JANUARY 2024
WESTCHESTERFAMILY.COM
We are focused on optimal oral health while providing a safe, comfortable, and FUN environment – come check out our submarine-
Our dentists have specialized training to work with special needs patients
Penny Resnick-Graulich, D.M.D Emelie Preis, D.D.S. Gabriela Ganoza Duron, D.D.S. Fatina Shtivelman, D.D.S.
January 2024 | Westchester Family
3
CONTENTS
JANUARY 2024
WestchesterFamily.com
pg. 52
pg. 48 pg. 16
pg. 12
pg. 50
FEATURES 46 | Travel New York Family share nearby family getaways
STORIES & COLUMNS
GUIDE TO SCHOOLS
6 | Editor’s Letter
20 | Education Benefits of a New York education
8 | Mom Stories One mom’s toddler tonsillectomy success story
22 | Education Changing a school mid-year
50 | Cover Flying high with Kristi Hemric
10 | Ask the Expert TikTok and your kids’ social media spending
24 | Education Considering a New York City Catholic School 26 | Education Directory
FAMILY FUN
12 | Activities Picking extracurriculars, activities, and sports
52 | Calendar All the fun events and activities for January
16 | Ask The Expert Raising sex-positive kids
48 | Travel Rethinking the family vacation
38 | School Leaders Guide
ON THE COVER
DIRECTORIES 14 | Activities Guide 26 | Education Guide
4 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
Photo: Michelle Rose Photo | michellerosephoto.com Makeup & Hair: Ammy Chan | ammychan.com Location: TWA Hotel | twahotel.com Produced by: Donna Duarte-Ladd
TUCKAHOE FAMILY ORTHODONTICS 914-654-1859 "Orthodontic Treatment In a Fun and Friendly Environment" • Ivy league trained doctors in a family owned practice • Two convenient locations • Complimentary consultations • Treating children and adults • Individualized braces and Invisalign treatment • Digital 3D scanning • ¨¨ ǣȇɀɖȸƏȇƬƺɀ ƏƬƬƺȵɎƺƳ ƏȇƳ ˢƺɴǣƫǼƺ ˡȇƏȇƬǣȇǕ • Convenient hours and free on-site parking • Proudly serving our neighborhoods since 2015 115 Main Street 3rd Floor Ste 304 Tuckahoe, N.Y. 10707 914-654-1859
Catherine Woo DDS, MS
5795 Tyndall Ave. 1st Floor Riverdale, N.Y. 10471 718-884-7700
Samuel Polan DDS, MS
www.tuckahoefamilyortho.com
What will be YOUR summer adventure? An Amazing Camp Experience!
MAKE MEMORIES!
SUMMER 2024 JULY 1-AUG 22 8 WEEKS OF FUN!
WEEKLY OPTIONS AVAILABLE!
REGISTER NOW & SAVE $150 OFF FULL SUMMER Offer ends 2/28/24
Swimming, boating, sports, music, arts, and everything else you’d come to expect from an awesome summer day camp! Mosholu Day Camp/MMCC Located at Lake Cohasset in Harriman State Park 261 Arden Valley Road, Southfields, NY 10975
CALL 845.243.0751 VISIT mosholudaycamp.com EMAIL mosholudaycamp@gmail.com January 2024 | Westchester Family
5
EDITOR’S NOTE
Nina Gallo Photography
January Adventures It is here, 2024 when New York is humming with energy and resolutions like a new school, fun winter classes for the kids, and travel (see our cover theme) may also be on the ticket. Here is a resolution: if you have a (page 10) TikTok-obsessed tween/Teen starting to spend money via the platform, we have tips on curbing this habit. Our Ultimate Guide to Schools (page 19) will support you with School information broken down by Charter, Catholic, and Independent schools, Tips on Changing a School Mid-Year (page 22), and more helpful articles. And don't forget our Camp Fairs
(page 55), check out when our next one is coming up! Circling back to New Year goals- an expert shares insights on Rethinking the Family Vacation (page 48), and our cover mom, Kristi Hemric (page 46), photographer and travel expert, shares on wanderlust solo travels, her journey as a mom of four, pro travel tips for families, work-life balance advice, and her favorite family-friendly travel destinations. Happy New Year! Donna
PUBLISHER: Clifford Luster EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Donna Duarte-Ladd ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Erin Brof ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Stacie Goldberg DEPUTY EDITOR: Jeannine Cintron DIGITAL EDITOR: Kaitlyn Riggio EVENTS MANAGER: Shara Levine REPORTER: Barbara Russo SENIOR ADVISER: Susan Weiss PARTNERSHIP MANAGERS: Lauren Alperin, Lauren Anchin, Joan Bergman, Mary Cassidy, Suzanne Cirigliano, Chris Cunnington, Lori Falco, Shelli Goldberg-Peck, LynnMarie Hanley, Lisa Herlihy, Janine Mulé, Nina Spiegelman, Gwen Tomaselli MARKETING & STRATEGY DIRECTOR: Rosalia Bobé MARKETING & EVENTS ASSISTANT: Ashley Rivera SALES & MARKETING ASSISTANT: Elana Cantor MARKETING ASSISTANT: Tilejah Gilead MEDIA SALES ASSISTANT: Anastasia Aktipis ART DIRECTOR: Leah Mitch WEB DEVELOPER: Sylvan Migdal GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti EDITORS AT LARGE: Serena Norr, Cris Pearlstein EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Jana Beauchamp, Mia Salas EDITORIAL INTERNS: Marnie Dunbar
CONTACT INFORMATION
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 COO: Clifford Luster 2023
New York Family has been awarded the PMA Gold Award for for Overall Design and Bronze for Website General Excellence.
GET IN TOUCH Share your feedback and ideas about family life in New York! Email us at editorial@newyorkfamily.com and tag us at #newyorkfamily
6 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
New York Family is published monthly by Queens Family Media, LLC. Reproduction of New York Family Media in whole or part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. ©2024 Queens Family Media, LLC
January 2024 | Westchester Family
7
mom stories
From Tears to Cheers One mom’s toddler tonsillectomy success story By Drew IsserlIs Kramer
N
o one needs tonsils. Like the appendix, the two fleshy lumps on both sides of the throat are a vestigial organ, useless body parts of a bygone era. While no longer necessary for human survival, it is thought that the tonsils help the immune system protect the body from infections. According to the National Library of Medicine, in the early 1900s through the midcentury, a tonsillectomy was the most frequently performed surgery in the United States. The driving reason for its popularity was the theory that the tonsils were a “portal of infection.” Ambiguous evidence existed to support this thesis, but the treatment persisted, becoming almost a right of passage for American baby boomer children until medical experts abandoned those theories in the 1970 and 80s. Today, the tonsillectomy is trending again. The shift in prevalence came after the American Academy of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery updated its recommendations for the procedure. The guidelines support removal of tonsils if a child has had 7 episodes of throat infection in one year. The guidelines also advise removal of the tonsils for children experiencing sleep disruptions due to breathing conditions like sleep apnea in children that satisfy the criteria for that disorder. Thanks to a 2022-2023 winter season of rampant strep throat, many children like my now three year old experienced chronic infection and the tell tale inflamed tonsils that result. After months of antibiotics, his enlarged tonsils impaired his breathing and caused sleep disruptions that resulted in extreme threenager cranky behavior. After consulting our pediatrician and the referred ENT, we scheduled a date for mid-October and braced ourselves for a post-op toddler. In advance of the surgery, my brethren of
8 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
mom friends who have been there and done that armed me with reassurance that we will spend the weekend eating ice cream and send him back into school on Monday. In contrast, the doctor warned that he might be out of school for a full two weeks. My well-meaning friends experienced the aftermath of a tonsil shaving. My little man left the OR without a trace of tonsil. His adenoids were shaved for good measure. The doctor let us know that his tonsils were in rough shape, huge and pocketed with telltale signs of constant infection. We felt validated in the decision to remove, but also intimidated by the new task of caring for this grumpy little man that didn’t truly understand what was in store for him. It has been one week since surgery. As we head into the colder months, I know many other families about to make the same decision. All will face the same questions of whether to remove, shave or wait and see. For me, I go with the advice of the professionals and trust in science. If you’ve made the choice to slice and suffer in the short term for long term
wellness, below is my wisdom for how to manage a post-op preschooler. Before Surgery: I debated when to introduce the idea that we would be removing his tonsils. After several visits to the ENT to discuss his condition and cure the chronic infection with antibiotics, he was smart enough to know he had a problem. The night before the procedure, I read the book Goodbye Tonsils, to prepare him for the big day. It came with an adorable get well bear, which seemed to amuse his brother more than the patient. It is hard to read whether the book had a tremendous impact on his mental health, but it made me feel better knowing the steps we would experience together, and that it would all be better soon. What to Bring: The night before the big day, I packed a duffel of too many things. Although he’s been potty trained for a year, I brought some pull ups in case he needed them for after or during surgery. Since he didn’t drink or eat anything the night before, he went into surgery in his paw patrol undies and did not have an accident. I also brought a change of pajamas to go home in, so the
hospital icks didn’t snuggle onto the couch when we returned. I brought books, the get well bear, and a few favorite toys to amuse him for the four hours we would have to wait at the hospital after surgery. The Goo Jit Zu action figure saved the day, providing a sensory something to work out the jitters before and after the procedure. In the Recovery Room: I’ve experienced the pleasure of surgical recovery as a patient, but never as a witness. In spite of all my preparations, I didn’t anticipate the irritability and arm flailing that happens when one comes out of general anesthesia. My advice for parents coming into this scene is to remember that your child is OK. This is all a part of the process. In the moment, my instinct guided me to get in the bed with him, holding him close and telling him I was there. Eventually, he fell asleep, waking up a half hour later confused, but calmed by the intravenous painkillers administered through the tube in his arm. The kind nurses at the hospital set him in front of a computer with Paw Patrol on repeat. Savor this moment of snuggly calm.
We felt validated in the decision to remove, but also intimidated by the new task of caring for this grumpy little man that didn’t truly understand what was in store for him. The First Three Days: After the haze of the IV medications fade, the reality sets in for everyone. Perhaps your child is a mellow, easy going character who does as he is told in the best and worst of times. Or perhaps your child copes like mine. Upon wake up on day 2, nothing was right. No food or drink would pass his lips–not even my homemade rice pudding. No pain medication would enter his body. His breath was foul from wound recovery, no matter how often we brushed. He chose to lay motionless in the fetal position watching Paw Patrol for the next three days. With the Benefit of Hindsight: Apparently there is an alternate route to take pain killers that does not involve the mouth. After consultation with my pediatrician, I learned that in desperate times, I could use a suppository. It wasn’t great for either of us,
but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Once medicated, he resumed playing and regulated his emotions. I wish I had gone in this direction sooner. It has been a week. He is still not going to school. He’s still not eating or drinking much. He’s lost three pounds. He requires a lot of sleep to recover. He’s just a little boy. While I pride myself as a mother who is capable of tough love and teaching a man to fish, now I feel I must give him grace. When he wanders into my bed at night, I don’t walk him back. I don’t have a script for this recovery process, but I am leaning into my instincts and letting him lead. I worry that he’ll have a hard time readjusting to school separation. I worry that he’s not eating and drinking enough. I worry that I’m losing my marbles from lack of sleep or personal space. But I take comfort in knowing that this, too, shall pass.
Scan here to apply
Accepting applications throughout the year cmcs.org/EarlyChildhood-Education
We offer Early Head Start, Head Start, DOE UPK and Family Child Care programs within the Bronx. Low-income families are eligible. Our Services include programs for pregnant women, free full-day childcare for children ages birth to 3 years old and Center Based programs for children 3-5 years old. • Free Full Day Program • Qualified Staff • Nutritious Meals (Breakfast & Lunch Provided) • Safe Environment (We follow all CDC COVID guidelines) • Promote School Readiness • Family Support • Fatherhood Support
• Children Birth to 5 Years Old • Pregnant Women • Free Early Head Start Services with Qualified Providers for Infants & Toddlers. 8:30 am to 4:30 pm • DOE UPK and Family Child Care Programs • Bilingual Programs
contact US: Gilda Morales-Aleman & Alexander Martinez Phone: 718-993-7700 ext. 915 & 924 Email: gmoralesaleman@cmcs.org & AlexanderMartinez@cmcs.org
140 Hommocks Road Larchmont, NY 10538 914-834-1069 www.townofmamaroneckny.org January 2024 | Westchester Family
9
ask the expert
TikTok and Your Kids’ Social Media Spending Tips for curbing this new habit By BarBara russo
P
arents of tweens and teens are probably experiencing thier children spending more than 90 minutes daily on TikTok. Adding more to their digital footprint, the platform has proven to influence these young users to spend. New Consumer found that 27% of users were prompted to purchase a new product because they saw it on TikTok. Unsurprisingly, parents are footing the bill: according to Piper Sandler’s biannual survey, 62% of teens admitted that their parents contribute to their social media spending. So, as we enter a new year, how can parents steer kids away from buying products they don’t need on TikTok – and teach them responsible spending and saving habits instead? We spoke with Jennifer Seitz, CFEI and Director of Education at Greenlight (and a mom of three teens), who can provide actionable advice for parents and kids. TikTok is ripe with products that—more often than not—people just don’t need. How do you tell your kids not to get caught up in all the glitzy promotion of things on TikTok? The social media algorithm is filling our social feeds with ads for what they know we like — and likely want to buy. This brings an opportunity to have an open and honest conversation with your kids about responsible spending before a pattern of impulse buys becomes the norm. This means prioritizing needs over wants, adhering to a budget for future goals, and making informed purchase decisions based on thorough research and comparison. Encourage them to think critically about
whether a product serves a genuine purpose or if it’s simply another passing trend. As you shop with your kids or give them permission to shop, contextualize the qualities of responsible spending. Instead of giving them a “yes” or “no” answer, use this framework to help them come to a wise conclusion themselves. Help them cultivate a habit of setting future financial goals and saving for them – from buying concert tickets to purchasing their first car or saving up for a graduation trip. A dollar saved now is a dollar preserved for future enjoyment. Is it helpful to talk to kids about their social media spending and how it is impacting their personal finances? If so, how does a
10 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
parent approach the issue? Certainly! Discussing their social media spending — and spending in general — creates an opportunity for you to guide their understanding about how money works. Earning, spending, and saving are all connected. Educate them about the potential pitfalls associated with recurring subscriptions or inapp purchases, as those can really drain their allowance unnoticed. You can also raise some potential consequences of impulse spending in the real world, such as snowballing credit card debt or falling short of paying rent and bills. The goal is not to scare them away from all spending but to foster a sense of responsibility of maintaining healthy personal finances.
How does a parent limit or set guardrails on screen time and social media spending? Start by establishing clear guidelines around both screen time and spending allowance. You can begin by setting specific daily or weekly caps for certain activities on their phones or computers and enforce that with parental control settings on the devices. Encourage alternative activities, such as outdoor time, reading, sports, games, family time, and more, to balance out screen time. Limited device usage can limit exposure to social media spending. The next step in limited or setting guardrails on social media spending is educating your kids about the potential risks of online purchases (e.g. scams, privacy violations) and the slippery slope of overspending. Consider setting up separate pre-paid cards or online payment accounts with limited funds and purchase alerts for their use. Sit down with them each month to go over their shopping history and compare their actual spending to the budget. And remember to reiterate your previous conversations with them on discerning needs
“The goal is not to scare them away from all spending but to foster a sense of responsibility of maintaining healthy personal finances.” vs. wants and now vs. later. This process will not only help you identify overspending but also help them learn from any mistakes they might make. Discuss situations where your permission is required for purchase, so you can discuss their thought process. These conversations are meant to create a supportive environment so that they feel safe to practice, learn, and foster better spending habits for the long run.
INVITATION TO BID: Food Vendor Opportunity. Sealed bids will be received at the CenterLight Healthcare office at 2401 White Plains Road, Bronx NY 10467 until 12pm on February 2, 2024, for meals delivered to our (3) locations in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Westchester. Specifications for details of contract, bid documents, and/or additional information may only be obtained by contacting Jason Lopez at 646-799-6851, jasonlopez@centerlight.org. All work will be conducted in strict accordance with bid specifications. Bids will be opened at 2401 White Plains Road, Bronx NY 10467 read on February 2, 2024, at 12pm.
Teaching kids about wants vs. needs—that’s important when it comes to limiting social media spending, or any spending. How can a parent get kids to think critically before clicking that quick link to buy something? Parents can talk to their kids about the difference between needs and wants starting at a young age — as soon as they have wants that aren’t needs. Both can have a place in a budget, and balance is the key! Show them how to categorize their prior spending and create a plan for how they choose to spend and save going forward. That’s a budget! Typically, adults have the primary responsibility for basic needs, such as food, clothes, and a safe place to live. However, you can prepare your kids to live independently in the future by teaching them how to prioritize and make trade-offs now. Spending in one category will mean less in another category. If they ever overspend on TikTok shopping, ask them how that affects spending on something they might want even more in the future. Have analytical discussions to turn their money mistakes into teachable moments.
WE ARE HIRING!!
CMCS provides services throughout the Bronx.
Master Teachers Lead Teacher Infant & Toddler Teachers Substitute Teachers Home Visitors Program Administrators Assistant Program Administrators Social Worker Mental Health Specialist Operation Specialist Education Specialists/Family Child Care Family Workers/Advocates Health & Nutrition Specialist/Family Child Care Health Nutrition & Safety Monitor Practice-Based Coach Custodians Cooks
Scan Here to Apply
January 2024 | Westchester Family
11
activities
Picking Extracurriculars, Sports, and Activities
coming for your child (or you!), then less is more. One meaningful activity is more than enough. If one day a week or a few hours each is sufficient, it will work for your child and, most importantly, the family.
By Stacey eBert
There is an activity, class, or sport out there for every child In families with more than one kid, you may run around and do different activities for your children, as only all of your kids will want to do the same sport or class. So, lead them to what they will thrive in or take a mild interest and turn it into a full-on hobby. For example, If your child has an ear for languages, steer them towards an international culture or language club. If they’re pulled towards teams, leadership, and exercise, see what types of sports or club teams are out there for them. If they crave connection and want to learn creative pursuits, consider opening their world towards what’s possible in arts, community service, or learning something new. They want to practice swimming midwinter, there’s a club for that. They want to learn chess and build their interpersonal skills simultaneously; there’s a class for that. They want to learn marketing, debate, and business skills – there’s an organization for that. They want to learn survival skills and embrace the goals of scouts and leadership; there’s a space for that. Give them a safe, non-judgemental space to share their interests and thrive.
A
s a kid, I loved after-school extracurricular classes. Whether summer camp, gymnastics, or high school clubs – regardless of the time of year- I embraced the energy that came with all activities. As a young adult, I led youth groups, ran after-school classes at the local community center, and taught many kids to swim. I felt lucky to have teachers and counselors who chose to share their time, energy, expertise, and talents. As the season shifts towards winter, it’s time to ensure those young minds have extracurricular classes, activities, or sports to engage, foster, and energize their spirits. Parents should know something exists for all kids – it might take time, effort, trial and error, thinking outside the box, recruiting experts, and listening to your child’s voice. It might mean investments in energy, money, community, and heart. However long it takes to find the thing that lights them up – it’s worth it. Here are 4 tips to help find an engaging winter extracurricular, class or activity for your child. Listen actively Kids have a way of sharing their thoughts. Young
12 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
children might not have the words yet, but they know how they feel. Those with the words might not have the meaning flushed out, and some kids may be shy and might need coaxing to try something new. Listen to what seems to interest them and provide options, give them the tools to research, keep an open line of communication, remind them they’ve got a support system, encourage giving it a try, and help them see that the nervous excitement of expanding that comfort zone is worth both the risk and joy. Know your child There is something for everyone in New York – offering many enriching activities encompassing diverse arts, including painting, sculpting, dancing, drawing, poetry, writing, music, theater, and more. Engaging in the arts fosters talent and expands your child’s understanding of the world, nurturing a heightened sense of self-awareness. For those passionate about sports, tailor-made winter classes are available after school or on weekends, providing the ideal outlet for children to expend their boundless energy. Less is more Parent tip! If you’re overextended, your child is overscheduled, or there is sensory overload
%HOOH 6FKRRO RI 0XVLF %HOOH 6FKRRO RI 0XVLF
°:KHUH /HDUQLQJ LV )XQ ± °:KHUH /HDUQLQJ LV )XQ ± SPECIALIZING IN PIANO, KEYBOARDS KEYBOARDS AND AND VOICE VOICE MUSIC LAND " % # ! # !# # # $ & ! ! ' !#" # $#$! MUSIC FOR LITTLE PEOPLE " % # ! # !# # $ $"" " # & ! # $" c. ADVENTURES IN KEYBOARD " ! # % # "#!$ # ! # # % $ TEEN AND ADULT CRASH COURSE "" ( $ ! ( ! ( ''
FREE
Lesson & Co
nsultation
Bring out the musical talent in your child! fam il y favorites 20 19
723
723
723
Scarsdale: 1088 Central Park Ave White Plains: 283 Tarrytown Rd Yonkers: 1537 Central Park Ave
:,11(5
914-961-5511
www.belleschool.com
Come Visit Us At Our New Place!
EXCITING NEW BIRTHDAY PACKAGES & AT TRACTIONS
FUN FOR ALL AGES! ARCADE-BUMPER CARS LASER TAG-KIDDIE ZONE BATTING CAGES-SUPER FLY FREE FALL-ROCK CLIMBING and SO MUCH MORE
We Merged with Life the Place to Be! Come visit us at our new place! 2 Lawrence Street • Ardsley
sportimeusa.com • 914.592.2111!
January 2024 | Westchester Family
13
ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY | Special Advertising Supplement
Amadeus Conservatory of Music and Theater 201 King Street Chappaqua, NY St. Matthew’s Church 382 Cantitoe Street Bedford, NY amadeusconservatoryof music@gmail.com 914-238-0388 amadeusconservatory.com Amadeus offers private lessons in all instruments and voice for children and adults for all levels. Instruments include piano, voice, guitar, drums, strings, Suzuki violin, woodwinds, brass and early childhood instrumental classes for babies to age 5. Excellent teachers hold the highest credentials from the most prestigious schools. Teachers are experienced, nurturing, and give students a love of music. Classes include music theory, chamber music, and composition. Two student recitals a year and NYSSMA preparation. Summer musical theater camp featuring MATILDA.
Belle School of Music 1088 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 283 Tarrytown Road, White Plains 1537 Central Park Ave., Yonkers 914-961-5511 belleschool.com At the Belle School of Music, piano lessons are FUN! They have created a piano lesson kids actually look forward to! The dynamic Belle School of Music system has shaped together a carefully balanced program that will stimulate every aspect of your child’s musical development to achieve his or her personal best. FREE Consultations.
GymCats Gymnastics At Equalize Fitness 1 Odell Plaza, Yonkers 914-965-7676 gymcats.net Offering classes for boys and girls ages 20 months and up from beginner to advanced gymnastics, every day of the week! Their goal is to build a physical and mental founda-
Summer Musical Theater Camp featuring MATILDA Winter and Spring classes Sign Up Now
tion for all sports and to promote athleticism and good health through participation in gymnastics. They offer individualized instruction and no experience is necessary!
Hommocks Park Ice Rink 140 Hommocks Road Larchmont, NY 10538 914-834-1069 townofmamaroneckny.org Mamaroneck’s popular enclosed public skating facility offers fun for the entire family. Take the opportunity to skate during public sessions, enroll in their learn to skate and hockey programs or have your birthday party in the coolest spot in town. Special promotions and events are offered throughout the season. The Hommocks Park Ice Rink plays host to a wide variety of year-round recreational community events.
Katonah Art Center 40-2 Radio Circle Drive Mount Kisco, NY 10549 914-232-4843 katonahartcenter.com KAC Art Center in Mt. Kisco is offering a wide array of after-school and Saturday art classes. Our working artist instructors offer a diverse range of talents, including Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Encaustics, Fused Glass, Pottery Wheel & Animation with classes for children, teens and adults. Register early to secure your spot as classes fill up fast. Don’t miss the chance to have fun and learn something new at KAC.
Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course At Equalize Fitness, One Odell Plaza, #190, Yonkers 914-751-8668 ninjacatswarriors.com NINJA WARRIOR Obstacle Course training is a great way to get your child moving and build their confidence. In addition to the many fitnessrelated benefits, your child will be part of a caring and supportive community. Their dedicated team of coaches will provide your child with group and individualized instruction as they begin to learn and practice on the course.
14 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
Play Group Theatre One N. Broadway, White Plains, NY 914-946-4433 playgroup.org info@playgroup.org The Play Group Theatre is preparing kids for every stage of life while giving them the tools they need to succeed on stage today! Welcome to a fun-filled, noncompetitive performing arts program that provides actor training at the highest level while fostering friendships and building skills that last a lifetime.
Rising Sport Stars 280 Old Mamaroneck Rd, White Plains, NY 10605 RisingSportStars.com Rising Sport Stars is a Jr. Knicks Affiliate program offering classes, clinics, leagues, and private sessions for kids ages 3 and up. Its approach includes small-group activities and drills in which players compete as individuals and work together. This untraditional format encourages players to think and utilize fundamental skills like shooting, ball handling, passing, and defense. This program’s primary focus is to tailor all activities and drills to fit the needs of each player. Their highly qualified coaches focus on player development through observation and performance feedback.
World Cup 170 Joan Corwin Way, Chappaqua, NY 10514 914-238-4967 worldcupgymnastics.com World Cup Gymnastics focuses on giving each student an opportunity to discover their inner champion through the sport of gymnastics. They offer mommy and me classes, preschool gymnastics, recreational gymnastics, competitive gymnastics and cheer tumbling classes. Through positive encouragement and support, students enjoy a fun way to gain positive self-esteem which leads to skill growth, social growth and independence. Gymnastics is a fun way for kids to gain strength and confidence.
M a k e O u r St a g e Yo u r s Katonah Art Center offering after-school and Saturday classes in Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Encaustics, Fused Glass, Pottery & Animation
Appropriate for all ages and skill levels
Spring Classes & Shows
Ages 4-17 Enrolling Now!
(914)
946-4433
playgroup.org
Acting Classes for Kids Family Theatre (Live)
40-2 Radio Circle Drive • Mount Kisco, NY 10549 9
kackisco.com
914.232.4843
We’re honored. Thank you!
“This year...
spring
2024
I’m going to be strong!”
Winter programs
Discover Your Inner Champion
available now!
at WORLD CUP GYMNASTICS
CliniC s & le agues
Whether you are a beginner or experienced gymnast, an infant or a teenager, there is a class for you at World Cup Gymnastics. infant & preschool gymnastics, recreational gymnastics and competitive teams
Call 914-238-4967
www.risingsportstars.com info@risingsportstars.com 929-841-4500
or register online at worldcupgymnastics.com
170 Joan Corwin Way · Chappaqua · NY 10514 January 2024 | Westchester Family
15
ask the expert
raising Sex-Positive Kids and why it’s so important! By Jeannine Cintron
I
will never forget the time I found my eightyear-old watching porn. I was in shock at first and had no idea how to handle it, but I swallowed my inhibitions and used the opportunity to open the lines of communication around sex, which went really well. Unfortunately, many parents are not as likely to do the same. It’s just the world we live in. But that needs to change. There are few topics as stigmatized as sex. By extension, the term “sex positive” is highly misunderstood. So what does sex positive mean? It is merely what it sounds like: having a positive attitude toward anything relating to sex. It’s a simple enough concept, yet most fail to grasp it. In fact, if you mention anything remotely sexual in a conversation, people will often laugh, get uncomfortable, feel awkward and usually make jokes. But it’s no laughing matter. When there are teenagers going to jail for throwing babies in trash cans and dumpsters to avoid admitting to their parents they had sex and got pregnant, it’s not funny. When there are young members of the LGBTQ+ community who would rather take their own lives than face another day of bullying, it’s not funny. When there are children expelled, suspended, even arrested, for sharing explicit images of their “peers” on social media, it’s not funny. When the young people in those images are cyberbullied and slut-shamed to the point of contemplating suicide, it is not funny. We are living in a society where many still cling to yesterday’s toxic, close-minded ideals. The outdated school of thought behind everything from female anatomy to gender identity is simply not going away fast enough. So what do we do? It’s up to us as parents to break the cycle and teach our children how to think openly, be accepting, respectful and understanding of others, and to make the right decisions for themselves and their own sexual health. I sat down with Melissa Pintor Carnagey, sexuality educator, licensed social worker and
founder of Sex Positive Families, an organization that helps foster healthy attitudes toward sex in young people. Melissa believes that all children deserve holistic, comprehensive, and shame-free sexuality education so they can live informed, empowered, and safer lives. Her website is a wealth of knowledge for families, with information on a wide array of topics and tips on everything from puberty to pornography. She also hosts interactive virtual workshops for tweens, teens and their trusted adults. I reached out to Melissa to learn how parents can begin to break the generational taboos and misconceptions around sexuality. She broke it all down for us with the points below. Sex positivity is not sexualization. Me: Can you define the term “sex positive”? Melissa: There’s a misconception about what sex positivity even means or is, and some people can think that it just means being completely permissive about sex or not having limits or boundaries about sex, or that it’s about being very sexual or very erotic, partially because a lot of our media is about sexualizing and erotisizing bodies and sex. Sex positivity really is about having an open, shame free, honest way of looking at bodies, sex, relationships, all these very human things, and taking away the taboo around it. Being sex positive doesn’t mean that you’re just having lots of sex and that that’s what defines your sex positivity. It’s not just about a person’s sex life. It’s really about making sense of your own choices and your own decisions and also respecting those of other people as well.
these messages, we also understand that we’re creating the constructs of all of these things in our homes, in our families, and in our communities. It’s to our benefit to recognize the influence that we have and that it’s early. And then we can just get intentional about what we want to help foster with our children and that it really can be a collaboration. It’s so important that we normalize talking about periods, about where babies come from, and not just, staying in taboo and promoting fear around sex or seeing these things as inappropriate. Sex is how most of us get here. And kids at a young age often wonder, Where do babies come from? They see their teacher or family members that are pregnant and they have questions about that. That’s an opportunity to plant the seed that ultimately helps to foster comfortable talks about sex so that as they develop and their worldview starts to change and evolve. But if you keep it silent, if you say, don’t ask that, that’s for adults, or you’re not supposed to talk about that, you’re not supposed to know about that, or if they can see you’re visibly uncomfortable, you shut down and you don’t open that back up to them. That’s a learned taboo. They learn, oh, I’m not allowed to talk about that. I don’t know why. But now I’m not going to ask and I’m not going to be curious. Then when you try later on, when you realize there’s a situation that comes up, and they’re like 13 or 14, and you’re trying to talk to them, they’re going to be uncomfortable because every other message that was sent, either direct or indirect, up to that point, told them that this is not okay to talk about. So they may find other unhealthy ways to learn about it.
Start young. It’s not The Talk; it’s many talks. Me: When should you have “the talk” with your kids? Melissa: A lot of parents might think you need to discuss it all at once, but no. It’s definitely a series of conversations, a lot of teachable moments that happen over time. We are sending our kids messages about bodies, about identity, about relationships, about consent or lack of consent, gender identity literally from the time they’re born. So when we realize that we’re sending them
It’s not just about sex. Early conversations should include bodily autonomy. Me Where do you even start? Melissa: So from the beginning parents can ask themselves, how can I be intentional or just aware of what messages I’m sending? What are my kids observing? And that it isn’t just something that’s hormones and puberty and teenage years – hopefully by then we’ve already sent them a whole lot of messages. If we want to help foster openness around sex, then the talks might start early with
16 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
consent, helping young people understand their own bodies, giving them accurate names for their body parts, especially the genitals. Help them understand safe and unsafe touch, and who is allowed to help them when they may still need help. Whether it’s going to the bathroom or bathing or changing their clothes, or at their medical appointments; these are some of those teachable moments. When they’re greeting others in the family or even in your own home, are those interactions forced, or are we inviting or asking? Are we giving options as opposed to saying go give your grandma a hug, even if they don’t want to. Bodily autonomy is a foundational aspect that ultimately will support their understanding of sex and healthy sexuality. It’s important for parents to break the cycle instead of passing it on. Me: How do parents overcome their own issues stemming from being raised in a nonsex positive world? Melissa: So many of us weren’t taught these things. They weren’t modeled to us. And so we may have been confused as we were experimenting with sex or relationships along our own journey. We may have actually had experiences that are abuse or trauma as
opposed to sex, because sex should always involve consent. And that consent should be ongoing and clear. There are many of us that have had interactions that were not consensual, or that were coerced in different ways. And so a lot of that that is taking a look at our own understanding of these topics, how well do we know our own bodies, especially people that have vulvas, people that have vaginas and uteruses because our education system is so patriarchal and taboo and stigmatized when it comes to anything related to sexual health. There are so many of us that didn’t get the education that we needed and deserved to understand how our bodies actually work. It’s never too late to start the conversation. Me: What if your kids are already tweens or teens and you’ve never talked about sex with them or you weren’t as open to begin with? Melissa: We’ve got to take the brave steps to be vulnerable and be honest and so that could sound like ‘I realized that I have not been as open as I could have been with you about bodies, about sex, about puberty, about relationships, whatever it is that you want to talk about and that’s on me. But it’s
important that we learn about these things and that you know who you can turn to. So I want to change that. I would love for us to start having conversations or start you know, talking more openly about these things.’ And then that little piece opens up empathy. For many of us, it can just sound like, ‘when I was growing up, I didn’t have anyone that I could talk to about this. It wasn’t normal for us when I was your age, so then I didn’t know how to handle it as you’ve been growing up. But I’m learning. I’m learning a lot of things now and I want to make sure you have support. I want to do that differently for you. It might feel awkward, it might feel uncomfortable. That’s okay. This is something that we can work on together.’ And then you just kind of weave it into everyday moments. It isn’t about staring your kid face to face in a confrontational, high pressure kind of way. Maybe you make time to go on a walk together or you build something together or you go have an ice cream date together something that says, this is time for us. And then in the midst of that time, you naturally kind of move into something. And the more you have those one-on-one times, especially when you have more than one kid that’s really important because then they can feel special. The more January 2024 | Westchester Family
17
Ask the expert
that you have that you integrate that, the more you might notice that they bring up things about what’s going on in their worlds. Self-exploration is encouraged for all genders. Me: How do you approach the topic of masturbation with your kids, and how important is it? Melissa: One thing that I teach about when we talk about masturbation, and particularly when we talk about the clitoris, is that we need to help our kids understand and normalize what may feel good to them. This is so that they can know what does not – which ultimately helps keep them safer before they invite anyone else to play with their body. It’s important for them to understand for themselves, and that helps them establish their own boundaries, their own limits. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen for so many of us. There are so many people with a clitoris as adults that are deep in their adulthood and still never have experienced orgasm. We can trace that back to a major lack of body literacy. There’s been no foundational understanding. But interestingly, people with penises don’t seem to have that same problem. Why do you think that is? It was 1998 when scientists discovered the full body of the clitoris. Wow, why did it take them so long to realize that this is a full body part and not just this little tip? So this is all a part of us changing this narrative on a broader level, and it starts with these conversations that we can have with our young people so that they know yes, that’s your clitoris, and yes it can feel good because it has thousands of nerve endings. Just like the penis has thousands of nerve endings. Those two body parts are homologous which means that they are made of similar structure. Just like you might explain why the heart beats or how hearing works or all the things that they learn about in school – but these things that are so vital to their safety and their well being as humans, are conveniently left out of the conversation. You might say to your child ‘I love that you’re getting to know your body. And this is not something that we do in the living room while people are around or at the dinner table or at the grocery store. That’s something that we do in private so that you can get to know your body. These parts are really sensitive. That’s why we were clothed to cover them so that they stay protected. And no one else is allowed to touch your clitoris, your penis, your anus.’ All of that can happen in these
18 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
“A lot of parents might think you need to discuss it all at once, but no. It’s definitely a series of conversations, a lot of teachable moments that happen over time.” little teachable moments. So it’s just us getting comfortable with a new way of helping them understand – helping a new generation understand – their bodies and their rights to their own bodies. Never punish or demean. It’s okay to be curious! Me: I caught my child watching porn at a young age and it was stressful. How do parents handle this situation? Melissa: The world places a lot of responsibility on us as parents, like, don’t raise a perpetrator, don’t raise a victim, all of these messages about how perfect we need to create our children’s lives. And there are going to be things that are going to happen that we may not be able to prevent – like our children finding easily-accessible porn on the internet. I avoid words, like ‘catch them’, because then that sends that message that like oh, I caught you doing something bad. So if we find out our young person has come across porn or has been shown porn, or has been actively searching, we need to recognize that our children are not bad, they’re not demons, they’re not scarred forever. This is really an opportunity, not a threat. We can get a better understanding of what happened in the situation, not from a well ‘Why were you looking at that?’ stance. It’s important that our reaction isn’t shame-based or accusatory or punishment oriented. It’s our job as a family to help keep all of us safer. We know porn is not for children or education. It’s made for adult entertainment. So we say to them ‘It’s okay to be curious. It’s okay to be curious about bodies. It’s okay to be curious about sex. When you have questions about these things. Here’s what you can do, instead of going to Google or looking at porn, we can talk about it. You
can ask me any questions you want.’ And then that goes back to whether you are truly creating a space that feels safe for them to ask, because kids will go to Google or porn or friends if they’re curious when the home isn’t feeling safe from punishment or shame. If you simply say ‘Don’t watch porn’ it’s likely to just push them back towards it. We need to be more thoughtful and smarter about treating our young people like the whole humans that they are. Give them more credit than sometimes they’re given. They’re more likely to listen to what we have to say if they feel respected, and if they feel heard. And they know that we’re on their team, that we’re not just looking for an opportunity to punish them next. So you can say ‘ I want to make sure that you have reliable information about bodies and about sex because you deserve that. One day you’re going to make choices about sex. And I want you to feel ready when that time comes. Watching porn can send confusing, unsafe and mixed messages.. So what questions do you have about sex? How can I help you understand these things? It’s okay to be curious.’ Understand that others might have different perspectives. Me: What do you do if your child’s other parent has a different attitude toward sex that is not as positive? Melissa: There is often the reality that there’s a whole other person we can’t control, someone who has whole separate values, triggers, traumas related to all this stuff. It’s healthy for our kids to see and know that there are different perspectives. What you can control is, when they are curious with you, how you show up for those curiosities. Never approach them with negativity or blame or shame. You can acknowledge it like ‘you might hear some different things about a topic, so tell me what you’ve heard about that? That’s interesting. What do you think?’ Because sharing your perspective is helping them to shape their understanding of their perspective. Want to learn more (trust me, we barely scratched the surface) about raising sex positive kids? Sex Positive Families’ interactive workshops are held virtually and open to tweens, teens, and their trusted adults. You can also order Melissa’s book, Sex Positive Talks to Have With Kids, a bestselling comprehensive guide that helps caregivers create the kind of bond that keeps kids safer, informed, and empowered in their sexual health.
The Ultimate Guide to
SCHOOLS
education
Benefits of a New York Education By New york Family
P
arents know that education plays a pivotal role in shaping the minds and lives of our children. Thankfully, New York is wellknown for its excellent educational institutions, both public and private, offering a wealth of resources and opportunities to students . As parents, we are lucky to have access to cutting-edge academic programs and innovative teaching methods, from prestigious private schools to top-notch charter and public schools. Our kids benefit from exposure to groundbreaking research, state-of-the-art facilities, and extracurricular activities that nurture their passions and talents. We broke down an easy go to outline on your educational options, check them out! Nursery, Daycares, and Preschools When it comes to your child’s first school experience, which can start as early as a newborn, New York has the best early childcare choices for parents. From enrolling before the birth of your little one to being available on a schedule that supports your busy life, your family’s mental well-being, and your sense of community, there is truly an early education care option that will work within your budget and life. Bilingual Education Bilingual education in New York offers numerous benefits to students. Bilingual
education enhances cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving skills and critical thinking, as students are exposed to different language structures and cultural perspectives. New York is a diverse melting pot, and bilingual education fosters crosscultural understanding, empathy, and tolerance, promoting social cohesion among students from various backgrounds. Charter Schools A charter school education benefits students, families, and the community through innovation, personalized learning, strong community connections, and increased educational opportunities for students. Charter schools provide a unique and creative educational experience. Many charter schools promote smaller classes, enabling more individualized attention and personalized student learning plans. This customized approach fosters academic growth and helps students reach their full potential. A huge plus- charter schools employ highly qualified and passionate educators committed to providing their students with a high-quality education. Catholic Schools Catholic school education provides a solid academic foundation, emphasizing discipline, critical thinking, and a rigorous curriculum. The commitment to academic excellence is coupled with a focus on moral and ethical values, instilling virtues such as compassion, integrity,
20 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
and respect in students. Catholic schools often have smaller class sizes, allowing individualized attention and fostering a supportive learning environment. If you are looking for a strong school community, Catholic schools promote belonging and foster strong relationships among students, parents, and teachers. Integrating faith and spirituality in daily activities and teachings encourages students to understand their beliefs and values better. High School By the time your child is ready for High School, you have an idea of what sort of school will be a good fit for best them. High school students can attend one of the many public school offerings (via a lottery), a High School Charter School, a Catholic school, or private. New York high schools are so good they have more of a collegiate vibe, with many high school programs in New York often having access to internships, mentorship programs, and apprenticeships, enabling them to gain real-world experience and establish valuable connections early on. When it comes to living in New York and your child’s education in vibrant and diverse New York, parents have endless opportunities and the privilege of mapping out their dream education plan from nursery school to high school. Visit newyorkfamily.com for our helpful guides and articles to support you in your child’s school journey.
Charter School of Educational Excellence Do you want an excellent education for your child?
FREE Public School with Free lunch for all
Grades K-12 January 2024 | Westchester Family
21
education
Changing a School Mid-year What to keep in mind when switching your child’s school By Donna Duarte-LaDD
W
e’re nearly at the mid-term of the school year, and it’s time to take stock of how things might be going for your little one. While your child might be blissfully happy, it can also be the case that sometimes their school isn’t working, and you may be considering a mid-year jump to a new school. Figure Out What Isn’t Working The first step is to write out or ask yourself why you want your child to move to another school. Listing what isn’t working will help you assess the kind of school that will fit better for your child. Whether you physically write it down or verbally work them out, list the pros and cons of staying or moving to a new school. There doesn’t have to be any finger-pointing or negativity; this is about what your family and child need in their schooling. No one or one thing has to be the bad guy; sometimes, it just isn’t working. In many ways, parents learn a lot in these early years of education on what type of school path their child needs. What are some criteria to look for when deciding to move to another school mid-year? • School Curriculum • Teacher certification • Staff turnover • Genuine and sincere staff • Children appear happy when you visit the school • Location • Cost Talk to Your Child’s Teacher or School Principal Reach out to your child’s class teacher or school principal to schedule a meeting or a time for a phone call. Be honest that you’re
considering a change of environment and bring up your concerns about the school. Keep in mind that you only see one side of the story as a parent and that they might have valuable insights to share about your child’s life at school. Once you’ve laid out your concerns, listen carefully to their response and ask them whether they have any suggestions for improving the situation. If you aren’t convinced that change will be possible and still have the same desire to make a move, ask what the process for leaving mid-year might be. Research, Research, Research It’s time to spring into action. Talk to friends, contact a school’s expert, call interested schools’ admissions departments, and arrange visits whenever possible. Consider academics, travel time, curriculum, cost, and pastoral approach. Most importantly, have an honest discussion with parent coordinators, teachers, and directors about the probability they will have a space for your child. Don’t necessarily take an initial “no” as a final answer, but probe to understand whether there are circumstances in which spots might open up or perhaps get on a waiting list. Once a new school has been chosen,
22 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
mentally prepare your child for the move. Alicia Sharpe, a New York City-based Education Consultant, says, “Mental preparation starts at home. Speak with your child about this new transition; they will understand even if they are too young to communicate with you verbally. If possible, bring your child to visit the new school, meet the teachers, and introduce them to their new classroom before the start of the new school term.” Sharpe adds “If you have an older child, help them understand that moving schools is an exciting, fresh start. Reassure them that it’s possible to maintain friendships even when they’re at a new school, and consider how you can help them participate in activities that current friends join in.” More Tips What behaviors should you address that would lead to a move to a new school? • Negative social and emotional behaviors • Academic challenges or academic boredom • If your child expresses they don’t feel safe • Lack of support with special needs • Overcrowded classrooms • Poor relationship with the teacher • Likelihood of admittance
! "#$% ! & ' $($) ' * ++ + ! + + * , - ! ' && ! & ! & + '* .& + / + %0 + ' + & ! ! ! & ' & *
% 1 + %(22" January 2024 | Westchester Family
23
education
Considering a New York Catholic School BY JACLYN GRIFFIN
I
t’s hard to imagine a decision that impacts your child’s present and future more than the decision of which school they will attend. Academics, community, relationships, location, guiding principles—all of these are sure to influence your family’s school choice. While considering the overwhelming number of options, it’s important for parents to understand the benefits of a Catholic school education in New York. For more than 200 years, Catholic schools in New York have provided an education that is both academically rigorous and firmly rooted in the Catholic faith. Today, thousands of students in grades pre-K through twelve are served by the Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of New York. The Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of New York describe their mission as follows: “To ensure our schools are Christ-centered, academically excellent, and welcoming communities that teach students to be life-long learners and leaders energized by fidelity to Christ, the Church, and one another.” But students need not be Catholic to attend a Catholic school; children of all faiths are welcome to experience the benefits of a Catholic school education. The success of Catholic school students Each year, 99 percent of high school seniors from the Archdiocese of Catholic Schools will graduate, and the vast majority of these students will go on to college. When comparing scores on state tests of English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, Catholic school students outperform New York State and City public school students, as well as most charter school students. The Archdiocese insists that it is the Catholic approach that leads to high success rates for its students. By seeing each student as a child of God with individual needs, while simultaneously encouraging students to embrace that they are part of a larger, global community, the “stewardship of the whole person” is prioritized. In other words, stu-
dents are guided to understand their talents, find meaning in their lives, build upon their strengths, and develop self-discipline and confidence. They are not only expected but prepared and encouraged to become compassionate leaders of society. The Archdiocese reminds parents that “the Catholic school experience is an unparalleled opportunity to develop a child’s mind, heart and soul.” Religion and academics go handin-hand What exactly do the religion classes and the traditional academic courses look like at Catholic school? The Archdiocese ensures that the ideals of the Gospel support the “substance and structure” of all lessons in Catholic schools. These students proudly share their faith through daily prayer, regular mass as a school community, and participating in Christian service. At the same time, traditional academics at Catholic schools are grounded in the skills necessary to prepare students for success outside of school and church. These skills vary between school communities, as each group of students requires an individualized approach to reach their fullest potential. In all schools, the curricula are forward-focused and aim to make students competitive in our increasingly complex world. To do so, they incorporate technology, advanced math, hands-on science, foreign language study, and
24 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
a variety of classes in the arts. In addition to students of all faiths being welcome to experience a Catholic school education, students of all social class backgrounds are welcome as well, as needbased scholarships are available for students and families. Students with special needs are also welcome to attend Catholic schools, and the Catholic teachings surrounding one-on-one nurturing ensure a supportive environment for students of all abilities. What sets Catholic schools apart from the rest? Ultimately, the values of a Catholic education work to develop a person intellectually, socially, and morally. School choice is pivotal for families, as students can sometimes spend more time with their school communities than with parents or siblings. When choosing what community will help raise their child, parents will inevitably wonder about the values of that community and how their child will soar within it. The Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of New York aim to provide “academic excellence in a safe, nurturing environment for all [their] students, enabling them to become productive citizens for today’s society.” The unique environment offered by the Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of New York should certainly be considered by any parent deciding what kind of education they want for their child.
EDUCATE
THE URSULINE SCHOOL
a balanced approach to learning
INSPIRE a time to discover your passions
EMPOWER Discover our Middle School 1354 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10804 914.636.3950 ursulinenewrochelle.org
a supportive place for personal growth
January 2024 | Westchester Family
25
EDUCATION DIRECTORY | Special Advertising Supplement
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Cardinal Spellman High School 1 Cardinal Spellman Pl., Bronx 718-881-8000 cardinalspellman.org admissions@cardinalspellman. org Cardinal Spellman High School is a premier, coeducational, college preparatory, Catholic high school. Their mission is to promote a culture of aspiration that encourages superior academic performance, leadership, and service. They have a 100% graduation and college acceptance rate, and offer 20+ AP and college credit courses. The Class of 2023 was awarded over $54 million in college scholarships. Their 13-acre campus is home to 30 multi-championship winning sports teams and 50+ clubs and activities.
Immaculate Heart of Mary 914-723-5608 tkeelin@ihmscarsdale.org ihmscarsdale.org
Immaculate Heart of Mary is a parish-based school with high standards of excellence that helps students succeed in an increasingly competitive world. Students explore new horizons and expand creativity & skills through academics,physical fitness and the arts. Experience is gained through extracurricular activities in a safe, religious, family-centered environment. IHM uses technology and software programs to prepare students for the digital world. The school’s emphasis on community service instills Catholic values and fosters community leadership.
John Cardinal O’Connor School 16 North Broadway, Irvington 914-591-9330 jcoschool.org admissions@ johncardinaloconnorschool.org JCOS is dedicated to providing the benefits of a faith-based education to children who learn differently.
26 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
The school empowers children to thrive academically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially in their supportive school community. JCOS faculty are NYS certified and committed to students with mild to moderate special education needs mainly centered around speech, language, reading, writing, math, attention and social skills. This private Catholic school is a great affordable choice in Westchester County.
The Montfort Academy 125 E. Birch Street, Mount Vernon 914-699-7090 themontfortacademy.org mgreco@ themontfortacademy.org As the only classical curriculum Catholic high school in NY, The Montfort Academy is different—not only in academic preparation and spiritual formation. Staff treat kids seriously and personally as they grow in mind, body, and soul. Montfort Knights
are eloquent in speech and writing, tenacious in intellectual pursuit, kind and compassionate in manners. Montfort also has extensive club offerings, athletic teams, AP courses and college level classes like Astronomy and Oceanography, as well as a 20-year track record of excellent college admissions.
Sacred Heart School 59 Wilson St., Hartsdale 914-946-7242 shshartsdale.org contactus@shshartsdale.org Sacred Heart School is a Catholic Elementary School accredited by the State of New York and is a community dedicated to providing a comprehensive and challenging program for students in grades PreK-3 through grade eight. The program is designed to inspire creativity, leadership, and personal growth. Its experienced, credentialed faculty are committed to fostering a loving, nurturing environment, in which all
CARDINAL SPELLMAN HIGH SCHOOL NOW ACCEPTING THE FRESHMEN CLASS OF 2028 FOR SEPTEMBER! FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE!
INTERESTED IN TRANSFERING? FILL OUT AN APPLICATION: CARDINALSPELLMAN.ORG/TRANSFERS
1 CARDINAL SPELLMAN PLACE, BRONX NY 10466 718-881-8000 X 206 ADMISSIONS@CARDINALSPELLMAN.ORG CARDINALSPELLMAN.ORG
January 2024 | Westchester Family
27
EDUCATION DIRECTORY | Special Advertising Supplement
students feel welcome and valued.
Saints John and Paul School 280 Weaver St., Larchmont 914-834-6332 sjpschool.org Saints John and Paul School is a co-educational, Roman Catholic school for grades Pre-Kindergarten to 8 that is committed to providing quality, affordable education. Their administration, faculty, parish and parents are dedicated to building a school family for their students that encourages academic excellence, emphasizes respect for human values, elevates concern for community needs and incorporates Catholic faith into everyday lives. Through a rigorous academic program, they educate tomorrow’s leaders with values that matter.
johnstone@ursulinenewrochelle. org ursulinenewrochelle.org The Ursuline School Delivers an unparalleled educational experience reflected in the nearly $125 million in college scholarships offered over the past five years and provides 21st-century skills in a closeknit, inclusive community. From Financial Literacy to Design Thinking, programs foster personal development and collaborative learning. Diverse academic offerings come alive in state-of-theart facilities, including a broadcast studio, dance studio, and new Bloomberg terminal. Students gain marketable skills while participating in science research, service projects, competitive athletics, and extracurricular activities.
CHARTER SCHOOLS
The Ursuline School
The Charter School of Educational Excellence
1354 North Ave., New Rochelle 914-636-3950
260 Warburton Ave, Yonkers 914-476-5070
charterschoolofeducationalex cellence.org The Charter School of Educational Excellence (CSEE) is a regional charter school open to students in grades k-12, that reside in Westchester, Rockland and Bronx counties. In partnership with parents, teachers and community, CSEE instills in students a passion for learning, to be critical thinkers, leaders and lifelong learners. Their curriculum fosters a healthy body and mind course of study that has been recognized by the NYS Department of Education as an “Exceptional School” for its academic program.
INDEPENDENTSCHOOLS A Child’s Dream, LLC 10 Mill Road, New Rochelle 914-633-4332 Achildsdreamnursery.com A Child’s Dream is a learning space that offers early childhood education to children ages 2-5. They provide a nurturing
environment full of energy with an interest in stimulating young minds. Throughout the year they offer many school wide activities such as Trick or Treating, a holiday grab bag, a family holiday dinner, an egg hunt, an end of year celebration and many more. They pride themselves in a family like community and the development of each child’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills.
Ann and Andy Childcare 2170 Saw Mill River Rd., Elmsford 914-592-3027 annandandychildcare.com Each child is considered first as an individual and then as a member of the group. Regularly planned group activities meet the natural, physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of children at play. The staff is carefully trained to promote a positive environment and to keep a balanced routine that does not stress or overstimulate children.
Do You Know a Child with Learning Disabilities? The John Cardinal O’Connor School helps children who learn differently thrive. The John Cardinal O’Connor School invites parents to learn about our affordable language-based academic curriculum for children in grades K-8 with learning disabilities, speech or language impairments or other health impairments. Our certified special-education teachers use multi-sensory teaching techniques and blended learning in small classes to help children thrive academically, spiritually, emotionally and socially in our supportive school community. JCOS is a Catholic elementary school that welcomes children of all faiths. Call Sister Jeannie at (914) 591-9330 or email admissions@johncardinaloconnorschool.org to make an appointment today!
Now welcoming Kindergarten and 1st Grade! 28 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
As an independent day school for children with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities, we believe difference is power. Through highly trained educators and evidence-based programs, we empower students in grades 1 through 9 with the skills and confidence to return to mainstream schools. Committed to making a Windward education accessible for all, we award more than $8.5 million per year in tuition assistance. Scan the QR code to learn more!
# *+ +, - $ #$ % " & ' ' $ % $ % ( ) ! " January 2024 | Westchester Family
29
EDUCATION DIRECTORY | Special Advertising Supplement
Blue Rock School 110 Demarest Mill Rd., West Nyack bluerockschool.org 845-627-0234 admissions@bluerockschool. org Blue Rock School has been fostering confident critical thinkers for over 30 years. They offer an educational approach based on handson experiences and real world problem solving. In small dynamic class settings, their challenging academic curriculum is infused with the arts, nature and play from kindergarten through eighth grade. By nurturing children’s love of learning and encouraging deep thinking, Blue Rock School prepares them for a changing world.
The Chapel School 172 White Plains Rd., Bronxville 914-337-3202 thechapelschool.org info@thechapelschool.com Since 1947, The Chapel School (TCS) has proudly provided a wonderfully
diverse community in NYC and Westchester with a safe, Christ-centered place to grow. TCS’s award-winning preschool for 2s, 3s and 4s nurtures social-emotional development while offering enrichment and a strong foundation for Kindergarten. TCS’s Lower and Middle School students enjoy an accredited academic program, expanding extracurricular activities and opportunities to serve and lead others as they prepare for high school and beyond.
Cooper’s Corner Montessori Int’l School New Rochelle 11 Wilmot Road 1115 North Avenue 200 Quaker Ridge Road 208 Quaker Ridge Road 914-235-0606, 718-685-9515 cooperscornermontessori.com The Mission of Coopers Corner Montessori is to be made available to the children and families of Southern Westchester with both a Montessori education and
daycare of the highest quality, consistent with the methods and principles of Montessori education. The school is a private, non-denominational, profit corporation operated by the Board of Directors. Cooper’s Corner Montessori International accepts students without regard to race, gender, religion, or national origin.
Eagle Hill School 45 Glenville Rd., Greenwich, CT 203-622-9240 eaglehillschool.org Eagle Hill, an independent school, caters to bright elementary and middleschool students with diverse learning needs. The researchbased, individualized learning program, guided by expert faculty, nurtures strong foundational literacy skills, independence, and a love for learning. Integrated social-emotional support and pragmatic language skills are seamlessly woven into the curriculum. Arts and athletics programs inspire creativity
and teach sportsmanship, fostering confident students with strong moral character, who are well-prepared for continued academic success.
Early Childhood Center at Sarah Lawrence College 1 Mead Way, Bronxville 914-395-2353 ecc@sarahlawrence.edu sarahlawrence.edu/ecc Established in 1937, the Early Childhood Center at Sarah Lawrence College is a living laboratory of child development for students ages 2-6. Each classroom is staffed by a lead teacher with an advanced degree in early childhood education and is supported by undergraduate and graduate students studying our unique playbased, progressive model. Their school community includes families from across Westchester County, the Bronx, and upper Manhattan.
EF Academy 582 Columbus Ave. 914-495-6087
New Year, New Start! Winston Preparatory School is a leading school network for students with learning differences, including dyslexia, executive functioning difficulties (ADHD), and nonverbal learning disorders (NVLD). Winston Prep Connecticut offers Rolling Admission
inston Prep by the Numbers hours
35
Average Time Spent in one-to-one Focus Program Each Week
3 0
Overall Faculty to Student Ratio
Average Number of Students in Each Class
Learn more at winstonprep.edu
Connecticut Campus 30 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
Scan the QR code to visit our CT Campus
Apply Now For 2024-2025 WHERE STUDENTS BECOME THEIR BEST SELVES. Grades 6–12 with 5-day boarding for 9–12 in Katonah, NY harveyschool.org/apply
Whitby Kids Are Future-Ready.
We are accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year. Space is limited. whitbyschool.org/thinkwhitby2024
Co-ed Independent School | Greenwich, CT Whitby Montessori Children’s House 18 months – Kindergarten
International Baccalaureate Lower School Grades 1-4 Middle School Grades 5-8 January 2024 | Westchester Family
31
EDUCATION DIRECTORY | Special Advertising Supplement
efacademy.org Experience a high school that prepares you for the future and beyond. EF Academy is a private day and boarding school with students from over 60 nationalities including the US. Choose from 100+ clubs, sports, activities, field trips, and a variety of courses in every subject, including the opportunity to study the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. Prioritize your education with one-toone university guidance, dedicated critical thinking courses, and global studies in every classroom.
FlexSchool Bronxville, NY and Berkeley Heights, NJ 908-279-0787 flexschool.net Accredited private school for gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) learners. Their gifted curriculum, infused with executive functioning support and social-emotional learning,
is custom-designed for insatiable minds. Summer enrichment / ESY offered on Cloud and NJ campuses. International students are welcome on all campuses. FlexSchool is proud to provide financial aid and scholarships to those who qualify. Weekly Virtual Open House.
either the French-American Program or the International Program, which begins in first grade. Regardless of program choice, the innovative approach is the same, based on values of respect, empathy, and positivity, centered on learning, continuous progress, and the well-being of students.
French-American School of New York
The Harvey School
Harbor Campus (Grades 9-12) 320 E Boston Post Rd. Mamaroneck Village Campus (Grades 4-8) 145 New Street. Mamaroneck Manor Campus (N-3) 111 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont 914-250-0401 fasny.org The French American School of New York (FASNY) is the only school in the New York metropolitan area accredited to offer both the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma and the French baccalaureate. Students are offered the opportunity to participate in
260 Jay Street, Katonah 914-232-3161 harveyschool.org kgrazia@harveyschool.org The Harvey School personalizes an educational journey to be as unique as each individual student in grades 6-12. Students thrive in Harvey’s college-preparatory program that cultivates academic excellence, artistic exploration, and athletic achievement. Harvey’s diverse and welcoming community includes students from over 100 zip codes in New York and Connecticut, with 5-day boarding in grades 9-12 as
well as international students from eight countries. Students feel confident challenging themselves to become their best selves at Harvey.
Hudson Country Montessori School 340 Quaker Ridge Rd., New Rochelle 914-636-6202 info@hudsoncountry.org hudsoncountry.org Hudson Country Montessori School inspires and promotes innate curiosity and a love of learning through progressive Montessori pedagogy. Striving to help children grow into respectful, socially-adept and compassionate leaders, the curriculum is designed to empower students to become independent, creative thinkers and confident achievers. Private, co-educational school, toddlers (18 months) through 8th grade.
Kehillah School for Early Learning 1000 Pinebrook Blvd., New
In-Person Open House Informational Session via Zoom
Learn how Eagle Hill School helps students soar to new heights! For more information, and to register, please scan the QR code
45 Glenville Road, Greenwich, CT 06831 (203) 622-9240 eaglehillschool.org
32 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
Infant Toddler and Preschool programs. Extended morning and after-school hours available!
Fostering joyful & confident critical thinkers for over 30 years Hands-on Learning Play-based Kindergarten 5-Acre Wooded Campus Financial Aid Available
BLUE ROCK SCHOOL Independent K-8 School in West Nyack, NY
www.bluerockschool.org
Licensed by New York State Office of Children & Family Services
Spanish, French, Chinese Language Labs Special Music Lessons Exploratory Learning Montessori Monthly Themes Summer Science Camp Great Outdoor Vicinities Multiple Locations
Sacred Heart School Early Childhood Education K - 8th Grade • • • • •
Spanish Music Art Library Physical education
• • •
Basketball, Track, and After School Enrichment Groups Computer 1:1 Chrome Book use
CHALLENGING ACADEMICS IN A FAMILY LIKE ATMOSPHERE
ONGOING ENROLLMENT CO N TA C T U S F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N Tina De Silva, Executive Director 914-235-0606 | 718-685-9515 cooperscornermontessori.com COME IN FOR A TOUR! Open Enrollment
ContactUs@shshartsdale.org www.shshartsdale,org 914-946-7242
11 Wilmot Road, New Rochelle, NY 10804 1115 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10804 200 Quaker Ridge Road, New Rochelle, NY 10804 208 Quaker Ridge Road, New Rochelle, NY 10804 January 2024 | Westchester Family
33
EDUCATION DIRECTORY | Special Advertising Supplement
Rochelle 914-637-3808 kehillah@tinr.org KehillahSchool.org Temple Israel’s Kehillah School provides care for children ages 6 weeks through Kindergarten preparation, using the Reggio Emilia approach to education. Their educational objective is to provide children with a love of learning, a forum for curiosity, respect for individual spirit, and a foundation of Jewish ethics, morals, and values. They offer a developmentally appropriate curriculum, which balances emergent and child-initiated approaches to learning through play, utilizing authentic experiences with nature, the arts, and music to nurture the whole child.
Kids’ B.A.S.E & The Little School 307 Mamaroneck Rd., Scarsdale 914-472-5409 office@kbls.org
www.kbls.org Kids’ B.A.S.E. & The Little School encompass before and after-school programs for school age children, and a preschool program for ages 2-5. The Little School provides a Breakfast Club, an extended day program until 6:30pm, enrichments, and sports. KBLS is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and licensed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services.
King School 1450 Newfield Ave., Stamford 203-322-3496 ext 4350 kingschoolct.org admission@kingschoolct.org King uses an inquiry-based approach to learning, leveraging student curiosity. They encourage students to identify problems, ask questions, and seek solutions. Students engage at the deepest level, draw from multiple disciplines, and develop a range of
34 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
skills, establishing a depth of knowledge. This yields increased academic learning and student engagement. King students embrace learning in a diverse community, celebrating multiple backgrounds and perspectives. Graduates leave school full of possibility, better prepared to better the world.
The Knox School 541 Long Beach Road knoxschool.org 631-686-1600 kcbush@knoxschool.org The Knox School is Long Island’s oldest established private school. Their inclusive environment serves grades 6-12 and post-graduate, providing students with broad world perspectives and a wide range of skills. At Knox, each student’s potential is unlocked and maximized because of the boundless experiences Knox education provides. Whether your child is an aspiring engineer or entrepreneur,
artist or architect, performer or physicist, a Knox education unlocks every student’s potential and prepares them for success after high school.
Liberty Montessori Schools 155 Beechmont Dr., New Rochelle 914-636-3461 631 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 914-777-1382 libertymontessorischools.com An amazing waterfront facility offering programs for toddler-Gr. 3 with an updated enrichment curriculum that incorporates special music programs. Liberty’s unique curriculum includes their special Science programs leading advanced students to a Challenger Program with special multilingual programs in Chinese, French, German, Spanish and Japanese. A tour of the facility to meet with the school director can offer more details about the Montessori environment.
Scarsdale’s PremierE
Preschool & Enrichment Program
Five-Day Preschool for 2 – 5 year olds Developmental play-based curriculum in a creative & nuturing environment
GREAT Introducing our new Little School Pre-K Academy, WEEKLY a transitional 4’s programTransportation • Full court gym SPECIALS! for families wanting the to Kids’ B.A.S.E. • Experienced teachers “gift of time” provided by
BREAKFAST CLUB & EXTENDED DAY PROGRAMS AVAILABLE
• Amazing NEW playground • Bright, spacious modern classrooms
Scarsdale Schools
Call NOW for information or a tour
914.472.5409 • www.kbls.org
January 2024 | Westchester Family
35
EDUCATION DIRECTORY | Special Advertising Supplement
Mannes Prep 55 West 13th Street 646-909-3855 newschool.edu/mannes/prep mannesprep@newschool.edu Mannes Prep combines a warm and supportive atmosphere with thorough musical pre-professional training. Mannes Prep welcomes students ages 4-18 each Saturday, from beginners through advanced students aspiring to professional careers. Each student’s curriculum is individually tailored to include age- and level-appropriate class and ensemble assignments. Under the direction of a faculty dedicated to creating a supportive community, students learn to encourage one another to reach their full potential.
Montessori Children’s Center (MCC) 220 Westchester Ave., West Harrison 914-607-7600 ktkorngold@cmteny.com montessorichildrensctr.com
A year-round, full-time Montessori childcare facility, MCC is recognized as a leader in the field of early education and as a model center. They provide high quality, authentic, caring Montessori programs for children from three months to five years old. Montessori certified head teachers lead each group. MCC is an American Montessori Society verified school. To sign-up for a tour and meet the director, call K.T. Korngold.
Montessori School of Pelham Manor 1415 Pelhamdale Avenue, Pelham 914-738-1127 pelhammontessori@gmail.com At Montessori, they work to build a sense of community, collegiality, and a learning environment where the children engage in social skills, practical life skills, literacy, math, art, science, music, yoga, and creative thinking. A school that
follows the principles of Maria Montessori where children will get personalized attention in small class sizes to develop at their own pace. Developing confidence and a love of learning is the hallmark of Montessori education.
Rebecca School 40 E 30th St. 212-810-4120 rebeccaschool.org eoshea@rebeccaschool.org Rebecca School is a school for neurodiverse students aged 3-21 and offers a nurturing environment where students are supported and challenged. Following the DIRFloortime® model, the school emphasizes individualized learning and social-emotional development. Classrooms are tailored to sensory, symbolic, and semi-structured learning, aligning with each student’s unique needs and interests. Quiet Areas provide a calming space as needed. Daily activities
enhance developmental capacities, extending learning to hallways, kitchens, and community spaces through trips and playground visits.
Ridgeway Nursery School & Kindergarten 465 Ridgeway, White Plains 914-949-3134 ridgewaynsk.com kemmert@ridgewaynsk.com Ridgeway Nursery School & Kindergarten has been serving the community for more than 50 years. They offer early childhood programs designed to help children gain a positive self image while encouraging social, emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual development. Twos, Threes and Pre-K classes recognize play and exploration as basic learning tools presented through theme based units while RNSK’s small Transitional Kindergarten allows curriculum to be tailored according to the needs of each student.
Play, Grow and Learn at... w Now sterr No RReeggiistfofoerr 5 2 /2002 5 220022h44oo/o2ll yyeeaarr c s ho sc
36 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
Roc
m, I
n c.
OOL
Call 914 914--238 238--9267 9267 Call 160Joan JoanCorwin CorwinWay Way··Chappaqua Chappaqua ·· NY NY www.worldcupschools.com www.worldcupschools.com 160
ORI TESS SCH
of New
Becoming Becoming2s, 2s,2s, 2s,3s 3sand and 4-year 4-year old old programs programs Full-day Full-day5s 5sprogram program High Highteacher teacherto tostudent student ratios ratios Before Beforeand andAfter AfterSchool School Programs Programs Summer SummerCamps Camps The TheLove Lovefor forLearning LearningStarts Starts Here! Here!
Give Your Child the Best in Early Childhood Education MON
World World Cup Cup Nursery Nursery School & Kindergarten Kindergarten
h e ll e i n Pe l h
a
MONTESSORI SCHOOL in PELHAM A Tradition of Excellence since 1973
MONTESSORI - AGES 3-6 • TODDLERS - AGES 2-3
Register Now for 2024/2025 Call for Open House Dates
1415 Pelhamdale Ave. (at Shore Rd.) • Pelham, NY
914.738.1127 • montessorischoolpelhamny.com
Rye YMCA’s Nursery School in Mamaroneck At St. John’s Church, 122 Fenimore Rd. 914-967-6363, ext. 207 Kristen@ryeymca.org ryeymca.org/nursery-school With classrooms for toddlers (ages 18-35 months) and pre-school-age children (3-5 years old), the program offers a choice of morning or afternoon sessions with three, four or five-day options. Children will learn foundational skills, develop healthy relationships, and build self-reliance through activities such as music, literacy, movement, STEM, sports, art and cooking. Register now for Fall 2024.
Whitby School 969 Lake Ave, Greenwich CT 203-869-8464 communications@ whitbyschool.org Whitby is a co-educational independent school for children 18 months through Grade 8. The Whitby
Montessori Children’s House three-year program and the International Baccalaureate program in Grades 1-8 form the foundation that empowers students to think creatively and critically, preparing them to be future-ready as life-long learners and global citizens. Whitby Middle School students participate in a comprehensive 18-month Secondary School Program and matriculate to the region’s top day and boarding schools.
The Windward School Lower school: 1275 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains Middle school: 40 W Red Oak Ln, White Plains 914-949-6968 thewindwardschool.org As an independent day school for children with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities, The Windward School believes that difference is power. Through highly trained educators and evidence-based programs, Windward empowers
students in grades 1 through 9 with the skills and confidence to return to mainstream schools. Committed to making a Windward education accessible for all, the school awards more than $8.5 million per year in tuition assistance.
Winston Preparatory School Connecticut 57 West Rocks Road Norwalk, CT 203-229-0465 winstonprep.edu/ourcampuses/connecticut mrolfe@winstonprep.edu Winston Prep Connecticut offers a highly individualized learning environment for students grades 4-12 with learning differences, including dyslexia, ADHD, and nonverbal learning disabilities (NVLD). Winston Prep fosters a learning environment where each student feels understood. Winston Prep’s research-driven model for students with learning differences results in
extraordinary transformations in their lives and learning. Register for an Open House or contact the Director of Admissions, Michelle Rolfe.
World Cup Nursery School & Kindergarten 160 Joan Corwin Way 914-238-9267 worldcupschools.com mail@worldcupschools.com World Cup’s reputation for excellence in early childhood education has been built by its dedicated teachers who keep up-to-date on new approaches to learning and are devoted to the students they teach. Students explore and meet challenges in a fun, safe, nurturing play-based environment and learn while developing self-confidence, discipline and self-esteem. Great teacher/child ratios, special guests/theme days, creative movement, two outdoor playgrounds, indoor bike track, music and gymnastics instruction enhance the program.
January 2024 | Westchester Family
37
SCHOOL LEADERS
SCHOOL LEADERS ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY | Special Advertising Supplement
T
hey say it takes a village to raise a child, and we agree! A large part of that “village” is, of course, the people your child meets throughout their educational journey. Each new school a child attends comes with new staff, new friends, new experiences and new opportunities for growth and development. That’s why it’s up to each school’s leader to ensure that every student they enroll is flourishing to the best of their abilities. The education professionals below serve as exemplary leaders in their respective school communities. They each work tirelessly to ensure not only the academic success of their students, but the social and emotional success as well. That’s what sets a great leader apart, after all! Learn all about the person who might be at the forefront of your child’s next educational adventure below.
Blue Rock School Caty Laignel, School Director
Caty Laignel has been their school’s director and drama teacher since 2000. She has brought to the school her experience in organizational and personal development and nurtures a harmonious and mission-driven environment for students, staff and parents. Her multi-cultural background fuels her interest in BRS’ celebration of diversity. The granddaughter of the school’s founder, Caty has a deep respect for the cornerstones of Blue Rock’s philosophy and a commitment to preserving their presence daily.
A Child’s Dream
The Chapel School
Tiffany Amaya, Head of School
Michael Schultz, Principal
Tiffany Amaya has a special teaching ability. She runs her school with compassion and structure. Tiffany has parental experience that enables her to effectively deal with the students emotional, social and educational needs. She provides a securely structured environment. The students enjoy socializing and interacting with each other and their teachers. Tiffany has received many awards over the years such as Best Preschool, Business Hall of Fame two years in a row and Most Trusted Preschool Learning Program. Her school offered enrichment classes and a summer camp program.
Michael Schultz is in his 28th year of dedicated service to The Chapel School (TCS) Community, where he has been a Teacher, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal and now Principal since 2016. A proud TCS graduate (‘82) and father of three TCS graduates (Tyler ’11, Alyson ’13 and Lyndsie ’17), Schultz brings a strong sense of stability and family to an excellent school, which is accredited by Middle States Association and National Lutheran Schools Accreditation.
Ann & Andy Childcare
Cardinal Spellman High School
Cheryl Anstett, Co-Director
Jeri Faulkner, Principal
Cheryl Anstett has been following her passion to provide quality child care to the families of Westchester County since 1973. She enjoys working with the children in her care and watching them grow, develop and mature. What makes Ann & Andy even more unique is that many of the staff, past and present, were once enrolled there as children themselves. These teachers bring with them a firsthand love acquired at Ann & Andy and all they have to offer children.
Ann & Andy Childcare Deborah Asadoorian, Co-Director
Principal Jeri Faulkner has dedicated over four decades of service to Cardinal Spellman High School. She graduated from Spellman in 1975 and returned after graduating from Mount Saint Vincent to teach and coach. She eventually became Dean of Students, and in 2021 was appointed Principal. She is Spellman’s Varsity Girls’ Volleyball coach and has been inducted into both Cardinal Spellman and Mount Saint Vincent’s Athletic Halls of Fame.
Charter School of Educational Excellence Cindy V. Lopez, Superintendent
As one of the Directors of Ann & Andy Child Care/Acres of Adventure Summer Camp, Deborah Asadoorian, brings a wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to fostering the growth and development of young minds. With a deep-rooted passion for early childhood education, Deborah Asadoorian has been instrumental in creating a nurturing and stimulating environment indoors and outdoors where every child can thrive since 1973.
38 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
Ms. Lopez has served in her role as Superintendent since 2019. She joined CSEE in 2006 as a 4th grade teacher, in 2011 became the Assistant Principal, and then moved on to leading the school as the Principal in 2014. As Principal, Ms. Lopez helped to lead the efforts in the expansion of the School’s academic program and school building. Under Lopez’s leadership, the School has been designated as a Reward School and Recognition School for consecutive years by the New York State Education Department.
RYE YMCA’S
52
NURSERY SCHOOL
@ St. John’s Church 122 Fenimore Road, Mamaroneck
Have Fun and Learn!
SCIENCE CAMP Hands-on Summer Fun!
Enrichment programs included.
REGISTER NOW FOR FALL 2024
Special Language Programs In Spanish, Japanese, French, Chinese & German Scan for details
Welcome to the 2024/2025 School Year!
Enroll now in our unique programs • Toddler • Pre-School • Kindergarten-3rd Grade • Challenger Program for Advanced Students
Toddler (18-35 mos) Pre-School (3-5 yrs) AM or PM program: 3, 4 or 5-day options
Ongoing registrati on!
914-967-6363, x207 ryeymca.org/childcare
• Smart Board Technology • Music • Arts/Crafts • Languages • Reading • Math • Computer • Science • Cultural Awareness • Playground • Toddler Program • Bilingual Teachers • Special Music Programs
• Piano, String Instruments & Percussion Lessons
Model for PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION Extended Hours For Working Parents Director: Dr. Pushpa Jagoda
MAMARONECK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL UP TO 3RD GRADE
Family Owned & Operated Since 1973 Experienced Teachers • Serving Children 2 months–14 years • Field Trips • Stimulating Environment • Flexible Schedules • Beautiful Campus Setting
Open House January 27th Call for appt.
www.annandandychildcare.com
914-592-3027
2170 Saw Mill River Rd, Elmsford, NY
OPEN HOUSE Every Wednesday, 9am-12pm
631 W. Boston Post Road 914-777-1382 NEW ROCHELLE PRIMARY SCHOOL TODDLER THROUGH K
OPEN HOUSE Every Thursday, 9am-12pm
155 Beechmont Drive 914-636-3461
www.libertymontessorischools.com January 2024 | Westchester Family
39
SCHOOL LEADERS ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY | Special Advertising Supplement Cooper’s Corner Montessori School
FlexSchool
Tina De Silva, Head of School/CEO
Jacqui Byrne, Founder
Ms. Tina De Silva brings four decades of teaching experience to Cooper’s Corner. She has a broad background which encompasses teaching elementary through high school classes, English as a Second Language, and also students at college level. She has taught in numerous locations with various multicultural groups of students. She holds a Master’s in Education and is working towards her doctorate.
Jacqui Byrne is the visionary behind FlexSchool. An acknowledged expert and sought-after speaker on gifted and 2e education, Jacqui is a member of the Bridges Graduate School Advisory Council and holds a degree from Yale University. Prior to founding FlexSchool, Jacqui co-founded the widely respected Ivy Ed college preparation and counseling firm. She is also the parent of 2 kids.
Eagle Hill School
French-American School of New York
Gretchen Larkin, Head of School
Francis Gianni, Head of School
Gretchen Larkin, renowned for her leadership in education, assumed the role of Head of School at Eagle Hill in July. Formerly Head at Charles River School in Massachusetts, she excelled in strategic planning, enrollment growth, and a $10 million campaign. Recognized with the 2018 CASE Division One Chief Executive Leadership Award, Gretchen brings with her innovative fundraising, governance and leadership practices. Holding an M.A.T. from Manhattanville College, she also serves on The Carroll School’s board.
Early Childhood Center at Sarah Lawrence College
A lifelong educator of more than 30 years, Mr. Gianni has worked in schools in the US, France, and Monaco. Before joining FASNY in 2019, he was the director of the International School of Monaco, and previously the Lille campus of the École Jeannine Manuel. Mr. Gianni graduated with a Diplôme d’Études Approfondies in philosophy from the Sorbonne and earned an M.B.A. with a focus in global management from the University of Phoenix in Arizona.
The Harvey School William J. Knauer, Head of School
Lorayne Carbon, Director
Lorayne Carbon has been the Director of the Early Childhood Center since 2003. A graduate of SUNY Buffalo and Bank Street College of Education, her prior work includes teaching Head Start, preschool, and kindergarten and directing childcare programs across Westchester. Supporting children and families within a caring, kind community and nurturing the progressive, play-based program at the ECC are Lorayne’s highest priorities.
William J. Knauer joined Harvey as Head of School in 2016 as a leader with deep understanding, creativity, and vision. With a BA in Linguistics from the University of Michigan, and two Master’s degrees in English and Teaching English and EAL, Bill has been an educator in independent and international schools for more than 30 years. Bill endorses an academic environment of “rigor with heart” at Harvey, helping students to achieve, succeed and thrive.
EF Academy
Immaculate Heart of Mary School
Vladimir Kuskovski, Head of School
Tracy Keelin, Principal
Dr. Vladimir Kuskovski received his B.A. in English and German from Minsk Linguistics University, M.S. in Political Science from Manchester University, Ed.S in Curriculum/ Instruction from St. Mary’s University, and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Capella University. He’s served as a teacher, IB Coordinator, Dean, and Head of School. Additionally, Dr. Kuskovski is an Adjunct Professor at Endicott College and a Fellow of Columbia University. His career spans across 3 continents, six countries and over 30 years.
40 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
With 15+ years in the Archdiocese, Tracy Keelin brings integrity, kindness, respect, and gratitude to the halls of the Immaculate Heart of Mary School. Mrs. Keelin graduated from Mercy college with her Masters degree in both English and School Building Leadership. Her positivity has established a great work/family environment for all. Her commitment & devotion to the students’ education is invaluable. IHM looks forward to continued success with Mrs. Keelin’s inspirable vision for the future.
A Child’s Dream, LLC. Where your child’s dreams are discovered NURSERY & PRE-K 10 Mill Rd. New Rochelle, NY 10804 (914) 633-4332 Now Registering for 2024/2025! Experienced Teachers and Staff Director: Tiffany Amaya
Curriculum includes: Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, Science, Developing Motor Skills, and Social Skills. Our goal is to create a secure and structured environment where your child enjoys socializing and interacting with other children while learning.
18 MONTHS - 8TH GRADE Our multi-age classrooms develop social and leadership skills and prepare students to achieve academic excellence. Our students learn to read and write at their own pace, discover science and geography and gain a mastery of math concepts beyond their years and level. SCHEDULE A PRIVATE TOUR TODAY! LEARN ABOUT OUR PROGRESSIVE MONTESSORI PEDAGOGY
ESTABLISHED 1972
EARLY SESSION FROM 7:30AM LATE SESSION UNTIL 6:00PM AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
www.hudsoncountry.org
914.636.6202
| 340 QUAKER RIDGE ROAD NEW ROCHELLE, NY 10804 | WWW.HUDSONCOUNTRY.ORG
January 2024 | Westchester Family
41
SCHOOL LEADERS ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY | Special Advertising Supplement John Cardinal O’Connor
The Knox School
Jeannie Humphries, Principal
Virginia Riccardi, Head of School
Sr. Jeannie Humphries, OSU, PHD serves as principal of John Cardinal O’Connor (JCOS), a Catholic school for K-8 students who learn differently. Professionally, she holds degrees and certification in Elementary and Special Education, along with a PhD in Language, Literacy and Learning. She has thirty years of education experience as an elementary education teacher, reading and special education consultant, researcher, high school principal and college and graduate school instructor and assistant professor.
With over three decades of educational expertise, Virginia Riccardi leads Knox as Head of School. Her transformational leadership style empowers her team, resulting in Knox students unlocking their hidden potential. At Knox since 2011, Mrs. Riccardi served in various capacities, including Development, and Academics, before her six-year term as Assistant Head. Holding an M.A. from Columbia University’s Teacher’s College and a B.A. from Stony Brook University, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her leadership.
Kehillah School for Early Learning
Liberty Montessori Schools
Marie Masseo, Director
Dr. Pushpa Jagoda, Director
Marie has been an Early Childhood educator for over 35 years, earning a Bachelor in Communication Arts in 1985 from The College of New Rochelle and Masters in Early Childhood Education from CNR in 1992.Marie began her career by originating preschool programs in Dobbs Ferry and Ossining. Then, moving to Weekday Nursery School in New Rochelle, where she was Headteacher and Assistant Director for 17 years. Prior to joining Kehillah at Temple Israel, Marie was the Curriculum Director at Huguenot Nursery School in Pelham Manor, New York.
Celebrating over 52 years! Dr. Jagoda, a 2023 Early Education Hall of Heroes inductee wanted to create an ideal learning environment for all children just as she did for her own. She operates two state-of-the-art Montessori facilities that have become “home away from home” for toddlers through elementary grades. Now enrolling for 2024/2025. Facility tours from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Call for your personal appointment
Kids’ B.A.S.E & The Little School
Montessori Children’s Center
Janice Barnes, Executive Director
K.T. Korngold, Director
“It takes a village to raise a child,” and Janice Barnes is thrilled to be an integral piece of that puzzle at KBLS. With over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, Janice runs her school with a very hands on approach. As Executive Director, she is a team player and enjoys mentoring teachers and staff to be the best they can be. She is a resource for parents and students, and her door is always open to everyone.
A lifelong Montessorian, Korngold has been published in Westchester Family, CT Parent, and Montessori Life. She received a Certificate of Recognition from George Lattimer, Westchester County Executive and a Certificate of Merit from the NY State Assembly. She was inducted in the Early Education Hall of Heroes and received the Wisdom of the Elders Award from MACTE. A doctoral candidate at UWRF, she holds a Master’s from Columbia University and Administrator and Infant/Toddler Montessori credentials.
King School
Montessori School of Pelham Manor
Carol Maoz, Head of School
Elizabeth G. Capuano, Director
Carol Maoz, with three years as Head of King School, boasts a distinguished 11-year tenure as Head of School at The Foote School. Her expertise spans international and domestic independent schools, including roles as Head of Upper School at Greenwich Country Day and principal in Germany and Israel. Maoz holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Massachusetts and a master’s degree in education from Harvard University.
42 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
Elizabeth G. Capuano is the director and owner of the Montessori School of New Rochelle in Pelham Manor. She received her BA from the College of New Rochelle with a degree in Speech/English. She earned her Certification from the International Association of Progressive Montessorians in London. Her past teaching experience included: the Armenian Church Program, NYC; Elizabeth Ann Seton Church School in Shrub Oak; Assistant Director/Teacher and following the passing of the previous owner, Betty Griffiths, in 2003, Owner/Director at Montessori School of New Rochelle in Pelham Manor.
Come See the Difference
White Plains Plains White 2024-2025 REGISTRATION REGISTRATIONOPEN OPEN
Year-round, full-time Montessori childcare for children from 3 months to 5 years of age in beautifully designed Montessori environments. Infants, Toddlers, and Early Childhood classrooms.
Full Day Day / Half Day / 55 Day Full Day // 33Day Day
Early Drop Off/Lunch Early Off/Lunch Bunch/Extended Bunch/ExtendedDay Day
Year-round, full-time Montessori childcare for children from 3 months to 5 years of age in beautifully designed Montessori environments. Infants, Toddlers, and Early Childhood classrooms.
Experienced, trained Montessori teachers provide supportive, joyful, and nurturing classrooms for learning and development during your child’s important early years.
Please call for more information or to schedule a visit.
K.T. Korngold, Director 914-607-7600 CALL NOW 914 949-3134 CALL NOW 914 949-3134
WWW.RIDGEWAYNSK.COM WWW.RIDGEWAYNSK.COM
ǁǁǁ͘ƚŚĞĐŚĂƉĞůƐĐŚŽŽů͘ŽƌŐ
3UHVFKRRO V WK *UDGH %URQ[YLOOH 1<
Please call for more information or to schedule a visit.
K.T. Korngold, Director 914-607-7600
/25'
, W > ^ ,KK>
+23( LQ H WK
d,
Experienced, trained Montessori teachers provide supportive, joyful, and nurturing classrooms for learning and development during your child’s important early years.
220 Westchester Ave, West Harrison, NY 10604 www.montessorichildrensctr.com
,VDLDK
7+
22/
( & +
( / 6
&+
$3
E' '/E' > ZE Z^ E KhZ '/E' yW>KZ Z^ DWKt Z/E' > Z^
220 Westchester Ave, West Harrison, NY 10604 www.montessorichildrensctr.com
( V W
Wd/E' WW>/ d/KE^ ĨŽƌ
ϮϬϮϰͲϮϬϮϱ͊
:K/E h^ Žƌ Ăůů ƚŽ ^ĐŚĞĚƵůĞ Ă dŽƵƌ ;ϵϭϰͿ ϯϯϳͲϯϮϬϮ džϭϬϬϱ Ăůů ƚŽ ^ĐŚĞĚƵůĞ Ă dŽƵƌ ;ϵϭϰͿ ϯϯϳͲϯϮϬϮ džϭϬϬϱ January 2024 | Westchester Family
43
SCHOOL LEADERS ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY | Special Advertising Supplement The Montfort Academy
Sacred Heart School
Richard Greco, President
John Fruner, Principal
Richard Greco is an inspiring educator who leads from his experiences as an Assistant Secretary of the Navy, a successful investor in start-ups and multibillion-dollar businesses, a traveler to 70 countries, a scientist who believes faith and reason work together, and a man of faith in love with God and His Church. Loved by his students, Mr. Greco believes in every student and brings out their best as they grow in intellect, faith, and virtue.
Dr. John Fruner is the principal at Sacred Heart School in Hartsdale. He holds graduate degrees in Clinical Social Work, Educational Administration. Elementary Education, Religious Education, and Pastoral Studies along with a doctorate in Education. Dr. Fruner has taught elementary school, has been a principal for eleven years, worked as a social worker, and in Catholic parish ministries. At Sacred Heart he plays the guitar with his students and teaches them how to play handbells.
Rebecca School
Saints John & Paul School
Tina McCourt, Program Director
Bishop John Bonnici, Pastor
Tina McCourt, MSW, LCSW, MS Ed, SAS, SDA, is the Program Director at Rebecca School, a role that capitalizes on her extensive experience in special education and social work. Her multifaceted expertise, encompassing a Master’s in Social Work, Education, and School Administration, enables her to lead with a unique blend of compassion and educational innovation. Dedicated to nurturing and advancing the school’s specialized programs, Tina is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive learning environment for every student.
Ridgeway Nursery School and Kindergarten
Bishop John Bonnici, S.Th.D., is an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York. He is the Pastor of the Parishes of Sts. John & Paul and St. Augustine in Larchmont where he also oversees Sts. John & Paul School. Prior to his arrival in Larchmont, Bishop Bonnici was pastor of two other parishes, the Director of the Archdiocesan Family Life Office, and an adjunct professor of moral theology at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers.
The Ursuline School Theresa Napoli, Principal
Kimberly Emmert, Director
Kimberly Emmert serves as director of Ridgeway Nursery School & Kindergarten after more than fifteen years teaching both early childhood and elementary aged students in Westchester County and NYC. Each day is an opportunity to strengthen partnerships between home and school and ensure an outstanding first school experience for our students. We are dedicated to creating a safe environment tailored to the educational, emotional and spiritual needs of our children.
Ms. Theresa Napoli brings over 40 years of Catholic school experience to her role as principal. After launching her career as a science teacher at Ursuline, she taught at the Marymount School and Convent of The Sacred Heart before becoming the first female assistant principal for Academics and Student Life at Fordham Preparatory School. She also served as principal of Saint Barnabas High School and Dean of Academics at Fairfield College Preparatory School.
Rye Nursery School in Mamaroneck
Whitby School
Kirsten Sidari, Assistant Child Care Director ‘
Jay Briar, Head of School
Kristen holds a BA in Psychology from Iona University. She has dedicated over 30 years of her life to working with children. Her career journey has taken her from daycare to nursery school, to special education, and back to nursery school again. In Kristen’s words, “My heart belongs to the little ones. Witnessing their joy as they enter, eager to greet their teacher with a smile or hug, reaffirms that I’m in the right place.”
44 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
Jay Briar joins Whitby as the Head of School, effective July 2024. He was the Head of School at the prestigious Powhatan school in Virginia. Before Powhatan, Jay spent 15 years at the Sheridan School in Washington, D.C., where he led the Middle School and served as the Director of Academic Life. Jay graduated from Vassar College with a degree in history and George Washington University, where he received his Master’s in Educational Leadership.
The Windward School Jamie Williamson, Head of School
Jamie Williamson began his career in education as a school psychologist, quickly becoming known as an impassioned advocate for students with learning disabilities. A systems-level thinker, Mr. Williamson believed he could make a greater impact on vulnerable student populations in an administrative capacity, and transitioned to leadership roles at independent schools. Mr. Williamson is committed to expanding access to effective education in order to advance literacy outcomes for all children.
FREE Parenting Webinars Sign up now!
Winston Preparatory School Connecticut Stephanie Zabar - Head of School
Since opening its doors in 2007, Winston Prep Connecticut has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of students with learning differences. In 2023, Stephanie Zabar, a dedicated member of the Winston community, assumed the role as Head of School. Under her leadership, the Norwalk campus remains a vibrant community where students experience a sense of being heard and understood.
World Cup Nursery School & Kindergarten
Nurturing the Healing Power of Play for Ourselves and for Our Children Amelia Bachleda, Ph.D., and Mike Browne Tuesday, Jan. 23 , 2023, 4 p.m. ET
Roxanne Kaplan, Director
Roxanne Kaplan is the Director of World Cup Nursery School & Kindergarten in Chappaqua, NY. She received her undergraduate degree from Pace University in Early Childhood Education and believes that early childhood education not only prepares children for elementary school, but teaches them critical social and emotional skills to support them in life and achieve academic success in their future. Her emphasis on teamwork has enriched the experience at World Cup Nursery School & Kindergarten.
Your online resource for all things parenting
Conscious: Curious, Connected Discipline Strategies for Happier, Healthier Kids Julietta Skoog, Ed.S. Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, 4 p.m. ET
PRESENTING SPONSOR
WestchesterFamily.com provides a rich array of local resources, useful content, directories and interactive tools to help families meet and celebrate the challenges of parenting
Visit us online today
WestchesterFamily.com
Register for FREE at
www.newyorkfamily.com/ParentEdTalks January 2024 | Westchester Family
45
TRAVEL
Winter Getaways Nearby retreats — with the kids or solo — from New York Family partners
W
hether you’re a family seeking a brief escape or a mom (or dad!) eager to discover the hidden gems beyond the city limits, New York’s surrounding towns and nearby states offer many enchanting destinations, from charming small towns to breathtaking natural wonders that extend far beyond our iconic skyline. Catskills This iconic destination’s esteemed ski resorts and charming nearby villages beckon those seeking a respite. Hunter Mountain offers a pristine powdery escape that promises a weeklong stay that’s nothing short of a winter utopia. Windham Mountain Club’s awardwinning ski school and variety of terrain has an unsurpassed reputation as the idyllic family-friendly destination! The mountain towns of Windham and Hunter are truly thriving. From bopping along Main Street to refueling at a local restaurant to unwinding with a soothing massage, there’s no wrong way to après-ski in the Great Northern Catskills. Gore Mountain Are you looking for a family-friendly ski resort? Gore Mountain is the perfect choice! Gore Mountain is the ideal destination for an unforgettable family adventure with incredible value, catering to all skill levels and providing everything you need to get started in a snow sport. Plus, it’s only 25 minutes off I-87, making your drive to the mountain enjoyable. Massachusetts Experience Central Massachusetts’ winter wonder with family-friendly indoor activities and ideal solo getaways. Explore history at the American Heritage Museum or enjoy a day of luxury bowling and arcade games at Apex Entertainment. Discover science at the EcoTarium, delve into industrial history at the Samuel Slater Experience, and explore art at the Worcester Art Museum whether solo at Beechwood Hotel or with family at Sturbridge Host
Hotel, Central MA offers a mix of indoor delights and cozy getaways. Mountain Creek Mountain Creek, located in the snowy Vernon Valley, is the closest major ski resort to NYC. Located just 47 miles outside Manhattan, Mountain Creek offers skiing, snowboarding, SNO-GO ski biking, and a brand-new snow tubing hill for this winter. If you’re looking to get your little ones started on snow, check out their Kids Camp lesson
46 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
programs, and if you’re looking to make a vacation out of it, they even offer slopeside accommodations right at the resort. New York, NY, Kimpton Hotel Eventi The high-end boutique hotel located at the nexus of the NoMad and Chelsea neighborhoods, has launched a bookable Winter Lodge Suite experience, offering guests a whimsical wintry getaway in the city, available until the very last day of winter, March 19, 2024.
Rhode Island Free your family from the traffic and travel of larger cities and spend more time on Rhode Island’s beaches and bike paths, at ice cream stands and kid-friendly restaurants, or at award-winning attractions such as the Providence Children’s Museum, Roger Williams Park Zoo, and the Biomes Marine Biology Center. Hop on a ferry to Block Island and take in spectacular natural sights and some of the country’s most pristine white sand beaches. Rochester Rochester, NY beckons visitors to rediscover their inner child, making it an ideal destination for both family vacations and solo mom getaways. Families can watch their kids’ eyes light up as they discover the world’s largest collection of toys, dolls, and games at The Strong National Museum of Play, while moms can embrace their sense of wonder by exploring the city’s vibrant arts and cultural scene. Indulgence is an easy add-on by visiting the newly renovated Spa Elan at Woodcliff Hotel and Spa or Ape
& Canary. And don’t forget the many craft breweries, cideries, distilleries, and wineries! Rockland County, NY For a perfect family road trip, visit Rockland County – just 30 miles north of NYC. Situated along the majestic Hudson River, and nestled among thousands of acres of untouched parkland, you will find lots of outdoor fun including hiking trails, mountain vistas, ice skating and scenic views. The Palisades Center offers family entertainment with a bowling alley, the worlds tallest indoor ropes course, themed restaurants and much more. Rockland County also offers exquisite waterfront villages that feature world-class restaurants, art galleries, theatres, shopping and historic sites. Smugglers’ Notch Winter Nestled in the heart of the stunning Green Mountains of Vermont, Smugglers’ Notch Resort is excited to announce its winter season offerings, promising visitors an unforgettable winter wonderland adventure.
With over 1,000 acres of pristine mountain terrain, families can revel in activities all Smuggs has to offer. Made up of 78 trails, 3 big mountains, and mountainside lodging, there’s no shortage of mountainous fun at your fingertips. Westchester County Situated between the Hudson River and Long Island Sound, Westchester County offers an enchanting winter getaway. Just 30 miles north of Manhattan, and easily reachable by MTA and Amtrak, this destination promises a magical winter wonderland experience. Visitors can enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities throughout the season, including activities like ice skating, exploring the wonders of Westchester Children’s Museum, immersing themselves in the historic charm of Lyndhurst Mansion, unwinding at The Opus Spa, and savoring exquisite cuisine at premier dining establishments. With these captivating offerings, Westchester stands out as the perfect destination for a winter retreat.
is now part of
Westchester Family The Digital Edition
Mommybites.com provides expertly curated resources for all parents in the New York area, including our most popular feature — our mom-generated nanny board — the best online source for parents to find vetted (by other parents), experienced nannies and childcare providers who want to work in New York City, Westchester, Long Island and Northern New Jersey.
Visit Mommybites.com; we can’t wait to see you there!
Sign up for a free digital subscription at WestchesterFamily.com and we’ll send you an email when the new issue comes out!
IT’S TIME TO HIT THE SLOPES: WINTER SKI GUIDE JANUARY 2019
WESTCHESTERFAMILY.COM
REGISTER NOW FOR OUR
CAMP FAIR JANUARY 12 & 13 SEE PAGE 32
Happy New Year!
159
Terrific January Activities
IS YOUR CHILD OLD ENOUGH FOR OVERNIGHT CAMP?
INSIDE:
2019 Camp Directory
WestchesterFamily.com
January 2024 | Westchester Family
47
travel
Rethinking the
Family vacation Discover intentional travel — a new kind of family travel By Evan FrEEd
W
hat is a family vacation for? Is it to rest on a beach next to the ocean? Is it to not have to think about cooking or cleaning? Is it to see the world? Is it to create memories, like in Disneyworld… or maybe to find space to love yourself, your partner, and your kids in ways your everyday life doesn’t allow? Hmm. You didn’t see that one coming, did you? When we are in the grind of our day-to-day lives, we have places to be and things to do. So, we demand a lot—a lot of ourselves, our partners if we have one, and our children. I’m guilty of this as well! Pick that up, fix this, do that, go here, ah, not that! Commands and demands. After some intense time of demand, how often do you think, “What just happened? Wow, that whole interaction felt crappy.” But it’s not your fault, well, not entirely. Society has helped us create a world without time to do what needs to get done. And even less time to share the love that we so deeply want. You want to express love for your family and yourself because it fuels you. It’s what makes some vacations so addicting. What if there was a way to plan travel so you intentionally made space to love yourself, your partner, and your family more? Getting that feeling of love that makes vacation what we need. That nourishes us. So, that euphoric feeling of being loved is not just a happy accident but thoughtfully planned and curated with some beautiful happenstance. That is the new kind of family travel that I’m talking about. Intentional travel and love on tap. Corny, maybe, but so much better than whatever else you’re tapping into. So, let’s bring this back down to earth again. Often, we love vacation because it opens up space for the love we don’t have time to feel in our lives. And we love ‘love’ because of the chemicals it creates in our bodies. When we feel loved, oxytocin, the love chemical, floods our body, accompanied by dopamine (the drug replaced with social media), mixed with some
serotonin and endorphins. All that good stuff. So, how do we craft a family vacation to help us feel all those awesome natural drugs? Here are my cliff notes on the steps to take! Step One Tapping into that love you desire requires the right setting and mindset. Unfortunately, some of us are too wound up and stressed, and our vacation is another manifestation of that angst. So, feeling that love doesn’t happen. However, there is a chance it still can. That’s why intentional vacations require some pre-travel work, like working with a travel coach who can help you think through some questions or by going through them yourself. Those questions include: What would you enjoy doing on a family vacation? How do you make sure you can get that enjoyment from the trip? What would get in the way of the trip being enjoyable for you? What lessons or experiences would you like to bring home with you? Wait, wait, wait. Maybe you’re thinking, More work to plan a family vacation!? Even if I wanted to, I didn’t have time for that. This new way of planning a family trip may sound like a lot of work. However, there are people who help create these trips, like me. Also, when planning a family trip, you know you will finally enjoy and get nourishment- the planning process can surprisingly fill you up with. Step Two The most significant phase is planning. It’s us planning the trip intentionally to create more space to do what you desire. This helps us make sure the trip is not just catered to your partner, kids, family, etc. Knowing your desires from step one, the location becomes easier. If we want to be immersed in nature and trees and spend time alone listening to the wild, then we know we want to be by the mountains or in the jungle. So, we start by doing some research there. If we know it is essential to have childcare for our children, then that becomes a focal point.
48 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
Also, childcare can come from a kids club, local schooling group, or a local The last two options are a more culturally immersive way of child care and your view of education and travel might just change as well. If this sounds like too much, use those hotel kids’ campsuse what works for you. When planning intentional trips I like to focus on four different activity types. Rest: • Genuine rest, not phone-scrolling or day drinking. • Essential for fully enjoying family vacations. • Focus on being rested and restored for a fulfilling experience. Adventure/Comfort Zone: • Pushing boundaries enhances the trip’s impact. Example: Challenging hikes and cliff jumping create lasting memories. • Embrace your version of pushing comfort zones. Serving Others: • Acknowledge traveling on others’ lands; aim to give back. • Simple acts like beach cleanup foster a connection with the local community. • Serving local populations, such as indigenous groups, contributes positively.
• Cultivate empathy in children through meaningful service experiences. Eating: • Food can transform parenting styles and enhance cultural experiences. • Learn from Anthony Bourdain: Food is a gateway to culture. • Choose intentionally—whether in local spots, fine dining, or all-inclusive settings. • Allow flexibility, knowing plans can evolve based on family preferences. Step Three To enjoy your intentional family vacation, there are three points to remember when traveling. Be flexible: Things change, and if we’ve done some pre-work of working through our anxiety around travel, this part may be a bit easier. Don’t forget yourself: You or an expert has planned the family trip so that you can enjoy it and feel the love you crave. So, ensure that all that work doesn’t fall apart and that you’re not putting others before yourself. Be kind to yourself, and make the shift to making your happiness a priority. Intervention: If this trip feels like all other trips, you may need a trip shake-up. Have a friend or family member who is
either on the trip with you or on speed dial at home. They know the plan pre-trip and can be a good person to call to vent to and think through ways to make the trip enjoyable. You have a travel planner/coach who has helped you plan this intentional trip and is there to help you experience the trip you desire and deserve. That coach will have some awesome emotion-regulating tools and ideas to help. Step Four This step is the post-trip integration. Integration what? I just went on vacation and have to get the kids ready for school, catch up with work, and return to life? See now that is part of the problem! We want to vacate our life to recharge, but then we come back home, and that relaxation we felt and the connection we cultivated evaporates in one second. So, how do we hold onto it productively? It’s similar to what my meditation teacher always tells us. That when we leave the meditation cushion to take that love and feeling we’ve cultivated and hold it in our hearts as long as possible. It will eventually diminish, but that spark that we carried with us for however long impacted us and the people we came into contact with. So, here are a few ways to integrate your trip: Give yourself a day or two of padding
before you have to go back to work or school. That may be planning your trip to end on a Thursday so you can travel back home and get settled. Plan some activities to do with your family and by yourself when you arrive home such as writing down the experiences you took away from the trip. Or talk about the moments you enjoyed, what the feelings were in the moment that made you love them, and how you can cultivate those feelings at home Print some pictures from the trip. Print out some pictures of moments where love was present for you and your family. Create a spot at home with those pictures so you and your family can visit to remind you of the feelings you had and to bring those into your everyday life. This entire idea of the family vacation that I’m sharing is based on extreme privilege. I include this not to make guilt the primary feeling but to share awareness. It’s also to use the awareness of our privilege to allow travel to become a tool for personal and family growth and to positively impact the people and cultures we come into contact with. That is what being intentional is all about gratitude for what we have and knowing that we can and will serve ourselves, our family, and the world. This new way of family travel is a tool to tap into that. And while these may be lofty goals. Remember to do what feels good for you, your family, and your nervous system. It may just be one point from each step, or you just tackle one step entirely. Whatever it is, do what feels good and right. My name Is Evan Freed. I am a parent and partner dedicated to living a life full of joy, adventure, and healing. In 2012 I lost my mother to ovarian cancer, which changed the trajectory of my life. I realized that I wanted to live by my terms, and the way to do so was through deep meditation, self-discovery, and self-love. In 2021 I took a month-long trip to Costa Rica with my wife and daughters, then three and five. During that trip, we felt freedom, love, and a deep connection that we had not yet experienced as a family. It was similar to the feeling I had with my parent’s brother right before my mom passed. I realized that travel brings up similar feelings of appreciation for life as death does. So during that trip, I decided to bring that feeling of awe and love for this life to other families to help them heal, connect and grow. I now lead group and private retreats worldwide (Familyjourney.co) with families ready to explore a different way of connecting and living. January 2024 | Westchester Family
49
Flying High
Kristi Hemric @khemric on solo travels, her journey as a mom of four, and expert tips for traveling with young kids By Mia SalaS
T
ravel can be a beautiful experience, opening up our eyes to new worlds and shaping new memories. But traveling with young kids? That’s another story. And I got to hear all about it from Kristi Hemric, travel photographer and mother of four little ones in New York City. You may have seen Kristi’s many adventures both in and outside of the city on her popular Instagram account where she shares about work, family, and travels with over 400K followers. But what you don’t see is the behind-the-scenes that we all can relate to as NYC parents: Kristi and her husband calming their sons down in the airport with their favorite blanket. Prepping for a trip with kids by treating the NYC subway like the airport chaos. Coordinating schedules ahead of big solo trips. Learning, changing and revising constantly to find the right balance that works for the whole family. Yet what I learned about Kristi through our conversation is that she’s creative. Her creative energy powers her photography, but it also inspires other parts of her life. She’s able to see things others can’t, turning random ads around the city in art, bringing her kids’ wishes to life and finding the special moments in each trip. So when it comes to parenting four kids all under the age of 3 on the Upper East Side, Kristi’s got it because she finds creative ways to make it work and enjoy every second along the way. Read on for Kristi’s pro travel tips for families, work-life balance advice, and her favorite family-friendly travel destinations!
Tell us more about your passion for traveling. What interests you about it? I love new things and I really love learning. You can learn so much about a country
or a place just by getting lost in it. Obviously now, with the news and social media, it makes the world feel a little bit smaller. But we’re only given a small glimpse of what that place is like, or what social media wants us to think that place is like. You can only understand a place and the people by spending time there. I’m going to India at the end of January, I’ll probably be there for three weeks. That’s one of my longer trips because I do have a lot of kids and I want to be home with them. I know people think it’s a little bit crazy that I travel often, but I try to be positive. I used to be in an office from nine to five and had work trips on top of that. So I just look at it as I take these seven-day kicks where I do a ton of work. And then when I’m home, I have the rest of the month to be very present with my children. Speaking of, you’re a photographer and a mom of 4 young kids. How do you balance work and life? I have to give a lot of credit to my husband. I have a very supportive husband who encourages me and knows that traveling makes me me. He loves me, so he wants me to continue doing it. We also live by a schedule, and it doesn’t work for everybody, but we really don’t flex that schedule with our children unless it’s a special occasion. Our kids wake up at 7:30am or 8am, and they go to bed at 6:30pm. They are obviously tired because they run around all day ragged and go to sleep right away. But that gives us so much time from 6:30pm to when we go to bed at 11pm. That’s almost 4 and a half hours that my husband and I can be together. You mentioned you’re a creative person. Where do you draw your inspiration from? I’d say everything. My ideas come at the most random of times. I’m out and about all
50 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
the time in the city, just taking in things. I’ll be on the train and see something, and be like, whoa, that would be a great Apple ad. Also sometimes my kids will say the funniest things. For example, on Halloween, I asked my son what he wanted to be, and he said he wanted to be a candy farmer. We made that whole thing into something– a candy farmer, how genius; why couldn’t you farm candy? We literally bought a tractor and put it outside of our townhouse with candy. It was hilarious. Ultimately, I think it’s just having our eyes and ears open, just being present with people. I know that sounds silly, but I don’t get most of my ideas from other social media. I’ve grown a large Instagram following, but I don’t know if you’ve noticed I never really post stories. I know that stories are something that you’re supposed to do in the moment, but I don’t have my phone out recording it all the time. If that means I’m being more present with people, and I don’t get to story it for my audience, I think that’s almost better. Have you ever traveled with your kids? Yes. I don’t take them on huge work trips because I don’t know how my kids would do with jet lag, or how I could actually work. But we do shorter trips. This summer, after I had the twins, we went to the Dominican Republic, and I just took the boys, who are ages 3 and 1. It was a big adjustment for them with the twins, and I’m very conscious of making sure they all have individual time and special memories. That’s really important to me. I’ve also traveled with the boys all over the States, like Boston, Florida, Texas. This year we’ve put a pause on it because I have 4 kids under age 3. I think it’ll be more enjoyable for the whole family if we wait. Based on the travel that you did do with your two boys, do you have any tips for
Photo by Michelle Rose Photo
traveling with kids? Yeah, have a plan. Before we did a big trip with the boys, we did small trips through the city. We’d go on the train and make the subway a big deal so it’s almost like a crash course for the chaos of the airport. We’re not big on screen time, but the older one will get an iPad for maybe 20-minute shows. We also have their favorite snacks, and we’ll buy 3 or 4 new, tiny toys that’ll distract them in a meltdown situation. The other things are just basics. Have whatever soothes your child. For us, it’s a Lovey. We bring the Lovey everywhere because it soothes our boys in any situation. That’s great. Finally, can you tell us why you love living in NYC? I love NYC for so many reasons. I come
from a small town outside of Dallas, and there’s not much diversity. My kids are going to get to see all different kinds of cultures, people, and walks of life. That’s honestly one of the best gifts I can give my kids. There’s a lot going on in the world that’s not necessarily great, but I think we all have a common goal, and sometimes that gets lost with people’s differences. Living in NYC is also so convenient. I know people are like, oh my gosh, the spaces are too small. But think about it. Our doctor’s office is a block away. Our dry cleaner is on this block. Our coffee shop is on the same block. If we get a blizzard tomorrow, everything we need is most likely at a 4-block radius. And how convenient is that as a mom? Also, on the Upper East Side, there are so many parks
for kids and free activities for kids. When it’s raining, you just take the bus to the Natural History Museum, and it’s free– one of the best museums in the world! Kids have this wider understanding of the world because they have access to many different experiences, people, and stories. It also pushes you to go outside all the time and be more active. As New Yorkers, we might not go to the gym every day, but we don’t need to, because we’re walking around constantly. At my child’s Jewish preschool, they have this cute saying– “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” Our kids go outside every day, no matter the weather. This story has been edited for brevity and clarity; for the full story, go to newyorkfamily.com. January 2024 | Westchester Family
51
calendar BY SHARA LEVINE
WESTCHESTER First Day Hike
WHEN: Jan. 1, 9 – 11 am WHERE: Rockefeller State Park Preserve, 125 Phelps Way, Pleasantville AGES: 6 and older WHAT: Start your New Year off by searching for winter birds including both bald eagles and the red tailed hawks often seen on the preserve. WANT TO GO?: Free. parks. ny.gov
My Naturalist & Me WHEN: Jan. 5-19, Fridays, 9:45 – 10:45 am WHERE: Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Road, Rye AGES: 18 months and older WHAT: Learn all about nature through fun activities like animal meet and greets, crafts, and short hikes. WANT TO GO?: $15 per family. (914) 967–5150, ryenaturecenter.org
Historical Games WHEN: Jan. 6, 12 – 2 pm WHERE: Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, 29 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers AGES: All WHAT: Try your hand at all kinds of historical games and learn the history behind them. WANT TO GO?: Free. (914) 965–4027, parks.ny.gov
Frozen Sing-Along WHEN: Jan. 6 & 7, 11 am – 1 pm. WHERE: Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Road, Pleasantville AGES: All WHAT: Attend a special singalong edition of the beloved Disney movie, Frozen! WANT TO GO?: $16; $11 members; $9 child. burnsfilmcenter.org
The Play Group Theatre presents You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown this month. Winter Wolves WHEN: Jan. 6-28, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am – 12:30 pm & 2 – 3:30 pm WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: All WHAT: Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why this season is such a magical time for packs in North America. WANT TO GO?: $15; $12 children younger than 12. nywolf.org
Family Art Workshop: Toy Theaters WHEN: Jan. 6-13, Saturdays and Sundays, 12 – 4 pm; Jan. 14,
52 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
1 – 4 pm. WHERE: Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers AGES: 4 and older WHAT: Create a toy theater out of a small cardboard box, design a habitat, and create animal characters. WANT TO GO?: Included with admission: $8-$13. (914) 963– 4550, hrm.org
The Rock and Roll Playhouse Plays The Music Of Tom Petty For Kids + More ft. Summerfeet WHEN: Jan. 13, 2 pm WHERE: Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre, 145 Westchester Ave., Port Chester AGES: 10 and younger
WHAT: Introduce your little ones to the music of rock legend Tom Petty at this concert for kids. WANT TO GO?: $17.50 advance; $20 day of show. thecapitoltheatre.com
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown WHEN: Jan. 13-15, Saturdays, 8 pm, Sundays, 2 pm; Jan. 15, 2 pm; Jan. 21, 7 pm. WHERE: The Play Group Theatre, 1 North Broadway, White Plains AGES: All WHAT: Full of iconic moments from the classic Peanuts comic strip, this charming show brings Charlie Brown and the gang to the stage.
FEB 10 | THE BOY WHO CRIED WOLF
The Katonah Museum of Art hosts a Stroller Tour on January 19. WANT TO GO?: $22; $18 senior citizen and children younger than 12. playgroup. org
WANT TO GO?: Free With Admission: $6-$12; free for children younger than 12. katonahmuseum.org
All About Owls
Snow Day Weekend
WHEN: Jan. 14, 1 – 2 pm WHERE: Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining AGES: All WHAT: Meet a member of this fascinating group of birds, get creative with a craft, and find out how owls own the night. WANT TO GO?: $15 per family. Members: $10 per family. teatown.org
WHEN: Jan. 20 & 21, 9 am – 5 pm. WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: All WHAT: Join the museum for winter themed STEAM activities including Infrared Vision, Blanket Mega-Forts, Snow Clay Sculptures, and Cozy Blubber. WANT TO GO?: $14; $12 seniors. (914) 421–5050, discoverwcm.org
MLK Day of Service WHEN: Jan. 15, 10 am – 12 pm WHERE: JCC MidWestchester, 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale AGES: All WHAT: This MLK Day, pack full, non-perishable meals— blizzard boxes—for nourishing people’s bodies during the long winter. Younger kids can decorate boxes and make cards. WANT TO GO?: Free. (914) 725–7300, jccmw.org
Creative Community Fridays: Stroller Tours WHEN: Jan. 19, 9:30 – 10:30 am WHERE: Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay Street, Katonah AGES: 0-18 months WHAT: Explore the museum with your little one and connect with others while enjoying refreshments.
MAR 16 | DOT DOT DOT: A NEW MUSICAL APR 6 | THE RAINBOW FISH MAY 5 | ROSIE REVERE, ENGINEER & FRIENDS JUN 2 | CHARLOTTE’S WEB
2 SHOWS | 11AM & 2PM
BUY TICKETS
EMELIN.ORG | 914.698.0098
153 LIBRARY LANE, MAMARONECK, NY
Tree Tapping at Muscoot Farm WHEN: Jan. 20 & 21, 12 – 3 pm. WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 NY-100, Katonah AGES: All WHAT: In this hands-on tour, participants will learn all about the tapping process of maple sugaring while handling the farm’s antique tools. WANT TO GO?: $8; free for children ages 2 and younger. muscootfarm.org
Orecchiette Pasta Making Class WHEN: Jan. 20, 11 am – 12 pm WHERE: treehaus, 123 Main Street, Dobbs Ferry AGES: 10-14 WHAT: Kids will learn to make semolina dough and shape it into orecchiette then top it off
Your online resource for all things parenting
WestchesterFamily.com provides a rich array of local resources, useful content, directories and interactive tools to help families meet and celebrate the challenges of parenting.
Visit us online today!
WestchesterFamily.com January 2024 | Westchester Family
53
calendar JANUARY AKC Meet the Breeds New York
with red sauce, basil, butter and sage. WANT TO GO?: $40. (914) 689–3570, eventbrite.com
WHEN: Jan. 27-28, Saturday and Sunday, 9am-4pm WHERE: Javits Center, 429 11th Ave., Hell’s Kitchen AGES: All WHAT: Play with more than 130 different dog breeds, see dog sports in action, and participate in games, art activities and photo ops for the whole family in the Kids Zone. WANT TO GO?: $35; $10 children younger than 12. akc. org
Westchester Knicks vs College Park WHEN: Jan. 24 & 25, 7 pm. WHERE: Westchester County Center, 198 Central Avenue, White Plains AGES: All WHAT: See the Westchester Knicks, the official NBA G League affiliate of the New York Knicks, take on the College Park Skyhawks. WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $16.85. countycenter.biz
NYC Grand Soft Day WHEN: Jan. 12-21, Fridays, 4pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am & 1pm; 2024; Jan. 15, 10am & 1pm. WHERE: New 42 Studios, 229 W 42nd Street, Midtown AGES: 2-5 WHAT: This all-season adventure filled with live music and a sprinkling of words will ready you for whatever weather wends your way. WANT TO GO?: $23. newvictory.org
The Thunderbird American Indian Dancers in Concert WHEN: Jan. 12-21, Fridays and Saturdays, 8pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 3pm WHERE: Theater for the New City, 155 First Avenue, East Village
Make a toy theater at the Family Art Workshops this month at the Hudson River Museum. AGES: All WHAT: Learn about the philosophy and beauty of Native cultures through dances, stories and traditional music. WANT TO GO?: $15. theaterforthenewcity.net
El Otro Oz WHEN: Jan. 13-Feb 18, Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30am-12pm & 1:30-3pm WHERE: Atlantic Stage 2, 330 W 16th St., Chelsea AGES: 5 and up WHAT: Click your heels together and go on a journey salsa, merengue, and Mexican folk-infused musical inspired by The Wizard of Oz. WANT TO GO?: $30; $15 for children. atlantictheater.org
Musical Explorers Family Concert WHEN: Jan. 13, 12-1pm & 3-4pm.
Family Art Project: Starry Night Sky
WHERE: Carnegie Hall, 881 7th Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3 – 8 WHAT: Discover music from around the world in this vibrant, highly interactive concert. Arrive early for free pre-concert activities. WANT TO GO?: $18. carnegiehall.org
WHEN: Jan. 6 & 7, 10 am – 1 pm. WHERE: Wave Hill, 4900 Independence Ave., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Explore the stars and planets visible at this time of year and make your own light box full of constellations. WANT TO GO?: Included with admission: $4-$10. wavehill.org
Flor Bromley
The Ballet of Cinderella
WHEN: Jan. 21, 11:30am-12:30pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: This interactive, environmentally conscious concert celebrates our planet and all the plants and animals in honor of the Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shevat (birthday of the trees). WANT TO GO?: $18; free for children. (212) 423–3200, thejewishmuseum.org
WHEN: Jan. 19, 7:30 pm WHERE: Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Park Blvd W., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine returns to the United States to present their captivating two-act performance of Cinderella, one of the most beloved stories of all time. WANT TO GO?: $43-$83. Lehmancenter.org
Check us out Online
Visit westchesterfamily.com to explore our site and sign up for our weekly newsletters! 54 WestchesterFamily.com | January 2024
• Meet Camp Directors • G
• Arts & Crafts • Free Treats • Face Painting
• Balloon Animals • Fun Photo Station • Prizes & more to come!
Saturday January 27, 2024 - 12pm to 3pm Mamaroneck Beach + Yacht Club at 555 South Barry Avenue Discovery and Fun all in one place, in one afternoon. Don’t miss out. Get your FREE ticket now!
RSVP Now - Space is Limited www.newyorkfamily.com/CampFairs