & Buffalo Street 718-354-4606 12pm • Free • All ages Imagination Studio: Marvelous Marble Mazes Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 718-727-1135 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Paint, Stamp & Draw: 2D Art Day Wednesday, February 20 SI Children’s Museum Winter Break Adventure 1000 Richmond Terrace Program: Beastly Behaviors 718-273-2060 Staten Island Zoo 1:30pm • Free w/admission • All ages 614 Broadway 718-442-3100 Imagination Playground 10am • Pricing online • Prek– 6th grade SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/admission • All ages DIY Spin Drum Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 3:30pm • Free • Ages 3+

Free Special Education Workshop Event Tuesday, February 12 7:30-9:30pm Staten Island University Hospital South Campus 375 Seguine Avenue 718-227-2171 fhfnyc.org ALL Parents of Special Education and Turning Five Parents: This informative workshop offers everything you ever wanted to know about helping your child with special needs. Learn strategies to implement in your home.

Wednesday STEMDay Stapleton Library 132 Canal St 718-727-0427 4pm • Free • Ages 5-11 Family Finger Painting South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4pm • Free • All ages American Girl Doll Tea Party Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 4pm • Free (pre-register) • Ages 7+ Family Storytime New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • Ages 3+ Lego Free Play New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 5pm • Free • All ages

Con Edison Family Science Night: Optics and Lasers Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 6:30pm • Free (preregister) • Ages 8-10 Family Association Meeting 3939 Richmond Ave 718-227-3200 7pm • Free • All ages

Thursday, February 21

Winter Break Adventure Program: Junior Zookeeper Day Staten Island Zoo 614 Broadway 718-442-3100 10am • Pricing online • PreK–6th Grade Future of Fashion SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • Free w/admission • All ages Bike Safety 101 Fort Wadsworth 210 New York Avenue 718-354-4606 12pm • Free • All ages Imagination Studio: Marvelous Marble Mazes Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 718-727-1135 1pm • Free w admission • All ages

Baby Rhyme Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 10:30am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Preschool Playtime Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 10:30am • Free • Ages 3-5 Toddler Rhyme Time & Toy Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Ln 718-351-2977 11:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-2.5 ShopRite Kidz Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 12pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Imagination Studio: Marvelous Marble Mazes Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 718-727-1135 1pm • Free w/admission • All ages Game Day! South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 2pm • Free • Ages 3-12 ShopRite Kidz Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 3pm • Free w/admission • All ages

Sculpt & Shape: 3D Art Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 Wii Love Gaming!

1:30pm • Free w/admission • All ages Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street Imagination Playground 718-727-0427 SI Children’s Museum 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-11 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 YMCA Teen Night 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages YMCA- South Shore 3939 Richmond Ave Teen Game On! 718-227-3200 Great Kills Library 7:30pm • Free • Ages 11-15 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 Saturday, February 23 3:30pm • Free • Ages 11+ Saint George Greenmarket Family Movie Night: How to St. Mark’s Place and Hyatt St Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) 212-788-7900 South Beach Library 8am • Free • All ages 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 Staten Island 4:30pm • Free • All ages Wildlife Fishing Zimmer Club 4411 Arthur Kill Road Friday, February 22 718-948-9599 Winter Stories at 9am • Free • Ages 10-17 Mont Sec House for Kids Fort Wadsworth A – Bee – C’s of Beekeeping 210 New York Avenue Staten Island MakerSpace 718-354-4606 450 Front St, Unit B 10am • Free • All ages 718-273-3951 10am • $20 • Call for ages

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

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events & news Kids Club Fingerprint Bugs Michael’s All Staten Island Locations michaels.com/classes 10am • $2 • Ages 3+

Maple Syrup Saturdays Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 1pm • Free • Ages 5+

Kids Club Fingerprint Bugs Michael’s All Staten Island Locations Weekend Art Studio SI Children’s Museum michaels.com/classes 1000 Richmond Terrace 10am • $5 • Ages 6+ 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/admission • All ages Sensory Storytime South Beach Library Cinema Saturdays!

21-25 Robin Road Stapleton Library 718-816-5834 132 Canal St 10:30am • Free • Ages 3-10 718-727-0427 2pm • Free • All ages Music & Movement New Dorp Library Family Film 309 New Dorp Lane New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 309 New Dorp Lane 11am • Free • Ages 1-5 718-351-2977 2pm • Free • All ages Super Science: Commonplace Chemistry Paper Crafting Staten Island Museum Conference House Park 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 7455 Hylan Blvd.

718-727-1135 11am • Free w/admission • Ages 6-12 718-984-6046 2pm • Free • All ages Con Edison Family Science Saturday: Colorful Science Art in the Park: Tree Cookie Crafts Greenbelt Recreation Center Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 501 Brielle Avenue 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-351-3450 718-967-1976 11:30am • Free • Ages 5-7 3:30pm • Free • Ages 9+

Saturday, March 2 2pm (doors open at 1pm) St. George Theatre 35 Hyatt Street 718-442-2900 stgeorgetheatre.com An all-new musical! American Girl Live is a premiere stage production, featuring original songs. Come along to sleepover camp with some new friends for an exciting summer away from home. As bold tales of bravery and friendship come to life, iconic American Girl characters lend a hand through story & song.

Purchase tickets online.

Toddler Story Time with Police Officers Louise and Tammy Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free • Ages 1.5-3 Toddler Time!

Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11am • Free • Ages 2-4 Baby Storytime South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 11am • Free • All ages

Baby and Toddler Playtime Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free • Ages 0-4 Story and Art South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • Ages 0-12 Preschool Time & Phun with Phonetics New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Ln 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • Ages 2.5-5 LiteracyINC: Story Hour Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free • All ages

Wednesday, February 27

Baby Space!

Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11:45am • Free • Ages 0-18 months

Infant Lapsit Storytime Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free • Ages 0-18 months

Lego Builders South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • All ages

Wednesday STEMDay Stapleton Library 132 Canal St 718-727-0427 4pm • Free • Ages 5-11

NYRR Open Run Conference House Park 7455 Hylan Blvd.

855-569-6977 9am • Free • All ages

LEGOs Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free • Ages 4-12

Family Storytime New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • Ages 3+

NYRR Open Run Silver Lake Park Silver Lake Park Road and Forest Ave 855-569-6977 9am • Free • All ages

Mad Scientist Monday New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Ln 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • All ages

Lego Free Play New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 5pm • Free • All ages

Frog Watch USA Training Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 11am • Free • Ages 8+

Lego Free Play New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 5pm • Free • All ages

Sunday, February 24

American Girl Live

Monday, February 25

Toddler Playtime Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 10:30am • Free • Ages 18-36 months

Imagination Studio: Marvelous Marble Mazes Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 718-727-1135 1pm • Free w/admission • All ages History Walk & Fort Tour Fort Wadsworth 210 New York Avenue 718-354-4606 2pm • Free • All ages Lunar New Year Celebration SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/admission • All ages

Tuesday, February 26

Thursday, February 28

Tot’s Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • $6 • Ages 2-4

Tot Time Tuesdays Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 10am • Free • Ages 0-3

Sculpt & Shape: 3D Art Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/admission • All ages

Tot’s Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • $6 • Ages 2-4

Teen Game On! Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free • Ages 11+

Toddler Storytime South Beach Library 25 Robin Rd 718-816-5834 11am • Free • All ages

Around the Stories & Craft New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • All ages

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

46 February 2019 • siparent.com

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COMMUNITY RESOURCES PRESCHOOL

OPEN HOUSE Every Tuesda y 10-12

BUILDING BLOCKS MONTESSORI SCHOOL at beautiful Silver Lake

NYS Licensed Preschool Teachers

Sign up for Staten Island Parent’s

E-Newsletter on siparent.com/signup

Each week, you will receive a newsletter with local familyfriendly events, as well as exclusive giveaways for our members. We also include special offers from our advertisers, with cool stuff for everyone in the family.

We strive to provide parents with the resources they need to raise a happy and healthy child in Staten Island, and we are glad to have you on board!

FREE FULL DAY UNIVERSAL PRE-KINDERGARTEN through NYC Board of Ed LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE

In a secure & nurturing environment, our multi-sensory, language-based curriculum stimulates development & encourages parental involvement.

FEE FOR SERVICE

• Full & half day program ages 2-5 • Flexible schedule & extended hours

JOAN P. HODUM EARLY LEARNING CENTER FREE NYS SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

• Diagnostic Evaluations • Full, Half Day & Integrated Classes • SEIT • Round-Trip Transportation

CPSE EVALUATION SITE 3651 Richmond Rd 718.568.3106

www.crpreschool.org

Preschool • Kindergarten Elementary Grades 1st - 5th Complete Montessori Curriculum • Small Classes Individualized Instruction • Spanish • Yoga Art • Music • Gym • Multi-Cultural Studies

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, MARCH 2 9AM - 12 NOON Flexible & Extended Hours • Convenient to Ferry NYC Licensed

Quality Education Since 1972

55 Forest Avenue 718-448-2992

www.buildingblocksmontessori.com

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raising kids attorneys Kurt T. Richards, P.C.

Attorney at Law 1200 South Ave, Ste 201 • SI, NY 718.720.1000 • www.krichardspc.com Divorce, Family Court, Child Custody, Spousal & Child Support, Domestic Violence, Adoptions, Name Changes, Annulments, Separation Agreements. Free Consultation for Divorce Actions. 24 Hour Phone Service.

orthodontics Salvatore R. Indelicato, D.M.D. Specialist in Orthodontics 444 Huguenot Avenue • SI, NY 10312 718.967.5213 www.bracesbydrindelicato.com

Dr. Indelicato and his team will work with you individually to create a treatment plan catered to meet your needs. We offer gentle, personal, quality care for children & adults. Member American Association of Orthodontists.

psychotherapists Angela Capece, LMHC

NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor Specializing in Couples/Family/Individual Counseling 917.636.3256 • acapece810@gmail.com

By Appointment • Day and Evening Hours Anxiety, depression and relationship issues can range from restricting to debilitating. If you are eager to free yourself from long-standing unhelpful behaviors, then psychotherapy can help you find the answerers you seek and the tools you need to promote growth and change in your life. As a mental health counselor, my initial goal is to provide you with confidential and personalized therapy to begin your journey to emotional well-being. My office is private and personal.

In my therapeutic work, I incorporate the many facets of my professional career which have included positions in educational and clinical sectors. In working with you, I will draw o these diverse experiences in order to provide you with a culturally sensitive treatment plan.

My areas of specialty include: Anxiety, Depression, Family Conflict, Couples Counseling, Self-Esteem, Stress Reduction and Management.

Staten Island YMCA Counseling Service

South Shore Center North Shore Center 3911 Richmond Avenue 285 Vanderbilt Avenue 718-948-3232 718-981-4382 Open Intake Hours available 6 days a week ymcanyc.org/locations/counseling-service Offering hope to individuals and families whose lives have been turned upside-down by addiction. We treat families, not just individuals. Our services include: Individual, Group & Family Counseling, a Little Steps program for children coping with a loved one’s addiction, Intensive Outpatient Treatment, Medication Assisted Treatment, Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders including on-site psychiatric services, Crisis Intervention, Assessment & Referral Services, Anger Management for youth/adults, Parenting Skills classes, FREE Narcan training/kits, Immigrant Resource Center including English as a Second Language Classes. Financial Assistance is available.

psychotherapists Karen L.. Goldman LMHC,BCPC, NCC

Bereavement and Mental Health Counseling 347-850-2322 Kgoldmantherapist@gmail.com

By Appointment Only • Daytime and Evening Hours Counseling Individuals and Groups, Children, Teens and Adults Struggling With Grief & Loss Issues, Transitions, Parenting Skills, Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Play, Art and Talk Therapy.

Kim Williams-Jenkins LCSW-R, MSEd, CRC, CASAC Culturally Competent Compassionate Counseling 15 1st Street, 2nd Floor • 10306 • 917.837.1317 CulturallyCompetentCounseling@Gmail.com

Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy; Identity and Self Esteem; Autism and Aspergers; Addiction and Recovery; LGBTQI; Adults and Children. Most Insurance Accepted.

Michael DeSimone Ph.D, LCSW

175 Burbank Ave (New Dorp) 718.650.9000 michael.w.desimone@gmail.com • michaeldesimonetherapy.com Helping Adults, Children and Adolescents with Anxiety, Fears & Worries, Anger, Depression, Grief/Sadness, Insecurity, Shyness, Self- Esteem, Relationship Problems, Private, Comfortable & Confidential.

speech, occupational & physical therapy South Shore Speech Pathology

520B Bloomingdale Rd • Staten Island, NY 10309 718.608.1508 southshorespeechtherapy.com Evaluation & treatment of pediatric speech & language, fine & gross motor delays & disorders; Dept. of Ed. CPSE & CSE Tertiary Designation; Most Insurance Accepted. Homecare & School Services Offered.

QUALITY CARE SPEECH CENTER, INC. Randi Pino M.A., CCC-SLP/TSHH, Director 3767 Hylan Blvd (Great Kills) 718.605.4301 • www.qualitycarespeech.com

NYS Licensed Speech Pathologists. Occupational & Physical Therapists; Evaluation & 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); Primary Designation for Physical Therapy; Top Tier for Speech & OT.

speech pathology claire guttsman m.a., c.c.c. - slp 1076 Forest Avenue (Corner of Manor Road) 718.447.5501

Nationally certified professional providing quality evaluations & treatment of adults and children for over 40 years. Additional services: public speaking classes, accent reduction, corporate speech pathology and lecturing.

Approved NYC Department of Education Provider. (CPSE & RSA)

48 February 2019 • siparent.com

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LIPM speech pathology Sandra Mazzucco M.A., C.C.C.-SLP

NYS Licensed Speech Language Pathologist Annadale Town: 465 Belfield Ave North Shore: 1076 Forest Ave 718.815.6024 Evaluations & Therapeutic Intervention for Children & Adults, PROMPT Trained, Oral Motor & Feeding Therapy, Specializing in Fluency.

ASHA Certified.

PreCare Speech Language Pathology, PC

718.259.4001 1829 Richmond Rd • SI, NY 10306 3099 Coney Island Ave • Bklyn, NY 11235 www.slpmd.com We are highly trained team of professionals that evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with communication disabilities, such as articulation disorders, phonological awareness, apraxia, dysarthria, feeding issues, traumatic brain injury, speech issues from hearing loss, auditory processing disorders, receptive/expressive delays, impaired language, voice disorders, jaw instability, stuttering/cluttering and lisps. If your child is experiencing issues with fluency (stuttering & cluttering), articulation, apraxia (motor planning for sound), oral-motor weakness, feeding or swallowing issues or receptive and expressive language delays, our certified speech language pathologists can work with your child to address and improve these issues using ASHA-standards.

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Kids Eat Free Restaurants Free Days at Museums Birthday Freebies Sign Up for Birthday Club Submit a Birth Announcement

February 2019 • siparent.com

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raising kids

Important Educational Questions educators weigh in on current topics

Experienced educators and authors Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts give solid advice about everything school and education-related.

Read more Q & A @ www.siparent.com/dearteacher Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com

Q

uestion: Our children have just naturally used their fingers to count and solve simple math problems. Now our child’s first-grade teacher wants her to stop doing this, saying it is babyish. I strongly disagree. Do you have any evidence about the benefits of young children using their fingers?

– For Finger Counting Answer: Many teachers feel exactly the same way as your child’s teacher about children using their fingers in math class and want them to stop using them. They apparently are wrong. Recent research in neuroscience has completely contradicted this viewpoint.

In fact, Jo Boaler, an education professor at Stanford University, has written that evidence from both behavioral and neuroscience studies show that when people receive training on ways to perceive and represent their own fingers, they get better at doing so, which leads to higher mathematics achievement.

Question: This year, the elementary school my children attend has become a yearround school. What are the benefits and downsides to this new school schedule?

– No More Summers

Answer: Year-round school is definitely not a schedule that was around when most of today’s parents were in school. The first school to employ this schedule was back in 1968. And it is definitely not universally popular throughout the country. Only about 3.000 of the close to 200,000 public schools in the country are using it.

With year-round schooling, the year is typically made up of from 8- to 10-week periods of schooling that are broken up with 3- to 5-weeks of breaks. Some schools have two 90day school sessions with two 30-day breaks.

Parents are not universally sold on yearround schooling. Many think that their children are totally losing their summer vacation.

They are not! However, their children’s vacation breaks will definitely be shorter.

The major arguments for year-round schooling are preventing summer learning loss and reducing student and teacher burnout. It also gives students the opportunity to take remedial and enrichment courses during breaks.

One major argument against schools using a year-round schedule is how it can complicate child-care arrangements. Another is that it makes it more difficult for younger students to explore non-academic activities in the sum-

50 February 2019 • siparent.com

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LIPM mer and for older ones to get jobs. It also complicates the making of vacation plans, especially if the children in a family are on different break schedules.

Studies are definitely mixed on the actual benefits of year-round schooling. Some show a decidedly positive impact on learning. Others have not. Many school districts have tried year-round schooling and then gone back to a more traditional schedule.

Even though the number of public schools with year-round schedules is not really large, changes are definitely taking place in school schedules. Up until fairly recently, schools traditionally began after Labor Day and ended after Memorial Day. Now many schools are beginning in August or even late July and ending before Memorial Day. Then there are fall and winter breaks along with breaks for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

One thing that parents need to realize is that no matter what the school schedule is, most children are almost always attending school for 180 days. .

Question: Where can I find out what the Common Core standards require children to learn at different grade levels? – Seeking Information Answer: You are wise to want to learn more about the Common Core standards, as much misinformation about them exists. First of all, they are educational standards only for English language arts (ELA) literacy and mathematics in grades K-12. These standards do not dictate how teachers should teach these subjects; this is determined by teachers and their schools.

The purpose of the standards is to get every child in grades K through 12 ready for college and the workforce. The standards tell exactly what essential knowledge and skills students should have acquired at the end of each grade level no matter where they live.

It is important to understand that these standards were a multi-state effort that was coordinated by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers. Keep in mind that it is not mandatory for states to adopt these standards; however, they are becoming part of many new textbooks and standardized assessment tests.

There is a lot of information online about the Common Core. Visit www.corestandards.org for a great overall picture of the standards. On this website, you will learn how the standards were developed, find out their importance to your child, and be able to read the standards for each grade level. There are also sections on myths and facts about the Common Core, as well as frequently asked questions. If you have general inquiries after looking at all this information, you can send them to commonstandards@ccsso.org.

Once you have the general picture about the Common Core, you can visit the New York State Education Department’s website at nysed.gov to learn about its state-specific implementation efforts.

Wood Art Painting Workshops

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Grades 2-5 1-3 Students Per Class

$25

REGISTER FOR UPCOMING EVENTS AT LOCAL BARS & RESTAURANTS

Per Hour

*Private Tutoring Available*

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151 Woolley Ave • Entrance on Garrison Ave

www.mshsplace.com

Staten Island Family Music

718-619-3723 • artsndraftsco@gmail.com Facebook: Arts-N-Drafts • Instagram: @artsndraftsco www.squareup.com/store/artsndrafts

Birthday’s, bachelorette, team building & fundraisers ~Private Parties & Children’s Parties Available~

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PROFESSIONAL WAIT STAFF, SERVERS, DJ’S & BARTENDERS Great for birthdays, holidays, graduations, get-togethers!

The premier music enrichment program for babies, toddlers, 3, 4 & 5 year olds and their grown-ups!

3 convenient locations.

Morning, afternoon & weekend classes.

www.SIFamilyMusic.com 718.207.1128 Mary Lee Aloia, Director

Tots “R” Us Daycare, Inc. 6 WEEKS–12 YEARS • EARLY PRE-SCHOOL CURRICULUM OPEN 7AM-5:30PM (EXTENDED HOURS AVAILABLE) • Summer Camp & Recreational Activities • NYS Licensed, ACD & HRA Accepted • Hablamos Espanol • Free Breakfast, Lunch & Supper • Over Nights & Weekends • Children Ages 2+ Must Wear a Uniform NYS ACCEPTING ADMISSION AT OUR NEW CENTER COMING SOON: 472 NETHERLAND AVE.

PHOTO BOOTH, CANDY BAR, BALLOONS, BANNERS, COAT CHECK, VALET PARKING, & MORE!

Doreen: 347.248.9542 www.LeaveItToUs.party

ADVANCED TUTORING All Grades & Subjects K-12 NYS Certified Teachers Ready to Work With Your Child

718-755-3025

Certified Pre-K Teacher Needed

Email: totsrusdaycare@hotmail.com

LOCATIONS LOCATED OFF 718-954-4108 5FOREST AVE, NEAR PS 22

The Jewelry Junkie

Help Bring Your Child’s Education to the Next Level

Mini World Preschool

OPEN HOUSE AT OUR NEW LOCATION: JAN 28-FEB 1, FEB 4-8, FEB 11-15, FEB 25-MAR 1

has relocated to 144 Bloomingdale Rd Call to Host a Party!

Costume jewelry that only looks expensive Janine Mulé : 917.887.6846

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ONGOING REGISTRATION

718-948-9535

MINI TOTS 2.4-3 (Not Potty Trained OK)

Miss Michelle & Mrs Janet formerly from Mini World UPK will teach UPK at this location

All New Mommy & Me Classes Come in for a tour!!

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raising kids

Scott Kain

Coaching With Cancer lifelong illness hasn’t stopped scott kain from doing what he loves

F

Local sportswriter Joe LoVerde coached youth sports on Staten Island for nearly 40 years.

Read more sports advice @ www.siparent.com/goodsports

or 41 years, Scott Kain has had two strikes on him — but he keeps fouling off life’s nastiest pitches to remain in the at bat. It’s why his older brother Mark says simply: “I’m related to a true warrior.”

Scott, 54, is a travel baseball coach on Staten Island, but his most serious battles have nothing to do with baseball. Starting from age 12, he has endured two massive brain tumors, tongue cancer, bladder cancer, countless hours in surgery and hundreds of hours of body-wracking treatment. A recent scan showed more health challenges ahead.

But Scott doesn’t let it deter him from living a full life — and that includes coaching.

Though the chemotherapy and radiation might slow him down, he expects to be on the coaching lines Memorial Day weekend when his 16-and-under Line Drive team opens its season.

“I’ve got a good team of boys with beautiful parents,” said Kain, who coached his team to a championship last summer. “It might take me a little longer to get from the dugout to the third-base coaching box, but I least I can get there.”

Scott’s health challenges started when he was 12. He had just finished catching a game at

Mid-Island Little League when a coach tapped him on the back of the head and said “nice game.” The pain from that tap was excruciating. Scott told his mom and got checked out.

Doctors discovered a brain tumor and he underwent surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering.

“They couldn’t get it all,” Kain said. “They gave me radiation and chemotherapy. My parents were told I had a 10 percent chance of living another 18 months.”

The good thing, he added, is that his family never treated him like someone facing a death sentence.

“Looking back, it was my mother, father and brother who were the strong ones,” he said.

“They never babied me or treated me as a sick kid.”

A year later, Kain recalls, he had a Babe Ruth League playoff game, but had to get a chemo treatment first.

“I got to the game in the third inning,” he said. “My manager put me in to pinch hit. I got a single. When I reached first base I called timeout, then went behind the dugout and threw up.”

Kain refused to leave the game. “Not after going through all that trouble to get there,” he said.

52 February 2019 • siparent.com

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LIPM He was relatively fine until 1985 when, as a 20-yearold, he took a job at Dow Jones. One day, six months into the job, he developed vision problems.

“It looked like there were a million people walking at me, but there were only a few,” he said. It was discovered he had “a tumor the size of an orange on my optic nerve.”

A 10-hour surgery followed but, again, not all of the tumor could be removed. More chemo treatments kept any future problems at bay — until 13 years later when a bump on his tongue turned out to be cancerous.

“Other than losing a piece of my tongue and all of my lymph nodes, and speaking with a little lisp, it’s turned out OK,” he said.

Fast forward to age 50 and newly remarried, when he took a line drive to the ankle at a baseball practice and the swelling refused to go down. Tests revealed he had bladder cancer. Kain’s greatest concern was how to break the news to his new wife Stephanie and daughter Allyson.

“I realized how tough it must have been for my own family when I first got sick and I didn’t want to go through that,” Kain said. “When my daughter was born — Aug. 10.

1993 — I got down on my knee and said, ‘God, I am going to ask you one thing: Please keep my daughter and my other family members healthy. If someone has to get sick, give it to me.’

“It might take me a little longer to get from the dugout to the third-base coaching box,

”

but at least I can get there.

“So when I got bladder cancer, I couldn’t be upset. I knew that was our deal — mine and God’s. At least I know my daughter, my nephews and my other family members are going to be OK.” He underwent 11 hours of surgery to remove and build a new bladder. Through it all, he has kept “a smile on his face with most positive attitude,” Mark attested.

“What do I have to sulk about?” Scott said. “I own two businesses and four racehorses. I was told I could never have children because of all the radiation, but I have a wonderful daughter. I have a beautiful wife and a tremendously close family.”

His involvement with the Line Drive organization has also given him more time with his brother Mark and nephews “little” Mark and Thomas, all of whom are involved.

He received nearly a dozen calls from former players, wishing him Happy New Year, as well as get-well wishes from appreciative parents and the children he’s coached.

“The kids know I’m sick,” he said. “They play so hard for me. I love every single one of them like they’re my family. These kids help give me a purpose.”

“I truly believe that as long as I have faith, friends and family, anything is possible.”

Sign up for Staten Island Parent’s

Birthday Club BIRTHDAY CLUB MEMBERS ARE ENTITLED TO THE FOLLOWING GIFTS ON THEIR BIRTHDAY: • Free junior cone with sprinkles at Egger’s Homemade Ice Cream • Free hour of rock climbing at Rock ‘Em Extreme • Free $5 Power Card at Dave & Busters • Free $5 Bonus Play and 250 free tickets at iPlayAmerica Sign up today!

siparent.com/birthday-club

February 2019 • siparent.com

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Winter Date Night Ideas in Staten Island

inches of snow on the ground. No snow? Just bundle up and follow the trails along Staten Island’s long stretch of greenbelt.

Go roller skating. Hit the local roller rink later on at night for some grown-up skating time. Make it even more fun with a 50’s theme, sipping a milkshake with two straws afterward.

See more ideas at siparent.com/winter-date-ideas

Spa Date Giveaway Although February is the month for lovers, it doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day to enjoy a date night with your darling. In fact, enjoying time alone on a weekly or at least monthly basis is a major component to a healthy relationship. It doesn’t always have to be a fancy dinner by candlelight, either. Here are a bunch of ideas for your next date night right here in Staten Island. Schedule one soon!

See a show. See a concert, watch a play, hear one of your favorite stand-up comedians live – those are just a few of the St. George Theatre’s many offerings showcased on its historical stage. CSI Center for the arts also features shows for the public, as does Spotlight Theater and Wagner College Theatre, among others.

Take a cooking class. Is the way to your partner’s heart through his or her stomach? Take a cooking class and find out.

Casa Belvedere, for example, offers cooking classes for adults where you can learn tactics for making delicious Italian food.

Enjoy a spa day. Pampering yourselves with a relaxing massage after a busy week is a great way to slow down and enjoy time together.

Get a room. Sometimes a few hours away is just not enough. Book a room at the beautiful Hilton Garden Inn on South Avenue, where you can have dinner and drinks at Lorenzo’s Restaurant and then head up to the room to enjoy a peaceful night together.

Catch a flick. Check out the latest blockbusters at one of Staten Island’s major theaters: The Atrium on Arthur Kill Road or

The United Artists Theatre on Forest Avenue.

The Island’s first dine-in movie theatre is opening soon in the Staten Island Mall, which will offer an IMAX movie experience option in addition to sit-down dining.

Make a keepsake. Sign-making, a new DIY activity has grown in popularity tremendously over the past few years because it’s so much fun to do and you get to take home the finished product.

Go ice skating. Ice skating can be both fun and romantic for couples who want to glide along, hand in hand, out in the winter air. If it’s a little too cold for you, Staten Island Skating Pavilion offers open skating hours too. Hot chocolate after is a must afterward, either way.

Try something different. How about Valentine’s Day Couples Welding? Staten Island Makerspace is offering the class on February 15 for couples who are clearly not fans of traditional dates. Makerspace offers a wide variety of classes for those who are into, as the name suggests, making stuff.

Go on a hike. Clay Pit Ponds offers free snowshoeing when there is more than six

Staten Island Parent is giving away two 60-minute floats from HeavenLee Float Spa A $160 Prize Value!

Enter at siparent.com/contests Did you know floating simulates being in the Dead Sea? The weightless environment of the float pod allows every muscle in your body to fully relax.

Floating for 60 minutes is equivalent to eight hours of sleep, as your brain waves enter a dream-like state. The benefits of floating are endless! It combats anxiety, depression and addiction, helps athletes and gym-goers recover, provides pain relief for arthritis, fibromyalgia, M.S., and PTSD, and much more.

HeavenLee Float Spa 236 Richmond Valley Road Tottenville heavenleefloatspa.com 929-624-2227

54 February 2019 • siparent.com

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advertiser directory Birthday/Party Services Egger’s Homemade Ice Cream ....... 24 Fun Station.............................................. 23 iPlay America......................................... 17 Leave It To Us.......................................... 51 Rab’s Country Lanes............................. 15 Showplace Entertainment Center..... 12 Woodbridge Community Center...... 20

camps Big Bird’s Playhouse.............................. 37 Boom FTK................................................. 35 Camp Koala.......................................... 22 Ed Perpetua Tennis................................ 24 FasTracKids.............................................. 39 Fun Station Day Camp......................... 25 JCC Day Camp..................................... 11 Mill Basin Day Camp............................ 27 Richmond County Day Camp............. 9 SI Day Camp............................................ 7 SI Academy Camp............................... 21 YMCA................................................. 13, 49

Classes AR DIY Workshop................................... 51

Community Centers Woodbridge Community Center...... 20

Dental Dr Lisa Lazzara–Kids Dental................. 37 Salvatore R Indelicato, DMD............... 48 Small World Dental................................ 35

Developmental, Special Needs Angela Capece, LMHC, MSEd............ 48

Claire Guttsman..................................... 48

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

Dr Michael Desimone.......................... 48

Showplace Entertainment Center..... 12

Early Start................................................. 40

Staten Island Skating Pavilion............. 17

The Gingerbread Learning Center................ Back Cover

Health

Karen Goldman MA, LMHC-BC.......... 48

A Call Away Footcare............................. 2

Kim Williams-Jenkins, LCSW................. 48

Richmond University

Mastermind Behavior Services........... 31

Medical Center.................................... 5

PreCare Speech Pathology................ 49 Quality Care Speech............................ 48 Sandra Mazzucco................................. 49 South Shore Speech Pathology......... 48

Performing Arts, Acting and Music SI Family Music....................................... 51

Words ‘N Motion..................................... 19

Day Care & Education Big Bird’s Playhouse.............................. 37

restaurants and food Better Gourmet Health & Kitchen....... 22 Egger’s Homemade Ice Cream ....... 24

Building Blocks Montessori School.... 47 Casleton Hill Moravian Preschool...... 40 Children’s Harbor Montessori............. 35 Community Rresources Preschool.... 47 Hugs & Kiddies....................................... 27 Integration Charter School.................. 31 JCC........................................................... 11 Mini World Preschool............................ 51 New Dorp Christian Academy........... 47 Notre Dame Academy........................ 14 South Shore Toddler Academy........... 32

Retail Eltingville Pharmacy............................. 31 Suzanne’s Fashion Corner................... 32 Vik’s Fine Jewelry................................... 32

Services Ian’s Majestic Murals............................ 53 Kurt T. Richards, PC................................. 48

St. Joseph Hill Academy....................... 39

Sports

Staten Island Academy....................... 33

American Karate................................... 27

Tots R Us.................................................... 51

Aviator Sports.......................................... 19 CSI Athletics............................................. 20

Family Entertainment, Events and Outings Arts-N-Drafts............................................. 51 Aviator Sports.......................................... 19

Ed Perpetua Tennis Academy............ 24 Master Curry Karate............................... 3 SI Skating Pavilion.................................. 17

Fun Station.............................................. 23

Tutors

iPlay America......................................... 17

Meriam Zahrieh Tutoring...................... 51

Launch Trampoline Park...................... 19

Ms. H’s Place........................................... 51 june 2018

February 2019 • siparent.com www.siparent.com

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Serving Staten Island For Over 30 Years In Both Homebased and Centerbased Programs

Early Intervention

When your child is ready to move from a homebased program to a centerbased program, The Gingerbread Learning Center is the oldest and most successful Early Intervention program on Staten Island.

Programs Available for Ages 0-3 5 Days Extended Daycare Hours Available* * Extended Daycare May Require a Fee

• Group or Individual Curricula at Your Home, Preschool or our Center • Parent and Sibling Training • Diagnostic Evaluations and Therapy by Licensed Certified Professionals • FREE Tuition & Transportation*

For Evaluation or Enrollment in the Early Intervention Program call 311.

* For eligibile children. Funding by state & local agencies. Parent may transport for reimbursement.

Call or Visit our School & Pick Up a Free Brochure

• Classroom Based Programs with ABA Instruction for 2-3 years olds with teachers who have more than 20 years experience in discrete trial. (limited space) • Developmental Areas: Behavior & Socialization, Cognitive Development, Speech & Language, Hearing Loss, Physical & Occupational Therapy

718-356-0008

www.GLCNYC.com

471 North Gannon Avenue Email: gingerbread@gingerbreadlctr.com Not responsible for any typographical errors.

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