Northeast Ohio Parent - September 2023

Give Them Tools to Learn

I remember thinking about this one report card when I was a kid. I knew it would be waiting for my Mom when she got home. I thought, “if I run away, no one would miss me.” But that wasn’t entirely true – OK, not true at all. I knew if I didn’t come home, my stuffed dog, a Pound Puppy named Barney, would miss me, and probably my mom, too (maybe not my sisters). I did go home and got into a little trouble, but not the soul-crushing kind a kid expects. As the school year begins for my sons, I think about this. And, if you are like me, you’ve been asking your child what their plans are for the future. We don’t know what the future will hold, but we still have high hopes that our kids will succeed and we think some type of education is the winning ticket.

In fact, a 2023 Pew Research study, “Parenting in America Today,” says “roughly nine in ten parents say it’s extremely or very important to them that their children be financially independent when they are adults, and the same share say it’s equally important that their children have jobs or careers they enjoy. About four in ten (41%) say it’s extremely or very important to them that their children earn a college degree.”

We have a slight advantage over our parents as we are able to see every missing homework or failed test through online resources. But, social media can tell us daily how we might have failed somehow or missed the boat on something wonderful for our kids. While I think our parents had these same thoughts and pressures, I think our kids might be feeling the heat more than we did.

So, as we head to the months of overflowing forms, homework and after-school activities, I do want to take time to recognize it’s not all about winning everyday, but it’s about how we help our kids get there. I know for a fact that I’m not close to perfect. I have failed more times in life that I would like to admit. I would hope I learned from most of those failures. That’s what I want to focus on this school semester. Helping my kids learn, even if they might fail.

That’s why those school tools are important and the headline of this issue. Whether they are studying English or STEM, there are certain things that are needed to get excited about education.

We hoped to give you some resources, from tips for high school juniors who are thinking about college and helping elementary school students feel better about their school lunch, to providing options to parents on which school is the right fit for their child. Also, our upcoming Education and Enrichment Expo, Oct. 8, provides plenty of opportunities for kids and their parents to explore what schools have to offer.

Also, I can’t say enough about self-care as a family. One of the ways to accomplish this is by spending time together. We have plenty of fall fun activities to get you started.

Finally, as we trudge through this first half of the school year, a reminder to parents — hang in there. Remember your own school days, when everything wasn’t always rosy, and make sure your kids have something to hug when they get home.

september 2023

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Parenthood can be a wild ride. There are moments when time stands still, you blink, and before you know it, your child is growing quickly and well on their way to becoming a teenager. As you navigate times of significant growth, it is helpful to understand developmental norms and tips for helping your child through times of growth and change.

Dr. Simee Malik, a pediatrician at University Hospitals Lake Health Physician Group Willoughby Pediatrics, recently shared her expertise, providing insight into growth spurts, timing, and typical and atypical patterns.

WHEN IT COMES TO THE TEENAGE YEARS, WHAT ARE THE DEVELOPMENTAL NORMS?

“Typically, girls will enter puberty earlier than boys. How early? For some girls, changes can begin as early as age 8. The first indication that changes are on the horizon are typically the development of breast buds. In fact, girls will generally have their first menstrual cycle within 2.5 years of developing breast buds. After a couple of years of having their period, most girls cease significant physical growth.

Boys generally enter puberty later than girls. Unlike girls’ physical changes that may be more easily noticed, the changes in boys are not as easily recognizable (the initial change that occurs in boys is testicle size). Boys may continue to physically grow through their late teens and even into their early 20s, generally going through two significant periods of growth.

These differences in growth spurts are typically evident in middle school where some girls may tower over boys or be far more developed than boy classmates.”

DO CHILDREN GAIN WEIGHT BEFORE SPROUTING TALLER?

“It is true. Children can grow up and out, or out and then up. During puberty

Growth Spurts

What to know during these rollarcoaster days of teens’ lives

By Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

and times of significant growth, new fat cells are produced. These fat cells do not go away, though they grow bigger and smaller throughout your life.”

SOMETIMES KIDS COMPLAIN ABOUT THEIR LEGS HURTING OR “BONE PAIN.” IS THAT A SIGN OF GROWING?

“It can definitely be growing pains but the main thing to remember about growing pains is that they are usually not in one spot and not constant. The pain will come and go and it may change locations, sometimes being bilateral and sometimes just being one sided. Pain may also worsen with prolonged activity but increasing fluids and electrolytes may help lessen these symptoms.

Parents should be concerned if pain is in one particular spot and persistent. Growing pains do not usually affect joints, so no hip pain or knee pain. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, please see your pediatrician.”

WHAT IS “NORMAL” GROWTH? WHAT SHOULD BE OF CONCERN?

“Normal growth is tracked by yearly check-ups. Starting from birth through the teen years, an annual well child check-up is the best way to document your child’s growth patterns and confirm normal growth.

Additionally, it is the best way to see anything that may require further investigation. Anytime your child’s weight fluctuates significantly — especially with no known habit changes (i.e. increase in activity or food intake) is a time when it is recommended to check in with your pediatrician.

PARENTS MAY BE CONCERNED ABOUT WEIGHT GAIN IN THEIR CHILD AS THEY ENTER INTO THEIR TEEN YEARS/ENTER PUBERTY? WHAT SHOULD THE KNOW?

“Avoid talking about weight in numbers. Remember, there are many different body

types. Focus on healthy habits. Be mindful of and communicate the influences of social media.

In talking with your child about nutrition, choose words focused on eating the best foods to help their body grow.

Work to help your teen find an activity(ies) that provides them a healthy and safe way to be active. Educate and model for your teen about the value of exercise, not only for physical but for mental and emotional health.”

WHAT CONVERSATION STARTERS DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR PARENTS OR TEENS DEALING WITH SELF-ESTEEM AND THEIR PHYSICAL BODY’S CHANGES?

“Always focus conversation around what our bodies need to be strong and healthy. It can be easy — and dangerous — for teens to compare their body type to what they are seeing in the media and/or in social media feeds.

Help teens learn the value of nutrition and that as the vehicle to physical well-being. As teens’ lives become busier and busier, sometimes they choose to skip meals, both for convenience and also for purposes to try to lose weight. Neither of those items are good solutions when it comes to health and wellness and support a body’s needs during growth spurts and puberty.

Finally, model what you want for your teen. Be careful about the language you use about your own body image and be thoughtful about your own relationship with food. Your relationship with food matters too.”

About the author: Jeannie Fleming-Gifford is a mom, blogger (“Simplicity Soup” at Northeast Ohio Parent), non-profit executive, arts advocate, writer, coffee consumer and wannabe adventurer.

CLEVELAND NATIVE WRITES ODE TO HIS DAD IN NEW BOOK ‘GRANDPA GROUND HOG’

By Lori Orlinsky

What happens when a gruff grandpa and a grumpy groundhog compete for backyard territory?

Growing up, Cleveland native Kevin Geiger witnessed the unlikely relationship that formed between his Dad and a large groundhog that took up residence in the backyard of his Ohio home.

The Disney animator whose credits include Tangled and Chicken Little, tells this story in a new children’s book, Grandpa Groundhog, that he wrote and illustrated.

“I remember Dad grumbling: ‘Look at that guy! He acts like he owns the place!’ And I imagined the groundhog having the exact same observation about my Dad,” Geiger says. “Dad came to respect the squatter as a ‘fellow grandpa’ when he discovered signs of the groundhog’s family. Then one day, the groundhogs were gone

READING TIME FOR LITTLES

and, ironically, Dad misses them.”

Geiger often thinks about this story as he navigates love and loss with his children. He hopes that young readers will reso nate with the powerful lessons in the book related to the true meaning of understanding, friendship and compassion.

“Grandpa Groundhog is a moving tribute to the enduring power of love and the unbreakable bonds that connect us all,” Geiger says.

If you’re looking for some great reads for young readers, here are four suggestions that are sure to entertain and inspire from the Cleveland Public Library (cpl.org)

“THE

DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT”

By Drew Daywalt,

illustrated by Oliver

Jeffers

This hilarious book is about a box of crayons that decide to go on strike, each expressing their grievances to their owner.

“DON’T

LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS!”

By Mo Willems

This book invites children to say “no” to a persuasive pigeon. It’s funny and interactive, making it a perfect read-aloud.

“DRAGONS LOVE TACOS”

By Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri

It’s a whimsical and funny story about what dragons love and cannot stand.

“THE BOOK WITH NO PICTURES”

By B.J . Novak

Although it doesn’t have pictures, it delivers lots of giggles by making the reader say the silliest words and phrases.

‘Bed Rotting’ — TikTok’s Self-Care Trend, Is it Harmful for Kids’ Mental Health?

as a form of self-care, but when can it turn negative for their mental health?

“Bed rotting can become a problem if you are doing it in the context to avoid something, or you feel like you are not physically or emotionally able to get out of bed,” says Dr. Emily Mudd, a child psychologist at Cleveland Clinic Children’s.

With this in mind, taking a day off to rest in bed isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

She says that time to relax can help a child de-stress, but urges against using a concept like bed rotting as a primary coping skill.

Spending too much time in bed can lead to social isolation, which is a risk factor for mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.

She encourages parents to keep an open, non-judgmental dialogue with their kids about mental health and adds parents should seek the help of a medical professional if a child is showing symptoms of depression or anxiety.

The term “bed rotting” is taking off on social media. It’s when someone decides to spend all day in bed scrolling through social media or binge-watching their favorite show.

Some younger people are embracing it

“For example, if you’re staying in bed because you’re anxious about something or you’re doing it to avoid social interactions.”

Mudd notes constant pressure to be productive can be overwhelming, especially for kids.

“If you’re a parent and your child has been spending significant periods of time in bed, that is a raise for concern,” Mudd says. “Children have social, developmental and emotional needs that cannot be met by being solitary in bed. They have activity-based needs, like being with peers and academic learning. Although rest is important, these activities are crucial for social, emotional and cognitive development.”

—Cleveland Clinic, clevelandclinic.org

RECIPE O F T H E MONTH

By Melissa Koski Carney

Garden-Fresh Tomatoes, Two Ways

The summer gardening season is coming to an end, but I’m still getting a few fresh tomatoes from our backyard garden. There are two ways we like to enjoy these in our house — one is an open-faced sandwich that my husband loves for breakfast, and the second is my favorite salad for any time of day.

OPEN-FACED TOMATO MAYO SANDWICH

Serves 1-2

Here’s what you need:

1-2 large ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced

2 slices of toast

1-2 tablespoons mayonnaise (see note)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Here’s what you do: Spread your mayonnaise across each slice of toast. Add sliced tomatoes to toast. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper.

Recipe notes:

I personally don’t love mayonnaise, though Duke’s is my favorite because it’s sugar-free

and lacks the sweetness of other mayos. Feel free to swap out mayo for a spreading of butter if you’re also not a huge fan of mayonnaise.

TOMATO AND BURRATA SALAD

Serves 4

Here’s what you need:

2 4-ounce balls of fresh burrata cheese, cut in quarters

4 large ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges (4-6 wedges per tomato, depending on size)

Generous drizzle of olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil, optional

Here’s what you do:

Place burrata cheese quarters in a serving bowl, surrounded by tomato wedges. Drizzle the cheese and tomato with a good pour of olive oil. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper.

Garnish with basil if desired.

Recipe notes:

If you somehow have leftovers, it’s great the next day on a slice of toast.

If you have any other fresh in-season produce, you can consider adding to the salad. For example, the salad goes well with fresh peaches, arugula and even sliced off corn from the cob.

8 TIPS FOR COLLEGE-BOUND HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS

By: Kristina Dooley and Amber Gilsdorf

The often overlooked key to a successful high school junior year is keeping one eye on the now and one eye on the future. The now involves focus on your current academic coursework, exciting extracurricular activities, and social/family life. It also encompasses planning for the chapter after high school. Here are some tips that help juniors and their families approach this year with their college futures in mind.

1: CONSIDER YOUR ACADEMIC PLAN

When selecting coursework for junior year, students should focus on areas that are of the greatest interest to them, while also balancing rigor. In the eyes of college admission representatives, ‘A’ and ‘B’ grades in rigorous classes are preferable to the ever-so-tempting “easy A” schedule. In contrast, students should be careful to not overload their schedule with too many higher level courses (Honors, AP, IB) at the expense of their sanity and grades. It’s important to remember that the high school transcript that the school counselor sends to colleges where a student has applied will include grades and cumulative GPA through the end of junior year. For this reason it’s important that students stay on top of their school work and have a strong academic year.

2: NARROW YOUR EXTRACURRICULAR FOCUS

Each academic year, colleges are looking to admit a well-rounded class of students. If all students are well-rounded, it would make for a rather ordinary class. Instead, it’s okay to consider what makes a student “pointy.” Rather than continue to give 10% of themselves to 20 activities, students should invest 100% of themselves into the five or so activities that speak most to their head and heart. In other words, what are they most passionate about? That’s what the colleges will want to see on your applications.

3: PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE

Whether a student is incredibly outgoing or more reserved, junior year is the time to strengthen the impression they make on their teachers and school counselor (AKA the people writing their letters of recommendation). Students do not need to be the best or the most vocal to make an incredibly favorable impression. Instead, they can share their viewpoints in class discussions, ask questions, show engagement with content, and make an appointment with their counselor to talk about their goals for the future. Come letter writing time, the recommenders they have selected will have plenty of material with which to work.

4: BEGIN DRAFTING YOUR COLLEGE LIST

Junior year is the time when students should really begin looking closely at what colleges might be a good match for them. Large school? Small school? Located in a huge city? Suburb? Corn field? Liberal arts curriculum? Traditional curriculum? Every school has aspects that make them unique. The more students examine what matters to them in their future school, the more targeted their application list will be. A draft list is just that: a beginning. Remember that there are approximately 4,000 colleges in the U.S. alone — that’s pretty daunting. Students can begin narrowing that number down by simply identifying what they’re looking for in their ideal campus.

5: DEMONSTRATE INTEREST

Many colleges keep track of how interested students are in their institution. This “demonstrated Interest” factor is often used as part of the evaluation of applicants when determining their admissibility. A few easy ways students can demonstrate to a college that they are on their list is to visit their campus or meet with the admission representatives that visit their high schools. If students aren’t able to do this, it’s important to take the time to complete the prospective student inquiry forms available on the college websites under the admission tab. By completing this form students will be added to the college mailing list and begin receiving info on opportunities for campus visits or hosted events in their area.

6: PLAN YOUR CAMPUS VISITS

As mentioned above, campus visits are one way to demonstrate interest in a college. It’s also a great way to begin expanding and narrowing down a list of potential schools. Keep in mind that most campuses are open for formal tours Monday through Friday and occasionally Saturday mornings. Take advantage of days off of school during junior year by planning ahead for campus visits. One tip: this is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t try to squeeze too many visits into a trip and definitely limit yourself to two campuses per day. Your mind and your feet will thank you.

7.

MAKE A TESTING PLAN

According to the national non-profit FairTest, 85% of colleges and universities in the U.S. have made submitting scores from the ACT or SAT optional. Does this mean that students no longer need to bother with taking these standardized tests? Not at all. In fact, because most students don’t have their college lists fully formed by their junior year, it’s tricky to know if all of their selected schools will, in fact, be test-optional. In addition, some colleges still require test scores for scholarship purposes or for admission to special majors or programs. For this reason, students should take both tests at least once early in the junior year to determine which is their stronger test. Once they’ve done this they can retake as needed to increase their scores.

8. HAVE THE MONEY TALK

During the junior year it’s important for families to revisit (or begin) a discussion about the cost of college. Start by establishing clear communication about savings, cost, and expectations surrounding affordability. Discuss how shortterm costs (e.g., the registration cost of ACT and/or SAT testing, travel expenses for campus visits, etc.) will be covered. In addition, families should complete Net Price Calculators for each school they’re considering to get a better sense of “out of pocket” costs to their family. Once completed, these can help families determine the budget for annual out-of-pocket college expenses. Transparency and open discussion promote the greatest opportunities for students to learn about future planning and personal finance.

Kristina Dooley is the founder of Estrela Consulting, an Ohio-based college planning firm guiding students through the complex college search and application process. Amber Gilsdorf is the director of college planning at Estrela. (estrelaconsulting.com)

CHAGRIN VALLEY LEARNING COLLECTIVE

16519 S. Franklin St., Chagrin Falls morethanafarm.org/cvlc-main

Sept. 19: 2-4 p.m.

COMMUNION OF SAINTS SCHOOL

2160 Stillman Road, Cleveland Heights 216-932-4177, communionofsaintsschool.org

Nov. 12: 12-1 p.m.

School open houses

HAWKEN SCHOOL

Lower & Middle Schools

5000 Clubside Road, Lyndhurst

440-423-2950, hawken.edu

Sept. 27 & Oct. 18: 9 a.m.

Nov. 19: 1 p.m.

Upper School

12465 County Line Road, Gates Mills

440-423-2955, hawken.edu

Sept.19: 6 p.m. (Virtual)

Oct. 17: 12:15 p.m.

Nov. 5: 1 p.m.

Mastery School

11025 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland

440-423-8801, hawken.edu

Sept. 20 & Oct. 10: 9 a.m.

Sept. 15, Oct. 13, Nov. 17: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Lower School - Concord

10229 Prouty Road, Concord Twp., 440-357-0918, hershey-montessori.org

Oct. 18, Nov. 8: 9-11 a.m.

JULIE BILLIART SCHOOLS

Akron

380 Mineola Ave., Akron 330-333-5280, juliebilliartschool.org

Oct. 19: 6 p.m.

Brecksville

8611 Wiese Rd., Brecksville juliebilliartschool.org

GILMOUR ACADEMY

34001 Cedar Road, Gates Mills 440-473-8050, gilmour.org/visit

Oct. 8: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Nov. 12: 1 p.m.

Birchwood School of Hawken

4400 W. 140th St., Cleveland 216-251-2321, birchwoodschool.org

Oct. 15: 2 p.m.

HERSHEY MONTESSORI

Upper School - Huntsburg

11530 Madison Road, Huntsburg Twp., 440-636-6290, hershey-montessori.org

Sept. 1, Oct. 9, Nov. 13: 9-11 a.m.

Oct. 24, Nov. 14: 9:30 a.m.

Lyndhurst

4982 Clubside Road, Lyndhurst 216-381-1191, juliebilliartschool. org

Nov. 10: 9 a.m.

Westlake Campus

3600 Crocker Road, Westlake 440-471-4150, juliebilliartschool.org

Sept. 20: Noon

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Sunday, October 8 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Stillwater Place from 11 - 2

With dozens of schools, education-related businesses, after-school and other enrichment programs all under one roof, attendees will have the opportunity to discover a variety of options for their children’s educational and enrichment needs.

Silver Sponsors: Accel Schools, Creative Playrooms, Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio, Hawken School, Incarnate Word Academy, Lake Ridge Academy, Northeast Ohio Classical Academy, University School

Bronze Sponsor: St. Ignatius

Scan for more information and to register now:

School open houses

LAKEWOOD

CATHOLIC ACADEMY

14808 Lake Ave., Lakewood 216-521-0559, lcasaints.com

Oct. 15: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

LAUREL SCHOOL

Lyman Campus

1 Lyman Circle, Shaker Hts.

Oct 11: 5-7 p.m.

Butler Campus

7420 Fairmount Road, Novelty 216-464-1441, laurelschool.org

Oct. 18: 5-6:30 p.m.

Magnificat

20770 Hilliard Blvd, Rocky River 440-331-1572 magnificaths.org

Oct. 1: 11 a.m.-1:30 pm

OUR LADY OF THE ELMS

1375 W Exchange St., Akron 330-836-9384, theelms.org

Oct. 4: 5:30-7 p.m.

PADUA FRANCISCAN

HIGH SCHOOL

6740 State Road, Parma 440-845-2444, paduafranciscan.com

Oct. 15: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Oct. 16: 6-8 p.m.

RUFFING MONTESSORI

3380 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights 216-321-7571, ruffingmontessori.net

Nov. 11: Noon-2 p.m.

SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY

3470 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland 216-251-6788, sja1890.org

Oct. 22: 1-4 p.m.

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL

Hunting Valley Campus (Grades 9-12)

2785 SOM Center Road, Hunting Valley 216-831-2200, us.edu

Oct. 15: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Shaker Heights Campus (Junior Kindergarten-Grade 8) 20701 Brantley Road, Shaker Heights 216-321-8260, us.edu

Oct. 15: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

VILLA ANGELAST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL

18491 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland 216-481-8414, vasj.com

Oct. 8: 12 p.m.

Nov. 2: 6 p.m.

WALSH JESUIT

4550 Wyoga Lake Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-4205, walshjesuit.org

Sept 28: 5-7 p.m.

Expansion of School Choice in Ohio: What Does It Mean for Parents and Independent School Education

By Erin Sernoffsky

Making the right choice for your child’s education is an important decision compounded by innumerable factors—from special services your child may need, to which district you live in, to religion, to class size.

In July, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 33, the operating budget, which includes an expansion of state programs to assist more individual families in private school costs and expands eligibility for students, including those with disabilities in qualifying programs.

EdChoice Scholarship Programs

In Ohio, qualifying families have been able to apply for the Traditional EdChoice Scholarship, which started in 2005 and originally awarded families in “low performing school districts” vouchers to attend participating private and charter schools.

The EdChoice Expansion Scholarship program provides scholarships to families based on income, rather than school district.

According to the Ohio Department of Education, “if a family’s household income is at or below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level, they will be awarded the maximum scholarship amount.” For a family of four this translates to a household income of $150,000 or less qualifies for the maximum benefits—$6,165 for grades K-8, and $8,407 for grades 9-12. Families that earn less than 200% of the federal poverty line will not be required to pay any tuition beyond what the stipend covers. Scholarships for EdChoice Expansion are awarded

based on the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of a family’s household.

There are some requirements. EdChoice Expansion can only be used for tuition and does not cover any additional fees a school may require. Families must apply every year. Only participating schools accept EdChoice Scholarships, visit education.ohio.gov for the list.

Many have argued these initiatives take funding away from public schools in need of resources.

Scholarship Programs for Children with Special Needs

Many families don’t know they qualify for help or don’t realize all the ways state dollars can be used toward education. Jane, mom in Akron (who requested her last name not be used) knows all too well.

Both of Jane’s daughters are dyslexic and require additional support both in and out of the classroom, however it wasn’t until her oldest was in second grade that they realized state funds were available to them. Through a private tutor Jane found out about the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship (JPSN) which provides funding to parents of children identified to have a disability and can be used for education-related services including tuition and tutoring. The scholarship program received an increase in the amount of awards given to eligible students in the recent bill.

“It was a huge relief, and the scholarship really allowed us to make the best choice for her, in a public or private school,” Jane says. “We looked at all our options before deciding on the one that was the all-around

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best fit. Academically, I don’t think we could have made a better decision. Once she got the help she needed, she really excelled and I’m so proud of all the progress she’s made.”

In addition to the JPSN scholarship, Ohio also offers an Autism Scholarship. According to the bill’s language, the act adds a new qualification as well as qualifies a child under one, instead of both, existing qualifications under prior law. Also, a child will be eligible for the program if they have been diagnosed with autism by a physician or psychologist.

The Cleveland Scholarship awards vouchers to qualifying students in the Cleveland School District. According to the house bill, it permits a Cleveland Scholarship recipient to use the scholarship to attend any private school, without a restriction on the school’s location which is a change from the previous law.

Getting started in the application process can be intimidating.

Extra Support for Educational Enrichment

“I think there are a lot of amazing programs out there that parents either don’t know about or don’t know how to utilize,” Jane says. “I was in both categories at different times. The information can seem overwhelming initially, as well as properly advocating for your child.”

Often, the first place to look for help is with the school itself, most of which offer both merit and need-based financial aid of their own.

While tuition may be a key deciding factor in which school is best for your family, there are plenty of resources available to make it a financial reality.

Jane encourages parents to do their own research as they move through the process.

“Overwhelming as may seem, educate yourself as much as possible,” she says. “Trust your instincts. And don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel lost or don’t understand. It’s a lot of information and we all want to do what is best for our children.”

New State programs also open up pathways for learning and enrichment outside the classroom. The Ohio After School Enrichment Savings Program (ACE) provides up to $1,000 for students to attend after school programs such as camps, music lessons, or tutoring. ACE was originally developed to combat academic and social-emotional gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, the program was expanded by raising the income limits, increasing the amount of money available, and broadening the types of programming included.

ACE works like a savings account which parents can use to pay for certain programs for their kids.

“Parents may be reimbursed for allowable expense or opt to have the service provider paid directly by their ACE funds,” says Lily Bartholomew, program administrator for Educational Options and Policy with the Ohio Department of Education. “They can view how much money is in their account through the parent portal on Merit’s website. Parents can go to educationohio. gov to see what allowable activities they may use ACE funds for. There is also an Education Marketplace that parents can browse to view service providers in their area.”

The State of Ohio is also working to address pandemic learning gaps through a $26 million investment in “high-dosage tutoring.” Under the new program, school districts can apply for funding to offer free tutoring services to students at state funded tutoring programs. Additionally, individual school districts offer tutoring programs, such as Akron Public Schools’ free tutoring programs TutorMe and Support Squad.

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440-473-8000 gilmour.org

As an independent and Catholic school, Gilmour Academy is uniquely able to develop both the minds and hearts of its students.

Gilmour’s identity as an independent school reflects a commitment to rigorous academic programming, smaller class sizes and a variety of real-world learning opportunities. This personalized education allows students to tailor their experience to their interests. They have opportunities such as AP courses; electives ranging from molecular genetics to web development, and set design to digital music; semester-long internships in research labs; or the chance to develop their own concentrated set of experiences and coursework around one of five VECTOR themes.

To schedule a personal tour, go to gilmour.org/visit

Gilmour’s nature-based learning program includes opportunities for students in all three divisions. The school’s 144-acre campus now features a chicken coop, greenhouse, an apiary, Giving Gardens and an outdoor learning pavilion, and environmental science coursework and sustainability initiatives have been added to the curriculum.

The Lorraine and Bill Dodero Center for Performing Arts, which opened in March 2020, features a main stage theater, studio theater,

practice rooms and exhibition spaces. This state-of-the-art facility is utilized to advance student engagement and expression through the arts.

Gilmour’s unique combination of offerings allows each student to discover their passions within a rigorous academic setting that calls for students to write more, articulate better and develop their ideas further.

Gilmour’s Catholic identity means students are learning in an environment that is inclusive, thought-provoking and rooted in the Holy Cross tradition. Gilmour empowers students of all faiths and all ages to ask tough questions, think critically and grow spiritually. This gives them the strength to see how they can make a difference in the world.

Through its comprehensive curriculum, faith-based tradition, commitment to service and emphasis on leadership, Gilmour educates the whole person. A Gilmour graduate emerges with an understanding that they have both the talent and the responsibility to make the world a better place. At Gilmour, students from 18 months to 18 years do more than succeed - they thrive.

Mission Statement

To develop the competence to see and the courage to act in creating a more humane and just society.

34001 Cedar Road Gates Mills

Parent previews are held monthly starting in October.

More information at HB.edu/Admission

Hathaway Brown is an all girls K-12 day school in Shaker Heights. Since 1876, HB has educated and empowered girls with the Learn for Life Signature Approach that integrates distinguished academics, empowered girls, knowledge in action, and a celebrated community of students, alums, and faculty and parents.

The Signature Approach allows students to take ownership of their education with outstanding experiential learning opportunities such as the Storyline model in the Primary School, the Academies in Middle School, and the Fellowships for the Applied Studies in the Upper School.

The Signature Approach, facilitated by an incredibly impressive and engaged faculty, empowers girls to rise boldly to the challenges of the times, achieve their goals and reach their utmost potential.

The school’s distinguished academics are nationally recognized and are valued by families, top colleges and universities, and employers.

Seventy-one percent of HB teachers hold advanced degrees. And each faculty and staff member participates in deep and profound racial equity training.

HB’s beautiful 16-acre Shaker

Heights campus houses a fourstory glass-paneled atrium, visual and performing arts spaces, an IDEA Lab and Upper School learning commons. Furthermore, there’s an onsite adventure learning course, various dynamic classroom configurations, a working television studio, an aquatics center, tennis courts, and turf playing fields.

Hathaway Brown is home to 12 varsity athletics teams, along with the first e-sports team in the country established at an all-girls school. It also has a large and consistently excellent speech and debate team, an award-winning robotics program and several performing arts opportunities.

When girls graduate from Hathaway Brown School, they join an alumnae network of more than 4,000 women who live in 49 states and 27 foreign countries. Ranging in age from 17 to 105, HB alumnae are a celebrated community of civically engaged, trailblazing women who hold positions in every professional industry there is. Many were the first women to complete particular college degree programs or to earn executive-level positions in their respective organizations.

For more information, visit HB.edu or contact the Admission office at (216) 320-8767.

19600 North Park Boulevard, Shaker Heights HB.edu

OPEN HOUSE INFORMATION:

“HB’s motto is to “learn not for school, but for life.” From kindergarten to senior year, students are immersed in opportunities that apply concepts learned in the classroom to the real world — uniting learning by thinking with learning by doing. HB gives students the tools they need to succeed in the world beyond our walls.”

— Head of School Dr. Fran Bisselle

37501 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville 440-327-1175 lakeridgeacademy.org

Nestled on a beautiful 93-acre campus in North Ridgeville, Lake Ridge Academy is the only K-12 private school on Cleveland’s west side. Students travel from over 40 communities and 11 countries to receive an outstanding education lead by relationships, where wellness and belonging are priorities.

A commitment to small classes led by exceptional teachers who know their students well results in a deeply personal and challenging educational experience. Their unique K-12 community offers consistent cross-grade and cross-divisional interactions, building opportunities for leadership and collaborative learning.

is authentic, relevant, and important to them beyond graduation.

K-12 Preview Day: Monday, October 23

Enrollment: 375

Grades served: K-12

Student to teacher ratio: 8:1

Tuition: $11,600 - $22,000

Power Points:

At Lake Ridge Academy, students thrive in an environment of intellectual inquiry and academic challenge. Families with high standards purposefully seek us out to provide an engaging and appropriately challenging educational experience. We believe each student is an individual, with unique abilities, strengths, and interests that, when leveraged, lead to optimal learning outcomes. Students learn through experiences that intersect with their curiosity and interests, so that learning

• 93-acres of outdoor learning space, including a 3-acre pond, sugar shack, chicken coop, barn and silo, pollinator and prairie garden, rain cistern, and a storybook trail with nine parkour stations.

Supported by the serenity of the 93-acre campus, we weave cognitive, physical, social, and emotional wellness into all aspects of the Lake Ridge experience. We recognize that feelings of belonging and practices of inclusivity must be a part of all that we do. A community where every individual feels a strong sense of belonging is one where the joy of teaching and learning thrives.

Mission Statement

To send into a changing world confident young people of integrity who think critically and creatively while embracing the joy of lifelong learning.

• Authentic learning that extends beyond our campus, with student trips to the Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory, Camp Asbury, and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s birthplace in Boston, as well as voyages abroad to places like Berlin, Budapest, and Thailand.

• Five advanced certificate programs in Scientific Research, Engineering and Innovation, Fine Arts, Global Scholars and Business and Entrepreneurship.

• 75% of graduates accepted to their first-choice school, and last year’s graduating class earned over $3 million in scholarships.

SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST

One story can create a ripple effect of positive change throughout an entire community. That’s exactly what the Stop the Hate program and contest is all about – providing a platform for Northeast Ohio middle and high school students to share their stories of courage and compassion, with the chance to win $100,000 in scholarships for themselves, awards for teachers, and anti-bias education grants for schools. Join us September 6 at 7PM for the 16th annual Stop the Hate Kick-off Event to learn about museum tours, classroom workshops, and scholarship contests!

You’ll hear:

• Last year’s Top 20 Essay Contest Finalists

• Earn a Stop the Hate participant certificate great for college or job applications

• A Teacher of the Year sharing how participation has improved classrooms.

• How to schedule a Stop the Hate Museum Tour in-person or online

• How to participate in free essay and song writing workshops led by teaching artists from Lake Erie Ink and Roots of American Music

• Access the do-it-yourself Stop the Hate digital tour and other resources on our website

• About more educational opportunities

• How to win $100,000 in scholarships, prizes, and anti-bias education grants for students and schools

• Your questions answered!

Want to learn more but cannot make the date? This session will be recorded. Please register for the program, and we will email you a link to the recording so you can watch it on your own time!

For more information: education@mmjh.org

Grand Nannies — Sharing the Care

In today’s fast-paced world, where schedules are often packed and time seems to fly by, the role of grandparents has taken on a new dimension that is extending beyond traditional family dynamics.

Whether they’re in the school drop off line, on the sidelines of a soccer game or at home prepping meals and handling bedtime routines, grandparents seem to be stepping in more than ever to help with childcare.

In an era where dual-income households are common, the role of grandparents as babysitters has become a crucial pillar of support for working parents. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, 65 percent of married-couple families with children under 18, have both parents employed. Also, one out of four children under the age of 5 is cared for by a grandparent while parents work or go to school.

Between the rising cost of childcare, finding reliable childcare, and balancing two busy work schedules, parents are finding convenience and peace of mind knowing their children are being cared for by loving family members.

Mickey Haba of Solon says when his daughter was born in June of 2021, his parents and his in-laws were both willing and able to help out.

While the world was beginning to open back up from the COVID-19 pandemic, it still felt like a scary place for Mickey, his wife Dana and their newborn, so having their daughter stay in their family circle while they went back to work seemed like the safest option.

“We are very grateful to have two sets of the family that very much want to be around our child,” he says.

He says having the grandparents help out also provides a lot of flexibility that they wouldn’t be able to get with traditional childcare.

“The greatest thing about the grandparents is they are also very agile if I say, ‘Hey, I have an early morning meeting and so does Dana, so is it cool if you come here instead of us bringing her there? The answer is never ‘no.’ So, that’s huge for us,” he says.

Benefits for Grandparents

For grandparents, being actively involved in the lives of their grandchildren can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. The companionship and joy they receive from spending time with younger family members can combat feelings of isolation and loneliness that some older adults experience.

Karen Dooley, grandma in Medina, has done it all with her grandchildren. From infancy to now getting her schoolaged grandkids on and off the bus and to extracurricular activities, Dooley, who is almost 70 years old, is enjoying every moment of getting to experience the joys

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How grandparents are stepping in to fill child care gaps.

of helping to raise children again.

“The key is just loving every moment you get to spend with them, because you see how fast your children grew up,” she says. “And it’s not that you didn’t take in those moments, but they went by way too fast. And now just taking in those little things that make you laugh and make you smile.”

Dooley’s daughter and son-in-law both work fulltime and have three elementary age children that live just a few miles from her and her husband. She says she was thrilled that her daughter decided to stay close to home to raise her family.

“I always said when I had my grandchildren, I would be a big part of their life if I could be,” she says. “My influence was my mother who was the best grandmother, and my grandmother. We look back on

those days, my husband and I both were raised by wonderful mothers, but we also had grandparents that lived right around the corner.”

Dooley’s son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren live in Cincinnati and she and her husband visit them about every six weeks and help however they can. When she has the grandkids, Dooley says she and her husband, who are now both retired, enjoy taking them to explore various local playgrounds and parks where they go on creek walks, go fishing and take bike rides. They also enjoy visiting the library, and in the fall they love to get a pass for Ramseyer Farm and enjoy the activities there.

Making It All Work

Some grandparents might still be work-

ing full or part time and not able to add the “extra job” of childcare to their plate. They also might be caring for their elderly parents and are carrying the physical and mental load that comes with it.

Maybe they’re worried about their physical or mental abilities of keeping up with a small child or they want to enjoy an active adult retirement. Whatever the situation may be, it’s important to be respectful of grandpa and grandma’s time and abilities and also grateful for the help they’re willing and able to provide.

Haba says one thing they’ve learned to help make the dynamic work is open communication and building trust.

“It took me a while to be able to be like, ‘okay, when you have her, you got the system that works for you,’” he says. “They know what I’m comfortable with too. So I

I think it’s just that open line of communication of what both people are comfortable with. At the end of the day, my parents raised three kids and my wife’s parents raised six kids. They know what they’re doing. Everybody still just has their own style of how they raise children.

KAREN DOOLEY AND HER HUSBAND AND SIX GRANDKIDS.

think it’s just that open line of communication of what both people are comfortable with. At the end of the day, my parents raised three kids and my wife’s parents raised six kids. They know what they’re doing. Everybody still just has their own style of how they raise children.”

Thinking of having the grandparents babysit? Here’s a few tips and things to consider.

1. Have them take a Grandparenting Class. Many hospitals and some community centers offer grandparenting classes to help grandparents learn the latest safety and infant care practices. Topics can include safe sleep, feeding and nutrition, baby proofing and basic baby care.

2. Go over house rules. They did a fantastic job of raising you under their roof but it’s important to establish your house rules since you know what’s best for your children. Go over feeding, bedtime, discipline and other things that are important to your child’s routine.

3. Discuss payment. Not all grandparents can afford to take on childcare for free, especially if grandma and grandpa are just retiring or cutting back on their jobs to help you out. If they will not accept money, ask if there are other expenses you can take care of for them or ways to show appreciation (hire a lawn or housekeeping service for them, keep their refrigerator and pantry stocked, give them gas, grocery or restaurant gift cards, send them on a nice weekend getaway or pay their way on a family vacation).

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4. Be considerate of their time and abilities. If you’re running late or are going to be gone for extended periods of time, make sure to be respectful of their time by checking in and communicating. Late nights or long days with small children could be difficult for some older adults so make sure you know their limits and when they need a break.

5. Express gratitude. A big hug and a genuine “thank you” means a lot.

PARENT & CHILD EVENTS

WEDNESDAYS

Rhythm & Rhyme. A story, music and movement class for preschoolers. 10/4-12/6. 10-11 a.m. Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls, divi.geaugalibrary.net

Preschool Storytime. Stories, songs, activities, and rhymes. 10:30-11:30 a.m. South Brooklyn Branch Library, 4303 Pearl Road, Cleveland, cpl.org

Fall Music and Movement

Storytime. Stories, songs and activities. 10-10:30 a.m. Garfield Heights Branch Library, 5409 Turney Road, cuyahogalibrary.org

THURSDAYS

Waddlers. Songs, stories, rhymes and playtime. Through 11/30. 10-10:30 a.m. Lee Road Branch Library, 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Hts., heightslibrary.org

THURSDAY & FRIDAY

Play and Learn Station. Designed to support early childhood development, build community, and make connections. 10 a.m.-noon Shaker Library, 16500 Van Aken Blvd., shakerlibrary.org

FRIDAYS

Finger Paint Fridays. Bring your little one to explore their creativity. Through 12/29. 10 a.m.noon. Mentor Headlands Branch Library, 4669 Corduroy Road, Mentor, mentorpl.org

MONDAYS

Baby and Me Story Time. A fun interactive session using songs, rhymes, puppets and musical instruments. 10-10:30 a.m. Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., wadsworthlibrary.com

Baby Story Time. Stories, fingerplays, songs, and more. 9/11-11/13. 11 a.m. Twinsburg Public Library, 10050 Ravenna Road, 330-4254268, twinsburglibrary.org

MONDAYWEDNESDAY

Tales Alive for 2-5s. Stories, songs, playtime and craft. 10:3011 a.m. Cuyahoga Falls Library, 2015 Third St., cuyahogafallslibrary.org

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY

Stroller Strides at Crocker Park. A functional, total-body conditioning workout designed for moms with kids in tow. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Westlake, crockerpark.com

MONDAYTHURSDAY

Frogs & Polliwogs. Hands-on activities, music, games and simple crafts. Ages 2-3 with an adult. 9:30 or 11 a.m. Monday-Wednesday, and 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village, lensc.org

MONDAY & THURSDAY

Preschool Story Time. Stories, songs, dance and more. 10 a.m. Through 11/16. Peninsula Library, 6105 Riverview Road, 330-4677323, peninsulalibrary.org

TUESDAYS

Baby Time. Lap bounces, active rhymes, songs, books and group play time. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Ellet Branch Library, 2470 E. Market St., Akron, akronlibrary.org

Toddler Tuesday Storytime. Stories, songs, movement and crafts. 10:30-11 a.m. Reed Memorial Library, 167 E. Main St., Ravenna, reedlibrary.org

SATURDAYS

Family Storytime. Join in for rhymes, songs and play. Ages 2-6 with a caregiver. Through 12/16. Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road, westlakelibrary.org

Parent and Me at Talespinner Children’s Theatre. Theatre fun for parent and child (ages 0-3). 9/9-10/28. 9-9:45 a.m. 5209 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, talespinnerchildrenstheatre.org

By Faith Boone

STEAM Tools

STUDENTS IN THE REGION ARE BREAKING SCHOOL NORMS AND LEARNING NEW SKILLS WITH INNOVATION

STEAM-based education is rooted in something children love –—to play. It’s the handson learning and real-world application approach that invites students across all grades to be creative, try new things, fail, try again, and discover what it means to follow a plan all the way through. Offering STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities and opportunities at the earliest levels of grade school shows students the importance of equality, experimentation, critical thinking, and effective collaboration.

STEAM is truly laying a foundation that helps students excel at a different level. We spoke with several STEAM teachers at elementary schools across Northeast Ohio that identify STEAM as a huge advocate for building strong student relationships, good behav-

ioral habits, and positive educational outcomes.

STEAM is creating positive shifts in student culture, and is helping students envision living their lives with tools and skills that will help them excel in areas they may have thought were once untouchable.

Claiming Your Space

As a STEM teacher at Boulevard and Fairfax elementary schools in Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools, Molly Fischetti brings a background of working with STEM and young children. Her first job outside of Washington D.C. was at a STEM school with an elaborate program that helped her see what it was like for students to be involved in STEM activities every day.

“STEM brings back the fun and spark in teaching,” she says.

Fischetti has been putting together the curriculum over the last year, with 2023 being only the second year for the STEM program in the schools. She also pulls “amazing ideas” from the district’s robotics program curriculum to complete the STEM experience.

She was asked to design the new maker space for the schools. The

students now have a 3D printer, laser cutters (crickets), green screens, iPads, and more to use when creating and innovating.

Fischetti says that the STEM program is showing students how to work together in new ways in her district.

“In my class, [students] know..‘I’m going to work in a team and I’m not always going to get to pick and that’s okay,’” she says. “I think that’s powerful in itself. But also, just the robotics spanning kindergarten through fifth grade, they all know that they use the same program. The one day I

had my fourth and fifth grade gifted class come and support the (grades kindergarten through first grades) classes. There’s community there too, because in this space, it really lends itself to kind of collaborate and work together and help each other.”

Mentioning that a lot of student interaction was missed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fischetti strives to bring more of that back into the classroom and have her students develop their teamwork and collaboration skills.

What a Difference STEAM in Preschool Can Make

At Hathaway Brown, students can begin to tackle STEAM activities and explore the idea lab as preschoolers. For example, students made a quilt together by using embroidery machines and piecing together sections of cloth. That means children as young as four years old are learning the mechanics of tools and building a mental construct around completing a long-term project from start to finish.

Leah Jackson, a STEAM teacher with Hathaway Brown for the last nine years and an alumna, helped to create the curriculum for the students in the lower school. Jackson says enrollment in STEAM courses and the interest from students has significantly increased over the years. For one, she finds more Black students enter the class when they see a teacher of color leading the program.

Also, Hathaway Brown is keen on mentorship and cross-age education. When younger students see older students using the idea lab or speaking with Jackson about a potential project, they too want in on the fun.

“That mentorship between big girl and little girl or big girl and little boy, in the case of early childhood, I think has really strengthened this program,” Jackson says. “I get a lot more students of color in my program, because they see me, and that’s great. But I think that the thing that is going to sustain the program is for the younger girls to see the older girls and see how excited they are about it and how interested they are. What’s been really special is that a lot of it is about connecting students across grade levels, across divisions, in order to not only help the little ones but to help the big ones too.”

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Providing What You Want for Your Students

David Harris, Lake Ridge Academy Lower School Science Coordinator says students study the natural world from the start of their school journey.

“All of these studies yield the results we want for our students: enthusiastic learning, using mathematics and writing to figure out and explain their discoveries, and perhaps the greatest discovery of all — that every day at school is a day to look forward to,” he says.

Harris saw the positive enhancements in student culture and behavior.

“The skills they have been working on become a strong foundation, especially being able to work with others and problem solve,” he says. “The projects and the social complexity may become more complicated, so the challenge is intentionally presented to practice these skills with continued support. These skills also transfer to other aspects of their life.”

Harris says when it comes to STEAM activities, student excitement is intrinsic.

SCHOOL LUNCH Struggles

(Getting Kids to Eat What you Pack)

By Melissa Koski Carney

HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR HEALTHY KID-FRIENDLY FOODS, PLUS MEAL IDEAS TO START THE SCHOOL YEAR OFF RIGHT.

WWith back-to-school season here, families everywhere are preparing for the challenge of packing healthy lunches that their kids will actually enjoy. Here are eight tips to make that task a little less daunting:

1. Plan and Prep Ahead

School mornings are crazy enough between packing a backpack, finding homework, and catching the bus on time. Lunch can easily be planned ahead. Take time each week to brainstorm and write out lunch ideas, including your kids as part of the process. Make as much of the lunch as you can the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is pack it in the backpack and you’re out the door.

2. Make it Balanced, While Including Lots of Options

Strive to include a mix of protein, whole grains, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables. Opt for high-fiber foods to keep your kids feeling fuller longer. Don’t be afraid to provide many options. Kids’ eating preferences vary daily, and what was their favorite on Monday may not be their favorite on Friday. Many schools send home the leftovers so you can see what they ate and not.

3. Keep it Familiar

While it’s good to introduce new foods to your kids on an ongoing basis, the first days and weeks of school may not be the best time, especially for a not-so-adventurous eater. Try to include at least one food you know they’ll enjoy so they don’t go hungry at lunchtime.

4. Make it Fun

Don’t be afraid to get creative. Use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches into different shapes, such as hearts, etc. Try including a rainbow of colors or color-themed days; for example, “red day,” where you include foods like strawberries, sliced red pepper, raspberry yogurt and cherry tomatoes. Take advantage of a bento-box lunch box to use small containers to separate different components, or make your own with whatever small containers you have on hand.

5. Involve Your Kids

Get your kids involved in the lunch-making process. Depending on their age, they can help make a grocery list, plan meals, spread nut butter on bread, chop vegetables, or even put the full lunch together.

6. Don’t Be Afraid of Pre-Packaged Foods

While some pre-packaged foods can be high in added sugars, sodium, and additives, not all are bad for you, especially in moderation. Some of our favorite healthier pre-packaged foods include string cheeses, plain Greek yogurt, Mush ready-to-eat overnight oats, Chomps meat sticks, and Z bars.

7. Sneak in Extra Nutrition

There are many healthy ingredients that can be added to treats. For example, when making muffins, add fiber with chia seeds or ground flaxseed. Incorporate additional nutrients into baked goods like brownies or quick breads by adding vegetables such as blended spinach or grated zucchini and carrot.

8. Give Yourself Grace

Yes, it’s healthy to eat fruits and vegetables at lunch, but don’t beat yourself up if your kids don’t eat both every day. Focus on nutritious options, but know that treats can be a part of a well-rounded lunch. Choose healthier alternatives like dark chocolate-covered fruits (we love dark chocolate-covered dried mango), or homemade options that you can control what’s in them (we love whole grain banana zucchini muffins).

BEFORE YOU GET IN A RUT, HERE ARE FIVE FUN AND HEALTHY LUNCH IDEAS TO GET YOU STARTED:

DBuild-Your-Own Wraps:

Let your kids make their own wrap at lunch and pack a variety of fillings, including lean lunch meat such as turkey, cheese, lettuce and sliced veggies. Include tortillas or romaine lettuce for wrapping.

Breakfast for Lunch:

Let your kid have fun with breakfast at lunchtime. Pack scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, fruit, and whole-grain mini-pancakes. You can make the pancakes with a mix like Kodiak Cakes and sneak in shredded zucchini.

Dip It:

Create a lunch centered on a dip. For example, include hummus with cut-up veggies, diced pita, pretzels, and cheese. Or, include a lower-sugar fruit yogurt with sliced strawberries, graham crackers and toast slices.

D“Fancy” Quesadillas: Spruce up a traditional quesadilla with added nutrients, such as ground turkey or black beans plus diced peppers and onions. Include some guacamole, plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and guacamole for dipping.

And a bonus snack idea -- DIY Snack Mix: Make your own snack mix with ingredients your kids like. Aim for a mix of salty and sweet, with protein and fiber for staying power. Here are some ideas of what to include; have your kids pick two to three from each column and switch it up so you’re never bored!

• Salty

• Sweet

• Nuts (almonds, peanuts, pecans)*

• Seeds (pepitas/pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)

• Pretzel rods

• Sesame sticks

• Bagel chips

• Roasted edamame or chickpeas

• Dried fruit (blueberries, cherries, cranberries, banana chips, chopped dates or apricots)

• Yogurt covered raisins

• Dark chocolate-covered fruit

• Mini marshmallows

• Whole grain cereal (Chex, Cheerios, Puffins, Life)

• Granola

DMake-Your-Own Parfait:

Pack a container of Greek yogurt, homemade granola or whole-grain cereal, fresh fruit and additional toppings your child enjoys eating. Then, let them put together their own parfait during lunchtime.

*NOTE: Confirm with your school if there are specific allergy-related requirements before bringing any nuts.

PHOTOS BY MELISSA KOSKI CARNEY

TIME TO MAKE YOUR KIDS LIFELONG READERS

It’s all elementary! This age group has the opportunity like no other — to fall in love with reading. Before your kids start to engage in more screen time, set them up to be a reader by providing them opportunities to consume books whenever possible. From creating a family book club, reading contests, creating a place to read or just modeling good book behaviors, will help your child stay in the reading habits.

THE LEMONADE WAR

by Jacqueline Davies

Six book series of a brother and sister. Evan Treski is people-smart. He’s good at talking with people, even grownups. His younger sister Jessie, on the other hand, is mathsmart—but not especially good at understanding people. She knows that feelings are her weakest subject. Evan and Jessie launch an all-out war to see who can sell the most lemonade before school starts. As the battleground heats up, there really is no telling who will win—and even more important, if their fight will ever end.

HOW TO EAT A BOOK

by Mrs. & Mr. MacLeod

Sheila sat down to eat her first book and the strangest thing happened . . . The book ate her. One by one, cousins Sheila, Gerald, and Geraldine Grunion are eaten . . . by their books. This peculiar turn of events flings them far and wide. Sheila escapes the weight of the world entirely, while Gerald braves the wonder of seeing it up close. And Geraldine, well, Geraldine turns as terrifically terrible as she possibly can. Join the Grunions on adventures no child can resist.

THE BAD SEED

by Jory John and illustrated by Pete Oswald

This funny yet touching tale reminds us of the remarkably transformative power of will, acceptance, and just being you. Perfect for young readers, as well as anyone navigating their current world, The Bad Seed proves that positive change is possible for each and every one of us.

OPEN WIDE: TOOTH SCHOOL INSIDE

by Laurie Keller

This hilarious book is full of interesting facts (for instance, George Washington’s teeth were not made of wood, despite popular belief) and a classroom full of quirky characters. Young readers will laugh their way to a better appreciation for those pearly whites that beckon them to brush. And from there it’s just a short hop to flossing.

IF I BUILT A SCHOOL

by Chris Van Dusen

If Jack built a school, there would be hover desks and pop-up textbooks, skydiving wind tunnels and a trampoline basketball court in the gym, a robot-chef to serve lunch in the cafeteria, field trips to Mars, and a whole lot more.

PIG THE PUG

by Aaron Blabey

Pig is a greedy and selfish Pug. He has all the bouncy balls, bones, and chew toys a dog could ever want yet he refuses to share with his poor friend, Trevor. Little does he know, however, that being greedy has its consequences. Join Pig as he learns to share — the hard way. Young readers will love the irresistibly quirky and funny illustrations that are paired with a relatable lesson of learning to share with others. For dog and pet lovers everywhere.

MAGIC TREE HOUSE SERIES

by Mary Pope Osborne

When Jack and Annie discover a mysterious tree house filled with books, they never dream that it will take them on exciting adventures around the world and throughout history. The story begins with “Dinosaurs Before Dark”, when Jack and Annie are whisked back to the prehistoric past. With more than 50 books in the series, kids will never get tired of traveling the world and completing missions with their new friends Jack and Annie.

HI FLY GUY

by Tedd Arnold

One day a fly goes flying, looking for something to eat, and a boy goes walking, looking for something to catch for the pet show. After the boy catches the fly, he is amazed to find out that the fly calls him by his name—Buzz. Buzz’s parents think the fly is a pest, not a pet. However, the fly soon proves how smart he is with some quick flying—and earns the name Fly Guy.

I SURVIVED SERIES

by Lauren Tarshis

Each book in the series tells a terrifying and thrilling story from history, through the eyes of a kid who lived to tell the tale. Topics include historical events such as the sinking of the Titanic, the 2018 California wildfires and many more. Your budding reader won’t be able to put down these page turning graphic novels.

PETE THE CAT: TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL

By Kimberly and James Dean

If you want to be cool, just be you! That’s the message of this funny, relatable Pete the Cat school story—and kids will laugh and agree. You and your kids will giggle at Pete and his clothing choices, resolved with a positive empowering message.

Looking for a few ways to get your child to start reading?Here’s a few suggestions.

Looking for more ways to celebrate reading with your child?

Find activities and events at local city libraries, parks, regional atttractions and more at NortheastOhioParent.com

Elementary School Guide Listings

CLEVELAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Cleveland Montessori has been serving the Little Italy and Greater Cleveland community for over 25 years, providing an education for life, which celebrates diversity, growth and joy. Students from preschool through eighth grade are met with respect and compassion as they strive to meet their individual potential in beautifully prepared classrooms that offer social, emotional and academic experiences in a unique urban setting. Apply now for 2023-24. 216-421-0700, info@clevelandmontessori.org, clevelandmontessori.org

CREATIVE PLAYROOMS

Creative Playrooms

Montessori and Child Care Centers give children a leg up as they begin to climb the ladder of lifetime learning. Their gifted educators help kids fall in love with learning, and their centers focus on enriching the whole child — physically, emotionally, and cognitively — through their traditional and play-based Montessori approach. As an award-winning childcare provider with six locations and 50-plus years of experience in the Greater Cleveland area, Creative Playrooms offers multiple programs for infants through schoolage, but also provides families an additional choice of traditional or montessori programs. creativeplayrooms.com

GILMOUR ACADEMY

Gilmour’s Montessori Toddler and Preschool programs teach children how to learn. Students then move seamlessly into grades K-6, where they are provided endless possibilities to grow, with opportunities ranging from robotics to learning a new instrument each year, to service and nature-based learning. Students then progress to the middle and upper schools to expand on this foundation. As an independent, Catholic school, Gilmour is rooted in its mission to educate the mind and empower the heart of every student. gilmour.org

HATHAWAY BROWN

For nearly 150 years, Hathaway Brown School has educated and empowered girls. The K-12 day school in Shaker Heights is regionally and nationally recognized as a top girls’ school for their Learn for Life Signature Approach. Their model for education integrates distinguished academics, empowered girls, knowledge in action, and a celebrated community of students, alums, and faculty and parents. Learn more at HB.edu/edu

HAWKEN SCHOOL

Hawken’s Lower School program reflects the school’s dual commitment to academic and social curricula and focuses on building a strong foundation in basic academic skills with an increasing emphasis on personal responsibility. Recent renovations support not only Hawken’s commitment to truly knowing each student as a learner and individual, but also the school’s evolving personalized learning model. Every set of grade-level classrooms has access to an adjacent learning commons to support differentiated learning groups as well as collaborative and project-based approaches to learning. hawken.edu

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 48 -

Elementary School Guide

LAKE RIDGE ACADEMY

Lake Ridge Academy is an independent kindergarten through grade 12 college preparatory school. Strong academic programs, engaging faculty, and an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio creates an educational environment that fuels a student’s passion for learning. Lower School students learn to think critically through a rich, hands-on curriculum that connects them to the natural world. Special emphasis is placed on social-emotional learning and cultural appreciation through world language classes. Their fall K-12 preview day will be Mon. Oct. 23. Register online lakeridgeacademy.org

MENLO PARK ACADEMY

Menlo Park Academy is the state’s only tuition-free school for gifted children in kindergarten through eighth grade. The school offers an innovative, accelerated curriculum, including nine high-school-credit classes, the opportunity to learn alongside like-minded peers, and a faculty dedicated to meeting the unique needs of gifted children. Students can explore their passions, build friendships, and find belonging as well as academic and social emotional success. Menlo Park Academy is the #1 charter elementary, #1 charter middle school, ranked #13 of all K through 5th grade Ohio public schools (niche. com). menloparkacademy.com

RUFFING MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Ruffing Montessori School in Cleveland Heights is more than just a school for children ages 18 months through eighth grade. It is a beloved community where children are guided by experienced Montessori-trained teachers and immersed in a rigorous curriculum. Explore their beautiful classrooms and see why Ruffing is the compelling school of choice for so many at the Admissions Open House on Nov. 11 from noon-2 p.m. Register at ruffingmontessori.net or call 216-321-7571.

SETON CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Seton Catholic School (pre-kindergarten through eighth grade) is a U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School. A lifetime love of learning starts here. Young hearts and minds develop into thoughtful, educated students — ready to thrive and grow. Immersed in the humanities, arts and sciences, foreign languages, mathematics, and environmental education — students are nurtured in a setting of constructive and personalized learning. Innovation and tradition unite with guided responsible use of technology, successfully integrated with time-honored instruction. setoncatholicschool.org

SPRING GARDEN WALDORF SCHOOL

Spring Garden Waldorf School offers a curriculum that inspires the creative and imaginative life of children while providing a strong base for academic studies. We focus on engaging head, heart, and hands to add value and relevance to lessons. Experiential lessons instill a deep interest in learning. Our grade school children go outside to learn and play at least 3 times a day in all weather, which is ideal for developmentally-appropriate academic and social-emotional learning. sgws.org

ST. HILARY SCHOOL

The Future Begins

Here. St. Hilary School in Fairlawn serves students in grades K-8 in a faith-based environment with a curriculum that challenges and accommodates diverse learning abilities. The average student-teacher ratio is 19:1. Special offerings include Spanish, French, Chinese, religion, art, music, physical education, technology, advanced math, and enrichment opportunities. Many extracurricular activities, as well as auxiliary, remedial, clinic, lunch, and extended care services, are available. 645 Moorfield Road, Fairlawn, 330-867-8720, ext. 343, st-hilaryschool.org

ST. PAUL WESTLAKE

St. Paul

Westlake

Church and School offers traditional and contemporary worship. They are nationally accredited and offer an outstanding Christian education for students starting at age 3 to eighth grade. Tuition aid is now available to all families (K-8) thanks to Ohio’s EdChoice Expansion Scholarships Program, and nearly every family qualifies. In addition, Preschool and Pre-K can apply for the LSGOO. Join the Tiger Family. stpaulwestlake.school

Fall, Farms & Fun

By Denise Koeth

One of the things many families love most about living in Northeast Ohio is the changing of the seasons. Sure, winter might get old when we’re still sheltering from single-digit temperatures at the end of February…but it’s the year-round variety of temperatures — and the activities that go with them — that allows for family fun no

Fall months are particularly family-friendly, with gorgeous foliage, warm days and crisp nights. It’s the last chance to enjoy being outdoors unencumbered by snowsuits, and the perfect time to enjoy nature’s bounty at

From activities and adventure to food and learning something new, check out all there is to do at farms in the region

Fall FUNNIES

Get your children grinning with these seasonal jokes.

Q: What do you use to repair a jack-o-lantern?

A: A pumpkin patch.

Q: What did the oak tree say when autumn came around?

A: Leaf me alone.

Q: Why do birds fly south in the fall?

A: Because it’s too far to walk.

Q: What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple?

A: Finding half a worm.

Q: What did one autumn leaf say to the other?

A: I’m falling for you.

Focus on ANIMALS

To see how farmers prepare animals for the upcoming winter and how fall crops are harvested, visit Lake Metroparks Farmpark (lakemetroparks.com), a working farm and education center located in Kirtland. The Farmpark features dairy cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, rabbits, horses, alpacas, goats, a plant science center, farm machinery exhibits, playground and horse or tractor-drawn wagon rides.

While the Farmpark’s daily activities include demonstrations and educational programs related to farming and gardening, special Fall Harvest Weekends focus on seasonal fun. During Apple Harvest Weekend in September, witness traditional harvest activities and discover how apple butter and cider are made, take a tour of the “Johnny Appleseed Trail,” and enjoy harvest activities including an apple-themed craft. During Corn & Pumpkin Weekend in October, families can play pumpkin bowling, make handmade corn husk dolls and paint pumpkins to take home. All visits to the Farmpark during the fall include admission to its three-acre corn maze.

APPLES Galore

For fresh-picked fun on the farm, head to a local apple orchard with your family. Whether you pick a handful of apples or enough to fill a bushel, the experience is well worth the trip for even the youngest children. Once you’re finished at the orchard, extend the fun at home by working together to create a seasonal recipe that features apples.

Several orchards in Northeast Ohio offer pick-your-own apples, as well as other family-friendly activities during the fall months.

Fall Festivals!

Agrotourism abounds in the region, with many farms offering kidfriendly activities spread out over their extensive acreage. Festivals at farms such as Patterson Fruit Farm, Ramseyer Farms, Nickajack Farms, Red Wagon Farm, and many more!

SEASONAL HISTORY

For an extra educational twist on fall farm life, bring your family to Hale Farm & Village (wrhs.org), a living history museum operated by the Western Reserve Historical Society. Located in Bath within the boundaries of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Hale Farm & Village lets visitors explore 19th century life in the Western Reserve and includes 32 historic structures, craft and trade demonstrations, farm animals and gardens. Costumed interpreters help provide a look into daily life on the farm at that time.

In October, Hale Farm & Village’s Harvest Festival weekends include opportunities to see foods prepared and preserved for winter, use antique farm equipment to press apple cider, grind and shell corn, make and taste apple butter and sauerkraut, and enjoy old fashioned popcorn. The Hale Farm barnyards also feature harvest activities and animals, including chickens, oxen, hogs and sheep.

FACTS About FALL

You know what they say: you learn something new every day. Share these autumn facts with your kids, so they can impress their teachers and friends.

• In the Fall, there is less sunlight, which makes the days feel shorter.

• The migration of monarch butterflies from the U.S. to Mexico occurs every Fall.

• Deciduous trees are those that shed their leaves in autumn.

• The heaviest pumpkin ever recorded in the U.S. was a 2,560-pound gourd in Anoka, Minnesota.

• The average ear of corn has 800 kernels in 16 rows.

Just for Grown -Ups

Fall fun isn’t just for the family — plan a date night, moms day out or gathering of neighbors at one of these adult-focused options:

VINO THE WAY AT MAPLESIDE FARMS

Sample wine or beer while navigating the farm’s famous corn maze. At the beginning of your adventure, you’ll receive a tasting box containing food offerings to pair with each drink sample. Find the remaining four drink stations throughout the maze and taste a variety of wines or beers. Located in Brunswick, mapleside.com

SUNFLOWERS, SUNSET & SIPS AT MAIZE VALLEY

Take a wagon ride to the sunflower field, where you can pick a bucket full of sunflowers and take all the pictures you want. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer, cheese and crackers, and live music to finish the evening. Located in Hartville, maizevalley.com

Beaded CORN CRAFT

Create colorful beaded corn decor for your home with this kid-friendly craft from Smart School House (smartschoolhouse. com). All you’ll need is beads, pipe cleaners and a little imagination!

Materials:

Brown pipe cleaners

Assorted pony beads

Scissors or wire clippers

Steps:

Twist together the bottoms of seven pipe cleaners, then spread them out (almost like a spider). Place 20 assorted pony beads on each pipe cleaner. Next, pull the tops up together with the twisted bottoms on the inside of the “corn.”

Twist the top of the corn together and trim with wire cutters if it looks too long. Make sure to leave them fanned out a bit for that signature “ear of corn” look. Repeat these steps to create as many ears of corn as you’d like.

CRAFT FROM SMART SCHOOL HOUSE (SMARTSCHOOLHOUSE.COM)

FALL FUN EVENTS

ONGOING THROUGH MID OCTOBER

Pick Your Own Apples. Pick some great Ohio apples and take a wagon ride. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Patterson Farms, 8765 Mulberry Road, Chesterland, pattersonfarm.com

Corn Maze. Winding paths that steer you to intersections where you must decide where to go. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road., Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com

THROUGH 10/29

U-Pick Apples & Fun Farm Activities. U-pick, maze and other activities. Weekends 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 50336 Telegraph Road. Amherst, hillcrestfunfarm.com

day-by-day

9/16-10/31

Pumpkin Days at Nickajack Farms. Pumpkin bowling, paintball, and a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 2955 Manchester Ave., Canal Fulton, nickajackfarms.com

9/15-17

Elyria Apple Festival. Three days of family fun, food, entertainment, corn hole, children’s activities, and more. Ely Square, Broad St. & Middle Ave., Elyria, elyriaapplefestival.com

9/16

Super Science Saturday: Creative Corn. Look at the selective breeding world of corn. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Akron Fossils & Science Center, 2080 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Copley, akronfossils.com

Medina Fall Festival. Hay bale maze, pet parade, pumpkin painting, games, face painting and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Main Street Medina, mainstreetmedina.com

FALL FUN EVENTS

9/16, 9/23, & 9/30

Fall Festival. U-pick apples, live music, farm animals, pony rides and more. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Bauman Orchards, 161 Rittman Ave., Rittman, baumanorchards.com

9/23-24

Apple Harvest Weekend. Witness many traditional harvest activities and discover how apple butter and cider are made. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com

National Alpaca Farm Day Open House. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Meet alpacas and learn about the alpaca lifestyle. Our Little World Alpacas, 16800 Cowley Road, Grafton, ourlittleworldalpacas.com

9/23-10/22

Pumpkin Pandemonium. Scavenger hunt, Harvest Maze, hayride and more. Heritage Farms, 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula, heritagefarms.com

9/29-30, 10/1

Norton Cider Festival. Apple decorating, train rides, inflatables, fireworks and more. Columbia Woods Park, 4060 Columbia Woods Dr., Norton, nortonciderfestival.com

10/6-28

Pumpkins and Ponies. Pony rides, horse rides, hayrides and more. Fridays and Saturdays. Spring Mist Farms, 691 Pearl Road, Brunswick Hills, springmistfarms.com

For a complete list of apple orchards, corn mazes, hayrides and pumpkin farms, visit NortheastOhioParent.com

Featured Fall ADVERTISERS

HERITAGE FARMS

Pumpkin Pandemonium Starting on September 23 you can bring the family to go on a scavenger hunt, get lost in the Harvest Maze and take a relaxing hayride around the farm. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 2 to 6 p.m. Heritage Farms, 6050 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, the farm for all seasons, visit heritagefarms.com for more information. 2023 is their 175th Anniversary as a family owned and operated farm. Come join the celebration.

HISTORIC SAUDER VILLAGE

Make the past part of your future with a trip to Sauder Village a fun place to slow down, unplug, and spend quality time with family. Visit animals in the farmyard, marvel at working craftsmen and hear stories shared by costumed guides as you take a walk through time from 1803 through the turn of the century. Explore their newest addition, the 1920s Main Street and make history of your very own at Sauder Village, Ohio’s largest living history destination. Sauder Village. 22611 ST RT-2, Archbold, OH 800-590-9755, saudervillage.org

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

Halloween Fair is back. This family-friendly spooktacular event brings back the haunted walking trail, train rides, food booths, games, and more. This event will be held October 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28 with a special sensory-friendly “All-Ability Day” on Thursday, October 12. Tickets go on-sale on September 26 at loraincountymetroparks.com/ halloween. Admission is $5 per person and available through presale only—no onsite ticket sales.

NICKAJACK FARMS

Pumpkin Days at NickaJack Farms is open every day 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from September 16 through October 31. Purchase your tickets online or at the door. Activities include hayrides, corn maze, pony rides, animals, corn crib, peddle carts, and much more. Interested in only pumpkins and decor? The perfect non-admission area is full of fall fun. The farm grows 75 varieties of pumpkins, gourds, and squash. Mums, large and small straw bales, corn and corn stalk bundles available for sale. nickajackfarms.com

PATTERSON FRUIT FARM

Patterson Farm hosts their Family Fun Fest, a young-family oriented creative farm outdoor play area, daily from September 16 through Octoer 29 at 8765 Mulberry Road in Chesterland. Reached by a wagon ride, it includes a huge pavilion of straw, corn maze, climbing tractors, tree house, homemade go-carts, pumpkin painting. Admission charge. PYO apples and pumpkins available. Food concession on week-ends. Call 440-729-7144 for updates on weather conditions and closings. Visit their Farm Market at 11414 Caves Road, open daily year round. pattersonfarm.com

September CA lenDAR

9/11

Multicultural Children’s Health Expo. Receive important health information and discover fun ways to stay active and healthy. Also enjoy music, giveaways, activities, and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, futureforwildlife.org

9/16

International Red Panda Day at the Akron Zoo. Celebrate the return of our red pandas with fun educational activities. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org

9/16-17

Chalk Festival. Children and adults join professional artists to create a color canvas on the walkways around the Fine Arts Garden. 12-5 p.m. The Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., clevelandart.org

Find

theExploreLast Days of Summer

Pick - a - day

MONDAYS

After School Cartooning. Ages 6-10 will learn to draw in their own individual cartooning style. 9/11 & 10/30 4-5 p.m. Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, beckcenter.org

MONDAY & TUESDAY

Funday Group. Designed to help 6-11 year olds manage their social skills. 5-6 p.m. The Center for LifeSkills, 6325 Cochran Road, Solon, center4lifeskills.com

TUESDAYS

Teen Aerial Class. An escape from the norm into an extraordinary atmosphere built on the foundation of personal growth, self-knowledge and pride. 6 p.m. Sky Aerial Studio, 4700 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland, skyaerialstudios.com

Creative Clay. Get your hands dirty and have some fun. Ages 1012. 9/11-10/16. 4-5:30 p.m. Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, valleyartcenter.org

TUESDAY & THURSDAY

Swimming with Autism. Learn water safety, water entry and exit, breath control and more. 6, 6:30, 7 or 7:30 p.m. 9/19-11/16. Kohl Family YMCA, 477 E. Market St., Akron, autismakron.org

After School Teen Program. A place to decompress, have a meal and play some games. 2:45-5 p.m. That Place for Teens, 1480 Pearl Road, Brunswick, thatplace4teens.com

WEDNESDAYS

Famous Artist Art Club. Discover the life and works of the world’s best known artists and also learn techniques. Ages 10-14. 9/6-12/13. The Peninsula Art Academy, 1600 Mill St. W., peninsulaartacademy. com

THURSDAYS

Kids in the Garden. Weekly gardening program for children of all ages. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Summit Lake Nature Center, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, summitmetroparks.org

Delight Nights. Interactive play and fun with full access to 25 exhibits. Through 12/31. 5-8 p.m. Akron Children’s Museum, 216 S. Main St., akronkids.org

FRIDAYS

Walkabout Tremont. Feed your creative side with art vendors, live music, food, and more. Second Friday of each month. facebook. com/WalkaboutTremont

SATURDAYS

Family Saturdays at Skylight Park-Tower City. Games, crafts, live entertainment and more. First and third Saturdays. 12-4 p.m. 230 W. Huron Road, Cleveland, towercitycenter.com

Introduction to Suzuki. Fun musical activities, demonstrations of instruments and parent discussions. Ages 4-6. 9/9-10/21. Noon-1 p.m. The Music Settlement, 11125 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland, themusicsettlement.org

SUNDAYS

Family FUNday. Family-friendly games, movement-based activities, art, and more. First Sunday of each month. 1-4 p.m. Community Arts Center, West 25th St., Cleveland, clevelandart.org

Mentor Marsh Family Hike. Come explore the forest. 2-3:30 p.m. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, The Carol H. Sweet Nature Center, 5185 Corduroy Road, Mentor, cmnh.org

day - by - day

9/1-4 & 9/8-9

Cleveland Oktoberfest. An exciting menu of activities and entertainment to delight young and old alike. Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 E. Bagley Rd., Middleburg Hts., clevelandoktoberfest.com

9/7

Splash Park Pooch Party. Friendly dogs and people are welcome. 5-7 p.m.Broadview Hts. Splash Park, 9543 Broadview Road, broadview-heights.org

9/8-10

Pleibol. Fundraising weekend filled with games, food, and festive celebrations. The Baseball Heritage Museum, 6601 Lexington Ave., Cleveland, baseballheritagemuseum.org

9/9

Waterloo Arts Fest. Multiple stages of a great mix of local music, art vendors, food trucks, street performers and unique art activities. Noon-7 p.m. Waterloo Road between Calcutta Ave. and E. 161st St., waterlooarts.org

Grandparents Festival. Celebrate with your grandparents and grand-friends all day. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Parma-Powers Branch Library, 6996 Powers Blvd., Parma, cuyahogalibrary.org

Grand Times. Celebrating grandparents and creating memories. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Eton, 28867 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere, etonchagrinblvd.com

Bob Meister Special Needs Fishing Derby. Exclusively for individuals with special needs. 8 a.m.-noon. Sippo Lake Park East, 5300 Tyner St., Canton, starkparks.com

9/10

Grandparents’ Day at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Bring your grandchild to the zoo when all grandparents receive free admission. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 3900 Wildlife Way, futureforwildlife.org

Shining Star CLE 2023. Solo singing competition for high school students. 7 p.m. Mimi Ohio Theatre, Playhouse Square, 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, playhousesquare.org

9/14

Young Activists. Teens, share your voice and learn how to be heard. 3-4 p.m. Euclid Public Library, 631 E. 222nd St., euclidlibrary.org

9/15-10/1

The Addams Family: A New Musical. A comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare. The Fine Arts Association, 38660 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, fineartsassociation.org

9/16

Rocky River Arts Festival. A festival to celebrate artistic talents and shop in the Old Detroit Shopping area. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. rrparksandrecfoundation.com

Yoga for Kids: Squirrels. Ages 3+ learn about nature, seasons and animals through stories, songs, games and yoga poses. 10:3011:30 a.m. F. A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron, summitmetroparks.org

Family Fun Day. An afternoon of summer fun featuring a DJ, art activities, fishing, hiking, and field games. 12-4 p.m. Kendall Lake Shelter, 1000 Truxell Road, Peninsula, conservancyforcvnp.org

9/16-17

Outstanding Owls. Explore the variety of owl species that can be found in Ohio through crafts, games, and displays. 12-5 p.m. Susan Hambley, 1473 Parschen Blvd., Brunswick, medinacountyparks.com

Butterfly Release. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Beech Creek Botanical Garden, 11929 Beech St. NE, Alliance, beechcreekgardens.org

9/18

Teen Paint Along: Autumn Paintings. Paint your own autumnal masterpiece. 7 p.m. Kent Free Library, 312 W. Main St., kentfreelibrary.org

9/21

Little Hikers. Explore the park together. Ages 3-8 with an adult. 10-11 a.m. Gully Brook Park, 2100 River Road, Willoughby Hills, lakemetroparks.com

9/22-24

Rotary Camp Respite Weekend. A great way for a first-time camper to gain a short overnight experience. 6 p.m.-10 a.m. 4460 Rex Lake Drive, Akron, gotcamp.org

9/23

Cleveland Pickle Fest. 12-6 p.m. Mall B, 300 St. Clair Ave. NE, Cleveland, clevelandpicklefest.com

ACT Readiness Workshop. Learn how to prepare by doing practice questions and receiving score projections. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, divi.geaugalibrary.net

Introduction to Archery for Families. For families with children ages 9+. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Chickagami Park, 17957 Tavern Road, Parkman Twp., geaugaparkdistrict.org

Sensory Friendly Saturday at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium. com

9/24

Magnificence on the Mountain. Adventurous hike that includes passageways through rocky outcrops and traversing muddy trails. Ages 12+. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Holden Arboretum, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, holdenarb.org

9/29

Beekeeping 101: Kids Edition. Learn about honey bee life cycles, then head to the hives to get a closer look at the bees in action. 5-6:30 p.m. Quail Hollow Park, 13480 Congress Lake Ave., Hartville, starkparks.com

9/30

Hartville Toy & Comic Show. Vintage and modern toys, comics from all eras, power rangers, ghostbusters, hot wheels, and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market, 1289 Edison St. NW, hartvillemarketplace.com

AKRON ART MUSEUM THROUGH 5/12/24

LAND JAM. Two Ohio artists transform a museum gallery into an immersive, colorful, sensory experience. United by bold color and pattern, the installation promises to be a feast for the eyes. 1 S. High St., akronartmuseum.org

AKRON FOSSILS & SCIENCE CENTER ONGOING

2-ACRE OUTDOOR PARK. 60 foot long giant slide, 4 person helicopter swing, old fashioned merry-go-round, mini challenge course and 200 foot zip line. 2080 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Copley, akronfossils.com

AKRON ZOO

ONGOING

LEHNER FAMILY FOUNDATION

WILD ASIA. Recreates the Southeast Asia jungles and Himalayan forests. Lush tree canopies add to the ambiance while offering shade as guests roam throughout this exotic adventure. 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org

ONGOING ATTRACTIONS

CANTON MUSEUM OF ART THROUGH 10/29

FAMILY ALBUM: OUR STORIES. Amy Pleasant is a Seattle figurative painter, born and raised in Ohio. Her work examines the most common of experiences; family, life transitions and generational change. 1001 Market Ave. N., Canton, cantonart.org

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM CLEVELAND ONGOING

THE MEADOW. Step into a tranquil space, designed specifically for children ages birth-3. Infants, crawlers, and early walkers have a bright, clean, sensory-rich environment to explore, as they make sense of this fascinating world.3813 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, cmccleveland.org

CLEVELAND BOTANICAL GARDEN

THROUGH 9/4

BLOOM! BOTANICALS & BIRDHOUSES. Hundreds of unique birdhouses, stunning glass art, and artwork from Cleveland artist Asia Armour. 11030 East Blvd., University Circle, cbgarden.org

CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO ONGOING

SUSIE’S BEAR HOLLOW. Visit the zoo’s new state-of-the art tropical bear habitat. The re-imagined immersive space located in the zoo’s Wilderness Trek destination is home to its male Andean bear and male and female sloth bears. 3900 Wildlife Way, futureforwildlife.org

CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

THROUGH 12/31

ONE WORLD. ONE SKY: BIG BIRD’S ADVENTURE. Join Big Bird and Elmo on an unforgettable journey to the Moon and back. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, cmnh.org

GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER

ONGOING SCIENCE PHENOMENA. meet your inner scientist as you explore electricity and magnetism; light and optics; motion and mechanics; sound and resonance; and more. 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, greatscience.com

GREATER CLEVELAND AQUARIUM ONGOING

SHARK GALLERY & SEA

TUBE. With 230,000 gallons of water, this impressive space features three species of sharks, stingrays, eels and many other species of fish. 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium.com

HOLDEN ARBORETUM ONGOING

MURCH CANOPY WALK AND KALBERER EMERGENT TOWER. A 500-foot-long elevated walkway that’s 65 feet above the forest floor and a tower 12 stories tall provide a breathtaking view. 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, holdenarb.org

LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER

ONGOING

OUTDOOR ANIMAL EXHIBIT. Due to disabilities that prevent their survival in the wild, these animals receive quality care from the center’s highly trained staff and serve as ambassadors for their species. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village, lensc.org

MALTZ MUSEUM 10/25-4/28

THE GIRL IN THE DIARY: SEARCHING FOR RYWKA FROM THE LODZ GHETTO. In 1945, a diary was found in the ashes of a destroyed crematorium in the liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau Camp. Rywka’s diary told stories of a young girl who lost her siblings and parents, but never lost hope or her faith. 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, maltzmuseum.org

STAN HYWET HALL & GARDENS THROUGH 10/31

CONNECTIONS: LOVE AND THE TIES THAT BIND. Explores the personal relationships in the multi-generational household of F.A. and Gertrude Seiberling. 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, stanhywet.org

PICK-A-DAY

TUESDAYS

Homeschool Gym Class. Get active with different physical activities each month. 9/19, 10/17 & 11/14. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Willoughby Public Library, 30 Public Square, we247.org

Homeschool: Visual Arts for Teens, Ceramics. Handbuilding, surface design and glazing techniques. 1:30 p.m. 9/6-27. Fairmount Center for the Arts, 8400 Fairmount Road, Novelty, fairmountcenter.org

WEDNESDAYS

Community Connections

Homeschool Program. Create and connect with other homeschoolers. 9/11-10/23. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Fairmount Center for the Arts, 8400 Fairmount Road, Novelty, fairmountcenter.org

THURSDAYS

Creative Writing for Homeschoolers. Nature will serve as your inspiration. Ages 8-12. 9/7 & 10/12. 2-3:15 p.m. Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Sharon Ctr., medinacountyparks.com

HOME SCHOOL EVENTS

FRIDAYS

Homeschool Skate. Exciting and beneficial form of recreation for home school children. 10/6-12/22. 10:30 a.m.-Noon. Mentor Ice Area, 8600 Munson Road, mentoricearena.com

Homeschool Trivia. Learn about various topics during a fun, no-pressure trivia game. 9/9, 10/13, 11/10 & 12/8. 1-2 p.m. Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road, we247.org

DAY-BY-DAY

9/7-8

Homeschool Days at Sauder Village. Connect your child to local history. 10-3:30 p.m. 22611 State Route 2, Archbold, saudervillage.org

9/8 & 9/13 & 10/26

Homeschool Day at Ramseyer Farms. Make memories with family and friends on these special homeschool days.10 a.m.-2 p.m. 400 Ramseyer Lane, Wooster, ramseyerfarms. com

9/9-24

Colonial Williamsburg Homeschool Days. Homeschoolers and their families discover history brought to life. 101 Visitor Center Dr., Williamsburg, VA, colonialwilliamsburg.org

9/21

Homeschoolers: Creek Walk. Dive into the fascinating world of aquatic creatures and learn what they can tell us about the health of our water. 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Furnace Run, Brushwood, 4955 Townsend Road, Richfield, summitmetroparks.org

9/27

Outdoor Adventures for Homeschoolers: Sailing. Learn how to raise the sails and trim them properly as you glide across Lake Erie. 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Lakefront Reservation, Edgewater Park, Cleveland, clevelandmetroparks.com

SARA CARNES

Navigating the Tween Years: Top 5 Pieces of Parenting Advice

Parenting is such a rewarding journey, but that doesn’t mean it won’t come without some challenges, and perhaps one of the most intriguing and sometimes biggest stages in those challenges is the tween years. But it can be such a wonderful time too. As your kids’ interests, emotions, and interactions evolve, we learned it’s important to adapt our parenting approach accordingly. Each of our kids is so different and I’m sure that’s the same for you, too. So, from experience, here are five key pieces of advice to successfully navigate through the tween years with your kids.

1. Open and Honest Communication is Key

During the tween years, your child’s social circle widens and their exposure to new ideas increases. It’s so important to establish open and honest communication early on. Encourage your child to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with you without fear of judgment. Sometimes bedtime was always a good time for us to have good talks to end the evening. Or even sharing about our day at the dinner table.

2. Set Clear Boundaries and Expectations

Tweens are testing the waters of independence, and this often leads to clashes over rules and boundaries. While it’s important to grant them increasing autonomy, it’s equally important to establish clear expectations. Work together to define household rules that build responsibility, and explain the reasoning behind them.

3. Encourage Individuality and Self-Expression

Tweens are developing their identities and interests. Encourage them to explore various activities, hobbies, and talents to help them discover their passions. Whether it’s art, sports, music, or science, support their pursuits and celebrate their achievements — even if they’re not playing the sport or musical instrument you always dreamed they would.

4. Teach Emotional Intelligence

The tween years often bring about a rollercoaster of emotions as children grapple with increasing responsibilities, peer dynamics, and changes within their bodies. Help your child develop emotion al intelligence by acknowledging their

feelings and teaching them healthy ways to cope. Encourage them to identify their emotions, express them appropriately, and practice empathy towards others. By nurturing emotional intelligence, you’re equipping your child with essential life skills that will serve them well in their relationships and future endeavors.

5. Be a Positive Role Model

Your behavior and attitudes have a significant impact on your tween’s development. Model the values, behaviors, and communication styles you wish to see in your child. Display resilience in the face of challenges, practice good manners, and demonstrate kindness and empathy towards others. Children learn what they live. Show them how to handle disagreements and conflicts in a constructive manner. Being a positive role model not only provides your child with a blueprint for healthy behaviors but also strengthens your bond through shared experiences.

Parenting through the tween years is a big and exciting journey that can require a lot of patience and learning, but it’s such a joy to watch them learn and grow. Don’t be scared of the “tween years.”

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