Staten Island Parent September 2021

September 2021

siparent.com

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF CREATIVE LEARNING • 4 Year Old Program

• 3 Year Old Classes, Half Day and • 2 Year Old Toddler Program • Tot-Time Together (12-20 months old) • Baby Buzz Classes (4-12 months old)

• State-of-the-Art Outdoor Playground • Curriculum Includes Early Literacy and Critical Thinking

• Large Indoor Gym • Certified Staff

Curriculum reflects the changing needs for today’s child including:

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

all through an integrated curriculum

Including SMART Board Educational Technology

Join the Castleton Hill Tot-Time Family REGISTER NOW FOR SEPTEMBER • 1657 Victory Blvd 718-442-5350 www.castletonhillpreschool.com • Like us on Facebook

Parents…I’ll Prepare them to go “Children with ADHD do very well with Martial Arts classes, especially KARATE.” -Mayo Clinic

Back to School!

We are TEACHING A HIGH LEVEL OF CONFIDENCE, FITNESS, AND SOCIALIZATION SKILLS. Our KIDS are TOUGH and OVERCOME all obstacles! They will learn to focus and become INTENSE! Join the WINNING TEAM and ENROLL IN OUR SUPER SPECIAL TRIAL PROGRAM! “Love Master Curry Karate! My children have been going for 4 years and they are learning so much! It was the best decision I made!” L.M. Family owned and operated.

“Already seeing better grades in school. Conduct has improved ONE HUNDRED PERCENT!” J.C.

“I enrolled my daughter here a few weeks ago and it’s been LIFE CHANGING.” E.C.

SPECIAL OFFER!

2 WEEKS ONLY

$29.

99

UNLIMITED CLASSES! (FREE UNIFORM) ND

• STOP BULLYING! • Ages 3+ • Adult classes • Family Plans • Parking • MMA • We follow all CDC/Health Dept. Guidelines to keep your experience safe!

• NYC Employee Discunts Apply!

PLUS: 2 FAMILY MEMBER 50% OFF! CALL TODAY! 718-979-7087 OFFER EXPIRES 9/30/2021

MASTER CURRY KARATE JUJUTSU RYU WWW.MASTERCURRY.COM · 3896 Richmond Ave, SI NY 10312

September 2021 • siparent.com

3

Advertiser Index page 37

SEE YOUR CHILD ON OUR COVER! SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO ON siparent.com/childphoto

INSIDE

DAVLER•PARENTS PUBLISHING PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Roselle Farina Hecht CONTENT DIRECTORS Katelin Walling, Jeannine Cintron Liz Winchester COMMUNITY CONTENT CREATORS Shara Levine, Barbara Russo DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Jayson Mena

SEPTEMBER 2021

DIRECTORS | PUBLISHING MANAGEMNT Jiyon Son, Wendy Tittel MANAGING DIRECTOR | PUBLISHING Stacie Goldberg

22

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Janine Mulé, Jodi Fatto, Gwen Tomaselli

Handling Back-to-School Anxieties

Returning to the classroom can trigger an array of emotions in kids. Here’s how to tackle a few common scenarios head on.

DIRECTOR | OPERATIONS Ray Winn TRAFFIC DIRECTOR Heather Gambaro TRAFFIC COORDINATOR Alice Tank DIGITAL STRATEGIST Anthony Costa INFORMATION Advertising: 718-494-1932 Questions: info@siparent.com KEEP IN TOUCH siparent.com davlermedia.com

30

Back-to-School Shopping Destinations

ILPM @SIParent

These outlets and malls in our area are one-stop shops for your kids’ back-to-school needs.

14

advice

20 2021-2022 NYC Public School Calendar 32 Out-of-the-Box Lunches 34 Making Mom Friends

Member of the Parenting Media Association Staten Island Parent is published 12 times a year. All rights reserved.

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

family activities

10 Things to Do in September 14 Let’s Go Apple Picking!

fun stuff

18 Community News 35 Birthday Club 38 Just for Moms: Surviving Back-to-School

23-TIME AWARD-WINNING MAGAZINE

guides

26 Education Guide 28 After-School Programs Guide 36 Professional Services

DAVID L. MILLER CEO DAVID FRIEDMAN CFO

4 September 2021 • siparent.com

September 2021 • siparent.com

5

editor’s note

SEE YA, SUMMER!

Comments? Questions?

Suggestions? Don’t be shy!

Email me at jcintron@siparent.com

ANNOUNCING:

First Day of School Photo Contest !

Two winners will each receive a family 4-pack of tickets to LEGOLAND NY Resort, and a runner up will receive a family photo shoot with Sweetest Smiles Photography!

S

eptember is such a bittersweet time of year. The lazy days of summer are winding down and the hustle and bustle of back-to-school is a nagging reminder of vacation’s end. While I dread setting my alarm for 6:30am, I gladly welcome the quiet hours during which I can work peacefully while my children are in school. Similarly, I’ll miss my flip flops and shorts, but fuzzy boots and giant, cable-knit sweaters are a welcome pairing with open windows, cool breezes, and pumpkin-spiced everything. Autumn essentials are truly the silver lining to summer’s end.

Apple picking, for example, is a classic family activity for kicking off the new season. Spend a September day picking crisp, delicious apples to take home and bake into pies and jams (or just sit in a bowl on your kitchen table as a decoration—no judgement here!). Flip to p. 14 to find a list of nearby farms where you can collect and enjoy the signature fruit of fall.

With the cooler weather comes the start of sports, another welcome sign of fall. My kids have been playing flag football for years, but I’m looking to add something new to their after-school activity lineup. If you’re looking to do the same, check out our roundup of extracurricular activities, starting on p. 28, to give you some good ideas.

If your kids are less than thrilled about returning to school—particularly if they’ve been learning remotely for a while—the article on p. 22 offers some super helpful tips on easing your child’s anxieties. And if you’re the one with the anxieties (oh, I’ve been there; trust me), you’ll find some useful advice on making lasting friendships with fellow moms on p. 34.

Have you picked out your kids’ outfits for the big day yet? We’re so excited about the first day of school that we’re hosting a First Day of School Photo Contest! We can’t wait to see your adorable little ones all decked out in their first day finest! Sign up for the Scoop (siparent.com/signup) and follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@SIParent) for details!

Happy September!

Contest launches Aug. 30!

Sign up for the Scoop and follow us on social for more details.

siparent.com/signup @SIParent GET NEWS, TIPS, AND HUMOR ALL MONTH LONG

siparent.com/signup @siparent

@siparent

6 September 2021 • siparent.com

Editor, Staten Island Parent

SEPTEMBER 9TH 4PM–7PM

September 2021 • siparent.com

7

8 September 2021 • siparent.com

STATEN ISLAND’S MOST POPULAR DAY CAMP L ENROL Wuition NO west t

lo at our & free eposit d a h wit nt plan payme

Private Air-conditioned Facility

Located At Mount Loretto 6581 Hylan Blvd

ALL SPORTS AND SWIMMING WEEKLY THEMES, TRIPS, AND SPECIAL EVENTS

FREE

TRANSPORTATION & EXTENDED HOURS Adult supervision, F/T medical staff, 3 & 5 day programs Free Payment Plans

Kathy & Larry Marantz, Directors Serving Staten Island Families Since 1995

718-761-1492

www.rcdaycamp.com Follow Us on Facebook

For boys and girls, 4-13 years old

September 2021 • siparent.com

9

family activities

@siparent @siparent

Things to Do in September

S

chool is starting up again, but there are still plenty of fun things planned throughout the borough! Here are some of this month’s most exciting events in Staten Island. Be sure to call ahead or visit event websites to confirm details and COVID precautions. Go to siparent.com/ events for details on the events listed here and even more stuff to do with your family throughout the month!

Richmond County Fair

Westerleigh Folk Festival

Historic Richmond Town 441 Clarke Ave. The fair boasts a 3-day, 3-stage music festival featuring a variety of local talent, plus more than 100 vendors, carnival rides, delicious fair food, historic trade demonstrations, bouncy houses, games, contests, and more.

Westerleigh Park 107 Neal Dow Ave. Enjoy live music with art exhibits, crafters, pony rides, games, and face painting for kids at this free event.

Sept. 4-6, 12-6pm

80s-themed Vendors Market

Sept. 18, 12-6pm

Conference House Park 298 Satterlee St. It’s tune time: Join the Staten Island Philharmonic for live music at scenic Conference House Park.

Hampton Inn and Suites 1120 South Ave. Do your hair up big and don some neon colors! It’s time for an all-out 1980s-inspired shopping event. Pick up something unique for yourself or a loved one while supporting small businesses from the community.

Revolutionary War Living History Event

1776 Peace Conference Celebration

Historic Richmond Town 441 Clarke Ave. Step back in time to Staten Island’s revolutionary past at this living history program.

Historians will be on-site throughout the village to demonstrate military drills and historic skills. Demos of hearth cooking and blacksmithing will also be featured and select buildings from the colonial period will be open for exploration.

Conference House Park 298 Satterlee St. Join the Conference House for the 245th anniversary commemoration and historical re-enactment of the Sept. 11, 1776 Peace Conference. There will be interactive outdoor museum displays and demonstrations. (Rain date: Sept. 19)

Hudson River Boat Tour

Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC 1466 Manor Road This free outdoor festival will feature inflatables, carnival games and prizes, fall crafts and activities, a live performance by Honeychild Band at 2pm, sports and fitness samplers, music demos (pre-registration required), and photo opportunities. Food will be available for purchase. More information at sijcc.org.

Music in the Park

Sept. 5, 4pm

Sept. 11, 10am-4pm

Sept. 12, 11am

National Lighthouse Museum 200 The Promenade at Lighthouse Point Set sail for fun! Join the National Lighthouse Museum for a boat tour of the Hudson River up to the Tappan Zee Bridge. Spoiler alert: You’ll get to see the little red lighthouse under the George Washington Bridge! Visit lighthousemuseum.org/events for info.

10 September 2021 • siparent.com

Sept. 18, 11:30am-7pm

Sept. 18, 12-4pm

Harvest Festival

Sept. 19, 12-3pm

September 2021 • siparent.com

11

family activities

@siparent @siparent

Things to Do in September Cont’d Antique and Craft Sale

Sept. 19, 9:30am-3:30pm

Historic Richmond Town 441 Clarke Ave. Visit Historic Richmond Town for Yankee Peddler Day. Items for sale will include crafts, antiques, and collectibles. Plus, families can bring up to three items to be verbally appraised by Gary Petterson of Victorian Bros. and Associate ($5 per item). Proceeds support Historic Richmond Town.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy 5K Run & Walk

Sept. 19, 9am

Midland Beach Boardwalk Seaview Avenue and Father Capodanno Boulevard Make a difference by participating in the Michael’s Cause Step for a Cure 5K Run & Walk to fight Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The race kicks off at the Freedom Circle at Seaview Avenue and the Midland Beach Boardwalk.

71st Annual Fence Show

Sept. 25, 11am-5pm

Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden 1000 Richmond Terrace The Staten Island Museum will resume its annual outdoor art show for 2021 at Snug Harbor.

2021 Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk NYC

Sept. 26, 9:30am-2pm

IKEA Parking Lot 9 1 Beard St., Brooklyn The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk in New York is held each year on the last Sunday of September. The event symbolizes Stephen Siller’s final footsteps from the foot of the Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers and pays homage to the 343 FDNY firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers, and thousands of 12 September 2021 • siparent.com

civilians who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. Proceeds from the event support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s programs.

Visit t2t.org for registration prices and other information.

Family Emergency Preparedness Festival

Sept. 26, 12-5pm

Staten Island Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace September is National Preparedness Month, and it serves as a reminder to take action to prepare for the types of emergencies that could occur. Visitors will learn how to prepare their families, pets, and businesses if disaster strikes.

Kids can meet emergency responders and check out their vehicles. Plus, there will be several community organizations with booths and information. Admission to the museum and festival is free from 12-5pm with online registration.

Staten Island Summer Fest

Sept. 25, 1-4:30pm and 6-9:30pm

Staten Island Mall 2655 Richmond Ave. Summer Fest is your all-access pass to emerging and renowned breweries, wineries, and spirits from around the corner to across the globe. Enjoy samples throughout the evening paired with live entertainment, food, and interactive games. The event will take place in the mall’s courtyard next to Shake Shack.

Tickets are available at Eventbrite; use code SIPARENT for $20 off!

Saint George Greenmarket

Through December: Saturdays, 8am-2pm

Sa Hyatt Street Looking for fresh produce? Stop by this greenmarket to shop the freshest seasonal fruit, including just-picked berries, juice pressed from upstate orchard fruit, and more from regional farmers.

September 2021 • siparent.com

13

family fun

Let’s Go Apple Picking!

These are the top spots to pick your own apples in our area.

BY ALISON LEIGHTON

W

hen September rolls around, I get excited about one big thing (no, not back-to-school season…): apple picking season! The fall brings us cute boots and sweaters, preparing to cozy up by a fire, and pick-your-own apples! I also think a trip to the farm isn’t complete without a cup of delicious apple cider, followed by homemade treats (I’m looking at you, apple cider doughnuts!) to show the fruits of our labor (ha!). If you’re ready for apples galore, then check out these nearby farms. Your family will have a blast picking fresh fruit and checking out the various activities offered at each place.

A few things to keep in mind: Opening seasons are approximate as of the writing of this article since crops are based on weather conditions. Always check the farm’s website or call ahead to confirm availability and COVID-19 guidelines given the ever-changing conditions. And don’t forget proper footwear as fields can be muddy or have uneven ground. Most farms don’t allow pets or picnicking (or any outside food, for that matter).

Von Thun’s Farm

519 Ridge Road, South Brunswick, NJ vonthunfarms.com • 732-329-8656 Approximate drive from Staten Island: 45 minutes Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-6:30pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-6pm; apple picking: Sept. 18 through October Cost: $3 ages 2 and older; at time of press, half bushel, bushel, and family bag prices were TBD; call to confirm price.

14 September 2021 • siparent.com

The farm has two orchards and grows eight varieties of apples, which are available at different times during the season. Call ahead if you’re looking for a specific variety.

Be sure to check out the Fall Festival Weekends, which feature more than 25 fall activities including a corn maze, pumpkin picking, hayrides, farm animals, pedal karts, and mini golf! Plus, you can grab some of the farm’s all-natural pasture-raised Angus beef to bring home and grill or shop

the farm market for fruits, veggies, cider doughnuts, and more.

Giamarese Farm

155 Fresh Ponds Road, East Brunswick, NJ giamaresefarm.com • 732-821-9494 Approximate drive from Staten Island: 45 minutes Hours: Through September: TuesdaySaturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-3pm.

Arrive at least 1 hour before closing. Stop by

OPEN BOWLING 7 DAYS A WEEK RESERVE YOUR LANE BOWLATRABS.COM!

HOST YOUR CHILD’S NEXT PARTY WITH US! AT RAB'S EVERY GUEST IS TREATED LIKE ROYALTY! 2 HOUR PARTY PACKAGES INCLUDES: • BOWLING • BEHIND LANE SETUP • PIZZA & SODA • BALLOON CENTERPIECE

NOBODY SITS

THE BENCH IN BOWLING!

• INVITATIONS & PAPER GOODS • USE OF BOWLING SHOES • USE OF LIGHT WEIGHT BOWLING BALLS • BOWLING PIN FOR THE GUEST OF HONOR

Youth bowling programs for all ages.

Learn more & register today! bowlatrabs.com/youth

1600 Hylan Boulevard Staten Island, NY 10305 | Phone: 718-979-1600 www.bowlatrabs.com

@bowlatrabs

September 2021 • siparent.com

15

the Farm Market before heading to fields.

Cost: Call for pricing.

Apple season is approximately late August through Columbus Day. Pumpkin picking is also available in September and October, and the farm also has weekday fall educational hayrides (it includes a stop to see their farm animals, such as horses, pigs, turkeys and more) and Fall Harvest Weekends. Stop by the Farm Market to bring home its homegrown fruits and veggies, fall decorations, and treats.

Demarest Farms

244 Werimus Road, Hillsdale demarestfarms.com • 201-666-0472 Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour Hours: PYO apples begins Sept. 4; Thursday-Monday, 8am-5pm Cost: $7 ages 2 and older, includes free parking and entrance to orchard; $14 for a bag (approximately 10-12 lbs.)

This farm has it all—pick your own fruit of all varieties, plus a petting zoo, Halloween

We speak Spanish, Italian, Albanian, Arabic

lights, and more. When you’re done picking, check out the farm store with a bakery, apple cider, flowers, and fresh produce. All pick-your-own activities require advanced, online reservations (this allows the farm to manage proper social distancing and COVID-19 regulations). Visits will be limited to your reservation time, so arrive promptly; late arrivals must still leave at the end of the reservation time frame.

Alstede Farms

1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester alstedefarms.com • 908-879-7189 Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour Hours: Farm Store: daily, 9am-7pm; PYO: daily, 9am-6pm Cost: $14.99-$59.99, depending on how much produce you want to pick.

Pre-purchased tickets required.

The farm has more than 50 apple varieties, which allows picking to start earlier here—you can already find some varieties available. Call in advance or visit the farm’s website to confirm which varieties are ripe.

Check out the corn maze (opening late summer), evergreen maze, and sunflower trail (included with cost of PYO). Kids will love the pony rides and the tractor-pulled wagon ride, and you’ll want to come back for the farm’s live music events. And before you leave, indulge in the treats found at the Farm Store with homemade ice cream, fudge, apple cider doughnuts, and other desserts. Check out all the fun events and family activities the farm offers by visiting the website. Oh, and if you’re coming from out of town, it offers a free shuttle service between the Gladstone Train Station and Alstede Farms on weekends and holidays (it requires advanced reservation).

Alison Leighton is a freelance writer and marketing specialist and is the founder of Social Parent NYC—@SocialParentNYC on Facebook and Instagram—which hosts events for parents and their babies/ toddlers. She lives in Westchester County with her husband and son and spends a lot of time reading Corduroy and wondering why Play-Doh smells so good.

Big Bird’s Playhouse

Early Childhood Development Program

Family Owned & Operated since 1991

st FALL PROGRAM BEGINS SEPTEMBER SUMMER PROGRAM BEGINS JULY 113

Offering Morning, Evening, & Weekend Classes for All Levels

REGISTER NOW for

PRE-SCHOOL

Extended hours available from 6:30AM-6:30PM

Call for an Open House Register now for • Meals & Snacks incl.

• Daycare/Preschool FREE Full Day 6 weeks–5 years Pre-K for All • Drop off/pick up at Sept 2021 PS: 54, 58, 60, 69 • UFT, 1199, ACD, HRA vouchers (children born • Licensed Teachers & Staff in 2017 & • children in diapers accepted • air-conditioned classes 2018) • 4 custom playgrounds Call for a tour!

• Licensed by NYC Bureau of Daycare Staff cert CPR/First Aid COVID clean—all NY mandates • low tuition

bigbirdsplayhouse.com 1859 Richmond Ave • 718-982-0550 16 September 2021 • siparent.com

• 6 Indoor Air-conditioned Courts • • 6 Outdoor Courts • • League Play Available • • Tennis Lessons for Adults & Children •

SI Community Tennis Center 2800 Victory Blvd 718.982.3355 | statenislandtennis.com

Breast and Women’s Care That’s Close To Home Personalized care starting with the latest in breast imaging and diagnostics all the way through to survivorship for breast cancer patients.

Dara Fedele, MD, DABR Chief of Breast Radiology Board Certified Radiologist

 3-D Mammograms  Breast Ultrasounds  Stereotactic and Ultrasound Guided Biopsies  Breast Cancer Consultations  Benign Breast Disease Evaluations

Michael Zeidman, MD

Director of Breast Surgery, Mount Sinai Brooklyn Board Certified General Surgeon Breast Fellowship Trianed

 Breast Cancer  Premature Cancer (Carcinoma in situ)  Benign Breast Lesions  Atypical Breast Lesions  BRCA and Other High-Risk Patients  Breast Pain  Oncoplastics

Lance Jung, MD

Board Certified General Surgery

 Breast Cancer  General Surgery

1161 VICTORY BOULEVARD STATEN ISLAND, NY 10301 718-818-1161 l RUMCSI.ORG/BWC

Accredited for over 8o consecutive years

September 2021 • siparent.com

17

community news

What’s Happening Staten Island?

Local news, major events, community updates, and hot topics local bus. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines at the landings or through the NYC Ferry mobile app.

The new service runs daily. Boats depart every 30 minutes during rush hour and every 45 minutes during off-peak hours. A full schedule is available at ferry.nyc.

IN OTHER FERRY NEWS...

NEW FERRY SERVICE LAUNCHES: MIDTOWN TO STATEN ISLAND Commuting to and from Manhattan just got a little easier for Staten Islanders.

NYC Ferry has launched a new ferry service from Hell’s Kitchen to Staten Island and back. Dubbed the St. George Route, the ferry goes from Pier 79 at 39th Street in Manhattan to St. George in 35 minutes, with a stop at Battery Park City along the way. This marks the first time the city-backed service, provided by transportation company Hornblower, has served Staten Island, as well as the first time it’s operated on Manhattan’s West Side.

A single ride on the new ferry is $2.75, the same as ride on a NYC subway or

18 September 2021 • siparent.com

A brand-new boat has been added to the Staten Island Ferry service.

The new addition arrived after a tow from Port St. Joe, FL, last month. The arrival is the first of three boats that are part of the new “Ollis Class” series of ferries for the NYC Department of Transportation Staten Island Ferry Division.

The series is named after fallen soldier of the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, ‘Climb to Glory,’ Army Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis. A Staten Island native, Ollis was killed shielding fellow soldiers from a suicide bomber in Afghanistan on Aug. 28, 2013, while serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. The first boat of the series is named SSG Michael H. Ollis in his honor.

The new ferry was built by Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc. The company is also building the other two boats in the series: Sandy Ground and Dorothy Day. The new ferries are larger, reflect modern technology and will operate more safely in extreme weather conditions, according to Eastern Shipbuilding.

Amenities and features of the new fleet include:

• Comfortable seating • Phone-charging outlets • An outdoor walking track for ferry riders • Modern marine technology for energy efficiency/environmental friendliness • Design features that are part of the city’s emergency response plan The three ferries in the Ollis Class will replace Kennedy, Andrew J. Barberi, and Samuel I. Newhouse boats. The SSG Michael H. Ollis will go into service this fall.

A NEW REC CENTER IS COMING TO THE NORTH SHORE The Mary Cali Dalton Recreation Center, named in honor of a Staten Island community activist and NYC Parks Department employee, is slated to open in 2025 in Tompkinsville.

The new center will offer amenities such as sports courts, fitness equipment, and multi-purpose areas for dance, yoga, and exercise. It will be located across from the former Cromwell site, over the footprint of the parking lot at Lyons Pool.

The project is currently in procurement for design-build services.

Mary Cali Dalton, the project’s namesake, began her career in the Parks Department in 1999 as a Work Experience Program participant before being hired as a playground associate and eventually becoming Borough Director of Recreation in 2002.

Follow us on social media

LIPM A FRESH LOOK: URBAN GRASSLAND CURRICULUM AVAILABLE FOR NYC TEACHERS The Freshkills Park Alliance, a nonprofit that advocates for the transformation of the former Fresh Kills Landfill into Freshkills Park on Staten Island, has launched the Grassland Curriculum Project that explores urban grassland ecosystems and green design. It’s a STEM program that contains materials for kindergarten through eighth grades and can be used in classrooms and in after-school and informal education programs.

The site of the future Freshkills Park has more than 1,000 acres of grassland habitat, which is home to unique animals and plants, including grasshopper sparrows, little bluestem, red foxes, and sedge wrens. For more information about the new curriculum and Freshkills Park, visit freshkillspark.org.

Helping Kids One Smile at a Time!

Your Child’s HAPPINESS & DENTAL HEALTH are our #1 priority! ier Exce Board Certified Pediatric Dentistry Prem State ptional, S.I.’s ic Dental tr ia Ped Providin • KIDS & PARENTS: Dental visits can be FUN & STRESS FREE Pedia of-the-A rt tric D Office rehensiv • General Anesthesia & Sedation available: Offic ental Compsonalize e Per are C

ool h c S to Back Patient New ials Spec leaning ,

c Exam, ays $129 - ide, and X-r r fluo oride ng, flu i n a le xam, c $99 - E ecial ler Sp arent coupon. d d o T .I. P $49 tion S st men

Over 24 Years Specialty Experience

Serving Children of All Ages and Those with Special Needs

Now offering Laser dentistry (lip & tongue tie releases)

u only. M atients New p

Dr. Lisa Lazzara

Dr. Kathryn Pallonetti

Dr. Rhoderick Blasco

www.sikidsdental.com 4864 Arthur Kill Rd • 718-356-KIDS (5437) Like us on Facebook @Kids Dental Follow us on Instagram @kidsdentalofsi Major Insurances Accepted. Financing Available.

September 2021 • siparent.com

19

education

2021-2022 NYC Public School Calendar

If your child attends a New York City public school, tear out this page and put it on the fridge or your family’s bulletin board. That way you can keep it handy to reference all year long. And you can always visit siparent.com/nycdoe for up-to-date information.

Here are a few important things to note, according to the NYCDOE: all students should plan to participate in remote learning on “snow days” or when school buildings are closed due to an emergency, and individual schools’ parent-teacher conference dates might differ from what’s listed below (your child’s teacher will schedule your conference with you).

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

• Monday, Sept. 13: First day of school for students

• Thursday, Sept. 16: Yom Kippur – schools closed

Mar

• Monday, Oct. 11: Indigenous People’s Day – schools closed • Tuesday, Nov. 2: Election Day – fully remote, asynchronous instructional day • Wednesday, Nov. 3: Evening parent-teacher conferences for elementary and K-8 schools • Thursday, Nov. 4: Afternoon parent-teacher conferences for elementary and K-8 schools – students in these schools are dismissed 3 hours early • Wednesday, Nov. 10: Evening parent-teacher conferences for K–12, 6–12, and high schools • Thursday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day – schools closed • Friday, Nov. 12: Afternoon parent-teacher conferences for K–12, 6–12, and high schools – students in these schools dismissed 3 hours early • Wednesday, Nov. 17: Evening parent-teacher conferences for middle schools and District 75 • Thursday, Nov. 18: Afternoon Conferences for middle schools and District 75 – students in these schools dismissed 3 hours early • Thursday-Friday, Nov. 25-26: Thanksgiving Recess – schools closed • Friday-Friday, Dec. 24-31: Winter Recess – schools closed • Monday, Jan. 17: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – schools closed • Tuesday-Friday, Jan. 25-28: Regents Administration • Monday, Jan. 31: Professional Development Day for 9–12 and 6–12 schools – schools closed for students in these schools • Tuesday, Feb. 1: Lunar New Year – schools closed • Wednesday, Feb. 2: Spring Term begins for semester-based schools • Monday-Friday, Feb 21-25: Midwinter Recess – schools closed

20 September 2021 • siparent.com

• Wednesday, March 2: Evening parent-teacher conferences for elementary and K–8 schools • Thursday, March 3: Afternoon parent-teacher conferences for elementary and K–8 schools – students in these schools dismissed 3 hours early • Wednesday, March 9: Evening parent-teacher conferences for middle schools and District 75 • Thursday, March 10: Afternoon parent-teacher conferences for middle schools and District 75 – students in these schools dismissed 3 hours early • Wednesday, March 16: Evening parent-teacher conferences for K–12, 6–12, and high schools • Friday, March 18: Afternoon parent-teacher conferences for K–12, 6–12, and high schools – students in these schools dismissed 3 hours early • Tuesday, Thursday, March 29-31: 3-8 ELA Assessment administration

Apr

• Friday-Friday, April 15-22: Spring Recess (includes Good Friday and Passover) – schools closed • Tuesday-Thursday, April 26-28: 3-8 Math Assessment Administration

May

• Monday, May 2: Eid al-Fitr – schools closed • Monday, May 30: Memorial Day – schools closed

Jun

• Tuesday, June 7: Clerical Day for K–5, K–6, 6–8, and K–12 schools, and District 75 – schools closed for students in these schools • Thursday, June 9: Chancellor’s Conference Day for staff development – schools closed for students • Wednesday-Friday, June 15-24: Regents Administration • Monday, June 20: Juneteenth (observed) – schools closed • Monday, June 27: Last day of school for students

l l a F

Historic Richmond Town -in-

Richmond County Fair | Sept. 4-6

Revolutionary War Living History Saturday | Sept. 11 Yankee Peddler Day | Sept. 19

Pumpkin Picking at Decker Farm | Oct. Weekends

Open Village & Guided Tours Thurs.-Sun. | 12-5pm www.historicrichmondtown.org

September 2021 • siparent.com

21

education

Handling Back-to-School Anxieties Returning to the classroom can trigger an array of emotions in kids.

Here’s how to tackle a few common scenarios head on.

BY STACEY FEINTUCH

L

ike it or not, it’s time to say goodbye to the carefree days of summer and say hello to a new school year. Back-to-school stress impacts children of all ages: Younger kids may experience separation anxiety, while older ones may be stressed about increased academic pressure and college applications.

During times of transition, anxiety is normal, but it’s usually manageable. Deal with back-to-school stress as a family to help your kids start the school year off right.

CHANGING SCHOOLS» Your child once ruled the middle school but now they’re at the bottom of the pack as a first-year high school student. Or maybe your child is moving from a day care they’ve known for years. Changing schools can be an adjustment, but there are measures you can take to ease the transition.

Take a visit. Consider visiting the school in advance.

Familiarizing kids with the environment can help them feel more comfortable. If possible, attend an orientation or open house, pointing out their classrooms, restrooms, water fountains, and other important places. You may even visit the school’s playground to show what recess will look like.

Get organized together. Purchase and label supplies. Make sure you’ve submitted all required health and emergency contact forms.

Stock your refrigerator with meals and snacks for the first week (check out p. 32 for some fun ideas!). Choose a first-day-of-school outfit, backpack, and lunchbox to get kids more excited about going back. The more organized and prepared you are, the calmer and less stressed you’ll all feel.

Read about it. A story about school can help ease the jitters. Talk to your local librarian about the right book for your child. Read the tale together and ask your child to share any concerns.

Set the tone. Kids pick up on your feelings. That means if you’re nervous, sad, or worried, your kids will likely feel the same. Try not to ask leading questions (“Are you nervous about going back to school?”), which can indicate to your child that there really is

22 September 2021 • siparent.com

something to worry about. Be happy and smile in front of your kids.

Save the tears for when you’re alone.

BEING THE NEW KID» Moving to a new town is hard enough

let alone being the new kid in the classroom. Fortunately, starting school at the beginning of the year should help since everyone is in a new situation.

Discuss information about the routine. Kids often worry about the little aspects of school. They wonder who will take them to school and pick them up. Or they’re uncertain where to go once they get to school. They may question what they’ll be eating for lunch. Review the school routine with them to ease their minds.

Validate their feelings. It’s important for parents to stay positive. If a child is nervous, that’s okay.

Say, “I’m so proud of you for going to school.”

Share your stories. You were the new kid once, too. Discuss those memories and experiences with your children. Talk about friends you made or a favorite teacher, always staying upbeat and optimistic.

And discuss positive aspects of your children’s school, like an amazing playground or extensive library.

Be on time. Don’t stress out your children by running late on day one. Get as much as possible ready the night before, laying out clothing, backpacks, and lunchboxes so everything is set. And allow enough time in the morning to get ready—and take some first day of school pictures!—so you don’t have to rush out the door.

Emphasize that they’re not alone. Remind your kids that they’re not the only new ones at school. Even some teachers are new. Tell them that the teacher is aware of nerves and will do their best to make kids feel more comfortable.

LINGERING COVID CONCERNS» Many kids haven’t had

in-person schooling for a full day since March 2020. Perhaps their school had a remote, hybrid, or half-day model. Going to school full time can seem foreign.

September 2021 • siparent.com

23

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

SPONSORED BY

PHOTO CONTEST

Submit your child’s picture to win!

LEGOLAND FAMILY 4-PACK (2 WINNERS)

FREE PHOTO SESSION (RUNNER UP)

siparent.com/first-day Contest runs Aug. 30-Sept. 26, 2021

PRIZE SPONSORS

24 September 2021 • siparent.com

Handling Back-to-School Anxieties Cont’d Establish open communication. Let your child know that you’re always available to talk about anything and everything. A good time to chat is before lights out. They often open up and feel comfortable and safe right before bed. It’s when they’re getting 1-on-1 attention and feel relaxed.

Be present. Aim to be there for your child right before school starts and during the first few days back to help them feel more secure.

If you can’t be there, ask a friend or family member to take on this role for you.

Plan something special. Give them something to look forward to— like a trip for an ice cream cone or a visit to a favorite playground.

That way they’ll anticipate a fun activity. You can even make it an annual tradition.

Emphasize safety measures. We can’t promise our kids that we won’t get sick, but we can express confidence in public health efforts, and that schools have done months of planning to minimize risk and keep everyone safe.

Encourage flexibility. We don’t know how “normal” most kids’ schools will be in the fall, and plans may be changing up to the last minute. Let your child know the whole family will have to be flexible.

FALL CLASSES STARTING IN SEPTEMBER 4 Convenient Staten Island Locations: Snug Harbor, West Brighton, Oakwood, Tottenville To Register Go To: SIFamilyMusic.com 718-207-1128 Mary Lee Aloia, Program Director

WORKLOAD STRESS» For those who spent months out of

traditional in-person school due to the pandemic, returning to the classroom may feel scary. They may wonder if they have the skills to get the job done after sitting behind a computer for so long.

Create a homework routine. Predictability and structure reduce stress in kids and reinforce good habits, particularly when it comes to tackling schoolwork. Create a designated homework space in the house away from the chaos. Let the kids decorate and stock the space to make it feel like their special spot.

Hit the hay early. No more staying up late catching fireflies or playing video games. Kids need to go to sleep early enough so they’re well-rested for school. Get them into their school bedtime routine a week or two before school starts so they’re back on track before day one.

Hire a tutor. If you sense they’re anxious about a particular subject, consider hiring a tutor. A tutor can get them back on track academically and help boost their confidence in the classroom.

Stacey Feintuch is a freelance writer for print and online publications based in Bergen County, NJ. A mom to two boys, you’ll find her at the baseball diamond on the weekends.

September 2021 • siparent.com

25

raising kids

EDUCATION GUIDE

The new school year will be here before you know it! Whether it’s your child’s first school or you’re looking to make a switch, now is the time to find the right place for your child.

PRESCHOOLS & DAY CARE BRIGHT MINDS ACADEMY

75 SkyLine Drive • 10304 877-826-2060 brightmindsacademysi@gmail.com bma.school facebook.com/brightmindsacademy instagram.com/brightmindsacademy

PROGRAMS: Voucher and private pay accepted. Pickup/drop-off services. Fun educational curriculum, nutritious meals, certified teachers.

ACTIVITIES: Arts & crafts, sewing, baking, music, dance, zumba, chess, pod casting, Robotic UBtech, and more.

THE CHILDREN’S CENTER COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND

2800 Victory Blvd. • Bldg. 2R/Rm 104 • 10314 718-982-3190 childrenscenter@csi.cuny.edu csi.cuny.edu/childcare PROGRAMS: Infant/Toddler, Preschool, School age (For Children of CSI students). 3K and PKA Full Day (3K & Pre-K for all funded

by NYC Dept. of Ed.) ACTIVITIES: Early education featuring developmentally appropriate hands-on learning experiences in a caring, wellsupervised environment.

26 September 2021 • siparent.com

4 ANGELS DAY CARE, INC.

245 Simonson Ave. • 10303 917-821-5048 my4angelsdaycareinc@msn.com 4angelsdaycareinc.com

PROGRAMS: M-F 7am-7pm. 6 wks-12 yrs. Cert. teachers. Spanish/ English vouchers accepted. Free UPK for 3- and 4-year-olds.

ACTIVITIES: iStartSmart technology in the classroom. Everything your child needs in a friendly, loving, multi-cultural environment giving parents peace of mind.

JCC OF STATEN ISLAND 1297 Arthur Kill Road • 10312 718-475-5224 485 Victory Blvd. • 10301 718-475-5290 1466 Manor Road • 10314 718-475-5230 2221 Richmond Ave. • 10314 718-475-5100 sijcc.org

PROGRAMS: Infant/Toddler Care - 12 mos; ages 3 mos-2.8 yrs; 3, 4, 5 days/week 7am-6pm; extended hrs 7-9am & 4-6pm. Full Day 3K and PreK for All. Contact facility for specific programs.

ACTIVITIES: Literature, art, music & movement. Intro to Jewish culture and tradition. Indoor and outdoor play area.

ST. JOSEPH HILL ACADEMY 850 Hylan Blvd. • 10305 718-981-1187 egregor@stjhill.org stjosephhillacademy.com

PROGRAMS: Pre-K3 – 8th grade. Aftercare available. Call for info. Alignment of ELA and Social Studies Curriculums, Project Based Learning including STREAM Pre-K to 8, Project Lead The Way Science Curriculum aligned with NGSS K to 8.

ACTIVITIES: Sports: Soccer, Swimming, Golf, Basketball and more to come. Clubs: Theater, Band, Chess, Fencing, Robotics, Computer Repair, Wacky Science, Hill Explorers, Story and Craft, Hill Herald, Book Club, Zumba and more.

STATEN ISLAND ACADEMY 715 Todt Hill Road • 10304 718-303-7803 ccrane65@statenislandacademy.org statenislandacademy.org

PROGRAMS: Coed college prep school for Pre-K3-Gr 12. Free extended day 7am-7pm. Summer programs. College guidance program.

Academic Resource Center staffed with Orton-Gillingham trained specialists. Needbased Financial Aid available beginning in Kindergarten.

ACTIVITIES: Honors Math & Science, AP curriculum, varied electives, Model UN & Congress, musical theater Gr. 5-12, Gr.9 Academy in London, Gr.10 New York Experience incl, Varsity & JV teams, Maker Space studio.

TENDER CARE PRESCHOOL

6581 Hylan Blvd. • 10309 718-317-2849 lherman@cc-si.org mountloretto.org/tender-carepreschool PROGRAMS: Free full day UPK and 3-K, half & full days for 2 year olds. Summer Camp.

ACTIVITIES: Large enclosed playground & indoor gym, library. music and movement specials during the school day. Extended hours 7am-6pm. Sprinkler park on campus for Summer Camp.

Located on the grounds of beautiful Mount Loretto.

Plenty of parking.

FIND MORE

> siparent.com

You didn’t expect your child to have autism.

SPECIAL NEEDS JCC OF STATEN ISLAND - FIRST FOOT FORWARD 1466 Manor Road • 10314 718-475-5226 1297 Arthur Kill Road • 10312 718-475-5224 2221 Richmond Ave. • 10314 718-475-5100 sijcc.org

PROGRAMS: Special education preschool for ages 2.5-5. Full day. Center based & integrated classes.

Related services. Transportation & tuition at no cost to eligible children.

SHARKEY’ ENTER WIN A ADTO NAME CUTS KIDS SMART 1/4 H WATCH1/4 H Book by September 12

ACTIVITIES: Multi-disciplinary evaluations.

Speech & language, occupational, physical & play therapy. Movement & music.

Mainstreaming. Parent support groups.

SERVICING NY & NJ

But with in-home ABA therapy, you can expect them to progress— even beyond your expectations.

• caring, certified therapists • tailor-made therapy plan • measurable, visible progress • most insurance accepted “Everything is much easier, like I know to warn him before we leave the house.

I’m so optimistic now.

There is light at the end of the tunnel.

MMB treats us like family.”

mastermindbehavior.com 732-813-7333 info@mastemindbehavior.com

Join us on campus or virtually this fall for children & teen programs in: Acting/Performance Lego Robotics STEAM Adventures Computer Programming Gameplay Art/Ceramics Photography Sign Language Mindfulness Driver Education High School Internship SHSAT & TACHS Test Prep

Follow @WagnerLifelong

For more information & to register:

718-390-3221 WWW wagner.edu/youth-programs lifelong-learning@wagner.edu

September 2021 • siparent.com

27

raising kids

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM GUIDE There are tons of possibilities for parents looking to expand their child’s development after school.

JCC EXPLORERS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

ART LAB - THE SCHOOL OF FINE & APPLIED ARTS IN SNUG HARBOR 1000 Richmond Terrace • 10301 718-447-8667 info@artlabsi.org artlabsi.org

PROGRAMS: Art classes offered year round for ages 3-adult. Summer Camp Kandinsky and Camp Picasso ages 3-12, Summer Studio Scholarship Program for ages 13-adult, art gallery & community events.

ACTIVITIES: Art classes, camp, birthday parties and school trips. Adult classes and gallery events. Scholarship available. Art Lab has been part of the cultural life of S.I. for 45+ years.

CENTER STAGE DANCE CO. LTD. 10 Akron Plaza • 10314 718-982-9226 centerstagedanceltd@yahoo.com centerstagedancecoltd.org

PROGRAMS: 2.5-adult. Jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, hip-hop, across, contemporary, open stretch.

ACTIVITIES: Recreational & competitive dance classes.

Private lessons & birthday parties available.

Family/multiple class discounts.

28 September 2021 • siparent.com

DEA MUSIC AND ART SCHOOL Multiple locations in SI 718-370-7733 assist@deamusicandart.com deamusicandart.com

PROGRAMS: A performing arts school offering the highest level of instruction with amazing performing opportunities. Our Showchoir performs regularly the opening act to the Rockettes show at Radio City Music Hall.

ACTIVITIES: Musical Theater, Visual Arts, Rockband Classes, Musical Instruments, Showchoir.

Many performing opportunities, exams, and assessments are offered throughout the year.

DOROTHY DELSON KUHN Music Institute of the JCC 1466 Manor Road • 10314 718-475-5263 eseeley@sijcc.com sijcc.org

PROGRAMS: Private music lessons taught by professional musicians. Piano, voice, guitar, violin, cello, all woodwind and brass. Early childhood music. Ensembles and chamber groups. Workshops for public schools.

ACTIVITIES: Students also take musicianship and theory class. They may participate in recitals held monthly. Scholarship and financial aid available for private lessons.

1466 Manor Road • 10314 SFeldman@sijcc.com SIJCC.org

PROGRAMS: Our after school program at the Bernikow JCC aims to educate the whole child through various activities that stimulate the mind, body, and spirit. Busing available from select schools. Open daily until 7pm.

ACTIVITIES: Academic support and homework help, sports & fitness classes, instructional swim, yoga and Zumba classes, chess and games, healthy choice cooking projects, STEAM activities, meditation, and more!

RESOURCE ROOM TUTORING CENTER 534 Forest Ave. • 10310 718-838-0085 info@resourceroomsi.com resourceroomsi.com FB @resourceroomsi IG @resourceroomsi

PROGRAMS: Resource Room’s mission is to provide every student an opportunity to have the best education possible with all academic subjects. Private in-person tutoring for K-12 subjects and test prep for SAT, ACT, SHSAT, TACHS, NYS Regents.

ACTIVITIES: Led and owned by licensed NYS teachers, Resource Room provides tailored individualized academic instruction for students of all ages. Using a personalized approach, we can help bridge the gap from one year to the next in all academic subject areas. The Resource Room learning center focuses on developing students’ individual academic skills, confidence and abilities. Follow us on social media and view our 5 STAR Google Review.

WE OFFER

STATEN ISLAND SKATING PAVILION

3080 Arthur Kill Road • 10309 718-948-4800 • 718-605-4800 skateschool@thepavilion.org hockey@thepavilion.org thepavilion.org PROGRAMS: Learn to Skate USA Figure Skating, Learn to Play Ice Hockey with the NY Rangers, beginner to advanced, ages 4+ ACTIVITIES: Providing a fun learning environment where positive coaching promotes confidence & makes each glide on the ice enjoyably!

WAGNER COLLEGE

Department For Lifelong Learning 631 Howard Ave. • 10301 718-390-3221 lifelong-learning@wagner.edu wagner.edu/lifelong-learning PROGRAMS: Friday after school & Saturday classes for ages 4 to 17. ACT Musical Theater & Performing Arts, Architecture, Art, Business, Ceramics, Coding, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic The Gathering, Mindfulness, Photography, ELA/Math & SHSAT/TACHS Test Prep, Lego Robotics, Science, Sign Language, STEAM, Video Game Design

A FAMILY OF LEARNING

• Theme Based Art • Social Groups/Role Playing/ Public Speaking • Sensory/Proprioceptive Play Sessions • Reading Intervention/Book Clubs • Speech Therapy • Multicultural Linguistics • Parent Training At Sensorielle we have vision of providing our community of children with a multiple intelligence approach to learning. We believe in having children fully immersed in their learning.

We are committed to exceeding the expectations of our families with modern explorative experiences.

We are experienced working with children with varying degrees of speech and language delays, sensory processing disorder, children with ASD from newborn to school age.

ALL OUR THERAPISTS ARE LICENSED IN THEIR FIELD. 1847 Victory Blvd, Staten Island NY 10314 347-341-6849 • Sensoriellenyc.com Follow us on Instagram @sensoriellenyc

ST. JOSEPH HILL ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Let’s get social!

Providing a premier Catholic education, Pre-K to Grade 8, to the Staten Island community for over 100 years.

Middle States Accredited

Mother Franciska Early Childhood Center featuring 3 & 4 year old programs. Call for info.

t Follow @sipa ren dvice, for even more a ews! family fun, and n Before & After Care Available

siparent.com

850 Hylan Blvd, SI, NY 10305

718-981-1187 x9136 • stjosephhillacademy.com September 2021 • siparent.com

29

family fun

SHOPPING DESTINATIONS These outlets and malls in our area are one-stop shops for your kids’ back-to-school clothing and accessory needs.

BY BARBARA RUSSO

T

he good news: Kids are going back to school in-person after more than a year of remote and hybrid learning. The not-so-good news? It’s time for kids to trade in those comfy sweatpants and pajamas for clothes that can cut it in the classroom.

It may have been a while since you’ve done back-to-school shopping for the kids, but don’t worry—we made it easy for parents with our guide to local shopping malls and outlets on Staten Island and in nearby New Jersey. Our list aims to make the shopping experience a fun and easy one. It has malls that offer lots of online deals and discounts to see in advance of your trip, personal shopping and concierge services, and food courts and restaurants when you need to take a break and refresh.

Each destination has stores that sell clothes and accessories for kids of all ages. (But don’t forget to pick up a little something for yourself, too!)

STATEN ISLAND Empire Outlets

55 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island empireoutlets.nyc • 929-262-6710 Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 11am-7pm As New York City’s only outlet shopping destination, the four-level Empire Outlets are located within walking distance from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal in St. George. With a picture-perfect view of lower Manhattan, the outlets have a variety

30 September 2021 • siparent.com

of brand-name stores, including the Nordstrom Rack, Nike Factory Store, and Columbia Factory Store.

Looking to do something fun with the kids before the school year starts? See “Eyes on New York” at the outlets, a 60-minute ticketed event with live, family-friendly performances. The show runs through Sept. 6, and tickets range from $19-$39. Visit website for more information.

Staten Island Mall

2655 Richmond Ave., Staten Island statenislandmall.com 718-761-6666 Hours: Individual store hours vary. The mall recommends contacting each store directly for their hours.

The Staten Island Mall, which recently underwent a renovation, is a destination for locals, but people come from all over the metro area to shop here. The mall features more than 200 stores, including Carter’s, Primark, and Ultimate Fashions, all of which carry children’s sizes. Visit a variety

of sports and fitness stores including Foot Locker, Adidas, and Champs. Plus, there’s an Apple store here.

NEW JERSEY Bridgewater Commons

400 Commons Way, Bridgewater bridgewatercommons.com 908-218-1166 Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm For parents heading to the conference room and kids heading to the classroom, Bridgewater Commons is packed with stores for everyone in the family, including children’s clothing stores such as Abercrombie Kids and Justice.

Jackson Outlets

537 Monmouth Road, Jackson Township premiumoutlets.com/outlet/jackson 732-833-0503 Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11am-8pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-7pm The outlets recently opened an array

of new stores, including Polo Ralph Lauren Children’s Factory story, offering accessories, activewear, and baby and and children’s clothing. The outlets also recognize military discounts at participating shops; see the website for a full list.

Jersey Shore Premium Outlets

1 Premium Outlet Blvd., Tinton Falls premiumoutlets.com/outlet/jersey-shore 732-918-1700 Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11am-8pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-7pm Fun in the sun! In addition to beautiful beaches and fun boardwalks, the Jersey Shore is home to premium outlets with more than 125 designer and brand-name shops. While the outlets cater to mostly adult fashion, shoppers can also visit Carter’s and Claire’s for children’s clothes and accessories. After a full day of shopping, swing by It’Sugar, a trendy sweets shop, for a well-deserved treat. The outlets also recognize military discounts at participating shops; see website for full list.

The Mall at Short Hills

1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills shopshorthills.com • 973-376-7350 Hours: Individual shop hours may vary; call the stores directory for information.

With more than 150 stores and restaurants, visit Short Hills to shop children’s boutiques such as Janie and Jack for newborns, boys, girls, and popular mall store, Gap Kids.

Menlo Park Mall

55 Parsonage Road, Edison simon.com/mall/menlo-park-mall 732-494-6255 Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11am-8pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-7pm New to the Menlo Park Mall is Celine’s Spa and Events, a girls’ spa destination designed to inspire and promote confidence through themed parties and spa services.

Visit several children’s clothing and accessory shops, including Claire’s, the Disney Store, and Kids Foot Locker.

The outlets also recognize military discounts at participating shops; see website for full list.

The Mills at Jersey Gardens

651 Kapkowski Road, Elizabeth simon.com/mall/the-mills-at-jersey-gardens 908-354-5900 Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11am-8pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-7pm With more than 200 stores, these outlets are just a short drive from Manhattan. Kipling recently announced a Disney’s Little Mermaid Collection, featuring limited edition backpacks, waist packs, and lunch bags. The outlets also recognize military discounts at participating shops; see website for full list.

Woodbridge Center

250 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge woodbridgecenter.com 732-636-4777 Hours: Individual shop hours may vary; call the stores directory for information.

The mall is home to several department stores and children’s stores, including Carter’s, The Children’s Place, Ultimate Fashions, and more. Save money on back-to-school shopping by checking the website for current sales.

Now

Pre-Registering Infants through 5 year olds at the North Shore location

Ti n y Tr e a s u r e s A c a d e m y • 3 6 0 V a n D u z e r S t r e e t , 1 0 3 0 4 • 6 4 6 - 9 4 6 - 6 5 8 5

Fixing Up Your Home?

Get great ideas, meet local contractors and save money in Staten Island Parent’s new Digital Magazine.

siparent.com/signup Are you a contractor or home improvement professional?

CONTACT US: siparent.com/advertise-with-us

Our Preschool uses The Creative Curriculum for preschool. The Creative Curriculum encourages children to experiment, explore and pursue their own interest, while learning. Our school will now have UPK and UPK3, Where we will follow the D.O.E curriculum.

Bright Minds Academy 877-826-2060 www.bma.school 75 Skyline Drive • Staten Island, NY • 10304

September 2021 • siparent.com

31

recipes

Out-of-the-Box

LUNCHES

Your kids will love these healthy bento box ideas!

I

COMPILED BY LIZ WINCHESTER; ALL RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY CATHERINE MCCORD, WEELICIOUS

t’s easy to get in a rut when packing lunchboxes day in and day out. Start the year off creatively with these fun bento box lunch ideas from Catherine McCord, the founder of Weelicious.com. The popular cooking site gives parents ideas about how to encourage kids to enjoy a variety of healthy foods and dishes.

A bento box holds a meal for one person. The box has several compartments that store different foods. Bento boxes are available on Amazon.com (what isn’t?), in the Weelicious store.

“Bento boxes are an excellent option for kids to bring to school for lunch because they give them the option to make their own choices,” McCord says. “I always let my kids help with packing their lunch, and we make sure to fill each section completely to keep things from moving around during the trip to school. My family and I love that bento boxes are environmentally friendly and easy to clean too!”

You may have many of these recipe ingredients in your box of tricks (ie. your fridge!) already. Here are a few ways to use them:

APPLE CHEESE WRAPS Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 granny smith apple • 1 slice lemon • 2 slices cheddar cheese, cut in half • 2 slices deli turkey or ham, cut in half

Preparation

1. Slice the apple into ½-inch-thick slices. Rub the apple with the lemon wedge to prevent it from going brown.

2. Slice the cheese into ½-inch-wide slices and the ham/turkey in half or in quarters (it needs to be large enough to wrap around the apple).

3. Place an apple slice and a cheese slice on top of the deli meat and fold over deli meat to wrap.

32 September 2021 • siparent.com

BANANA DOG BITES

SUSHI SANDWICHES

Serves 4

Ingredients • 2 bananas, peeled • ¼ cup peanut butter, divided (you could also use almond or sunflower butter) • 2 tortillas

Ingredients • favorite sandwich bread • peanut butter + jelly • whipped cream cheese + pesto • shredded carrots + hummus • whipped cream cheese + tapenade • whipped cream cheese + ground cinnamon

Preparation 1. Place one tortilla on a flat surface and spread 2 Tbsp. of peanut butter on the tortilla to evenly coat.

2. Place one banana near the edge of the tortilla and roll it up.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 with the second tortilla and banana.

4. Slice into ½-inch rounds and serve.

Preparation 1. Using a rolling pin, roll out the sandwich bread to get it as thin as you can.

2. Spread the piece of bread with your chosen fillings (our favorite combos are listed above). Use the thicker or stickier filling first and then top with the thinner filling.

3. Roll the bread up tightly and press on the seam to seal.

4. Cut into sushi pieces.

Tip: If your tortilla is stiff, you can put it in the microwave in between two pieces of moist paper towel and heat for 15-20 seconds or until softened.

APPLE APPLE PIE PANINI Makes 4 sandwiches

Ingredients

• ½ cup mascarpone or cream cheese • 2 tsp. honey • 4 Tbsp. butter, room temperature • 8 slices cinnamon raisin bread, sliced from a dense bakery loaf • 1 granny smith or other firm apple, cored and thinly sliced • 2 Tbsp. light brown sugar • A panini press

Preparation

1. In a small bowl with a whisk, or in a mini food processor, whip the mascarpone and honey together until well combined and fluffy.

2. Heat the panini press to medium-high heat.

3. For each sandwich: Spread butter on two slices of bread, flip over, and spread 1 Tbsp. of the mascarpone mixture on each slice, top one slice of bread with apple slices, and close the sandwich with the other piece of bread, buttered side up.

4. Sprinkle brown sugar on top.

5. Grill two panini at a time, with the lid closed, until the filling is warm and the bread is toasted, with a sweet crust, about 3-5 minutes.

September 2021 • siparent.com

33

just for moms

Mom Friends

5 strategies to make new mom friends—on the playground or online

BY MARIE HOLMES

W

hether you’re in the early weeks of maternity leave or preparing your child for middle school, having mom friends who relate to what you’re going through can be a lifeline. Who better to understand the sleepless nights with a teething toddler or screen time negotiations with a grade schooler than someone experiencing the same thing?

With many adults now fully vaccinated, and schools set to open this fall, there are more opportunities to meet other parents and spend time nurturing meaningful friendships.

HOW TO MAKE NEW MOM FRIENDS

If you find your social skills a bit rusty after many months of social isolation, you’re not alone. Luckily, more places to meet other parents are now opening up, and many of them provide natural conversation starters. And there’s no need to abandon the virtual world entirely. Even if you’re ready to meet in real life, there are still lots of opportunities to make new mom friends online.

Download a friend-finding app. Peanut follows the model of popular dating apps: You upload a photo and add some basic info, like your kids’ ages, then pick a few descriptors that fit you— examples include crafty, outdoorsy, military, and LGBTQ+. You then swipe on profiles of local moms with shared interests.

Join a neighborhood-specific parent email listserv or Facebook group. If the idea of putting out a call for friends in these places is too intimidating, you might find the baby bouncer you were looking for instead, as well as a friendly conversation with the mom who’s selling it.

Strike up a conversation at pickup or drop-off. If your child comes home singing the praises of a classmate, why not let their parent know when you see them at morning drop-off? If everyone is a new face, you can always ask their child’s grade, class, or name to get the conversation started. Fundraisers and school events provide other natural on-ramps to more meaningful talk. If you’re off to grab a coffee after drop-off, ask them to join, and if you’re off to the playground after pickup, do the same.

Introduce yourself at the playground or park. No matter how old your child is, the more time you spend in your local park, the

more familiar faces you’re likely to find. Introduce yourself to the mom you see pushing their stroller every day or sitting near the sandbox. Ask their kid’s names and ages, which street they live on, or which school their children attend, to get the ball rolling.

Ask for a favor. It may seem counterintuitive but asking for help can forge a friendship. Maybe you’re at the playground and you need a Band-Aid or a wipe, or you’re going to be late for pickup and need someone to watch your child for a few minutes.

Perhaps you’re looking for someone to feed the cat over the weekend. The great majority of parents are eager to help. After all, they know what it’s like trying to juggle responsibilities.

Afterward, let them know you’re happy to return the favor, and invite them for a coffee, or glass of wine, as thanks.

SOCIALIZING IDEAS

Once you find a new pal or two, what’s the plan? Indoor playdates won’t be in full swing again until kids are vaccinated, but there are plenty of other ways to connect, with or without the kids, both online and in person.

Plan a coffee date or happy hour. Invite a few new friends to a mom’s night out at a local bar, or plan to grab coffee together after preschool drop-off. Nail salons, pottery studios, and paint bars offer other possible activities to pursue.

Turn to old-fashioned texting. If a night out on the town isn’t in the cards yet, texting can still provide you with camaraderie.

Maybe you just want to know that someone else is up feeding the baby at 2am, or that you weren’t the only one who forgot to send in the recorder today. A group text can be a quick, convenient way to reach out when you need some mom-to-mom connection.

Get moving. Organize a stroller walk, a mom’s run club, or take a group hike on a nearby trail.

It can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to make and keep social connections, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

You get to feel less isolated, and at the same time you are modeling healthy friendships for your children. The whole family benefits when your reserves, and sense of humor, have been restored.

Marie Holmes has written for Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, and others. She lives in Upper Manhattan with her wife and their two children.

34 September 2021 • siparent.com

fun stuff

Follow us on social media

Join Staten Island Parent’s

LIPM

Birthday Club!

Please present this page. Good only for birthday club members on this list.

Offer valid for the month.

Call before to check availabilty.

Sign up at siparent.com/birthday-club

ENJOY THESE BIRTHDAY FREEBIES ON YOUR BIG DAY!

FREE KIDS MEAL AT WENDY’S (Staten Island only)

300 Bay St. • 10301 | 1761 Forest Ave. • 10303 1661 Hylan Blvd. • 10305 | 6420 Amboy Road • 10309 25 Putnam St. • 10312 | 26 Richmond Hill Road • 10314 SEPT. 1 Teresa Carrington Garrett Yohananov Thalia Cano Mila Joe Yannaco Massimo Stephen Yannaco Aiden Gruen Giuliana Luddeni Gavin Tierney Isabella Pellizzi Joseph Talamini SEPT. 2 Dennis Aponte Catherine Hanna Max DiDonna Nevaeh Lowe Cassandra Carmelina Petito Caroline Olivia Lemberg Jacob Jiminez Gabriel Krasner Ellie Ayzenberg Marcus Mandarino SEPT. 3 Thomas Murphy Gabriela Bonsangue Autumn Hughes Joseph Demarest Anthony Morangelli Autumn Skye Hughes Kayliana Morales Christian LaPorta Autumn Hughes Kayliana Morales Michael Fernandez SEPT. 4 Ruth Ivette Geldres Christina Maggiore Kristina Post Julianna Garbarino Joseph Ferretti Beth Badeaux Joseph Borriello Madison Laffey SEPT. 5 Amanda Sarantos Taylor Gaglia Andrew Clementoni Robert Dennis Ryan Armstrong Jennifer Nicole Sciascia Lily Ahlborn London Kataleeya Velez Emmabelle Navetta Mousa Awawdeh SEPT. 6 Shannon Cruz Nicole Grube Lucas Bonilla

Michael J. LoVerde Sarah Adamo Louis Paul Matrone Jessica DeMaio Taylor McGuire Julianna Anderson Ryan Quinn Andrew Frauenberg Andrea Miller Charles Kuhl SEPT. 7 Stephanie Caputo Affan Vanees Matthew Tirado Isaac Tirado Jack Lyons William Washington Milania Cimmino Henry Vancol Giovanni Borriello Hermione Garcia Aiden Kain Lillianna Harily SEPT. 8 Megan Goeller Shakeemia Morefield Nyemia Morefield Alexandra Arce Antonio Mattioli Chase Wu Sanaa Angevin Hailey Vilaichit Jake Francis Coffey Victoria Kruk Jasin Marovic Sofia Vega SEPT. 9 Robert Baione Ariella Appugliese Amanda Watts Jacob Velez Alyssa Pierce Amanda Watts Joshua Blyakher Alyssa Pierce Averett Diakhate Alina Alfimov SEPT. 10 Gabriella Siciliano Ni’yella Bowers Angel Valentin Vincent Mandracchia Luciana AciernoVivelo Isabella Rose Thompkins Isabella Ameno Ni’yella Bowers Kaylin Rosario Aiden Mollins Stella Casal SEPT. 11 Victoria Poccio

John Egan Samantha Ritter Tamia Nicole Nappo Devine Agu Bianca Battipaglia Nicholas Richter Gabriella Greenspan Ashley Giordano Ramesh Lingala Michael Ortiz Alexa Selami Christopher Dantoni Leah Modzelewski SEPT. 12 Richard Behan Natalie Giordano Matthew Richter Lian Beriguete Andrew Aponte Olivia Barry Carlie Orlando Mayson Bowers Olivia Rose Barry Mario Maniglia Reese Pennacchio Sofia Soto Lily Ho SEPT. 13 Christopher Talarico Allison Seery Jennifer Cardella Daniel Cestigan Corrado Barcia Angelo Stalone Aren Kempf Jeremy Flores Jahmir Smith Joshua Smith, Jr. Ian Sanders Isabela Arias SEPT. 14 Anthony John Scanni Michael Guy Gia Marie Piccolomini Madison Leigh Alvarez Nicole Armstrong Stella Minguez Gerard Coogan Joseph Cittadini Bianca Mongelli Salvatore Todaro Abigail Magierski SEPT. 15 Tyrell Rodgers Shyla Dharmabalan Kristen Jaenicke Gianna Rossilli Justin Medina Jayla Williams Gianluca Bruno Robert Campbell Sophia DeLeon

FREE $5 BONUS PLAY & 250 TICKETS AT iPLAY AMERICA

110 Schanck Road • Freehold, NJ 07728-2938 732-577-8200 Antonios Agorastos Madison Sturges Amelia Rodriguez Elizabeth Signoriello Logan Abbriano SEPT. 16 Brian Jude Muller Emily Rose Chiominto Marilyn Ricco Robert J. McGlyn Shakenya Lyons Noah Young Anthony Altobelli Christopher Spurrell Lauren Scimeca Nicholas Mezzadri Joseph Vinocur Julian Botne Juliana Scafiddi SEPT. 17 Chaka Jasmine Smith Erin Mackey Samantha Hernandez Andrew Nunziato Bove Devin Macdonald Joseph Anthony Marani Alex Cisak Giana Long Benjamin Marin Joe Marani Sofia Tubito Ulyana Gubanova SEPT. 18 Julianna Javier Sebastian Andres Bonilla Aniyah-Shant’e Jackson Aria Maccarelli Jason Byrnes Alyssa Scott Serenity Hope Cuthrell Jason Byrnes William Friscia Sophia Katz Casen Rodriguez SEPT. 19 Maksim Kasmauskas Matthew Reno Gianna DiGiovanni Mia Litrell John Borazzo Vivian Orlando Amin Jahaj Maksim Kasmauskas Kaitlyn Cusick So’Niylee Maryann Allen SEPT. 20 Kristina Mema

Alexa Amoroso Jeremy Cruz Isabella C. Gambale Brittany Decicco Michael Mazella Angela DeVico Matthew Ragusa Gabriella Carrasquillo Matthew Ragusa Khadija Moore SEPT. 21 Kayla Paige Torretta Alexa Barbera Alyssa Marrazzo Sophia Marrazzo Meya Figueroa Katrina Cabello Lauren Carlsen Adam Miller Grace McNeill Jack Murphy Katrina Cabello SEPT. 22 Chiara Maria Amedeo Najzheem Spicer Madison Fonseca Karla Fernandez Angelina Vorek Allyson Gambacorta Kyleigh Montantine Victoria Cannizzaro Kyleigh Montantine Gennaro Cardone SEPT. 23 Justin Ruiz Natalie Lopez Justin Ruiz Julianna Skelton Lilly Young Sawyer Ryan Pedreros Matthew Sollog Yuliana Ruiz Vincent Kaziu Oliver Ruiz Kevin Winter SEPT. 24 Matthew Gerbino Christine Russo Bahira Ahmed Lobna Ahmed Matthew T. McCarthy Julianna Lent Salvatore Intoci Julianna Lent Brayden Gomez SEPT. 25 Marcelino Concepcion Rhiannon McNulty Olivia Michelle Hynes Tamia Vines Alana Rivera-Lugo

Tamaia Vines Charlotte Cammayo Michael Mema Anaya Albitar Anthony Brown SEPT. 26 Dennis Porter Jessee James Coffey Eduardo Vega Jacob Harty-Zdunek Jameson Castaldo Keyon Green Jacob Harty-Zdunek Emilia Thomas Jaiden Morales Curizma Stevenson SEPT. 27 Kenley Colonna Mariene Sala Dillon Nieves Kendall Fels Sayquan Mccrimon Alexander Lopez Abigail Muratore Kimberly Rodriguez Lucianna Picca SEPT. 28 Brianna Pillarella Jose Antonio Perez Christopher M. Lorenzo Sara Hemmer Geena Marie Bracco Amaya Parchment Julianna C. Buono Isabela Winter Rebecca Marie Diaz Ariela Merizalde SEPT. 29 Antonia Cascone Liam Farmer Alyssa Padin Adien May Ayden Ventura Tytiana Gardner Zavion Tolbert-Francis Michael Kurtz Evan Broitman Calina Mattera SEPT. 30 Kayla Nicole Plescia Christa Camille Chan Anthony Catanzaro Adam Alvarez Nicholas Ryan Michael DeAngelo Juliana Vilson Michael DeAngelo

September 2021 • siparent.com

35

Professional Services DIRECTORY Seeking out nearby resources in legal services, speech development, therapy or other specific need?

These local professionals can help.

ATTORNEYS KURT T. RICHARDS, P.C. Attorney at Law 1200 South Ave., Suite 201 • SI, NY 718-720-1000 www.krichardspc.com

Divorce, Family Court, Child Custody, Spousal & Child Support, Domestic Violence, Adoptions, Name Changes, Annulments, Separation Agreements.

Free Consultation for Divorce Actions. 24 Hour Phone Service.

ORTHODONTICS SALVATORE R. INDELICATO, D.M.D., P.C. 444 Huguenot Ave. • SI, NY 10312 718-967-5213 www.bracesbydrindelicato.com

Our office follows all Covid-19 safety guidelines from the CDC, ADA & AAO. Mini & Clear Braces, Invisalign, Digital Scanner, Free Consults. Gentle, personal, quality care for children/adults.

American Assoc. of Orthodontists & Diplomate of American Board of Orthodontics Member.

PSYCHOTHERAPISTS MICHAEL DESIMONE PH.D, LCSW

175 Burbank Ave., New Dorp • 917-301-5962 michael.w.desimone@gmail.com www.michaeldesimonetherapy.com

Offering Telehealth therapy sessions via telephone or video during the pandemic.

Treating a number of Acute Stress Disorders triggered by the ongoing threat of COVID-19. I continue to provide mental health services related to anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, loss and grief for adults, adolescents and latency age children. Private and confidential.

SPEECH PATHOLOGY SANDRA MAZZUCCO M.A., C.C.C.-SLP Annadale Town: 465 Belfield Ave. North Shore: 1076 Forest Ave. 718-815-6024

NYS Licensed Speech Language Pathologist. Evaluations & Therapeutic Intervention for Children & Adults, PROMPT Trained, Oral Motor & Feeding Therapy, Specializing in Fluency. ASHA Certified. Following COVID-19 Guidelines. Telehealth available.

TUTOR TINY TO TALL TUTORING & TEST PREP A network of enthusiastic and experienced teachers providing virtual and

in person tutoring and test preparation. Whether you are looking for one on one, individualized tutoring sessions or group programs, we’ve got you covered!

347-749-0024 tinytotalltutoringandtestprep@gmail.com FB & IG TinyToTallTutoringandTestPrep

Dr. Aleksandr Orlovskiy, MD Dr. Marina Fest, DNP-C

Your Health Specialist 2076 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306 718-979-4865 • SIMMCPC@GMAIL.COM

Schedule Now!

A home inspection you can trust www.VictorSala.com 929-841-SALA

WWW.MODERN-MEDICALCARE.COM

Modern medical care is a multi-specialty practice.

Two primary care providers are Dr. Marina Fest, DNP-C and Dr. Aleksandr Orlovskiy, MD. We provide primary care services to patients 14 years and older. In office procedures include: lab work, ultrasound diagnostics, allergy testing/ immunotherapy, im/iv infusions, acute and chronic disease management, physical and pre-operative clearances, weight loss program. Also available in the office cardiologist, endocrinologist, surgeon.

36 September 2021 • siparent.com

S A M E D AY I N S P E C T I O N R E P O R T S

ADVERTISER INDEX CAMPS

Richmond County Day Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

DEVELOPMENTAL & SPECIAL NEEDS

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

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

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

Sandra Mazzucco (Speech & Language Pathology) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sensorielle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SI YMCA Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

36 41 27 36 29 23

FAMILY FUN

Historic Richmond Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Rab’s Country Lanes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 SI Skating Pavilion / Prodigy Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Stephen Siller Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

HEALTH

Kids Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Kurt T Richards PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Maimonides Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Modern Medical Care PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Richmond University Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Salvatore R Indelicato, DMD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

19 36 39 36 17 36

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Kinetic Communities Consulting Corporation (KC3): Electrify Staten Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Victor Sala Home Inspection LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Sign Up for the

!

Go to siparent.com/signup to start receiving our newsletters.

Get the SCOOP on: • TONS of family-friendly events • Exciting ideas for weekend fun • Endless summer activities • Exclusive giveaways • Special savings just for S.I. Parent readers …and more!

SCHOOLS & TUTORING

4 Angels Day Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Big Bird’s Playhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Bright Minds Academy Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Castleton Hill Moravian Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 CSI Children’s Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 St Joseph Hill Academy Elementary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Staten Island Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Tender Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 The Resource Room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Tiny To Tall Tutoring and Test Prep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Tiny Treasures Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Wagner College Dept of Lifelong Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

SERVICES

Sharkey’s Cuts For Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

SPORTS, MUSIC, & ART

Art Lab Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Center Stage Dance Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Dance Dance Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 DEA Music and Art School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 JCC of Staten Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Master Curry Karate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 SI Community Tennis Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 SI Family Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

September 2021 • siparent.com

37

just for moms

Keeping kids’ items labeled to avoid germy mix-ups is going to be top of mind for both parents and schools. Mabel’s Labels are a great quality product and they really do help to keep items from getting lost or mixed up.

If you’re like me, you have 62 types of skincare in your possession, half of which most likely reached their expiration date. Enter: Fresh Chemistry. Each set of the innovative skincare brand comes with a serum base and the active add-ins are kept separate. Once you mix them in, the super potent, high-performance skincare delivers maximum results with every use. Genius!

Surviving Back-to-School Season

W

BY ZLATA FAERMAN

hile summer can be a relaxing experience for kids (hello, no school!), it can add a lot of stress on us parents. We fill the days with activities and coordinate schedules, while simultaneously working, cooking, housekeeping, and taking care of ourselves.

No wonder back-to-school season is a welcomed event for us! This coveted fifth season is not for the faint of heart though. It takes a lot to prepare for the return to school. These picks are ways you can reduce the upcoming stress of sending your kids back to school…and look great doing it!

You can’t take care of your family unless you’re taking care of yourself (you know what I’m talking about, Moms!). Nurish by NatureMade offers a personalized assessment factoring in your age, diet, wellness goals, and more. Then, each month, a 30-day supply of your custom grab-and-go supplement packs are shipped to your door. It can’t get any easier than that!

Homework can feel like a chore for kids, but supplemental learning shouldn’t. Osmo, the STEAM brand that builds hands-on play and learning experiences, helps nourish the minds of children by unleashing the power of imagination, so you’ll feel good about your kid on the iPad after school or on weekends.

Newly launched, Prep & Go is a full system of leakproof containers to take meals on the go. Perfect for school lunches, they come in a variety of sizes with unique features, divided containers (hello bento box!), and perfectly portioned snack sizes. The modular design makes them simple to stack in the fridge. When not in use, they are perfectly organized in my cabinets.

If getting your little ones to brush their teeth in the morning and at night is a huge hassle, consider a BURSTkids Sonic Toothbrush.

My son loves how *fun* it is to brush, and I love how easily he can do it by himself.

38 September 2021 • siparent.com

Keep bacteria and other pollutants at bay with Xlear, a saline nasal spray. The doctorbacked product contains xylitol, an ingredient in many fruits and veggies, which moisturizes, reduces tissue inflammation, and naturally opens airways. It’s a must-have for any mama and her family.

Staying nice and organized is half the battle when it comes to life, let alone the school year.

I’m loving all of Erin Condren’s planners. Seriously, I can’t get enough! They offer complete customization, from layout to coil color. And the kids’ planners have stickers, colorful calendars, creativity spreads, and more to keep it interesting. They’re a great step in helping kids gain time management and organization skills.

Brooklyn’s ONLY Children’s Hospital  8,000+ Annual Deliveries  Neonatal Intensive Care Unit  Pediatric Intensive Care Unit  70,000+ Pediatric Outpatient Visits  Pediatric Sleep Center  Child Life Services  Pediatric Emergency Department & Trauma Center  Pediatric Cancer Center  Member of Children’s Oncology Group (COG)  25 Pediatric Medical & Surgical Subspecialties

Maimonides Children’s Hospital 4802 Tenth Avenue | Brooklyn, NY 11219

718.283.7500 | ChildrensHospitalNY.org

PRST STD

U.S. POSTAGE PAID STATEN ISLAND, NY

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

info@siparent.com 718-494-1932

siparent.com

FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL FREE!

SEPTEMBER 19TH, 12-3 PM BERNIKOW JCC, 1466 MANOR ROAD Join us for an outdoor festival for families!

Featuring: Inflatables Carnival games & prizes Fall crafts & activities Live performance by Honeychild Band at 2pm Sports & Fitness sampler Music demos (pre-registration required) Fall photo ops Food available for purchase

For more information, visit SIJCC.org or contact Stephanie at SFeldman@sijcc.com