Rockland Parent, January/February 2022 by NYMetroParents

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022

ROCKLANDPARENT.COM Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Things to do This Month

Nearsightedness in Kids How parents can help prevent its onset

School Choice! • The differences between charter, independent, religious, and more • Questions to ask on a school tour • Education Directory

CAMP PLANNING

TIMELINE A MONTH-BY-MONTH GUIDE

Thinking of Changing Schools? Experience the Catholic School Difference.

Seven Reasons Why More Families Across New York Are Enrolling Their Children in Catholic Schools 1

Safe, nurturing environment — proven health and safety measures

Focus on the whole child — academics, faith, and community service

Learning momentum maintained — through smaller in-person class sizes, tailored instruction, regular assessments

Preparation for high school and beyond — self-discipline, advanced prep programs

Parent-friendly — extended days, welcoming school community

Parent support — free counseling services, financial aid at participating schools

Academic achievement — reading and math proficiency continues to outpace national performance in NWEA/MAP Assessments

We invite you to see the Catholic School Difference! Admissions for 2022-23 are open now. Apply online or call our helpline to arrange a phone or in-person visit at participating schools.

APPLY NOW! CatholicSchoolsNY.org/apply or call our bilingual helpline: (646) 794-2885

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TODAY! NYMetroParents NYMetro

inside

Jan/Feb 2022

14 The Differences Among School Types

What you need to know about charter, independent, international, magnet, and parochial schools, as well as homeschools

16 Questions to Ask When Considering a New School

Key things to discuss with potential educators on school tours before making the switch for your child

34 How to Easily Plan for Your Child’s Summer Camp

A month-by-month timeline to get you organized and prepared for the summer

40 Keeping an Eye on Kids’ Vision

The pandemic has led to greater focus on the growing problem of nearsightedness among children.

COLUMNS

6 Editor’s Note 9 News: What’s happening in the community 12 Advice: Ask Dad and Buried 42 Just for Moms: Mom Cutlure Picks

THINGS TO DO 22 Where to Go Snow Tubing 24 Family Activities Calendar

RESOURCES

18 32 32 36 37 38 41

Education Directory Winter Activities Directory Winter Activities At-a-Glance Chart Camp Directory Camp History Camp News Advertisers’ Index

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Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!

Confidence. It’s built over time. Our students graduate with the courage to have a point of view and the skills to express it, honed through years of practice.

UPCOMING ADMISSION EVENTS www.countryschool.net/visit

GO BOLDLY. 635 Frogtown Rd, New Canaan, CT • (203) 801-5608 New Canaan Country School is a co-ed, independent day school for students in Pre-K (ages 3 & 4) through Grade 9 living in Westchester and Fairfield counties. Graduates excel at top day, boarding and public secondary schools and go on to lead lives of impact and purpose. For more information, please visit countryschool.net.

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editor’s note

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022

Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

appy 2022! How weird does that sound? When did we get 22 years into the new century? Can we even still call it the “new” century? I guess it’s true what they say: The days are long, but the years are short. I think they say that specifically about parenting, but if you’re reading this, you’re most likely a parent and can relate. I hope your family enjoyed a beautiful holiday season and rang in the new year surrounded by friends and loved ones. But now that it’s all over, it’s time to face facts. Winter is no longer coming; it’s here. Are you prepared for cold weather and cabin fever? In this issue, we’re helping you stave off the dreaded winter doldrums with family activities and fun! There’s no need to sit home all winter long, waiting for the warm weather’s return while listening to the kids’ complaints of boredom. Flip to p. 24 for this month’s top events in our area to start planning out your family fun. Want to give snow tubing a try? We’ve listed a bunch of our favorite tubing spots for when the flakes start coming down hard (p. 22). And make sure you check out @DadandBuried’s tips for getting your kids to help you shovel on p. 12. With 2021 behind us, it’s time to start looking ahead. Don’t be fooled by the blanket of snow on the ground; you’ll be registering your kids for summer camp sooner than you realize. Start your to-do list with our camp-planning cheat sheet (p. 34) and the camp directory (p. 36). If your child will be switching schools soon, you need to check out p. 16 for all the questions you’ll want to ask when selecting the right school and p. 18 for a list of great local schools to consider. Happy New Year!

CONTENT DIRECTORS: Katelin Walling, Jeannine Cintron COMMUNITY CONTENT CREATORS: Shara Levine, Barbara Russo DIRECTOR | PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT: Wendy Tittel

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PRESIDENT: Victoria Schneps-Yunis CEO: Joshua Schneps GROUP PUBLISHER: Clifford Luster

Content Director

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New York Family has been awarded the PMA Gold Award for Excellence in Website Design and the Silver Award for Excellence overall.

Keep in Touch: @nymetroparents nymetroparents.com editor@nymetroparents.com

Our Editors Find You the Best Events! When it comes to finding weekend fun with your kids, we make it easy for you! Our editors spend hours scouring the community for the best events happening. And every week, you’ll receive a curated list of the best of what’s happening that weekend—from sports and theater to festivals and petting zoos. Sign up today at nymetroparents.com/newsletter! 6

January/February 2022 | nymetroparents.com

2021

New York Family is published monthly by Queens Family Media, LLC. Reproduction of New York Family Media in whole or part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. ©2022 Queens Family Media, LLC

Advanced Pediatric Emergency Care

RIGHT HERE The Pediatric Emergency Department at Good Samaritan Hospital Emergencies don’t wait and neither should your child. We pledge that your child will be seen by a provider within 30 minutes of registration. Pediatric emergency specialists are available onsite to help meet the healthcare needs of local children from birth to age 21.

goodsamhosp.org/pediatric-emergency-department

news

To Our Readers

ith great joy, I share that we, Schneps Media, have acquired New York Metro Parents, Mitzvah Market, and MommyBites. Schneps Media is a family business started by my mother, Victoria Schneps, in the living room of our home in 1985 with four children, a dream, and a prayer. After a

brief stint on Wall Street, I found that my passion lies in the family business, which I joined in 2001. Since then, our company has grown to be the largest local media company in NY State. We care deeply and passionately about what we do: quality journalism and helping our clients grow their businesses. I also have two young children in New York City schools. In addition, my oldest sister Lara was born mentally handicapped, and my mother founded the very first group home and day programs in the nation. You will find our commitment to children with special needs from a very genuine place. My mother and I are highly active in the business. In addition, the division’s Publisher Cliff Luster also grew up in a family media business and founded many of our Family titles in NYC. We welcome your comments, suggestions, and concerns. We thank you, our readers, and remain committed as ever to you and all the families we serve! Please call us with any questions at 718-260-4559. Sincerely, Joshua Schneps jschneps@schnepsmedia.com Victoria Schneps vschneps@schnepsmedia.com Cliff Luster cluster@schnepsmedia.com

January/February 2022 | nymetroparents.com

New Places, New Programs High School for Students with Language-Based Learning Differences Opens A new private high school has opened in Greenwich, CT, that helps students with mild to moderate language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia. The Cedar School helps fill a recognized need for a local secondary day school in the area to serve these students. The school, which opened in the fall of 2021, provides a rich academic setting and researched-based support for students who experience challenges in traditional educational settings. It also offers college-prep for students in ninth through 12th grades in the Fairfield County, Westchester County, and New York areas. 203-808-5005.

news

Jump, Jump, Jump Around!

Your children can have a great time playing and jumping, all while getting the health benefits of exercise. Visit nymetroparents.com/trampoline for more locations.

Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park

Pandemic Pets: Teaching Kids Responsibility

33 Lecount Place, New Rochelle skyzone.com • 914-740-8407 Hours: Check the website for the schedule. Reservations required. Price: Prices vary. $3.50 Sky Socks. Features wall-to-wall trampolines, a pool of huge foam squares to jump into, and a play time designed for parents and little ones to enjoy together.

Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park

If you’re looking to get your kids to participate in activities that will teach them valuable life lessons, look no further than your pet. According to a new survey of 1,000 U.S. pet owners who took in a dog or cat during the pandemic, 67 percent of parents say their kids have learned more responsibility since getting a pet during the past 12 months. The survey was analyzed alongside its proprietary pet health records database. The survey showed how getting a dog or cat during the pandemic changed the lifestyles and behaviors of Americans nearly two years in. Key findings showed that 50 percent of kids are spending less time glued to screens, games, and devices thanks to their pandemic pet. And 56 percent of parents said they spend more time together as a family now that they have a furry family member. The survey was conducted by Banfield Pet Hospital, a provider of preventative veterinary care with locations in the Bronx, Westchester County, and throughout the country.

333 N. Bedford Road, Mount Kisco rockinjump.com • 914-743-5730 241 Market St., Yonkers rockinjump.com • 914-510-9119 Hours: Hours vary; see website Price: Prices vary; see website Enjoy a huge jump arena, the Slam Dunk Zone, and play a game of dodgeball that is more fun than the traditional version!

Bounce! Trampoline Sports 612 Corporate Way, Valley Cottage bouncevalleycottage.com • 845-268-4000 Hours: Check the online calendar. Price: $23 for ages 6 and older; $15 Bounce Jr. (ages 5 and younger) Enjoy jumping on trampolines as upbeat music plays in the background. Kids ages 1-5 can enjoy Bounce Jr., where they jump into soft and cushiony foam pits.

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news

New Year’s Resolutions... for Kids!

Roar for Art! Get out the crayons and paper for National Draw a Dinosaur Day on Jan. 30! Most children love dinosaurs, so this is a great opportunity to spend time with your kids while fostering their creativity. Create a prehistoric scene starring the mighty T. rex, sketch a horned triceratops, or draw the gentle giant, brontosaurus, foraging for leaves in the brush. Round out your dino day by reading DK’s The Dinosaur Book!

Love is in the Air Mark your calendar for Valentine’s Day! This sweet celebration of love can serve as a reminder to do things that show your kids how much you love them every day. Watch a movie, cook together, or put on some cool tunes and have a sing-along or dance party. The possibilities are endless! Visit nymetroparents.com/ love for more tiny—but mighty!— ways to show your kids how much you care.

Learn About Black History

February is Black History Month, a great time to encourage your children to learn more about Black history in the United States. There are many books available for kids of all ages that explore significant moments in Black history (visit nymetroparents.com/bhbooks for some selections), as well as movies that families can watch together and discuss afterward. Visit nymetroparents.com/bhmovies for movie suggestions that focus on civil rights, segregation, and many other important topics. 10

ow that it’s January, many of us are (hopefully!) keeping with our New Year’s resolutions. But changing bad habits or improving on existing ones shouldn’t just be for adults...encourage your child to do the same! Part of an adult’s ability to be successful is being able to set and achieve goals, so why not start your child off on the right track by fostering these qualities at a young age? Leah Guterman, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute in New York, shares tips for how parents can encourage kids to establish and keep fun and enriching New Year’s resolutions for 2022.

Pick a Resolution. What are some good resolutions for kids? Let your children decide! Encourage your kids to think about things that interest them. “When we set goals for our kids without involving their input, they are much less likely to follow through or have a desire to invest the required effort,” Dr. Guterman says. “Help your child think about things that they would be proud of themselves for accomplishing. Is there something they would do if they knew they couldn’t fail? Then, break those thoughts down into more achievable goals.”

Set Achievable Goals. Help children keep their resolutions by being mindful of setting smart goals. “We want to help children develop specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based goals,” Dr. Guterman says. Breaking down their big dreams into steps and ways they can reach different milestones will help them stay focused and accomplish their resolutions.

Give Praise! Be encouraging and positive. It will help your child persevere when sticking to their goals gets tough. Need help fostering your child’s interests? Browse our calendar of events that kids with all kinds of interests and hobbies will enjoy at nymetroparents.com/calendar.

Connect with us on Social facebook.com/nymetroparents

January/February 2022 | nymetroparents.com

@nymetroparents

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CALL 845.243.0751 VISIT campmosholu.com EMAIL mosholudaycamp@gmail.com NYMetroParents 11 NYMetro

advice

Ask DadandBuried “I’m no fan of climate change, but if it helps limit the amount of snow we get this winter, that’s fine with me. I’m getting too old to shovel and my kids never help! Am I alone in this or are all kids useless after a snowstorm?” — Jackie, Larchmont

O Rolling Admissions 2022-23 School Year AP PLY N OW whitbyschool.org/admissions

Co-ed Independent School Montessori | 18 mos – Kindergarten International Baccalaureate | Grades 1 – 8 969 Lake Avenue, Greenwich CT 203.302.3900 | whitbyschool.org 12

January/February 2022 | nymetroparents.com

h, Jackie. My sweet, innocent Jackie. I assure you, as a fellow parent constantly bemoaning my kids’ laziness and complete lack of upper body strength: No, you are not alone. My kids are the very definition of useless. Sure, they’ve made progress in some areas. They can dust, if my wife and I threaten them enough. The 11-year-old can handle the vacuum and occasionally charge his devices, the 5-year-old can properly return the juice to the fridge and wake the dead with his soul-piercing shrieks. They have skills. But none of their skills have anything to do with yard work or manual labor of most kinds. It’s not all their fault. In the old days, half the reason you had kids was to get extra farm and factory hands. Nowadays, the only thing my kids use their hands for is to swipe to the next TikTok video. Times have changed, and unfortunately it’s on us to instill a healthy work ethic—and to get them to do the backbreaking chores they’ve made us too old and too tired to do ourselves. Little kids get a little slack. I certainly can’t blame my 5-year-old for not helping to clear the walkway; the shovel is taller than he is. Plus, it takes a solid 5 months to get him dressed in snow gear, at which point the snow has melted and summer has arrived, so he’s not really the issue here. But my 11-year-old? He can handle a shovel. Not well, but that’s fine; sometimes we just need to see a little effort! It’s the thought that counts, right? He puts plenty of thought and effort into his Minecraft builds! He’s downright enthusiastic about decorating his virtual properties, but ask him to hold a bucket of salt so I can sprinkle some around and he starts complaining before I can even finish my request. The way I see it, the key to getting kids to do chores is simple: threaten and bribe. Or, if you’re a good parent, you can just incentivize their work. That’s why I’ve decided that the next time there’s a snowstorm, I’m going to bury his tablet and his Nintendo Switch in one of the drifts. If he wants to play video games, he’s gonna have to break a sweat first. Our advice column features the wise and humorous commentary of Mike Julianelle (aka @DadandBuried), a 40-something influencer with a popular podcast who lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two kids.

HAVE A QUESTION FOR DADANDBURIED? Send it to editor@nymetroparents.com with the subject “DadandBuried’s Advice.”

NYMetroParents 13 NYMetro

education

The Differences Among School Types

The New York metro area provides families with a variety of school types, allowing you to choose the best one for your child. By Katelin Walling

hoosing what school to send your child to in our area can be a complicated decision, one you agonize over for days or even weeks. To choose the best school for your child, it’s important to explore the differences among school types—parochial, independent, international, charter, magnet, and homeschools. We all worry about whether we’re making the best choices in raising our kids, and one thing most of us fret over is whether our children are getting the best education possible that is suited to their needs. In a lot of areas in the country, traditional district public schools may be the only option for kids. But living in our area, we are blessed with an abundance of choices. While one school option doesn’t necessarily provide a better education than another, each type has pros and cons for every family. It’s up to you to determine which setting best suits your child’s needs. Read on to learn more about the basic differences.

CHARTER SCHOOLS» “The most important concept to get is that a charter school is a public school,” says Ian Rowe, who was the CEO of Public Prep Network from 2010-2020. Public Prep is a system of nonprofit charter schools in NYC. Charter schools often have a specific focus, one that typically responds to a need articu14

January/February 2022 | nymetroparents.com

lated by public school families. Public Prep schools, for example, are all single sex and have a focus in STEM education. As with public schools, charter schools are tuition-free, though students must apply for admission. Public Prep currently admits students via a lottery system due to high demand. Charter schools, though, tend to operate with fewer regulations than traditional public schools and can set their own curriculum. But there is typically an accountability system in which charters are evaluated each year to see if they are meeting the outcomes set by the state, Rowe adds. Plus, there is a renewal process every five years to determine whether the charter is able to continue.

HOMESCHOOLS» There are numerous motivations for a family to decide to homeschool their children, from religious and health reasons to a child’s learning style, aptitude level, or schedule (think: child actors). There are also numerous options for homeschooling your child. For parents who decide to take the lead in teaching, joining a homeschool community, such as Classical Conversations, may be a good option. Online homeschool programs, such as the George Washington University Online High School, have faculty on board who serve as a child’s teachers.

Parents who decide to homeschool rather than enroll their child in a physical school must submit a letter of intent, an Individualized Home Instruction Plan, and quarterly reports by specific dates, according to the New York City Department of Education.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS» Also known as private schools, independent schools are funded by tuition and charitable donations as opposed to taxpayer dollars. “It is independently funded for the most part and also independent from the state to a certain degree,” says Scott Nelson, head of school at Rye Country Day School, a college preparatory day school in Rye. “For instance, we don’t follow the NYS testing program (Regents testing program), so we have more independence as far as curriculum choices.” To enroll in an independent school, students must fill out an application, parents and the student have an interview, and the student must take an entrance exam (the Independent School Entrance Exam or the Secondary School Admissions Test), according to Nelson. Though tuition is a factor in attending an independent school, many offer need-based financial aid.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS» A second private school option, international schools are typically multicultural and integrate those different cultures into everyday learning. “We have a mix of local New York families and international families who come from anywhere in the world,” says Theresa Bastrup-Hasman, director of admissions and marketing at Nord Anglia International School New York. “Working with global partners, we take an interdisciplinary approach to tackling real-world challenges and integrate world cultures into the curriculum.” Many international schools are bilingual. Nord Anglia, for example, begins Spanish as a second language for students as young as 2 years old. Children sing songs in Spanish and English, learn colors and seasons in both languages, and become dual language learners very early on. The school also encourages students to take part in its after-school Mandarin program. “One of the many things I love about our students is that they are so inquisitive and always want to learn more,” adds Bastrup-Hasman, who is also a school parent and has seen how her own children have thrived in its academic environment. As with other private schools, international schools have an application process, and some require testing while others do not. Many international schools also offer need-based financial aid.

Conservation to name a few). Partnerships, which enhance and support teaching and learning, are tailored to each school’s individual pursuits. Partnership examples include Columbia University, American Ballet Theatre, LEGO, and CUNY City Tech. The grants allow magnet schools to have state-of-the-art technology, new art and science supplies, and provide specialty rooms like broadcast studios, horticultural green spaces, and STEAM labs. Though public schools, these NYC magnet schools have an application process through the NYC DOE Office of Enrollment. There is no screening or testing to apply. For information, visit magnetschools.nyc or email info@magnetschools.nyc.

PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS» Catholic schools are private schools that follow a traditional curriculum but with an added religious component. Students enrolled in a Diocese of Rockville Centre school, for instance, are taught in accordance with the New York state learning standards and take the same Regents exams and SAT as public school students, but learning is infused with a religious curriculum directed by the Diocese. Though the schools in the Diocese are Catholic, teach religion, and prepare students for their first Holy Communion and Confirmation, not all students practice Catholicism. Those that don’t practice are required to take and pass religion classes but are not required to participate in religious events or sacraments. DRVC requires applicants to fill out admissions paperwork. Tuition is typically supplemented by the Diocese and the Parish that runs the school. Elizabeth Winchester contributed to this article.

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MAGNET SCHOOLS» Another tuition-free public school option, magnet schools are federally funded by competitive Magnet Schools Assistance Program grants from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. Over the past few years, the NYC DOE has won funding for 37 magnet schools across 15 districts, says Todd Levitt, NYC DOE MSAP director. Magnet education enables grant-recipient schools to offer students specialized thematic programs, innovative curriculum, and diversified approaches to teaching and learning, providing staff professional development, partnerships, residencies, supplies, equipment, and funding to support these programs, Levitt adds. Each of these 37 schools develop a theme-based program (STEM/STEAM, Architecture, Arts, Civic Leadership, and Global

914-946-4433

playgroup.org NYMetroParents 15 NYMetro

education

Questions to Ask When Considering a New School Key things to discuss with potential educators before making the switch for your child By Andrew Campanella

ore parents are actively focusing on their children’s education today than at any other time in recent memory. The pandemic challenged K-12 education like it had never been challenged before. Between ongoing uncertainty over school re-openings to concerns about the effectiveness of emergency remote-learning platforms, almost everyone experienced some form of educational anxiety. While parents generally agree that teachers have gone above and beyond in helping students adjust to our “new normal,” many families have realized their child’s school is no longer the right fit. These parents are searching for different schools for their children and are looking into the public, charter, magnet, online, private, and home-learning options available to them. How can parents search for schools on the heels of a pandemic? If you are touring schools or participating in virtual tours and remote open houses, it’s essential to ask as many questions as possible to find an environment that truly meets your child’s needs. Remember: You are making a long-term decision, even if the virus is what motivated you to make a change. These questions will help give you some insight:

» What are some of the things you do to ensure students are learning at, or above, grade level? This question will establish that you, too, have expectations for schools—while providing school leaders with opportunities to explain how they work toward accelerating student learning and success. » I want to make sure my child learns a lot. Are the classes challenging and rigorous, but also relevant and interesting? Children can often rise to the challenges of rigorous coursework, if it is presented in a relevant and interesting way. Ask this question to determine how a school combines rigor and relevance. » What do you look for when you recruit teachers? How do you define an effective teacher? Ask this question to determine if the school has a specific approach to finding knowledgeable, talented educators whose skills align with the school’s values and culture.

» What is your approach to education, and what makes your school unique? This question gives the school’s representative a chance to describe their school’s greatest asset or attribute—in their own words.

» How do you regularly monitor and evaluate student learning, and what do you do if students are struggling? This question will help you find out when you will know if your child is learning at grade level, or if your child is struggling.

» What are your school’s academic expectations for students? Ask this question to let school leaders know you are focused on your child’s academic success, and that you want to talk about learning.

» How do you choose your curriculum and textbooks? If a school uses one specific curriculum or type of textbooks for its classes, you can research it when you get home.

January/February 2022 | nymetroparents.com

» Do your teachers use a specific instructional strategy or method? (If so, what is it called, and can you explain what that means or how that works?) This question will help you know what happens in a classroom. For example, if you are told the school uses “differentiated instruction,” you might ask, “Can you describe how that looks day to day?” » Can you tell me more about the different classes and activities you offer? This will help you determine whether the school offers the classes, clubs, activities, and sports programs that will be of interest to your child. » How do you foster an environment of respect between students, teachers, and parents? Care and respect cannot be easily measured on a test, but they should be experienced every single day in a school building. » Tell me about your school’s approach to keeping students safe and preventing bullying. Ask this question to determine whether the school has specific plans, policies, and procedures that align to your goals and priorities.

» Tell me about your school’s approach to homework and testing. Even if you don’t worry about this, you want to make sure you know exactly what will be expected of your child. » What are the opportunities you have for parents to be involved? By asking this question, you can determine whether a school has a thoughtful approach to parental involvement and engagement. » You may also wish to ask the school about its response to COVID-19, with questions including: • How did your school react? • How does your school determine when or if it’s safe to hold in-person classes? • What platforms do you use to conduct remote learning? • What equipment is provided to students for online learning? • What has been the typical lead time given to parents when implementing a big change? • What precautions does your school take? • If a student or a teacher tests positive for COVID-19, how quickly are parents notified? Andrew Campanella has served as president of National School Choice Week (NSCW) since 2012. The Week has become the world’s largest educationrelated public awareness effort. Parents can access information year-round at schoolchoiceweek.com.

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NYMetroParents 17 NYMetro

Education DIRECTORY Alcott Montessori School

535 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry 914-693-4443 27 Crane Road, Scarsdale 914-472-4404m alcottschool.org Alcott School provides children ages 2-6 a supportive, multicultural, learning environment where they develop independence, self-confidence, and pride in their abilities. All sites offer a developmentally appropriate curriculum with Montessori materials, music, creative movement, and nature enrichment programs.

Ann and Andy Child Care

2170 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-3027 annandandychildcare.com annandydca@aol.com Family-owned and -operated since 1973! We offer a variety of fun activities for children ages 3 months to 12 years. We are NYSOCFS licensed. We offer flexible schedules, reasonable rates, nutritious lunches, a caring staff, individualized attention, age-appropriate field trips, 25 play areas, and 13 classrooms. COVID safety regulations are followed.

Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate

203-417-6004 advocate4students.com/contact-us annec@advocate4students.com Anne Cunningham, educational advocate (advocate4students.com), has been successfully supporting students for almost 10 years in Westchester, Putnam, and Orange counties, parts of Connecticut, and Manhattan. She interacts on behalf of students with all disabilities or educational concerns. Anne can be reached at annec@advocate4students.com.

Archdiocese of New York: Catholic Schools of NY

646-794-2885 catholicschoolsny.org Catholic schools welcome families looking for personalized learning in a secure, nurturing environment where today’s students become tomorrow’s leaders in high school and beyond. Book a tour or apply today.

Blue Rock School

110 Demarest Mill Road, West Nyack 845-627-0234 bluerockschool.org Blue Rock School offers a unique hands-on progressive education. Our academic curriculum is infused with the arts, nature, and play from kindergarten through eighth grade. By nurturing children’s love of learning, developing their skills, and encouraging critical thinking, we prepare them for a changing world.

Cardinal Spellman High School 1 Cardinal Spellman Place, Bronx 718-881-8000 x206 cardinalspellman.org admissions@cardinalspellman.org

Cardinal Spellman is the premier, independent, coeducational, college preparatory, Catholic high school in the Bronx. Our mission is to promote a culture of aspiration that encourages superior academic performance, leadership, and service. We have a 100-percent graduation and college acceptance rate and offer more than 20 AP and college credit courses!

The Chapel School

172 White Plains Road, Bronxville 914-337-3202 thechapelschool.org info@thechapelschool.org The Chapel School (est. 1947) is safely open for a wonderfully diverse community where we engage learners, encourage explorers, and empower leaders from Preschool 2s through eighth grade. Children at The Chapel School experience nurturing teachers in small class sizes, with expanding extracurricular activities, social-emotional literacy, and service-learning programs.

French-American School of New York (FASNY)

914-250-0401 fasny.org admissions@fasny.org Founded in 1980, FASNY is an international and bilingual, N-12, day school educating more than 700 students on three campuses in Mamaroneck and Larchmont. No French required! It is the only school in the New York metropolitan area accredited to offer both the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma and the French baccalaureate.

German International School New York (GISNY)

50 Partridge Road, White Plains 914-948-6513 gisny.org admissions@gisny.org GISNY, a pre-K through 12th-grade college preparatory school, offers a bilingual education and a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes the sciences. Children entering pre-K or kindergarten are not required to speak or understand German and build the foundation of being bilingual by first grade. Graduates earn two diplomas, which facilitates access to universities worldwide.

Gravitas: A Global Extension of The Stony Brook School

11 Cedar St., Stony Brook 631-675-3504 gravitas.sbs.org gravitas@sbs.org Gravitas is an online school like no other. As an extension of The Stony Brook School’s boarding and day campus, Gravitas provides students with access to challenging college prep academics, intentional character formation, opportunities to pursue passions, peers from around the world, and wisdom to answer life’s most important questions.

January/February 2022 | nymetroparents.com

Green Chimneys

400 Doansburg Road, Brewster 845-279-2995 33 Clearpool Road, Carmel 845-225-8226 greenchimneys.org Green Chimneys School is an accredited special education program for students in kindergarten to 12th grades who benefit from a highly structured and supportive setting. An enriched curriculum for individualized academic, behavioral, and emotional support features an innovative nature-based approach that integrates animal-assisted activities, horticulture, and outdoor exploration into therapeutic treatment and education programs.

Green Meadow Waldorf School

307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge 845-356-2514 gmws.org/admissionseventschedule Green Meadow Waldorf School offers a beautiful 11acre campus, busing from Westchester/NYC, and outdoor learning spaces. Our focus this year prioritizes our core values: diversity, equity, and inclusion; COVID-19 safety protocols and a healthy campus; strong daily rhythms; deep relationships; and place-based education for the whole person.

Gtec Kids

Scarsdale/Larchmont Vicinity 914-246-2806 gteckids.com andistix@gmail.com Does your child like to design, build, and invent things? Gtec Kids is an after-school, creative arts and science center for gifted and talented students (second-sixth grades). Our warm and nurturing, interactive classroom experiences promote higher-level thinking and creative problem solving through project-based learning in a fun and creative way.

New Canaan Country School

635 Frogtown Road, New Canaan, CT 203-972-0771 countryschool.net admissioninfo@countryschool.net New Canaan Country School is a coed, independent day school for students in pre-K (ages 3-4) through ninth grade living in Westchester and Fairfield counties. Graduates excel at top day, boarding, and public secondary schools and go on to lead lives of impact and purpose. For more information, please visit countryschool.net.

The Cedar School

203-808-5005 thecedarschool.org info@thecedarschool.org The Cedar School, located in Greenwich, CT, is a coed high school for bright students with mild to moderate language-based learning differences. Cedar provides a rich academic setting with researched-based supports. The school’s multisensory approach allows students to pursue a rigorous curriculum while mastering the skills they need for college and beyond. continued on p. 20

GET TO KNOW OUR INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Virtual Open House • January 20, 2022 • February 9, 2022 Learn more and register at: GISNY.ORG Open a world of opportunities for your child with a bilingual education and a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes the sciences. For over 40 years, German International School New York (GISNY), a Pre-K through grade 12 college preparatory program, cultivates students to develop into curious, analytical, and conscientious global citizens. Our graduates earn the NYS High School Diploma and the German International Abitur, a globally recognized diploma, which facilitates access to universities worldwide. Entering Pre-K or Kindergarten children are not required to speak or understand German and build the foundation of being bilingual by first grade. Join our Virtual Open House and learn how we nurture independent thinkers, inspire academic excellence, and develop global citizens. cognitive growth and positions them for long-term academic| success. GISNY.ORG | admissions@gisny.org 50 Partridge Rd, White Plains, NY 10605 | (914) 948-6513

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continued from p. 18

Education DIRECTORY Westchester Jewish Center Early Childhood Center

Ann Pircio-Pardes, director Carol Meyers, assistant director 175 Rockland Ave., Mamaroneck 914-698-2767 wjcenter.org ann@wjcenter.org WJC’s Early Childhood Center (ECC) offers programs for children, birth to age 5. Our developmentally appropriate program provides a balance between preparing for the future and living fully in the present, in the context of a caring environment. Children learn through discovery, multi-sensory, child-centered, and rich adult-child interactions.

Whitby School

969 Lake Ave., Greenwich, CT 203-869-8464 whitbyschool.org admissions@whitbyschool.org Whitby is a coeducational independent school providing educational continuity for children ages 18 months through eighth grade. The Whitby Montessori

Children’s House three-year program and the International Baccalaureate program in first-eighth grades form the foundation that empowers students to think creatively and critically, preparing them as life-long learners and global citizens.

Winston Preparatory School Connecticut

57 W. Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT 203-229-0465 Michelle Rolfe, director of admissions: mrolfe!@winstonprep.edu winstonprep.edu/our-campuses/ connecticut summerct@winstonprep.edu Winston Preparatory Connecticut is a leading school for students with learning differences, including dyslexia, ADHD, and nonverbal learning disorders. Learn more about our nationally recognized program at winstonprep.edu.

If your pre-schooler or school aged child’s ACADEMIC STRUGGLES, BEHAVIORAL, or EMOTIONAL REGULATION ISSUES continue to interfere in their ability to access the curriculum and academically succeed, January/February is the time to request the Committee of Special Education (CSE) to evaluate your child. The process is long. You need to start now. Sign up for a Free 30 minute consultation at https://www.advocate4students.com/free-consultation-offer

Serving

Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange Counties NYC Connecticut

January/February 2022 | nymetroparents.com

FRENCH-AMERICAN SCHOOL OF NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AND BILINGUAL SCHOOL

Live Locally, Learn Globally No Knowledge of French Required

Bilingual Program Nursery to Grade 12 International Program Grades 1-8 IB Diploma Program in Grades 11 & 12 914.250.0401 www.fasny.org

A Waldorf Education With unique outdoor learning experiences

For your children’s safety, we have reinvented many aspects of school life for Fall 2021 while remaining true to the core principles of Waldorf education. Small class sizes, new outdoor learning spaces, thoughtful safety protocols, and farm, forest, and garden for our youngest students are just part of what we offer.

Rolling admissions, Pre-K to High School. Now busing from Tarrytown and NYC! Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977 • 845.356.2514 x 302 • gmws.org NYMetroParents 21 NYMetro

family activities

Downhill Thrills

These snow tubing parks offer thrills that are a little more exciting than the neighborhood sledding spot. By Barbara Russo

f your kids love sledding on neighborhood hills but want more of a thrill, head to one of these snow tubing parks for some downhill fun! It’s the perfect way to experience the thrills of skiing or snowboarding if your kids haven’t learned how yet. Many of these snow tubing locations are within a 2-hour drive from our area, making them the perfect winter day trip destination. So, grab your snow pants, coats, boots, hats, and mittens, and head to one of these family-friendly snow tubing parks for a day of fun. 22

NEW YORK Holiday Mountain Ski and Fun Park 99 Holiday Mountain Road, Monticello holidaymtn.com • 845-796-3161 Hours: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday sessions available Slide down a mountain at this resort in Sullivan County that has a dedicated tubing facility in addition to ski slopes and trails. Riders must be at least 44 inches tall. Call to check availability and book a time, as snow tubing sessions sell out quickly.

January/February 2022 | nymetroparents.com

Hunter Mountain 64 Klein Ave., Hunter huntermtn.com • 518-263-4223 Hours: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday sessions available Head to this tubing park to experience lanes that are nearly 1,000 feet long. There is a carpet lift to get riders back to the top of the hill, so they can slide more and walk less. Children shorter than 36 inches are not permitted to go tubing.

Mount Peter 51 Old Mt. Peter Road, Warwick mtpeter.com • 845-986-4940 Hours: Sessions available on Thursday (special groups only), Friday-Sunday This Orange County ski resort features a speedy, multi-lane, 600foot tubing run that is equipped with a carpet lift to bring riders back to the top of the hill. Riders must be 42 inches or taller to ride single. Tubers 36-48 inches may ride in tandem with a paying adult. There is a winter wonderland complete with a kid-size tubing hill for children shorter than 42 inches tall. Supervision is required.

Plattekill Mountain 469 Plattekill Mountain Road, Roxbury plattekill.com • 607-326-3500 Hours: 2-hour sessions on weekends and certain holidays through March 13 Take the family on a drive to Delaware County for this resort’s lift-service snow tubing that includes a Conveyor Carpet Lift to bring you and your tube to the top of the mountain where all the fun starts. Children must be at least 3 feet tall. All tubing tickets must be purchased online.

Rocking Horse Ranch 600 Route 44/55, Highland GPS address: 13 Pancake Hollow Road, Highland rockinghorseranch.com • 800-647-2624 Hours: Check the website for reservation information Enjoy lanes that are 500 feet long. Single and double tubes are available. Riders must be at least 36 inches tall. The resort offers tubing all year round, too. There’s also Cosmic Night Mountain Tubing where riders take the plunge under flashing LED lights; available on select nights.

Windham Mountain 19 Resort Drive, Windham windhammountain.com • 518-734-4300 Hours: Saturday, 11am-8pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. Check the website for a complete schedule. This popular ski resort boasts a Tubing

Park with six lanes of exhilarating snow tubing serviced by a conveyor lift, kids’ snowmobiles, and cozy lodge. There are no height or age limits for tubing if riders are tall enough to get in and out and sit up in the tube. Tubing season passes are available for both individuals and families.

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ Mountain Creek Resort 200 Route 94, Vernon mountaincreek.com • 973-827-2000 Hours: Thursday, 4-8pm; Friday-Sunday, 10am-8pm The resort has a tubing park that spans 5 acres and features a magic carpet lift that brings riders back to the top of the hill after they slide down. All riders must be at least 42 inches tall and 5 years old. One person per tube. Snow tubing tickets are available online and on-site based upon availability.

Campgaw Mountain 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah skicampgaw.com • 201-327-7800 Hours: Sessions available daily: Monday-Thursday, 2-8pm; Friday, 1-10pm; Saturday, 8:30am-10pm; Sunday, 8:30am-8pm Tubes are provided and a surface lift is available for guests to ride up the hill. Choose between different runs with varied levels of rolls and pitch. No experience or special equipment is needed. All riders must be at least 42 inches tall with a maximum weight of 300 pounds. One person per tube.

CONNECTICUT Mohawk Mountain Ski Area 46 Great Hollow Road, Cornwall mohawkmtn.com • 860-672-6100 Hours: Tubing was not open at time of press. Check website for updates. Known for skiing, this resort also offers snow tubing. There is no age restriction, but all riders must be taller than 42 inches to enter the tubing area.

Powder Ridge Mountain Park and Resort 99 Powder Hill Road, Middlefield powderridgepark.com • 860-349-3454 Hours: Thursday-Sunday; sessions can be booked online. The resort supplies the tubes and helmets for all riders. Select nights feature neon lighting and music. Tubing passes are available online.

PENNSYLVANIA Jack Frost and Big Boulder 434 Jack Frost Mountain Road, White Haven 357 Big Boulder Drive, Lake Harmony jfbb.com • 570-443-8425 Hours: See website for schedule. Jack Frost and Big Boulder are companion ski resorts that offer snow tubing in Pennsylvania. Tubing is available at both locations.

Camelback Mountain Resort 301 Resort Drive, Tannersville camelbackresort.com • 570-629-1661 Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12-8pm; Friday, 12-10pm; Saturday, 9am-10pm; Sunday, 9am-9pm This Pennsylvania ski resort has more than 40 snow tubing lanes to choose from. Enjoy galactic snow tubing at night, when all the lanes are aglow. Snow tubing sessions are 2 hours and start every hour on the hour. Riders must be 44 inches tall to ride alone. Riders who are 33-43 inches tall are permitted to ride in a double tube or chain with a participating adult.

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area 401 Hollow Road, East Stroudsburg shawneemt.com • 570-421-7231 Hours: See website for schedule. Shawnee Mountain’s snow tubing park features single tubes, as well as adultand-child tandem tubes (child must be shorter than 46 inches). No special skills or equipment is needed. The resort supplies the tube. There are two surface lifts to bring tubers to the top. Tickets must be purchased online.

NYMetroParents 23 NYMetro

Y R A U R B E F / Y R A U N JA Calendar

Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party WHEN: Jan. 13-17, Thursday-Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 11am, 3pm, and 7pm; Sunday, 12pm and 4pm; Monday, 1pm WHERE: Webster Bank Arena, 600 Main St., Bridgeport, CT AGES: All WHAT: Join Mickey Mouse and his Disney friends on adventures filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics, and unexpected stunts! WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 203-345-2300. websterbankarena.com.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Acts of Community Service Family Day WHEN: Monday, Jan. 17, 10am-4pm WHERE: Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT AGES: All WHAT: Participate in creating enrichment for animals at the Beardsley Zoo, meet trained and training guide dogs from Field24

January/February 2022 | nymetroparents.com

Co, decorate and fill buddy bags for Greenwich’s Neighbor to Neighbor, and meet other community organizations from town. WANT TO GO? $10; $8 ages 65 and older and students ages 5-22 with student ID; free for members and children younger than 5. 203-869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

Lines and Squiggles WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 22, 11am-12pm WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: 4-7, adult WHAT: Kids will use paint and oil pastels to create unique works of art using different types of lines. WANT TO GO? $5; free for members plus admission: $9; $8 seniors; free for members, children younger than 1, and active-duty military personnel and their families within the same household. 914-421-5050. discoverwcm.org.

Bronx Zoo Mornings: Crocodiles WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 19, 9-10:30am WHERE: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Your family will test their crocodile knowledge, then meet an animal guest up close and a zookeeper that cares for them! WANT TO GO? $45; $36 members. 800-433-4149. bronxzoo.com.

The SpongeBob Musical WHEN: Jan. 15-23, Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2pm; Monday, 2pm WHERE: The Play Group Theatre, 1 N. Broadway, Suite 111, White Plains AGES: All WHAT: Dive in for a raucous adventure with SpongeBob, Patrick, and more! WANT TO GO? $22; $18 seniors and children younger than 12. 914-946-4433. playgroup.org.

Chocomania! Valentine’s Party WHEN: Friday, Feb. 11, 5:30-7:30pm WHERE: Rye Reads Learning Center, 180 Theodore Fremd, Rye AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Share a read aloud, then make and take delicious chocolate treats to share with a special Valentine. WANT TO GO? $40. 914-424-3524. ryereads.com.

The Rock and Roll Playhouse: Music of Queen for Kids & More WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 12, 1:30pm doors; 2pm show begins WHERE: The Capital Theater, 149 Westchester Ave., Port Chester AGES: All WHAT: This concert for kids and families shares the music of Queen with a new generation of music lovers. WANT TO GO? $17; $15 in advance; free for children younger than 1. 914-937-4126. thecapitoltheatre.com.

WHAT: Bring the family out to enjoy this outdoor ice-skating rink located in Bear Mountain State Park in the Lower Hudson Valley. WANT TO GO? $5; free for ages 4 and younger; $10 skate rental. 845-786-2701. bearmountainicerink.org.

Mommy & Me Meet the Animals WHEN: Through March 18: Friday, 10-11:30am or 1-2:30pm (No session Jan. 21) WHERE: Westmoreland Sanctuary, 260 Chestnut Ridge Road, Mount Kisco AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Pet and learn about an animal friend followed by self-directed play. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 members. 914-666-8448. westmorelandsanctuary.org.

THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE Non-profit 501 (C) (3)

MARCH 6 @ 4PM

Extreme Maple Syrup WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 26, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT AGES: All WHAT: Help collect the sap run, do a syrup taste test challenge, try a variety of infused maple syrups, and more. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 members. 203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

MARCH 13 @ 4PM

Public Skating Sessions WHEN: Through March 6: Friday-Saturday, 10am-9:30pm; Sunday, 10am-7:30pm WHERE: Bear Mountain Ice Rink, Bear Mountain State Park AGES: All

APRIL 10 @ 4:30PM & 8PM

203.438.5795 • RIDGEFIELDPLAYHOUSE.ORG NYMetroParents 25 NYMetro

For the

Whole Family

WANT TO GO? $30 per family; $25 per family members. 203-5574400. earthplace.org.

Family Art Project: Weathering a Storm WHEN: Jan. 22-23, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Learn the art and science of forecasting a storm as you create your own weather snow globes and swirl up scenes of what it might take to weather a storm. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $10; $6 students and seniors ages 65 and older; $4 children ages 6 and older; free for members. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Town of Clarkstown Corn Hole Tournament FREE WHEN: Friday, Jan. 28, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Street Community Center, 31 Zukor Road, New City AGES: All WHAT: Clarkstown residents are welcome to participate in this corn hole tournament. Must have a valid community center ID card. WANT TO GO? 845-639-6200. town.clarkstown.ny.us.

MLK Weekend Workshops: Slime Time WHEN: Jan. 15-17, Saturday and Monday, 11am-12pm WHERE: Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT AGES: All WHAT: Create a few slime recipes and meet some of the slimiest live creatures too! WANT TO GO? $15; $12 members. 203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

Family Campfire WHEN: Friday, Jan. 21, 5-7pm WHERE: Earthplace, 10 Woodside Lane, Westport, CT AGES: All WHAT: Roast marshmallows near a campfire, enjoy meeting an animal ambassador, make s’mores, and do a guided activity!

Holiday Train Show WHEN: Through Jan. 23: See website for schedule WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Marvel at model trains zipping through an enchanting display of more than 175 famous New York landmarks. WANT TO GO? $32; $30 seniors ages 65 and older and students with ID; $18 children ages 2-12. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.

January/February 2022 | nymetroparents.com

Winter Wolves WHEN: Jan. 29-30, Saturday, 11am and 2pm; Sunday, 10am and 1pm WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: All WHAT: Guests will visit gray wolves Alawa, Nikai, and Zephyr, as well as potentially behold some of the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 children younger than 12. 914-763-2373. nywolf.org.

Rapunzel WHEN: Through Feb. 6: Saturday-Sunday, 12pm and 2:30pm WHERE: Downtown Cabaret Theater, 263 Golden Hill St., Bridgeport, CT AGES: All

Teatown Hudson River EagleFest WHEN: Feb. 4-6, check website for updates on the schedule WHERE: Teatown, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the return of the bald eagle with live birdof-prey shows, educators with viewing scopes observing wild eagles, children’s activities, food trucks, and more than 25 environmental organizations—all in heated tents! WANT TO GO? TBA. 914-741-0333. teatown.org.

WHAT: When the young Rapunzel is locked in a tower by a wicked enchantress, it takes a handsome young hero to help her escape. And that’s just the beginning of the story! WANT TO GO? $21-$26. 203-576-1636. dtcab.com.

SuperbOWL Sunday WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 6, 12:30-1:30pm, 2-3pm, and 3-4pm WHERE: Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT AGES: All WHAT: Discover the types of owls that call Connecticut home, test yourself with Owl Call Jeopardy, meet a barred owl, dissect your own owl pellet, and take home a great owl craft for future work!

WANT TO GO? $15; $12 members. 203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

Maple Sugaring WHEN: Feb. 6-27, Sundays, 10-11am, 11:30am-12:30pm, 1-2pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Check Tenafly Nature Center’s tapped tree and boil down sap to make fresh, warm maple syrup, a sweet treat for all to taste. WANT TO GO? $10; $8 members; $30 members family pass for up to 6. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Education for the Individual Winston Preparatory School Connecticut offers a highly individualized learning environment for students with learning differences, including dyslexia, ADHD, and nonverbal learning disabilities. Winston Prep Connecticut’s unique learning program puts the emphasis on gaining a deep understanding of each student, their strengths and special needs.

Learn more about Winston Prep Connecticut and register for an open house today at www.winstonprep.edu/admissions New York | New Jersey | Connecticut | California | Online The Winston Preparatory School does not discriminate against applicants and students on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin.

NYMetroParents 27 NYMetro

Family Valentine’s Day Workshop WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 13, 1-2:15pm WHERE: Pelham Art Center, 155 Fifth Ave., Pelham AGES: All WHAT: Get creative with your family and create a one-of-akind heart-shaped paper plush! WANT TO GO? $25; $23 members (includes 1 adult-child pair and 1 plush); $15 per additional child. 914-738-2525 x111. pelhamartcenter.org.

Sugaring Open House FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 19, 10am-3pm WHERE: Muscoot Farm’s Sugar House, 51 Route 100, Katonah AGES: All WHAT: Stop by the farm’s Sugar House to learn how sap is turned into maple syrup! WANT TO GO? 914-864-7286. muscootfarm.org.

Wizard of Oz WHEN: Feb. 19-March 27, Saturday-Sunday, 12pm and 2:30pm (March 26, 12pm only) WHERE: Downtown Cabaret Theater, 263 Golden Hill St., Bridgeport, CT AGES: All WHAT: Join Dorothy and her new friends as they travel down the yellow brick road in hopes that the wonderful Wizard can show them the way home. WANT TO GO? $21-$26. 203-576-1636. dtcab.com.

Family Art Project: Love for Woodland Friends

Our Art Belongs!

WHEN: Feb. 12-13, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the ways we care for each other by creating woodland-creature sock puppets. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $10; $6 students and seniors ages 65 and older; $4 children ages 6 and older; free for members. 718-549-3200 x251. wavehill.org.

WHEN: Through Feb. 20: Thursday-Saturday, 10am-4pm WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: All WHAT: This inclusive exhibit features the work of artists with disabilities from The Institutes of Applied Human Dynamics. Viewers must be accompanied by a child. WANT TO GO? $9. 914-421-5050. discoverwcm.org.

Lobo Love: Valentine’s Day Party with Wolves! WHEN: Feb. 12-13, Saturday-Sunday, 10-11:30am and 1-2:30pm WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: All WHAT: Assemble “wolfy” valentines for Ambassador Wolves! WANT TO GO? $15; $12 children younger than 12. 914-7632373. nywolf.org.

Ramsey Farmers’ Market WHEN: Through April 24: Sundays, 10am-1pm WHERE: Erie Plaza Train Station, 2 W. Main St., Ramsey AGES: All WHAT: This year-round market has more than 30 local farmers and food purveyors, artisans, music, and more. WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 201-6756866. ramseyfarmersmarket.org.

Just for

Younger Kids Stroller Tours WHEN: Friday, Jan. 21, 9:30-10:30am WHERE: Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Route 22, Katonah AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Pop your little one into a stroller and experience a conversational tour of current exhibitions. WANT TO GO? $12; free for members. 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org.

January/February 2022 | nymetroparents.com

Great for

Elementary-Age Kids Make Your Own Terrarium WHEN: Monday, Jan. 17, 10am-12pm WHERE: Sheldrake Environmental Center, 685 Weaver St., Larchmont AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Play with dirt, gravel, pebbles, mosses, plants, and more. Create your own habitat in a container to bring home and nurture. WANT TO GO? $20; $25 members. 914-834-1443. sheldrakecenter.org.

Open Play WHEN: Monday, Jan. 17, 9am-1pm WHERE: West Rock Indoor Sports & Entertainment Complex, 21 Pralle Lane, Nanuet AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Drop the kids off for a day of sports, games, and more! WANT TO GO? $50. 845-623-3636. westrockindoor.com.

Family Studio Art Workshop: Snowman Puppet WHEN: Jan. 22-30, Saturday-Sunday, 1-4pm WHERE: Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Create a snowman puppet with art materials such as pompom balls, foam or felt, popsicles, markers, and googly eyes, as well as with a choice of special wintery season scents.

WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $8; $5 seniors ages 62 and older, students, and veterans; $4 children ages 3-18; free for members. 914963-4550. hrm.org.

Owl Prowl WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 22, 7-9pm WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, 25 Boulevard, Cornwall-on-Hudson AGES: 7 and older WHAT: Meet a live owl, then try calling one outside. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 members. 845-534-5506. hhnm.org.

Ride the Wave with Bach to Rock WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 29, 11am-12pm WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: 5-12 WHAT: See wave motion, the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves, and create your own musical instrument! WANT TO GO? $5; free for members, plus admission: $9; $8 seniors; free for members, children younger than 1. 914-421-5050. discoverwcm.org.

It’s time to brighten up that smile! Book your dental visit now! We are focused on optimal oral health while providing a safe, comfortable, and FUN environment—come check out our submarine-themed office space!

Penny Penny Resnick-Graulich, Resnick-Graulich, D.M.D D.M.D Emelie Emelie Preis, Preis, D.D.S. D.D.S. Danya Danya Mermelstein, Mermelstein, D.M.D. D.M.D. Fatina Fatina Shtivelman, Shtivelman, D.D.S. D.D.S.

Voted 10 years in a row one of Westchester’s Top Pediatric Dentists by Westchester Magazine

Our dentists have specialized training to work with special needs patients

MAIN STREET PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY 115 Main Street, Suite 302, Tuckahoe mainstreetpediatricdentistry.com (914) 633-4440 NYMetroParents 29 NYMetro

Kids Night Out WHEN: Through Jan. 29: Saturdays, 6-8:30pm WHERE: Peace in Piermont, 458 Piermont Ave., Piermont AGES: All WHAT: Kids will paint and craft, play board games, have a talent show, and end the night with glowga (glow-in-the-dark yoga) and a guided meditation! WANT TO GO? $44 per child; $40 sibling discount. 845848-2600. peaceinpiermont.com.

Open Play WHEN: Monday, Feb. 7, 9am-1pm WHERE: West Rock Indoor Sports & Entertainment Complex, 21 Pralle Lane, Nanuet AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Drop the kids off for a day of sports, games, and more! WANT TO GO? $50. 845-623-3636. westrockindoor.com.

Valentine’s Day Workshop: Laser Cutting with Glowforge WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 8, 5-6:30pm WHERE: The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Road, Rye AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Create a Valentine’s themed pendant or pin that will then be laser cut and engraved on the centers new machine! WANT TO GO? $50. 914-967-0700. ryeartscenter.org.

Valentine’s Day Pop Up Cards Workshop WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 12, 2-4pm WHERE: The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Road, Rye AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Create a paper box and fill it with hearts, make valentine clouds to float on the page, and heal a broken heart. WANT TO GO? $45. 914-967-0700. ryeartscenter.org.

Give Kids a Smile Day FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 12, 9am-2pm WHERE: Smile More Kids, 140 Oak Tree Road, Tappan AGES: 12 and younger WHAT: It’s a day of free dental cleaning for children. There will be a Puppet Show and Mr. Tooth throughout the day. WANT TO GO? 845-359-1763. dentist-tappan.com.

Valentine’s Day Drop Off

Escape the Artic: A STEM Survival Challenge WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 29, 2-3pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Work in teams to face a series of STEM and survival challenges. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 members. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Stargazing Winter Constellations WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 29, 6-7pm WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center, 100 Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: 8 and older WHAT: Come out to observe the winter hexagon—aka the winter circle—a collection of the Northern Hemisphere’s brightest stars. WANT TO GO? $12; $9 members. 845-5345506. hhnm.org.

January/February 2022 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 14, 7:30-10pm WHERE: Bach to Rock Mamaroneck, 130 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Your kids will enjoy a movie while you enjoy a night out! WANT TO GO? $25. 914-341-1457. eventbrite.com.

Story Time for Little Ones: Coyote, A Trickster Tale FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 19, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: The Aldrich, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, CT AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Explore Indigenous storytelling with a reading of Coyote: A Trickster Tale, then create your own symbolic animal masks. WANT TO GO? 203-438-4519. thealdrich.org.

Boogie Down Storytime with Wes & Jazy WHEN: Through April 30: Saturdays, 10-11am WHERE: Mottley Kitchen, 402 E. 140th St., South Bronx AGES: 3-12 WHAT: This experience cultivates early literacy awareness through joyful reading experiences! WANT TO GO? $19.95. 347-916-6234. boogiedownbooks.com.

Fun for

Tweens & Teens 1st Annual Yorktown Youth Keeping the Dream: Celebrating Character, Kindness, and Thoughtful Service FREE WHEN: Monday, Jan. 17, 3-6pm WHERE: Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights AGES: 9 and older WHAT: This first annual event, purposefully aligning with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, celebrates character, kindness, and service. WANT TO GO? 914-218-3968. allianceforsafekids.org.

Teen Tuesday: Comics and Cartooning FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 18, 4:30-6pm WHERE: White Plains City Center, 5 Mamaroneck Ave., 3rd Floor,

White Plains AGES: 12-16 WHAT: Learn about cartooning and storyboarding. WANT TO GO? artswestchester.org.

Weekly Magic the Gathering Draft WHEN: Through June 24: Fridays, 6pm WHERE: Dragon Den & Dungeon Hall, 102 Main St., Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Pass around packs of cards and build a deck on the fly to participate in a Swiss tournament for a chance at prizes! WANT TO GO? $20. 845-271-5481. nydragonden.com.

Muscoot Farm Hike WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 29, 9-10am WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah AGES: 10 and older WHAT: Join the farm’s curator on a hike around the farm’s trails. WANT TO GO? TBD. Registration required. 914864-7286. muscootfarm.org.

Stepping Stones Museum for Children • Norwalk CT

Character Visits Winter Games Sweetheart Ball

Photo Booth …and so Station much more! NYMetroParents 31 NYMetro

Winter Activities DIRECTORY

1 N. Broadway, Suite 111, White Plains 914-946-4433 playgroup.org info@playgroup.org The Play Group Theatre’s award-winning performing arts programs are fully back in person! Jump into inspirational, innovative, age-appropriate programming in any area of theater! Our Covid safety measures ensure a healthy and safe return to the stage. Visit us online for details and to get in on the act today!

80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, CT 203-438-5795 ridgefieldplayhouse.org info@ridgefieldplayhouse.org The Ridgefield Playhouse has live shows that the entire

The Inn at East Hill Farm New Hampshire east-hill-farm.com LEGOLAND Discovery Center Yonkers legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester

Matthews Park, 303 West Ave., Norwalk 203-899-0606 x208 steppingstonesmuseum.org Now through Feb. 27, it’s Winterfest At Stepping Stones Museum For Children. Join us for wintry games and learning-rich experiences, including character visits, special World Of Wonder! performances, the return of the popular Sweetheart Ball and plenty of frosty festivities. For membership and event information, visit steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Monster Mini Golf Yonkers monsterminigolf.com/yonkers

The Play Group Theatre White Plains playgroup.org

Stepping Stones Museum for Children Norwalk, CT steppingstonesmuseum.org

January/February 2022 | nymetroparents.com

8 8

Sportime USA Elmsford sportimeusa.com

School-Break Camps

Birthday Parties

Babysitting Nights

After-School Programs

The Ridgefield Playhouse Ridgefield, CT ridgefieldplayhouse.org

Stepping Stones Museum for Children

ACTIVITY TYPE The Whole Family

Ages 13 and Older

Ages 9-12

Ages 4-8

Ages 3 and Younger

BEST FOR

380 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-2111 x2 sportimeusa.com Sportime USA is the ideal place to visit this winter! With a restaurant on the premises, and activities for all ages including a Superfly Thrill Ride, four-dimensional motion theater, laser tag, rock-climbing wall, a Ballocity Arena, batting cages, bumper cars, Himalaya coaster, kiddie rides, video and prize ticket games, billiards, and soft-adventure play area.

Seasonal Events

Yonkers Ridge Hill Mall, 221 Market St., Unit 2950, Second Floor, Yonkers 914 346-5072 monsterminigolf.com/yonkers

AT A GLANCE

The Play Group Theatre

The Ridgefield Playhouse

Monster Mini Golf

Winter Activities

Sportime USA

Open Play Sessions

39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers 844-740-9223 legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester westchester@legolanddiscoverycenter.com Gather the family, get out of the cold, and come explore the ultimate indoor LEGO® Playground this winter! LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Westchester—it’s like you’ve just jumped into the biggest box of LEGO® bricks ever!

family will enjoy—REZA: Edge of Illusion on Jan. 16, Acrobats of China on March 6, Mike Super: Magic & Illusion 2.OH! on March 13, and a blend of classical and hip-hop music with Black Violin on April 10! Tickets at ridgefieldplayhouse.org.

Family Activities

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Westchester

yonkers@monsterminigolf.com 49 E. Midland Ave., Paramus, NJ 201-261-0032 monsterminigolf.com/paramus paramus@monsterminigolf.com Monster Mini Golf is 18 holes of indoor, monster-themed, glow-in-the-dark mini golf. We also have cool monster décor with custom artwork, animated props, an interactive DJ, private party rooms, arcade games, and a prize center. Other attractions include two lanes of miniature bowling!

Drop-Off Activities

460 Monadnock St., Troy, NH 800-242-6495 east-hill-farm.com info@east-hill-farm.com The Inn at East Hill Farm is an all-inclusive, family farm vacation resort that is open year-round. Guests enjoy hands-on time with farm animals, milking the cow, patting bunnies, and collecting chicken eggs. Resort amenities include a children’s recreation program, indoor swimming, snowshoeing, ice-skating, and sledding.

Day Trip Destinations

The Inn at East Hill Farm

8 8

www.musicalmunchkins.com • (914) 771-7000

Have Have the the greatest greatest theater experience theater experience at at Camp Camp Artistree! Artistree!

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camp

How to Easily Plan for Your Child’s

A month-by-month timeline to get you organized and prepared By Jess Michaels

t’s not too early to think about day or sleepaway camp. It can be overwhelming to decide how to pick a summer camp for your child, and it often seems like there is an endless list of things to do before your kids can actually go to camp. How do you pick the right camp? What should you ask the camp director before sending your kids away for the summer? What should you pack your kids for their time at summer camp? To get started with the camp planning process, the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey suggests the following month-by-month timeline with ways to plan for your child’s summer camp experience. Is it time for camp yet?

» Talk to camp directors. Speaking with the camp director and asking some key questions is a good way to find out about a camp’s philosophy and see if it matches your own. Get to know the camp director through phone calls, correspondence, and in person. Make sure to give the director an accurate picture of your child and what your specific goals are for their camp JANUARY experience. » Make camp part of a gift. Instead of purchasing another toy for your child, make camp a holiday, birthday, or other special occasion gift. » Prepare your child for overnights. If you are considering sleepaway camp, schedule sleepovers with friends and relatives and make sure these overnights are successful. If your child feels panicked and needs to come home in the middle of the night, they may not be ready for sleepaway camp.

» Share positive messages. As camp approaches, talk to your child about the camp program and the activities they will be participating in. Let your child APRIL & MAY know you are confident in their ability to have a successful camp experience.

» Pack together. If your child is going to overnight camp, pack together. Your child will feel more secure if they know what they are bringing to camp. Use this time talk with your child about how much fun JUNE camp is going to be. » Mail a letter to camp. Send a letter to sleepaway camp, so your child has a letter the first day they are at camp. Let them know how much fun they are going to have at camp.

» Schedule home visits and attend camp fairs. These are both good ways to get to know a camp director and a camp program. Ask about the camp’s mission statement and what type of child is sucFEBRUARY cessful at camp. Camp fairs bring dozens of camps to a community & MARCH and provide parents the opportunity to speak 1-on-1 with many different directors in one day. Often, a camp director will come to you for a home visit, which allows you to get to know the director and for the director to get to know your family.

January/February 2022 | nymetroparents.com

Camp season is here! Jess Michaels is the director of communications for the American Camp Association. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and two daughters.

JULY & AUGUST

Learn

Experience Grow Connect

A progressive EARLY CHILDHOOD SCHOOL with an emphasis on play-based, experiential learning. Children receive a solid Jewish foundation centered around the celebration of holidays and values. Our parent-teacher collaboration enables an effective communication network that enriches the growth, care, and development of each child. WJC’s SUMMER CAMP teachers gear activities to young campers, ages 18 mos–3 years. Dance, music, art, soccer, cooking, yoga, nature, science, and outdoor water play provide a fun-filled day. We specialize in toddlers and are a diaper-friendly camp! Our gentle approach to separation prepares toddlers for our 2s class in the fall.

914-698-2767 | wjcenter.org for camp information and registration forms

Since 1983

After-School Program for Gifted Youth, 2 nd–6 th Grade • • Drama H istory Sc ie n c e • V i su a l A r t s q uipmen e t r a Com he t p u t e r s • St a t e - o f - t

GtecKids.com Scarsdale/Larchmont Vicinity

914.246.2806 NYMetroParents 35 NYMetro

Camp DIRECTORY Acres of Adventure Summer Camp at Ann and Andy

2170 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-3027 annandandychildcare.com Summer Camp for 1-9 weeks, children ages 3 months to 14 years. Your child will enjoy our 25 play areas including two water slides, zip-line, climbing wall, and ball fields. We offer customized schedules, individualized attention, and hot lunches. Health Department licensed and in business since 1973! COVID safety regulations are followed.

Alcott Montessori School

535 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry 914-693-4443 27 Crane Road, Scarsdale 914-472-4404 alcottschool.org Alcott School’s Summer Fun program offers a variety of schedules for children ages 2-5. Weekly themes are incorporated into outdoor play, science and nature exploration, water play in sprinklers and water tables, open-ended art, tricycle riding, and group games. The multicultural program is enriched by music and nature specialists.

Artistree Performing Arts

114 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 914-835-2200 artistreearts.com heather@artistreearts.com Sing, dance, perform, and have the greatest theater experience at Camp Artistree this summer! Artistree puts on exciting musicals for ages kindergarten-fourth grade and fifth-ninth grade in our three-week programs. It also has weeklong options for preschool-ninth grade! We hope to see you there!

Chapel School Summer Program

172 White Plains Road, Bronxville 914-337-3202 thechapelschool.org directorofsummercamps@thechapelschool.org The Chapel School Summer Program was safely open for Care Bears (ages 3-6) and Explorers (ages 7-12) in 2020 and 2021, with record numbers of children experiencing fun and enrichment in a safe and nurturing environment! We are excited to be Back & Better in 2022! Online registration is LIVE!

French-American School of New York (FASNY)

914-250-0401 fasny.org admissions@fasny.org FASNY is offering a four-week French Immersion Camp for children in nursery through fifth grade. Campers learn or reinforce their French through a variety of age-appropriate activities, including cooking, art, music, dance, and a weekly field trip. For more information and to register, go to fasny.org/camps.

Green Chimneys

400 Doansburg Road, Brewster 845-279-2995 33 Clearpool Road, Carmel 845-225-8226 greenchimneys.org Green Chimneys’ Extended School Year offers a unique summer experience for students with special needs. Structured six-week program provides strong academic and social support in the fun atmosphere of summer camp. Set on the spectacular Clearpool Campus (Carmel), students will be fulfilled and ready for school in the fall.

Mosholu Day Camp

261 Arden Valley Road, Southfields 845-243-0751 mosholudaycamp.com Located in an incredible wooded setting on a beautiful lake, Mosholu Day Camp is filled with dynamic age-appropriate activities, where campers can try new things, make new friends, enjoy fun-filled days, and enrich their skills. From archery to a ropes course, swimming to dance, Mosholu has it all!

Musical Munchkins

167 Scarsdale Road, Tuckahoe 914-771-7000 musicalmunchkins.com Musical Munchkins, Westchester’s original early childhood music program, celebrates more than 35 years of makin’ music and memories. We delight our youngest musicians and families with wonderful mommy-n-me music. Our curriculum’s awesome activities are for children 6 months to 4 years.

Oasis Summer Day Camp Westchester

Mercy College, 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry 646-519-5057 Andrew Leonard, Upper Camp director Deb Tashoff, Lower Camp director oasischildren.com dobbs@oasischildren.com Oasis Day Camp prides itself on age-appropriate programming for ages 3-15. Early Start (ages 3-5) is a nurturing camp environment. Lower (first-second grade) offers sports, arts, swim, enrichment, and nature. Upper (third-sixth grades) is bigger and better for older campers. Teen Travel (seventh-ninth grades) offers unique trips, overnights, and friendships.

The Play Group Theatre

1 N. Broadway, Suite 111, White Plains 914-946-4433 playgroup.org info@playgroup.org Jump into the performing arts this summer at The Play Group Theatre! Camp PGT’s innovative and inspirational summer programs provide a creative theater experience for every young artist. Whether your passion is performing or design, you’re sure to find the perfect fit! Find your summer at playgroup.org.

January/February 2022 | nymetroparents.com

Squire Camps, Inc.

at Maria Regina High School, Hartsdale 914-328-3798 squirecamps.com squirecamps@gmail.com Celebrating 49 years and proud winner of the Westchester County Inspectors Choice Award! Matt Davanzo operates Squire Advantage Camps for children in kindergarten-ninth grades at Maria Regina High School in Hartsdale. Campers design custom schedules from more than 50 exciting activities including robotics, art, swimming, computers, photography, LEGO, and sports.

The Rock Club and New Rochelle Racquet Club at Pine Brook Fitness

130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle 914-636-1019 pinebrookfitness.com Rock climbing and tennis summer camp provides both new and experienced campers the ability to learn and excel in a fun, supportive, and encouraging environment. Spend a week or the whole summer climbing, playing tennis, or both. We look forward to seeing you this summer!

Westchester Jewish Center Early Childhood Center

Ann Pircio-Pardes, director Carol Meyers, assistant director 175 Rockland Ave., Mamaroneck 914-698-2767 wjcenter.org • ann@wjcenter.org WJC’s Early Childhood Camp Program provides a fun summer experience. Early Childhood teachers gear activities to young campers, ages 18 months to 3 years. Dance, music, art, soccer, cooking, yoga, nature, science, and outdoor water play provide a fun-filled day. We specialize in toddlers and are a diaper-friendly camp!

Young Judaea Sprout Westchester Day Camp

500 Yorktown Road, Croton-On-Hudson 914-271-7563 sproutwestchester.org camp@sproutwestchester.org Sprout Westchester Day Camp is a Jewish camp for campers entering pre-K to sixth grades. Sprout Westchester is a place where children and staff work to create a diverse, joyful, and safe community based on fun, Jewish values, friendship, and personal growth. Transportation included! We can’t wait to spend the summer with you!

The History of These Summer Camps Artistree Performing Arts

114 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 914-835-2200 artistreearts.com heather@artistreearts.com Camp Artistree is the Summer Program at Artistree Performing Arts. Owned by husband-and-wife team, Heather and Peter Capelle, Artistree Performing Arts has become a place for children and teens to call their “creative” home. Artistree has just entered its seventh year in business in January 2022!

Chapel School Summer Program

172 White Plains Road, Bronxville 914-337-3202 thechapelschool.org directorofsummercamps@thechapelschool.org The Chapel School Summer Program started more than 20 years ago, offering the flexibility of week-by-week registration. Care Bears (ages 3-6) enjoy theme-based morning, afternoon, and full-day enrichment and play, while Explorers (ages 7-12) can dabble in anything from sports to music and drama to movie making and STEAM.

WINTER PROGRAM Family Owned & Operated Since 1973 Experienced Teachers

• Serving Children 2 months–14 years • Field Trips • Stimulating Environment • Flexible Schedules • Beautiful Campus Setting

www.annandandychildcare.com 914-592-3027 • 2170 Saw Mill River Rd, Elmsford

Winner 2017 Inspectors Choice Awards!

Mosholu Day Camp

261 Arden Valley Road, Southfields 845-243-0751 mosholudaycamp.com Mosholu Camps offer a quality program at a low cost. With a strong emphasis on developing new relationships and experiences, our traditional camp day is filled with dynamic activities. Campers participate in activities such as swimming, music, arts, trips, archery, boating, dance, and sports. At Mosholu, we make memories!

Oasis Summer Day Camp Westchester

Mercy College, 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry 646-519-5057 Andrew Leonard, Upper Camp director Deb Tashoff, Lower Camp director oasischildren.com dobbs@oasischildren.com For more than 20 years, Oasis Day Camp has enrolled campers ages 3–14 with specialized programs for each age. At Oasis children grow, learn, have fun, and build lasting memories while making lifelong friends with amazing staff and activities.

Summer 2022 Camp Sessions Session 1: June 27th - July 22nd Session 2: July 25th - August 12th Offering Stimulating Courses Like... • Cooking • Arts • Digital Photography • Robotics • Swimming • Sports ...and many more!

OUR

49th • Hot Lunches Included

YEAR

Hartsdale, New York | 914.328.3798 | Squirecamps@gmail.com

The Play Group Theatre

1 N. Broadway, Suite 111, White Plains 914-946-4433 playgroup.org info@playgroup.org The Play Group Theatre’s innovative and inspirational Camp PGT has served Westchester for 24 years with opportunities to explore every area of theater. Run by Artistic Director Jill Abusch and a talented team of Teaching Artists, Camp PGT offers professional performing arts training in a fun, nurturing, and creatively challenging environment.

The Rock Club and New Rochelle Racquet Club at Pine Brook Fitness 130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle 914-636-1019 pinebrookfitness.com The Rock Club and The New Rochelle Racquet Club have been offering fun summer camps since 2006 and 1980s respectively. A staple in the New Rochelle community, we have been introducing climbing and tennis to Westchester for more than two generations. Join our community!

Come learn from our experienced Montessori teachers who provide an individual, hands-on learning environment. We offer a variety of toddler and pre-K programs! School year and summer programs at both sites. Visit website for info.

www.alcottschool.org Scarsdale 27 Crane Rd. | 914-472-4404 Dobbs Ferry 535 Broadway | 914-693-4443 NYMetroParents 37 NYMetro

What’s New at These Summer Camps Artistree Performing Arts

114 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 914-835-2200 artistreearts.com heather@artistreearts.com In the Summer of 2022, Camp Artistree will be putting on exciting new productions! These shows include Bye, Bye Birdie Jr.; 101 Dalmatians, Kids; Annie, Kids; and High School Musical 2, Jr.! This summer you will also see content from Wicked, Frozen, and more Disney on Broadway!

Chapel School Summer Program

172 White Plains Road, Bronxville 914-337-3202 thechapelschool.org directorofsummercamps@thechapelschool.org The Chapel School Summer Program is bringing back a week of Adventure Camp in 2022! Explorers (ages 7-12) will visit new and exciting venues every day! Past experiences have included stadium tours, Chelsea Piers, zoos, aquariums, and amusement parks. Lunch is now included for campers who register for full days!

Mosholu Day Camp

261 Arden Valley Road, Southfields 845-243-0751 mosholudaycamp.com This summer promises to be better than ever before. With five new pickleball courts, a water war, balloon-launching activities, an amazing swing, new docks, and so much more. If COVID guidelines allow for it, Mosholu will offer age-appropriate trips to local amusement parks at an additional fee.

The Play Group Theatre

The Rock Club and New Rochelle Racquet Club at Pine Brook Fitness

130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle 914-636-1019 pinebrookfitness.com New drills, new climbs, and even more fun tennis and climbing games this summer! Even give black light climbing a try at The Rock Club. We are always keeping our programs fresh and exciting every single year.

1 N. Broadway, Suite 111, White Plains 914-946-4433 playgroup.org info@playgroup.org Camp PGT is back live and in-person this summer! The Play Group Theatre’s performing arts camps provide the perfect opportunity to explore any area of theater with one-, two-, three-, or four-week options! COVID safety measures ensure a healthy and safe return to the stage. Find your summer experience at playgroup.org.

round of mini golf

The Inn at East Hill Farm

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Lipson Family parenting a child with social, emotional, Coaching or behavioral issues? Strengthening your Family

(914) 649-6923

Winter farmily fun for the whole family east-hill-farm.com 38

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January/February 2022 | nymetroparents.com

Troy, N.H.

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Our highly qualified professionals work with students of all ages and abilities. Contact us now! Lauren Dunkelberger, Founding Owner

914-224-4112 | www.premiermusicstudiony.com premiermusicstudiony@gmail.com | 139 Wolfs Lane, Pelham, NY 10803

Green Chimneys School

With our progressive approach to education, we have been fostering confident critical thinkers for over 30 years. Our hands-on curriculum, infused with the arts, nature, and play, nurtures children’s love of learning and prepares them for a changing world. To learn more or schedule a private tour please contact us at

admissions@bluerockschool.org or 845-535-3353

BLUE ROCK SCHOOL Where Learning Comes Alive!

Independent K-8 School in West Nyack, NY

www.bluerockschool.org

greenchimneys.org

NYMetroParents 39 NYMetro

health

A PANDEMIC PROBLEM?

Eye Keeping an

on Kids’ Vision The pandemic has led to greater focus on the growing problem of nearsightedness among children. By Elizabeth Winchester

tephanie Lee* took her kids for their annual school physicals in August. She was surprised to learn that her son James*, 11, could not even make out the second line of the eye exam. “In kindergarten, James had astigmatism, which is very common in Asian cultures [like his father’s] and wore glasses for a little while to correct the problem,” Lee explains. Now years later, Lee’s pediatrician told her that James is myopic, or nearsighted, in one eye. When people are nearsighted, they have difficulty seeing things that are far away. “I’m guessing the myopia has more to do with screen time,” Lee shares. 40

January/February 2022 | nymetroparents.com

Experts would say that Lee is likely correct—and unfortunately, not alone. Xiaoying Zhu, O.D., Ph.D., is the lead clinician at SUNY College of Optometry’s Myopia Management Clinic in Manhattan. Almost all of the patients at the clinic are children. Dr. Zhu says the clinic is “seeing a higher number of new patients,” which supports recent clinical studies concluding that “home confinement and prolonged computer work during the pandemic appear to have substantially increased both myopia progression and prevalence,” she says. “More and more kids are developing myopia every day.” Other experts, such as Richard Hom, O.D., who is the optometric director at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, see the growing problem a little differently. “The pandemic brought on a rise in the identification of myopia in children and is probably the fastest growing area of study and concern,” he says. “It is not so much an increase in the prevalence, but rather, a greater visibility of the problem.”

STUDYING MYOPIA Long before the pandemic, many studies showed that myopia was on the rise. The National Eye Institute found that nearsightedness among Americans grew 66 percent from 1971 to 2004. Experts now estimate that half of the people in the world could be nearsighted by 2050. While the cause of myopia is not fully understood, it is considered a combination of genetic factors (family history of myopia) and environmental factors (prolonged near work and lack of outdoor activities and sun exposure). The pandemic may have worsened the problem among kids because of an increase in near work, such as computer and cellphone use, and a decrease in time spent outdoors. “It is currently unclear if myopia is increasing from environmental factors, like close work or looking at a screen all day,” Dr. Hom explains, “however there is research that suggests certain kinds of light emitting from a laptop or computer and genetics will stimulate eye elongation faster than the original curves of the eye, resulting in myopia.” When people have normal vision, their eyes’ physical length match their focal length. Distant light is focused on the retina. (The retina is a layer at the back of the eyeball with cells that convert visual input to electrical signals that travel to the brain, where an image is formed.) When people are nearsighted or myopic, their eyes’ physical length is longer than the focal length. As a result, distant light is focused in front of the retina. The result is that far-away objects look

index blurry. The increase in the degree of myopia is caused by the elongation of the eye. Excessive elongation of the eye can lead to myopia complications. While myopia can be corrected with contact lenses or glasses, it is more than an optical problem. “Myopia is associated with certain complications inside the eye and can even cause vision loss later in life, even as early as middle age,” Dr. Zhu warns. “We really want to control myopia progression by slowing eye growth as early as possible. Any degree of myopia can benefit from myopia management.” The four main pillars for myopia management are: low-dose atropine, multifocal soft contact lenses (daytime contact lens wear), orthokeratology (overnight contact lens wear), and multifocal glasses (bifocal glasses and progressive addition lenses).

BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP

Sportime USA Inc................................. 39

HEALTH

Taking kids for an annual eye exam is the best way to detect myopia, or any other vision problem. Children can be seen by an eye doctor as young as 6 months old. As in Lee’s case, pediatricians can also identify a vision problem at an annual exam, just as a nurse can at a school vision screening. But once a problem is detected, it is important to follow up with a pediatric optometrist. Be on the lookout for signs that your child may be nearsighted. Do they get very close to the TV when they are watching a show? Do they complain of having difficulty seeing the letters on the board in their classroom? Do they squint when they try to see objects that are far away? These are all signs of a potential issue. Sunlight has been shown to be a protective factor against myopia onset. Encourage kids to play outside, to ensure that they get enough exposure to sunlight. “Even reading a book in the sun is beneficial,” notes Dr. Zhu, who also suggests following the Triple 20 Rule: “A child should take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet away after 20 minutes of near work (computer and electronics use, reading).” Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for eye function, but eating all the carrots in the world won’t prevent myopia onset or progression. The best advice that Dr. Zhu can give to parents is to schedule an eye exam and get outside. “Keep myopia away by going outdoors to play!”

Sprout Brooklyn Day Camp.................. 35

Westchester Medical Center................... 7

Squire Advantage Camps..................... 37

Lipson Family Coaching........................ 38

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.

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Monster Mini Golf................................ 38 Sportime USA Inc................................. 39

CAMPS Alcott Montessori................................ 37 Ann & Andy......................................... 37 Chapel School / Village Lutheran.......... 33

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS / OUTINGS Legoland Discovery Center Westchester.................................... 44 Monster Mini Golf................................ 38 Palisades Center.................................. 13 Play Group Theatre............................... 15 Stepping Stones Museum for Children.......................................... 31

Mosholu Day Camp............................. 11 Musical Munchkins.............................. 33

FAMILY TRAVEL

Oasis Children Services.......................... 3

Inn at East Hill Farm (The).................... 38

Play Group Theatre............................... 15

Main Street Pediatric Dentistry............. 29

CLASSES

Miriam Aronoff, D.D.S., PLLC................ 33

Lipson Family Coaching........................ 38 Musical Munchkins.............................. 33

MUSIC

Pinebrook Fitness................................. 35

Premier Music Studio........................... 39

Play Group Theatre............................... 15 Premier Music Studio........................... 39

DEVELOPMENTAL Winston Preparatory School................. 27

EDUCATION

RETAIL Palisades Center.................................. 13

SPECIAL EVENTS Legoland Discovery Center Westchester.................................... 44

Alcott Montessori................................ 37 Ann & Andy......................................... 37 Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate........................................ 20 Archdiocese of New York....................... 2 Blue Rock School................................. 39 Cardinal Spellman High School............ 17 Cedar School (The)............................... 19

SPECIAL NEEDS Alcott Montessori................................ 37 Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate........................................ 20 Green Chimneys.................................. 39 Main Street Pediatric Dentistry............. 29 Winston Preparatory School................. 27

Chapel School / Village Lutheran.......... 33 FASNY................................................. 21

SPORTS

German International School of New York........................................ 19

Pinebrook Fitness................................. 35

Gravitas............................................... 20 Green Meadow Waldorf School............ 21 Gtec Kids............................................. 35 New Canaan Country School................. 5

THEATRE Artistree Performing Arts...................... 33 Ridgefield Playhouse (The)................... 25

Westchester Jewish Center................... 35 Whitby School...................................... 12

NYMetroParents 41 NYMetro

just for moms

Mom Culture Picks Editor Jeannine Cintron shares what she’s obsessed with this month

Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult I’ve been reading Jodi Picoult for as long as I can remember. The Pact and My Sister’s Keeper were two of my favorite books back when I rode the subway into the city every day and gobbled up fiction like Halloween candy. She’s written more than two dozen novels by now, and while some are better than others, her latest, Wish You Were Here, is surely a standout amongst the past year’s bestsellers. Admittedly, I normally cannot stand coronavirus content of any kind after living the nightmare of the past two years. This book is an exception. The parts about the pandemic are very real and raw and allow readers the unique perspective of those working on the frontlines with no knowledge of what they were taking on at the time. However, COVID merely serves as a catalyst for an intriguing tale involving matters of the heart, a theme Picoult has mastered perfectly.

WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO:

Dress Down Day with Eric D'Alessandro and Leanna Kostalos Pete Davidson might hold the current title for Most Famous Comedian from Staten Island, but he's certainly not the funniest. Unlike Davidson, Eric D'Alessandro has a knack for mocking his hometown without offending more than half the borough. But you don't have to be from Staten Island to find him hilarious and relatable. Any native New Yorker will appreciate his impressions, parodies, and jokes. And while Davidson has Kim K. (if that relationship makes it to our publication date), D'Alessandro has his funny fiancé, Leanna. She's no Kardashian but she and D'Alessandro complement each other perfectly in their podcast Dress Down Day, which launched early last year.

WHAT WE’RE SLEEPING ON:

Bamboo Sheets

I know they sound fancy (i.e. expensive) but they’re actually pretty affordable—and worth every penny. The colder it gets outside, the warmer you want to be when you crawl into bed at night. But when the heat is turned up and you’re buried under thick layers of blankets and comforters, you’re bound to wake up in a pool of sweat.

January/February 2022 | nymetroparents.com

Bamboo sheets can help you prevent that by staying cool all night long. How? Don’t ask me. Magic, I think? I just know these are the best sheets I have ever owned. In addition to the cooling factor, they’re super soft, wrinkle resistant, and hypoallergenic for those with sensitive skin. Get them on Amazon for as low as $50 from a variety of brands and sellers.

WHAT WE’RE DOWNLOADING:

Lose It

I don't know about you, but I think I ate my weight in rainbow cookies last month. I started a new diet every Monday morning in December and gave up by noon. Unfortunately, I can’t use the holiday season excuse anymore, which means it’s time to get back on track. The Lose It app helps you easily track what you eat based on calorie intake. It’s like the Weight Watchers points system, but it’s free to download and not complicated at all. You can scan barcodes on food for a quicker way to track meals, and the assessment is based on your own eating habits, workouts, and preferences. And if, like me, you’re the type of person to purchase a 2-year gym membership but your foot hasn’t touched a treadmill since before the birth of your first child, you can choose a diet-focused weight loss plan. I know there are other apps and programs that personalize plans for users, but like I said, this one is free. There are in-app purchases, but you really don’t need them to do the whole new-year-new-you thing.

WHAT WE’RE STREAMING:

Ali Wong's Hard Knock Wife This isn't Netflix's newest comedy special but it's one that every mom in need of a good laugh should see. From thinking that stay-at-homemom meant "chillaxing, watching Wendy Williams, and going out to brunch with your sassy girlfriends" to realizing it's really being "in solitary confinement all day with a human Tamagotchi who has no reset button," a very pregnant Wong walks—actually, waddles— the audience through every shocking moment of new parenthood. You’ll seriously laugh so hard you might split a C-section stitch. Just make sure to watch it long after the kids are in bed, with the volume very low. It's not for the faint of heart.

Ken Woroner

WHAT WE’RE READING:

Camp Week 2022! Coming th February 7 th thru the 10

New York Family & New York Metro Parents have teamed up to host a series of webinars giving parents an opportunity to log on to a live webinar and meet 5 day camps within their area.

We will be hosting webinars for parents in Long Island, Westchester, Staten Island, Queens, Manhattan & Brooklyn. In addition, we will be hosting a webinar for families specifically looking for Overnight camps for their child. Each webinar will give you an opportunity to learn about each camp. Then participate in a Q&A session to ask specific questions pertinent to your camp search. NEW YORK FAMILY

For more information go to newyorkfamily.com or nymetroparents.com or email summer@newyorkfamily.com.

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