Staten Island Parent magazine October 2020

OCTOBER 2020

siparent.com

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

CHOOSING A HIGH SCHOOL

in a Pandemic

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

FALL FUN! TONS OF

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Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

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Advertiser Index page 46

SEE YOUR CHILD ON OUR COVER! Submit your photo on siparent.com/childphoto

INSIDE OCTOBER 2020

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Ninamarie and Jovani Pollio

Fall Fun Guide

Celebrate everyone’s favorite season with pumpkin picking, Halloween ideas and more!

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Roselle Farina Hecht EDITOR Jeannine Cintron PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Michelle Yannaco TRAFFIC DIRECTOR Heather Gambaro ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Janine Mulé, Jodi Fatto, Desiree Cannone INFORMATION Advertising: 718.494.1932 Questions: info@siparent.com KEEP IN TOUCH

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

High School Guide

Here’s everything you need to know about picking a high school for next year.

35

Special Needs Guide

Find recommended local resources and important information for your child.

raising kids 8 16 24 26 32

Community News & Events DIY Halloween Costumes Made From Amazon Boxes 10 Reasons to Attend an Open House Dear Teacher: Real Questions Answered by Real Educators Good Sports: Coaching with Class

fun stuff

12 Pumpkin Picking Farms 14 Halloween Recipes 42 Birthday Club ENTER YOUR CHILD PAGE 47

23-TIME AWARD WINNING MAGAZINE

Member of the Parenting Media Association (PMA) 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.

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hello editor’s note

GETTING INTO OCTOBER

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’m going to be very real for a moment. Here’s how my day has gone so far: My son missed the school bus on his first “real day” of school in seven months; my work inbox is at least 100 miles long and growing; I had to stop what I was doing at least five times today to decipher fourth grade math; I have white noise blasting through headphones to drown out the sound of my daughter’s Zoom meetings while I try to concentrate on my own work; and in the corner of my eye I’m being taunted by a pile of dirty laundry the size of a small car.

When they talk about the “New Normal,” they don’t mean wearing face masks to the grocery store; they mean this stuff. Stretching yourself so thin you could fit through a door crack (and still be followed into the room by a child demanding snacks).

I am typing at warp speed as I write this letter to you. We are rushing to make our 5pm deadline to send this issue to the printer and get it into the waiting hands of the moms and dads who have come to rely on us as the most trusted parenting resource in Staten Island. We’re cutting it pretty close this month. I’m not the only one on the team struggling to balance remote learning with an already demanding schedule. I’m sure you can relate.

Our October issue is always my favorite; I was even featured on the cover with my kids a few years ago at a pumpkin farm. I try each year to make the issue extra special and fun. Covid didn’t make it easy on me this year, but I was determined! I think you’ll be pleased.

Speaking of pumpkin picking, take a look at our updated list of nearby farms on page 12 to plan your trip this year. Be sure to turn the page for some ooey-gooey Halloween treat recipes and a super fun DIY costume you can make using all those Amazon boxes leftover from your quarantine online shopping sprees.

Did someone say shopping spree? You can win a $500 gift card to Home Depot when you download our new digital magazine, Fix Up My Home, featuring tons of tips, ideas and resources for your next home improvement project on siparent.com/fixupmyhome.

If your child is a current eighth grader and you are beginning the process of selecting a high school, this issue is a must-read for you. Flip to page 18 for local open house dates, important updates on the application process, reasons to visit open house events — pretty much everything you need to know is in there. And after writing about picking a high school for the past five years, I can’t believe I’ll finally be doing it myself for my own child next year. Time really flies with these kids (even when you’ve been stuck in the house with them for six months during a pandemic).

I really enjoy this part of my job, sharing my real life ups and downs with you all. I love when someone reaches out to tell me they relate to one of my articles or my little editor’s notes (a.k.a. my morning venting sessions) in our tri-weekly email newsletters. By the way, if you’re not subscribed to our newsletter you are really missing out (and not just on my homeschool rants). Just to go to siparent.com/signup to start receiving family events and activities, important school and community news and updates, plus parenting info and advice for raising children in Staten Island and more. And by “more,” I don’t just mean my daily anecdotes on which of my kids drove me crazy last.

GET NEWS, TIPS, AND Happy October!

Comments? Questions?

HUMOR ALL MONTH LONG siparent.com/signup Suggestions? Don’t be shy!

Email me at @siparent jcintron@siparent.com @statenisland_parent Editor, Staten Island Parent 6 October 2020 • siparent.com

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community news

What’s Happening Staten Island?

LOCAL NEWS, MAJOR EVENTS, COMMUNITY UPDATES AND HOT TOPICS

BY JESSICA JONES-GORMAN Jessica Jones-Gorman is a freelance writer who lives in Great Kills. She has three children who range in age from six to 14.

FALL TRADITIONS CONTINUE AT DECKER FARM

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alloween at Historic Richmond Town will follow a different agenda this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic but festivities will still occur.

Beginning October 3, Pumpkin Picking will take place every Saturday and Sunday of the month between 11am and 5pm at Decker Farm during which families can learn about 19th century farm life and indulge in delicious fall food favorites.

Admission this year will be by timed entry only, with a reduced number of tickets sold every hour for $6 each. Tickets should be reserved online in advance but remaining slots can be purchased on-site, day-of for an additional $2. Masks are required at all times and social distancing will

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LIPM be enforced throughout the site. Organizers have restructured the event so there are less high-touch activities and new systems of crowd control and queuing will be instituted in the Pumpkin Patch and on the hayride.

“As a mother of two small children I love pre-sale timed tickets,” noted Jessica B. Phillips, executive director and CEO of Historic Richmond Town. “This means no waiting in admissions lines or the fear of arriving to a sold out event. Plus, this means I get to the apple cider donuts faster.”

In addition to pumpkin picking, guests can expect a children’s hay maze, pumpkin chucking contest, fall photo ops, educational activities and self-guided farm walks. The Decker Farm Snack Wagon will be full of fall-flavored donuts, pumpkin pie, cider and pumpkin spice coffee – all courtesy of Mark’s Bake Shoppe and Lidl, who are helping to sponsor the event.

Grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup and kettle corn will also be offered.

After-dark programming will wrap up the season’s events on Halloween itself: Tickets will be sold separately for Ghost Tales with Chris O’Brien and other spooky activities. For information or to buy tickets visit www.historicrichmondtown.org

STATEN ISLAND CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OFFERS BACK TO SCHOOL RESOURCES

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hen the Staten Island Children’s Museum closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year, their education and exhibits teams were forced to quickly adjust. Developing videos and print-at-home activity sheets that would bring some form of the high-touch museum to the families who frequent it, the staff also took to social media, posting ideas and activities on the institution’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages, enabling parents to keep kids busy while most childcare facilities were closed.

“We wanted to bring the Children’s Museum to the families we serve since they could no longer come to us,” explained Dina Rosenthal, executive director.

Expanding upon that concept, the Museum launched At Home with SICM, a program offering free online resources for parents, teachers and caregivers to use at home during this time of social distancing.

The resources offered include informational videos about their animal collection, suggested family adventure walks around Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens, how-to videos demonstrating science and art projects with materials commonly found at home, read-alouds of books for story time, printable activity sheets and child-cook friendly recipes. All activities are designed for children ages two and up and can be found at www.sichildrensmuseum.org/at-home-with-sicm.

The Children’s Museum is also piloting an afterschool program for four- to six-year-olds entitled Outdoor Explorers. It is a small group experience held in the outdoor exhibits and meadow which takes advantage of the opportunity for nature walks throughout the campus grounds.

Thanks to sponsorship by National Grid and Con Edison, the Children’s Museum is once again offering a monthly STEAM on the Go Kit. The kits include all the materials needed to conduct the experiments and create the art projects of the month. Families interested in the kits may reserve one per household on the Children’s Museum’s website.

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community news

STORY TIMES, HOMEWORK HELP AVAILABLE AT NYPL

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eed some good book recommendations? Access to e-books? Read aloud suggestions? The New York Public Library might not be fully operational, but there a wide array of online resources being offered for both kids and teens while libraries are temporarily closed.

Weekday story times happen daily, Monday through Friday, at 10am, brought directly to participants by expert children’s librarians who read beloved books, sing songs, and share early literacy tips. A joint effort between the NYPL and Time Out New York Kids, the daily virtual story times can be viewed at www.timeout.com/newyorkkids.

Parents can also get free, online homework help from one-on-one tutors daily from 2pm to 11pm through the NYPL’s partnership with Brainfuse. Available in English and Spanish for early elementary through high school students in core subject areas, the academic support is part of the library’s range of online learning aids and teaching resources for educators.

The NYPL also offers access to over 800 learning aids and databases for free with a valid library card. Participants can log into Scholastic and TumbleBooks databases where students can

independently explore e-books, videos and games to support their learning in different subject areas. Book Flix, one of the library’s most popular resources, features classic fiction video storybooks while Scholastic GO! is a resource for nonfiction topics which integrates with Google Classroom and provides materials for all level learners. TumbleBooks features a collection of talking story books, games, chapter books and videos for grades PreK through sixth. Assigned a biographical book report?Biography In Context provides biographical information on more than 650,000 people from throughout history.

Grab and Go services recently expanded too: Both the Huguenot Park and St. George locations reopened in September, bringing the number of Staten Island branches open for pick-up and drop-off to six. Residents can also visit the libraries in New Dorp, Richmondtown, Todt Hill-Westerleigh and Stapleton. The reopened branches will offer contactless service as recommended by health and safety experts. Visitors can access a small area of the open branches to pick up and return checkouts placed online or on the phone. Face masks are required and patrons must remain socially distanced from staff. Grab-and-go branches are open from 11am to 6pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday; 12pm to 7pm on Wednesday; and 11am to 5pm Friday and Saturday.

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fun stuff

PUMPKIN FARMS

More FALL FUN can be found at SIPARENT.COM/FALL You’ll find apple and pumpkin picking farms, festive Halloween events and more!

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f there’s one thing Covid can’t take from us during our favorite season, it’s pumpkins.

2020 or not,, our family can still spend a fall day on the farm munching sweet cider doughnuts and picking gorgeous gourds.

Check out these pumpkin farms not far from Staten Island! Just be sure to first call or visit their website/social media for more information on Covid safety policies. You will likely need to purchase tickets ahead of time.

Alstede Farms

Terhune Orchards

Battleview Orchards

Wemrock Orchards

1 Alstede Farms Ln. Chester Township, NJ 07930 alstedefarms.com

91 Wemrock Rd. Freehold, NJ 07728 battlevieworchards.com

Cheesequake Farm Market

2095 US Highway 9 Old Bridge, NJ 08857 cheesequakefarms.com

330 Cold Soil Road Princeton, NJ 08540 terhuneorchards.com

Paisley Champion

Giamarese Farm

155 Fresh Ponds Rd East Brunswick, NJ 08816 giamaresefarm.com

Happy Day Farm 97 Daum Road Manalapan, NJ 07726 happydayfarmnj.com

Delicious Orchards Country Hillsboro Farm Food Market 219 Hillsborough Rd Route 34 South, Colts Neck NJ 07722 • 732-462-1989 deliciousorchardsnj.com

Hillsborough, NJ 08844 hillsborofarm.com

Norz Hill Farm & Market

116 South Branch Rd Hillsborough, NJ 08844 norzhillfarm.com

Ort Farms

25 Bartley Road Long Valley, NJ 07853 ortfarms.com

Prospect Hill Orchards

73 Clarks Lane Milton, NY 12547 845-795-2383 prospecthillorchards.com

Stony Hill Farm Market 8 Route 24 Chester, NJ 07930 stonyhillfarms.com

Highway 33 & Wemrock Road Manalapan, NJ 07728 wemrockorchard.com

Von Thun’s County Farm Market

505 Ridge Road South Brunswick, NJ 08852 438 Route 57 West Washington, NJ 07882 vonthunfarms.com

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fun stuff

HAPPY CHOCO-WEEN!

HERSHEY’S HALLOWEEN RECIPES

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alloween and chocolate go together better than goblins and ghouls!

These recipes are as festive and adorable as they are indulgent. Your kids might not even miss trick-or-treating. Get more ooey-gooey good recipes at hersheys.com.

INGREDIENTS • 8 REESE’S Peanut Butter Pumpkins (1.2 oz. each) • 32 Large pretzel twists Large (2-1/2 to 3 in.)

• 1/4 cup HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Chips, HERSHEY’S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Chips or HERSHEY’S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips* • Candy eyes

MORE RECIPES

Monster Cupcakes INGREDIENTS • 6-1/2 cups vanilla frosting • 16 drops green food color • 3/4 cup chocolate sprinkles • 72 pieces candy eyes • 1/2 cup HERSHEY’S Kitchens • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or HERSHEY’S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Chips • 1 teaspoon red sprinkles

DIRECTIONS: 1. Prepare HERSHEY’S “ESPECIALLY DARK” CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES; cool completely. Tint vanilla frosting to desired shade of green.

2. Spoon or pipe about 3 tablespoons frosting on top of each cupcake. Flatten top of frosting and edge off sides with knife or spatula.

3. Cover top of each cupcake with chocolate sprinkles. Position candy eyes on side of green frosting; add chocolate chip “bolts” to the side and design scar with red sprinkles or thin frosting. Use similar techniques to design a Monster bride, if desired. Carefully remove cupcake papers, if desired and place on serving plate. Makes about 36 decorated cupcakes.

Recipes courtesy of Hershey’s

can be found on siparent.com/ yummyrecipes

DIRECTIONS: 1. Line tray or cookie sheet with wax paper. Remove wrappers from desired number of peanut butter pumpkins. For each spider, cut 8 matching curved sections from pretzels which will form the legs. Set aside remaining pretzels pieces.

2. Place milk chocolate chips in small microwave-safe bowl.

Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) 30 seconds; stir. If necessary, microwave at MEDIUM an additional 10 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chips are melted and smooth when stirred. Transfer to small heavy duty plastic food storage bag. Cut off one corner of bag about 1/4 inch from the tip.

3. For each spider, place peanut butter pumpkin on prepared tray.

Attach pretzel legs and candy eyes to spider with melted chocolate.

Allow chocolate to set before moving spiders. * This amount of chocolate will make about 8 spiders.

REESE’S Peanut Butter Pumpkin Spiders

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fun stuff

DIY DUO

FIREFIGHTING BOXTUMES

Projects courtesy of Michelle Nhu • Provided by Amazon via Family Features

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E

ven though Halloween may look a little different this year for many families, there are still ways to make the most of popular seasonal traditions, like costumes, spooky decor and festive treats.

Rather than venturing out to look for a costume, get creative at home with everyday craft supplies and delivery boxes to make unique, low-cost costumes – or “boxtumes.” Not only are boxtumes a simple way to save money by upcycling delivery boxes you’ve accumulated, but making them can be a fun activity for the whole family.

Your creations can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. Turn an everyday hero into a Halloween superhero this year with a DIY Fire Truck Boxtume, or make it a duo costume perfect for siblings by adding a DIY Fire Hydrant Boxtume to match. With Amazon Prime’s fast and free shipping, any crafting supplies or candy you may need – and the box for your DIY creation – could be just one order away.

Share your upcycled box creations on social media using #Boxtumes, and find more inspiration and simple how-to guides at amazon.com/boxtumes2020. Members can also extend their spooktacular fun with Halloween-themed movies, books and music available through Amazon Prime’s entertainment benefits.

FIRE TRUCK Supplies:

• Amazon Prime boxes, variety of sizes • Scissors • Paint brushes • Red acrylic paint • White acrylic paint • Gray acrylic paint • Hot glue • Hot glue gun • Markers, variety of colors (optional)

Instructions:

1. Have your child sit in different size boxes to find one that fits comfortably. Save other boxes for later.

2. Using scissors, cut out top and bottom of box to create truck shape.

3.Using reserved boxes and scissors, cut out two ladders, six medium circles and six smaller circles for wheels, rectangles for front and back windshields, six small squares for windows and equipment doors, four circles for headlights and seven thin rectangles for grill.

4.Using paint brush, paint large box mostly red or get creative and use separate paint brushes to paint white stripes down sides of box and half of front gray for grill. Then paint ladders, grill pieces and medium wheel circles black. Paint small wheel circles and equipment doors gray and windows and lights white.

5.Once paint dries, use hot glue and glue gun to adhere each piece to fire truck as desired. Use markers to outline windows and add dots to small wheel circles and equipment door handles, if desired.

FIRE HYDRANT Supplies:

• 2 Amazon Prime boxes • Scissors • Hot glue • Hot glue gun • 3 empty tape rolls • 1 cotton headband • Red acrylic paint • Black acrylic paint • Paint brushes • Blue pants or skirt • Blue tulle (optional) • Blue felt pieces (optional)

Instructions:

1. Select box that fits around your child’s torso.

2.Using scissors, cut box into eight equal-sized rectangles.

3. Assemble rectangles vertically into octagon and glue together using hot glue and glue gun.

4. Using scissors, cut holes for arms on two sides of octagon.

Glue two empty tape rolls to outside of arm holes and one on front to mimic nut on fire hydrant.

5. On flat piece of another box, draw dome shape that will fit your child’s head. Use scissors to cut it out then glue bottom to stretchy, cotton headband.

6. Using paint brush, paint cardboard pieces red. Use separate brush to paint black stripes on corners of octagon.

7. Once paint dries, boxtume is complete. On blue pants or skirt meant to mimic water, glue pieces of blue tulle and blue felt pieces to look like water droplets, if desired.

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raising kids

high school guide

APPLYING FOR HIGH SCHOOL IN A PANDEMIC!

BY JEANNINE CINTRON

Jeannine Cintron is the editor at Staten Island Parent and mom of two cute and crazy kids.

Every year in our October issue, we publish a comprehensive how-to guide for parents and students applying to high school for the upcoming academic year. It’s usually complicated enough, when you consider all the various programs, options and deadlines. But this year there’s a new wrench thrown into the process.

You guessed it -- Covid-19.

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first thing you will need to do as you begin your ealistically, the global pandemic shouldn’t journey is download the 2021 NYC High School affect the high school application process and Specialized High Schools Admissions Guide, too much. Some open house events and HIGH which you can find at schools.nyc.gov/high. Your information sessions will be held virtually. The SCHOOL child’s middle school should also have copies of screening process will be different – and more OPEN HOUSES the guide available. complicated -- since there are no state test scores at To begin exploring your options, log into from last year to consider and attendance/grades siparent.com/highschool your MySchools account and go to myschools. may be skewed due to quarantine. Elements nyc/en/schools/high-school to search for schools of the application process are subject to change by location, size, courses offered, extracurricular without notice, which is something you’ve probably activities and more. Keep a list of the schools that grown used throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The 18 October 2020 • siparent.com

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raising kids

high school guide interest you. There are over 700 programs in over 400 high schools available to New York City public school students. When it comes time to apply, you will need to narrow your list down to no more than 12 schools.

If you are thinking of applying to one of New York City’s nine Specialized High Schools, you will need to apply separately. Go to schools.nyc.gov/SHS to learn more about these schools and how to apply for them. All of the links previously mentioned can be found at siparent.com/highschool.

The 5 W’s (and more) of High School Applications

Who can apply? Any child who is a current eighth grader and a resident of New York City is eligible to apply for acceptance at a NYC public high school for the 20-20-2021 school year.

When can you apply? The application period usually ends at the beginning of December, although an official deadline wasn’t yet announced by the time of publication. If your child doesn’t receive an offer or is unhappy with his offer, then he will have another opportunity to apply (Round 2) in the spring. The deadline to register for the SHSAT, the test for admittance to a Specialized High School, will be earlier.

What are your options? Where can you apply? Here in Staten Island, there are 10 district high schools with over 50 programs available, plus one Specialized High School program. There are over 4,000 seats available to 9th graders on the Island, but you can apply anywhere within the five boroughs.

New York City public school students have more school options available than anywhere else in the country! Some programs cater to specific interests and skills while others are more beneficial to students who are new to the country. There are programs that focus on creating specific learning environments.

Attending open houses is a MUST. Visiting a school, even if just virtually, is the best way to explore whether it’s the right fit for you. You can contact schools directly to find out if they have special events or student-guided tours, but plan to attend as many open houses with your child as you can. Show up prepared with a list of questions – about everything from courses offered to daily schedules and extracurricular activities, as well as Covid-19 safety measures and guidelines – and be ready to write down the answers. And here’s a tip: Write your contact information very clearly on sign-in sheets, as schools often notice which prospective students have attended their events.

How do you apply? This part is tricky, but not quite rocket science. And if you do it right the first time, you have a 97% chance of getting an offer the first time around. By do it right, we mean if you list 12 programs on your application, in your true order of preference. The higher you rank a school on your list, the higher the chance will be that you receive an offer.

You should estimate your child’s likelihood of being offered a seat in the schools of interest to him. Some schools extend offers

based mostly on zoning, while others screen applicants (2019-2020 attendance and punctuality will not impact applications to high schools for students entering in fall 2021). Be sure to research your preferred school’s admission’s methods before applying.

You should also take note of the number of applicants per seat.

For example, 10 applicants per seat indicate the school is in high demand whereas 3-4 applicants per seat indicate a lower demand.

Some schools offer priority to applicants based on diversity.

High schools that are participating in the diversity initiative will give a certain percentage of applicants in the incoming ninth and tenth grades an admissions priority if they qualify as economically disadvantaged. You can learn more about this at schools.nyc.gov/ enrollment/enrollment-help/meeting-student-needs/diversity-inadmissions.

When the application opens, access your personalized high school application and submit it online with MySchools. If you need help, visit a Family Welcome Center. Staten Island’s Family Welcome Center is located at 715 Ocean Terrace, Building A.

What other options are there?

Some parents would rather their children not attend traditional public school. If you fall into this category, you might be interested in charter schools, one of the specialized high schools, a career/technical school or private schools.

Charter Schools

Charter schools are independent public schools founded by not-for-profit Boards of Trustees. They operate under a contract (or “charter”) of up to five years. Charter schools are New York City public schools and they are open to all New York City students. Many charter schools have unique educational approaches that may include longer school days, a longer school year, or themed programs. Charter schools have a different enrollment process. For information about a specific charter school and its enrollment deadline, contact the school directly.

Specialized High Schools

The nine specialized high schools offer support to students who excel academically and/or artistically. They are: • The Bronx High School of Science • The Brooklyn Latin School • Brooklyn Technical High School • HS for Mathematics, Science & Engineering at City College of NY • High School of American Studies at Lehman College • Queens High School for the Sciences at York College • Staten Island Technical High School • Stuyvesant High School • Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art

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high school guide Catholic School

If you are considering a Catholic high school for your child, there are a variety of coeducational and single-sex schools, many of which offer partnerships with local Catholic colleges and universities. On Staten Island, there are six Catholic High Schools – two are all boys, two are all girls, and two are co-ed. To apply to a Catholic High school, eighth grade students must take an admissions exam called TACHS (Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools). The deadline to register is October 23, 2019. Learn more at tachsinfo.com.

Career & Technical Schools

These schools integrate academic study with workforce skills in specific career pathways. They offer students the opportunity to graduate high school with industry-specific competencies, skills, training, and even credentials that can lead to college or entry into the workforce. Through these programs, students have the opportunity to earn Advanced Regents diplomas.

Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities may apply to all programs and are subject to the same admissions requirements as their peers. They may take the SHSAT and apply for all audition programs. Testing accommodations will be provided during the SHSAT administration as outlined in the student’s IEP. Visit schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enroll-grade-by-grade/ high-school for more information on: • Enrollment for Students with Disabilities • Enrollment for Students with Accessibility Needs • Enrollment for Students Learning English • Students in Temporary Housing • Enrollment for LGBTQ and Gender Nonconforming Students • Students with Children.

It might seem like a lot to take in all at once, but you got this! Go to siparent.com/highschool for direct links to everything you need to know about applying to high school and more: an up-to-date list of schools and programs, applications, school fair dates, open house dates, test dates, deadlines, important pages on the Dept. of Education website as well as the Catholic Schools website – and many more resources vital to the high school admission process.

Need even more help? If you would like to discuss the admission process, speak to your child’s guidance counselor directly. You can never have too much information!

Link directly to all websites mentioned in this article and more at

siparent.com/highschool

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raising kids

high school guide

10 REASONS TO

ATTEND AN OPEN HOUSE

BY JEANNINE CINTRON Jeannine Cintron is the editor at Staten Island Parent and mom of two cute and crazy kids.

If your child is in the process of applying for enrollment in a new school for next year, attending as many Open House events at prospective schools is extremely important – even if they are being held virtually. Here’s why these events are so essential to prospective students.

1. Meet the faculty. This is an opportunity for you and your child to meet his potential future teachers and principal. The principal, in particular, plays a major role in the school and consequently, in the lives of the students. It is very important that you feel comfortable with this person being at the forefront of your child’s education.

2. Be on the school’s radar. Schools often take note of which students attend their open house events and that could a factor in their decision to offer your child a spot. Always be sure to neatly write your child’s name on the attendance sheet so they know she was there.

3. Get a feel for the surroundings. Ever hear of “good vibes?”

That’s exactly what you should feel for a prospective school. The atmosphere, the staff, the location, the students – all of it should just feel right. If it doesn’t, trust your gut and cross it off the list.

4. Assess your commute. If the event is being held in person, it’s a good chance to do a practice run on the commute. You can see how far the school is from your home, how long it takes to get there, and what the surrounding neighborhood is like. At the Open House you will also learn which transportation options are available.

5. Learn about programs offered. This is often one of the most important deciding factors when selecting a school. At the Open House, you will be given an in-depth look at the programs and courses offered at the school. You can ask questions, meet the teachers heading up each program and learn about your child’s academic options.

6. Voice safety concerns. Your child’s safety is crucial. At the Open House, the school will address any questions or concerns you have about security measures, emergency procedures, possible crime statistics and more. This is your chance to express any coronavirus concerns you have, and to learn the school’s Covid-19 regulations and preventive measures.

7. Learn about the school day. At the Open House, you will find out what time school starts and ends, when your child will be eating lunch, what her daily schedule might look like, how the periods are structured and other information about the school day.

8. See which extracurricular activities and clubs are available.

Most schools offer afterschool sports, academic clubs, and other programs your child might be interested in joining. A school that offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities might play a large role in his decision to apply.

9. Meet current students. One of the best ways to learn about a school is from the students themselves. At the Open House, students are often on hand to help describe the programs in which they are involved and what student life is like at the school.

10. Learn about the application and selection process. Some schools require tests or auditions, other schools screen applicants based on grades or other factors and some select students entirely at random. At the Open House, you will learn what is required to apply to the school and estimate your child’s odds of receiving an offer. You can also ask questions or voice your concerns about the process to ensure you have all the information you need to help your child apply for enrollment.

24 October 2020 • siparent.com

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LIPM ST. JOSEPH HILL ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Providing a premier Catholic education, Pre-K to Grade 8, to the Staten Island community for 100 years.

Middle States Accredited

Mother Franciska Early Childhood Center Featuring 3 & 4 year old programs.

Call for information.

Before & After Care Available

850 Hylan Blvd • SI, NY 10305 718.981.1187 x9136 • stjosephhillacademy.com

Achieve Excellence in Academic and Spiritual Education Kindergarten through 8th Grade Preschool Classes for 3 & 4 Year Olds Free Bus Service • Safe Environment Discounts for Siblings

est. 1974

718.351.4442

contact@ndca.email www.ndca.academy 259 Rose Ave & 10th St New Dorp | SI, NY 10306

ates u d a r G ur O the Top n i d e c a l P Get ls High Schoo in the Area

October 2020 • siparent.com

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EDUCATORS WEIGH IN ON CURRENT TOPICS

raising kids

Dear Teacher

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

Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com

Understanding Addition and Subtraction Concepts

QUESTION: My third grader was still having problems with basic addition and subtraction at the end of second grade even though he had extra assistance at school. Is there any way I can help him now?

– Math Problem ANSWER: Children need to be able to recall basic facts quickly and automatically.

Usually by the end of second grade, most students have automatic recall of not only the addition facts but also the subtraction facts that they are expected to know. Mastery of a fact means giving the response in less than 3 seconds or 30 correct per minute. However, this is for an oral response, and more-time may be needed by young children. Being able to complete 50 problems in 3 minutes is definitely a reasonable goal.

Fortunately, you can help your child adopt strategies to help him learn the basic facts fairly easily. Work on this now whether he is in regular or online school. Before you begin teaching number strategies, observe which numbers your child cannot add automatically. These are the ones you want to help

him learn.

Don’t confine teaching a strategy to just flash cards; use dice, spinners, coins, markers and simple games. Move slowly. Begin by working with the “one-more-than” (3+1).

Then go on to (2 +2) and (3+3). For example, for the problem (3+1), he can lay out three items and then add a fourth. Having him use a strategy like this ensures that he is solving the problem. Doing this repeatedly will help him learn each fact rather than telling him or showing him an answer.

Here’s another way for you to help your child learn the basic facts, it is enjoyable because it involves playing games. Since ten is the basis of our number system, it is very important for children to become familiar with all the number combinations that make ten when added together (5+5, 8+2, and so on). Our “Bean Game” will help them do this.

Color one side of ten beans (coins or counters) with marking pens, nail polish, or paint. Place the beans in a container that can be used as a shaker. Two or more players can

26 October 2020 • siparent.com

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LIPM enjoy this game. The first player shakes the container and dumps out the beans, He or she then counts the number of painted and unpainted beans, states the combination: four painted plus six unpainted equals ten, and writes down the number of painted and unpainted beans on a chart. The player continues until he or she hits a previously rolled combination. Then it’s the other player’s turn. The winner is the player who shakes the largest number of different combinations in his or her turn.

In “Take Away Game,” items are being removed from a group.

You’ll want to use flash cards with simple facts like 2-1, 4-2, 5-3, and 5-4. Have your child draw a card at random, then you need to make up a story. For example, for 3-1 you could say, “I have three nickels; if I take away one, how many would I have left?

Your child should lay out three counters and take away one to show how many are left. Then he or she should make up stories for the remaining flash cards and use counters to illustrate how “take away” works.

Finally, go on our website dearteacher.com and look at the Math Skill Builders and the Math Learning Activities for more ideas on teaching the basic facts.

Free Books to Assist Learning Disabled PARENTS: Here is a good source for children and adults as well who cannot read traditional print books because they have a visual impairment, physical disability or severe learning disability.

The source is Bookshare.org, an ebook library of more than 800,000 books, that makes reading easier. Individuals with reading barriers can customize their experience and read in ways that work for them. With Bookshare books become accessible because they can be read by: • Listening to books with high quality text-to-speech voices.

• Hearing and seeing highlighted words on screen.

• Reading with digital braille or enlarged fonts.

• Reading directly from your Internet browser.

This great program is totally FREE; however, individuals must qualify to participate in it. Children who struggle with reading and have an IEP or a 504 plan can be signed up for Bookshare providing a competent authority confirms that the learning disability significantly interferes with reading. Children and adults with low vision blindness and some physical disabilities can also participate providing a competent authority confirms that their disability interferes with reading.

On the bookshare.org website, you can access a number of brochures and flyers to learn more about the many ways to read Bookshare books. There are also helpful video tutorials as well as additional resources for parents and students.

Anxiety, depression and relationship issues can range from restricting to debilitating. I offer individual, family and

couple’s counseling to help you break free from toxic behaviors. your As (COVID-19) continues to impact our mental health matters world, I am following state mandated guidelines and providing ANGELA CAPECE video/phone NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MSEd counseling 917-636-3256 | acapece810@gmail.com sessions. psychologytoday.com/profile/209586

My office is private and confidential. Call today for a free phone consultation.

October 2020 • siparent.com

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raising kids

EDUCATION GUIDE

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

Multiple Programs Wagner College Department For Lifelong Learning

631 Howard Avenue • 10301 718.390.3221 lifelong-learning@wagner.edu wagner.edu/lifelong-learning Programs: Friday after school & Saturday classes for ages 4 to 17. ACT Theater & Performing Arts, Architecture, Art, Business, Ceramics, Coding, Digital Art, Dungeons & Dragons, Esports, Magic The Gathering, Mindfulness, Photography, SHSAT/TACHS Test Prep, Filmmaking, Lego Robotics, Sign Language, Spanish, STEAM, Video Game Design.

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. Pick-up/ drop-off services. Fun educational curriculum, nutritious meals, certified teachers.

Activities: Arts & crafts, sewing, baking, music, dance and more.

JCC of Staten Island

1297 Arthur Kill Road • 10312 718.475.5224 485 Victory Boulevard • 10301 718.475.5290 1466 Manor Road • 10314 • 718.475.5230 2221 Richmond Avenue • 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. _____________________________________

Most Terrific Child Center 555 Tompkins Ave • 10305 718.273.0334 mtcdaycare@yahoo.com mtcdaycare.com facebook.com/most-terrific-childcenter-105004707711431

Programs: We are an early education center that provides free Full-day 3K and Pre-K programs for kids three and four years old.

Activities: Children engage in a critical thinking and fun environment through arts and crafts, music and movement, learning technology, and science lessons. Gaining stronger social, problemsolving, and creative skills.

St. Joseph Hill Academy 850 Hylan Boulevard • 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, Creative Chefs, Story and Craft, Hill Herald, Book Club. _____________________________________

Tender Care Preschool

6581 Hylan Blvd • 10309 718.317.2849 or 2858 bquinn@mountloretto.org mountloretto.org/tender-care-preschool facebook @ tender care preschool Programs: Free full day UPK and 3-K, half & full days for 2 year olds. Summer Camp.

Activities: Large playground & indoor gym, computers, library. French classes. Extended hours 7am-6pm. Sprinkler park on campus for Summer Camp. Located on the grounds of beautiful Mount Loretto. Plenty of parking.

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LIPM Zion Lutheran Preschool

505 Watchogue Road • 10314 718.981.3623 zlcpsdirector@zion505.org Ms. Linda Herman, Director zionlutheranpreschoolsi.com FB: zionlutheranpreschoolstatenisland Programs: Terrific 2’s, Thrilling 3’s, PreK for 4’s, Tiny-Totz: Parent/Toddler Interaction, Gigglez: all-day daycare, Zion Zummer Adventurez Camp. Varied attendance schedules are offered for children to best meet their needs and the needs of the families, ranging from 2, 3, & 5 day. This includes AM & PM class options.

Activities: Providing a loving, learning Christian environment through a comprehensive, developmental program designed to help children acquire the basic competencies and skills for full development and social participation. Also assuring that the quality of the child’s experience is emotionally satisfying, personally meaningful, and provides a basis for future learning.

Special needs AHRC– Staten Island Preparatory School

23 Summit St. (formerly Our Lady Help of Christians) Staten Island, NY 10307 212.895.3386 john.goodson@ahrcnyc.org schools.ahrcnyc.org/sponsor/siprep Programs: Staten Island Preparatory School (SI Prep) is an NYSED approved private school for students with disabilities, primarily autism –preschoolers 3-5 and elementary 5-12. All of the children are placed by the NYCDOE’s Committee on Special Education and the Center Based Support Team.

Activities: Students receive special education in small, structured classroom settings with high adult to student ratio. All therapies are provided as per IEP. School follows all state standards in ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Health and participates in NYS standard assessments or alternate assessments as warranted.

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JCC of Staten Island First Foot Forward

The Write Place

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.

Programs: Writing tutoring for: High school & college reading & writing assignments, application essays, resumes & cover letters, research, MLA & APA citations, and creative writing coaching.

Activities: Custom one-on-one or small group tutoring for any struggling writer by an experienced college writing professor. Services: one-time or on-going meetings online or in-person.

1466 Manor Rd • 10314 1297 Arthur Kill Rd • 10312 2221 Richmond Ave • 10314 718.475.5225 sijcc.org

Activities: Multi-disciplinary evaluations. Speech & language, occupational, physical & play therapy. Movement & music. Mainstreaming.

Parent support groups.

Tutors

Huntington Learning

2791 Richmond Avenue • 10314 718.494.8377 sta@hlcmail.com huntingtonhelps.com facebook.com/HuntingtonStatenIslandNY instagram.com/hlcstaten youtube.com/user/HuntingtonHelp

Staten Island, NY 10314 347.461.0135 thewriteplacecoach@gmail.com facebook.com/thewriteplacecoach instagram.com/thewriteplacecoach thewriteplacecoach.com

GET ACTIVITIES, TIPS, NEWS, & HUMOR ALL MONTH LONG

Programs: Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible.

Huntington Learning Center is the premier leader in supplemental education. Our certified tutors provide individualized instruction in all academic areas including homework help, SAT, ACT, standardized and entrance exams.

Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed in the classroom. _____________________________________

Resource Room Tutoring Center 534 Forest Avenue • 10310 718.873.5323 info@resourceroomsi.com resourceroomsi.com FB @resourceroomsi • IG @resourceroomsi Programs: Private tutoring for all academic subjects.

K-12 and test prep including SAT, SHSAT, TACHS, Regents. S.T.E.M. Lego Robotics.

In-person and online.

Activities: Led and owned by licensed NYS teachers, Resource Room provides tailored individualized academic instruction for students of all ages, in all academic subject areas, with a personalized approach to student learning.

siparent.com/signup Follow us on Social Media

@siparent @statenisland_parent September 2020 • siparent.com

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raising kids

AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM GUIDE

Looking to expand your child’s development after school?

Here is a great place to start!

MULTIPLE ACTIVITIES

PERFORMING ARTS

SPORTS

JCC Explorers After School Program

Spotlight Theatre Performing Arts Academy

Team Real USA

1466 Manor Road • 10314 718.475.5284 LQuinn@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 from DOE Certified Teachers, music lessons, sports & fitness classes, instructional swim, yoga and Zumba classes, chess and games, healthy choice cooking projects, STEAM activities, meditation, and more!

MUSIC Dorothy Delson Kuhn Music Institute of the JCC 1466 Manor Rd • 10314 718.475.5263 • sijcc.org

358 Forest Avenue Staten Island, NY • 10301 718.207.1128 SpotlightTheatreSI@gmail.com SpotlightTheatreSI.org

Programs: Spotlight Theater Performing Arts Academy offers classes, workshops, private lessons & performance opportunities for ages 4-18. Visit our website for more information about our fall offerings!

FIND MORE AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS

siparent.com/afterschool

2298 Arthur Kill Road • 10309 347.979.4955 chris.teamrealusa@gmail.com teamrealusa.com facebook.com/teamrealusa instagram.com/teamrealusa youtube.com/channel UC8kWZoHNQpB84vc2tI1Qhkw Programs: Unlimited Kids MMA, Brazlian Jiu-Jitsu, Bootcamp Fitness, Muay Thai, MMA, Kickboxing - as well as Personal Training. We have different gym packages to accommodate the classes that best fit you, and family plans.

Activities: Unlimited Kids MMA, Brazlian Jiu-Jitsu, Bootcamp Fitness, Muay Thai, MMA, Kickboxing classes. Bring a friend to Kids MMA Day, Bootcamp Fitness in the park, Yoga on the lawn, and more throughout the year.

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.

30 October 2020 • siparent.com

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LIPM

October 2020 • siparent.com 31

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raising kids Kneeling (from left): Gerard LaTour, Dave Parisi, Larry Decore, Neil Goldstein, Joe LoVerde, Glen Bradshaw, John Aliseo.

Standing (from left): Tony Barbuto, Joe Parlemini, Mike Regan, John Augello, Lou Liotta, Mark Christie, Gene Forsythe, Tommy Long, Mr. John.

SS

LA C h t i w G N I COACH E

VERD Island for nearly 40 years.

BY JOEhLspO orts on Staten

h for yout riter and coac A local sportsw

H

How one coach’s calm and fair approach to leading a team inspired another to follow in his footsteps for life.

e asked us to call him “Mr. John.” I never knew his last name, but he figured that wasn’t a detail we needed to know when he gathered us around home plate at the first practice for our Mid-Island Babe Ruth League team that chilly March afternoon in 1969.

He introduced himself as our manager. He didn’t have any coaches to help him. We didn’t know anything else about him because he had never run a youth sports team before. He had children, but they didn’t play ball. He was a tailor, who owned his own business. He would come to practices and games straight from work, often wearing a white collar shirt and dress pants. He didn’t have to be there; he accepted the role because someone from the league told him there was a team without a manager, and Mr. John

met the call.

He was a volunteer in the truest sense.

Mr. John would be my manager the next three years, until I was 15. During that time, he never raised his voice. He laughed a lot. We practiced often. He wanted to win, but it was never life and death. I loved playing for him.

Mr. John wanted all of his players to have a great experience. He treated every player with respect, no matter the ability level. He didn’t embarrass you with harsh words after a mistake or if you failed in a situation. He wouldn’t let you risk further injury by asking you to play when you were hurt. He treated his players the way he hoped a coach would have treated his own children.

Players rarely missed a game when they played on Mr. John’s team. It was too much fun.

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LIPM When I turned 18, I got the chance to run my own team. I was really young, only three years older than some of my players.

I thought about what the best way would be to handle this situation. I had had several good coaches during my years playing youth sports whose style I could have copied, but I wanted to be a coach like Mr. John.

Mr. John It wouldn’t be easy. I have a feistier personality. Sometimes, for sure, I got off track. But whenever I did so, I knew I needed to refocus on Mr. John’s example.

I managed an all-star team when I was 19. We lost our first game, moving us to the loser’s bracket of the double-elimination tournament. We won our next two games. But in game 4, against one of the top teams, we ran out of pitching and fell behind by 15 runs early.

The mercy rule wasn’t mandatory back then. A manager had the option of surrendering if down by more than 10 runs once the game became official. I turned down the chance to do so when asked by the umpires.

Why? Because there was no must-play rule in all stars at that time, and I had a few players who hadn’t gotten off the bench in the four games. We were going to lose — what difference would the final score make? I wanted the parents whose boys made the commitment of coming to practice every day to be able to hear their sons’ names announced when they got an at-bat. I took some heat for it, but I never regretted it.

It’s something I believe Mr. John would have done.

Mr. John didn’t coach much longer. He suffered a fatal heart attack while coaching just a few years later. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the young men who would never experience having him as their manager.

I was fortunate enough to coach another 40 years after that, mostly baseball, softball and soccer. I coached a few championship teams, many mediocre teams and some teams that struggled to get into the win column. But I’ve received countless rewards from the experience, and I hope I’ve been a good influence and made it fun for the children I’ve had the good fortune to coach. That some of the players from those early years still call me “coach” today leads me to believe I’ve at least been somewhat successful.

Following the example set by Mr. John gave me an advantage not many coaches receive.

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Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

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SPECIAL SPECIAL NEEDS NEE DS GUIDE October 2020 • siparent.com

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SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

DOES MY CHILD HAVE A LEARNING DISABILITY? If you suspect your child might have a learning disability, here’s how to start planning.

A

lthough many kids may struggle with schoolwork throughout their academic careers, it’s often hard to know if your child has a learning disability. There is no one behavior or learning difficulty that equals a diagnosis and learning disabilities can affect nonacademic areas of your child’s life, too. So, what happens when you suspect your child might have a disability? Educators and experts have shared their thoughts on how to get your child evaluated for a learning disability and how you can support her academically and in everyday efforts.

SYMPTOMS OF A LEARNING DISABILITY

BY JACQUELINE NEBER

Jacqueline Neber is a former assistant editor and a graduate of The Writing Seminars at Johns Hopkins University. When she’s not focused on writing special needs and education features, you can find her petting someone else’s dog.

A learning disability can present in many different ways, says Colin Montgomery, a family educator at INCLUDEnyc and a former special education teacher. A learning disability is simply a disorder in one or more of the processes kids use in understanding and using language, and can express itself in reading, writing, or math, according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It can also be nonverbal or look like an attention issue because your child has an auditory processing difficulty.

The many issues that might arise because of a learning disability make it difficult to figure out if your child has one. After all, it’s common for kids have trouble with certain units in science class or resist doing their homework.

Sometimes, you need to puzzle it out to see if a learning disability is to blame.

“Inside the classroom you can see kids struggling. Then you can see them come home and be unhappy to do their homework,” says Cassie Reilly, a high school transition coordinator. “Homework gives parents a chance to see if kids are able to apply the skills they’re learning at school, at home independently. And if they’re not able to, that’s a sign to reach

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Advertising Section

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

The GRACE Foundation

We are proud to support, educate and enhance the lives of children, teens, young adults, and their families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The GRACE Foundation provides many innovative and progressive programs/services for individuals impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Whether GRACE is encouraging responsible choices, artistic talent, life skills, physical/team activities, promoting heightened social abilities and/or communication skills, we strive to impart dignity, opportunity and self-esteem in all that we offer.

THE GRACE FOUNDATION 718-983-3800 460 Brielle Avenue • 10314 facebook.com/graceofny.org

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Mastermind Behavior Services At Mastermind, we believe that every child with Autism is filled with potential beyond the skills demonstrated. We view our responsibility as uncovering the potential of the child’s fullest capabilities. Our expert BCBAs begin with a thorough evaluation of your child’s abilities. Once the evaluation is completed, your BCBA will develop a treatment plan that matches your child’s areas of need. Following insurance authorization, ABA therapy will begin in your child’s natural home environment, under the guidance of skilled and effective therapists. Every phase of our evaluation and therapy is based on the principles of ABA and is completely evidence and research-based.

MASTERMIND BEHAVIOR SERVICES 732.813.7333 info@mastermindbehavior.com

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Los Niños Services

Our mission is “to be of great service to others.” We strive to help children with autism and special needs achieve their full potential. We provide early childhood special education (birth to 3 years old), ABA services through private insurance (ages 3 to 21 years old), and training for parents as well as professionals through Los Ninos Training. Our expert Board Certified Behavior Analysts and highly skilled technicians make a world of difference. We change lives forever.

LOS NIÑOS SERVICES

Staten Island office coming soon.

Corporate office is located at 535 8th Avenue • NY, NY 10018 718.984.9022 ext 223 info@losninos.com​ facebook.com/losninosservices

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SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE out to the teacher.”

Another sign of a learning disability, Reilly says, can be that your child is trying so hard to get something right but is making no progress. When you hear “needs to be working more toward potential” or “not trying hard enough” from your child’s teacher, that’s a warning.

“Unlike children with intellectual disabilities, kids with learning disabilities often have average or above-average IQs that their grades don’t reflect. When your child’s intellectual abilities do not match up with his ability to do schoolwork, that’s a red flag,” says Erica Maltz, founder and CEO of a tutoring service in Westchester as well as a former educator. Poor executive functioning can also come into play with learning disabilities.

“If you hear from a teacher that your child is disorganized, disengaged, not completing assignments…it might be a sign of learning troubles,” Maltz says.

COULD IT BE SOMETHING OTHER THAN A LEARNING DISABILITY?

“With some students, you might think it’s a learning disability, but they could be moving from another school or district in New York, or another state, and they just didn’t have good instruction [before],” Montgomery says. “[Learning issues] might be a function of being a multilingual learner, or the student wasn’t given appropriate instruction in the past.”

Transitioning between grades can pose challenges for some students, Reilly says, and sometimes anxiety is just anxiety. Parents and educators need to consider the big picture of the child and evaluate her educational strengths and weaknesses against each other.

Learning disabilities can be attributed to inner ear and cerebellum problems as well—issues that can be fixed with medication. If your child is finding learning difficult but also has memory and speech problems, uncoordinated balance, poor concentration, high activity levels and impulsivity, and was late to walk and talk, he might have an inner ear issue.

ASKING FOR AN INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM EVALUATION

The biggest factor in a successful evaluation and Individualized Education Program formation is communication. “Two things parents should think about: advocacy and trust,” Maltz says. “An IEP is the most beneficial way for students to get the services they need in order to learn successfully in the classroom. And parents need to be involved in every part of the process.”

When going through an evaluation, ask questions. Know who is conducting different parts of the evaluation and where it will take place—some kids will benefit from seeing the testing room before the evaluation. And always make sure your child has gotten a good night’s sleep and had a healthy breakfast before testing, Maltz says.

Throughout your child’s evaluation and beyond, especially if she is classified, remain her supporter and cheerleader, Maltz says. Encourage him to take an active role in understanding his learning disability and advocating for himself. Many students have recently started attending their IEP and CSE meetings. If your child understands his IEP, he can notice when standards are not being met in the classroom.

“It’s important to remember, also, that it is not [you] and your child against ‘the system,’” Maltz continues.

“Everyone … does want what’s best

for your child so [she] will become an independent learner in the future.

And when you go in prepared, it’s a different ballgame.”

MAXIMIZING YOUR CHILD’S INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM

Your child’s IEP should be responsive and supportive, says Montgomery. The program usually includes two sections: The Present Levels of Performance discusses your child’s current academic standing, strengths and areas that need work, and social and physical development.

The Measurable Annual Goals section outlines the skills your child needs to build upon to reach his goals. The IEP should also note the following: • The area(s) the student is struggling and the goal(s) or intervention to help her progress in that area • The family should have a clear understanding of how they can reinforce support at home.

• For learning disabilities, teachers should break down instructions into clear steps, organizational tools, and checklists; prioritize foundational skills that students are lagging in [like phonics in reading] while also providing support in grade level standards.

• Organizational tools, like graphic calculators and checklists, that can help students access the grade level curriculum • For writing, teachers should use modeled examples and tools that help with each step of the writing process.

• Executive functioning skills (and which tools can help) should be mentioned if they are an issue for your child.

“Remember that your goal is to give your child the skills for everyday life, not just get her to grade level,” says Reilly. “It’s about understanding what she can do and helping her reach her potential.”

30 April 38 October 2020 2020 • siparent.com • siparent.com

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Advertising Section

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

Sunny Days Early Intervention and TeleHealth Services Making the world brighter, one child at at time. Providing a full range of services: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Psychological Services & ABA Special Instruction Services. We tailor these services to specifically target each child’s needs with an individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Tele-Health services available immediately!”

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Eden II Programs The mission of Eden II Programs is to support people with autism throughout their lives to achieve their full potential through service, science, and passion. Programs and services include: Preschool, school, SEIT, SETSS, adult services, residential services, community habilitation, respite, afterschool recreation, consultation support, and various other supports and programs for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders.

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eden2.org October April 2020 2020 •• siparent.com siparent.com 39 31

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SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

Children With Special Needs: MYTHS AND REALITIES

BY BEHLOR SANTI

Behlor Santi is a freelance writer currently living in Bronx, New York. She’s published articles in Minority Nurse Magazine, Women’s eNews, and The Writer, among others.

B

loomingdale resident Cinzia Leon tears up when she talks about the Jewish Community Center’s First Foot Forward program in Staten Island. Her seven year old son, who has autism, attends one of the JCC schools for children with special needs.

“Finding out your child has a disability is heartbreaking,” she confesses. “You have to put aside your emotions and be a strong mom. I work with a great team of people at the JCC.” According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in six American children have a developmental disability. Children with special needs have an array of ailments, ranging from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, to autism spectrum disorders, and other developmental delays. The researchers at the CDC say that older parents, a rise in premature births, and the use of fertility treatments could be contributing factors to this high number.

Even with the rising number of children with special needs nationwide, many people believe myths surrounding this population. Some are relatively innocuous. Others are malicious and hurtful.

Jennifer Ruoff, LMSW, MS Ed, is a special education advocate in Irvington, New York. For almost 25 years she has served children and adolescents with special needs and their families. She believes the media message urging “tolerance” is part of the problem.

“Our goal should not be tolerance,”

Ruoff says. “Why should we want people to just ‘tolerate’ one another? Our goal should be acceptance!”

What are some myths that stop children with special needs from feeling accepted?

MYTH 1: CHILDREN (AND ADULTS) WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ARE ALWAYS “HAPPY AND CUTE.”

This myth especially applies to children with Down syndrome and other forms of mental illness. Don’t let the cherubic faces of many children with special needs fool you -- these children have their temper tantrums, conflicts with siblings and teenage rebellion.

Janet Riley is executive director of North East Westchester Special Recreation in Hawthorne, New York. North East provides therapeutic recreational services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. They have seen their share of children and adults who don’t fit the “happy and cute” box.

“People think that everyone with Down syndrome is always upbeat and having a great day,” says Riley. “A person may be 35, 40 years old, and somebody chats about how cute they are.” Calling adult people with special needs “cute” may seem innocent enough, but it can actually be offensive.

MYTH 2: CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS SHOULDN’T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS

Another myth is the idea that children with special needs can behave any way

they want because their disabilities stop them from knowing right from wrong.

This idea relieves children of their responsibility to be moral; and in extreme cases, children with special needs may become anti-social as a result.

“Some people try to be overnice,” Riley says. “Some people overcompensate. They see a child with special needs and let him or her go ahead in line.”

While they’re merely being polite, Riley says her goal is to teach the children and adults with special needs to be fair and considerate of other people.

MYTH 3: CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CAN’T CONTROL THEIR IMPULSES

Riley cited the importance of field trips. While they are fun trips, they help students learn manners -- and dispels prejudice among the general population.

It’s not just ordinary people who discriminate against people with physical and developmental disabilities. According to a 2002 study from the University of Minnesota, medical students from the United States and Canada held negative attitudes towards the disabled -- with a higher percent among male medical students. Children and adults with special needs fight against prejudice from strangers, family members, and healthcare providers. The findings appeared in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

MYTH 4: CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CAN’T LEARN, WORK, AND CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY

Jayne Smith, MS, is the chief program director for Early Childhood & Disability Services at the Staten Island JCC. Smith believes in teaching special needs children self-sufficiency from an early age.

“We believe in teaching children to their level, being patient with them,” she says. “We want to teach the language and model the behavior that helps them develop independence.”

Like all mothers, Cinzia Leon wants her son to be a happy and successful adult. She’s grateful for the assistance she has received from the Staten Island JCC.

40 October 2020 • siparent.com

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Advertising Section

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE Her words to fellow parents of special needs children?

“Never give up!”

When you see a child with autism, ADHD, or any other disability, how do you react?

In a society that puts undue emphasis on good looks, physical fitness, and wealth, accepting imperfection -- even among children -- is difficult. Some people use “special” to mask a deviation from the norm. Parents of children with special needs, on the other hand, push a radical notion. The disability doesn’t make them.

They live their lives and thrive, despite it.

Want to know how to relate, and not “tolerate,” children and teens with special needs? Here are some tips from Ruoff: • Be patient. You might need to repeat yourself. It might take time to process information or questions, so you might need to allow extra time to receive a response.

• Children need to know they should ask an adult to help facilitate positive interactions if they are having difficulty. An adult can model language that will help the child participate in a group, when the he or she is at a loss for the right words.

• Children and teens with special needs have interests and talents just like everyone else. Engage them in conversation to discover what they like. Just treat them like you would anyone else!

PRESCHOOL

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JCC FIRST FOOT FORWARD

A VERY SPECIAL PLACE, INC. (AVSP)​​

The JCC of Staten Island offers First Foot Forward as part of our continuum of services for people with disabilities. First Foot Forward is a special education preschool program which provides services for children with speech/language, motor, and cognitive delays.

A Very Special Place, Inc. provides a comprehensive network of programs and services, including fiscal intermediary services for Self-Direction for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Jayne Smith, Chief Program Director

718.475.5265 • jsmith@sijcc.com 1466 Manor Road • 1297 Arthur Kill Road 2221 Richmond Avenue

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49 Cedar Grove Avenue • 10306 info@avspny.org • avspny.org facebook.com/AVSPSI instagram.com/averyspecialplace

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Claire Guttsman, MA CCC-SLP

1076 Forest Avenue • SI, NY 10310 718.447.5501

Person Centered Care Services PCCS is a nonprofit organization creating social change within communities by supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on their search for identity and acceptance. Join PCCS as we have our Back to School Virtual Info Sessions on November 10 and 17 at 1PM-3PM and 6PM-8PM. Each session will explain the programs available to your loved ones including Community Habilitation, Respite, Employment Supports, Residential Supports, Independent Living Supports, and Self- Directed Supports. To register, contact Lucia Rossi (LRossi@pccsny.org) or visit our website’s training page at www.pccsny.org.

150 Granite Avenue • Staten Island, NY 10303 718.370.1088 • info@pccsny.org facebook.com/pccsny • instagram.com/pccsny

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Professional Services DIRECTORY

SEEKING OUT NEARBY RESOURCES IN LEGAL SERVICES, SPEECH DEVELOPMENT, THERAPY OR OTHER SPECIFIC NEED? THESE LOCAL PROFESSIONALS WILL AID YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY.

ATTORNEYS KURT T. RICHARDS, P.C. Attorney at Law 1200 South Ave, Ste 201 • SI, NY 718.720.1000 • www.krichardspc.com

Divorce, Family Court, Child Custody, Spousal & Child Support, Domestic Violence, Adoptions, Name Changes, Annulments, Separation Agreements. Free Consultation for Divorce Actions. 24 Hour Phone Service.

ORTHODONTICS SALVATORE R. INDELICATO, D.M.D., P.C. 444 Huguenot Avenue • SI, NY 10312 718.967.5213 • www.bracesbydrindelicato.com

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PRECARE SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY, PC 718.259.4001 1829 Richmond Rd SI, NY 10306 3099 Coney Island Ave Bklyn, NY 11235 www.slpmd.com

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.

A team of professionals evaluate, diagnose & treat patients with communication disabilities, such as articulation disorders, phonological awareness, apraxia, dysarthria, feeding, traumatic brain injury, speech issues from hearing loss, auditory processing disorders, receptive/expressive delays, impaired language, voice disorders, jaw instability, stuttering/cluttering & lisps. If your child is experiencing issues with fluency (stuttering/cluttering), articulation, apraxia (motor planning for sound), oral-motor weakness, feeding or swallowing issues or receptive & expressive language delays, our certified speech language pathologists can work with your child to improve these issues.

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ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

Developmental/ Special Needs A Friendly Face.................................... 34 A Very Special Place........................... 41 Angela Capece, LMHC, MSEd............ 27 Claire Guttsman................................... 41 Dr. Michael Desimone......................... 44 Eden ll.................................................... 39 Grace Foundation............................... 37 JCC..................................28, 29, 30 41, 48 Los Ninos Services................................ 37 Mastermind Behavior Services.... 31, 37 Person Centered Care Services......... 41 Pre Care Speech.................................. 44 Rainbow’s Reach................................. 39 Sandra Mazzucco................................ 44 Sunny Days........................................... 39 The Resource Room............................. 29 YMCA Counseling................................ 44

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46 October 2020 • siparent.com

• index full.indd 2

Health

Team REAL USA..................................... 30

Dr. Lisa Lazzara (Kids Dental).............. 11

Tutors

Salvatore R Indelicato,DMD............... 44 SIUH.......................................................... 2 Vanguard Dermatology..................... 33

Huntington Learning............................ 29 The Write Place..................................... 29

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