Parents Press August 2021

AUGUST 2021

2021 1,000+

PICKS OF THE

Expert Medical Advice About Going Back to School

Top Places

5 Benefits of Extracurricular Activities

Have a Happy Birthday Without the Party

PS CAMPUS

PS HOME

At Prospect Sierra, whether on campus or at home and caring people who strive to build a bette

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Parents Press | August 2021

Bay Area Green Business - NAIS Model School of the Future - Ashoka C

PS JOY

e, we help your children become successful students er world. At the heart of everything we do is joy.

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Changemaker School - US Department of Education Green Ribbon School

Parents’ Press

2021

BEST OF WINNER

August 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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Contents

www.parentspress.com

AUGUST 2021

12 Our Annual Reader’s Choice Awards

2021 CAMPS......................................................................13 CLASSES AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS............. 20 FUN AND ATTRACTIONS......................................... 23 FOOD....................................................................... 24 SERVICES................................................................ 25 HEALTH................................................................... 26

This issue provides 1,000+ places to explore, shop, dine and play along with schools, preschools and enrichment programs plus health and wellness for both Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

CHILD CARE............................................................ 27 PRESCHOOLS.......................................................... 27 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS......................................... 28 MIDDLE SCHOOLS.................................................. 30 HIGH SCHOOLS....................................................... 30

Plus....

6 Good to Know

• Bullying Signs

• Teens & Text • Playground Safety

10 Expert Medical Advice About Going Back to School

32 5 Benefits of Multiple Extracurricular Activities

Publisher | Parenting Media, Inc.

Mailing Address: 875-A Island Dr, Ste 421 Alameda, CA 94502 www.ParentsPress.com

Art Director | Debbi Murzyn Account Managers Carol Flores, Sophie Archer Advertising Sales & General Info sales@parentspress.com

34 Have a Happy Birthday Without the Party

Copies of Parents’ Press are distributed to locations throughout the Bay Area.

Send letters to the editor to editor@parentspress.com Calendar submissions are due six weeks prior to publication date. Send calendar information to calendar@parentspress.com

Parents’ Press is published monthly. ©2021 Parents’ Press

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Parents Press | August 2021

NOW OPEN They are the guardians of healthy oceans, inspiring generations of wonder and discovery. Develop a deeper love for sharks and the many roles they play at this new exhibit. See life-size models, rare fossils, and more.

Make your reservation at calacademy.org

August 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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Good to Know Our Annual Reader’s Choice Awards

issue provides 1,000+ places to explore, shop, dine and play along with schools, preschools and enrichment programs plus health and wellness for both Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Check it out in this issue and throughout the year, refer back to it at www.ParentsPress.com.

2021

Bullying Signs and Tips

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here are many warning signs that indicate when someone is being bullied. It is important to notice these signs because the bullied may be dealing with other underlying issues and may not always ask for help.

Some common signs that some is being bullied can include: unexplainable injuries, valuable items are suddenly broken or have disappeared, frequent illness on school days, change in eating habits (children may skip lunch at school to avoid their bully), avoidance of social situations, feeling self-conscious, difficulty sleeping accompanied by nightmares, decline in school interest, and poor school performance.

Bullying can make someone feel helpless; more often than not, the victim remains silent out of fear, as they are worried about backlash from telling someone.

If you or someone you know is being bullied here are some helpful hints on how to handle the bully:

• If you feel safe, confront the person who is bullying you. If you do not feel safe confronting your bully then avoid them; do not avoid them to the point of misses your classes, but try to take a different route to class avoiding any confrontation.

• Grab a friend; walking with a friend is less nerve racking than walking by yourself, and the bully may be intimidated if there is more than one of you.

• Be a friend yourself; if you have a friend who is also being bullied offer to walk with them to class.

Remember, do not be silent: 45% of those bullied never report their experience, so make sure to let someone like a teacher, parent, or supervisor know about what is going on because they will be better equipped to handle the situation.

If the bullying has surpassed the point of intervention and has led to physical or sexual attacks, racist or

Teens and Texts

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Parents Press | August 2021

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homophobic slurs, or sharing private information online, then you must report these incidents to the police, as these are criminal acts that should not go unnoticed. Most importantly, take care of yourself. Being bullied is difficult to deal with and might make one want to isolate themselves from others. Don’t let this happen; surround yourself with support and do activities that can reduce your stress like eating healthy, exercising, and meditating.

t’s not easy to pry your teen’s cell phone out of their hot little hands, but you may want to implement a

no texting after dark rule. A study published in the Journal of Child Neurology showed that teens who continued to text after their presumed bedtime when lights were out slept fewer hours, making school more of a struggle the next day (no surprise there). Interestingly, students who turned off their phones or stopped texting within 30 minutes after the lights went out performed “significantly better in school” than others who did not.

Parents’ Press

2021

BEST OF WINNER

Berkeley City Ballet berkeleycityballet.org Ages 2 and up Boys ballet Dance camps Birthday parties State-of-the-art studios Sprung floors Easy parking Easy online registration and payment

photo: andy mogg

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More info: AlamedaBallet.com | admin@alamedaballet.com

East Bay Music Together

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Good to Know Apple

Appreciation

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ave you ever wondered where the cliché of a student giving the teacher a shiny red apple on the first day of school came from? The custom actually dates back to frontier times when the families of children attending school were responsible for helping to both house and feed teachers. The apple became a show of appreciation from pupils.

Lucky Lefties

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elebrate your favorite lefty this month! Left-Hander’s Day is designated annually for August 13. Did you know that girls are more likely to be lefthanded than boys by about 4 percent? And mothers who are over 40 at the time of their baby’s birth are 128 percent more likely to have a child who is left-handed. That’s quite a leg up considering only 10 to 12 percent of people on earth are considered lefties.

Playground Safety

The most common injuries and how to prevent them

By Marie Donovan

P

laygrounds are a fun and stimulating environment for kids to play and burn off energy. Although playgrounds can be fun, each year more than 220,000 children under age 14 are brought to the emergency room for playground injuries. Most injuries are a result of falling from equipment. This can include broken bones, cuts, bruises, sprains, concussions, and internal injuries. The most common injured body part is the arm.

Depending on how high the child is and the way they fall will determine what injuries they may face. This can also happen on monkey bars or swings. Children may lose their grip on monkey bars and fall as a result. Moreover, on swings, children may try to jump off of them midair. This could result in them trying to break their fall incorrectly and cause numerous injuries.

Children can also get injured if the playground area and equipment are not maintained. This can include if a slide, seesaw, swing, etc. has an exposed sharp edge.

Children may not see it at first and then be playing and cut themselves. Children may also come into contact with trash or other unsafe objects that were not cleaned up in the playground, causing injury or illness.

The playground is a great place for social interaction for children and a great place for exercise. Parents can keep their child safe and allow for them to have a great time by following these simple precautions!

Take these precautions to help keep child safe on the playground: • •

•

•

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Parents Press | August 2021

Maintain constant supervision.

Instruct proper use of all equipment and playground rules, as well as, ways to ensure safety (waiting your turn, no running, no pushing, etc.).

Inspect the playground equipment and area before to make sure it is clean, safe and age-appropriate.

Ensure child is wearing appropriate clothing and footwear to prevent any tripping.

Going to the Dentist should be FUN!

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August 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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Expert Medical Advice ABOUT GOING BACK TO SCHOOL

By Cheryl Maguire

“Do I have to wear a mask all day?”

My 12-year-old daughter asked me this question when we recently discussed going back to school. This question along with many others are being asked by kids since the rules about the pandemic are always changing.

I want to make sure my daughter is healthy and ready for school, so I turned to a medical expert to learn more about masks, immunizations, and check-ups before returning to school this fall.

SCHEDULE A CHECK-UP OR WELL VISIT If your child has not already had their yearly check-up it is important to schedule one so that they can remain healthy throughout the school year. During this visit, you and your child can also discuss any mental health concerns.

Dr. Damon Korb, a developmentalbehavioral pediatrician in Los Gatos, CA, and author of Raising an Organized Child says “Think of going back to school, the same way that you would have any year but perhaps it is more important. We do not want to miss a potential problem to avoid another. Children should get all of their normal well visits and immunizations.”

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Parents Press | August 2021

IMMUNIZATIONS AND FLU SHOTS Dr. Korb recommends referring to the immunization schedule recommended by the CDC to make sure your child is up to date.

Sumana Reddy M.D. at Acacia Family Medical Group in Salinas, CA says that everyone should make sure that they get a yearly flu shot. Flu shots are normally available starting in September.

“Last year 500 children died of the flu. It’s very important to get your flu shot,” says Dr. Reddy.

Dr. Korb agrees by saying, “This year, the flu shot is even more important. We want to reduce the common cold because when our noses start running, we all touch our faces. That is a recipe for disaster with COVID-19.

Getting the flu shot may actually reduce the likelihood of catching and spreading COVID.” Dr. Reddy explains that most doctors are concerned about people being infected with the combination of Coronavirus and the flu virus that will be circulating this fall.

“The more families that get the flu vaccine the better it will be for everyone,” she says.

Unlike most vaccines, you need to get the flu shot yearly for it to be effective since the strain of flu often changes.

If you don’t have insurance vaccines will be provided for free by doctors due to the federally funded program Vaccines For Children. The program provides vaccines to children who might not be vaccinated because of an inability to pay.

The vaccines are available at private physicians’ offices and public health clinics registered as VFC providers.

And if you do have insurance there should not be a co-pay for receiving the vaccine.

“The Affordable Care Act requires private insurance companies to pay in full for vaccines recommended by the CDC,” says Dr. Reddy.

Dr. Reddy explains that there might be some insurance companies that are exempt and that you should check with your insurance company about coverage before getting your vaccine.

EYE HEALTH Children might be unaware of the fact their vision is not normal. This may lead to feeling frustrated about being unable to see the words in a book or in the classroom causing a child to act out.

The CDC recommends that children’s eyes should be checked regularly by an eye doctor or pediatrician. Amblyopia or lazy eye is the most common cause of vision loss in children which can be treated if caught early between the ages of 3 to 5 years old.

The American Optometric Association estimates 80% of a child’s learning happens through observation. In the classroom, most of the teaching is done by displaying the information.

ORAL HEALTH The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your child visit a dentist for an initial check-up by the time they turn one. According to the CDC tooth decay (cavities) is one of the most common chronic diseases for kids from ages 6 to 19. Research studies found that children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who have good oral health.

Fluoride can prevent about onethird of cavities in baby teeth. If your town water does not contain fluoride, you can ask your pediatrician or dentist to prescribe fluoride which is typically taken in pill form once a day.

TELEHEALTH CHECK-IN Kids that are going back to school either remotely or in-person are likely to experience anxiety about this transition.

“I recommend that all kids do a telehealth check-in with their pediatrician before going back to school to discuss the transition. Often parents think their kid is fine, but you want to have a chance to talk about stress and anxiety,” says Dr. Reddy.

During this check-in, you can also make sure that your vaccines are up to date or talk about any other mental health concerns.

BE A ROLE MODEL Dr. Korb says, “Make sure you prepare your child by teaching and modeling safe behavior such as frequently washing hands.”

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine and many other publications. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05

If your child has not already had their yearly check-up it is important to schedule one so that they can remain healthy throughout the school year.

+

Getting the flu shot may actually reduce the likelihood of catching and spreading COVID.

+

If you don’t have insurance, vaccines will be provided for free by doctors due to the federally funded program Vaccines for Children provided by the CDC.

+

The CDC recommends that children’s eyes should be checked regularly by an eye doctor or pediatrician.

+

According to the CDC tooth decay (cavities) is one of the most common chronic diseases for kids from ages 6 to 19.

+

Often parents think their kid is fine, but you want to have a chance to talk about stress and anxiety.

August 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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2021 Our Annual Reader’s Choice Awards This issue provides 1,000+ places to explore, shop, dine and play along with schools, preschools and enrichment programs plus health and wellness for both Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Check it out in this issue and throughout the year, refer back to it at www.ParentsPress.com.

CATEGORY INDEX CAMPS.......................................................13 CLASSES AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS.............................................20 FUN AND ATTRACTIONS...........................23 FOOD.........................................................24 SERVICES..................................................25 12

Parents Press | August 2021

HEALTH.....................................................26 CHILD CARE..............................................27 PRESCHOOLS............................................27 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS...........................28 MIDDLE SCHOOLS.....................................30 HIGH SCHOOLS..........................................30

B E S T O F PA R E N T S ’ P R E S S 2 0 2 1

CAMPS Best Academic Summer Camp ALAMEDA COUNTY

Best Animal Encounter Summer Camp

Best Arts and Crafts Summer Camp

Best Ballet Summer Camp

ALAMEDA COUNTY

ALAMEDA COUNTY

ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

THE WINNER

THE TOP 5

THE TOP 5

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

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THE WINNER

THE TOP 5

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THE WINNER

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• Oakland Zoo Camp

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• East Bay Regional Parks • East Bay SPCA Animal Camp • Girl Scouts • Oakland Zoo Camp • Sulphur Creek Nature Center

• Monkey Business Camp • Academic Talent Development Program • Camp Galileo • Ecole Bilingue • Junior Center for Art and Science • Monkey Business Camp

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE TOP 5

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

THE WINNER

• Lindsey Wildlife Experience

THE TOP 5

THE TOP 5

• Viva el Español • Adventure Day Camp • City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department • Salesian College Preparatory • The Saklan School • Viva El Español

• East Bay Regional Parks • Lindsey Wildlife Experience • Oakland Zoo Camp • Sienna Ranch • Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue

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• City Of El Cerrito, Recreation Department • Adventure Day Camp • City Of El Cerrito, Recreation Department • i heart art • Richmond Art Center • Steve & Kate’s Camp

• Kids ‘N Dance • Alameda Ballet Academy • Berkeley City Ballet • Dance 10 Performing Arts Center • Kids ‘N Dance • Oakland Ballet

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B E S T O F PA R E N T S ’ P R E S S 2 0 2 1 Best Circus Arts Summer Camp

Best Culinary Summer Camp

Best Dance Summer Camp

ALAMEDA COUNTY

ALAMEDA COUNTY

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THE WINNER

THE WINNER

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• Mr. D’s Music Club

Best Faith-Based Summer Camp

THE TOP 5

THE TOP 5

THE TOP 5

ALAMEDA COUNTY

• Camp Winnarainbow

• Cooking Round The World

• Camp Winnarainbow • Head Over Heels Athletic Arts • Kids ‘N Dance • Kinetic Arts Center • Trapeze Arts

• Albany Recreation Department Teen Cooking and Teen Baking Camps • Camp510 • Cook! Programs • Cooking Round The World • Urban Adventure Camps

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

• Alameda Ballet Academy • Berkeley City Ballet • Mr. D’s Music Club • Kids ‘N Dance • Oakland Ballet

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

THE WINNER

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE TOP 5

• City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department

• City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Dance And Drama Summer Camp

THE TOP 3

THE TOP 5

THE WINNER

• Camp Winnarainbow • Camp Winnarainbow • City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department, • Clownsnotbombs Circus Camp • Kids N Dance N Theater Arts • Kinetic Arts Center

• City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department • Cooking Round The World • Salesian College Preparatory

• City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Dance And Drama Summer Camp • DA Dance Center • Katie’s Dance Studio Dance Camp

• Kids N’ Dance • The Ballet School Performing Arts

THE WINNER

• JCC East Bay

THE TOP 5

• Camp Kee Tov • Camp Tawonga • CityBlast • Frontier Ranch Camp • JCC East Bay

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Salesian College Preparatory

THE TOP 5

• Camp Gan Israel • Eastwood Leadership Camp • First Presbyterian Church • Frontier Ranch Camp

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B E S T O F PA R E N T S ’ P R E S S 2 0 2 1 • Salesian College Preparatory

Best Foreign Language and Cultural Immersion Summer Camp ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• The Renaissance International School

THE TOP 5

• Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley • Escuela Bilingue Internacional • Shu Ren International School • The Renaissance International School • Viva el Español

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Viva el Español

THE TOP 5

• City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Summer Camp • Salesian College Preparatory • Su Yun’s Chinese Learning Center Summer Camp • The Saklan School • Viva el Español

Best General and Traditional Summer Day Camp ALAMEDA COUNTY

• Project Ember • Renaissance International School • The Coder School • Trackers Earth: Bay Area • University Village Recreation Summer Camps

Best Gymnastics Summer Camp

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

• Bay Aerial Gymnastics • Bay Island Gymnastics • Dance10 Performing Arts • Head Over Heels Athletic Arts • Kinetic Arts Center

THE WINNER

• City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Traditional Summer Camps

THE TOP 5

THE WINNER

• Mr D’s Music Club

THE TOP 10

• Berkeley Day Camp • Blue and Skate Camp: Cal Youth Programs • Children’s Fairyland • Monkey Business Camp • Mr. D’s Music Club

• Adventure Day Camp • City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Traditional Summer Camps • El Cerrito Community Center • Roughing It Day Camp • The Saklan School

ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Bay Aerial Gymnastics

THE TOP 5

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Gymnastics Camp

THE TOP 5

• Black Diamond Kids Center • City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Gymnastics Camp • EncoreGym

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B E S T O F PA R E N T S ’ P R E S S 2 0 2 1 • Liberty Gymnastic Training Center • San Ramon Valley Dance Academy

Best Holiday and Vacation Camp

Best Horse Riding Camp

ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

Best Health and Special Needs Summer Camp

THE WINNER

• Roughing It Day Camp

THE TOP 5

• Castle Rock Arabians • Kenilworth Stables • Roughing It Day Camp • Sienna Ranch • Skyline Ranch

ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER • Fiddleheads

THE TOP 3

• Fiddleheads • Quest Therapeutic Camps • Raskob Institute Summer Camp

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Walnut Creek Specialized Recreation Daycamp

THE TOP 3

• Orion Academy • Quest Therapeutic Camp • Walnut Creek Specialized Recreation Daycamp

THE TOP 5

• Oakland Zoo

• Go Girls! Oakland • JCC of the East Bay • Mr D’s Music Club • Monkey Business Camp • Oakland Zoo Camp

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Camp Concord

THE TOP 5

Best Leadership Development Summer Camp THE WINNER

• Camp Concord • City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Holiday Weeks, President Week And Spring Break Camps • Roughing it • Steve & Kate’s Camp • Viva el Español

• Monkey Business Camp

THE TOP 5

• Camp Winnarainbow • Go Girls Leadership Team • Hands On • Monkey Business Camp • Trackers Earth: Bay Area

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Salesian College Preparatory

THE TOP 5

• City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department L.I.T • Crestmont Summer Camp • Diablo Theatre Company’s Singout • Eastwood Leadership Camp • Salesian College Preparatory

Best Lego Summer Camp ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Lawrence Hall Of Science

THE TOP 3

• Lawrence Hall Of Science • Play-Well Teknologies • Techknowhow

PRESCHOOLS

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Parents Press | August 2021

B E S T O F PA R E N T S ’ P R E S S 2 0 2 1 Best Music and Singing Summer Camp

Best Nature and Outdoor Summer Camp

Best Overnight Summer Camp

ALAMEDA COUNTY

ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

THE WINNER

THE WINNER

THE TOP 5

Best Marine Summer Camp

• Bay Area Children’s Theatre • Berkeley Playhouse • Crowden Music Center • Mr. D’s Music Club • Jingle Jamboree Music

THE TOP 5

THE WINNER

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

• Alameda Community Sailing Center

THE WINNER

THE WINNER

THE TOP 3

THE TOP 5

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• City Of El Cerrito Recreation Departments Lego Camps

THE TOP 3

• Crowden Music Center

• City Of El Cerrito Recreation Departments Lego Camps • Play-Well Teknologies • Techknowhow

• Village Music School

• Alameda Community Sailing Center • Encinal Yacht Club • Treasure Island Sailing Center

swcShuRen2107.ai

• Cazadero Music Camp • City of El Cerrito Madcap Musical • Performing Academy Musical Theater • Poison Apple Musical Theater Summer Camp • Village Music School 1

6/11/21

9:54 AM

ALAMEDA COUNTY • Camp Winnarainbow

• Oakland Zoo

THE TOP 5

• Green Stuff Camp at UC Botanical Garden • Kids For the Bay • Monkey Business Camp • Oakland Zoo • Trackers Earth: Bay Area

• City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Summer Camp • Roughing It Day Camp • Salesian College Preparatory • Sienna Ranch • Viva el Español

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Camp Concord

• City Of El Cerrito Summer Camp

THE TOP 5

• Camp Tawonga • Camp Winnarainbow • Cazadero Music Camp • Project Ember • Young Actors’ Theatre Camp

THE TOP 5

• Camp Concord • City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Camp Ravencliff • CYO Camp • Eastwood Leadership Camp • Project Ember

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Fearless, W

INNOV

Find out more a 18

Parents Press | August 2021

We Pursue

VATION

at shcp.edu/visit August 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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B E S T O F PA R E N T S ’ P R E S S 2 0 2 1 Best STEM Summer Camp ALAMEDA COUNTY

PHOTO BY KEITH JOHNSTON, UNSPLASH.COM

THE WINNER

Best Performing Arts Summer Camp ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Mr. D’s Music Camp

THE TOP 10

• Bay Area Children’s Theatre • Berkeley Playhouse • Berkeley Repertory Theatre • Camp Ember • Dance/10 • Go Girls! Oakland • Kids ‘N Dance • Mr. D’s Music Club • Oakland Ballet • Young Actors’ Theatre Camp

THE TOP 5

• Kids ‘N Dance • Monkey Business Camp • The Child Unique • The Renaissance International School • Valley Christian Preschool Summer Camp

THE TOP 5

• Camp Galileo • Chabot Space & Science Center • Lawrence Hall of Science • Junior Center Of Art & Science • TechKnowHow Summer Tech Camps

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• City of El Cerrito Specialty STEM Camps

THE TOP 5

THE WINNER

• Camp Galileo • City of El Cerrito Specialty STEM Camps • Lawrence Hall of Science • Play-Well Teknologies • Tech Know How

THE TOP 5

Best Teen Focused Summer Camp

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY • Viva el Español • Adventure Day Camp • Poison Apple Productions • San Ramon Valley Dance Academy • The Saklan School • Viva el Español

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

Best Sports Summer Camp

THE WINNER

ALAMEDA COUNTY

• City of El Cerrito Summer Camps

• Camp Galileo

THE WINNER

ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

THE WINNER

Best Preschool Age Summer Camp

THE WINNER

ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Monkey Business Camp

20

Parents Press | August 2021

THE TOP 5

• Athenian Sports Camp • El Cerrito Sports Camp • Saint Mary’s College Athletic Camps • Salesian College Preparatory • Viva el Español

• Junior Center of Art and Science

THE TOP 5

• Aran’s Art Studio • Studio One Arts Center • East Bay Music Together • Junior Center of Art and Science • The Crucible

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Richmond Art Center

THE TOP 5

• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department • Richmond Art Center • San Ramon Valley Dance Academy • Shadelands Art Center • Village Center for the Arts

Best Ballet Classes THE WINNER

• Girls on the Go Camp • Lawrence Hall of Science • Monkey Business Camp • Ohlone For Kids And Teens • The Crucible

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

• Viva el Español

THE WINNER

THE TOP 5

THE TOP 5

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

ALAMEDA COUNTY

ALAMEDA COUNTY

• Bay Area Children’s Theatre • City of El Cerrito Summer Camps • Contra Costa Civic Theatre • East Bay Center for the Performing Arts • Pinole Young Actors

• Alameda Community Sailing Center • Bay Aerials Gymnastics • Bladium • Cal Sports Camps • Oakland Ice Center

Best Art Classes

• Monkey Business Camp

• Cal Sports Camps

THE TOP 5

CLASSES AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

• City Of El Cerrito Recreation Departments Explorers Camp

THE TOP 5

• Camp Carondelet • City Of El Cerrito Recreation Departments Explorers Camp • East Bay Center For The Performing Arts • Richmond Art Center • San Ramon Valley Dance Academy

• Alameda Ballet Academy

THE TOP 5

• Alameda Ballet Academy • Berkeley City Ballet • East Bay Dance Center • Kids ‘N Dance • Shawl-Anderson Dance Center

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• East County Performing Arts Center

THE TOP 5

• Contra Costa Ballet Centre • DA Dance Center • East County Performing Arts Center • San Ramon Valley Dance Academy • The Ballet School Performing Arts

B E S T O F PA R E N T S ’ P R E S S 2 0 2 1 Best Circus Arts Classes

Best Classes for Musical Instrument Instruction

Best Dance Classes

THE WINNER

ALAMEDA COUNTY

• Alameda Ballet Academy

ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE TOP 5

THE WINNER

THE TOP 5

• East Bay Music Together

ALAMEDA COUNTY • Kinetic Arts Center • Bay Aerial Gymnastics • Head Over Heels Athletic Arts • Kids ‘N Dance • Kinetic Arts Center • Trapeze Arts

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts

THE TOP 3

• City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department • East Bay Center For The Performing Arts • Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts

THE WINNER THE TOP 5

• Crowden Music Center • East Bay Music Together • Castro Valley School of Music • Musically Minded Academy • Oakland School For the Arts

ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Alameda Ballet Academy • Academy at Oakland Ballet • Dance 10 Performing Arts Center • East Bay Dance Center • Kids ‘N Dance

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

• East Bay Center for the Performing Arts

THE WINNER

THE TOP 5

• School of Rock

THE TOP 5

• East Bay Center for the Performing Arts • Lamorinda Music • School of Rock • Strings & Keys • Village Music School

• Clayton Valley Dance Academy • East Bay Center for the Performing Arts • In Motion Dance Center • San Ramon Valley Dance Academy • The Ballet School Performing Arts

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THE TOP 10

• Berkeley Ballet Theater • Classroom Matters • Crowden Music Center • Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley • JCC of the East Bay • Junior Center of Art and Science • Kids ‘N Dance • Pacific Boychoir Academy • The Crucible • Viva el Español

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Viva el Español

THE TOP 5

• City of El Cerrito Recreation Department

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August 2021 | ParentsPress.com

21

B E S T O F PA R E N T S ’ P R E S S 2 0 2 1 • Holbrook Language Academy • Kurumi Japenese • Spanish for Children • Viva el Español

Best Swim Classes

Best Martial Arts Classes

THE TOP 5

Best Faith-Based Cultural Awareness Program ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• JCC East Bay

THE TOP 5

• JCC East Bay • Jewish Youth for Community Action • PJ Library • Ray of Light Performing Arts • Valley Christian Center

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Salesian College Preparatory

THE TOP 3

• JCC Contra Costa • Salesian College Preparatory • St David School

Best Gymnastics Classes ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Bay Aerial Gymnastics

THE TOP 5

• Athletic Playground • Bay Aerial Gymnastics • Bay Island Gymnastics

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE TOP 5

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

• Aikido Shusekai • Emeryville Martial Arts • Kuk Sool Won • TG Taekwondo • West-Wind Karate School

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

THE WINNER • EncoreGym

• City Of El Cerrrito Recreation Department Karate Classes

THE TOP 5

THE TOP 5

• City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Gymnastics Program • Community Youth Center • EncoreGym • Liberty Gymnastic Training Center • My Gym

• City Of El Cerrrito Recreation Department Karate Classes • Dae Han Martial Arts • East Bay Judo Institute • El Cerrito Martial Arts • Jue’s Taekwando

Best Math Programs Best Language Class After School ALAMEDA COUNTY

ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

THE WINNER

• Escuela Bilingue Internacional

• Russian School of Mathematics

THE TOP 5

THE TOP 5

• East Bay German International School • Ecole Bilingue De Berkeley • Escuela Bilingue Internacional • Shu Ren International School • Viva el Español

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Viva el Español

THE TOP 5

• Contra Costa Chinese School

• Patti’s Swim School

• Aikido Shusekai

THE WINNER

• Head Over Heels Athletic Arts • Pacific West Gymnastics

THE WINNER

• AquaTech Swim School • American Swim Academy • Downtown Berkeley YMCA • Ohana Aquatics • Patti’s Swim School

ALAMEDA COUNTY

• East Bay Center for the Performing Arts • Holbrook Language Academy • Village Center for the Arts • Viva el Español

ALAMEDA COUNTY

• Berkeley Math Club • Firecracker Math • Kumon • Mathnasium • Russian School of Mathematics

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER • Mathnasium

THE TOP 5

• Berkeley Math Club • Huntington Learning Center • Kumon • Mathnasium • Russian School of Mathematics

THE WINNER

• City Of El Cerrito Swim Center

THE TOP 5

• AquaTech Swim School Concord • Canyon Swim School • City Of El Cerrito Swim Center • Little Dipper Aquatic Center • Splash Swim Center

Best Theater and Performing Arts Classes ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Kids ‘N Dance

THE TOP 5

• Bay Area Children’s Theatre • Berkeley Ballet Theater • Berkeley Playhouse • Kids ‘N Dance • Valley Christian Center

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• East Bay Center for the Performing Arts

THE TOP 5

• Contra Costa Civic Theater • East Bay Center for the Performing Arts • Poison Apple Productions • San Ramon Valley Dance Academy • Village Music School

Best Tutoring or Educational Support Programs ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Classroom Matters

22

Parents Press | August 2021

B E S T O F PA R E N T S ’ P R E S S 2 0 2 1 THE TOP 3

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

• Classroom Matters • Kaplan • Tutor Corps

THE WINNER

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE TOP 5

THE WINNER

• Viva el Español

THE TOP 3

• Classroom Matters • Huntington Learning Center • Viva el Español

Early Childhood Family Music Class ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Crowden Music Center THE TOP 5

• Crowden Music Center • East Bay Kindermusik • East Bay Music Together • Pacific Boychoir Academy • Piedmont East Bay Childrens Choir

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• California’s Great America • California’s Great America • Happy Hollow Park & Zoo • Oakland Zoo • Pixieland Amusement Park • Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Best Athletic Clubs ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER • Bladium

THE TOP 5

• Berkeley Ironworks • Bladium • Claremont Resort • Club Pilates • Downtown Berkeley YMCA

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• East Bay Music Together

• Renaissance ClubSport Walnut Creek Fitness

THE TOP 5

THE TOP 5

• Creative Play Center Tot Time • East Bay Center for the Performing Arts • East Bay Music Together • Gymboree Play & Music • One Heart Music

FUN AND ATTRACTIONS Best Amusement Park ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Children’s Fairyland

THE TOP 5

• California’s Great America • Children’s Fairyland • Oakland Zoo • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk • Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

• Club Pilates • Fitness 19 • Lakeridge • Renaissance ClubSport Walnut Creek Fitness • YMCA Irvin Deucher

Best Indoor Play Place

Be curious. Be inspired. Be yourself.

Berkeley’s Only Independent College Preparatory High School

Since 1972

ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Lawrence Hall of Science

THE TOP 5

• Bay Aerials Gymnastics • Kids Gym Berkeley • Lawrence Hall of Science • Pump It Up • Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park

Parents’ Press

2021

BEST OF TOP 5

THE WINNER

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THE TOP 3

(510) 841-8489

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY • Sky High Sports • Diablo Rock Gym • Sky High Sports • Studio Grow

For event information, contact maybeckhs.org/admissions August 2021 | ParentsPress.com

23

B E S T O F PA R E N T S ’ P R E S S 2 0 2 1 CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER • Oakland Zoo

PHOTO BY ROBERT ANDERSON, UNSPLASH.COM

THE TOP 5

Best Local Farm

THE TOP 5

• California Academy of Sciences • Lindsay Wildlife Experience • Monterey Bay Aquarium • Oakland Zoo • San Francisco Zoo

Best Ice Cream Parlor ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Tucker’s Super Creamed Ice Cream

THE TOP 5

ALAMEDA COUNTY

• Curbside • Fentons Creamery • iScream • Mr. Dewie’s Cashew Creamery • Tucker’s Super Creamed Ice Cream

THE WINNER

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

Coolest Place to take a Tour

• USS Hornet Museum

THE WINNER

• Blackhawk Auto Museum • California Academy of Science • Lawrence Hall of Science • Lindsay Wildlife Experience • Rosie the Riveter Museum

THE TOP 5

Best Place for Ice Skating

THE WINNER

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

• Alcatraz Island

Best Pizza Parlor

THE WINNER

ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE TOP 5

ALAMEDA COUNTY

ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Tilden Little Farm

THE TOP 3

• Ardenwood • Harley Farms Goat Dairy • Tilden Little Farm

• Tilden Little Farm

THE TOP 5

• Balestrieri Family Farm • Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm & Christmas Trees • Sienna Ranch • Smith Family Farm • Tilden Little Farm

THE WINNER

• Oakland Ice Center

THE TOP 3

• Dublin Iceland • Little Ice Rink • Oakland Ice Center

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

Best Museum

THE WINNER

ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE TOP 3

• Walnut Creek Downtown

• Alcatraz Island • Jelly Belly Factory • Rosie the Riveter Museum • USS Hornet Museum • USS Potomac

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

• Alcatraz Island • Jelly Belly Factory • John Muir House • Rosie the Riveter Museum • Vasco Caves Regional Park

FOOD Best Family Friendly Coffee Shop

• City Of Martinez’s Ice Skating Pop-Up Rink • Dublin Iceland Ice Skating • Walnut Creek Downtown

ALAMEDA COUNTY

• California Academy of Sciences • Chabot Space and Science Center • Exploratorium • Lawrence Hall of Science • Oakland Museum of California

Best Zoo or Aquarium

• Bette’s Oceanview Diner • Cafe Jolie • Crepevine • Doyle Street Cafe • Zocalo

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

• California Academy Of Science • CuriOdyssey • Monterey Bay Aquarium • Oakland Zoo • San Francisco Zoo

THE WINNER

• California Academy of Sciences

THE TOP 5

THE WINNER

• Lindsay Wildlife Experience

24

Parents Press | August 2021

ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

THE WINNER

• Bette’s Oceanview Diner

THE TOP 5

• Oakland Zoo

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE TOP 5

THE WINNER

• El Cerrito Natural Grocery

THE TOP 5

• Barrelista Coffee House • Coco Swirl • El Cerrito Natural Grocery • ROOTED • Steeltown Coffee & Tea

• Steeltown Coffee & Tea

THE TOP 5

• As You Wish Frozen Yogurt • iScream • Lottie’s Creamery • San Francisco Creamery • Steeltown Coffee & Tea

THE WINNER

• Zachary’s Chicago Pizza

THE TOP 5

• Arizmendi Bakery • La Val’s Pizza • The Cheeseboard Pizza • The Star on Grand • Zachary’s Chicago Pizza

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Cheese Board Pizza

THE TOP 10

• Blue Line Pizza • Cheese Board Pizza • Melo’s Pizza & Pasta • MOD Pizza • panCoast Pizza • Papi’s Pizza Roma • Pizza My Heart • Rocco’s Ristorante Pizzeria • Round Table Pizza • Skipolini’s Pizza

Best Place to Buy a Birthday Cake ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Crispian Bakery

B E S T O F PA R E N T S ’ P R E S S 2 0 2 1 THE TOP 5

• Batch Pastries • A Taste of Denmark Bakery • Crispian Bakery • Desserts First • Fournee Bakery

THE TOP 5

• Feel Good Bakery • James & the Giant Cupcake • Jenn’s Cupcakes • Ladyfingers Bakery • Love at First Bite Bakery

THE TOP 5

• Chabot Space & Science • Kids Gym Berkeley • KidTopia Indoor Play Center • Play Date - Play Redefined • The Crucible

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

THE WINNER

THE WINNER

THE TOP 5

THE TOP 3

THE TOP 5

• A Sweet Affair Bakery • A Sweet Affair Bakery • Danville Bakery • Happy Heart Bakery • Katrina Rozelle Pastries and Desserts • Lunardi’s Markets

Best Place to Buy Cupcakes

• SusieCakes

SERVICES

Best Family Photographer

Best Kids Party Entertainment

THE WINNER

ALAMEDA COUNTY

ALAMEDA COUNTY

• Joy Coakley Photography

THE TOP 5

THE WINNER

• Fire Pixie Entertainment

• Amelia Plumb Photography • Amy Perl Photography

• Kids Gym Berkeley

• Gretchen Adams Photography

• Bounce Farm • Pump It Up • Sky High Sports - Concord • The Ballet School Performing Arts • THE LOT City Center

Best Birthday Indoor THE WINNER Party Venue THE WINNER

THE WINNER

• Gretchen Adams Photography • Hold Em’ Photography • Jessica McCoy Photography • Nornhold Photography • Yuri Pettengill Photography

ALAMEDA COUNTY • James & the Giant Cupcake

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE TOP 5

• Pump It Up

• James & the Giant Cupcake • Kara’s Cupcakes • SusieCakes

• Clayton J. Mitchell Photography • Hi + Hello Photography • Joy Coakley Photography

THE TOP 5

• Buki the Clown

SCHOOLS

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Parents’ Press

2021

BEST OF TOP 5

Since 1956

August 2021 | ParentsPress.com

25

B E S T O F PA R E N T S ’ P R E S S 2 0 2 1 Best Hospital/ Medical Center

Best Orthodontist

ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

THE WINNER

• UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital

THE TOP 5

• Fire Pixie Entertainment • Magician Mike Della Penna • The Dilly Dallies • Vivarium

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Fabulous Frank of Playland-Not-at-theBeach

THE TOP 5

• Fabulous Frank of Playland-Not-at-theBeach • Magician Mike Della Penna • Sandi and Stevie • The Ballet School Performing Arts • Vivarium

Best Place for a Kids Haircut ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

THE TOP 5

• Cool Tops • Pigtails and Crewcuts • Pony Tails • Salon One 50 • Straight Edge Barber

HEALTH Best Dentist For Kids ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Aloha Pediatric Dentistry

THE TOP 5

• Alameda Pediatric Dentistry • Aloha Pediatric Dentistry • Children’s Dentistry Nicholas Ching, D.D.S,Inc. • Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry • Uptown Pediatric Dentistry

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

• Snips Children’s Hair Salon

THE WINNER

THE TOP 5

THE TOP 5

• Howie T at Salon One • Little Scissors - Kids Hair Salon • Peoples Barber & Shop • Snippety Crickets • Snips Children’s Hair Salon

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER • Cool Tops

26

Parents Press | August 2021

• Aloha Pediatric Dentistry • Aloha Pediatric Dentistry • Danville Pediatric Dentistry • Fong Karen T DDS • Pediatric Dentist of Pleasant Hill • Pediatric Dentistry San Ramon

• Alta Bates Summit Medical Center | Summit Campus • John Muir Health/ UCSF Health Berkeley Outpatient Center • Kaiser Permanente • UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital • ValleyCare Medical Center

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• John Muir Health Medical Center

THE TOP 5

• Alta Bates Summit Medical Center • John Muir Health Medical Center • Kaiser Permanente • San Ramon Medical Center • UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital

Best Optometrist ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• UC Berkeley School of Optometry

THE TOP 5

• Harlan J. Wong, OD • Imagine Optometry • Timothy Sanders, OD • UC Berkeley School of Optometry Professional Program • Ursula Moonsamy, OD

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• UC Berkeley School of Optometry

THE TOP 5

• East Bay Ophthalmology • Gabe Resperio OD • Lamorinda Optometry • Ruzicka and Lacey OD • UC Berkeley School of Optometry

ALAMEDA COUNTY • Alameda Pediatric Dentistry

THE TOP 5

• Alameda Pediatric Dentistry • Berkeley Orthodontics • I Song Orthodontics • Ikeda & Righellis Orthodontics • Montclair Orthodontics

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• San Ramon Orthodontics

THE TOP 5

• Axelrode Orthodontics • Josh McCormick, DDS • Scott McElroy DDS, MDS • San Ramon Orthodontics • Smile Power Orthodontics

Best Pediatrician ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Berkeley Pediatric Medical Group

THE TOP 5

• Alameda Pediatric Associates • Berkeley Pediatric Medical Group • East Bay Pediatrics • Tri-Valley Pediatrics, Inc. • Primary Pediatric Medical Group

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Philip A. Rush, MD, John Muir Health

THE TOP 5

• East Bay Pediatrics • Montgomery Kong MD • Philip A. Rush, MD, John Muir Health • San Ramon Valley Primary Care • Tri-Valley Pediatrics

B E S T O F PA R E N T S ’ P R E S S 2 0 2 1

CHILD CARE Best Child Care ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

Best Child Care Referral and Support Agency

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

THE TOP 5

THE WINNER

• Nomura Preschool

• BANANAS

• The Renaissance International School

Best Special Needs Child Care

THE TOP 10

THE WINNER

• Berkeley Rose Waldorf School • Duck’s Nest Inc • East Bay German International School • Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley • Grand Lake Montessori • Hearts and Hands Christian Preschool • Jewish Community Center of the East Bay • Montessori School at Five Canyons • The Child Unique • Valley Christian Preschool

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Choice in Learning Montessori

THE TOP 10

• Baby Yale Academy, Inc. • Buena Children’s Club • Choice in Learning Montessori • City of El Cerrito Recreation Department • Creative Play Center • Nomura Preschool • Old Firehouse School • St. Patrick School • The Child Day School • Valley Christian Preschool

• Kids Gym Berkeley

THE TOP 5

• Ala Costa Centers • Easter Seals Kaleidoscope • Kids Overcoming, LLC • School Of Imagination In Dublin • Tinkergarten

• Black Diamond Kids Center • El Cerrito Preschool Coop • La Casita Bilingue Montessori School • Nomura Preschool • Spanish 4 Children

Best Faith-Based Preschool ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• St Philip Neri Preschool

THE TOP 5

PRESCHOOLS Best Bilingual Preschool ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER (TIE)

• East Bay German International School • The Renaissance International School

• Holy Spirit Preschool • Jewish Community Center of the East Bay • St Philip Neri Preschool • Temple Beth Abraham • Valley Christian Preschool

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• St John’s Preschool

THE TOP 5

• King’s Valley Preschool • St David School • St John’s Preschool • East Bay German • St Mary School International School • Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley • St Paul School • Escuela Bilingue Best Independent Internacional Preschool • Shu Ren International School ALAMEDA COUNTY • The Renaissance International School THE WINNER • The Renaissance International School

THE TOP 5

THE TOP 10

• Berkeley Rose Waldorf School • East Bay German International School • Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley • Grand Lake Montessori • Jewish Community Center of the East Bay • Montessori Family School: Preschool-Kindergarten • Step One School • The Child Unique • The Renaissance International School • Valley Christian Preschool

Contra Costa County THE WINNER (TIE)

• Choice in Learning Montessori • The Child Day School

THE TOP 10

• Choice in Learning Montessori • Clayton Valley Parent Preschool • Creative Play Center • El Cerrito Preschool Co-Op • Fountainhead Montessori School • Happy Days Learning Center • Nomura Preschool • Old Firehouse School • The Child Day School • The Saklan School

SCHOOLS

August 2021 | ParentsPress.com

27

B E S T O F PA R E N T S ’ P R E S S 2 0 2 1 Best Small Preschool (Total Capacity 30 Children or Less) ALAMEDA COUNTY

Best Bilingual Elementary School

THE WINNER

ALAMEDA COUNTY

• Berkeley Rose Waldorf School

THE TOP 5

• Nomura Preschool Best Large • Old Firehouse School Preschool (Total Capacity 31 Children • Play and Learn School or More) Best Montessori Preschool ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• The Renaissance International School

THE TOP 10

• Duck’s Nest Inc • East Bay German International School • Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley • Grand Lake Montessori • Fountainhead Montessori School of Dublin • Jewish Community Center of the East Bay • Montessori School at Five Canyons • Step One School • Stratford School • Valley Christian Preschool

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Nomura Preschool

THE TOP 10

• Clayton Children’s Center • Choice in Learning Montessori • Creative Play Center • El Cerrito Preschool CoOp • Happy Days Learning Center • La Casita Bilingue Montessori School • Larson’s Children’s Center

28

Parents Press | August 2021

ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• The Child Unique Montessori School

THE TOP 5

• Grand Lake Montessori • Montessori Family School: Preschool-Kindergarten • Montessori School at Five Canyons • Rockridge Montessori School • The Child Unique Montessori School

• Berkeley Rose Waldorf School • Duck Pond • Genius Kids • Montclair Community Play Center (MCPC) • Montessori School at Five Canyons

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

THE TOP 5

• East Bay German International School • Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley • Escuela Bilingue Internacional • Fountainhead Montessori Elementary School • The Renaissance International School

THE TOP 5

• Viva el Español

• Clayton Valley Parent Preschool • Creative Play Center • East Bay Waldorf School • Skytown Preschool • The Saklan School

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

THE WINNER

ALAMEDA COUNTY

• Choice in Learning Montessori • Fountainhead Montessori School • La Casita Bilingue Montessori School • Montessori School of Concord • Step By Step Montessori Preschool

• East Bay German International School

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE TOP 5

THE WINNER

• Clayton Valley Parent Preschool

Best Alternative Learning Styles Elementary School

• Choice in Learning Montessori

• St Joseph School • St Mary School • The Saklan School

THE WINNER

• Ecole Bilingual de Berkeley

THE TOP 5

• Berkeley Rose Waldorf School • Berkwood Hedge School • Ecole Bilingual de Berkeley • Grand Lake Montessori • Park Day School

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• East Bay Waldorf School

THE TOP 5

• East Bay Waldorf School • Holbrook Elementary School

THE WINNER THE TOP 5

• Holbrook Elementary School • Meadow Homes Elementary School • St David School • Viva el Español • Ygnacio Valley Elementary School

Best Faith-Based Elementary School ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• St Philip Neri School

THE TOP 5

• Corpus Christi School • Holy Spirit Catholic School • St Philip Neri School • St Theresa Catholic School • Valley Christian Schools

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• King’s Valley Christian School

THE TOP 5

• Christ the King Catholic School • King’s Valley Christian School • St Catherine of Siena School

B E S T O F PA R E N T S ’ P R E S S 2 0 2 1 • St David School • St Mary of the Immaculate Conception

Best Independent Elementary School ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• East Bay German International School

THE TOP 10

• Aurora School • Berkeley Rose Waldorf School • Berkwood Hedge School • Black Pine Circle School • Grand Lake Montessori • East Bay German International School • Park Day School • The Crowden School • The Renaissance International School • Valley Christian Schools

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

THE TOP 10

• Cornell Elementary School • East Bay Waldorf School • Holbrook language Academy • Montessori Family School • Prospect Sierra Elementary School • St Isidore School • St Mary School • The Meher School • The Saklan School • The Seven Hills School

Best Montessori Elementary School ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Fountainhead Montessori Elementary School • The Renaissance International School

• Montessori Family School

• Berkeley Rose Waldorf School • Berkwood Hedge School • Black Pine Circle School • Park Day School • The Renaissance International School

THE TOP 5

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Eagle Peak Montessori School • Montessori Family School • Montessori School of Concord • Montessori School of San Ramon • Pearlite Montessori House of Children

• The Renaissance International School

Best Progressive Elementary School

THE TOP 5

ALAMEDA COUNTY

• American International Montessori School • Grand Lake Montessori • Montessori Elementary School of Alameda

• Prospect Sierra Elementary School

THE TOP 5

THE WINNER

• Prospect Sierra Elementary School

THE TOP 5

• Athenian School • Crestmont Elementary School • Holbrook Elementary School • Montessori Family School • Prospect Sierra Elementary School

THE WINNER- (TIE) • Park Day School • The Renaissance International School

PRESCHOOLS

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August 2021 | ParentsPress.com

29

B E S T O F PA R E N T S ’ P R E S S 2 0 2 1 THE TOP 5

THE WINNER

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

HIGH SCHOOLS

THE WINNER

• Fountainhead Montessori School

THE TOP 3

MIDDLE SCHOOLS Best Bilingual Middle School THE WINNER

• East Bay German International School

THE TOP 5

• East Bay German International School • Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley • Escuela Bilingue Internacional • Shu Ren International School • The Renaissance International School

• St Patrick School • St Paul School

Best Independent Middle School ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• St Philip Neri Catholic School

THE WINNER

THE TOP 5

THE TOP 5

• Prospect Sierra School • Crestmont School • East Bay Waldorf School • Prospect Sierra School • The Athenian School • The Seven Hills School

• Black Pine Circle School • Berkeley Rose Waldorf School • Black Pine Circle School • Crowden School • Park Day School • Tilden Preparatory School

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Crestmont School

THE TOP 5

• Crestmont School • Prospect Sierra School • The Saklan School • The Seven Hills School • Tilden Preparatory School

Best Special Needs Programs in a Middle School

Best Montessori Middle School

ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

ALAMEDA COUNTY

• Tilden Preparatory School

THE TOP 5

• Christ the King • St David School • St John the Baptist

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Parents Press | August 2021

THE WINNER

• The Renaissance International School

Best Alternative Learning Style High School ALAMEDA COUNTY

• Basis School • Bayhill High School • Maybeck High School • Oakland School For the Arts • Tilden Preparatory School

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY • St David School

• Hope Academy For Dyslexics • Pine Hollow Middle School • Tilden Preparatory School

ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE TOP 5

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE TOP 3

THE WINNER

THE TOP 10

THE WINNER

• Tilden Preparatory School

Best Progressive Middle School THE WINNER

Best Faith-Based Middle School

• Corpus Christi School • Oakland Hebrew Day School • St Philip Neri School • St Theresa Catholic School • Valley Christian Schools

• Eagle Peak Montessori School • Fountainhead • Montessori Family School

• East Bay German International School • Bentley School • Black Pine Circle School • East Bay German International School • East Bay School for Boys • Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley • Head-Royce School • Park Day School • St Paul’s Episcopal School • The Crowden School • The Renaissance International School

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

• Montessori Elementary Intermediate School of Alameda • The Renaissance International School • Urban Montessori Charter School • Valley Montessori School • Washington Ave Montessori

THE WINNER THE TOP 3

• Raskob Day School and Learning Institute • The Phillips Academy • Tilden Preparatory School

• Tilden Preparatory School

THE TOP 5

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Salesian College Preparatory

THE TOP 5

• Orinda Academy • Orion Academy • Salesian College Preparatory • The Athenian School • Tilden Preparatory School

Best Boarding School in the Bay Area THE WINNER

• The Athenian School

THE TOP 5

• Archbishop Riordan High School • Eastside College Preparatory School • San Domenico • The Athenian School • Woodside Priory School

B E S T O F PA R E N T S ’ P R E S S 2 0 2 1 Best Faith-Based High School THE WINNER

• St Mary Catholic School • Salesian College Preparatory

• St. Joseph Notre Dame High School

Best Independent High School

THE TOP 5

ALAMEDA COUNTY

• Bishop O’Dowd High School • Holy Names High School • Saint Mary’s College High School • St. Joseph Notre Dame High School • Valley Christian High School

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Salesian College Preparatory

THE TOP 5

• Berean Christian High School • Carondelet High School • De La Salle High School

THE WINNER

• Tilden Preparatory School

THE TOP 10

• Bentley School • California Crosspoint Academy • Head Royce School • Maybeck High School • Millennium High School • Quarry Lane • The Athenian School • The College Preparatory School • Tilden Preparatory School • Valley Christian High School

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• The Phillips Academy • Tilden Preparatory School

• Salesian College Preparatory

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

THE TOP 5

• Tilden Preparatory School

• Bentley School • Holden High School • Orinda Academy • Salesian College Preparatory • The Athenian School

THE WINNER THE TOP 5

• Fusion Academy • Holden High School • Orinda Academy • Orion Academy • Tilden Preparatory School

Best Special Needs Programs in a High School ALAMEDA COUNTY

THE WINNER

• Tilden Preparatory School

THE TOP 5

• Bayhill High School • East Bay German International School • Fusion Academy

SCHOOLS

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Holy Names High School

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OA K L A

,C ND

VISIT THE HOLY NAMES CAMPUS In person and virtual campus tours available.

THE ALL GIRLS ADVANTAGE Young women find their voice and develop leadership skills in an all-girls environment.

100% COLLEGE ADVANCEMENT Each student works one-on-one with a college advisor for four years.

Our graduates are prepared for success in college.

August 2021 | ParentsPress.com

31

5 Benefits of Multiple Extracurricular Activities

By Cheryl Maguire

“I’M BORED,” my 11-year-old daughter grumbled as she collapsed on to the couch. It was a rare unscheduled moment in her life. I cringed as I recalled what can occur when she has a spontaneous second. At the age of three, I assumed she was quietly playing with her toys only to discover the entire wall was covered with a new crayon drawn mural. We are both happier now she is enrolled in art classes.

She prefers being busy which is why she partook in six different extracurricular activities this past spring. Her interests ranged from sign language class to swim team.

Besides avoiding boredom (and messes) there are many benefits to having scheduled activities for your child. Research by NCES states that students who participated in afterschool activities had better attendance, higher levels of achievement, and aspirations to higher levels of education.

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Parents Press | August 2021

A number of research studies found students who participate in extracurricular activities perform better in school.

Better Academic Performance

Even though my daughter was in six different clubs or sports, she received all A’s in her academic classes.

By participating in extracurricular activities, a child is able to learn new skills which can be applied to the school setting. For example, my daughter was in the garden club and she used the information she learned about plants in her science class.

Sports such as basketball, baseball and football use statistics, addition/subtraction, probability, and geometry which can be applied to math class.

A number of research studies found students who participate in extracurricular activities perform better in school. Doug-

las Reeves studied data at Woodstock High School and found students who were in three or four extracurricular activities during the year had dramatically better grades than those who participated in no extra-curricular activities. There was a study done by the College Board, which found high school extracurricular participation is correlated with higher SAT scores, SAT math by 45 points and SAT verbal scores by 53 points.

More Adaptable

If a child is participating in more than one activity, they will also experience more than one coach or teacher who will have different rules and expectations. They will have the opportunity to meet kids with a range of personalities and interests.

These interactions will teach a child how to be adaptable to multiple people and situations.

Maddi and Deborah Khoshaba’s training guide, Resilience at Work, discussed the importance of being adaptable and how when adaptable people lost their jobs they thrived due to their ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Being adaptable is a skill that can be beneficial both in the school or work setting.

Better Social Skills

Children will gain social skills both from the person in charge of the activity or sport and by interacting with their peers. They also have the opportunity to learn about teamwork by either playing a sport together or doing a group class such as a musical for drama.

In my daughter’s book club at the end of their discussion of the book, they have social time. During one meeting she didn’t read the book, but she still wanted to go to the club since she loved the social interaction with her peers.

Less Screen Time

Common Sense Media research states on average teens spend

PHOTO BY LARS-BO NIELSEN, UNSPLASH.COM

Children will gain social skills both from the person in charge of the activity or sport and by interacting with their peers.

over 9 hours per day playing video games or watching TV. If children are participating in after-school activities they will have less opportunity to either watch TV or play video games and they will hopefully learn new skills.

If a child participates in a sport, they will be more active which leads to better health benefits from being physically fit. Even if a child did a club or an after-school activity they will be more active than if they watched TV or played video games.

According to the CDC obesity affects about 12.7 million children and adolescents for the past decade.

Sometimes, even for my daughter, you can have too many activities.

I’m always cognizant of her energy level. If she needs to skip an activity once in a while, I let her. Or when I noticed she wasn’t enthusiastic about going to gymnastics anymore, we both decided it would be best not to sign up for the next session. Most importantly you want to make sure your child is happy and definitely not bored.

Decreased Risk of Obesity

PHOTO BY RACHEL, UNSPLASH.COM

According to the CDC obesity affects about 12.7 million children and adolescents for the past decade.

How to Balance Your Child’s Schedule

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, Washington Post, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05

August 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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Kid’s Choice

Have a Happy Birthday (Without the Party)

Budget Friendly Birthday Ideas that Make Your Child Feel Special

By Sarah Lyons

When you are planning the day, consider your child’s favorites. Plan the day’s meals around your child’s favorite foods. Choose things that you typically do not serve to make the day more special. If you will go on an outing or if you will be dining out, let the child choose the location.

Document the Day

Create a list of questions to ask your child on their birthday such as “Who is your best friend?” or list TV shows, songs, foods, etc. Record the answers in a safe place and repeat each year. It’s fun to look back and see how your child has changed and matured over the years.

Tell Their Story

T

he day your child was born is a day to celebrate and make them feel special. Birthday parties are fun but they can be a lot of work and the costs can quickly add up. If you decide to skip the birthday party, it doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate big. Here are some ideas to make sure your child’s birthday is special.

Kids love to hear stories about the day they were born, the cute things they did as a baby, or how you prepared for their arrival. Spend part of the day telling favorite stories about your child, they are sure to love it.

Have Others Reach Out

Create Anticipation

Ask friends and family to wish your child a happy birthday with calls, texts, messages, or cards. Consider talking to family members via Skype. This will help your child know that others are celebrating them even if you aren’t hosting a big birthday party this year.

As parents, we often feel like we have to spend a lot to make our child’s birthday special when this is truly not the case. With a little extra planning, your child’s day can be just as special as any expensive party.

Make the Cake

MORE BIG WAYS TO CELEBRATE WITHOUT A PARTY

As the birthday approaches, build anticipation by talking about it and planning what the day will hold.

You can create a special countdown by making a paper chain and tearing off one chain per day or even just counting down the number of days on a chalkboard in your home. Explain that although there will not be a big birthday party this year, there will still be a lot of fun things planned.

A great way to save money on a birthday celebration is to make the cake yourself. Choose flavors and colors or themes your child loves and get siblings involved in the preparation. Kids typically don’t care about whether the cake is perfectly decorated, they are happy with a cake that is made just for them.

Balloon Avalanche

When your child goes to sleep the night before their birthday, decorate the house with balloons or birthday decor. Try taping a disposable tablecloth to the outside of the door jam and fill the space between with balloons.

When your child opens the door, they will be greeted with a balloon avalanche that is sure to put a big smile on their face.

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Parents Press | August 2021

• • • • • • •

Go to the movies Visit amusement park Have dinner out at a favorite spot Go bowling Take a day trip to a neighboring town Attend a sporting event Be a tourist for the day in your hometown, visiting the zoo or other local attractions • Let your child pick a place they would like to visit Sarah Lyons is a stay-at-home mom to six children. Some years her kids celebrate their birthday with a party and other years they choose to celebrate in other ways.

DREAMWORKS GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE © 2021 DREAMWORKS ANIMATION LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

August 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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Beyond the Expected

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The Renaissance International School Montessori curriculum • Music • Art Language Immersion (No fluency level required) Following COVID-19 protocols | High cleanliness standards

510-531-8566 | www.TheRenaissanceSchool.org | Oakland & Piedmont