Staten Island Parent January 2013

JANUARY 2013

.com SOLUTIONS FOR EVERYDAY PARENTING

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JANUARY 2013

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TABLE OF CONTENTS JANUARY 2013

ADVERTISER INDEX 113

COVER STORY

COVER STORY Get the Best Apps for Kids (& Adults too!)

Tablets...Smartphones...Laptops...Gaming Consoles... the options keep growing! Many households, kids included, already have multiple devices on which to download and use apps. See our roundup of a few fun and interesting ones for both kids and adults.

Read more on page 58

ARTICLES 30 Mr. B & the P.S. 22 Chorus Go to Washington Staten Island’s most famous chorus’ latest achievements

38 Have Electronics Replaced Mom and Dad at the Dinner Table?

Trying to stay electronic-free at family dinners

42 Rebuild. Renew. Recover. Series: Part 1: New Year Resolutions A series on Staten Islander’s rebuilding process after Hurricane Sandy

48 Post-Sandy Social Media Staten Islanders staying connected in a crisis situation

60 Kid-Friendly Tools to Deal with Stress & Anxiety Advice on how to navigate difficult times

64 Call Me, Maybe A dad reflects on his relationship with his daughter

68 Picking the Perfect Preschool What to look for when it’s time to choose

72 Autism Rates Rising....But Why?

COLUMNS 36 Good Sports

CONTESTS & CLUBS 4 American Girl Doll Giveaway

by Joe LoVerde

56 Dear Teacher

by Peggy Gisler & Marge Eberts

66 Parent & Child Time

47 Stroller Giveaway 80 Contest Winners 81 Find the Hidden Cake

by Ann Clinton

108 Birthday Club 78 .Growing Up Online

by Carolyn Jabs

82 GiGi’s World

by GiGi & Gina LaGuardia-Schrecker

FAMILY NEEDS 74 It’s In The Cards 102 Party Services 106 Family Classifieds

S. I. LIVING

110 Professional Directory

20 Community & School News 47 Birth Announcements

SPECIAL SECTIONS

84 Library Hours

46 OMG...I’m a Mom!

84 Family Calendar

69 Preschool & Daycare Directory

ASD and its subset classifications

76 Avoid Injury When Sledding How to keep your kids safe

Winter is Coming...If You Can’t Get Out to Pick Up a Copy of S.I. Parent, Go to

www.siparent.com/digital_magazine.php

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER Dear Readers, When I wrote to you last month with such pain in my heart, I looked forward to sharing my thoughts about a better and brighter 2013 in my January letter. No one could have imagined that after so much destruction from Hurricane Sandy, we could end 2012 with even more sadness. We found ourselves asking, "Will we ever stop crying?"

As the reality of what happened in Connecticut’s Sandy Hook Elementary School unfolded, we were concerned about how we would talk to our children. The experts told us to answer their questions, tell the truth, and to let our children know that they are loved. We needed to assure them that they could still trust us to take care of them and protect them from harm.

Now entering 2013, the new year means so many different things to people. Sadly for some, there will be a lot of changes in their lives in 2013 that were not wanted or planned. This year and subsequent years will challenge them to rebuild their lives and their homes.

Yes, things will be different, but they must find the strength to move forward in a world that will never be the same for them.

However, the sad events during the last few months present opportunities for us in 2013. We can spend more time with our children. We can change the pace of daily lives.

We can make more time for the people who matter to us, because we have seen and learned that life is really too short. We can look at the road ahead, empowered by our beliefs that the journey will be an experience for us to continue to grow as loving and caring individuals.

So as the new year begins for us, I wish you the wonder of ordinary miracles— little slices of happiness that make you smile throughout your day. Most importantly, I wish you the ability to recognize them for the gifts that they are. Whether it is that funny smile from your child that melts your heart, or finding your keys right where you first look during a hectic morning rush, our days are made up of a series of small moments strung together. Look for the gifts. Always look for the gifts.

Share with us on Facebook your hopes and dreams for this year.

Best wishes for peace and happiness in 2013!

WIN SAIGE, AMERICAN GIRL DOLL’S 2013 GIRL OF THE YEAR

Saige is a spirited and imaginative girl whose passions inspire action. In Saige’s story, she turns her passion into persuasion to promote the arts in her community.

Enter online at siparent.com Click the “Contests & Clubs” Tab

STAFF

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Roselle Farina Hecht SENIOR EDITOR/ DESIGNER Gerri Friscia PUBLISHERS Roselle Farina Hecht Luciano Rammairone GRAPHIC ARTISTS Michelle Yannaco Giulio Rammairone

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & FINANCES Linda Bellesi SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Barbara Bellesi

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ilene Cohen Bonnie Arciero Kitty Masi Janine Mulé Christine Fiorenza Cecilia Saccomagno

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Elizabeth Thompson

DISTRIBUTION Orlando Moreno

OFFICE ASSISTANT Carole Stillman

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Alex Levy

You can use a QR Code scanner on a smartphone to visit our website. Download one of the following free apps: QR Reader for iPhone, Barcode Scanner for Android and ScanLife for Blackberry S.I. Parent magazine is published 12 times a year. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. The publishers of this magazine do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or writers.

1200 South Avenue, Suite 202 • Staten Island, New York 10314 Advertising: 718.761.4800 x139 | Email: info@siparent.com

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A CALL AWAY FOOT CARE

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STATEN ISLAND DAY CAMP

LOCATED AT THE COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND

800.301.2267 ~CELEBRATING 33 YEARS!~ “FRIENDS AND FAMILY DAY” g Celebratin Our 34th Year!

February 16th • 11am to 2pm College of Staten Island • Building 1R Come one and all to our special day with entertainment for all and a chance to win up To $100 off your family’s camp tuition.

PRIZES, FACE PAINTING AND MORE!

NEW FOR 2013 SPORTS ACADEMY

Comprehensive sports clinics facilitated by NCAA Personnel.

An unforgettable day of both a selected sport and the ultimate day camp experience!

& TECHZONE ACADEMY Expansive digital media workshops by dynamic collegiate level instructors.

An exceptional day of both “E”magination and the ultimate day camp experience!

Red Cross Certified Swim Instructors • Ages 5 - 13 • Optional Extended Day • Payment Plans Fully Equipped Air conditioned Indoor Facility • 50 Acre outside Facility on Staten Island Monday Interactive Day • Friday Professional Entertainment Day Door to Door Transportation Anywhere on Staten Island

$25 OFF

Coupon to be used via mail if you cannot attend our open house

Visit StatenIslandDayCamp.com to take a virtual tour Call 800.301.2267 for camp literature

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K I D S

Helping Kids One Smile at a Time!

P O E NI NG D N A R G4864 ARTHUR KILL ROAD !

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E Y W N NE CATRIO HT, O G L I NEW NEW YEA R

718-356-KIDS (5437)

THE K-UP START CHEC WITH A EANING. L AND C l be sure to il hild w isit Your c ter a v f a E L I !!

SM r. LIsa with D

SECOND LOCATION 1839 N. Railroad Ave Corner of Guyon Ave 718-667-KIDS (5437)

www.sidentist4kids.com

KIDS DENTAL State-of-the-Art Pediatric Dental Office

We treat f children o ens, all ages, te ults and young ad eds. special ne

It’s my persona l mission to treat y our child as I wou ld expec t someon e to treat my own children !!

Relax in our Submarine Waiting Room.

You can have treatment in the Underwater, Beach or Nautical Room.

• Have Your Child’s First Dental Experience be a Positive One • Your Child’s Happiness and Dental Health are our #1 Priority • Come to Either Location for a Unique and Gentle Visit

DR. LISA LAZZARA Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Over 17 Years Specialty Experience Major Insurances Accepted. Visa/Mastercard Accepted.

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OPEN HOUSE

PRE-SEAS O DISCOUN N T Less than

1-4 PM Sat, Jan 12th,1 ainment Rides & Entert rs & Staff Meet Directo Tour Camp unt Enroll at Disco Rates

$300 per week WITH FRE E LUNCH B ased on an 8 week e nrollmen t, 2-7 week s also available

Private, Air-Conditioned Facility

1075 Woodrow Road ALL SPORTS AND SWIMMING KARATE, FENCING, ARTS & CRAFTS & GYMNASTICS DAILY TRIPS & SPECIAL EVENTS

Larry Marantz, Director Adult supervision, full time medical staff, CIT programs Flexible payment plans. Sibling & early-bird discounts. No registration fees or hidden costs.

www.rcdaycamp.com • 718-761-1492 JANUARY 2013

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Hibachi Grill and Supreme Buffet The Largest, Most Elegant Chinese, Japanese & American Cuisine Catering to All Families

s Senior0), 6 (over dents, stu college military & e c li po e receiv

We have a HIBACHI section where you can pick and choose your own menu so we can cook it on the hibachi at

NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE!

off 10% h this

PRIV PART ATE Y RO OM FOR OVER 100 PEOP LE

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Lunch $7.59 Dinner $10.99

350 DIFFERENT ROTATING ITEMS AT THE BAR

1501 Forest Avenue Staten Island, NY 10302 (Forest Avenue Shopper’s Town– Next to T.J. Maxx)

718.447.6888 www.hibachigrillbuffetny.com

$5.99

$8.99

10% Off

Lunch Buffet

Dinner Buffet

Wth this coupon. Dine in only. Cannot be combined with other offers or senior discount. One coupon per table/party.

Requires purchase of a drink for each person. Up to 4 People. Expires 1/31/13. SIP

Wth this coupon. Dine in only. Cannot be combined with other offers or senior discount. One coupon per table/party.

Requires purchase of a drink for each person. Up to 4 People. Expires 1/31/13. SIP

With Purchase of 8 or More Adult Buffet & 8 Drinks

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Wth this coupon. Dine in only. Cannot be combined with other offers or senior discount. One coupon per table/party.

Expires 1/31/13. SIP

CarnivalKids The Greatest Party On Earth!

INDOOR BIG TOP CARNIVAL FEATURING Carnival games (skee ball, baseball toss, crazy cans, ring toss, darts, tip the troll, gone fishing, etc.), juggling, magic shows, hula hooping, fortune-telling, spin art, sand art, clowns, costume characters, face painting, ballon making, temporary tattoos, karaoke, corn dogs, lemonade, jellyapples, cotton candy, snow cones & more!!!

KIDS NIGHT OUT! Friday, January 18 from 7-10pm • $19.99 per child Kids ages 5 and up enjoy unlimited carnival games, dancing, pizza, refreshments and more.

Fully trained staff. Drop off so parents can relax and enjoy their free time.

718-356-4FUN (4386) • www.carnivalkidssi.com 971 Rossville Ave • Corner of Gunton Place

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www.si-pp.com

JANUARY 2013

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IT'S OUR BIRTHDAY... HAPPY 4 YEAR ANNIVERSARY! A BIG THANK YOU to all our past & present guests who have helped make us the #1 children's party center in Staten Island! We want to share this occasion with you, doing what we do best...

PARTYING!

to You’re Invited rty KidzRock’s Pa Showcase th ary 24 ru b Fe y, a d n Su ARS LITTLE ROCKST r) e d un (ages 5 & m 0p :3 -5 4:00

PARTIES k c o R z id K HOW played, EXPERIENCE s will be dis theme cters, Our custom tume chara s o c m o fr s e ceive a appearanc dren will re il h c , s e m a to g pcake, in addition g, drink, cu o td o h r o and slice of pizza litter tattoo G k c o zR id K .

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IN FORE BOOK E B R L E V E N A HAT DAY WIL T G IN K O O ANYONE B

RS BIG ROCKSTA m p -7 m p 30 5: (ages 5-10) ust event. You m This is a FREE nd. te at to ot sp reserve your

OPEN PLAY BACK TO 7 DAYS! Mon-Thur 10-6 $7 (different treat everyday) Fri 10-8 $10 (complimentary cup of cocoa) Sat 10-8 $10 & Sun 10-6 $10 Call Ahead We Do Close For Private Functions

PRIVATE SPECIAL NEEDS PARTIES

RECEIVE 25% OFF

PACKAGE!!

THEIR PARTY pecials but few more s

Plus, a t! e to find ou m o c to e v a you'll h

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Next One is February 3rd.

10am-12pm Must call to reserve your spot.

718.966.5990 • 8 Johnson St • www.kidzrocksi.com 16

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Party Like an Animal At...

GIRAFFE ROOM Weekday packages start @ just $249

MONKEY ROOM Weekday packages start @ just $299

BIRTHDAY CHILD FREE! 15 Children and 15 Adults SE PLEA UR O VISIT E FOR IT WEBS PLETE COM GES A PACK

PRIVATE PLAYDATES Mon-Fri. Adults free.

10 child min. Coffee, tea and water. $8 per child.

HOUSE PARTIES

MOM & DADS

“We Bring the Jungle to You!” 1 1/2 hours for $259

Have Your Party Here Too! 7pm or later. 3 hour party starting at $499

ASK UR TO ABOU

SE HOU IES PART

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ALA EY MAN JERS& NEWoute 9 Rd R ll n Hi Unio

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S.I. LIVING Community & School News

A guide to community events

Happy 2013, Staten Island! The past few months have been difficult for too many of us, so we are optimistic that the new year will be brighter. As always, S.I. Parent is here to provide advice and support to families, and we look forward to another year serving our community as the premier resource for parenting advice.

Important Public School Dates Please note this month’s important public school dates: Wednesday, January 2 – School resumes Monday, January 21 – Schools are closed in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Monday, January 28 – Fall Term ends for high school students. High schools are closed for staff development Monday and Tuesday, February 18 & 19 – All public schools are closed for a shortened mid-winter recess.

FEMA Extends Application Deadline Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced last month that the deadline to apply for FEMA assistance after Sandy has been extended to January 28; previously, the deadline was December 31.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers disaster assistance that can include money for rental assistance, home repairs, personal property losses, and other disasterrelated needs not covered by your regular insurance policy.

Individuals seeking federal assistance can register online or by phone for help. You can visit www.disasteras-

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sistance.gov online (go to m.fema.gov via smartphone or tablet), or you can call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY-800-462-7585). If you use 7-1-1 Relay or Video Relay Services, please call 1-800621-3362. These toll-free numbers will be operating 24/7 until further notice.

P.S. 22 to Perform at Presidential Inauguration The 57th Presidential Inauguration is set to take place on January 21st. Regardless of political slant, there’s one thing this year that will have all Staten Islanders tuning in: the P.S. 22 Chorus! Although we didn’t have any specific information at press time about their performance, we did get to chat with Gregg “Mr. B” Breinberg about this latest honor. (See our article on page 30!)

Good News for American Girl Fans Here’s another reason to love American Girl dolls: If your child has a doll that was lost or damaged during Superstorm Sandy, the company will help you get the doll replaced.

Please contact the company directly for details – you can get the doll replaced through insurance or, as per the American Girl guarantee, you can replace it for free with a proof of purchase and a photo of the damaged doll. You can contact the company by calling 1-800-360-1861 or by sending a note

IVY URGENT CARE our Numbe Y w rs ! no

Caring For You When You Need Us Most

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• On Site: Labs, X-Rays and RX Medications • Most Insurances Accepted, Including Medicare • Open 7 Days a Week • No Appointments Necessary • All Ages • Board Certified Providers at All Times Immediate Care For: Allergies, Asthma & COPD Attacks, Bites & Stings, Bronchitis, Bruises, Burns, Cuts, Dental Problems, Ear & Eye Infections, Flu & Cold Symptoms, Fractures, Gynecologic Problems, Lacerations, Skin Infections, Sprains, STDs, Urinary Tract Infections and More

Dr. Robert Malizia

Wellness Services: Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method, Sleep Studies, Smoking Cessation, Travel Medicine and Vaccinations

718.987.4891

1551 Richmond Rd • Unit 1A Next to Es-Ca Restaurant Mon-Fri 8am-8pm • Sat-Sun 9am-5pm

www.IvyUrgentCare.com JANUARY 2013

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S.I. LIVING UNITED SPORTS YOUTH LEAGUE

FUN FAMILY LEAGUE Begins: January 12, 2013 Ages/Groups: Boys & Girls ages 5-6 yrs, 7-9 yrs & 10-12yrs Time & Day: Saturdays 11am–3pm Practices may be held on Fridays 60 minute clinic / game

SIGN UP NOW AND SAVE $5

A great way to keep your child active during the winter!

With Ad.

Includes: NBA Reversible Jersey, 8 games/session and playoff Location: P.S 58 77 Marsh Avenue (behind Macy’s Shopping Mall)

CALL OR TEXT 646.423.8853

VISIT OUR SITE FOR UPCOMING 2013 SPORTS LEAGUES usyl.org •unitedsportsleague.com •info@usyl.org •www.facebook.com/USYL.SI

THERE’S SOMETH ING SPECIAL AB OU T....

SExtce.lleP atrick’s School nce in Educat ion. Chri stia n Va lues.

C a t h o l i c E n v i r o n m e nt .

REGISTRATION GRADES K & UP JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 1

C a l l f o r I n f o r m a t i o n & t o S c h e d u l e a n A p p o in t m e n t

www.stpatrickssi.org 3560 Richmond Rd • 718.979.8815 ADVANCED ACCREDITED

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Community & School News via the Contact Us page on the website, www.americangirl.com.

New York’s Official Prescription Drug Program Big Apple Rx is New York City’s official prescription drug discount program.

Participants have saved an average of 15-53% for each prescription drug purchased through the program. (Please note: Actual discounts vary, depending on the type of medication and whether it is a brand or generic prescription drug.)

The Big Apple Rx card cannot be combined with your existing insurance or other discount programs, but it certainly comes in handy for any prescriptions that are not covered by insurance. You can sign up for your card or get more information by visiting www.bigapplerx.com.

Volunteer Opportunities Available at the Zoo Your own office or home might seem like a zoo, but here’s a chance to work at a REAL zoo! The Staten Island Zoo is looking for volunteers to start training in its Docent Program this winter.

Trained docents work with zoo visitors through the zoo’s interactive educational programs, as well as exhibit tours and animal presentations.

There are volunteer opportunities for both Docents and Junior Docents (14-18 years old). Docents must contribute at least 12 hours per month to work at the Zoo, in addition to required attendance at meetings and lectures. Junior Docents must commit to two 5-hour weekend shifts during the school year and two 5-hour shifts per week during the summer.

Classes begin the last weekend of January and will continue for 10 weeks.

JANUARY 2013

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Staten Island Family Music 3 convenient locations!

North Shore, & South Shore nd la Is id M

Morning, Afternoon and Weekend Classes

S.I. LIVING Community & School News See www.statenislandzoo.org for more info or email Erin Rackovan at erackovan@statenislandzoo.org.

Catholic Schools Week 2013

MUSIC TOGETHER® The internationally renowned music and movement enrichment program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, children with special needs and the adults that love them.

Winter classes starting in January

The annual Catholic Schools Week celebration is set to take place from January 27 through February 2. This year’s theme is “Catholic Schools Raise the Standards,” which recognizes the launch of a new initiative, National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools, which aims to ensure that all Catholic schools across the country continue to offer the same standards of excellence for students, faculty, and administrators.

Groundhog Day x 2 at the Zoo Check out our Winter class schedule & register online at www.SIFamilyMusic.com Babies, & Toddlers rs le o Prescho

Contact us at mary@sifamilymusic.com Mary Aloia, Program Director

BE MORE. BE MARIST.

100% College Acceptance State of the Art Library Media Center Gifted & Talented Program and AP Offerings Championship Athletics Extra Curricular Clubs & Activities Transportation Available Scholarships & Financial Aid Available OPEN HOUSE JANUARY 23rd at 6:30pm

1241 Kennedy Blvd • Bayonne, NJ 07002

www.marist.org 201-437-4545

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This year, the Staten Island Zoo invites visitors to see what Charles G. Hogg, a.k.a. Staten Island Chuck, has to say about the rest of the winter season.

Gates will open at 6:30 and Chuck will once again confer with Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has previously been astounded (and bitten!) by the little weather psychic.

Admission to the ceremony is free, but if you’d like to stick around for breakfast and entertainment, it’ll be $10 for adults and $5 for children under the age of five.

Make your reservations by calling 718442-3101 ext. 14.

Can’t make the festivities on Saturday? Stop by the zoo on Sunday, February 3 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM for some groundhog-related crafts and activities for the family. Chuck might even have an encore performance, so don’t miss it! www.statenislandzoo.org.

Free Pancakes at IHOP! National Pancake Day is Tuesday, February 5, and what better way is there to celebrate it than with a free plate of

Servicing Tottenville Families for Over 20 Years!

Open Enrollment All Year Round Free Universal Pre-K for Four Year Old Children (Extended Hours Available)

Pre-School • Ages 2.3-4 (Not Potty Trained OK) • A Fun Outdoor Play Area • Licensed & Certified Teachers • Nurturing Staff • Enriched Learning Program • Summer Camp COME IN Available

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Conveniently located near PS 1 & PS 6

718-948-9535 • 7516 Amboy Rd www.miniworldpreschool.com

EVOLUTION DANCE ★ COMPANY 16 Barrett Ave 917.579.8575 ALL AREAS OF DANCE FOR AGES 2 TO ADULT ON-GOING REGISTRATION

$5 Zumba Classes ★ Adult Latin

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Ballroom Classes

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AY D H T BIR TIES PAR ABLE L AVAI JANUARY 2013

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DIVORCE • SEPARATION CUSTODY • VISITATION CHILD SUPPORT SPOUSAL SUPPORT ORDERS OF PROTECTION Aggressive Representation For All Your Family Law Needs Protect Yourself, Your Assets, Your Family Contact Us Today For Your FREE CONSULTATION

347-273-1310 1110 South Avenue Staten Island, NY www.contikeeganpc.com Visa, MasterCard, American Express & Discover

What Kind of Future Do You Dream of For Your Child?

“A permanent life insurance policy can provide protection and income options that may be with your child throughout every stage of their life”

Or help pay for a wedding

Or provide a down payment on a first home

718.517.9309 900 South Ave • Suite 100 • SI, NY 10314 acierno_vincent@nlvmail.com www.financialintegritystrategies.com Vincent Acierno is a Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative of Equity Services, Inc. Securities and investment advisory services are not offered solely by Equity Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. 733 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10017 (212) 661-1600. Financial Integrity Strategies, Inc. is independent of Equity Services. Inc. 1. Policy loans and withdrawals reduce the policy’s cash value and death benefit and may result in a taxable event. Surrender charges may reduce the policy’s cash value in early years.

Benefits may not be mutually exclusive, and the use of one benefit may affect the availability of another. tc70346 (0912) JANUARY 2013

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pancakes at IHOP! But this awesome day isn’t just about food; IHOP is raising funds for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which are celebrating their 30th anniversary. IHOP is hoping to raise $3 million this year at its more than 1,500 participating restaurants across the country.

This is the eighth year that IHOP has celebrated National Pancake Day, raising more than $10 million to date for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local children’s charities. Leave it to IHOP to come up with such a delicious fundraising idea!

Workshop for Parents of Young Children

Vincent Acierno

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Community & School News

On February 5 from 7 AM to 10 PM, guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary stack of IHOP’s signature buttermilk pancakes. Diners are encouraged to make a voluntary contribution to the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital or other local charities. All of the proceeds will be donated to help fund vital equipment, procedures, and care for sick and injured children.

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Loans & withdrawals help pay your child’s education costs

S.I. LIVING

As part of its on-going series of Kindergarten Readiness Workshops, the Staten Island Early Childhood Direction Center is offering a free winter workshop for parents on Wednesday, January 16, 2013. The workshop will be hosted by the Bumblebees R Us Child Care Center at 2734 Victory Blvd (next to the College of S.I.) from 7-9pm, with registration at 6:30pm. The workshop, “Activities to Enhance Learning and Behavior,” will discuss specific ways and activities to help shape a child’s behavior, tips on recognizing early literacy and how to encourage it, ways to help a child develop self-control and self-discipline, and much more. Suggested activities will be specific and home-friendly.

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We are proud to continue honoring the men and women doing outstanding work in our school system–and there are plenty of them!

If you would like to tell us about that special someone at your child’s school that is making a positive impact, please visit:

www.siparent.com and access the Contests and Clubs tab

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NEWSWORTHY

>>>

MR. B AND THE P.S. 22 CHORUS GO TO WASHINGTON

or most of us, our 5th grade memories are a mash-up of science fairs, book reports, and schoolyard kickball games. But for the talented members of the P.S. 22 Chorus, their fifth grade memories read more like a Who’s Who of movie stars, celebrities, and politicians.

Photo credit: Lisa Kochman

F

Photo credit: Lisa Kochman

Though a seemingly overnight sensation, the chorus has been in existence since 2000.

Music teacher and chorus director Gregg Breinberg THE 2012-2013 MEMBERS OF THE PS 22 CHORUS. – better known in these parts as Mr. B—began It seems fitting for a group that became famous via social posting videos of his group on YouTube in 2006, and the rest media to be invited to the Inauguration by Senator Charles is music history. Early celebrity fans included alternative Schumer via Twitter. The senator had sent a formal invitation singer Tori Amos and Hollywood blogger Perez Hilton, but to Principal Melissa Lamb Donath over the summer, but she the latest list of P.S. 22 groupies includes people from Adele kept it quiet until the news broke on Twitter in September. to Beyoncé and Jay-Z. “I love that there is such a diverse (Needless to say, the answer was a resounding yes!) group of musicians taking an interest in them,” says Breinberg.

At press time, there was no The number of 5th graders in the chorus has wavered over finalized playlist, the past few years, but 65 seems to be the magic number but Breinberg these days. “[It’s] the most I can take in to give the assures that he experience,” Breinberg says. “tried to keep [the songs] to what we And what an experience it is. Fans of the young vocalists are.” He thought might very well have thought that their Academy Awards gig more thematically in 2011 (Anne Hathaway herself came to issue the invitation than patriotically Senator Charles Schumer at the in person) would represent the height of their success. But for the songs, Inaugural Annoucement this talented group is now headed to perform before because he event held at P.S. 22.

President Obama and other politicians and dignitaries at the believes—and this 57th Inauguration in Washington, DC on January 21.

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is likely true—that the P.S. 22 Chorus was invited to sing for the President more for what they have performed in the past and less for a rousing rendition of “Stars and Stripes Forever.” So while the theme of an optimistic America will certainly highlight the performance, Mr. B. and his singers will also be bringing their own brand of patriotism to our nation’s capital.

One of the many refreshing things about the P.S. 22 Chorus is that it hasn’t gone the “Glee” route and based its musical selections solely on top ten lists or what people expect to hear. “Good music has nothing to do with what’s on the radio,” Breinberg explains. And if they do happen to do a song that is currently played on the radio, don’t expect a carbon copy of it. Breinberg, who calls himself a musician more than a singer, reworks the music into something uniquely suited for his chorus. He’s done such a good job on more than a few occasions that the original singers themselves have noted that the new version sounds better than the ones they recorded! “How many elementary school children can say they improved upon an original?” Breinberg muses.

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Though the fans—now more than 50 million!—flock to the chorus’ YouTube channel for the songs, Breinberg says, “Music is secondary to the life lessons that I want them to learn.” Here is a music teacher who is not afraid to dive into selections from controversial figures like Amy Winehouse. After Winehouse’s death, the group sang “October Song” as a tribute to the tragic singer. “We had a long talk about that,” he says. “[The students] are going to be confronted with drugs and kids making decisions that are detrimental [to themselves.] Look at this beautiful talent that this woman destroyed.”

The death of Whitney Houston was yet another chance for Breinberg to teach the group about the outcome of bad decision-making. “The lesson has to be taught that if you don’t live your life respecting your body, you can kill [yourself.]…I want these kids to hold on to that lesson. It would be irresponsible

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of me [to have them perform the music] without discussion.”

michelle giumenta, dds Celebrating Over 10 Years Practicing

The group’s aptitude for learning new songs quickly allows for it to refresh its playlist often. In an ironic twist of fate, the chorus sang Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away” just two short weeks before Sandy hit. (The songstress was delighted by their rendition and invited the chorus onstage with her at the Prudential

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Carrie Underwood with P.S. 22 Chorus.

at Richmond Road & First Street Center last November.) In the aftermath of Sandy, the chorus chose to sing The Wanted’s “Chasing the Sun,” a wonderful way of reminding us all that better days are coming.

Even when school lets out for the summer, there’s not much down time from being Mr. B, who says that the chorus is still invited to perform during the summer. Then there’s also all of the preparation that goes into starting fresh with a new group of fifth graders each year. But don’t cry for him, Staten Island. Mr. B is still going strong.

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“I will never complain about [the work],” he says. “I’m able to give these kids an opportunity of a lifetime for one year, and it’s hopefully something they will hold on to for the rest of their lives.

By Barbara Bellesi, a freelance writer on Staten Island. Although she cannot carry a tune in a bucket, she is known for her mean air guitar.

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You’ve got to walk before you can run. But, when it comes to ice hockey, you’ve got to stand before you can skate.

That was pretty clear on a few recent early Sunday mornings, when the Staten Island Ice Hockey Association staged the first of its annual free clinics for beginners. More than 100 young hockey hopefuls were taking their first steps — literally — toward passing pucks and scoring goals.

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“Very few children who try it don’t like it,” said John Donohue, president of the host organization, which has been the key group bringing hockey to the youth of Staten Island since 1976.

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Donohue would know. He’s been with the association from the start, when a group of adults from the Island who had been bringing their children to Coney Island or New Jersey to play decided to form a league for the high school-age students in this borough. In just a few years, the SIIHA was running programs for kids as young as 4 to as old as senior citizens.

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Now 70, Donohue is as enthusiastic as ever about helping youngsters develop a love for the game — and reap the benefits of what he called its “alternative lifestyle.”

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“A lot of kids today aren’t getting exercise, but this is exercise that’s fun,” Donohue said. “I find that most little ones who try it stay with it.

Once they are out on the ice playing a game, they’re having such a good time.”

The clinics started Nov. 18 at the Staten Island Skating Pavilion in Charleston, and continued with three more in December. But 11 more hour-long sessions are scheduled for most Sunday mornings at 7 a.m. through the end of April, so Donohue said new registrants ages 5 and up are still welcome.

Check www.SIIHA.com for the dates of the clinics, plus lots more valuable information about introducing your child to ice hockey. You can also email your questions to info@siiha.com.

“In these early clinics, we are teaching the children how to move and skate forward, and we are still at that stage with a lot of the kids,” he said, noting that his instructors can handle probably another three dozen beginners. Once the sessions get more advanced, though, they will stop taking on newcomers.

“Next they will be learning to stop and back-skate,” he said. “Once the instruction gets more advanced, it will be hard to have non-skaters join in.”

Children must wear properly sized ice hockey equipment in order to participate.

They need their own hockey skates, a helmet with a facemask and chinstrap, elbow pads, cup and athletic supporter, and shin pads.

They must wear gloves, although they don’t have to be hockey gloves, and sweat pants with a hockey jersey are recommended so they can move about comfortably.

Small World Dental offers comprehensive dental care for children of all ages and those with special needs.

Our child-friendly office is equipped with the latest and modern technology including digital radiography as well as TVs and toys for children to enjoy in our themed treatment rooms.

Sedation is available in our office as well as in the hospital.

Dr. Abhinav Sinha is also the Director of the Children’s Dental Center at New York Presbyterian Hospital (ranked #1 in NY) and is Assistant Professor of Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Happy New Year from the Small World Dental Staff

“Most of the instructors are kids I taught who now have their own kids playing,” Donohue said.

You can expect your child to fall, Donohue said, but the risk of serious injury at this stage is miniscule, and the falls will happen less frequently as they get used to being on the ice.

Once the youngsters are able to move about relatively well, they will advance to skating while holding a hockey stick and, ultimately, playing little games.

“Unlike some sports where there is a lot of standing around, in hockey they are skating around chasing the puck,” Donohue said. “And once they get to that stage they stop looking for their parents and are just having fun.”

Joe LoVerde has been coaching youth sports on Staten Island for nearly 40 years.

He’s also a longtime newspaper editor.

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HAVE ELECTRONICS REPLACED MOM & DAD AT THE DINNER TABLE?

was out for dinner last week. My husband and I went to a family restaurant we both really like. It's low key, just the right amount of noise, and the food is wholesome and fresh.

The restaurant attracts families because of the prices, but the families eating there are different than they use to be. Family dinners are fun because the whole family gets together and talks about the day's events and who said what to whom. Moms and dads can be heard laughing at their kids’ antics and expressions. This particular night there was some of that interaction, but also a new interaction that I call "electronic parenting."

I

www.dontfeedthegeek.com • 2012 Barry Buchanan

FAMILY TIME

>>>

At several of the tables, we noted kids with iPads or phones engaged in their activity. There was absolutely no communication between mom, dad, and the kids. The kids were careful not to spill food on their electronic devices and what seemed to make the biggest impact was one time when one of the moms almost dropped the ketchup on the child's iPad. The kid became animated and basically scolded mom. I was hopeful that if the electronics were babysitting the kids at least mom and dad would have some intimate time, but no, that wasn't the case. Mom and dad didn't really engage with each other either; dad was fidgeting with his phone or mom looked frazzled. I thought about this scenario for several days because I am concerned about what these kids' concept of family will be.

Family dinners are so important for continuing communication among the family members. Dinnertime is a time we listen to one another, are reminded of table manners and

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also mentored about appropriate behavior between mom, dad, and kids. You don't have to eat at home to have a family dinner, but a family dinner is so much more than eating. It's important that families realize the invaluable opportunity to have an electronic-free meal. Parenting has a lot to do with setting boundaries, saying no, and also making sure you teach your child appropriate social behavior. If your child is on the phone or iPad during dinner, they are in their own virtual world and not engaged with the family.

There is no doubt that we are moving in a more electronic wave for the future. Smartphones are smarter than many humans, and as we continue to evolve and grow with technology it will be more and more important that families keep their boundaries strong to preserve the unity of family.

The only way to do this is to stay engaged with your kids and your spouse, and keep sacred some of the family rituals such as family meals. Below are some suggestions for keeping

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your family together and engaged.

Your kids may groan, but believe me, in time they will come back and thank you.

Here are some thoughts on having a family dinner: 1. As much as possible, have family meals during the week. These don't have to be done at home; however, they should include your whole family.

2. Have a plate or a container where all electronics are dropped prior to dinner. Make sure you silence them as the noise of a text or email incites the mind and distracts from family.

3. Conversation at the dinner table should be kept at a level where everyone can hear one another and you can also enjoy the food.

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5. Continue to show respect and manners with your child at the dinner table. One of a parent's most important jobs is socializing with their child so that the child can feel confident in their ability to demonstrate manners and respect for others.

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We cannot go backwards in time, nor should we, but as we continue into the digital age there are some rituals we must keep sacred as a family. Family dinners are one of those. A family is only as strong as its leaders; so parents, it's time to parent at the dinner table. Electronics can never teach your child family values as well as a parent.

By Mary Jo Rapini, MEd, LPC, a licensed psychotherapist and co-author of Start Talking: A Girl's Guide for You and Your Mom About Health, Sex or Whatever • www.maryjorapini.com

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rt Pa 1:

w Ne

REBUILD. RENEW. RECOVER. R ar Ye

ns io ut ol es

This three-months’ series will explore how Staten Islanders are all in this together as the long process to full renewal and recovery unfolds.

Together we will rebuild our Island, forgetting no one along the way.

Next month: Part II of this series, What is Love? will explore love in action on Staten Island.

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Ever since I was a little girl, the symbols of old Father Time and the New Year’s Baby on New Year’s Eve inspired me to look ahead at the year stretched before me. I never saw it as a complete break in my life, discarding the old and changing radically to a whole new way of being, but it did make me consider what I wanted to keep of the old, as I looked for the new to attain in my life.

Back then, I found it simple to make my resolutions, finding the one thing I wanted to improve upon or tackle. Would I get better grades in school? Would I join a new activity to meet people and try out something I never did before?

As a young woman, the resolutions grew with me. What career path did I really want to follow? Would I marry or keep the total freedom of the single life? Then, when fate brought me to the person with whom I wanted to share my life, the resolutions became dual goals of career and relationship building.

My husband was a Staten Islander, born and raised in New Brighton, moving with his family to New Dorp just before I met him in college. We lived in Queens for six years until we outgrew our small apartment after the birth of our second son. So then it was back to Staten Island to Tottenville to raise our family, which grew with the birth of our daughter.

A verse from our wedding song, “We Only Just Begun,” comes to mind.

“So much of life ahead, we’ll find a place where there’s room to grow.”

Staten Island was that place with “room to grow” for us. I can still hear my father-in-law’s concise description of living here to me. “When you sneeze in Tottenville, expect someone in St. George to say ‘God bless you.’” What a fascinating summation of the sense of community here!

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All of Staten Island is one gigantic neighborhood. It is difficult to travel to any part of this island without meeting someone you know from school, jobs, community, sports, or a friend of a friend.

It does not matter where our paths may have first crossed; the bond is there.

Now at age 90, my mother-in-law, still living in New Dorp, is dealing with recovery from Sandy after the floodwaters devastated her basement.

Friends from Oakwood Beach, who thankfully evacuated to my home before the storm, are here waiting in limbo for the answers that will help them determine their next step after the destruction of their home, the loss of a car, and their household possessions.

I mourn with a Tottenville mom I know who lost her husband and daughter, as well as her home and possessions.

Moreover, those are only three families of the thousands that have suffered on Staten Island because of this disaster.

This year as a Staten Islander, my resolutions include: · Remembering, and continuing to try to be of help to my fellow Islanders who lost so much from Sandy.

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· Following what the Federal, State, City, and Staten Island politicians are doing in light of Staten Island’s unpreparedness for this disaster to ensure better land management and protection. We elect our representatives to represent us. I know I will be watching who does, or does not, do the job well. · Encouraging other Staten Islanders to continue to work together as neighbors to help Staten Island Sandy victims become survivors. They must, because of this disaster, live a changed life, but together we can help it to be a better, not bitter, life for them.

I resolve to do my part. Do you?

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By Angie Mangino, a Staten Island writer, who hopes 2013 brings many blessings to Staten Island. www.AngieMangino.com

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William and Kate are Expecting a Royal Baby With the Duchess of Cambridge confirming that she is expecting her first child, everyone seems to have baby fever. One of the big questions on everyone’s mind is what the Duke and Duchess will name the heir or heiress. BabyNames.com recently polled their community members to see which names they think Prince William and Kate should choose for their baby. Most favored a traditional name. If the couple has a girl, members preferred Charlotte, Victoria, Elizabeth, and Diana – in honor of William’s mother, the late Princess Diana. Members favored George, Charles, Arthur, and William if they had a boy.

No matter what Kate and William decide to name their child, we are all hoping the rest of the pregnancy is healthy for both mother and baby. Kate spent a few days in the hospital in November due to severe morning sickness known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum.

Back here in Staten Island, here’s what Dr. James Ducey, Director of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Staten Island University Hospital had to say about the condition: “Hyperemesis Gravidarum is severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy that causes dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. There may be abnormal results to thyroid function and liver function tests. The condition usually begins between the 4th and 7th week of pregnancy and usually resolves by the 12th week, although it rarely may persist until 16 weeks.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum affects about 2% of pregnant women. Treatment consists primarily of intravenous hydration and antinausea medications. Outcome of pregnancies complicated by Hyperemesis Gravidarum is usually normal.”

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Enter Online at www.siparent.com Click on the Contests and Clubs Tab Congratulations to Desiree Guzzardo who won the Rao’s Lil’ Chef Prize last month.

Newbies John-Philip Andruszkow

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September 28, 2012 9 pounds, 6 ounces Parents John and Kim

September 7, 2012 5 pounds, 10 ounces Parents Yolanda and Timothy

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November 1, 2012 6 pounds, 2 ounces Parents Luljeta and Vulnet

COMMUNITY

>>>

POST-SANDY SOCIAL MEDIA That’s What Friends Are For

When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.” These words were spoken by Henri Nouwen, a Dutch-born Catholic priest and writer. The spirit of these words stand true and tall for many of those affected by the devastation of Superstorm Sandy on October 29, 2012.

“

Two months after the destructive floods and winds of the storm, Staten Islanders are continuing to rebuild their homes and their lives.

Communities are putting the SOCIAL MEDIA HELPED CONNECT THE COMMUNITY DURING A TRADEGY. pieces of their lives back together using private funds, insurance money, sheer will and now was clothing. Within one hour, they collected 40 large brotherly love. Without a doubt, Staten Islanders are truly an bags of clothing from our friends and neighbors. Next, her exceptional and resilient assembly of people. family went to the shelter and volunteered.

We asked parents to share their experiences on our S.I. Parent Facebook page and the stories we heard were heartwarming and extraordinary. We are grateful that our readers have a forum in which they can express their fears, joys, concerns, and triumphs. As of December, our membership has exceeded 5,000 friends. We hope to continue to grow, as it is always our goal to serve our community.

Among the many stories told, two modest mothers shared their experiences with us which we in turn would like to share with you. They each began by telling me they were not in this alone, that they just planted the seeds. We can see from their endeavors that if you want to see beautiful things grow, seeds must be planted.

Roseanne Friscia has lived on Staten Island for 35 years and has raised her three children, James, Joseph and Patrice here.

On October 30, the day after the storm, Rosanne and her son went to Wagner High School and learned the greatest need

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“We gave out food, sorted clothes; we listened to people, held hands and gave out lots of hugs. The stories were horrible.

Many were caught up in tidal waves and the floods. Sadly, some even lost their pets when they were washed away.

Roseanne knew she had to do more. Together with her friends and family, she took on the project of delivering school supplies and backpacks to children that were affected. Over a hundred backpacks were distributed and when the schools began providing supplies for the children, provisions were sent out to other schools in Brooklyn that were more in need.

Her son Joe, following his mother’s lead, started his own endeavor to take back Midland Beach.

“Joe and about thirty friends cleaned and gutted out many houses. We set up tables of food, clothing, cleaning supplies, batteries and other needed items and gave them out on Midland Avenue. Through kind donations of local merchants,

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we fed over a thousand people that day on Mapleton Avenue and Baeden Street. We watched a village grow before our eyes that day. People kept dropping off supplies and adding to our food and donations. What people did for each other was truly amazing,” added Roseanne.

That was not enough, however, for the mother of three. Roseanna went home and cooked over 40 pounds of homemade chili and 12 gallons of Italian Wedding soup. Like so many others that opened their hearts and kitchens, she gave it out at Oakwood Beach.

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“Through all of this, I have seen such a sense of pride, sharing, unselfishness, and community. We went from being the ‘forgotten borough’ to the ‘borough that could.’ When nobody came here, we helped each other. I am so proud to live here and to have experienced the great sense of compassion and outpouring of love. I will continue to set and meet my goals one at a time. I know that I have a great husband, kids, family, friends and neighbors. We have moved mountains together,” said Roseanne. “I have always come from a giving heart and my motto is to pay it forward. Help in any way that you can, big or small.“ After the storm, Staten Island parent Nicole Appugliese, along with her husband and three children, went out to the areas hardest hit. Like so many others, when they witnessed the devastation first hand they jumped right in to help. When Staten Island residents were desperate for food, shelter, heat and power, friends, families and complete strangers stepped up and helped.

“There was no time to waste, people needed help. The news reports were saying how hard Staten Island was hit and how we were the ‘forgotten borough.’ It was not long before thousands of good people rose to the occasion to make sure that no one would be forgotten or neglected. We worked and cried together.”

It was through Facebook that a friend of hers, Gina Runofola, formed a group called Sandy Swap. Gina had no idea her idea helped motivate people to go above and beyond to reach out to those affected.

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“It was for people like us that wanted to help but did not know how to go about it.” Nicole said. “Every day, more people joined. As the stories of individual families needs unfolded, we began to help rebuild and heal our fellow Staten Islanders, one family at a time. For my family, it began with a post from a family that had lost their home, yet the mom did not ask for much, only that her little boy was looking for his car scooter. In all the devastation, her little boy looked for his much-loved toy, a car scooter. My little boy, six-year-old Nicholas, had the same toy. I spoke to Nicholas about how the storm had damaged many homes and how fortunate we were to not have been affected. He understood that we were blessed. I told him how a little boy lost his favorite toy. Even at six years old, he empathized with the child that had lost something so special to him. ‘Give him my scooter, Mommy,’ he told me.“

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The grassroots organization was one of many that were started, before long and continue to grow through different Facebook names. It did not end with Staten Island; they reached out to Brooklyn and New Jersey and any areas that were hit by Sandy. In turn, the rest of the country reached back to support us.

People and organizations from Washington, D.C. to Utah started sending donations. Truckloads of supplies began arriving. These were not government agencies, they were people like us opening their hearts, going through their closets, their pantries and their wallets to help each other.

“For years I have saved certain things that belonged to my dear, late father. A woman posted that her 72-year-old mother needed a sleep apnea machine.

My dad had one that was in brand new condition, for some reason I never gave it away. I took out the new machine and contacted the woman in need. I delivered it to a tiny bungalow on Hylan Boulevard. We all hugged for a while, and then I gave her the machine for her mom. Even if it was to be used temporarily, I know my dad would have been happy to help someone. He was a very special person,” said Nicole.

Through the ‘swap’ chains of people who were once strangers are now friends. It began with requests, then collections and then deliveries. They knocked on people’s doors delivering everything from baby formula to beds and comforters. Churches, stores, and

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warehouses volunteered to store the collected items, at time truckloads of donations arrived, trucks with supplies, 50,000 sneakers, winter coats, and there was never a shortage of new people looking to help. Anyone who knew anyone that could help, made phone calls and reached out to businesses.

The people that Nicole has been working with went door-to-door delivering the goods, they helped people find apartments for displaced families. Then they helped them furnish them with both new and donated goods. They cut deals with Home Depot for heaters and they found warm clothing in just the right size from infants to XXL-sized winter coats. They cut out the intermediary. They have delivered everything from cleaning supplies and diapers to Christmas trees and furniture and they took their children with them. “When you work with individuals, you become invested in their welfare; it becomes like family. You want to see them back on their feet. You want to see them do well again. What’s most amazing is also the fact that people who have been affected themselves have joined the efforts to help others.

That is true kindness. I thank God for the chance to help families in need,� said Nicole.

The spirit of people like Nicole and Roseanne and so many other volunteers make us able go forward.

We are hardworking people, self sufficient and determined. As the New Year begins, let us continue to implement programs for full community participation in the recovery effort. Remember that even one act of kindness has the ability to go miles. It may take many years to rebuild or relocate homes and businesses but with the community stakeholders involved, it will happen.

Please continue to follow the posts on Facebook. Some have merged with others. Sandy Swap is now a part of Staten Island Relief on Facebook. Be sure to friend S.I. Parent on Facebook to keep abreast of what is going on and to continue helping all of our Sandy Survivors.

By Marianna Randazzo, a Staten Island freelance writer

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Staten Island Montessori School Over 45 Years of Quality Education

4240 Amboy Rd • Great Kills 718.967.2196 www.simontessorischool.com

DEAR TEACHER

by Peggy Gisler & Marge Eberts

How to Stop Children from Being Quitters Question: How can I help my third grade son who just gives up at the first sign of difficulty? What can I do to help him stop being a quitter?

– Cheerleader Mom

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Solid Advice on Improving Children’s Basic Skills and Addressing Parental Concerns

Answer: Children usually start giving up after experiencing a cycle of failures at school. Your son is only in the third grade; he more than likely wants to do well in school. Very sadly, not all bright children succeed in school. Some begin tasks very halfheartedly and give up at the first sign of difficulty. Psychiatrists call this "learned helplessness." It can happen in the early grades because of emotional immaturity, low frustration level or over-dependency on adults. It also can happen when children start fourth or sixth grades because these are points when learning requires more effort, and some bright children have no strategies for handling difficult assignments and give up too quickly. It's not easy for these children to overcome the tendency to give up when the going gets tough, but they can with continued help from teachers and parents.

By modeling how to approach a problem and giving specific instructions at every step along the way, parents can help their children learn how to tackle difficult assignments. They will need to teach them: · Effective problem-solving strategies. · To look for more than one approach when solving a problem. · To retrace their steps to find errors. · To use self-talk as a guide for solving problems.

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Question: My granddaughter failed math in sixth grade and got a failing grade the first semester this year in seventh grade. She hasn't mastered multiplication, and her addition and subtraction skills are poor. She has just been passed along. The school did not have summer school, and the teacher is a poor communicator.

I'm trying to work on helping her learn the basic facts. What else can I do?

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Answer: The best thing that you can do right now is to see that the child gets the help that she so obviously needs. The individual responsible for this child, whether it is you or a parent, must immediately contact the school to see that help in math begins at once. It would be a good idea to meet immediately with this teacher.

Find out why an intervention or testing for a learning disability has not been done.

If you do not receive a helpful response from the teacher, contact a counselor or the principal. This child's skills sound so weak that an individual tutor or math learning center may be needed. Nothing but serious problems in math are going to occur in the future without considerable help. How will this child ever be able to handle math in high school to fulfill graduation requirements?

You can supply some help to your granddaughter. To work on addition and subtraction, use manipulatives – counters, coins, etc. – so she can actually see problems. If she is strong enough to work on multiplication, try this technique: For a problem like 3 x 4, have her draw three parallel vertical lines and cross them with four parallel horizontal lines and then count the intersections (12) to get the answer. You will also find it helpful to search on our website for math under the elementary level, as you will find a variety of suggestions about ways to teach basic math facts, starting with addition.

Do not consider your granddaughter’s math skills strong in any area until she can solve basic addition, subtraction and multiplication facts in 3 seconds or less.

How to Cope with Overcrowded First Grade Question: My daughter's first-grade classroom is overcrowded. The children are not getting quality instruction from the teacher, and the teacher does not have time to accomplish all that she wants to do. Volunteer parents are the teacher's only help. Who can we (a group of concerned parents) approach to improve this situation? A few of us have written letters to the principal, but nothing has been done to address the issue.

– Need Advice

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Answer: First grade is an extremely important year in school.

During this year, time will be spent teaching children to read and do basic addition and subtraction. Realistically, the children will have wildly diverging skill levels, from those who can read to those who are just starting to learn the sounds of letters. And the same is true with math abilities. It is difficult for a teacher to make sure that every student gets all the individual help needed when classes are very large.

4 7 4 7 A m b oy R o a d S I , N Y 10 3 12

School districts recognize the importance of having smaller classes in the primary grades. Unfortunately, they are finding it very difficult to do so with smaller budgets. Of course, parents should voice their concerns even though it may be difficult for the school to change things.

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There are some things that parents can do. They may work with the administration to set up a well-organized and trained volunteer program that can assist the first-grade teacher. They may also raise funds through the parent-teacher organization to pay for an aide for this teacher as well as others in the school.

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COVER STORY

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BEST APPS for Kids

(& Adults Too!) Sid the Science Kid Read & Play $3.99 • Available on iTunes

Looking for fun or interesting apps for your mobile devices?

Check out these free and low cost options

Help your children with early science exploration using this App. The app is filled with two storybooks, sing along music videos, a coloring book, a sticker book, and several fun activities.

Potty Time with Elmo $0.99 • Available on iTunes

The Potty Time with Elmo app makes potty training fun and easy. Based on the bestselling book of the same name, the app

Dr. Seuss Band

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potty progress.

It’s the perfect app for all Dr. Seuss fans and music lovers. The Dr. Seuss Band app is a musical instrument game, featuring two ways to play: go for high scores in the Music Game or use Free Play to create your own music.

Little Pim $2.99 • www.littlepim.com

The Little Pim app allows children to learn a language while having fun. Available in Spanish, French and Chinese – the app features 60 basic vocabulary words, phrases, and interactive games.

Team Umizoomi Math: Zoom Into Numbers

Numbers with Nemo

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Inspired by the preschool series, the Zoom into Numbers app features five leveled games (23 levels total). Children earn badges & trophies thru a reward system.

This app allows children to practice counting, trace numbers, sequence and more with the help of Nemo and his undersea pals. There is also a comprehensive parents’ section with content leveling and progress monitoring.

APPS FOR ADULTS

Basher’s Presidents

Tie Your Shoes!

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With this hassle-free app kids learn about American presidents by reading fun tidbits and entertaining facts on the back of their photos. Then test your knowledge with the presidential challenge game.

The Tie Your Shoes app features step-bystep video clips with verbal instructions to help children learn how to tie their own shoes. Also included in the app is an animated game to make the process fun!

Color Blindness Test

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The first scientifically validated app that tests for color blindness. After the test, the user is provided with a diagnosis of their color vision.

MMGuardian Parental Control Free • www.mmguardian.com

The MMGuardian app is a parental control, family locator, and family protection service. The app allows you to locate your child’s phone and track it for hours, lock your child’s phone, set restrictions on phone use, monitor text messages and more.

UMSkinCheck by the University of Michigan Free • Available on iTunes

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Play at Home with Daniel $1.99 • Available on iTunes

Inspired by Mr. Rogers, 4-year-old Daniel Tiger is the son of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’s Daniel Striped Tiger. The app comes with three interactive games and a sticker book.

UMSkinCheck is a skin cancer self-exam and surveillance. Users are allowed to complete and store a full body photographic library, track detected moles/lesions, access informational videos and literature, and fill out a melanoma risk calculator.

Life Supplemented–WannaBeWell by RFI Studios Free • Available on iTunes

The WannaBeWell app is designed to educate, activate and motivate those who are looking to live a healthier life by focusing on healthy diet, vitamins and other supplements, and regular exercise.

iEvidence by Global Property Management Inc. $0.99 • Available on iTunes

The iEvidence app is designed to help anyone wishing to document an urgent child-related situation, including bullying, child abuse or neglect, sports injuries, playground incidents or school vandalism.

PARENTING

>>>

KID-FRIENDLY TOOLS TO DEAL WITH STRESS & ANXIETY

nfortunately, stress and anxiety are something we all have to face in our lives at some time or another. But without the tools to deal with it, anxiety can be overwhelming and can quickly lead to feelings of hopelessness. As a parent, it's important for you to help your child maneuver through the ups and downs of life with the critical life skill of resilience, the ability to bounce back.

U

To help your child navigate through difficult times, you can arm him with a tool called the A-B Formula. The A-B Formula is an easy-to-follow, two-step process that is simple yet LEARN HOW YOU CAN GUIDE YOUR CHILD THROUGH THIS STRESSFUL TIME. powerful in its impact. It's simply “A” = Accept and “B”= look at himself with kindness rather than disdain.

Baby Step. The beauty of the A-B Formula is that it’s equally effective and digestible for young children, teens and adults.

In order for your child to learn patience with herself, it’s important for you to let her know that negative emotions "A" = ACCEPT don’t last. When children encounter negative experiences The first step in the A–B Formula is “A” for Accept. True they may think that they will always feel that way. You can let acceptance of who and where you are today is an absolutely your child know that sometimes life brings challenges and critical step in being able to face adversity. There are a few setbacks but it will pass and can be a great opportunity to simple steps to follow: build inner strength.

1. Be aware of where you are today. Your child might need your help to become aware of and identify what she is feeling. But the point is to empower your child with the skill of self-awareness. So before jumping in to give your opinion, first see whether your child can identify her own feelings. If she is not able to do this, then you can help her by asking questions, or you can give her a few options and ask her to pick the one that most closely matches how she is feeling.

2. Be kind and patient with yourself. To help your child learn to be kind to himself, you can explain that it is human nature to experience negative emotions. Realizing that his feelings of anxiety, sadness, jealousy, anger, and frustration are normal can really take the sting out and help your child

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"B" = BABY STEP

The second component in the A–B Formula is “B” for Baby Step. If there's no clear direction or path, it's hard for a child to see through emotions to know this won't last forever.

However, taking just one Baby Step helps to develop resilience and will give your child the hope that change will come. Here are a few helpful steps: 1. Do some Ninja Breathing. Teaching your child the secrets of how to consciously use her breath is truly giving her a gift that will last a lifetime. The breath is something we often take for granted, but if your child learns to harness its tremendous power, she will reap great benefits. When

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Staten Island Pediatric Dentistry

children learn how to use their breath as youngsters, it really becomes second nature to them, and they will naturally use it when feeling scared, overwhelmed, anxious, nervous, or angry.

rating 35 Years b e l e C ing for Your Childre r a C n of

Ninja Breathing is very simple—it’s just a slow inhale through the nose and a slow, deep exhale through the mouth.

The breath should come deep from the belly, expanding the belly on the inhale and contracting the belly on the exhale.

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Ninja Breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the body’s relaxation response, helping to harmonize the nervous system and calm and de-stress the mind. The best way to teach your child is to model Ninja Breathing. So try it for yourself - let your child see how it calms you when you are feeling stressed or anxious.

2. Take a Baby Step You Can Accomplish Today. During times of adversity, it's easy to become stressed and overwhelmed very quickly if there's no sign of progress or change.

But if your child can find one achievable Baby Step, she will gain confidence that change will come and that can do wonders for alleviating anxiety and stress.

Psychologist Alfred Adler (1870–1937) believed that a child's primary emotional goal is to achieve a sense of belonging and significance.

Entrusting your child with ageappropriate and achievable responsibilities develops a feeling of belonging: your child knows he is making a contribution, and he feels a sense of significance because his actions are meaningful and valuable. Use the A–B Formula to help your child make a meaningful yet achievable contribution towards change. It can truly lift his spirits and empower him with the incredible skill of resilience, the ability to bounce back.

By Jonathan Hewitt , author of Life Ki-do Parenting: Tools to Raise Happy, Confident Kids from the Inside Out. The book empowers children (and parents!) with the skills they need to find true inner strength, confidence and happiness from within while cultivating the social intelligence for positive, healthy interactions with others. www.lifekido.com.

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DAD'S VIEW

>>>

CALL ME, MAYBE

Call Me Maybe.” This Carly Rae Jepsen song is currently at the top of my 8-year-old daughter Jessie’s favorite-songs list. It’s about a girl who wants a boy to call her.

After hearing Jessie sing it so many times, the song has grown on me. Jessie’s got my number – 1-800-NEED-DAD. She calls me, not maybe, but definitely and often.

“

It’s amazing how each school day at 7:00, I have to call Jessie two or more times, turn on the lights, or bring her orange juice so she can take a few sips to help wake up. I can’t imagine what it would take to get her moving if she didn’t like school. However, when the ENJOY THE EVERYDAY MOMENTS WITH YOUR CHILDREN. family can sleep in on weekends, early in the morning and a few dear friends to seek advice or share the ups and I can expect Jessie’s call “Daddy, I’m awake!” Call me? Maybe downs of life. she could call Momma instead?

I’ve come to realize that “Daddy” can be called too many times. “Daddy – spider!” “Daddy, I’m out of toilet tissue.”

“Daddy, I need a bar of soap.” And Jessie’s favorite, “Daddy, watch me.” I hate to say this, but there is some possibility that my beloved only child is a tiny bit spoiled. My wife, Mattie, and I are trying to teach Jessie to be more independent, but my wife finds it easier than I do to give her the busy signal when Jessie calls for things that she could do for herself or when she just wants attention. That’s probably why Jessie never calls “Momma, I’m awake.”

On a recent car trip, I noticed a billboard that said “Call your parents.” It spoke to me both as a son and a father, and I kept thinking about it during the long drive home.

I imagine that many parents of adult children sometimes wish, like the girl in Jepsen’s song, that their kids would “Call me maybe.” I’m blessed that I can still call my mother. Since I’ve become Mr. Mom, I’ve called her numerous times to say “Thank you for all you did for me” and “You raised four of these!” So often I wish that I could call my dad, who passed away in 2009. I also call family members, mine and Mattie’s,

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As a father, I’m on-duty for “Daddy” calls 24/7. Parents can’t record a message that says “No one is available to take your call. Please leave a message or call back between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.” Occasionally, we may “transfer the call” to the other spouse or grandparents.

As a new year begins, I’m going to enjoy as many “Watch me, Daddy!” calls as I can, even when they come in earlier than I’d like. Mattie and I realize that too soon the calls will come less frequently. Perhaps in the future, Jessie will call Mattie and me to thank us for all we did for her and to seek our advice. In the meantime, I’m going to make frequent calls to my mother and do my best to maintain spider-free living conditions for Jessie.

Don’t forget to cherish the moments, and may your new year be filled with lots of quality calls to and from your loved ones.

By Patrick L. Hempfing, who had a 20-year professional career in banking, accounting, and auditing before he became a father at age 44.

He has spent the past eight years as a Mr. Mom and has given up all hope of ever relaxing on the sofa to eat bon bons.

Michael De Simone Ph.D, LCSW

michaeldesimonetherapy.com

HELPING ADULTS, CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH

Anxiety • Fears & Worries • Anger Depression • Grief & Sadness Insecurity & Shyness Self Esteem & Relationship Problems In a Private, Comfortable and Confidential Setting

For information or consultation call 718-650-9000 or e-mail michael.w.desimone@gmail.com

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Programs for Birth to Pre-K in a Christian Setting

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 24TH 7:00-7:30– ALL six classrooms will be open with the caring, nurturing staff at Zion for you to visit

Boys & Teens H a ir c u t s

718.317.5000 2965 Veterans Rd • South Shore Commons Plaza

www.modernmaleny.com

7:30– Presentation by Miss Kim, the School Director 7:45– Question and Answer session, information on how and when to register your child

www.zionlutheranpreschoolsi.com misskimzion@aol.com 718-981-3623 • Text 917-853-9466 505 Watchogue Rd. c/s Willowbrook Rd. JANUARY 2013

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PARENT & CHILD TIME

By Ann Clinton

Monica was holding a small green object with orangeygold stones on its back. She lifted the shell and looked inside and said, “This is a cute turtle, Grandma. I see on the small white box next to it, that this cute object is named Tommy Turtle.”

Her grandmother responded, “It is cute. I really like it and the fact that its shell opens to reveal a hiding spot.”

Tommy Turtle's Secret

“Grandma, can I see it?” Philip asked.

Before she could answer, Liam came over to the small group of Monica, Philip, and Grandma and asked, “What are you looking at?”

Grandma laughed and answered Philip first. “Yes, Philip, you can see Tommy Turtle. And, Liam, that is what we were looking at.”

“Can I see?” Liam asked as Grandma handed him the small green turtle.

“Where did you get this cute toy turtle?” Liam asked.

“My friend, Bill, gave it to me and suggested I make up a story about Tommy Turtle. It was Bill who named him Tommy Turtle,” Grandma responded as she looked at the small object in her hand. “Look at this,” she advised as she opened Tommy’s shell and revealed the secret hiding place.

Therapy Pros, LLP Providing Therapy Services for Children With Special Needs • Speech and Language Therapy • Physical and Occupational Therapy • Counseling / Play Therapy • Department of Education related services for CPSE and RSA children • Private Therapy and Evaluations • ABA Therapy • Handicapped Accessible • Fully Equipped Sensory and Gross Motor Gym • We Now Accept Various Insurances

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“Hey, Grandma, that little turtle is so cute,” Erica offered and continued, “I heard you say Bill thought you should write a story about Tommy Turtle. I have an idea for such a story.”

“You do?“ Grandma responded.

“So do I,” Monica added.

“Now that I think of it, I’d like to give my idea for a story,” Liam said.

“Well, I’ll make up a story, too,” said Philip.

“Okay, then. How shall we do this?” Grandma asked.

“Since I mentioned it first, I think we should take some time and each of us write our short story. Is that okay with all of you?” Erica asked.

“It is okay with me,” Monica answered and looked at Philip and Liam, who each nodded his head in agreement.

Monica got paper and pencils and was giving them out when Ryan came into the house.

Before Ryan could say anything, Philip explained the situation and Ryan said, “Great. I have a good idea also.”

For about 15 minutes, it was very quiet. The only sounds in the room were the sounds of pencils scratching, or in some cases, dancing across paper as stories were being created.

One by one, the pencils stopped moving and Grandma looked at the five eager faces of her grandchildren. She nodded to Erica.

Grand Opening

Erica’s story: Once upon a time there lived a beautiful but lonely princess. She had a brother who was preparing to be king. The princess was supposed to be getting ready to get married. Her dad, the king, was having various eligible princes to dinner so that the princess could meet them and choose one for her husband. This dinner routine had been going on for several weeks and the princess was getting tired of the whole thing.

Speech and Language Pathology Practice Serving You and Your Children

One sunny morning as she was sitting in her lovely flower-filled garden with a small pond, she saw something moving in the grasses by the pond. She reached over to part the grasses and saw a small green turtle. “Oh!” she exclaimed. “How cute you are! I’ve always wanted a pet of my very own. You, cute turtle, shall be my pet.” The princess picked up the turtle and gave it a kiss right on its shell. At that moment, there was a ray of light from under the shell and the turtle became a handsome prince.”

Our therapists have wide experience working with clients with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, PDD, Craniofacial Differences, Fluency Disorders, Apraxia of Speech, “Late Talkers,“ Hearing Impairments & Phonological / Articulation Disorders

“Oh, Erica, that was such a nice story. Can I say mine now?” Monica asked.

Monica’s story: A young girl who wanted to be a singer went shopping for a nice blouse and maybe, if she had enough money, she wanted to buy pretty earrings to wear for an important audition. Before going to the clothing store, she stopped at an antique show that was being held in an old church basement. “I’ll just look around,” she said to no one in particular. At the first table, her eye caught a small green object with sparkling orange stones.

“Oh, what a cute turtle! How much is it?” she asked the lady behind the table. “It is $3 dollars.”

The young girl smiled. She had only $30 for a new blouse but decided to spend the $3 for the turtle. Walking out of the old church, she sat on a nearby bench and looked at her purchase.

As she was moving her hand over the shell, her fingers felt a ridge which she pushed. The turtle’s shell opened up to reveal an indentation which held a beautiful pair of pearl stud earrings.

Philip’s story: It was during a war and a young man needed to get some secret information to the good guys. He wondered how to do it and not get caught by the enemy.

He saw his sister’s turtle with the hollow belly under the shell. “Perfect.” He put the papers under the shell and the enemy never saw the secret message.

Liam’s story: It was at the airport and the robber was trying to hide the stolen diamonds.

He put them in the turtle’s belly and thought no one would know. At the Customs desk, the woman agent saw the turtle and picked it up to look at it. The catch holding the shell over the belly slid up and the woman agent said, “Well, well what have we here? Cuff him,” she said to the policeman. “He’s a thief.”

Ryan’s story: “I’m still working on my story. I’ll finish it after dinner.”

Grandma said,” Okay, we’ll read it after dinner.”

Most Insurances Accepted • CPSE and RSA

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Monsignor Farrell High School 2900 Amboy Road (Oakwood)

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718-987-2900 ext 219 or pick up applications at the school’s main office between 9:00-3:30 • Early morning and afternoon driving and lecture classes • New air-conditioned cars • Experienced, patient instructors

QUIZ

COURSES START FEBRUARY 4, 2013 MUST BE 16 WHEN COURSE STARTS 1. What color is Tommy Turtle?

2. Who gave Tommy Turtle to Grandma?

3. How many minutes was it quiet while they wrote their stories?

4. When were they going to read Ryan’s story?

5. What color were the stones on Tommy Turtle’s shell?”

(please bring signed application & check made out to Msgr. Farrell H.S. Driver Ed on registration day)

REGISTRATION January 2-February 4 between 8:30-3:30pm drop off application at Main Office

Ann Clinton is a Staten Island grandmother who enjoys creating stories for her grandchildren.

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ADVICE

>>>

PICKING A PERFECT PRESCHOOL

t seems the time to start researching preschools is right after your child’s birth announcements are mailed! Parents today put a lot of thought into choosing an environment where their child will enjoy and thrive in their development, both educationally and socially. For many parents,the transition is seamless between daycare and preschool if the facility they used provides both. For others, the search begins an exciting chapter in their lives.

I

See our 2013 Preschool & Daycare Directory to start your search. You can also log on to www.siparent.com anytime and select Preschools and Daycare Centers under the Schools & Daycare tab at the top of the page. Here you will find many wonderful options.

Some listings include a gallery of pictures and video clips to help you get acquainted with the school.

PRESCHOOL CAN BE A MAGICAL TIME IN A CHILD’S LIFE. To streamline your search, make a list of your priorities. See what works on to keep notes on each one. It is so easy to confuse similar schools when paper first, then call to schedule a visit. There is no substitute for your first you are visiting them within a short time span. (Note: You’ll find the same hand impression. practice helpful in about 14 years when you are visiting colleges.)

As in the real estate market, is one of your top concerns Location, Some preschools have a UPK (Universal Pre-Kindergarten) program for Location, Location? If you need to drop off your child on the way to work, students born in 2009 (those turning four in 2013). This entitles your child check the route at the time you need to travel. A quick five-minute ride to five half days of free schooling. Some private/Catholic schools are statealong Victory Boulevard can easily turn into twenty long anxiety-filled approved for this program and some are not, so ask! Also, if you want full minutes during rush hour, making you late for work, so map it out and find days, some schools allow you to pay the difference for the longer days. alternate routes for those rare days (LOL!) when traffic is backed up.

According to the NYC Department of Education website, the pre-k admissions period for students entering 4 year-old pre-k in September You can find out the days, times, tuition and other fees, and holiday 2013 will begin in early March. schedule they follow all ahead of time. When you have a list of schools that meet your criteria, delve a little deeper. Here are a few questions to When you schedule a visit to the school, ask if you can bring your child consider either before or during a visit to the school: along. His/her input is important in your decision. You both will get a feel for the atmosphere almost immediately. Notice if the rooms look bright, · What is the student/teacher ratio? Who will be your child’s teacher? clean, and safe. Are the children happy? Is the staff warm and engaging? · Are meals/snacks provided or do you send them in with your child? · Do you need special consideration for food allergies?

Since many of the schools meet their maximum enrollment early on, · What are the security procedures? it’s best to apply to several schools. If you find yourself on a waiting list, be · What is the school’s discipline policy? sure to notify them if you’ve accepted placement elsewhere. · Is there a medical facility or trained personnel on site? · What are the curriculum and educational goals?

Preschool is a wonderful experience. Most parents enjoy these years as · Is there an outdoor play area? much as their children. It’s a time for children to explore the world outside · Do the children need to be potty-trained? of their homes, to gain independence, to learn new skills, and to interact · Are parent volunteers needed? with other children their age. For mom and dad, it’s a time to watch their babies grow in their own personalities and share with their preschool You will most likely have several other questions of your own to add to teachers some of their family’s most embarrassing stories. the list. Create a list for each school you want to consider and remember

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By Gerri Friscia, editor of S.I. Parent magazine whose refrigerator is covered with some really cool artwork!

2013 Preschool & Daycare Directory Learn more about the schools in this directory on the NEW www.siparent.com Now you can watch school videos, look through their photo galleries and more! Just click on the

“Schools & Daycare” tab!

h Watc ol Scho s Video Play Video

est Requ ation Inform

Ph Gal oto lerie s Play Video

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ADVERTISING SECTION Big Bird’s Playhouse

Children’s Harbor Montessori School

JCC of SI (3 locations)

1859 Richmond Avenue • 10314 718.982.0550 • Linda Indelicato bigbirdsplay@aol.com • www.bigbirdsplayhouse.com

1000 Richmond Terrace • 10301 718.442.6112 • Dina Baio-McLaughlin childharborms@aol.com

1466 Manor Road • 10314 718.475.5225 • Beth Howard bhoward@sijcc.com www.sijcc.org

Programs:

Programs:

Ages 3 months to 12 years. Half and full day. Extended hours 6:30am-6:30pm. Before and after school. UPK full & part-time.

Ages 2-6, including Kindergarten. UPK provider.

Full and half day options. Extended hours.

Programs: Day care starts at 3 mos; Toddler programs; Pre-school part/full time; Universal Pre-K; extended hours.

Objective: Objective: A happy place to learn and play. Serving S.I. parents for over 21 years. Licensed teachers. CPR. First aid.

Unique learning environment located on the grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center. Individualized Montessori Curriculum. Arts-integrated classrooms.

Building Blocks Montessori School

Community Resources Preschool

55 Forest Avenue • 10301 718.448.2992 bbms411@verizon.net www.buildingblocksmontessori.com

3651 Richmond Road • 10306 718.351.6416 • jaynem111@si.rr.com

Programs: Preschool-elementary 5th. Full and half day.

Full curriculum plus Spanish, art, music, gym, yoga and multicultural studies.

Objective:

Programs: UPK, preschool, full and half day. Special education, centerbased programs, integrated classes, SEIT, extended day.

Committed to excellence in helping a child to achieve his potential academically, spiritually and socially.

Programs: 3 & 4 year old programs. Half and full day sessions.

Extended day available.

Programs:

Objective:

Infant –6yr. DOH Lic. Cert staff. CPR & First Aid. Video surveillance. Playground & pool. Breakfast, lunch & snack. Early ed. curriculum. Music, dance, exercise, language, magic. Parent report. Extended hrs. Vouchers.

Our preschool program gives children a foundation that prepares them for a lifetime of learning.

1298 Woodrow Road • 10309 718.317.8143 • Doris Cannizzaro/Dawn Burnett admin@highhopeschildcare.com www.highhopeschildcare.com

Castleton Hill Moravian Preschool

Programs:

1657 Victory Boulevard • 10314 718.442.5350 • Betty Jane Bullen mtobia@castletonhillpreschool.com www.castletonhillpreschool.com

Infant care through Universal PreK. Half and full day programs available.

Holy Child Preschool 4747 Amboy Road • 10312 718.356.5159 • JoAnn Gaal holychildprek@gmail.com • www.holy-child.org

Programs: Parent & Me; Toddling Around for 2 year olds; Preschool for 3 and 4 year olds.

Objective:

www.siparent.com

Oakwood Heights Community Church 345 Guyon Avenue 718.351.0984 • Jodee Lord jodee_teach@yahoo.com

2, 3 and 4 year olds. Full and half day classes.

Nurturing staff. Licensed teachers.

Objective:

Toddler classes (2 year olds); 3 and 4 year olds classes.

Half and full day classes for 3 and 4’s.

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To foster creativity, independence & promote academic enrichment. Unique curriculum design. Music, movement, large outdoor play yard fully enclosed.

Programs: Objective: We are dedicated to creating a loving environment where your child will learn and grow.

JANUARY 2013

Infants (4 weeks & up), toddlers, pre-school, pre-k, kindergarten. Open 7am-7pm Monday-Friday. Half and full days.

Objective: High Hopes Childcare

An early childhood program in a Christian environment where the developmentally appropriate curriculum meets the neds of today’s child.

Oakdale Academy 366 Oakdale Street • 10312 718.948.4220 • Audree Gabrielidis oakdaleacademy@rocketmail.com

Programs:

Objective:

Programs:

Objective:

Bumblebees R Us Child Care Centers

Programs:

259 Rose Avenue • 10306 718.351.4442 • Cathy Whittier ndbcndca@yahoo.com www.newdorpchristianacademy.com

CR Preschool provides a safe, stimulating environment which is accepting of each child’s unique abilities.

300 Genesee Avenue • 10312 718.356.7811 • Colleen McGuigan elselc@yahoo.com • eltingvillelutheranschool.org

Ensuring every child is always safe, happy and well educated through receiving personalized attention.

New Dorp Christian Academy

Accepting children 3 & 4 years old. Full or half day classes available. On-going registration.

Eltingville Lutheran School

Objective:

We offer a stimulating, individualized age-appropriate curriculum. A developmental approach fosters social & emotional growth.

Objective:

Montessori guided open classroom programs aimed at developing confidence, independence and a love of learning.

2734 Victory Boulevard • 10314 • 718.494.4448 443 Targee Street • 10304 • 718-727-2724 claire@bumblebeesrus.com www.bumblebeesrus.com

Objective:

To provide an enriched learning environment where children develop a love of the school experience.

Exciting innovative age appropriate curriculum.

Motor skills, social, math, cognitive, music and movement, dramatic play.

Our Lady Star of the Sea School 5411 Amboy Road • 10312 718.984.5750 • Irma P. Cummings icjt@aol.com • www.olssparish.org

Programs: PreK 3–Tues & Thurs, Half Day PreK 4–Mon-Wed-Fri, Full and half day

Objective: Success through early exploration and discovery.

Early Emergent Literacy with Rowland Reading Happily Ever After.

Richmond Hill Children's Center 501 Richmond Hill Road • 10314 718.494.7422 • Donna M. Bak rhcc@verizon.net • www.rhccny.com

Programs: Preschool/Daycare/Free UPK/Summer Camp, Year Round Full Day and Half Day Programs with extended hours available.

Objective: To provide quality services that will help each child to achieve individualization and independence.

St. Joseph Hill Academy 850 Hylan Boulevard • 10305 718.981.1187 • Eileen Gregor egregor@stjhill.org www.stjosephhill.homestead.org

Programs: PreK 3 to 8th grade. PreK 3 and PreK 4; full or half days.

Objective: Providing a premier Catholic education to the Staten Island community for over 90 years.

South Shore Toddler Academy & Preschool 11 Sampson Avenue • 10308 718.356.3563 • Debra Mackey sicsprek@aol.com

The Village Preschool

Programs: Ages 2-6, UPK, Full/Half Day, Zumba, Tai-chi, Kinderdance, Mommy & Me 18-24 mos.

Programs:

Objective: Social/emotional skills stressed. Readiness curriculum in all areas. Pre-writing and pre-reading skills. Licensed staff and school.

Staten Island Academy 715 Todt Hill Road • 10304 718.303.7803 • Ruth P. Teague rteague@statenislandacademy.org www.statenislandacademy.org

Programs: PreK4. Part/full time. Extended day 7am-7pm included.

Objective: Children have opportunities to explore, experience and develop language, as well as social skills on our safe, secure 12 acre campus.

Staten Island Montessori School 4240 Amboy Road • 10308 718.967.2196 • Kitty Giambertone kgiambertone@francisschool.com www.simontessorischool.com

Programs: Montessori activities are designed to encourage initiative, self-confidence, concentration, independence, cooperation and respect for others.

Objective: Providing an educational environment allowing children to grow cognitively, socially, emotionally & physically.

76 St. Alban’s Place • 10312 718.967.5809 • Lisbeth Brandefine village.preschool@gmail.com

Ages 2.0-6.0. Developmentally appropriate sensory integrated experience of learning through play.

Emphasis on literacy & math.

Objective: Empower, foster, encourage independence & selfesteem intellectually, physically, socially & emotionally.

Volunteers of America–SI Early Learning Ctr. 10 Joline Lane • 10307 718.984.7900 • Bonnie Wohl bwohl@voa-gny.org

Programs: Special Needs Preschool ages 3-5; Special Ed. Itinerant Teacher ages 3-5; Evaluation Services ages 2.6-5; Sat. Respite ages 3-7; Behavior Intervention ages 3-10.

Objective: To provide educational and therapeutic services to young children with developmental delays.

Wagner College Early Childhood Center One Campus Road • 10301 718.390.3137 • Claire Maher/Pam Dicke pdicke@wagner.edu www.wagner.edu/ecc

Programs: Ages 2.3 to 6. Preschool and kindergarten. Full and half day. Extended hours available.

Objective: Our individualized program meets the developmental needs of young children with opportunities to explore, imagine, create and discover.

St. Teresa School 1632 Victory Boulevard • 10314 718.448.9650 www.saintteresaschool.com

Programs: PreK 3–2 half days (Tue & Thur), PreK 4–5 full and half days and 3 half days (Mon, Wed & Fri)

Objective: Christ-centered values based environment where activities develop social decision and emerging reading readiness skills.

Small World Preschool 144 Bloomingdale Road • 10309 718.356.7795 • Maria Schraidt kdsrmybiz@aol.com

Programs: Since 1977. Ages 2-6. Open 6:30-7:00. Toddler, Nursery, Summer & UPK. Certified teachers. Discounts available.

Objective: High quality developmentally appropriate early childhood program that promotes physical, cognitive, social and emotional development.

Staten Island YMCA 651 Broadway • 718.981.4933 3939 Richmond Avenue • 718.227.3200 asicuranza@ymcanyc.org • bschiuma@ymcanyc.org www.ymcanyc.org/statenisland

Programs: Social programs for 10 mos-3 yrs; Nursery School for 3 years; UPK for 4 year olds (Free from NYC Dept. of Ed.)

Objective: We offer a variety of programs that focus on the whole child to prepare them cognitively, physically and emotionally.

The Children’s Center College of Staten Island 2800 Victory Boulevard • Bldg. 2R / Rm104 • 10314 718.982.3190 childrencenter@cis.cuny.edu www.csi.cuny.edu/childcare

Programs: Infant/toddler programs, Preschool program, Universal Pre-K, School age program (pending enrollment.)

Objective: Early education and child care. Flexible scheduling.

Subsidized fees for children of CSI students.

Zion Lutheran Preschool 505 Watchogue Road •10314 718.981.3623 • Text: 917.853.9466 • Kim Luxoro misskimzion@aol.com www.zionlutheranpreschoolsi.com

Programs: Terrific 2’s, Preschool for 3’s, PreK for 4’s, Parent/Toddler Interaction, Afterschool Programs and Zummer Camp.

Objective: Provide an abundance of learning opportunities that foster a child’s development in a Christian setting.

Learn more about these schools, watch videos and see photos by clicking on the “Schools and Daycare” tab on siparent.com

AUTISM

>>>

AUTISM RATES RISING...

BUT WHY?

n early 2012, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued findings from a study that found 1 in 88 children is now diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by the age of eight. This is a 23 percent increase in ASD diagnoses in just two years. What troubles doctors is that the rate has risen far above the 2006 estimate of 1 in 110.

I

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says that ASD includes a range of complex neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by social impairment, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and JUST A FEW YEARS AGO LITTLE WAS KNOWN ABOUT THE CAUSES OF AUTISM. NOW IT IS stereotyped patterns of KNOWN THAT THERE IS NO ONE CAUSE OF AUTISM, JUST AS THERE IS NO ONE TYPE. behavior. Children with ASD behavior and the inability to interact with peers, clumsy can have difficulties learning what are typically simple motor movements, and problems with nonverbal communilessons for other children. Although ASD varies in severity, cation. Unlike children with autism, children with AS retain the common thread is that it occurs in all ethnic groups and their early language skills, but their condition may be affects every age. Males are four times more likely to have realized due to motor development delays, says the National ASD than females.

Institutes of Health.

Doctors do not understand why autism rates have risen so Autism disorder (AD): Also known as classical autism, profoundly. Some believe that a broader definition of autism those with this diagnosis often have the most severe form of is fueling these growing numbers. Diagnostic criteria has ASD. Characteristics of this disorder include repetitive changed, and ASD is now encompassing conditions that movements, self-abusive behavior, inability to speak or weren't first included under the autism banner. Currently, communicate, failure to play with other children, and no ASD is classified into the following subsets. smiling or social responsiveness. Many with AD have restricted patterns of interest that are abnormal in intensity Pervasive developmental disorders (not otherwise or focus. specified, or PDD-NOS): These are a large group of disorders characterized by delays in communication and socialization Because children are placed on the autism spectrum at skills. Children may vary in their abilities, intelligence and different severities, autism in general is quite a broad term -behaviors. A PDD is typically diagnosed by age three. and only seems to be getting broader. Therefore, net ASD includes more and more children who may not have been Asperger's syndrome (AS): AS is a developmental disorder diagnosed with ASD in the past. Increasingly, doctors and that includes repetitive routines or rituals, peculiarities in specialists have a better understanding of behaviors and speech and language, such as speaking in a formal manner symptoms indicative of ASD, which means more children or monotone, socially and emotionally inappropriate

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have the potential for an ASD diagnosis than in the past. These are just some of the factors contributing to why autism rates seem to be growing.

According to Autism Speaks, just a few years ago little was known about the causes of autism. Now it is known that there is no one cause of autism, just as there is no one type. Scientists recently identified a number of rare genetic changes, or mutations, associated with autism. Many cases, however, seem to be a combination of genetics and environmental influences during early brain development. The organization also notes that the clearest evidence of these autism risk factors involves events before and during birth. They include advanced parental age at the time of conception (both of mom and dad), maternal illness during pregnancy and certain difficulties during birth, particularly those involving periods of oxygen deprivation to the baby's brain. These factors don't cause autism, but they can contribute to it.

Autism spectrum disorder affects more than one million children in the United States alone.

Mark Roithmayer, president of Autism Speaks, says that autism should officially be considered an epidemic in the United States. Ongoing research and customized treatment options remain the best opportunities for anyone with ASD.

E

GO TO:

www.siparent.com and click on the Special Needs Tab for helpful resources

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SAFETY TIPS

>>>

AVOID INJURY WHEN SLEDDING

oung children are at risk for accidents throughout the year.

Winter months, however, pose additional hazards that parents need to be aware of.

Y

“Snow is beautiful, but it also can be dangerous. After a snowfall, children sledding down hills adjacent to motor traffic are much too common a sight on Staten Island,” said personal-injury attorney Jonathan D’Agostino, founder of the Eltingville-based law practice that bears his name.

“During this time of year,” he said, “parents need to be aware of obvious dangers, such as a child atop a sled skidding into traffic, as well as other, less obvious threats.”

10 SIMPLE TIPS TO KEEP KIDS SAFE WHILE SLEDDING.

With hopes of reducing the chances of children being seriously injured due to sledding accidents, D’Agostino suggests that, in addition to keeping sledders away from motor vehicles, parents follow – and share – the following tips from the federal Head Start program: • Children should be supervised while sledding.

• Keep young children separated from older children.

• Sledding feet first or sitting up, instead of lying down head-first, may prevent head injuries.

• Have your child wear a helmet while sledding.

• Use steerable sleds, not snow disks or inner tubes.

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• Sleds should be structurally sound and free of sharp edges and splinters; and the steering mechanism should be well lubricated.

• Sled slopes should be free of obstructions like trees or fences, and be covered in snow – not ice.

• Sled slopes should not be too steep, less than 30 degrees, and end with a flat runoff.

• Avoid sledding in crowded areas.

“With just a little advance planning, many children’s sledding accidents can be avoided,” D’Agostino said.

Provided by Jonathan D’Agostino & Associates www.daglawteam.com.

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GROWING UP ONLINE

by Carolyn Jabs

Privacy is a value that develops over time.

Anyone who has toilet trained a child understands this truth. At first, kids actually want witnesses—Look what I did! Then they decide they’d rather have the door closed on certain occasions. And, at some point, they are likely to be outraged if anyone knocks on the door during a marathon grooming session.

Protecting Your Family’s Privacy

This progression is worth remembering when parents think about protecting online privacy. Young people are likely to be impulsive, willing to trade away information about themselves for quick access to a game, a product, or a social network. As they mature, they may want more control about who knows what about their health, work, relationships and opinions.

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The assumption that you get to decide who knows what about you is very much at risk in the era of Big Data. Recently, the way companies compile and sell dossiers based on how people interact with websites has attracted government scrutiny. The FTC in particular has become concerned about how websites track children as they wander around online. COPPA, a law passed in 1998, requires websites to get parental permission before children under 13 fill out forms including personal data like name or address, but it doesn’t begin to address the subterranean information websites routinely collect. Data about where a child clicks and how long they linger on a site is often used to determine what ads will pop up as the child browses. Young children who can’t easily distinguish between advertising and other content are vulnerable to this kind of manipulation.

So are tweens and teens who may be capable of thinking about these distinctions but often don’t.

New rules from the FTC may do a better job of protecting children under 13. (Common Sense Media has started a petition in support of the new rules at http://tinyurl.com/8j7dyod). In the meantime, parents need to become familiar with strategies they can use right now to protect online privacy.

Track the trackers. The problem with Big Data isn’t simply that information is being collected. Without effort on your part, you won’t know who’s gathering it or what they plan to do with it. To get a glimpse into what’s happening behind the scenes, consider a program called Do Not Track (available at abine.com). The privacy policy for this software is refreshing. They DO NOT collect anything except what they need to make the program work. In return, you get a little icon that sits at the top right corner of your browser. When you visit a website, the icon tells you which social networks, ad networks and companies are tracking your visit.

Diversify. In Europe, tough laws require companies to get explicit consent before collecting data and to delete information at a customer’s request. In this country, consumers have to protect themselves with guerilla tactics. Opt out of data collection and sharing whenever you can. And avoid using the same company for search, e-mail and social networking.

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Companies may claim that cross-referencing your data is for your benefit because it customizes your online experience. The reality is that it also creates bulging files of information about purchases, searches and communication that may find their way into the hands of insurers or even law enforcement.

Don’t be misled by privacy policies. Most experts on privacy tell you to read a website’s privacy policy before clicking “agree”. This is good advice only if you have an advanced law degree. To a large extent, the length of a privacy policy is a tip off that a company doesn’t really want you to know what they plan to do with data they collect from you. Also, don’t be reassured by a statement like “We will not share information about you…”

Such statements are often followed by a lengthy list of exceptions that are anything but transparent.

Browse wisely. All major web browsers include a "private browsing" option. When you go into this mode, your computer rejects cookies and doesn’t keep a history of what you’ve done.

(Parents may not want to share this option with younger kids because it deletes the cache and history files, so you can’t see what websites your child has visited.) For details about how private browsing works in Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox and Safari, visit http://tinyurl.com/cycfpee.

Keep an Eye on Facebook. Privacy on social networks is tricky because, of course, the whole point is sharing information.

SecureMe (www.secure.me/) is a tool that helps you become more deliberate about what you (and your children) decide to disclose by monitoring posts and photos that show up on your wall and in your network. Even more important, the program monitors how apps are handling and managing data, and it flags apps that aren’t trustworthy.

Look for Privacy Icons. In response to the prospect of FTC regulation, an industry group called The Association for Competitive Technology is encouraging app developers to use a simple set of icons that give parents at-a-glance information about whether an app is suitable for children. Developed with the help of Lorraine Akemann of Moms with Apps, the App Privacy Icons answer several key questions: Does the app include ads?

Does it interface with social media? Does it broadcast location information? For more information, visit apptrustproject.com.

Ideas about privacy are evolving and, in all likelihood, the next generation will have different standards about what should and shouldn’t be shared. If nothing else, parents who implement safeguards and support better regulation help preserve choices so that, when children start thinking seriously about protecting privacy, there will be something left to protect.

By Carolyn Jabs, M.A., who raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has written Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses conflict. Other columns are available at www.growing-up-online.com. @ Copyright, 2013. Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

Pre-K to 8th Grade

OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA SCHOOL Start your child off on the right path!

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“A Christ centered education with a value based curriculum” Advance ED Accredited/NCA NYS Certified teaching staff • High tech computer lab Smartboard technology in every classroom State of the art athletic center with two new gymnasiums and an outdoor soccer field Remediation program, school counselor & meeting room Before & after care • Spanish Grades 3-8 NJHS Chapter; Student Government Science, Engineering and Technology Club; Mentoring program for Grade 8; Grade 8 Honors Math Pre K 3 Half Day: Tues & Thurs • 8:30-11:00 & 12:00-2:30 Pre K 4 Full Day: Mon, Wed & Fri • 8:30-2:30 Pre K 4 Half Day: Mon, Wed & Fri • 8:30-11:00

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To Register Call 718-984-5750 Irma Cummings, Principal or 718-984-0593 Debbie Emigholz, Parish Manager 5411 AMBOY ROAD • SI, NY 10312 JANUARY 2013

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GIGI’S WORLD

by Giavanna and Gina Schrecker

Home of the Staten Island Special Education Parent Center

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

YOU ARE NOT ALONE! “WE CARE, WE’VE BEEN THERE”

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

Founded and directed by parents of children with special needs.

For More Information Call 718.494.4872 Fax: 718.494.4805 1050 Forest Hill Rd • SI, NY 10314 Email: siptp@aol.com

Hi! My name’s Giavanna, but everyone calls me Gigi.

There’s so much going on in my life that I want to share with you. That’s why, with the help of my mom Gina LaGuardia-Schrecker, Editorial Director of The CollegeBound Network, I am writing a monthly kid’s-eye view of what it is like in my world.

They Say It May Be a Year of Change…

This year is going to be an interesting one, Mom says. I turn 10 in August – “double digits” is what I loudly proclaimed to whoever asks me about my age or this year’s birthday. For some reason, I'm really excited to hit double digits even though I have a feeling not much is going to change. I still won’t be old enough for a cell phone, a Facebook account, nor will I be able to stay alone in the house or sit in the front seat of the car.

However, many people seem to think I’ll start to change a lot this year… something that Mom and Dad don’t really seem to be too crazy about. (If it were up to them, I’d be 5 forever!)

While I’m perplexed about what may be ahead of me, I feel like I need some change. In all honesty, it’s been a bit boring lately (“the calm before the storm,” Mom says, though I’m not quite sure what she means). As I see it, there haven’t been too many noteworthy milestones lately. Oh sure, I lost a tooth and got a wee bit taller, but for the most part, I’m still the same kid. I catch Mom tsk-tsking every now and then when she thinks I’m “getting too big for my britches” or when I put on an outfit that makes her exclaim how “grown up” I look, but I still don’t quite see it.

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I do know that I am getting more clever (I think that has something to do with that “britches” scolding), making me more adept at talking my way out of things. You see, I've acquired a very compelling sense of humor, like my dad's, complete with astute, yet hilarious outbursts and observations.

Not only does it get a laugh sometimes when I make a good point, but it’s also proven useful in cheering people up when they need a smile. It seemed like the last few months of 2012 were tough in the aftermath of the hurricane, with the tragedy in Connecticut, and it being my family’s first Christmas without Great-Grandma, so my ability to share laughter came in handy.

Even though people say “change is good,” I did overhear Mom talking about how she’s worried our relationship will change in coming years. “It’s inevitable,” people tell her. (Note to self: Look that word up.) Apparently, when you turn double digits, you grow up and somewhat away from your parents.

While I do find myself getting closer with friends and wanting more “me” time, for the time being I still enjoy playing with my sister, going out on “Daddy dates” for sushi, and just talking the day away with my mom about anything and everything.

So while I’m hearing much about how I may change in 2013, I guess it remains to be seen. For now, I’ll focus on the fun of double digits to come, I’ll keep developing my ability to make people laugh, and I’ll try to pay more attention to what I hope will be a fun, new season in my life. And hopefully my parents will be OK with it, too. They’ve gone kicking and screaming into other phases of my life but then enjoyed the newness completely, so I think they’ll be OK. Perhaps it’ll be a year of change for all of us!

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JANUARY IS:

FAMILY CALENDAR

Family Fit Lifestyle Month Financial Wellness Month Get Organized Month

IMPORTANT DATES: New Year's Day - Jan 1st Feast of the Epiphany - Jan 6th Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (observed)- Jan 16th Catholic Schools Week Jan 27th - Feb 2nd

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Visit www.siparent.com’s home page and click on the “More Events” button under the calendar icon.

NORTH SHORE PORT RICHMOND 75 Bennett Street • 718-442-0158 Mon 10-6 • Tues 10-6 • Wed 10-6 • Thurs 12-8 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5

SOUTH SHORE DONGAN HILLS 1617 Richmond Road • 718-351-1444 Mon 12-7 • Tues 11-6 • Wed 12-7 • Thurs 11-6 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5

SOUTH BEACH 21-25 Robin Road • 718-816-5834 Mon 11-6 • Tues 11-6 • Wed 11-6 • Thurs 12-7 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5

GREAT KILLS 56 Giffords Lane • 718-984-6670 Mon 11-6 • Tues 12-7 • Wed 12-7 • Thurs 11-6 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5

ST. GEORGE LIBRARY CENTER & CHILDREN’S ROOM/MEDIA 5 Central Avenue • 718-442-8560 Mon 8-8 • Tues 8-8 • Wed 8-8 • Thurs 8-8 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5

HUGUENOT PARK 830 Huguenot Avenue • 718-984-4636 Mon 11-6 • Tues 10-6 • Wed 11-6 • Thurs 12-8 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5

STAPLETON–CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS 132 Canal Street • 718-727-0427

NEW DORP 309 New Dorp Lane • 718-351-2977 Mon 10-6 • Tues 10-6 • Wed 10-6 • Thurs 12-8 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5

TODT HILL-WESTERLEIGH 2550 Victory Boulevard • 718-494-1642 Sun 1-5 • Mon 10-6 • Tues 12-8 • Wed 10-6 • Thurs 10-6 Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5

RICHMONDTOWN 200 Clarke Avenue • 718-668-0413 Mon 12-8 • Tues 10-6 • Wed 10-6 • Thurs 10-6 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5

WEST NEW BRIGHTON 976 Castleton Avenue • 718-442-1416 Mon 11-6 • Tues 11-6 • Wed 12-8 • Thurs 11-6 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5

TOTTENVILLE 7430 Amboy Road • 718-984-0945 Mon 12-8 • Tues 11-6 • Wed 11-6 • Thurs 11-6 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5

VIEW LIBRARY INFORMATION ONLINE, CLICK ON THE “RESOURCES” TAB

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 5 THURSDAY, JANUARY 3 Tot's Time Plus SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11am • Ages 1-5 • $5 w/admission PLEASE NOTE: Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. We strongly suggest calling to confirm times, prices, ages, etc. before you attend.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1

Happy New Year!

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2 Read Aloud Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 4pm • Ages 3-8 • Free Picture Book Time New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 4pm • Ages 3+ • Free Picture Book Time Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 4pm • Ages 3-5; 5-12 • Free Children's Movies St. George Library 718-442-8560 4pm • Ages 5-12 • Free

Paint Day SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Ages 12-18 • Free Silly Science West New Brighton Library 718-442-1416 4pm • Ages 5-11 • Free Teen Tech Time Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3pm • Ages 13-18 • Free Teen Lounge Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Ages 12-18 • Free Zumba Workout New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 12:30-1:30pm • Adults • Free

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4

Read Aloud West New Brighton Library 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Ages 5-11 • Free

Kidz Cook SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 2, 3 & 4pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission

Baby Story Time South Beach Library 718-816-5834 10:30am • Ages 0-2 • Free

Toddler Time Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 10:30am • Ages 1.5-4 • Free

Board Games South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Ages 5-18 • Free

Board Games St. George Library 718-442-8560 3:30pm • Ages 5-12 • Free

Free Math & Reading Tutoring Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30-6pm • PreK-8

Read Aloud Richmondtown Library 718-668-0413 3:30pm • Ages 3+ • Free Fun Fridays Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Ages 3+ • Free

Saturday's Tots SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11am • Ages 1-4 • $5 w/admission Up4Art S.I. Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1,2 & 3pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission Free Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 • 3:30-5:30pm Math PreK-8 | Reading PreK-3 Disney Movie: Rescuers Down Under New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2pm • All ages • Free Free Math Tutoring Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 12-3pm • PreK-8

SUNDAY, JANUARY 6 Animals and Their Natural Instincts Staten Island Zoo 718-442-3101 1:30-3:30pm • All ages • Free w/admission Up4Art S.I. Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1, 2 & 3pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission

MONDAY, JANUARY 7 Read Aloud Huguenot Park Library 718-984-4636 4pm • All ages • Free Teen Cafe Remixed New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2-4pm • Ages 12-18 • Free Picture Book Time St. George Library 718-442-8560 4pm • Ages 3-8 • Free Tween Craft Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3:30pm • Ages 5-12 • Free Wii Time South Beach Library 718-816-5834 4pm • Ages 8+ • Free

Expanded & Enhanced

CALENDAR EVENTS at siparent.com Board Game Bonanza Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Ages 5+ • Free

Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Ages 12-18 • Free

TUESDAY, JANUARY 8 Tot's Time Plus SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11am • Ages 1-5 • $5 w/admission

Baby Space St. George Library 718-442-8560 10:30am • Ages 0-1.5 • Free • Register

Friendship Bracelet Club Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 3:30pm • Ages 8-14 • Free

NYPL Resources for Teens Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 4pm • Ages 13-18 • Free

Free Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 • 11am-1pm • 2-4pm Math PreK-8 | Reading PreK-3

Read Aloud South Beach Library 718-816-5834 4pm • Ages 1-11 • Free

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Preschool Story Time Richmondtown Library 718-668-0413 1pm • Ages 3-5 • Free • Register Movie Time: Frosty the Snowman Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 718-494-1642 4pm • Ages 5-11 • Free

S.I. Parent would like to wish all our readers a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Stay Well Exercise Program for Seniors New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 1-2pm • Adults • Free

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9 Clay Day SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission Teen Club New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2-4pm • Ages 12-18 • Free

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Read Aloud Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 4pm • Ages 3-8 • Free Picture Book Time New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 4pm • Ages 3+ • Free Picture Book Time Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 4pm • Ages 3-5; 5-12 • Free Children's Movies St. George Library 718-442-8560 4pm • Ages 5-12 • Free Read Aloud West New Brighton Library 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Ages 5-11 • Free Board Games South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Ages 5-18 • Free Preschool Storytime Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 718-494-1642 10:30am • Ages 3-5 • Free • Register Free Math & Reading Tutoring Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30-6pm • PreK-8 Laptop Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 10:30-11:30am • Adults • Free

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10 Paint Day SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission

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

“A Lifeline for a Lifetime” Serving Staten Island Residents of All Ages Who Are Developmentally Challenged • Clinical outpatient services including diagnosis, treatment, specialized therapies, and supportive services for children and their families • Full day preschool inclusion classes at Head Start centers • Saturday socialization groups for children with autism • Parent partnership in all programs

Comprehensive CPSE Evaluations

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

Big Bird’s Playhouse Early Childhood Development Program

Register Now for Pre-School Free Extended Hours Available Registration from 6:30am-6:30pm With Ad Meals & Snacks Included Daycare & Pre-School 3 Months to 5 Years Before and Afterschool Drop Off and Pick Up at P.S. 58, P.S. 60, P.S. 69 & P.S. 861 Trained in First Aid and CPR • Low Tuition (Breakfast and Lunch Included) Register Now UFT, 1199, ACD & HRA Vouchers For Half Day UPK–Free for Children in Diapers Accepted children born in 2009.

9 Fully Air-Conditioned Classrooms Full Day 4 Custom Built Play Grounds Available Licensed Early Childhood Teachers & Staff for a Fee. Open House Licensed by NYC Bureau of Daycare January 13 Family Owned & Operated Since 1991 11am-1pm

2-3 yr olds 5 full days $600 a month

1859 Richmond Ave • 718-982-0550

JANUARY 2013

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CALENDAR EVENTS at siparent.com Tot's Time Plus SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11am • Ages 1-5 • $5 w/admission

Silly Science West New Brighton Library 718-442-1416 4pm • Ages 5-11 • Free

Toddler Time Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 10:30am • Ages 1.5-3 • Free

Board Games, Bowling & Gaming Program New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 4pm • Ages 7-12 • Free • Register

Teen Tech Time Dongan Hills Library 718-351-2977 3:30pm • ages 13-18 • Free

Board Games St. George Library 718-442-8560 3:30pm • Ages 5-12 • Free

Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Ages 12-18 • Free

Reading Aloud Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3:30pm • Ages 3-12 • Free

Children's Video Gaming West New Brighton Library 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Ages 5-11 • Free

Toddler Time St. George Library 718-442-8560 10:30am • Ages 2-3 • Free • Register

Read Aloud Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 718-494-1642 4pm • Ages 3-11 • Free

Toddler Time Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 1pm • Ages 3-5 • Free • Register

ANIMALS AND THEIR NATURAL INSTINCTS

Teen Lounge Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Ages 12-18 • Free

Preschool Story Time South Beach Library 718-816-5834 10:30am • Ages 2-5 • Free

Sunday, January 6 Staten Island Zoo 1:30-3:30pm All ages Free w/admission 718-442-3101 statenislandzoo.com

Captive animals need to be entertained and given the chance to use their natural instincts. Watch these animals stalk, hear them call and sometimes even smell how they mark their territories.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 11 Kidz Cook SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 2, 3 & 4pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission Comic Strip Workshop Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 3pm • Ages 10-14 • Free Toddler Story Time Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 10:30am • Ages 1.5-4 • Free Baby Rhyme Time New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 10:30am • Ages 0-1 • Free • Register PreSchool Story and Craft Friday Huguenot Park Library 718-984-4636 10:30am • Ages 3-5 • Free

Kid's Craft: Contact Paper Art South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3pm • Ages 5-12 • Free • Register Read Aloud Richmondtown Library 718-668-0413 3:30pm • Ages 3+ • Free Fun Fridays Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Ages 3+ • Free Friday Afternoon Social @ the Library New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:30-4pm • Adults • Free

SATURDAY, JANUARY 12 Saturday's Tots SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11am • Ages 1-4 • $5 w/admission

• • • • • • •

Contested Divorce Uncontested Divorce Divorce Financial Analysis Collaborative Divorce Parenting Plans and Visitation QDRO’s Reproductive / Fertility Law

We know it isn’t easy to divorce, our goal is to help you maintain the integrity of your family while navigating the legal and financial challenges you may face as you end your current partnership, so that you concentrate on starting your new life.

STATEN ISLAND DIVORCE AND MEDIATION CENTER Law Offices of Lisa Giovinazzo

718.448.1600 176 Hart Boulevard • SI, NY 10301 www.SIDMC.com • www.statenislanddivorcemediation.com JANUARY 2013

www.siparent.com

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CALENDAR EVENTS at siparent.com Up4Art S.I. Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1, 2 & 3pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission Free Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 • 3:30-5:30pm Math PreK-8 | Reading PreK-3 Disney Movie: Ice Age Meltdown New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2pm • All ages • Free Free Math Tutoring Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 12-3pm • PreK-8

LECTURE: THE HISTORY OF THE LIFE STATIONS

Thursday, January 10 Seaman's Society for Children & Families 6-7:30pm All ages Free 855-NLM-SINY lighthousemuseum.org

Join the National Lighthouse Museum to learn about the life saving role life stations played along the coasts. Refreshments will be served.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 13 Up4Art S.I. Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1, 2 & 3pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission

MONDAY, JANUARY 14 Read Aloud Huguenot Park Library 718-984-4636 4pm • All ages • Free Teen Cafe Remixed New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2-4pm • Ages 12-18 • Free Picture Book Time St. George Library 718-442-8560 4pm • ages 3-8 • Free Wii Gaming Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3:30pm • ages 13-18 • Free

718-442-0158 3pm • Ages 10-14 • Free Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Ages 12-18 • Free Preschool Fun Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 11am • Ages 3-5 • Free Baby Space St. George Library 718-442-8560 10:30am • Ages 0-1.5 • Free • Register NYPL Resources for Teens Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 4pm • Ages 13-18 • Free Read Aloud South Beach Library 718-816-5834 4pm • Ages 1-11 • Free

Wii Time South Beach Library 718-816-5834 4pm • Ages 8+ • Free

Tales of Snow Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 718-494-1642 4pm • Ages 5-11 • Free

Board Game Bonanza Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Ages 5+ • Free

Stay Well Exercise Program for Seniors New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 1-2pm • Adults • Free

Tot's Time Plus SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11am • Ages 1-5 • $5 w/admission

Computer Training for Adults Internet Basics New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 10:30-11:30am • Adults • Free

Free Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 • 11am-1pm • 2-4pm Math PreK-8 | Reading PreK-3

Writing Workshop New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:30pm • Adults • Free

Comic Strip Workshop Port Richmond Library

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16

TUESDAY, JANUARY 15

Clay Day

DANCE STUDIO

On-Going n Registratio

EXPERIENCE OUR NEW LOACTION WITH A SPACIOUS WAITING ROOM, NEW SPRUNG FLOOR & LARGE PARTY AREA

2 ½ through adult Kinder Combos • Ballet • Tap • Modern • Jazz • Hip Hop Dance technique with enrichment elements to create a confident, well rounded dancer.

Friendly Family Atmosphere Age Appropriate Music and Costumes Trophies For All • Sunday Dance Recital

DANCE BIRTHDAY PARTIES CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

New Location! 230 Livingston Ave (near Susan Wagner High School) Sandy Osgood, DEA Certified

718-727-2649 www.silhouettedancestudio.net

GIVE YOUR PRESCHOOLER A BETTER TOMORROW Our highly qualified, state certified therapists will provide thorough evaluations and expert service for your child.

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS PROVIDING SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN!

OUR P.L.A.C.E. SCHOOL School CALL FOR INFO ABOUT YOUR 3-5 YEAR OLD Our Place School was established in 1982 to serve Staten Island’s children with special needs • Licensed by the NYC Dept of Health, division of Daycare • Funded & Regulated by NYS Department of Education • Service provided at no cost to eligible children

Call 718.987.9400 for information or to arrange a meeting.

329 Norway Avenue • South Beach JANUARY 2013

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CALENDAR EVENTS at siparent.com SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission Teen Club New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2-4pm • Ages 12-18 • Free Read Aloud Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 4pm • Ages 3-8 • Free Picture Book Time New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 4pm • Ages 3+ • Free

DISNEY MOVIE: ICE AGE Saturday, January 12 New Dorp Library 2pm All ages Free 718-351-2977 www.nypl.org

Your favorite ice age heros are back for another incredible animated adventure in the super-cool sequel to the global hit comedy Ice Age. Come to the library to watch Ice Age The Meltdown. Take home a free coloring sheet.

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Picture Book Time Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 4pm • Ages 3-5; 5-12 • Free Children's Movies St. George Library 718-442-8560 4pm • Ages 5-12 • Free Read Aloud West New Brighton Library 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Ages 5-11 • Free Board Games South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Ages 5-18 • Free Teen Advisory Richmondtown Library 718-668-0413 3:30pm • Ages 13-18 • Free Preschool Storytime Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 718-494-1642 10:30am • Ages 3-5 • Free • Register Free Math & Reading Tutoring Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30-6pm • PreK-8

THURSDAY, JANUARY 17 Paint Day SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission Tot's Time Plus SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11am • Ages 1-5 • $5 w/admission

Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Ages 12-18 • Free Silly Science West New Brighton Library 718-442-1416 4pm • Ages 5-11 • Free Wii Gaming Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3pm • Ages 13-18 • Free Teen Tech Time Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3pm • Ages 13-18 • Free Read Aloud Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 718-494-1642 4pm • Ages 3-11 • Free Teen Lounge Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Ages 12-18 • Free Zumba Workout New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 12:30-1:30pm • Adults • Free

FRIDAY, JANUARY 18 Kidz Cook SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 2, 3 & 4pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission Toddler Story Time Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 10:30am • Ages 1.5-4 • Free Board Games St. George Library 718-442-8560 3:30pm • Ages 5-12 • Free

Our Lady Queen of Peace School A Middle States Accredited Parochial School providing a spiritual academic education in a safe nurturing environment

3 YEAR OLDS UNIVERSAL PRE K - 4 YEARS OLD - AM AND PM SESSIONS KINDERGARTEN – 8TH GRADE LIMITED OPENINGS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM • Sacramental Preparation • Adheres to Standards Set

by New York State and the • Active Family Association Archdiocese of New York • School Sponsored Events • Drama, Art & Chess Classes • Dedicated and • After School Band Program Experienced Faculty • Early Morning Drop Off • Daily Homework Postings • Foreign Language • Smart Board Technology We Will Be Participating in Classrooms in Touring Tuesday on January 15th Accepting Applications in February

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, January 27, 2013 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

718-351-0370 22 Steele Avenue • Staten Island (Enter in Gymnasium on Cloister Place)

www.olqpschool.com JANUARY 2013

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CALENDAR EVENTS at siparent.com Crafternoon Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3:30pm • Ages 5-12 • Free • Register Read Aloud Richmondtown Library 718-668-0413 3:30pm • Ages 3+ • Free Fun Fridays Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Ages 3+ • Free Book Discussion New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:30pm • Adults • Free

TALES OF SNOW

Tuesday, January 15 Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 4pm Ages 5-11 Free 718-494-1642 www.nypl.org

This collection of stories from Scandinavia and Japan celebrates the wintery season with song, dance, mask work, and of course, snow!

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 19 Saturday's Tots SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11am • Ages 1-4 • $5 w/admission Up4Art S.I. Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1, 2 & 3pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission Free Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 • 3:30-5:30pm Math PreK-8 | Reading PreK-3 Disney Movie: Lady & the Tramp II New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2pm • All ages • Free Read with Beverly the Therapy Dog St. George Library 718-442-8560 11am • Ages 5-12 • Free • Register Free Math Tutoring Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 12-3pm • PreK-8 • Free

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20 Up4Art S.I. Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1, 2 & 3pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission

TUESDAY, JANUARY 22 Tot's Time Plus SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11am • Ages 1-5 • $5 w/admission Friendship Bracelet Club Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 3:30pm • Ages 8-14 • Free

Free Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 • 11am-1pm • 2-4pm Math PreK-8 | Reading PreK-3 Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Ages 12-18 • Free Baby Space St. George Library 718-442-8560 10:30am • Ages 0-1.5 • Free • Register NYPL Resources for Teens Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 4pm • Ages 13-18 • Free Read Aloud South Beach Library 718-816-5834 4pm • Ages 1-11 • Free Preschool Story Time Richmondtown Library 718-668-0413 1pm • Ages 3-5 • Free • Register Stay Well Exercise Program for Seniors New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 1-2pm • Adults • Free Writing Workshop New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:30pm • Adults • Free

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23 Clay Day SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission Read Aloud Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 4pm • Ages 3-8 • Free

N EW D ORP CHRISTIAN ACADEMY e ve “Achi

259 Rose Ave & 10th St (New Dorp)

ion” Excellence in Academic a nd Spiritual Educat

$100 OFF REGISTRATION

FRANCIS SCHOOL YOU CAN AFFORD PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD!

• Private School • Small Classes • Individual Attention • Safe & Friendly Atmosphere • Fully Accredited • Regents Are Not Required • Affordable Tuition Limited Space Available!

CALL NOW FOR INTERVIEW

FIRST TIME REGISTRANTS ONLY.

718-967-0400

Nursery School Classes for 3 & 4 Year Olds Extended Day Care Hours Also Available Full Day Kindergarten Through 8th Grade Christian Performing Arts Program K-8th Grade Computer Classes After School Activities • Safe Environment Discounts for Siblings • Free Bus Service Operating Since 1974

Accepting Students Grades 9-12

4240 Amboy Road Great Kills

DRIVER February 5 - June 15 EDUCATION $500 Includes Textbook REGISTRATION: WEDNESDAYS 9AM-4PM & SATURDAYS 9AM-1PM AND ONLINE @ WWW.FRANCISSCHOOL .COM

718.351.4442

ISLAND KIDS PEDIATRICS

2066 Richmond Ave (Ample Parking • 1/2 mile from Barnes & Noble)

718-982-9001

www.IslandKidsPediatrics.com Most Insurances Accepted Including Health Plus

Monday: 9-7 Tuesday: 9-5 Wednesday: 9-7 n, Thursday: 9-7 Visio & e y E Friday: 9-3 Lazy ing r a e H Saturday: 9-2 g Testin Sunday: 9-12

Same Day Sick Appointments Well Visit Appointments Made Within One Week DENIZ CEREB M.D. Ear Piercing Availab le

JUAN MAGUINA M.D.

ARTHUR BUONASPINA M.D.

Board Certified Doctors Spanish Speaking Physician and Staff Separate sick, well and newborn waiting areas Spirometry testing for asthmatic patients Routine childhood immunizations Prenatal consultations for expecting families Infectious disease pediatric consultations Adult Influenza vaccines JANUARY 2013

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CALENDAR EVENTS at siparent.com 718-351-1444 3:30pm • Ages 3-12 • Free

Picture Book Time New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 4pm • Ages 3+ • Free

Movies for Teens Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 4pm • Ages 13-18 • Free

Preschool Program New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 11am • Ages 2.5-5 • Free • Register

Board Games South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Ages 5-18 • Free

Picture Book Time Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 4pm • Ages 3-5; 5-12 • Free

Free Math & Reading Tutoring Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30-6pm • PreK-8

Read Aloud West New Brighton Library 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Ages 5-11 • Free

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24

SEA CHANTY SESSIONS

Paint Day SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission Tot's Time Plus SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11am • Ages 1-5 • $5 w/admission

Sunday, January 20

Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Ages 12-18 Free

Noble Maritime Collection 2-5pm All ages Free 718-447-6490 noblemaritime.org

Musicians, singers, and the listening public are cordially invited to participate in a continuing tradition of songs, stories, random history, and lore of ports and places, near and far.

Toddler Time St. George Library 718-442-8560 10:30am • Ages 2-3 • Free • Register Coffee Talk Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 11:30am • Adults • Free Teen Tech Time Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3pm • Ages 13-18 • Free Reading Aloud Dongan Hills Library

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Read Aloud Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 718-494-1642 4pm • Ages 3-11 • Free Teen Lounge Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Ages 12-18 • Free Toddler Story Time Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 11am • Ages 1.5-3 • Free • Register

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25 Kidz Cook SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 2, 3 & 4pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission Toddler Story Time Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 10:30am • Ages 1.5-4 • Free PreSchool Story and Craft Friday Huguenot Park Library 718-984-4636 10:30am • Ages 3-5 • Free Board Games St. George Library 718-442-8560 3:30pm • Ages 5-12 • Free Puzzle and Coloring Hour West New Brighton Library 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Ages 0-11 • Free Read Aloud Richmondtown Library 718-668-0413 3:30pm • Ages 3+ • Free

CELEBRATING 27 YEARS! • 2 Year Old Toddler Program • 3 & 4 year Old Classes Half & Full Day Programs • State-of-the-Art Outdoor Playground • Large Indoor Gym • Certified Staff • Reasonable Rates

Curriculum reflects the changing needs for today's child including • Early Literacy • Critical Thinking Skills • Handwriting Program • Music Enrichment Including SMART Board Educational Technology

all through an integrated curriculum

Open House: Saturday, January 26th • 10am-12noon Open Registration Begins Saturday, February 2nd • 9am-11am

1657 Victory Blvd • 718-442-5350 • www.castletonhillpreschool.com

JANUARY 2013

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CALENDAR EVENTS at siparent.com Coffee and Books Richmondtown Library 718-668-0413 11am • Adults • Free Fun Fridays Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Ages 3+ • Free Preschool Story Time Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 11am • Ages 3-5 • Free • Register American Mah Jongg New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:30-4pm • Adults • Free

COOL SCHOOL HOLIDAY

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26

Up4Art S.I. Children's Museum 7181-273-2060 1, 2 & 3pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission

Up4Art S.I. Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1, 2 & 3pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission

MONDAY, JANUARY 28

Saturday's Tots S.I. Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11am • Ages 1-4 • $5 w/admission Free Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 3:30-5:30pm • Math PreK-8 | Reading PreK-3 Read with Beverly the Therapy Dog St. George Library 718-442-8560 11am • Ages 5-12 • Free • Register

Monday, January 21 Kid's Craft: Chinese New Year Dragon South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3pm • Ages 5-12 • Free • Register

SI Children's Museum 10am-5pm All ages Free admission 718-273-2060 www.nypl.org

Breakfast with the Beasts Staten Island Zoo 718-442-3101 9-10:30am • Ages 5+ • $15/$17

The kids are off of school in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Enjoy a free day at the Museum!

Free Math Tutoring Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 12-3pm • PreK-8 Special Needs Story Time Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 11am • Free

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 27

Concert Staten Island Museum 718-727-1135 8pm • All ages • $15/$12/$5

Read Aloud Huguenot Park Library 718-984-4636 4pm • All ages • Free Teen Cafe Remixed New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2-4pm • Ages 12-18 • Free Picture Book Time St. George Library 718-442-8560 4pm • Ages 3-8 • Free Film Program West New Brighton Library 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Ages 0-11 • Free Wii Time South Beach Library 718-816-5834 4pm • Ages 8+ • Free Board Game Bonanza Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Ages 5+ • Free

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29 Tot's Time Plus SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11am • Ages 1-5 • $5 w/admission Free Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 • 11am-1pm • 2-4pm Math PreK-8 | Reading PreK-3 Teen Lounge Tottenville Library

If you want to share your thoughts and opinions or ask other parents for advice on imporant topics, go to S.I. Parent’s Facebook Page. facebook.com/siparent

Exciting performances are happening this year at

ENRICHMENT THROUGH THE ARTS A perfect arts experience for School Groups • Home Schoolers • Families

Jabali Acrobats

Charlotte’s Web

Date: 2/6 Ticket Price $8

Dates: 2/7 Ticket Price $8

Arithmetickles The Dragon’s

Tale

Date: 2/14 Ticket Price $8

Date: 2/25 & 26 Ticket Price $8

Performances Held at 10:00am & 11:30am at CSI Center for the Arts • 2800 Victory Blvd FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF ALL PERFORMANCES VISIT US AT

www.enrichmentthroughthearts.com or follow us on Facebook

Enrichment Through The Arts Call 718.982.5678 or email: etaarts@gmail.com

HOTTEST dancewear store S, CE PAW Z, DANND MORE! E E D N FOOTU UNDERS A OVER &

located in the heart of Great Kills

n Fashio Where ts the Mee Floor Dance

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Hottest Treecntdiosn Large Sel Tights, Leotards, ries, Accesso oes, Dance Shhoes, Pointe S ags, Dance B ar Cheer Ge

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318 Nelson Ave•Below Hylan Blvd 718-317-8800

Visit www.raisingthebarredancewear.com Email: raisingthebarre@aol.com

Open 7 Day s!

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK JANUARY 2013

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CALENDAR EVENTS at siparent.com 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Ages 12-18 • Free Winter Craft for Kids Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 4pm • Ages 5-12 • Free • Register Baby Space St. George Library 718-442-8560 10:30am • Ages 0-1.5 • Free • Register NYPL Resources for Teens Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 4pm • Ages 13-18 • Free Read Aloud South Beach Library 718-816-5834 • 4pm • Ages 1-11 • Free

BREAKFAST WITH THE BEASTS

The Science of Pizza Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 4pm • Ages 13-18 • Free

Teen Advisory Richmondtown Library 718-668-0413 3:30pm • Ages 13-18 • Free

Stay Well Exercise Program for Seniors New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 1-2pm • Adults • Free

Free Math & Reading Tutoring Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30-6pm • PreK-8

Writing Workshop New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 2:30pm • Adults • Free

Family Movie Night: The Odd Life of Timothy Green Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 4:30pm • Ages 5+ • Free

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30 Clay Day SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission Read Aloud Port Richmond Library 718-442-0158 4pm • Ages 3-8 • Free

Saturday, January 26

Picture Book Time Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 4pm • Ages 3-5; 5-12 Free

100www.siparent.com JANUARY 2013

Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Ages 12-18 • Free Teen Tech Time Dongan Hills Library 718-351-1444 3pm • Ages 13-18 • Free

718-442-8560 4pm • Ages 5-12 • Free

Read Aloud Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 718-494-1642 4pm • Ages 3-11 • Free

Pajama Story Time West New Brighton Library 718-442-1416 7pm • Ages 5-11 • Free

Teen Lounge Great Kills Library 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Ages 12-18 • Free

Board Games South Beach Library 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Ages 5-18 • Free

Zumba Workout New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 12:30-1:30pm • Adults • Free

Children's Wii St. George Library

Tour the Zoo's animal kitchen, prepare some food for critters and watch them eat. Meet some animals up close and have your own breakfast. Pre-registration required before Wednesday, January 23.

Paint Day SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Ages 2-10 • Free w/admission Tot's Time Plus SI Children's Museum 718-273-2060 11am • Ages 1-5 • $5 w/admission

Picture Book Time New Dorp Library 718-351-2977 4pm • Ages 3+ • Free

SI Zoo 9-10:30am Ages 5+ $15/$17 718-442-3101 statenislandzoo.org

THURSDAY, JANUARY 31

Staten Island 4108 Hylan Blvd 718.356.PARTY (7278)

ur te Yo Crea pgloss Li Own ance ragr F d an ion Stat

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Your Princess and her guests will be pampered in a Hollywood style spa, elegantly decorated with the friendliest, professional staff.

A true ONE-OF-A-KIND experience accommodating up to 50 guests.

Private Spa Playdates for 6 or more girls

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JANUARY 2013

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FAMILY NEEDS Party Services Photo Favors Created Live at Your Event!

Snow Globes

• Parties • Corporate Events • School Fundraisers • Weddings

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SAND ART EDIBLE SAND ART FACE PAINTING BALLOON ANIMALS TATTOOS PINATAS CRAFTS MUSIC GAMES

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FUNBELIEVABLE PARTIES 10% OFF ANY PARTY PACKAGE Some exclusions apply. Call for details.

WE BRING THE PARTY TO YOU!

718.356.5FUN (5386)

WWW.FUNBELIEVABLEPARTIESINC.COM Party on the Wild Side

(Excluding Sweet Sixteens or Weddings)

Live Animal Shows for Birthdays, Classrooms, and Summer Camps.

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www.partyonthewildside.com

YOUR ONE STOP DJ & ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY

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Established 1985

DJs, MCs, Vocalists, Dancers, Videographers, Photographers, Pro Light Shows, Intelligent Lights, Photo Booth, Live Animal Shows, Candy Carts, Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Plasma TVs, Rides, Magicians, Clowns, Limousines, Karaoke, Costume Characters, Casino Night Tables, Fully Insured

$100 OFF With any DJ booking, cannot be combined.

partywithf2k.com 718.554.4780 CHARACTER-A-CISE Boogie with your favorite costume character.

Children’s Party Craft Parties Entertainment for All Ages Call

718-984-5546 or 732-360-1616

MOUSE-A-CISE WORK OUT WITH MR. OR MRS. MOUSE Childrens Party Entertainment Set to Music

102www.siparent.com JANUARY 2013

718-984-5546

PARTY PUPS

Children and Pups Interact for an Exciting and Memorable Party!

SKATEBOARD RIDING DOG!

Dogs Jump Through Hoops, Obstacle Course & More!

Call: 718-816-0849

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COSTUME CHARACTERS Full Line of Costume & Cartoon Characters to Enhance Your Child’s Party DJ/Costume characters packages available for 1st birthdays & christenings

Kids Dance Parties Call Sherry: 718-317-7439

Specialty Gourmet Cakes, Cupcakes, Cookies & Sweets Free Delivery on Staten Island!

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Party Smarty 718-556-9475 Entertainment 718.556.9475

Affordable Party Packages Face Painting, Glitter Art Tattoos Sculpture Balloons, Temporary Tatoos, DJ’s, Entertainers, Karaoke, Rides, Spin Art, Sand Art, Candy Art, Arts & Crafts, Theme Parties, Stuff a Bear Parties, Candy Cart, Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Snokones, Pretzels, Sundae Bar, Carnival Games, & More!

www.partysmartyentertainment.com

JANUARY 2013

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103

FAMILY NEEDS Party Services THE SWEET 16 SPECIALIST! DIVA DOLL PARTYS SPA PARTIES FOR CHILDREN’S BIRTHDAYS & SPECIAL OCCASIONS

www.DivaDollPartys.com 718-290-3904 PACKAGES INCLUDE Manicures, pedicures, hair styling, make-up applications & more!

Karaoke, games and crafts to entertain your guests for a truly fun and memorable event.

Invitations Included!

• Video Mixing & Video Candle Lighting Now Available • Choose Your Own Dancers • FREE Mixed CD Favors

Visit Our Brand New Showroom

$100 OFF

CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT AND FUN! • Dancing • Crafts • Character • Balloon Visits Animals • Face Painting • Rock Band • Candy Carts • Magicians • Games • & More!

Deluxe Sweet 16 Package & 50 FREE Giveaways Add 2 Plasmas & Get Professional Before you book your party with another company check out Montage or www.feelthebeatpro.com or call 718.354.0431 Video Mixing JUST FOR YOUR CALL YOU WILL RECEIVE A FREE PROMO CD

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10% OFF Any 4 Hour Party

Cannot be combined.

PARTY TIME ENTERTAINMENT • 718- 667-8998

Party With Us Now!

• Disc Jockeys • Video Taping • Karaoke • M/F Dancers • Party Servers • Dancing Gorillas • Caricaturist • Magicians • Singing Telegrams

• Celebrity Look-a-Likes • Costume Characters • Clowns • Puppet Show • Petting Zoo • Theme Parties • Double Dare Mini Circus • Dress Up Tea Parties • Carnival Games

• Cotton Candy • Candy Carts • Ice-Cream Sundae Bar • Sno-Cone Machines • Hot Dog Wagon • Candy Sticks • Craft Parties • Sand Art • Spin Art, T-Shirts & Pictures

• Stuffed Bears • Airbrushed Tattoos • Wax Hands • Candle Art • Rides • Moon Walks • Ball Crawl • Super Slide • Dunk Tank • Gyro • Train • Carousel

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If You’re Tired of the Same Children’s Parties, Try Something New & Fresh...

Your Child Will Have SOOOO MUCH FUN Making Jewelry With Their Friends!

Call Maria: 917.560.6550

104www.siparent.com JANUARY 2013

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FAMILY NEEDS Classifieds SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY NYS Certified Teacher

PRIVATE TUTOR GRADES K-8

Specializing in Early Reading Development Phonics • Homework Help • Test Prep

718.490.1787 • mdorazio11@hotmail.com “Teacher of the Year” 2011-2012 school year

VOICE, PIANO AND GUITAR TAUGHT BY A CONSERVATORY GRADUATE WITH OVER A DECADE OF EXPERIENCE Sight Reading, Theory & Technique Students Perform Their Favorite Songs s Lessonur in yo or e hom io stud

100% Acceptance Rate for LaGuardia H.S.

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BEGINNERS, ALL AGES AND CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CALL MISS CATHY

917-836-8340

www.statenislandmusiclessons.com

ADHD, Aphasia, CVA, Parkinson’s, PDD, Alzheimers, Stuttering, TBI, ABA, Autism, Language Deficit

PRECARE, SLP, PC

Pediatric, Toddlers, Teens, Adults & Geriatrics Computerized Clinical Equipment CPSE & RSA • Most Insurances Accepted

718.259.4001

R. Gurevich MA, CCC-SLP www.slpmd.com

TOO BUSY TO CLEAN? Call Angie!

ANGIE’S CLEANING SERVICE 10% Off Your First Service With Ad.

718.502.4001

Piano Lessons Highly Experienced Piano Teacher ~Conservatory Grad~ BM, MA in Music Offering Lessons in Your Home or Mine Unique, Effective Methods

ALL AGES/ALL LEVELS/ALL STYLES ~STUDENT RECITALS~ Marsha Ponce

447-1416

(718)

KAREN L. GOLDMAN, MA, LMHC-BC Psychotherapist / Bereavement Specialist

By Appointment Only • 1076 Forest Ave 347-850-2322 karengoldmansitherapy.com • kl.goldman@yahoo.com NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor Treating Adults, Teens, Children & Families for Over 20 Years Evening and Weekend Hours

Camp Good Grief Session in June To Register your child/teen call Director Karen Goldman www.campgoodgriefsi.org

cb

Tots “R” Us Daycare, Inc. 6 WEEKS–12 YEARS • EARLY PRE-SCHOOL CURRICULUM OPEN 6AM-6PM (EXTENDED HOURS AVAILABLE)

• Free Breakfast, Lunch & Supper • Over Nights & Weekends • Hablamos Espanol • Summer Camp & Recreational Activities • NYS Licensed, ACD & HRA Accepted LOCATIONS LOCATED OFF AVE, NEAR PS 22 718-954-4108 4FOREST

Email: totsrusdaycare@hotmail.com

STOVE ISN’T LIGHTING You’re Getting a

FUNNY SMELL,

DON’T WORRY I CAN FIX IT! SUBZERO, VIKING, WOLF, BOSCH & ALL MAJOR BRANDS REPAIRED

Curt: 347.723.5756 20 YRS EXPERIENCE ALL APPLIANCES REPAIRED

Free Estimates!

curt

“Help Bring Your Child’s Education to the Next Level” ADVANCED TUTORING All Grades & Subjects K-12 NYS CERTIFIED TEACHERS READY TO WORK WITH YOUR CHILD

W: 347-216-5198 C: 718-755-3025

TRADITIONAL CONTRACTING, INC. • Boys • Teens • Men

South Shore Commons Plaza (across from Target Plaza) 2965 Veterans Road • 718-317-5000

www.modernmaleny.com

106www.siparent.com JANUARY 2013

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718.216.6562 Lic # 1438707 and Insured

Painting, Tile, Basements, Bathrooms, Kitchens, Interior & Exterior Doors, Deck Installation/Repairs, Power Washing, All Flooring, Custom Shelving

Buy Licensed Character Products at

Look and Feel Your Best With LexieMichael’s Cosmetics

www.abreucharacters.com 201.243.9593 Avoid Paying Retail

A specialty website with the most popular and sought-after, licensed character products.

Available to the public at unbeatable prices!

718.986.6460 110 2nd St • SI, NY 10306 Great Gift Ideas!

Cosmetics, Skin Care, Spa Treatments Make Up Application We Cater to Brides and Bridal Parties Use Our Studio to Host a Girl’s Night Out Distributors Wanted for Line

ROOM DECOR • BATH DECOR • CLOTHING TOYS AND ACTIVITIES • PARTY SUPPLIES

www.LexieMichaelsCosmetics.com

Tutoring By Christine Affordable private & small group Instruction offered by certified, experienced teachers.

ELA Grades 3-8 Math Grades 3-9 TACHS, SHSAT Living Environment

917.748.9089 christine@tutoringbychristine.com

www.tutoringbychristine.com

Certified Private Tutor DYSLEXIC and NON-DYSLEXIC Is your child struggling with reading, spelling, writing or comprehension?

WILSON READING PROGRAM MULTI-SENSORY APPROACH ORTON-GILLINGHAM METHODOLOGY

Carol 347-215-2417 crlvsky@msn.com INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? CALL TODAY!

718.761.4800 x139 Be part of the S.I. Parent Family and watch your business grow!

Over 20 years of proven results!

=c a +b 2

2

2

32 Years’ Experience Call Ed 718-979-2387

Tutor h t a M

Algebra • Geometry • Trigonometry Math Regents and SAT prep Junior High School Math All High School Entrance Exams Patient, Personable and Effective

FREE 8x10 Portrait Mention SIP

MATERNITY, NEWBORN, CHILD & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY Sessions take place at your home, on location or at our studio.

Full line of props, backgrounds and accessories for your little one!

www.PicturePerfectNY.com 347-987-0394 JANUARY 2013

www.siparent.com

107

Birthday CluB

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

January JANUARY 1 Diana Faith Miller Dylan C. McDonald Kellie Grant Tiffany-Ann Elie Valentina Bulone Daniella B. Durojaiye Stella Monaco JANUARY 2 Dale Gorden Thomas Monza III Kelly-Anne Doyle Alana Guidice Joanne Malek Nicholas B. Antonelli Jack Tazzetto Christopher Bocola Paul Michael Bronski Nevin Ibroci Naim Ibroci II Brianna Piccirillo JANUARY 3 Nicholas Rammairone Samantha Esposito Alexa Iman Akmal Alexandra Colalillo Jessica Shamah Mary M. Cali Sean Marcus Jones Monica Kobayashi Skyla Rose Paolino Jarrett Serate Manny Camardo Shawn Kafader

Nina Chaiken Alicia Furnari Caitlyn Gould Kevin Schoenau Nicole Buccellato Taylor Riopedre Robert Goldy Calavetta Raymond Henry Pitre Elizabeth Maira Jesse Jobin Robert Terzino-Torres JANUARY 7 Vincent Michael Aceto Matthew Cruz Jonathan DeGroot Sean A. Torres Gabriella Jezina Xavier Gonzalez Andrew Piccirillo Francesca Moschella Danielle Santora/Casucio Briseis Scott Brianna Mirochnik JANUARY 8 Ashley Henrich Jenna Marie Romano Nicholas Lafata Iandioro Lauren Levy Robert Butler Julie Higgens Christina Adinolfi Melissa Hughes Timothy Casserly Vincent Mattaliano

JANUARY 4 Deanna Koppie Zachary Tyler Nielsen Steven Gurges Annelise Dunleavy Erica Holzer Caitlyn Holzer Megan Nagengast Jalla Taylor Manwel Gorgy Philip Gorgy

JANUARY 9 Larry Gill Meghan L Henrich Bianca Sawh Billy LoPresti Jay Ellis Gabriel Zacary Nacmias Kyle Dimino Jonathan Jose Sheehan Joseph Depaulo Madison-Skyy Williams

JANUARY 5 Jennifer Perrotta Alyssa Ryan Travion Francis Mariham Tharwat Damien Joseph Cruz Nicholas Spaan Michelle Avila

JANUARY 10 Nathaniel Wyatte III Rebecca Sue Farina Alex Nicolas Napper Anthony J. Schoentube Victoria Varriano Caitlin Howard Jason Young Kristen Ann McGill Lasaun Turner

JANUARY 6 Ethan Binyaminov

JANUARY 11 Christopher Schaefer Brittney Negron Kevin Robert Lott Allison Yeneic Valentina Gandolfo Taylor Clanton JANUARY 12 Gloria Monteleone Joseph Guercio Tamyra Meaders Ryan Jones Matthew Keeler Alexis Compton Christopher DePaulo Fallon Rose Bottali Hunter Canada JANUARY 13 Michael Buono, Jr. Stephanie Troeller Tiffany N. Zingaropoli Michael Adeyanju Olivia Devoti Angelica Pettinato Joel Rivera Luca McLean-Egitto JANUARY 14 Jezlyn Fairbairn Justina Burzo Theresa Burzo Shahrukh Sayeedl Kristina Elizabeth Dwyer Nicole Lee Sutherland Samantha Del Rio Alexa Geloso Angelina Delmar RaeAnne Kascle Emma Devlin Yolanda Carrington JANUARY 15 Simone Elvin Jessica Perriri Mallory Reiss Thomas Tavernite Mandee Rivera Damien Cruz Nicole Stefanski Victoria Battista Bridget Keag Michael Varriano JANUARY 16 Kevin Sinclair Victoria Wong Nicholas T. Mandracchia Thomas Edward Vasquez

Deanna Crocco Daniel Cugini Alexander Olinsky William Smith Mekenzie Gonzalezå JANUARY 17 Emily Grace Doyle Michelle Vann Anthony T. Arpaia Julie LoPresti Jordan Sesny Luciano Turano Crystal Nerone JANUARY 18 Tiffany Alvino Caroline O’Dowd Daniela A. Nacmias Gia Koppie Adrian Rzonca Salvatore Basile Ryan Crimmins Jayani Ganewattage JANUARY 19 Joseph Caparelli Tess Isobel Studholme Lauren DiRago Toni Ann Kilaras Ryan Scali Adriana Maldonado Kaiitlynn Marie Vazquez Alyssa Grunhaus Ryan Starita Lea Price JANUARY 20 Nicole Rodriguez Robert Gentile Erica Durkin Jeffrey M. Kamber Deanna Garcia Casey Nelson Rocco Fruscione Casey Bowden Kelly Hynes JANUARY 21 Mathew Jason Martinek Jerrell Ricky Smith Joseph Impeduglia Ian Gabriel Weeks Jasmine Bentley Josephine Marie Pikowski Amanda Mangano Burnias Joshua Jones Jessica Benedetto Alexandra M. Cochon Stephanie Radolinski

JANUARY 22 Jaclyn Guinane Timothy Egan Andrew Sinclair Neyla Ibroci Stefanie Pitre Gail Lemberg Nekoela Bishop Alexis Jacobs Matthew Rhoden JANUARY 23 Skyler Lynn Labetti Vincent Brennan Mitchell Weiss Danielle Sarah Maguire Andrew Pellegrino Paige Polanco Samantha Sciari Sanuli Dharmawardena Bryanna Fail Caitlyn Nicole Murphy Ariel Burgos JANUARY 24 Lauren Di Giulio Vincent Taccetta Jessica Lynn Kevin Sawh James O’Brien III Taylor Torado Victoria M. Macula Zuri Bishop Matteo Corallo JANUARY 25 Rachel Kearns Christopher R. Carbone Gabrielle Burfeind Michael John Ahr Jamie Daluise JANUARY 26 Sarah R. Coppotelli Nicholas DeLouisa Michael Sanicola Kiyanna Shanice Young Dante J. Aubain Nicole Lee Giambrone Emily Gonzalez Francesca Delapi John Marsh Zachary Bellantoni Jaelin Lau Grace Assile

Jaysen Sullivan Tierra Webb Christopher Rodriquez Ortiz Jordan Hafizi Nina Russo Kimberly Modolo Jake William Maiello JANUARY 28 Kimberly Lucchese Vincent Lucchese Jordie McFarquhar Alexandra Labita Thomas Jared Lieto Nicole Marie Loforte Jillian Bartel Joseph Lopez Daniel Bodin Jasmine Shea Joseph Guerci JANUARY 29 Bonnie Jones Michael Mema Julia Rosaria Cristiano Brooke Price Brittany Joyner Alexander Cole Slovitz Jayden McKenzie Rebecca Bianco Elizabeth Saada JANUARY 30 Vincent Richard LoVerde Richard Reda Ashley Vella Tara Egan Jazmin Warren Eric Schnellbacher Katelyn Nouvertne Joseph Lopez JANUARY 31 Joseph Peters Alex Joseph Carlson Justin Drew Carlson Joseph Michael Moutos Rebecca Borges Gustavo Adolfo Paz Jr. Liam Bailey Lisa Migliorisi Vanessa Pristavec Ben Terry Kenneth Johnson

JANUARY 27 Justin Zaluk Jillian Bodiford

Birthday Club members are entitled to receive

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

CAN YOUR DENTIST DELIVER THESE SERVICES? • Intravenous and Oral Sedation • Nitrous Oxide “sweet air” • Painless injections with “The Wand.” One of only

• 38 years of experience with over 2,000 hours of continuing education • CPR and emergency management trained staff

four Dentists in the NY area to have this technology • Comfort care cleanings • Doctor’s cell phone number

• Always see the same Doctor

• Drill free dentistry

• One hour hygiene visit devoted to oral health

• 5 year warranty on dental work • State of the art oral cancer screening with Vizilite • Financing available • An overall heath approach with blood pressure and blood sugar testing • Be seen on time!

and comfort • Availability of topical gels for gum comfort during hygiene visits • Understand your dental needs; see it on TV with our intra-oral camera!

• Ask us about the 25 other ways we can help you!

• Evening and weekend hours

If your answer is “no,” you need to call

STATEN ISLAND DENTAL CARE 718.761.5757 Dr. Frederick S. Hecht, D.M.D., P.C. Crown Council Humanitarian Dentist award for overseas dental missionary trips

Special Web Offer! www.AfraidOfTheDentist.com 1520 Richmond Avenue Staten Island, NY 10314 We are sorry but we are not able to accept Medicaid JANUARY 2013

www.siparent.com

109

FAMILY NEEDS Professional Directory

DIVORCE ATTORNEY

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

Hour Phone Service

Attorney at Law

www.krichardspc.com 718.720.1000

ATTORNEY

ATTORNEY

DIVORCE

BANKRUPTCY

Custody & Visitation

KEVIN B. ZAZZERA

Simonson & Cohen, LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW

Serving S.I. for over 70 years

4060 Amboy Road Great Kills

718-948-2100

718.987.2700 www.yourstatenislandbankruptcyattorney.com

182 Rose Avenue We are a debt relief agency helping people file for bankruptcy

Call for a FREE Consultation

1200 South Ave, Ste 201 • SI, NY

simonsoncohen.com FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

AUDIOLOGY

COUNSELING SERVICES

ORTHODONTICS

KAREN L. GOLDMAN

ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST, P.C. Dr. Michael Donato, Jr.

NYS Licensed Psychotherapist Bereavement Specialist

Let Dr. Donato and his staff treat you to a quality orthodontic experience in a warm, caring & attentive setting.

MA, LMHC-BC

148 New Dorp Ln, 2nd Floor 718-980-0188 info@audiologyisland.com AUDIOLOGY ISLAND PROVIDES:

• Complete Hearing Evaluation • Failed School Screening Follow-up • Auditory Processing Disorder Screening and Evaluation (age 5+) • Ear Protection, Swim Molds and other Custom Ear Products • Hearing Aid Evaluation and Fitting

We Treasure Your Hearing

CAN BRING YOU A BRIGHTER FUTURE—GET OUT OF DEBT TODAY!

For Individuals, Groups, Adults and Children

• Play & Art Therapy • Anxiety • Grief & Loss Issues • Relationship Issues • School/Career Issues • Depression 1076 Forest Ave • S.I. 347-850-2322

By Appointment • Day & Evening Hours

Children • Adults • Invisalign™

(718)987-7688 199 Clarke Avenue Richmondtown

www.straightteeth.net

ORTHODONTICS

Salvatore R. Indelicato, D.M.D. Specialist in Orthodontics

GENTLE, PERSONAL, QUALITY CARE FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS 932 Woodrow Road • SI, NY 10312

(718) 967-5213

Member American Association of Orthodontists

PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPY

PSYCHOLOGIST

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

LEAPS AND BOUNDS, PT

Dr. Clifford B. Fisch, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist

Kim Williams-Jenkins

DIANE MILIO, L.C.S.W.

LCSW, MSEd, CRC, CASAC

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Insurance based pediatric physical therapy office where your child will receive the highest quality of care on a one on one basis 2460 Victory Boulevard Staten Island, NY 10314

Psychotherapy for children, adults and couples

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

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

718-477-1911

LeapsandBoundspt.net PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Approved RSA Provider Most Insurances Accepted 702 Bloomingdale Road Staten Island, NY 10309

917.705.5221

2291 Victory Blvd • 10314

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

718.317.5782

917-613-4009

47 Lucy Loop • SI, NY 10312

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

SPEECH PATHOLOGY

1272 Richmond Rd • Suite 3 SI, NY 10304

GEORGE TORRES & ASSOCIATES, LLC

CLAIRE GUTTSMAN M.A., C.C.C. - SLP

Gilberto Suero, LCSW

718.600.0316

Specializing in the treatment of children, adolescents, adults, couples & families. ~Bilingual (Spanish)~

SPECIALIZING IN CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL, BEHAVIORAL & ACADEMIC NEEDS Domestic Abuse Chemical Dependency NYC Dept. of Ed. School Social Worker

Licensed Psychotherapists • Evidence Based Treatments for Anxiety, Bereavement, Depression, Social/Peer Conflicts, Trauma (PTSD) • EMDR Therapy • Individual, Couples & Family Therapy • Play Therapy for Children • Bilingual • All Ages • Support Group/Anti Bullying Prevention & Education for Children & Teens Free phone consultation 347.782.9065

1082 Victory Blvd

Most Insurances Accepted

1076 FOREST AVE. (corner of Manor Rd.)

718-447-5501 Certified professional, providing quality evaluations and treatment of adults and children for over 25 years.

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

SPEECH PATHOLOGY

Sandra Mazzucco

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

PreCare, SLP, PC • Radmila Gurevich, MA, CCC-SLP

WWW.SLMPD.COM

718.259.4001 • 1829 Richmond Rd SPEECH PATHOLOGY

LISA JIANNETTO, MA, CCC-SLP, DIRECTOR

718.356.6604 • 4056 Amboy Rd • 10308 SPEECH PATHOLOGY 718-967-0359 • 3767 Richmond Ave www.brightstartspeech.com brightstart@si.rr.com

• Private practice with energetic & talented Speech Language Pathologists • Extensive experience • Full range of services (diagnostics & evaluations) • Occupational Therapy Now • NYS & ASHA Certified Accepting CPSE & RSA • Multi-Lingual Therapists

M.A., C.C.C.-SLP

NYS LICENSED SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Evaluations & Therapeutic Intervention for Children & Adults

Peter Rahanis, M.S. CCC-SLP Vicky Sorros-Verivakis, M.A. CCC-SLP Dept of Ed Providers (CPSE & RSA)

• ASHA Certified •

EVALUATIONS INDIVIDUALIZED THERAPY FAMILY SUPPORT • DEDICATION FLEXIBILITY

465 Belfield Ave • Annadale Town

1847 Victory Blvd • 718-816-0330

North Shore: 1076 Forest Ave

New South Shore Location:

www.thespeecharc.com

718-815-6024

SPEECH PATHOLOGY

FIND THE FUN IN FEEDING is a twelve-week feeding program, utilizing the SOS Approach to Feeding. It utilizes a non-invasive developmental model, that teaches your child how to interact, tolerate and eat a variety of foods in a nonstressful, supportive environment. Parent/ caregiver training is a key part of this program to foster success at home. A multidisciplinary approach is also utilized, incorporating the expertise of a feeding therapist, an occupational therapist, a nutritionist, a pediatrician or any other relevant professional working with your child.

Speech & Language Pathology, P.C.

SPEECH PATHOLOGY

SPEECH PATHOLOGY

Offering Homecare

WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR INSURANCE PLANS. FREE CONSULTATIONS.

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

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

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

SPEECH, OT/PT

SPEECH & OT

QUALITY CARE SPEECH CENTER, INC.

Specializing in evaluation and treatment of pediatric speech & language, fine motor & gross motor delays & disorders.

Therapeutic Techniques such as: PROMPT, The Lidcombe Program, Earobics & Handwriting Without Tears.

• Department of Education CPSE & CSE Tertiary Designation • Most Insurance Accepted • Homecare and School Services Offered

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

718.605.4301

718-608-1508

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

southshorespeechtherapy.com 520B Bloomingdale Rd SI, NY 10309 24 State Highway 34 South Colts Neck, N.J. 07722

www.qualitycarespeech.com

OVER 20 YEARS OF PROVEN RESULTS

Call today...Deadline is October 5th

112 www.siparent.com JANUARY 2013

ADVERTISER INDEX A Call Away Footcare..............................6

Fun Station................................................45

Rab’s Country Lanes..............................19

Academic Advantage..........................32

Games on Wheels..................................34

Raising the Barre Dancewear..............99

American Karate....................................52

Genesis ....................................................81

Richmond County Day Camp............11

Art Lab ......................................................66

Gingerbread Learning Center ..........115

Richmond County Savings Bank ..........2

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

Hibachi Grill ............................................12

Richmond Hill Children’s Center ........32

Big Bird’s Camp ......................................36

High Hopes ..............................................40

Seido Karate............................................77

Big Bird’s Playhouse ..............................87

Holy Child ................................................57

Showplace Entertainment ....................29

Brienza’s Academic Advantage ........55

Inspirations in Dance ............................44

SI Academy ............................................39

Building Blocks

iPlay America ..........................................14

SI Children’s Museum ............................50

Speech and Language....................67

Island Kids Pediatrics ............................95

SI Community Charter School ............25

Carnival Kids............................................13

Ivy Urgent Care ......................................21

SI Day Camp ............................................8

Casa Belvedere....................................112

J & J Academy ......................................49

SI Dental Care ......................................109

Castleton Hill Moravian Preschool ....97

JCC Camp ..............................................43

SI Divorce..................................................89

Child & Teen Success Center ..............81

JCC Early Childhood Center ..............61

SI Family Music........................................24

Children’s Harbor Montessori ..............78

JCC First Foot Forward ..........................53

SI Montessori School ..............................56

Communion Center ..............................50

JCC Reality Check ................................91

SI Pediatric Dentistry ..............................62

Conti and Keegan, P.C. ........................26

Kaplan Test Prep ..................................101

SI Physician ..............................................15

Costanzo’s Martial Arts ..........................31

Kevin B. Zazzera ......................................51

SI Zoo ........................................................79

CSI Theatre ..............................................61

Kiddie Palooza/Liquid Lounge............63

Silhouette Dance Center ......................91

D’Agostino & Associates ......................17

Kids Dental ..............................................10

SIMH Early Recognition Screening ....28

Dance for Gold ......................................23

Kidzrock ....................................................16

SIMH PASS ................................................57

Dea Music................................................73

Kumon of Charleston ............................89

SIMH Teen Center ..................................82

Delco Drugs ............................................55

La Salle Academy..................................78

Small World Dental ................................37

Dr. Carol Russell ....................................114

Marist High School ................................24

Small World Preschool ..........................36

Dr. Michael D’Anna................................41

Master Curry Karate ................................7

Spa Di Da ..............................................101

Dr. Michael De Simone..........................65

Mathnasium ..........................................87

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

Dr. Michelle Giumenta ..........................34

Mini World Preschool ............................25

St. John Villa Academy..........................56

Dr. Ralph K. Messo, Jr. ............................77

Miss Jessica’s Jamz ................................28

St. Joseph Hill Academy........................33

E.J. Michael’s ..........................................44

Modern Male ..........................................65

St. Patrick’s School ..................................22

Edible Arrangements ............................25

Monster Jam............................................80

St. Paul’s School of Nursing ..................97

Elizabeth W. Pouch

Music Together of SI ..............................27

Standard Burger ....................................49

Early Learning Center ......................87

New Dorp Christian Academy ............95

Suzanne’s Fashion Center ....................50

Eltingville Lutheran School....................83

New Dorp Moravian Church ..............44

The Sunnyside School............................40

Enrichment Through the Arts ................99

Once Upon a Child ..............................49

The Village Preschool ............................52

Evolution Dance Company ................25

Our Lady Queen of Peace ..................93

Therapy Pros ............................................66

Eye Level Math & English ......................54

Our Lady Star of the Sea ......................79

Traditional Contratcting ........................80

Falcone Family Chiropractic ..............53

Our Place School ..................................91

United Sports Youth League ................22

Farrell Driver’s Ed ....................................67

Paramount Oral Surgery ......................27

Volunteers of America ..........................93

FasTracKids ..............................................35

Parent to Parent ......................................82

Wagner External ....................................65

Financial Integrity Services ..................26

Party Jungle ............................................18

Young Peoples Day Camp ....................9

Francis School ........................................95

Phyllis Merlino, DDS ................................83

Zion Lutheran ..........................................65

114 www.siparent.com JANUARY 2013

Forming Classroom Based Programs With ABA Instruction for 2-3 years olds (limited space)

As per Section 4410 of Article 89 of the Education Law

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

• Diagnostic Evaluations and Therapy by Licensed Certified Professionals. Placement determined by NYC CPSE. • NYS Approved Preschool Evaluation Site.

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

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

• Three Convenient Staten Island Locations.

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

• For Information Concerning the Early Intervention Program Call 311.

WWW.GINGERBREADLCTR.COM ~Equal Opportunity Employer~

Ages 0-5 Programs Available 718 80 Woodrow Rd • 471 North Gannon Ave • 144 Bloomingdale Rd E-Mail: GingerbreadLearn@aol.com

5 Days - Full Day/Half Day

Not responsible for any typographical errors.

Extended Daycare Hours 7am-7pm Available JANUARY 2013

www.siparent.com

115

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