Issuu

March 2021

newyorkfamily.com

Family-Friendly Things To Do in NYC This Spring

Love, Marriage and a Pandemic Advice from a relationship expert

Virtual Camp Fairs! page 31

Questions to Ask a Camp Director

ENROLLING FOR 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR

NYC CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR ARCHITECTURE ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES MISSION:

To provide a rigorous college readiness program and career preparatory learning environment that provides students with a foundation of the necessary skills to pursue college or a career in the architecture, engineering, and the construction industries.

INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL:

• 98% Graduation Rate • Rigorous college course sequence that allows students to earn college credits while attending AECI. • Architectural Drawing, Drafting, Revit, and AutoCad classes prepare students for certification exams in the architecture field. • Robust Internships and partnerships provide our students with scholarships in the architecture field. • Six counselors on staff to support whole student development. • AECI Core Values of Perseverance, Achievement, Integrity and Respect develop our students into young professionals.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Use of UV Lighting to disinfect classrooms daily • HEPA Air Filtration units utilized in all AECI classrooms PPE Equipment (hand sanitizer, masks, disinfectant wipes) provided daily • Digital temperature scanning performed daily • Tri-Fold screens utilized at every student desk • Every student provided with a Chromebook and Wifi connectivity device to support our hybrid learning model

LOCATION

GRADUATION 2016-2017 2017-2018 Thurs., March 11th, 3:30pm-5:30pm 2018-2019 Sat., March 27th, 10am-1:00pm 2019-2020 Fri., April 9th, 4:30pm-6:30pm

OPEN HOUSE:

Community School District 7, South Bronx 838 Brook Avenue, Bronx NY 10451

RATE 97% 95% 95% 98%

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO ENROLL NOW! – WWW.AECICHARTERHS.ORG – 646-400-5566

LEARN ABOUT AECI / IN PERSON SCHOOL TOURS AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT Contact Ms. Harrigan at 646-400-5566 x. 3054 admissions@aecicharterhs.org WWW.AECICHARTERHS.ORG

WWW.INTRAGRAM.COM/AECINYC

WWW.TWITTER.COM/AECINYC

INSCRIPCIÓN PARA: AÑO ESCOLAR 2021-2022

Escuela Secundaria Autónoma de la Ciudad de Nueva York para la Ingeniería Arquitectónica y las Industrias de la Construcción MISIÓN:

Proporcionar un programa riguroso de preparación para la universidad y un entorno de aprendizaje preparatorio para la carrera que brinde a los estudiantes una base de las habilidades necesarias para seguir la universidad o una carrera en las industrias de arquitectura, ingeniería y construcción.

MODELO INSTRUCTIVO:

• Tasa de graduación del 98% • Secuencia de cursos universitarios rigurosos que permite a los estudiantes obtener créditos universitarios mientras asisten a AECI • Las clases de dibujo arquitectónico, dibujo, Revit y AutoCad preparan a los estudiantes para los exámenes de certificación en el campo de la arquitectura. • Prácticas sólidas y las asociaciones brindan a nuestros estudiantes las herramientas necesarias en el campo de la arquitectura. • Seis consejeras disponibles en el personal para apoyar el desarrollo integral del estudiante. • Los valores fundamentales de AECI de perseverancia, logros, integridad y respeto convierten a nuestros estudiantes en jóvenes profesionales.

SALUD Y SEGURIDAD

• Uso de iluminación ultravioleta para desinfectar los salones de clases a diario • Unidades de filtración de aire HEPA utilizadas en todas los clases en AECI • Equipo de EPP (desinfectante de manos, mascarillas y toallitas desinfectantes) proporcionado diariamente • Escaneo de temperatura digital realizado diariamente • Pantallas de tres pliegues utilizadas en todos los escritorios • Cada estudiante se proporciona una computadora Chromebook y conectividad wifi dispositivo para apoyar nuestro modelo de aprendizaje híbrido

UBICACIÓN

CASA ABIERTA:

Distrito Escolar Comunitario 7, South Bronx 838 Brook Avenue, Bronx NY 10451

Jueves 11 de marzo, 3:30pm-5:30pm Sabado 27 de marzo, 10am-1:00pm Viernes 9 de abril, 4:30-6:30pm

GRADUATION 2016-2017 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020

RATE 97% 95% 95% 98%

¡VISITE NUESTRA PAGINA WEB PARA INSCRIBIRSE! – WWW.AECICHARTERHS.ORG – 646-400-5566

PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN SOBRE AECI / VISITAS ESCOLARES EN PERSONA DISPONIBLE – CON CITA PREVIA Comuníquese con la Sra. Harrigan al 646-400-5566 x. 3054 admissions@aecicharterhs.org WWW.AECICHARTERHS.ORG

WWW.INTRAGRAM.COM/AECINYC

WWW.TWITTER.COM/AECINYC March 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

contents

March 2021

NewYorkFamily.com

pg. 18

pg. 30 pg. 14

pg. 24

FEATURES

Stories & columns

24 | 25 Ideas Your Bucket List for Spring fun

6 | Editor’s Note March – Baby Steps

28 | Love, Marriage and a Pandemic A relationship expert weighs in on keeping your marriage healthy in difficult times

8 | Mom Hacks 5 Hacks for Busy Parents — get things done easily 14 | Education The many benefits of choosing a Charter School 30 | Special Needs When the next step for your child is an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)

NewYorkFamily.com | March 2021

Camps 18 | Camps Questions to ask a camp director amid a pandemic 31 | Virtual Summer Camp Fairs

Directories 22 | Camp Listings

on the Cover Illustration: Béatrice S. Hug

Welcome Class of 2025! Maria Regina High School is committed to the values of: Scholarship: Maria Regina High School is a Catholic college preparatory high school that is committed to a holistic approach in the education of young women offering a wide range of Advanced Placement and Honors Courses. Service: MRHS provides service opportunities to all students challenging them to respond to the crucial needs of today's society. Spirit: With over 25 student clubs and organizations as well as Varsity/JV athletic teams, there is something for every student.

Registration Day March 3, 2021 9:00 am - 4:00 pm 500 West Hartsdale Avenue | Hartsdale, NY 10530 | (914) 761-3300 | www.mariaregina.org

Yalow’s New K-5 Campus! 650 Grand Concourse, The Bronx, NY 10451

Yalow’s Nuevo Campus 1-5 650 Grand Concourse, The Bronx, NY 10451

March 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

Editor’s Note

NewYorkFamily.com Publisher: Clifford Luster Executive Editor: Donna Duarte-Ladd Digital Editor: Katarina Avendaño Senior Adviser: Susan Weiss Digital Director: Erik Bliss Partnership Managers: Erin Brof, Mary Cassidy, Shelli Goldberg-Peck Ad Operations Manager: Rosalia Bobé Art Director: Leah Mitch Web Developer: Sylvan Migdal Graphic Designers: Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti Editorial Contributors: Jana Beauchamp, Mia Salas Nina Gallo Photography

Baby Steps We have been quarantining for a year. Most of us have changed how we live our lives through these challenging times, but we are getting through it! And like many of you, I have a deep appreciation for the time I have had with my family. Yet, we are all ready to get back out and enjoy the Spring that is only weeks away! Speaking of rough times, this month, we have expert advice, Love, Marriage and a Pandemic (page 28), on how to get back on track with your partner. And while COVID is still here and safety measures will be taken for some time, we

Editorial Interns: Patrick Delaney, Analiese Dodd Sabrina Lee, Brooke Thompson

Contact Information

can rejoice that New York City is starting to reopen. Take a look at our roundup of 25 Ideas and Family-Friendly Activities in NYC (page 24) to get the entire family back into the swing of things. Lastly, if you’re looking, wondering, wanting to do a summer camp for the kids, we have all the Questions to Ask a Camp Director Amid a Pandemic (page 18). Happy Spring and New York, we are ready for you.

Donna and New York Family Media

ADVERTISING: (718) 260-4554 Advertising@NewYorkFamily.com Circulation: (718) 260-8336 Tina@NewYorkFamily.com

Address: New York Family Media/Schneps Media 1 MetroTech Center North, Third Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201

President: Victoria Schneps-Yunis CEO: Joshua Schneps Group Publisher: Clifford Luster

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

2020

New York Family is published monthly by Queens Family Media, LLC.

get in touch Share your feedback and ideas about family life in the city! Email us at editorial@newyorkfamily.com and tag us at #newyorkfamily

NewYorkFamily.com | March 2021

“ HVA is the best school in Harlem!”

APPLY ! TODAY Y DUE B

APRIL 1st

Now Accepting PreK–4th Grade Applications for the 2021–22 Academic Year

Visit harlemvillage.org!

Questions? We’re here to help! Contact enrollment@harlemvillage.org or call (646) 484-1720.

HVA West 74 W. 124th Street

HVA East 2351 1st Avenue

HVA is a tuition-free K-12 charter school with no fee to apply.

Charter School of Educational Excellence Do you want an excellent education for your child? Apply Today to the Charter School of Educational Excellence

LAPTOPS FOR ALL STUDENTS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM ТНЕ WESTCHESTER, ROCKLAND AND BRONX COUNTIES

CharterSchoolOfEducationalExcellence.org

914-476-5070 Ext. 4

March 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

mom hacks

5 Hacks For Busy Parents By Donna Duarte-LaDD

arents have been doing a lot in the past year. Not that we weren’t already utilizing our mad parenting skills, but if ever there was a time to “bring it,” we have brought it with saving money on the grocery bills, helping with Zoom classes, and doing hacks to save time and money. But really it just makes sense to figure out some easy ways to do simple things in these crazy times. We love a good hack and here are five ways I have been using mom hacks this past year at work and at home.

Extend Your Favorite Jeans Waistline If your jeans are a bit tight lately, you are not alone. While I have that mom friend who looks as thin as she did before lockdown, most of us mere mortals have been indulging a bit during the quarantine. And hey, comfort food is just that; it brings comfort. But alas, your jeans are a bit tight, and while you do not quite need to size up, you do require a little room in the midsection. This trick I have used as a stylist is easy, and it works: • First, you need to commit to cutting into your favorite pair of jeans. • Next, you take a great pair of scissors, I use fabric scissors, but a sturdy pair should do the job. • Cut into the back waistline of your jean. I find that two cuts spaced about three inches apart (slit cuts) work. Do not cut into the seam line of the waistband.

NewYorkFamily.com | March 2021

• Next, take denim iron-on patches, cut in half and fold the patch over the cut area, iron on both sides and pull to make sure it is sturdy. • Give them a try on; if you need more room, try cutting another slit. And voila, you have just given your jeans a little more room. Replace the Backing of an Earring…Pronto You have finally gotten the hang of wearing a face mask with earrings and clink; one of the backings to your earring is missing, and your earring is on the floor. Here is an easy fashion emergency trick. Got a pencil? Pull out the back of the eraser and gently squeeze it into the post of the back of your earring. And there you have it, your earring now has a backing, and you can go on with your day.

High Quality Subsidized Child Care 2 Months to 4 Years of Age ' Head Start (3 and 4 years old) ' Child Care Services (2 months – 3 years old) ' Developmental Assessments ' Qualiﬁed Teachers ' Research- Based Curriculum ' Universal Pre- K Programs www.marcafc.org ' Licensed Clinical Social Worker www.facebook.com/marcacademy www.twitter.com/marcacademy ' Child and Family Support Services ' Nutritious Meals ' Open from 8 am to 6 pm Locations for Center Based Services for 3 and 4 year olds: Main Address: 55 E 175th St, 1st Floor, Bronx, New York 10453 Telephone: 718-562-3410 Other location: 2863 Webster Avenue, 2nd Floor, Bronx, NY 10458 Telephone: 718-562-6080 Family Child Care Network Provider services for children 2 months to 3 years: Approved, qualiﬁed and well-experienced registered/licensed providers are available in the following zip codes: 10451 10452

10453 10455

10456 10457

10458 10459

10460 10462

10463 10466

10472 10473

APRIL 1st March 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

mom hacks

Protect Your Phone for Pennies A hard lesson learned from the recent snowstorms is that it is easy for your phone to get wet even if it is in your pocket. And if you have older kids, they actually roll in the snow or happily walk in the rain while they have their phone halfway out of their jacket. While you do not want to jump in a pool with this Ziplock baggie trick, a significant benefit to this trick is you can still use the touchscreen while protecting your phone for pennies!

long run. Mark an even dot with a pencil or a marker and press into the hole gently to make an indention. You will then push into the gap a bit harder to go through the hole.

WHERE BOLD FUTURES BEGIN

Hole Puncher If you often need to have extra holes in belts or straps to your bags, you may want to invest in a hole puncher. Most are under twenty dollars and are easy to use. One visit to the cobbler can be about $15, this handy tool can last years and save you money in the

Use Velcro for Childproofing While there are well-made babyproofing items available out there, I have personally found that Velcro is one of the best and most affordable tools to use throughout the house for firm, uncluttered childproofing. Use on cabinets for a clean look if you aren’t into some of the baby proofing gadgets out there. Velcro is also great to use as an extra reinforcement on drawers with sharp cutlery, cabinets, trays, and picture frames — items that babies and toddlers love to get their hands on.

A public charter school located at 1090 Close Ave in the Bronx. OUR MISSION: To provide a world-class public education that equips all children with the academic and character foundation necessary to succeed in college and serve as the next generation of leaders. OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM: College Prep Curriculum Including Science, Arts, & Sports Two Teachers in Every Classroom & Chromebooks for each student Character & Leadership Development Special Education and English Language Supports Free Yellow Bus Service Daily K-3 GRADE APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN! Apply for the 2021-2022 school year by visiting boldschools.org/apply or by calling our main oﬃce at 929.506.4369. O N L I N E A P P L I CAT I O N

APLICAR AHORA PARA GRADOS K-3 ¡Visite boldschools.org/apply para enviar la solicitud de inscripción o llama 929.506.4369!

NewYorkFamily.com | March 2021

Apply now for Fall 2021 Grades 6th-12th

Application Deadline April 1st Lottery Date April 5th Equality Charter School provides a high level of academic rigor in a nurturing learning community that will prepare scholars to be careerready in college. Go to our website for more information and to apply.

Middle School – 4140 Hutchinson River Pkwy East

High School - 2141 Seward Ave

www.equalitycharterschool.org March 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

International Leadership Charter High School CHANGING LIVES AND TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES, ONE SCHOLAR AT A TIME

ATTENTION PARENTS:

Accepting applications now for 9th grade students for the 2021-2022 academic year

Virtual Open House Thursday, March 4, 2021 5:00pm - 6:00pm Friday, March 5, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Thursday, March 18, 2021 5:00pm - 6:00pm Friday, March 19, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Thursday, March 25, 2021 5:00pm - 6:00pm

*Note: The lottery will be held on April 15, 2021 For applications, please visit our website at www.ilchs.org

You can email the application to Egonzalez@ilchs.org or by mail at International Leadership Charter High School 3030 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY 10463 12

NewYorkFamily.com | March 2021

International Leadership Charter High School CAMBIANDO VIDAS Y TRANSFORMANDO COMUNIDADES, UN ESTUDIANTE A LA VEZ

ATENCIÓN PADRES:

Estamos Aceptando Solicitudes para estudiantes del noveno grado para el año escolar 2021-2022

Casa Abierta Virtual Jueves, Marzo 4, 2021 5:00pm - 6:00pm Viernes, Marzo 5, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Jueves, Marzo 18, 2021 5:00pm - 6:00pm Viernes, Marzo 19, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Jueves, Marzo 25, 2021 5:00pm - 6:00pm

*Nota: La Loteria se llevara a cabo Abril 15, 2021, para solicitudes favor de vistar la pagina web www.ilchs.org

Puede enviar su solicitud via email a Egonzalez@ilchs.org Tambien Puede enviar por correo a: International Leadership Charter High School 3030 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY 10463 March 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

EDUCATION

The Beneﬁts of NYC Charter Schools BY JOE PANTORNO

hroughout the course of the pandemic, many New York City students and parents have had to adjust to online learning while school doors were shut. Some parents later opted to send their child back to school buildings, masked up and ready to learn. Even though New York was able to flatten the curve initially, there still remains the question of what school will look like for the remainder of 2021 school year as the vaccine becomes available. However, it isn’t too early for parents to plan ahead for next year and beyond when school doors re-open. The school choice movement has

NewYorkFamily.com | March 2021

provided parents in New York City and across the United States with more options on where to send their children. While the only legitimate options in the past were between public, private and homeschooling, charter schools have become a viable and attractive option for a child’s education. A charter school is an independentlyoperated public school that usually operates under a contract with a government agency or non-profit organization. It allows the school to not have to follow a mandated curriculum, thus designing their classrooms and lessons to fit the individual student’s needs.

While the idea of charter schools has been met with plenty of criticism, there are overarching advantages of sending your child to such an institution: Adapting to challenges Within today’s educational landscape lies the growing challenge of properly informing, preparing, and developing students who learn and grow under different circumstances. There are four ways children can properly learn and retain the material of their coursework: visual, auditory, reading/ writing, and kinesthetic. Charter schools can provide a perfect match.

PREPARING TOMORROWPREPARING SCHOLARS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS OF TOMORROW Our mission is to develop scholars who communicate well, are intellectually curious, and solveproblems using different approaches. Our school uses inquiry-based learning to deepenscholars' connections to the world around them. We provide a community that helps scholarsfeel safe, valued, and comfortable as they grow.

ENROLL TODAY!

PREPARANDO A LOS ACADÉMICOS PARA RESOLVER LOS PROBLEMAS DE MAÑANA Nuestra misión es desarrollar acadómicos que se comuniquen bien, sean intelactualmenta curiosas y resuelvan problemas utilizando diferentes enfoques. Nuestra escuela utiliza el aprendizaje basado en la indagación para profundizar las conexiones de los estudiantes con al mundo que los rodea. Ofrecemos una comunidad que ayuda a los estudiantes a sentirse seguros, valorados y cómodos a medida que crecen.

¡INSCRÍBASE HOY!

https://pharosacademies.org/enroll

* Applu online until April 1, 2021

* Solicite en linea el 1 de Abril del 2021

Metropolitan Lighthouse Charter School For the 2021-2022 school year, MetLCS will be serving scholars in grades Kindergarten through 8th Grade.

Metropolitan Lighthouse College Preparatory For the 2021-2022 school year, MetCPA will be serving scholars in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12.

Apply online: https://metlcs.schoolmint.net/signin The application for the new 2021-2022 school year is now open. At Metropolitan Lighthouse Charter School, we have sibling, district 9, IEP and ELL preferences in our lottery. The lottery application closes at 11:59pm on April 1, 2021. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to have your child potentially attend our school! Scan these codes with the camera on your phone to enroll and watch a quick video of our school! ELL scholars and scholars with IEPs are welcome!

180 West 165th Street Bronx, New York 10452 Phone: 718-893-0640 met.lha.net March 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

eduCation

If your child is struggling with learning disabilities that withhold them from flourishing at public or private schools, there are charter-school options. If your child is advanced and is not being challenged enough in most group settings, there are charter-school options. Specialization with no tuition Charter schools provide the best of both schooling worlds. While they are independent, they still must have licensed teachers, students must take state-mandated tests, and underperforming institutions can be closed — much like most public and private schools. But the ability to tweak the curriculum and offer specific courses that set it apart from public schooling. The best part? Parents won’t have to pay tuition as they would in private school. Charters are funded on tax dollars. They outperform public school Looking at the data, New York City charter

Within today’s educational landscape lies the growing challenge of properly informing, preparing, and developing students who learn and grow under different circumstances. Charter schools can provide a perfect match. schools are putting up better numbers than public schools. According to the New York Department of Education, public school students grades 3-8 were 47% proficient in English Language Arts (ELA) and 46% proficient in math in 2019. Per NYCCharterSchools.org, charter schools in the city provided much higher proficiency numbers last year. ELA proficiency rates for students grades 3-8 were at 57.3% while math proficiency rates were at 63.87%. Those numbers result in more learning gains, allowing students to learn more

material in the same amount of time as public-school curriculum allows. Charter schools have plenty of support Parents’ schedules are already packed as it is. Their wallets might not be overflowing, either. The last thing they need to do is participate in fundraisers to get their public school some extra money. Charter schools don’t have that problem as they are privately funded more often than not, meaning parents won’t have to donate more of their hard-earned money to ensure their child gets a proper education.

THEIR BRILLIANT FUTURE STARTS HERE. With a focus on rigorous, hands-on academics, wellness, innovation and family service, Zeta Schools prepare students to be leaders and problem solvers in a modern world. Let your child grow at Zeta and apply today at zetaschools.org/apply! 16

NewYorkFamily.com | March 2021

A Fr e e E l e m e n t a r y C h a r t e r S c h o o l

REGISTER NOW Urban Dove Team Charter School Bronx Eligible Applicants Are: • Graduating 8th graders who repeated a grade in middle school • 9th graders who have less than 8 credits SCAN ME

Apply now online

• 10th graders who have less than 18 credits • All students must be 16 years or younger at the time of acceptance

K-5th Grade

wh i n mu s i c .o rg

A free public charter school where literacy, math, science and music help your child

Una escuela elemental gratuita

grow into a leader of tomorrow. Una escuela autónoma pública gratuita donde la alfabetización, las matemáticas, la ciencia y la música ayudan a su hijo(a) a convertirse enel líder de mañana.

4 0 1 We s t 1 6 4 t h , N Y, N Y 1 0 0 3 2

WE WANT YOU TO SUCCEED, AND WE'LL HELP GET YOU THERE! UD Team Bronx 860 Forest Ave, Bronx, NY 11210 Visit urbandove.org to Enroll. Questions? Call: (646) 341-0079 March 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

camp

Questions to Ask a Camp Director Amid a Pandemic By Jess Michaels

hen considering summer camp for your child, it’s always important to ask key questions about the program and safety procedures before deciding which camp will become your child’s home away from home for years to come. Questions often range from inquiring about the session length, the swim program or how many children are in a bunk. However, amid a global pandemic, you are certain to have many questions regarding COVID this year. The good news for parents is that both day and overnight camps ran successfully last summer and were able to mitigate the risk of COVID so children could have both a safe and rewarding summer at camp. Here are some questions you might want to ask the camp director when doing your camp research this year: Can you explain what changes you are making at camp this summer to keep campers safe? If you are researching a camp now, there are many safety procedures that were put in place by camps last summer that will remain for 2021 summer, however, with the pandemic changing month to month, there are some changes that won’t be known until closer to this summer. Camps ran successfully in 2020 with safety procedures to mitigate the risk of COVID such as small group cohorts, daily health screenings, additional hand washing/sanitizing, increased sanitizing of facilities and the camp program running mostly outdoors.

NewYorkFamily.com | March 2021

Although camp looked a little different, the fundamentals of what makes camp so special for children remained the same. How can I get to know the camp before registering? Even amid the pandemic, there are many ways to see the camp and get to know the camp director. Day camps offer tours throughout the year and can do so socially distanced. Many overnight camps will offer families the opportunity to visit camp this spring as the weather warms up. Camp directors are also happy to set up Zoom calls or do an outdoor home visit in your backyard or apartment building’s courtyard. What are the procedures if a staff member or child tests positive for COVID? Based on last summer, if a camper or staff

member tests positive for COVID, the camp will report it to the local health department. If at day camp, the camp will notify the camp community and let you know if your child was exposed and needs to quarantine. Overnight camps used testing last year before campers and staff arrived at camp and then a few days after they arrived. If a test came back positive once at camp, those exposed in the cohort would quarantine and testing would be done. It’s important to note that there were very few positive cases of COVID at both day and overnight camps in the northeast. If COVID vaccines are available, will you require them for this year? It’s too soon to tell when a vaccine will be available for children and young adults. Camps will work with their local and state health departments as vaccine information

Now Accepting 2021-22 Applications! Scan to Apply or Visit our Website: www.bronxbetterlearning.org

Honored by NYSED as a Recognition School, displaying high academic achievement and significant student growth.

Join our Virtual Open House!* Mar 11, 2021 at 9:00 AM EST *Visit our website for meeting details: www.bronxbetterlearning.org

BBL 1 (K-5) | 3740 Baychester Ave, Bronx NY 10466 BBL 2 (K-5) | 2545 Gunther Ave, Bronx, NY 10469

ONE DECISION TODAY prepares your child for a future full of choice APPLY NOW for GRADES 5-12 Apply online at inwoodacademy.org/admissions or call 212-304-0103 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm) for assistance to apply over the phone Lottery preference given to English Language Learners New students will receive f ree school supplies and two uniform tops at start of year Middle School: 433 West 204th St High School: 3896 10th Ave

March 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

Camps

becomes available. What is your camp’s refund policy? This has become an important question that more and more people are asking of all businesses since COVID hit in spring last year. Before choosing a camp, it’s important to understand their refund policy and what date you have until to ask for your money back or to roll it over to the following year. How do you handle separation anxiety after a year of remote learning at home? A good camp director will meet your child where they are and are focused on the social-emotional well-being of every child at camp. In 2020, many children came to camp with anxiety from being home from school and not socializing with others for an extended period of time. The good news is that camp directors said it took just a few days of being at camp for children to adjust. Will you require testing before camp? Testing in 2021 is going to look different than it did in 2020. For overnight camp,

Even amid the pandemic, there are many ways to see the camp and get to know the camp director.

What kind of screening process is done at camp to make sure staff and campers are healthy? Both day and overnight camps required daily health screenings each day with questions asked about your child’s health and temperatures being taken either at home, at camp, or sometimes both.

parents can assume that some kind of testing will take place. Will my child have to wear a mask at camp? Last summer, children at day camp didn’t need to wear masks, unless social distancing couldn’t be maintained. Overnight campers wore masks when around other cohorts and also when social distancing couldn’t be maintained. It is too early to tell what the mask policy will be but one year later, however, mask-wearing has become more common place than it was last June and children have become accustomed to wearing them daily.

Are there activities that will be eliminated because of COVID? With COVID, certain contact sports and activities needed to be eliminated last summer. Many camps also didn’t do field trips or inter-camp games to prevent exposure to many people. It is too early to tell what activities will need to change for 2021 but camps offer dozens of activities and if a camp needs to make some changes to keep staff and campers safe, there are so many other amazing activities to participate in. Camps that ran in 2020 reported that even with some changes, it was probably the best summer they ever had because children needed camp so much after months spent at home.

Clowns • Characters Face Painting • Balloon Art • Magic Games • Cotton Candy • Popcorn Paint Nites for Adults & Kids too!

Party Room available for Birthday & Baby Shower Celebrations! Call (917) 579-0867 to book your party today! /ConfettiPartyPlace /ConfettiPartyPlace 3190 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, New York 10461

Apply Now!

Common Application for the 2021-22 School Year Application Deadline April 9th Lottery Held on April 30th Grades K-8

718-293-6950

info@bronxacademyofpromise.com 1349 Inwood Avenue, Bronx, NY 10452

bronxacademyofpromise.com 20

NewYorkFamily.com | March 2021

Check out our new site! We’ve given our New York Family website a major makeover

Visit newyorkfamily.com to check it out and sign up for our weekly newsletters!

Lottery April 1st

A Free Public Charter Middle School A 2021 New York State School of Character Highlights: St HOPE 8th graders beat the city and state in English Language Arts and Math 98% of St HOPE scholars report that they feel safe at school, compared to 82% of students citywide St HOPE Special Education scholars far outperform the state of NY in both English Language Arts and Math Our classrooms are student-centered, with examples of project-based learning throughout the building Our scholars participate in a character-centered advisory program each morning

Apply NOW at: sthopeleadershipacademy.org/apply sthopeleadershipacademy.org

212-283-1204

222 West 134th Street, New York, NY 10030

OUR MISSION IS TO DEVELOP ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN BOTH SPANISH AND ENGLISH FOR GRADES 6-12. JOIN US AT OUR OPEN HOUSE ON 3/22 TO LEARN MORE! WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR GRADES 6-10 FOR THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR! visit https://theamericandreamschool.schoolmint.net to fill out an application

The American Dream School MS: 510 E. 141st Street, 4th Floor, Bronx, NY 10454 HS: 403 Concord Ave, Bronx, NY 10454

P: 718-585-3071 F: 917-398-8271 E: admissions@theamericandreamschool.org

/ March 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

camps Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

Pilots Enrichment Program (P.E.P.)

STEAM into SCA

Cardinal Spellman High School 1 Cardinal Spellman Place Bronx, New York 10465 718-881-8000 cardinalspellmanpep.com The Pilots Enrichment Program (P.E.P.), was designed as an enrichment program for rising 7th and 8th graders. This program has been helping students for the past 9 years on TACHS (Test for Admission to Catholic High Schools) exam strategies, art, foreign language, science, robotics, athletic enrichment, and more. The summer of 2020 continued this tradition digitally. During their time “at Spellman” they worked on traditional TACHS prep, Kitchen Chemistry, Digital Storybooks, Mapping-Out Spellman through our Virtual Tour and much more. Our teachers took to the shift in instruction and ran with it to allow all of our PEP students to learn and have fun during July! The PEP program will continue digitally this summer from July 1st - July 23rd, with the possibility of going hybrid depending on CDC recommendations. For more information and an application, please visit cardinalspellmanpep.com

St. Catharine Academy 2250 Williamsbridge Road Bronx, NY 10469 scahs.org/steam/ STEAM into SCA is a camp that inspires girls to love Math and Science. It is a three-week summer program that combines academic coursework in Math and English while exploring the arts and sciences, such as robotics, art, and dance. Rising 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade girls are able to make new friends as they enjoy activities such as athletics and games. July 12th July 30th from 9 am-2 pm. The program fee is $500 which includes course materials and a T-Shirt.

Join our summer enrichment and TACHS preparation program! The program consists of 3 weeks of remote learning that will be taught by the knowledgeable, caring and energetic staff of Cardinal Spellman High School.

*OPE N TO ALL INCOMING 7TH & 8TH GR ADERS!

ACADEMIC & ATHLETIC ENRICHMENT! FOR MORE INFO OR TO FILL OUT AN COST: $600 PER S TUDENT. DATES: 7/1 - 7/2 3, MON—FRI, 8:30AM -2 :30PM (CURRENTLY REMOTE—POSSIBILTY OF HYBRID DEPENDING ON CDC GUIDLEINES)

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CARDINAL SPELLMAN HIGH SCHOOL 1 CARDINAL SPELLMAN PLACE BRONX, NY, 10465

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NewYorkFamily.com | March 2021

MR. KYLE O’DONNELL KODONNELL@CARDINALSPELLMAN.ORG 718-881-8000 EXT. 203

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HAC Family Services Inc. Bridging the Gap to Education & Success

Doris E. Stone 1165 University Avenue Bronx, NY 10452 (718) 588-1030 Highbridge Advisory Council* Day Care Center 1181 Nelson Avenue Bronx, NY 10452 (718) 681-5216 Early Childhood Center I* 1594 Townsend Avenue Bronx, NY 10453 (718) 299-3917 Early Childhood Center III* 1399 Ogden Avenue Bronx, NY 10452 (718) 293-9196

- Childcare (2-years to 5-years) - Family EarlyLearn CACFP - Headstart - Pre-school Evaluations - Universal Pre-K - Pre-school Special Education - Family EarlyLearn (6-weeks to 4-years) - 3-K for All program

Richard H. Mangum Early Learning Center 921 E. 162nd Street Bronx, New York 10451 (718) 590-0673

For more information contact the central office located at: 880 River Avenue Bronx, NY 10452 2nd Floor Phone: (718) 992-1321 Fax: (718) 992-8539 James W. Nathaniel, CEO HacFamilyServicesInc.org www.hacfs.org Nearly a half a century of service to the Bronx

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Marshall England Early Learning Center 800 Concourse Village East Bronx, NY 10452 (718) 742-2366/69 Head Start Program* 880 River Avenue 2nd Floor Bronx, NY 10452 (718) 992-1321

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March 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

Your Bucket List For spring fun 25 terrific ideas for family-friendly activities in New York City this season

By Mia Salas

pring is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning your seasonal bucket list. Let’s be honest, our 2021 bucket list has been adding up for quite some time now, especially after being cooped up for so long at home. But what exactly is open and what do you have to know before you visit? We’ve got you covered with all the spring inspo & info you’ll need to take advantage of the new season. From merry-go-round rides in the park to tacos with a waterfront view, we’ve gathered a diverse collection of spring must-dos. Many of the activities involve getting outside as the weather gets warmer bye snow (we think) hello flowers! But we’ve also snuck in some indoor fun for rainy days. Get ready for an action-packed, fun-filled, and (hopefully) less screen time season with our NYC spring bucket list for families! Bronx

Visit the Popular Exhibit at New York Botanical Garden: Spotlight on Orchids February 20 - April 4

Spring orchids in NYC are always a must-see! Each year, the New York Botanical Garden hosts a series of events so that you can check out these beauties and learn about how to take care of them. Bring your family and purchase a ticket beforehand because the gardens are operating at reduced capacity. $28 adults, $12 kids ages 2-12, free for members, 10am-5pm. 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458-5126. Check out the Animals at Bronx Zoo

You want to get outside in the spring, but also stay healthy and safe. That’s why, in a huge space like Bronx Zoo, you can easily do both. And your kids will love checking out

NewYorkFamily.com | March 2021

all the different animals that the zoo has to offer. A great way to have some educational fun, Bronx Zoo is definitely on the spring bucket list this year. Be sure to reserve a date-specific ticket in advance! $22.95 kids ages 3-12, $30.95 adults, free for members, 10am-4:30pm, hours change on March 27 to Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday-Sunday & holidays 10am-5:30pm. 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460. Challenge Your Family Mini Golf at Turtle Cove

We’re loving the Family Putt Putt package at Turtle Cove that includes mini golf for four, plain pizza, mozzarella sticks, and water. The mini golf course is creative and fun for all ages. Everyone has to wear face coverings and social distance between holes. $39 Family Putt Putt package, or $9 adults, $8 kids ages 12 & under. Turtle Cove Golf Center, 1 City Island Rd, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx, NY 10464-1003. Hang with Your Family at the Bronx Night Market Saturdays starting April 3

Returning in early April is the well-known series for culture and cuisine: Bronx Night Market. Support local and small businesses throughout the spring and summer as you try delicious food from over 50 vendors. With iconic eats and family-friendly activities, it doesn’t get much better than this ongoing event! Reserve a timed ticket ahead of time so that Bronx Night Market can monitor social distancing and capacity. Free, 12-7pm. 1 Fordham Plaza, Bronx, NY 10458. Stroll through Wave Hill

Wave Hill is now open for visitors! Tickets

must be purchased in advance, face coverings are required, and certain areas are still closed, but Wave Hill is very excited to welcome your family to the gardens. Weekend Family Art Projects are still virtual, but this could (maybe) shift to in-person in the spring. Have some outdoor fun with your family as you make your way through the art and nature that Wave Hill has to offer. $10 adults, $6 kids, free admission on Thursdays, ThursdaySunday 10am-4:30pm. 4900 Independence Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471. Queens Celebrate Easter with the Barnyard Egg Hunt at Queens Farm March 27 and April 3

Before we know it, Easter will be here! With 47 acres of outdoor space, Queens Farm hosts one of the best egg hunts for kiddos in NYC. Social distancing will definitely be built in to this year’s hunt, but with so much space, the farm can accommodate a decent amount of families. Visit the farm animals, hop on a hayride, and enjoy delicious eats and treats from food vendors all day. $12/person, 11am4pm with timed tickets for egg hunting. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Queens, NY 11004. Show Your Love for our Planet at the Bee a Pollinator Earth Day Celebration at Queens Farm April 22

Celebrate Earth Day with your family at Queens Farm! There will be plenty of fun activities for you to get crafty, creative & active as you learn about how Queens Farm celebrates Earth Day every day. This is a great way to get outside in the spring (with social distancing, of course!) and show your appreciation for our beautiful planet. Cost

and time TBA. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Queens, NY 11004. Spend the Day at Fantasy Forest Amusement Park Opens Spring 2021

Amusement parks can finally open up again on April 9, and we couldn’t be more excited! If you’ve been to Fantasy Forest, you know just how much fun this place is. There

are tons of kid-friendly rides and timeless games like ring toss. Stay tuned to find out more about the reopening of Fantasy Forest this spring, which will surely come with social distancing and limited capacity. Free admission, $4 per ticket, 1 ticket is one ride/ game, pricing deals available for purchase of more tickets including $30 weekday unlimited ride wristband, hours subject to change. 53-51 111th St., Queens, NY 11368.

Get Active at Queens Zoo Run for the Wild April 24

Mark your calendars for this 5K and 3K Family Run/Walk at Queens Zoo! There will be costumed characters, music, trivia, refreshments, and, of course: free zoo admission. The two courses run throughout the zoo, and there will be social distancing measures in place to assure your health March 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

and safety. All adult participants have to fundraise $35 by April 4, and the money will go to supporting the Wildlife Conservation Society. Ticket prices vary, 8am 5K, 10:30am 3K. 53-51 111th St, Corona, Queens, NY 11368 Go Paddle Boating on North Meadow Lake Opens March 27

Rent a boat (or two!) for your family to spend the day on the lake. Wheel Fun Rentals offer pedal and double pedal boats for up to 4 people. Especially as the weather gets warmer in April, this is a great activity for the whole family to do together. Rental prices vary. North Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY. Manhattan Scope out the Brand New Little Island Opens in Spring 2021

We couldn’t be more excited about this Pier 55 island in a river! Little Island is a public park that brings together nature and art so you can take a break from urban life in NYC. And stay tuned for performances by NYC artists and entertainers through Little Island’s “Perform in the Park” programming. We’ve been patiently waiting for the unveiling of this new NYC oasis, so grab your family and get ready for a brand new outdoor experience this spring. Pier 55 at Hudson River Park, New York, NY 10014.

Join the Family Tours at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan

We all know the saying: “April showers bring May flowers”. 2020 and 2021 may be very different years, but some things never change. On those rainy days when you can’t go outside but don’t want to be cooped up yet again in your home, head on over the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Choose from two new family tours that include dancing & music, storytime, art-making, scavenger hunts, free play in exhibits, personal activity kits, and more. Reserve your adventure ahead of time because all visitors are required to have a timed ticket and there is limited capacity. $15 per ticket, Wednesday-Sunday 9:30am4:45pm. The Tisch Building, 212 West 83rd Street, New York, NY 10024. Visit the The Color Factory

This iconic carousel is a must-do for spring time in NYC. Your little ones will love the brightly-colored animals and you’ll love the adorable photo you get of them on the ride! With cabaret music and an elegant, French classical style, this merry-go-round is one of a kind. After a few rides, take a stroll through Bryant Park together as a family. $3 per ride, $20 for a 10-ride discount card, March-May open daily 11am-7pm. Bryant Park, New York, NY 10018.

When it’s dark and rainy outside, The Color Factory is just what you need to brighten up your day. This colorful sensation that swept NYC off its feet in 2018 has since been surprising us with new and exciting exhibits, color palettes, and immersive experiences. Be sure to have your phone ready, because this is one of the most instagrammable places in NYC. Note that there are lots of COVID-19 safety procedures in place including masks and social distancing, and you must purchase a ticket beforehand. $35-$38 adults, $25-28 kids ages 3-12, free for ages 2 and under, Thursday 9:30am-5:30pm, Friday-Saturday 9:30am-7:30pm, Sunday 9:30am-3:30pm. 251 Spring St, New York, NY 10013.

Explore Belvedere Castle

Walk the High Line

A top attraction in Central Park, Belvedere Castle has charmed families for years. Your kids will get a kick out of this magical-like beauty-- especially as they get to climb up the spiral staircase inside! Enjoy breathtaking views from multiple levels of the Castle, and spend the rest of the day exploring Central Park. Free, 10am-5pm. Mid-Park at 79th, New York, NY 10024.

Eager to get outside this spring? So are we! That’s why, the High Line had to be on our spring bucket list. The High Line is currently open with a free timed-entry reservation system on weekends and limited capacity for social distancing. But on weekdays, you don’t need a reservation. Check out some of the best views in NYC, like the 10th Avenue Square & Overlook, and immerse yourself

Get Dizzy on Le Carrousel in Bryant Park

NewYorkFamily.com | March 2021

in history, nature, and art for the day. This is also a great way for your kiddos to use up some of that seemingly never-ending energy they have! Monday-Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Enter at Gansevoort St, 23rd St, or 30th St, with exits throughout. Treat Yourself at the Sour Patch Kids Store

Looking for a sugar rush? Well nobody does sugar like the Sour Patch Kids Store in Greenwich Village. Wall to wall, you’ll find sweet and sour treats that are sure to make any little one excited. There’s even a Sweets Bar that whips up creations like milkshakes, over-the-top ice cream cones, sweet and sour cotton candy, and more-- all Sour Patch Kidsinspired, of course. Make your spring extra sweet this year! Open daily, 12-8pm. 665 Broadway, New York, NY 10012. Cool off with a Cone at Mikey Likes It Ice Cream

This pop culture-inspired, Black-owned ice cream shop is one of our top picks for spring treats. The shop focuses on combining the best locally sourced ingredients in New York to create new and delish ice cream flavors. Our favorite is Truffle Shuffle, chocolate ice cream with mini chocolate chips and chocolate-covered marshmallows-- yum! Fun fact: the founder, Mikey, has created custom flavors for celebs like Hillary Clinton and Jay-Z. East Village: Thursday-Sunday, 2-10pm, 199 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009. Harlem hours TBA, 2500 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10030. Play Mini Golf at Hudson River Park

Manhattan’s only 18-hole mini golf course is ready for your family in Tribeca. With 13,000 square feet, waterfalls, streams, ponds, bridges, sand traps, caves, and more, this course will not disappoint. We recommend calling ahead for availability. Monday-Friday 12-5:30pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-5:30pm. Pier 25 in Hudson River Park, New York, NY 10013.

Grab a Taco at Tacocino in Domino Park

snacks, and head over to Brooklyn Bridge Park for a family picnic. There are picnic tables at Piers 2, 3, and 6, the Pier 5 Picnic Peninsula, and the beautiful Picnic Grove. Picnic tables and grilling areas are first come, first serve.

No spring bucket list is complete without an outdoor dining experience at Tacocina. As the weather gets warmer, head over to Domino Park for lunch at this taco stand that serves up creative and classic eats. With a waterfront view and plenty to do at Domino Park before or after your meal, your family will obsess over this trendy Brooklyn spot. Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm. 25 River St, Brooklyn, NY 11249. Brooklyn

KAWS: WHAT PARTY at the Brooklyn Museum Wednesdays – Sundays, 11 am – 6 pm, Feb. 26 through Sept. 5

Brooklyn-based artist, KAWS, has bridged the worlds of art, pop culture and commerce for 25 years. KAWS: WHAT PARTY is featuring more than 100 works of his, ranging from graffiti to furniture. Tickets are available for purchase online.

Have a Nature Playtime in Prospect Park

Hop on the Rides at Coney Island Amusement Parks Opens in Spring 2021

It wouldn’t be spring without Coney Island, and lucky for us, Governor Cuomo announced that amusement parks can open at 33% capacity starting April 9! Temperature checks and pre-purchased tickets will definitely be in effect, so make sure you check in on availability ahead of time. Have you missed Deno’s Wonder Wheel and Luna Park as much as we have? Then head on over for a day of fun and games on Coney Island.

Parks are always a go-to for some spring fun in the sun, and Prospect Park is top-notch. During Nature Playtime, your family can explore the Park’s nature through creative play. Simply pre-download the Nature Playtime Spring Activity Card and start walking! Activities may include checking out insects, exploring “leaf litter”, and natureinspired arts & crafts.

Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

Sure, you could have done this in the winter, but it’s much more fun when it’s not freezing outside. Make your way from one side of the bridge to the other, and don’t forget to take cute photos of your little ones with this stunning, instagrammable backdrop. Check out Brooklyn Bridge Park after your walk!

Plan a Picnic at Brooklyn Bridge Park

On a sunny day, pack up sandwiches and

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718-597-3232 • www.straymondelementary.org March 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

Love, Marriage and a Pandemic

A relationship expert weighs in on keeping your marriage healthy in difficult times By Donna Duarte-LaDD

e are now coming around to one full year of being in a full-blown pandemic. Perhaps you were the kind of partner that pre-COVID knew you loved your spouse yet were okay with the work travel their job requires. Or you took turns spending an evening out with the girls or boys where you socialized and unwinded. These were pockets in your lives where you both had a welcome breather and, for the sake of being real here, one less person to worry about in the day to day of marriage and kids. Fast forward to the last year, where couples have been more together than ever and under tremendous circumstances. We recently touched base with Dr. Venus Nicolino (“Dr. V”), a renowned relationship expert and the bestselling author of Bad Advice: How to Survive and Thrive in an Age of Bullshit. Dr. V answers New York Family’s questions and shares on how to get your marriage to a healthier state, reconnect again and keep it intact. As quarantine and the pandemic lingers on, how does one not let it ruin your marriage? The COVID Quarrel is very real. But couples aren’t meant to be pent up for an entire year, are you kidding me?! You can’t do the stuff you normally do for fun, money is tight, and the world is falling apart. We’re not damn superheroes. Not even superheroes could do this! This pandemic has taken so much from us; don’t let it take your marriage. You and your partner can make it to the ever-drifting finish line together, I promise you. When you’re feeling like the stress and madness in your rela-

NewYorkFamily.com | March 2021

tionship is just too much to handle, remember to find some perspective. As heinous as this advice sounds, taking some time to remember how horrible everything is around you right now can save your marriage. And that’s not to invalidate how annoying your partner putting their soggy towel on your side of the bed every night is; it’s to validate how insanely annoying everything else is. And don’t be fooled — because you’re forced to spend so much time with your partner, you believe you’re learning “who they are.” You’re not. You’re learning who they are during a deadly pandemic that’s taken over 400,000 lives and frozen life as we know it. Trying to reflect on who they are as a person fundamentally right now is like looking at their image in a funhouse mirror (that’s not fun at all). You want an extra perfect relationship in the middle of a deadly pandemic? Well, guess what! You’re both humans with emotions, and your external environments can wind up shaking the foundation of a relationship that typically has had a cool, peaceful core. Stand together as much as you can, but don’t deny yourself the right to be extra imperfect. They say to never make decisions about relationships in a heated moment. Well, I say we’ve been living in a jacuzzi that was set way too high for the last year and it isn’t very fun for anyone right now. Being with each other and kids 24/7 can take even the healthiest relationships to a rough patch. How can one salvage the damage of poor behavior, words said at low moments in the past year? Everybody slips up, but 2020 was a whole year of banana peels. And sadly, it looks like 2021 might be more of the same,

at least for a little while. If your relationship has experienced some harsh words and low moments, I say you’ve got to remember that they’re just that — moments. The best thing you can do right now is trying to see beyond those moments because they don’t define your partnership. Don’t let them turn into something bigger than they are. Just because we’re all at home binge-watching Netflix dramas, doesn’t mean you need to star in your own every day. If damaging words were said or done, I want to direct people to the power of a sincere, “I’m sorry.” Not the thing you say in that sarcastic, passive tone — the thing you say with intention as you’re looking your partner in the eye, and after you acknowledge the harm that was caused by your behavior. At the end of the day, humans want to feel seen. We want to feel like we’re not screaming our needs into a void because our partner retreated into the bedroom to rage-watch The Bachelor after a fight. Instead, be present, and share your side of the story, too. We all know the truth is somewhere in the middle, and just because you were an asshole doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be heard, as well. Finding common emotional ground with each other gets you off those islands you’ve been floating on solo in the sea of conflict. The pandemic brings on unprecedented stress; how can a parent who has not many options of places to go to and has children to watch make sure they don’t lose it on their partner? This is the oldest trick in the book — before you say that mean thing, you’ll wind up regretting half the time, take ten seconds to breathe and ask yourself, “Is this worth

escalating right now?” And that’s hard to do. Exercising impulse control in an argument can feel like trying to not rear-end the guy who cut you off just for the rage of it. There is a middle ground between sticking up for yourself and not causing a full-blown couple crash. Science shows that hurtful words said in even just one argument can have a lasting impact on how someone feels in the relationship forever. You don’t want that, especially if it’s not how you’d normally conduct yourself. Everyone’s experiencing some kind of elevated stress right now; don’t let it mess up your life any more than it already has. If a breath exercise sounds like some newage crap you’re not trying to do, then you can just take a breather. Excuse yourself to the other room for a second. Nobody said it has to be graceful. You can just zip it and zip it to the closet for a moment. And if your partner tries to follow you? Even if you think your partner is being an unfair jerk about things (I see you Mr. “How many times can my temple take running into

the corner of this open cupboard”), try to verbalize to them that your goal is to work through this heated hang-up together. Letting them know that ultimately their side IS your side can be incredibly disarming and instantly switch up the confrontational energy of a fight. How can you reconnect with your partner while still in a Pandemic? You’d think couples would have an easy time connecting in the pandemic given the roof they share 24/7. But as anyone knows that’s been stuck with anyone for too long, we can start to resent that roof and find escape through things like our phones and the never-ending scroll of social media. Believe it or not, you can make hanging out with your partner fun again. Get dressed up, order takeout from your favorite restaurant, drink too much wine, and then order pizza (or more pizza, if you’re fancy and had it for your main course). Download an app that gives you and your partner prompts to share stories and preferences that you’ve somehow never

even heard them say yet. For example, name of app + funny prompt/answer. Get outside. Plan walks to your local park. In many ways, COVID’s left us with some of the most fundamentally connective things to do with our SOS. And you know what might help you feel even more connected? Take a break from one another sometimes. Eat your dinner separately one night. Stay up late playing your kid’s favorite video game with them. Have a dad / mom-daughter / son hangout. Allowing your relationship some space to breathe can be a breath of fresh air that’ll leave you excited for the time you get to spend together. Dr. Venus Nicolino, best known as “Dr. V,” is a renowned relationship expert, media personality and host of WeTV’s Marriage Boot Camp, which just aired its 8th season. Dr. V recently became a bestselling author and debuted at #1 on the LA Times with the release of her first book, “Bad Advice: How to Survive and Thrive in an Age of Bullshit”. The New York Post called it one of “ five books that will change your life.” March 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

special needs

Missing Milestones When the next step for your child is an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) By Dr. Emily lEvy

ave you noticed your child struggling in school? Perhaps they are having a hard time learning to read, can’t grasp multistep math problems, or are having difficulty staying focused in class. Her self-esteem is plummeting as schoolwork becomes increasingly challenging, and her struggles seem insurmountable. Your child may have special needs and, if so, the sooner you can identify these needs and address them, the better it will be for their overall confidence and academic performance. So what can you do? Identify the problem For starters, if you see your child struggling, talk to his doctor and teacher. Discuss milestones he may or may not have met and determine if his teacher notices the same challenges you see at home. If you feel these struggles are getting worse or think he may benefit from additional accommodations at school, you might consider having him tested. This testing can be done for free either through your state’s early intervention program (if your child is under age three) or through your child’s school district. The evaluation and specific tests administered may range, but evaluators will typically test your child’s IQ and will likely also test language, motor, behavior, and achievement skills. IEP or 504 plan Depending on the evaluation results and your child’s needs, your child may qualify for either an IEP or a 504 plan. An IEP details your child’s specific goals and a plan for what your school will do to help meet those goals, including specific services, like speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and academic support. A 504 plan helps provide accommodations for support within the classroom, such as additional time on tests, an aide in the classroom, preferential seating, and/or modified homework. Typi-

NewYorkFamily.com | March 2021

cally students who have a less severe disability (like anxiety, ADHD, etc.) and not a diagnosed learning disability will receive a 504. Students who need more services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, special education teacher support services, etc., would receive an IEP. Know your rights Federal law indicates that every child is entitled to a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment possible. Three specific federal laws apply to children with special needs, including the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Ace, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These laws’ specifics can vary by state, so it’s important for you to understand the procedures and criteria specific to your state. IDEA stipulates that a child’s issues must fall into one of thirteen categories to be eligible for special education services. Section 504 mandates that schools cannot discriminate again students who have disabilities and are required to provide appropriate accommodations to them. Students covered under Section 504 usually have less severe disabilities or do not fall into one of the categories stipulated under IDEA. The ADA indicates that children with special needs cannot be discriminated against and must be provided appropriate services and programs suitable to their needs. If your school district refuses to provide appropriate

services to your child, you may initiate a due process hearing to challenge their decision. Focus on your child’s strengths It is easy to go into a bit of negative space when dealing with your child’s educational support. Remember to focus on your child’s strengths; they may struggle with reading and writing but may excel with math computation. Or maybe your child is incredibly social, empathetic, and ‎kind. Perhaps she is a beautiful artist, a great storyteller, or a whiz at building Legos. Praise your child for small accomplishments, like sitting next to a friend at lunch who seemed sad, drawing a beautiful flower, or creating an elaborate Lego tower. As you help your child academically with areas where he may struggle, continue to build his self-esteem, and explain that no one is perfect. We all have strengths and weaknesses, as well as areas we need to work on improving. Your special needs child can still have dreams and aspirations that can be achieved with support and guidance. Dr. Emily Levy is the founder of EBL Coaching, a tutoring program that specializes in one-onone home and on-site instruction for students in grades preK-12 in NYC, NJ, and Westchester. She is also the author of Strategies for Study Success, a study skills workbooks series emphasizing test taking, note taking, reading comprehension, writing, and executive functioning strategies, and the Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham student workbook series.

Looking forward to next Summer?

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All-in-one 3 week program for rising 6th, 7th, & 8th grade girls July 12th through July 30th 9:00am - 2:00pm

St. Catharine Academy 2250 Williamsbridge Road, Bronx N.Y. 10469 718-882-2882 • www.scahs.org/steam/