August 2018

tampabayparenting.com

AUGUST 2018

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ISSUE TIPS FOR FIRST DAY SUCCESS SCHOOL SAFETY IN TAMPA BAY ARE YOU READY FOR KINDERGARTEN? ...AND MORE!

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AFTER SCHOOL OUR GUIDE TO ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMS

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Contents / August 2018

SECTIONS 10

16 18 24 27 28 30 33 34 37

38

43 44 46 49

52 56

59 60

LIFE + HOME

Finding Balance Meet 3 local moms who share their secrets

EDUCATION back to school

Guest Editor Corbett Prep celebrates 50 years as a leader in education College Matchmaker Tips from a college placement expert School Safety How local districts are keeping our kids safe Sidewalk Stompers Local organization encourages walking to school Library Learning Discover fun programs for your family at the library First Day Success Contributors share tips for an awesome school year Kindergarten Ready Tampa Mom gets ready for the first day of kindergarten Girl Scouts 6 ways to boost your daughter's confidence School Bell Times Get ready for Hillsborough County's new bell schedule

24

FOOD + DRINK

Date Night Guide A luxury sports bar debuts at Raymond James Stadium

BEAUTY + STYLE

Things we love From the office to the carline

HEALTH + WELLNESS

YMCA Active learning happens after school at the YMCA Flotation Therapy Floating on 1,000 pounds of salts CPR A minute of your time could save a child's life

16

38

52

FAMILY FUN

Disney Preview A peek inside Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios Summer Vacation We share our favorite family-friendly trips

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Around Town Spotlight on Tampa Bay August Top Picks Our favorite events

FEATURES

21

ON THE COVER Blake Mize, 5, is all set for school in his snazzy duds.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES IN TAMPA BAY

Academics, arts, clubs, sports and organizations

Cover images by Flash Photography Studios, LLC Hand lettering on the cover by Raquel Pullaro of White Sands Collective

4 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

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Guest editor note

GUEST EDITOR

Courtney Cairns-Pastor

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITORIAL MANAGER Laura Byrne

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Anu Varma Panchal

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

MESSY LEARNING IS THE BEST KIND OF EDUCATION

Sarah Stoulil

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Courtney Cairns-Pastor Anu Varma Panchal Tara Payor, Ph.D. Joe Humphrey Emily Hay Hinsdale Jennifer Hodges, Ph.D., MLIS Martina Rutti Andrea Bastianti Archibald Chris Farkas Joan O’Neil Lalita Llerena Sarah Stoulil American Heart Association-Tampa Bay Laura Byrne

CALENDAR

Sarah Stoulil Joan O'Neill

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ralf Gonzalez Craig Collins

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Nicole Barolo of Page Four Creative

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Flash Photography Studios LLC Darlene Barlows Photography

INTERN

Joan O'Neill Jiayi Huang

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Employee of the Month, LLC

TAMPA BAY PARENTING MAGAZINE

When my son first started at Corbett Prep in PreK4, his teachers sent home a note suggesting that we save nice clothing for outside of school. At school, they said, he would get messy.

The good kind of messy.

I pick him up from school – even now, as he enters fourth grade – and see proof of an active day in the streaks of paint and dirt on his clothes, worn-out sneakers and sweaty collars.

In kindergarten, he and his friends splashed in a plastic pool of spaghetti during a senses celebration. A living history unit took kids back in time to dip candles, thatch a roof and make butter. As first graders, he and his friends kicked off their shoes and waded into the lake to collect and study critters living there. The third-grade class made the lawn an extension of their classroom, sprawling on the grass to paint and build giant totem poles.

I have the privilege of working at my son’s school,

and every time I see him involved in these kinds of projects, I know Corbett Prep is the right school for him. Hands-on learning makes him excited about his classes, gives him a more thorough understanding of the topics he studies and increases his retention of knowledge.

Experiential learning occurs in all classes at Corbett Prep because it’s rooted in the school’s philosophy. Fifty years ago when Marilyn Gatlin and Betty Anderson founded the school – then known as Independent Day School – they wanted to create an exciting and stimulating educational environment. Happy children who have the freedom to investigate and explore, they believed, are more open to learning than children who are tense and fearful.

It’s as true today as it was in 1968. The love of learning Corbett Prep teachers have instilled in my son makes the extra laundry worth it!

COURTNEY CAIRNS-PASTOR

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR AT CORBETT PREPARATORY SCHOOL Frank, Nate and Courtney Pastor visited the lighthouse on Sanibel Island this summer.

320 W. Kennedy Blvd Ste. 220 Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone: 813-949-4400 Fax: 813-315-6688 info@tbparenting.com editor@tbparenting.com

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Tampa Bay Parenting is published twelve times per year and distributed throughout the Tampa Bay community. Tampa Bay Parenting is not responsible for any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or incorrect information (or the consequences related thereto) contained within the magazine or online; readers should not rely on any information contained in the magazine and they should always consult with an appropriate professional for guidance.

Tampa Bay Parenting accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information or materials provided by Tampa Bay Parenting. Some content published by Tampa Bay Parenting is sponsored or paid for advertising content, and some individuals quoted or cited in articles have paid for advertising or sponsorships; this content or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Tampa Bay Parenting.

6 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

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CORBETT PREPARATORY SCHOOL ON PAGE 16 Courtney and her family are huge fans of the Tampa Bay Lightning. They recently attended the All Star Game family festival.

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meet our contributors

LALITA LLERENA

ANU VARMA PANCHAL Anu Varma Panchal has written and edited for area publications for nearly 20 years. She’s ac­t ive on her children’s PTA boards, loves theatre, concerts, the local brewery scene and travel, and spends way too much time schlepping her 10 and 13-year-olds around in her minivan. She never leaves home without her library card. You can find her at youreditingsolutions.com.

As the communications director, Lalita Llerena oversees all internal and external communications for the Tampa YMCA. Before starting her public relations career, Lalita managed a 24-hour local TV news team as an executive producer. Prior to her nine years in the Tampa/St. Petersburg market, Lalita produced, reported and anchored for TV and radio outlets in Orlando and Gainesville. She lives in Riverview with her husband, Danny, and their 8-year-old daughter, Daniella, and 4-yearold son, Logan.

Emily L. Hay Hinsdale is a mother of two girls and freelance writer based in South Tampa. She also founded Sidewalk Stompers (sidewalkstompers.org) to promote walking to school as a healthy component of a child's day and is an outspoken advocate for safe pedestrian routes for children.

announcing our new website

Nicole Barolo is the print designer for Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine. She owns boutique design studio Page Four Creative, and frequently collaborates with calligraphy studio White Sands Collective. Prior to starting her own design business, she spent nearly ten years helping local schools create and publish yearbooks. She and her husband share their Original Carrollwood home with a 7-year-old ninja-in-training, an 8-year-old drummer and a Boston terrier named Porter.

JENNIFER HODGES Jennifer Hodges is the Supervisory Librarian in Community Engagement for Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library. She lives in Land O' Lakes with her husband James, an application developer, their three children, the Tampa trio: Haley (14), Ella (13), and Ronin (12), and an Autism Service dog, Matthew. Jennifer and her family love theatre/Broadway, and taking long road trips where they enjoy listening to audiobooks and singing all 20,520 words to "Hamilton: An American Musical." Jennifer holds advanced degrees in Environmental Management and Policy, and Library and Information Science.

NICOLE BAROLO

TARA PAYOR, PH.D.

EMILY L. HAY HINSDALE

Tara Payor, Ph.D. has a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. She is a contributing faculty member for Walden University, where she guides doctoral students through their dissertations. She is also a language arts educator. Reach her at tpayor@gmail.com.

Martina Rutti, director of play at the Glazer Children's Museum, takes her play seriously.

She is an overly proud mom to a precocious 5-year-old and loves to spend time in the wilds of Florida with her daughter and husband.

SARAH STOULIL TBPM Editorial Assistant, Sarah Stoulil, has a degree in Vocal Performance Musical Theatre, as well as minors in Business and Entrepreneurship. When not keeping Tampa Bay Parenting organized behind the scenes, you may see her portraying many of your favorite princesses with Parties with Character or dancing around Tampa Bay.

check out

tampabayparenting.com for even more great events and stories

Are you a local blogger or writer? If you have a content idea or a story to tell, email us.

Story idea?

8 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

MARTINA RUTTI

editor@tbparenting.com

We’re raising the

Imagination Generation!

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Build Forts!

Climb Clouds!

Cook Up Fun!

Explore Oceans!

AUGUST 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 9

LIFE + HOME | FINDING BALANCE

Working &momming SHIFTING FROM BALANCE TO FULFILLMENT

D

iscussion about balance between professional and personal realms is too complicated to fully address in an article. Conversations about mothering and working often get convoluted and shut down. Choice is an important component. Some choose to be stay-at-home parents,

and many factors afford them that opportunity. Some choose to work part time, and myriad things lead them to that path.

Some choose to work full time, and that is what they decide is best for their situation. When people are forced into situations, absent choice, feelings of inequity and resentment surface.

Meet Kristen Emerson, mom of 2

“My friends said they lost me. I wasn’t communicating because I was so stressed.

I wasn’t doing things with people because I was so tired.

I knew it wasn’t the right fit anymore,” says Kristen, a practicing attorney who recently transitioned to part-time work. “My office hours were 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and there was more to do at night—briefs and prep for mediations, depositions and hearings.” Mindful of ethical responsibilities, Kristen wasn’t billing for every hour. She realized there was too much yelling, juggling and unhappiness. After discussions with her husband, she spoke with the firm’s partners about choosing to step down: “I was ready to take over some major clients, but our kids spent more time with teachers and aftercare than with us.”

Kristen spent months paying down debt and put

Meet Kari Goetz, mom of 1

Kari is the director of marketing for Tampa International Airport. “I didn’t have my son until I was 39. For so long, it was just my career and I viewed the transition as an opportunity to integrate parenthood into what I do,” says Kari, who is also an accomplished actress and community leader.

She’s now working on incorporating her family into work travel: “I have the chance to show him the world.” Kari’s job is demanding and days can be

long, but she finds ways to make it work: “Some days start at 8 a.m. and end at 10 p.m., but I’ve left events to tuck my son in and go back. I make sure there’s always a touch point. I also have an incredibly supportive partner and

10 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

By Tara Payor, Ph.D.

The purpose here isn’t sharing judgments about the best work life mix—a moving target available in many shades. Here, three working moms share details about their mothering and working journeys.

The connective tissue among their stories is choice—something they believe enables them to provide the best life possible for their children.

their son in a less costly pre-school. Their daughter, a rising second grader who needed extra support with reading, was a big part of Kristen’s decision; Kristen spends two hours with her doing 30 minutes worth of homework.

Now working from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Kristen appreciates completing homework with kids and domestic duties before dinner: “My friends say I’m back to myself and my kids are happy having me home more.” For Kristen, it’s not about a work-life balance, it’s about want versus need. Eventually, she’d like working full-time again so she can help her kids with college: “It’s too early to make that call. Now, I remind myself why I stopped working so much. If I’m not true to that, there was no purpose to this.” Kristen passed up a partnership with her firm because she views her role as mother as most important: “It was eating at me that I couldn’t give my daughter what she needed. I accepted that, at home, one person can be the professional frontrunner. I’m thankful I’m more accessible to my kids now.”

couldn’t do it without him.” Kari teaches her TIA team to work the project, not the clock. “Family always comes first. We can work from wherever, whenever.” She believes motherhood has made her more productive and effective. “Before, it was nothing to order dinner and stay until 9 p.m. I can’t dawdle through projects anymore.” Beyond starting an international support group for working moms, she and her husband speak to college students about

division of labor in the home, emotional labor and the politics of parenting.

She’s noticed a perception that professional women’s ambitions know no bounds and extend to their children. “My career is where my ambition lies.

My son is not my project.

He’s a person and I don’t channel my hopes and dreams into him. My hopes includes being a good mom and helping him be his best. I don’t have Pinterest expectations.”

Meet Emily Stanley, mom of 2

“I always wanted to be a stayat-home mom,” says Emily, who fondly remembers her mom staying home: “I wanted to be like her.” With a marketing and finance background, she left the workforce when her first child was born. The transition meant giving certain things up, but as her children grow, she’s realized the sacrifices aren’t just about her. “There are things I want for them, from the schools I want them attending to the extra-curricular classes I want them taking.” With her second child, Emily decided she wanted more control over the family’s financial future: “She was born with twisted intestines and in the hospital for 49 days. Our world was turned upside down.

Financial security is a part of handling life’s curveballs, and I wanted to contribute more.”

So Emily entered direct sales, which she had previously avoided.

“I was scared of judgment, but I rise above criticism. My goal was paying for preschool. Four years in, my business has grown.”

Emily enjoys her work because she fits it into her life. “I wasn’t looking for something to replace time with the kids. It’s a slippery slope as the business grows because I have to give it more. I remind myself why I started.” A babysitter helps once a week and Emily wakes at 5 a.m. to work: “Evenings are for my husband and I.” She works during pockets of time—naptime and carline.

“When you’re busy, you’re more efficient.” With a team of 450 people, Emily doesn’t completely unplug when kids are around, nor does she let herself get deep in work during family time: “Other people rely on me, and it’s okay if the kids are in the background.” A Lexus earner with her company, Emily maintains a work/family mix that keeps her fulfilled.

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TAMPA SCHOOL TURNS 50 PAGE 16 A PERFECT COLLEGE MATCH PAGE 18 A LOOK AT SCHOOL SECURITY PAGE 24 SIDEWALK STOMPERS PAGE 27 LIBRARY FUN PAGE 28 TIPS FOR FIRST-DAY SUCCESS PAGE 30 ARE YOU KINDERGARTEN READY PAGE 33 BOOST HER CONFIDENCE PAGE 34 NEW SCHOOL START TIMES PAGE 37

WHAT TO DO AFTER SCHOOL? check out pages 21 and 22 AUGUST 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 13

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EDUCATION | GUEST EDITOR

TAMPA SCHOOL TURNS 50 AND CELEBRATES AS A LEADER IN EDUCATION

M

By Courtney Carins-Pastor

16 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

iddle School students set out for science in a canoe to collect samples from the lake to test water quality. A third- and fourth-grade economics unit transforms the field into a start-up village as students execute business plans to sell goods and services. PreK3 students study dancers like Degas and perch by the pond to paint Monet’s water lilies, learning about creative expression as they emulate master artists.

For 50 years, Corbett Prep has lived its founders’ dream to create an educational environment of unlimited possibilities that would cultivate the gifts and talents of every student.

Founders Marilyn Gatlin and Betty Anderson embraced a philosophy that happy students – respected as individuals and allowed to fulfill their needs to “play, investigate and be themselves” – were more open to learning than students who felt unhappy, tense and fearful at school.

Though much has changed since Gatlin and Anderson established their private school in 1968, their values stand strong today. Educational best practices and brain research show that the school philosophy remains relevant five decades later, a tribute to the forward thinking of Gatlin and Anderson.

“Research has proven Marilyn Gatlin and Betty Anderson to be great visionaries,” says Corbett Prep Headmaster Dr. Joyce Burick Swarzman.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

“It is our belief that school should be interesting and even exciting,” the founders wrote in the school philosophy. “Our goal is to provide a relaxed but stimulating atmosphere wherein each child feels acceptance and encouragement in the achievement of success through the exercise of responsible choice.”

Learning remains active and engaging. The curriculum is built around experiential, inquiry-based and reflective learning that helps students uncover facts, relationships and truths for themselves.

Prekindergarten and kindergarten students, for example, test life as early American settlers by learning history in class before experiencing it for themselves, “sailing” to the New World, churning butter, making candles and harvesting crops. Middle School students, meanwhile, study ecology and apply their knowledge and problem-solving skills to manage an aquaponics system that grows plants for the school chef.

Hands-on lessons appeal to different styles of learning and multiple intelligences and improve retention and understanding. Physically experiencing lessons helps students better understand what they have learned and improve their performance in class, according to a 2015 study published in "Psychological Science."

COMING HOME TO CORBETT PREP

THE INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL VISION

Gatlin and Anderson founded Independent Day School while studying gifted education under Dr. Dorothy Sisk at the University of South Florida. Gatlin and Anderson believed that all learners could benefit from gifted education and envisioned an innovative, student-centered school. Teachers would have freedom to use research-based instructional methods, and families would all feel a sense of belonging.

Independent Day School, or IDS, opened with 52 students in fifth through seventh grade in a Temple Terrace church. Within two years, the number of grade levels had doubled and the student body tripled.

In 1970, the founders moved the school to its present-day home in Carrollwood, a wooded, lakeside campus that invites students to explore.

Students climbed trees to read and attended classes in four open classrooms in a geodesic dome. Art students dried

tie-dyed shirts at a stone barbeque pit. In science, students caught tadpoles in the pond to study.

Today, IDS is known as Corbett Preparatory School of IDS, renamed in 2012 to honor school benefactors and community leaders Cornelia and Dick Corbett. The dome and other rustic, round classrooms gave way to colorful new buildings with windows placed at a child’s eye view. The Middle School students moved across Orange Grove into a two-story building with their own gym, athletic fields and lunchroom, allowing for more growth on the elementary side of the campus.

Educators draw from best practices and brain-based research to teach more than 500 students in PreK3 through eighth grade. Hundreds of teachers and college students visit annually for workshops, trainings and open houses. International connections bring students from Spain and China for short- and long-term visits.

Marilyn Gatlin, left, and Betty Anderson founded IDS, now Corbett Prep, in 1968.

The way teachers made learning memorable and entertaining formed a lasting impression on Sammi Borosh, who was a student at IDS in the 1980s. Years later, when she was studying education, her professor asked what her ideal classroom would look like. She envisioned IDS. Now she teaches first and second grade at her alma mater, working with her team to develop lessons that students will love that also rely on brain-based research and support the International Baccalaureate Programme.

A mother of three herself, Borosh now experiences IDS/ Corbett Prep in an entirely new way – as a parent. She loves watching her children explore, create and grow in such a supportive environment: “This is how school should be.”

Sammi Borosh attended IDS as a student and now teaches first and second grade. Her sons, Miles and Lucas, attend Corbett now.

Corbett Prep is located at

AUGUST 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 17

EDUCATION | COLLEGE MATCHMAKER

J

eri Williar is director of College Placement and Counseling at Admiral Farragut Academy, a private boarding and day school in St. Petersburg that prides itself on 100 percent college acceptance and a matriculation that sets each student up for success. Williar earned her bachelor’s in Sociology from Eastern Illinois University and her master’s in Counselor Education from the University of North Florida. She has more than 30 years of experience in college admissions, college registration, high school college placement and guidance counseling. She shares with our readers how to proceed through high school and choose the college or university that is right for the individual.

“Everyone has a path to follow,” Williar explains.

“It doesn’t matter so much as to how you get there; ultimately it’s about finding the right match and that you are happy. Everything else will follow.”

match

maker JERI WILLIAR HELPS STUDENTS FIND THEIR PERFECT COLLEGE FIT

EXPLAINING THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS EARLY

Every college or university is unique with its deadlines and application requirements and fall is the most intense time for seniors. The process can be extremely overwhelming, but if they are prepared throughout high school, it can ease the process. I think parents of students of all ages should have an idea of how the system works because college admissions have changed so much over the years. More people apply so there is more competition and there are more expectations, but choosing a college is also about setting realistic expectations for each student’s abilities and achievements.

SHOWING A STEADY COURSE PROGRESSION

By Admiral Farragut Academy

College admission is based on the student’s selection of courses, the rigor of those courses, and the student’s progression. For example, if a freshman takes two or three honors courses and does well, then the following year the student needs to continue to build on that foundation and take three or four honors courses and maybe an AP course. Once that student becomes a junior, he or she should add a couple

18 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

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more AP courses and maybe a Dual Enrollment course, and so on until graduation. This is much more important than all A’s in lower level courses and reaching a coveted 4.0 or higher.

HAVING AN ATTITUDE FOR SUCCESS

I believe that a student’s longevity at a school, loyalty to the culture, or desire to be involved are all important factors that set a student up for success.

Students with these mentalities and personal connections become happier and therefore are more invested in everything they do. They become invested both inside and outside of the classroom with their teachers, their coaches and their peers, which in turn means they take on more leadership roles, their grades improve, and they gain the confidence to take a more rigorous course load. It’s just as important to choose the right fit for high school as it is choosing a college.

IMPROVING TEST SCORES AND BEING REALISTIC

The other part of it is test scores. At Farragut, our students begin to take the PSAT in 8th grade to prepare them for the SAT their junior and senior year.

Sometimes students will do really well in the classroom, but their test scores aren’t strong. This is when it’s even more important to help them find the right fit.

There are so many good schools in the United States (around 5,300 colleges and universities, according to the Washington Post), and there's a good fit for everyone. It's about looking at all the aspects of what the student wants in a school, where they want to be, and what they want to major in that can help them narrow down the right fit.

CHOOSING THE TYPE OF COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY

Each student needs to take in account what type of school they are interested in. An Ivy League school, a state school and a service academy are all looking for different things that set the student apart. Today, an Ivy League school is also looking for students who are finding their niche and then doing well in that niche. For example they are joining a few clubs, growing within those clubs, and eventually gaining a leadership role. It’s not about being involved in anything and everything.

THINKING QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE

When you look at college admissions, you must be aware of the quantitative and qualitative parts. The quantitative part is the numbers part. Colleges publish their average GPA and their admitted student’s average test scores.

I encourage families to look at this data and be realistic about it. This is always the first thing we look at with students at Farragut when they’re choosing a school. We compare these expectations and where the student is at numerically.

Sometimes they're right there; sometimes they're below it. Sometimes, if we're lucky, they're above it. If they’re below it, it helps them understand the difficulty level of them getting accepted and that maybe this school isn’t the right fit. The qualitative part is the student’s extracurricular activities, sports, college essay and recommendations. If you’re close to reaching the quantitatives, then the qualitatives could be the tipping point that gets a student in. For example, a student applying to the University of Florida would need an average GPA of 4.3 and test scores somewhere in the 1200s. So a student with a 3.8 and an 1100 on the SAT, is probably in the second or third percentile. That doesn’t mean the student won’t get in, because they’ll still have a fighting chance as UF will look at that qualitative part.

FINDING THE RIGHT FIT

To me, the most important part of college guidance and counseling is for each student to find the right match.

I refuse to rank schools. I encourage each student to self-explore: who they are as people, if they want a big or small environment, if they want to live in a specific geographical area, if they want to play a specific sport, or earn a specific degree. I have each student at Farragut find five to six schools that meet their profile and then I have the student to rank them as 1) a match, 2) a reach, or 3) a solid choice school. I ask them to stop and think about all the factors that would make that next step a positive experience.

As a parent, it’s important to put your student’s best interests first, because a happy student will be more successful than one that is not passionate about their degree or college. Learn more about college prep at Admiral Farragut Academy, visit farragut.org/academic/ college-prep.

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Scouting is a way to connect and have fun as a family! Scouting provides a program that welcomes the whole family- mom, dad, brothers and sisters. Character development and values-based leadership are taught to prepare kids for success. We offer a wide array of summer programs from summer camps to activities with professional sports teams.

academics, arts, clubs, sports and organizations

Brandon All Stars 102 S. Falkenburg Rd., Tampa, 33619 813-571-7744; brandonallstars.com Brandon All-stars is a cheerleading and tumbling center that offers tumbling classes and cheerleading teams for children ages 2-18 years old. There is no experience necessary to be a part of Brandon All-stars, we offer beginner level to elite level classes, so there is a class or team for everyone!

Bullseye Learning 710 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, 33511 813-413-4998; bullseyelearning.com Bullseye Learning offers tutoring and enrichment programs for students of all ages in all subjects. Get your students ready for next year and keep their minds sharp throughout the school year. We can meet in home, at a library or another convenient location for you. Also, there are still spaces available at our Camp Exploration & Adventure at Bloomingdale Presbyterian Church, 710 East Bloomingdale Ave.,Brandon. Come and join the fun!

City of Largo 201 Highland Ave, Largo, FL 33770 727-518-3016; playlargo.com/afterschool The City of Largo’s Recreation Department is now offering affordable onsite after school care at Southwest and Highland Recreation.. During their time in after care, kids will rotate every 30-45 minutes through fun activities such as STEM, karate, yoga, fishing and more. Homework help and transportation from most Largo schools is included for only $75 a week.

AUGUST 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 21

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Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy 15906 Mapledale Blvd., Tampa, FL 33624 813-969-0240; MJPAA.com/summer At Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy, your child will explore the wonderful world of the performing arts while encountering an educational, fun-filled experience. Students will be introduced to various paths of the arts and given opportunities to act, sing, dance and be creative. They will develop friendships and a lifetime appreciation of the arts. Our goal is to provide a safe and stimulating environment promoting the emotional, social, physical and cognitive growth of your child.

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Stay safe

A LOOK AT SCHOOL SECURITY PINELLAS, PASCO AND POLK COUNTIES' SAFETY PLANS

By Anu Varma Panchal

In the wake of the Parkland school shooting, school districts around the state have worked hard to revamp security procedures. Some of this change is mandated by a new law passed by the 2018 Florida Legislature—SB 7026.

Among other measures, the bill requires all school districts to choose from one of these three options starting this upcoming school year: • Provide school resource officers (SRO) at each school, • Provide school safety officers for each school or, • Participate in the school guardian program requiring certain school personnel to be armed.

24 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

Area districts have spent the summer examining budgets, making decisions and implementing new procedures.

On May 1, Pasco County School Board approved Superintendent Kurt Browning’s proposal to hire a director of school safety and security and up to 50 school safety guards.

The director came on board June 4, says Linda Cobbe, public information officer for Pasco County Schools, and on the same day, training began for the first 50 guards hired.

“We opened up the application process twice since the initial advertisement, and have a total of 55 now, who are at various stages of Coach Aaron Feis School Guardian training with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office,” says Cobbe. The first

SCHOOL SAFETY | EDUCATION

MORE WATCHFUL EYES FOR STUDENTS IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Eakins and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister share their security plan as the school year begins

A

s our students, families and school staff enjoyed their summer, Hillsborough County Public Schools and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office have been working hard to provide a safe learning environment for all students.

For us, there is nothing more important than security of our children. You will see changes this year when you get back to school, and we want let you know what to expect before the first car line or bus ride Aug. 10.

As of this past spring, the State of Florida now requires an armed, trained first responder on every campus beginning this school year.

Thanks to our strong local partnerships, we are uniquely prepared in Hillsborough County to take on this challenge.

In our middle and high schools, students, staff and parents will continue to see a school resource deputy or officer from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office or Tampa Police Department.

New this year, every public elementary and charter school will now have a first responder; this position will ultimately be staffed by School Security officers from Hillsborough County Public Schools.

For the past 49 years, Hillsborough County Public Schools has had School Security officers on many campuses. They are employed by the district and already receive high quality law enforcement-level training. Two-thirds of the

current School Security officers are current or former law enforcement officers. One-third of the officers have a military background.

These officers must go through more than 100 hours of training by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, which includes active shooter response, defensive tactics and firearms training, in addition to training the district provides.

It will take some time to hire the 210 additional security officers and supervisors that are needed.

Until we get there, we plan to have either a current School Security officer, sheriff’s deputy or police officer on hand every day.

This strong show of force in Hillsborough County is unique in the state and we are very proud of that. Thanks to the commitment from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan and Plant City Police Chief Ed Duncan, we are meeting our obligation to the state, but more importantly, we are meeting our obligation to our most important resource, our kids.

We understand the realities you face when you send your child to school each morning. We want you to know we understand that at a personal level and we are committed to doing everything we can to provide a safe learning environment for your child. Thank you for your trust in us and we look forward to another great school year.

Welcome back!

cohort was expected to graduate July 30.

All Pasco schools have completed their Florida Safe School Assessment Tool (FSSAT) clinics and have completed walkthroughs, Cobbe says, and the district is making safety guard school assignments.

All middle and high schools will continue to be staffed with an SRO through the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and municipal police departments.

“Pinellas County Schools has made an extensive effort to maximize the safety and security of all schools,” says Lisa Wolf, public information officer and interim director of strategic communications for Pinellas County School Board. “Following the tragedy in Parkland, the school district reviewed numerous safety measures already in place.”

Wolf says the following measures will be instituted for the 2018-2019 school year: Armed security officers will be placed at every school campus. Every campus security plan will be fully reviewed and campuses will be physically assessed by school staff and local law enforcement.

School leaders and staff members will receive training on active shooter scenarios and mental health awareness, and

processes for threat assessments will be refined. There will also be increased mental health services and age-appropriate training and education for students on safety procedures.

Students can expect active shooter drills on a regular basis.

Pinellas is also going to partner with Sandy Hook Promise to enhance resources and training for students and staff in middle and high schools.

According to Jason Geary, senior coordinator of media relations for Polk County Public Schools, that district has created an entirely new district position (School Safety Guardians) in collaboration with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Elementary schools and Learning Centers will have a School Safety Guardian. Middle and high schools will have a school resource officer (SRO) from a local law enforcement agency.

Technical colleges have high school programs, so they will have a school resource officer, and adult schools will have a School Safety Guardian.

The School Safety Guardians are not the same as SROs; they will have no authority to arrest and will not be considered law enforcement. However, this new employee position will

be certified through the Polk County Sheriff’s Office guardian program, which will allow School Safety Guardians to carry a firearm on campuses. Each of these designated individuals must undergo a background check, drug test, psychological exam and 144 hours of specialized training.

The county is looking to fill 90 School Safety Guardian positions before the first day of school Aug. 13.

AUGUST 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 25

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SIDEWALK STOMPERS | Education

Starting the day with a smile: Sidewalk Stompers get to school on bike or on foot for a healthy, happy school day!

IT’S COMMUNITY BUILDING

The face-to-face interactions allowed when out of the car connect parent to child, child to child, neighbor to neighbor.

Follow Sidewalk Stompers on Facebook or visit sidewalkstompers.com to learn about launching a successful walk-to-school program.

IT’S NEIGHBORHOOD BUILDING

Neighborhoods with people out walking have higher home values, more successful business corridors and lower crime rates.

Sidewalk Stompers, a school zone pedestrian advocacy initiative, launched in 2016 with two simple goals: 1) Get more kids walking to school and 2) Make it safe for them to do so.

One goal follows the other. With more children walking to school, it’s easier to make the argument for adding more sidewalks, safety infrastructure, school zone signage and better pedestrian-friendly road designs.

So how do we get more kids walking to school?

sidewalk stompers WALK AND BIKE YOUR WAY TO A BETTER SCHOOL YEAR

By Emily L. Hay Hinsdale, co-founder of Sidewalk Stompers

Students, parents, and the community come together on Walk to School Wednesday mornings.

T

his is what back to school mornings look like for most Tampa Bay parents: get in the car! Buckle up! Traffic jam! Carline!

Move it along!

What if there were a better option? What if your morning drop-off routine looked more like this: holding hands with your child as you walk to school together, talking face to face about the day ahead, listening to mockingbirds trill their morning song overhead, greeting friends and neighbors before stopping at the school gate to give your child a real hug goodbye (and the joy of a few minutes by yourself as you walk back home to start your own day!).

Walking to school is a simple, but effective way to get your family’s school year off to a good start.

IT’S HEALTHY

With childhood obesity rates continuing to rise in the United States, normalizing routine exercise can put your child on a better path.

Outdoor exercise and before-school activity also aids children’s mental health and school preparedness.

ONE GOAL FOLLOWS THE OTHER. WITH MORE CHILDREN WALKING TO SCHOOL, IT’S EASIER TO MAKE THE ARGUMENT FOR ADDING MORE SIDEWALKS, SAFETY INFRASTRUCTURE, SCHOOL ZONE SIGNAGE AND BETTER PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY ROAD DESIGNS.

Sidewalk Stompers award-winning walkto-school programs provide clear, easy to implement plans and, in many cases, funding options. All it takes is a few volunteers, a willing school community and some little feet ready to get moving in the morning.

WALK TO SCHOOL WEDNESDAY

Elementary students participating in weekly events are tracked with stamped tally cards and rewarded for their efforts with individual and class competition prizes. Walking School Buses (promoted by Safe Routes to School) can be a beneficial component of these events.

ROAD SAFETY PROJECT

Middle school students take responsibility for their own safety by rewarding fellow students for making safe decisions crossing the road to school.

With support from the Hillsborough County School District and the Hillsborough Planning Commission, Sidewalk Stompers programs can be an effective part of any school transportation solution.

AUGUST 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 27

EDUCATION | LIBRARY

YOUR EVENT

FUN PROGRAMS AT YOUR TAMPA-HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

literacy for babies and toddlers If you have little ones at home during the day, we offer programming options for you and your child to get out and meet other families in your community.

With nearly 50 weekly early literacy programs for babies, toddlers and preschoolers that feature stories, finger plays, songs and interactive activities that encourage reading readiness, you’re sure to find a time that is perfect for you. View upcoming story time programs here bit.ly/AugustEarlyLiteracy.

By Jennifer Hodges, PhD, MS, MLIS

Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library offers more than 14,000 programs annually, serving everyone from toddlers to teens to seniors. With your school-aged children back in the classroom, now is a good time to find a program for you to attend at your local library. We offer a wide variety of adult programming.

programs for adults

Perhaps you’d like to join a book discussion group? We’ve got plenty for you to choose from. With titles ranging from “Fight Club” by Chuck Palahniuk to “The Snow Child” by Eowyn Ivey, our book discussion groups cover a diverse mix of genres. You can browse our August book discussion groups at bit.ly/AugustBookDiscussion.

Do you need a little “me time?” Finding the ability to destress and unplug whenever possible is key. Did you know that the library offers over a dozen yoga classes every month? Our yoga classes will provide you with a renewed sense of energy that will carry over to other areas of your life. View our upcoming yoga classes at bit.ly/AugustYoga2018.

STEAM for teens We also have programs to help keep teens engaged in learning. Many of our libraries offer STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) programs which encourage critical thinking and making skills. With classes ranging from basic soldering to dance to teaching them how to engineer and program different kinds of robots using Legos and the versatile Mindstorms EV3, we’ve got something for all the tweens and teens in your life.

View our August programs for tweens/teens here at bit.ly/TeenAugust

MILO the bus

28 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

In addition to the programs that we offer inside our libraries, did you know that we also have our Mobile Interactive Literacy Opportunity (MILO) which travels to locations every month and offers literacy events? On Saturday, Aug. 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., MILO will be at the Thonotosassa Branch Library and we invite your family to join us for a fun-filled day of interactive activities to encourage and celebrate a love of reading and school success. Activities that day will include reading circles, arts and crafts, literacy games, a technology station, and FREE BOOKS (while supplies last), plus a meet-and-greet with a children's book character! View more details about the August MILO event at bit.ly/AugustMILO.

Our libraries are important learning spaces, and we embrace the entire family— from infants and toddlers to teens and adults—making it a place that spans generations.

Visit your library or our website at hcplc.org to discover all the free resources that are available.

Head to toe coverage for all Florida kids from birth through the end of age 18, even if one or both parents are working.

Most families pay nothing at all, and many families pay just $15 or $20 a month. Full-pay options are also available.

With year-round enrollment, the time to apply is always now: floridakidcare.org (813) 362-1413

Funding generously provided by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.

AUGUST 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 29

istock.com/ma_rish

our contributors share tips for first day of school success

Set the breakfast table the night before. Put portioned cereal in plastic bags inside bowls and lay out spoons the night before, so all you need in the morning is milk. Fewer choices help the morning move more smoothly. Also plan to leave 10 minutes before you should: First day of school pics can take longer than expected!

X ANDY WHITMAN, WRITER/CREATOR OF

THEPRACTICALEDUCATOR.COM

AND MOTHER OF 2

30 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

School campuses generally open a half-hour before school starts, so plan to drop off your student early so they can eat breakfast with their buddies. Because breakfast is so important, we serve free, nutritious breakfast every morning at Hillsborough County Public Schools.

TANYA ARJA, HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS SPOKESPERSON AND MOTHER OF 3

FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN: BEFORE SCHOOL STARTED, THERE WAS AN OPEN HOUSE FOR PARENTS ONLY. SO WHILE I WAS THERE, I TOOK A PICTURE OF THE CLASSROOM, THE TEACHER, MY CHILD'S CUBBIE, AND THE PLAYGROUND. I USED THE PICTURES TO SHOW HER WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE THERE. IT GOT HER REALLY EXCITED ABOUT STARTING SCHOOL. ANNA TATARIS DE JESUS, CREATOR OF THEGREATESCAPEPLAN.COM AND MOTHER OF 2

FIRST DAY SUCCESS | Education

Be organized! Make a check list of everything you need for each child and start shopping early.

MERRIS POPE, EDITOR OF HULA FROG-SOUTH TAMPA AND MOTHER OF 2

FIRST DAY OF MIDDLE SCHOOL: ACCEPT THAT THIS MAY BE THE FIRST YEAR YOU WON'T GET TO WALK YOUR NOT-SO-LITTLEONE ALL THE WAY TO THEIR CLASSROOM DOOR. WHEN MY OLDER ONE STARTED SIXTH GRADE LAST YEAR, A FRIEND AND I MET IN THE PARKING LOT AND SAID OUR GOODBYES THERE BEFORE LETTING THE TWO OF THEM WALK IN BY THEMSELVES. IT'S A TOUGH ONE TO SWALLOW, BUT DON'T WORRY, YOU'RE STILL THE ONE THEY'LL WANT TO SHARE ALL THE DETAILS WITH WHEN THEY GET HOME AT THE END OF THE DAY. (FULL DISCLOSURE; I CHEATED AND WAITED A FEW MINUTES BEFORE GOING IN TO TAKE A PICTURE THROUGH THE OPEN CLASSROOM DOOR. SHE ROLLED HER EYES; BUT ALL THE OTHER MOMS THANKED ME. I WOULDN'T RISK THIS WITH A MORE BAD TEMPERED CHILD, THOUGH.) ANU VARMA PANCHAL, TBPM ASSOCIATE EDITOR AND MOTHER OF 2

Research how you want to take the “first day of school” photo. You may not think much of it, but it could become a tradition and you would want it to be a good one.

BOBBY DESKINS, METEOROLOGIST AT WTSP-10 NEWS AND FATHER OF 3

The week before school starts, begin practicing the morning routine. Set the alarms, get dressed, and eat breakfast on the schedule you'll have to stick to for the school year. This helps prevent arguments and frustration as everyone works to move from a slower summer pace into the full throttle of the school year. I feel so much better about the day ahead when we get through a morning without raised voices.

TARA PAYOR, PH.D., TBPM WRITER AND MOTHER OF 2 This will be my last first day of kindergarten this year. I have done this four times now. Here's my advice. It's okay if they cry. It's okay to be nervous. It's all going to be new. Be early on the first day.

The less they are stressed, they will find the fun in the newness and hopefully have a super awesome day. I'll be ready with a super fun and healthy snack when they get home and I can't wait to hear all about it."

Go for a swim! Hit the pool right after school every day during that first week. Kids spend those first few days of school so controlled and contained after summer's freedom that they need to just let loose and be wild when the school day ends. Let your child play in the pool for a little after school and they will be more relaxed (and more pleasant!) physically and mentally.

EMILY HINSDALE, WRITER AND MOTHER OF 2

"How was school today?"

"Fine." That was our dinner conversation until we started to play 'the game' (we need a better name for it). Everyone takes a turn sharing something they liked today, something they didn't like, and something they are looking forward to tomorrow. Start playing and it may get you more than the classic gruntshrug combo when you ask about their day.

LEAVE A NOTE IN THEIR LUNCHBOX LETTING THEM KNOW YOU LOVE THEM, ARE THINKING OF THEM AND CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR ALL ABOUT THEIR DAY. JACLYN KEENAN, PRODUCER OF GREAT DAY LIVE ON WTSP AND MOTHER OF 3 Just because summer is over does not mean the fun is over.

If you adopted any new family traditions over the summer, like exploring new places or trying new foods, create new traditions for the school year as well. While schedules can get hectic while school is in session, there is always a way to create new family fun.”

ELLIE HIRSCH, THE MOMMY MASTER, CO-FOUNDER OF PARENTUUP.COM AND MOTHER OF 3

GRAYSON KAMM, HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA OFFICER AND FATHER OF 2

MARISA LANGFORD, CREATOR OF TAMPAMAMA.COM AND MOTHER OF 4

AUGUST 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 31

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KINDERGARTEN READY | Education

By Martina Rutti , Director of Play at the Glazer Children's Museum

T

imes have changed and the presence of velour and corduroy has decreased since I set off for kindergarten, but the need for school readiness remains constant. I always knew my daughter needed to be prepared for school; however, it became clear at some point that kindergarten readiness is for parents, too.

Like many others, I studied for the test of being a new parent but nothing could truly prepare me for reality.

I read the books but it was the practical resources like the Glazer Children’s Museum that became critical.

The museum became a lifeline as I found friends, peers and activities there my first year as a mom. Circle Time became a tradition for my daughter as she sang the songs and heard the stories read aloud, getting a healthy dose of literacy. My daughter felt freedom and excitement as she toddled through the Vet Clinic feeding bottles to stuffed animals.

If raising a child takes a village, Glazer Children’s Museum was town hall. As I eventually returned to work and enrolled her in preschool, I felt I had passed some sort of test and successfully started her on the right foot.

When my daughter was around 3, teachers at

... am I? preschool began inquiring where my daughter was going to kindergarten. Wouldn’t she just go to the neighborhood school? It was at this moment that I began to realize that things may be a little different from my school days.

I felt behind in my understanding and was back in the position of studying up for my daughter. I got two lists to check off for kindergarten readiness, one for her, and one for my husband and me. Her list focused on gross motor skills, reading readiness and creative arts. Our list focused on ratings, capacity and transportation. My daughter was ahead of the game as she worked hard at her play but we were just getting our footing. Though we had different lists, we went to the museum and followed the same processes. We explored the world around us, talked with friends about what we learned, and sat down to look at all that we had found. When this was done, we applied for a lottery pick within a magnet school and eventually received a spot.

My daughter starts kindergarten this month and it is clear she is ready. It is almost surreal to see her navigate through the museum as she climbs the rock wall or carefully constructs her pizza masterpiece at the restaurant. Storytime paid off and her sight words are good! Through the museum, my daughter and I were able to play and discover, all the while fine tuning those skills that will carry her to be a lifelong learner. We are kindergarten ready. Now I just have to try not to cry when I drop her off.

AUGUST 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 33

EDUCATION | GIRL SCOUTS

Y

ou want your daughter to dream big and achieve huge things in life, and the first step to that kind of success is helping her to believe she can do anything she sets her mind to. Here are six Girl-Scouts-approved, boost-her-up tips you can use and watch her confidence soar.

1 2 3 4

ways to 6 BOOST

her confidence

By Andrea Bastiani Archibald, Developmental Psychologist for Girl Scouts of the USA

5 6

Catch her being clever

Kids are so terrific at observing life’s funniest, most puzzling and inspiring moments. When your daughter helps you see a situation in a different light, tell her why what she said is so interesting and how she changed your thinking. It matters to her that you’re really listening, and that you appreciate what she has to contribute (which is a lot!).

Switch up the compliments

If she’s used to being praised on her looks (or even her singing voice or on her soccer prowess), make sure to tell her how great she is at other things, too. She’s got many talents, and should know that they’re all valuable—that her identity doesn’t have to depend on any one of them. As far as talking about how cute she is (I mean, come on, she’s adorable!) it’s fine to tell her she looks nice, but make sure those comments are sprinkled in amongst applause for her numerous skills and talents.

Work up a sweat

Whether you initiate an impromptu yoga session in the living room or challenge her to a round of hoops on the driveway, getting active with your daughter will boost her endorphins (and, thus, her mood) and also help her appreciate just how much her awesome body really can do—instead of only focusing on the way it looks.

Ask for her help

Has your daughter aced almost every video game out there? Have her give you some pointers the next time she’s sitting down for a game. Or if she’s the queen of Instagram filters and you’re, well, a little challenged in that department, have her walk you through her favorites. Whatever she’s great at, call her out on it and let her be the teacher for once. Putting her in an expert role will show your daughter that you value her knowledge, and give her leadership skills, too!

Let her set the trends

Show curiosity about whatever she’s into right now—whether that’s horses, astronomy, or anything that unleashes her passion! She looks up to you, so when she sees you’re interested in the things she likes, too, she’ll feel even more confident in her choices and sense of self.

Cheer her on

To learn about Girl Scouts in the Tampa Bay area, visit gswcf.org/join.

34 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

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There will be times when your daughter will want to try out for or audition for things that are highly competitive; now that might not work out for her—but that’s a good thing! Don’t discourage her from attempting a challenge just because she might not get picked. Instead, tell her how happy it makes you when she tries new things and really puts herself out there, and that you’ll be proud of her no matter what happens.

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SCHOOL BELL TIMES | EDUCATION

A

s more than 200,000 students return to class, now is an important time to remind everyone about some changes coming for the 2018-19 school year in Hillsborough County Public Schools.

These changes were approved by our School Board months ago after extensive community input, but with buses about to start rolling and the first bell just days away, we wanted to make sure you’re aware.

First, the new school year starts on Friday, Aug. 10. A Friday does seem like an awkward day to return, but there’s a reason for it. It is the earliest date allowed by the Florida Legislature, and starting then allows us to preserve a full week off for Thanksgiving break while also completing the first semester before winter break.

Our students and teachers have told us that completing a semester (and semester exams) before the long winter holiday is what’s best, so we structured our calendar to meet their needs.

It is very important for students to attend that first day and we hope you’ll make attendance a priority on that day and every day of the school year.

We want to make sure parents pay special attention to new bell schedules in place throughout our district. There are some specific exceptions — so check with your school.

start new

MOST SCHOOLS WILL USE THIS SHEDULE: ELEMENTARY 7:40 A.M. TO 1:55 P.M. (12:55 P.M. ON MONDAYS)

MAGNET ELEMENTARY 8:45 A.M. TO 3 P.M. (2 P.M. ON MONDAYS)

MIDDLE 9:25 A.M. TO 4:20 P.M. (3:20 P.M. ON MONDAYS)

MAGNET MIDDLE AND HIGH 8:30 A.M. TO 3:25 P.M. (2:25 P.M. ON MONDAYS)

HIGH 8:30 A.M. TO 3:25 P.M. (2:25 P.M. ON MONDAYS)

We made these changes for several reasons: • Before this change, about 12,000 students were transported to school late every day because the schools’ start times were too close together.

• This new schedule was the number one choice in parent, student, staff, and community surveys.

• The new schedule matches guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommends high schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m.

• This change allows us to more efficiently use our school buses, with 80 percent of our buses now able to serve three schools rather than 60 percent before.

All campuses open 30 minutes before the first bell for free breakfast and a range of enrichment activities. Affordable beforeand after-school care is also available at schools throughout our district.

This will be a significant change for our system and for our community, with traffic patterns expected to shift throughout the county. However, the overall need to do what is best for student learning and improve efficiency drove this significant shift, guided by extensive community input.

You can confirm your school’s bell times and check out beforeand after-school care options at our district website, sdhc.k12.fl.us.

Our district’s motto for the coming year is We Climb Together, and we look forward to a great 2018-19 school year filled with high student achievement.

NEW BELL TIMES HIGHLIGHT CHANGES IN HILLSBOROUGH SCHOOLS

By Chris Farkas, Deputy Superintendent, Hillsborough County Public Schools

AUGUST 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 37

FOOD + DRINK | DATE TRADEWINDS NIGHT GUIDE

a date at Ray Jay WITH BUCCANEER SEASON RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER, BRUSH UP THE GAME PLAN FOR YOUR TIME AT RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM.

By Joan O'Neil for tampabaydatenightguide.com

Whether you’re an NFL newbie or a seasoned veteran, Raymond James Stadium is constantly evolving thanks to the Glazer family’s innovative dedication to fan experience.

This year, the stadium has received a few major upgrades that in addition to the NFL’s changing park policies, can be hard to keep up with. Here’s a guide to help you prepare for a special day at Raymond James.

PACK YOUR BAGS

…Or don’t. The NFL actually discourages the use of personal bags in all of its stadiums in order to expedite the entry process and provide the best security possible to keep your family safe. That being said, sometimes pockets just don’t hold everything.

The NFL currently allows one 12x6x12 clear sized bag or a one-gallon Ziploc bag per person, but no camera bags, backpacks, coolers or fanny packs are allowed onto the premise. A hand-sized clutch is okay in addition to the clear bag, but otherwise purses are a no-go. In emergencies, lockers are available onsite near gate C for a small fee if your bag doesn’t pass the security check.

Exceptions to the bag rule can be made for medical equipment, but speed the process up by calling ahead.

On game day, not all gates will be equipped to make accommodations so find out what point of entrance will be as it may influence your drop off or parking decisions.

THE DEAL WITH PARKING

The closest lots to the stadium are located on North Dale Mabry and Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard. These areas offer a variety of lot options, with Stadium Club Members nearest to Raymond James, then season pass and cash lots next. These cash lots cost $25 per space and open about 3.5 hours before kickoff.

Tailgating is permitted but is limited to the purchased parking space.

Taking a ride sharing option like Uber or Lyft may be a 38 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

good alternative to driving to the stadium. It can be less stressful, safer when consuming alcohol, and dropoff are across the road outside Steinbrenner Field.

HEADING TO THE BOX OFFICE

Online ticket prices through Raymond James vary depending on the game and opposing team. Typically the starting price runs about $50 per person for seating in the third tier but teams like the Philadelphia Eagles may be much more expensive.

Resale sites like Stub Hub or Ticket Master may be notable options for lower pricing; however, Raymond James is not responsible for issues with resold tickets. For the old school sports fans, the onsite box office opens three hours before the game begins.

Every bite clean.

GAME TIME DINING

Fans are not permitted to bring outside food or drink into Raymond James, although exceptions can be made for infants and toddlers.

Fortunately the stadium offers an abundance of dining choices, 47 concessions to be exact. Gluten allergy? No problem! There’s a deli on each level full of gluten-free alternatives to sporting event favorites like hotdogs and nachos. They even feature a gluten-free picnic box.

BAR 76 AND EAST STADIUM CLUB

This fall, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are storming into the new season with major stadium upgrades, including the gamechanging luxury sports bar, Bar 76. A shout out to the NFL team’s 1976 inaugural year, Bar 76 is positioned to become the new fan favorite portion of the East Stadium Club expansion and redesign.

The 10,000-square-foot bar will feature more than 60 HDTV screens and two massive video boards for ultimate game time access, pre/post game programming and various other NFL games around the country.

The space can be described as contemporary industrial meets Buccaneer archives with 32 NFL helmets as the decorative focal point.

The big draw at Bar 76 will be their selection of 76 beers, an unprecedented menu when compared to other local venues.

The diverse offerings will include beers from team partners MillerCoors and AnheuserBusch, but will also incorporate assortments from smaller Florida breweries. Additionally, Bar 76 will offer unannounced location signature food items and build-it-yourself styled meal stations for more than 200 patrons at a time.

While Bar 76 will be located at the atrium, the East Stadium Club expansion will also provide guests with two bars in addition to Bar 76, and a selection of boutique concessions. The renovations to this space will also include newly padded seats for the game and more than 160 HDTVs for viewing in the lounge areas.

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Join the herd September 8th at Curtis Hixon Park The 7th Annual Chick-fil-A Fall Stampede benefitting the Children's Cancer Center (CCC) includes a chip timed 5K Run, 1 Mile Family Fun Run/Walk, a NEW Sleep-In option, and a post-race party in the park including Chick-fil-A food, music, and great prizes. Chick-fil-A has been a partner of the CCC since the inception of this event in 2012. Russ Voor, the Chick-fil-A franchise operator of the Clearwater and Enterprise Road Chick-fil-A restaurants says, “The CCC is a fantastic organization whose sole mission is to support kids and families in the Tampa Bay area dealing with cancer. At Chick-fil-A, we are all about giving back to the community, so this partnership is a perfect fit for us.”

The CCC is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving kids and families battling childhood cancer or chronic blood disorders with emotional, financial, and educational support necessary to cope with their life-threatening illness. With over 24 support programs and services, currently helping over 1,000 families, support is offered to all members of the family and is available through every step of their difficult journey. Executive Director of the CCC, Patty O'Leary says “The amount of gratitude is immeasurable for our partnership with the 41 local Chickfil-A locations and their dedication to making a direct impact in the lives of families battling childhood cancer.”

Register at Fallstampede.com and use this promo code for $5 OFF: TBPM18

MEET BO!

Bo is one of the many children served by the CCC! Earlier this year, Bo began experiencing pain in his upper thigh and walking with a limp. After many doctor visits, scans, and a bone biopsy, Bo was diagnosed with Stage 3 Ewing Sarcoma in his left pelvis. Prior to being diagnosed, Bo was an athletic and social kid. His treatments leave him tired, isolated, bald and with nasty mouth sores making it hard to eat. Bo receives chemotherapy treatments every 2 weeks, and radiation treatments daily. Due to his intense treatment, Bo is in the hospital for extended periods of time, yet after all this, he continues to inspire us with his attitude and silly grin!

Bo hasFOR enjoyedAmeeting SWAP THEpositive FANCY WHITE LINEN new friends just like at the CCC's Oncology Support DATE “NIGHT” WITH Ahim DIFFERENCE Group Nights and Summer Camp!

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42 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

THINGS WE LOVE | BEAUTY + STYLE

things we love right now

By TBPM Staff

1

TICKET TO RIDE

Diono radian rXT Convertible Car Seat In charge of the carpool? Diono’s Just My Color series line will safely travel with your child from the infant years to booster seat years! There are some great color selections too if you are looking for an extra pop of color. Bonus: They fit 3- across in most midsized vehicles.

2

twelveLittle Diaper backpack A backpack is the way to go, especially with more than one kid, but we also love that this doubles as a work bag, comfortably fitting a laptop and notebook. Our favorite thing about this? The curved straps that don't dig into your armpits!

STYLISH SUNNIES

Warby Parker Sunglasses Any type of sun protection is a must.

We like these shades from Warby Parker that you can even put a prescription in.

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SWEET FEET Rothy's flats We are loving these! The shoes are made out of recycled water bottles and are so comfortable! You can even toss them in the washing machine and easily replace the insoles. There are so many colors and three different styles (The Point, The Flat and The Loafer.)

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FIT TO BE TIED

By Lilla hair ties We’ve seen a few different brands nail it with trendy hair ties, and one brand we love is By Lilla! There are so many color and style options. We love that they double as cute bracelets when you decide it’s time to take the hair down.

Cube Tracker We’ve all been there…scrambling at the last minute to find your stuff! Get help from Cube Tracker. We tested it out and love it! It works with your smartphone via an app and sends off an alert to help you track down your keys, or you can press the button on the Cube to find and ping your phone! You can even use it as a hands-free way to take a selfie from your phone!

FIND YOUR KEYS RING A LOST PHONE AUGUST 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 43

FOOD + DRINK HEALTH + WELLNESS | TRADEWINDS | YMCA

learn all day

ACTIVE LEARNING HAPPENS AFTER SCHOOL AT THE YMCA 44 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

By Lalita Llerena

A

new school year is filled with potential — a chance to start new routines and habits, build new friendships and discover new possibilities and interests. It’s an exciting time for many kids. However, at the end of the school day, 11.3 million kids head to homes where they are unsupervised from 3 to 6 p.m. That’s according to Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness organization.

Let’s face it: Even if your kids aren’t home alone after school, chances are they’ll hop in front of the TV or play video games for hours until bedtime. Not at the Y! The YMCAs of Tampa Bay offer programs to keep kids active, busy and engaged during out-of-school time. Through a well-rounded approach to youth development, Y programs provide activities in a caring and safe environment. Whether through sports, mentorship or academic support, the Y nurtures the potential of youth throughout the school year.

As the nation's largest school-age childcare provider, the Y is about more than looking after kids. It's about providing a safe and nurturing environment for your children to learn, grow and develop social skills. YMCA before and afterschool programs offer a unique curriculum with educational and character-building resources that provide children with the knowledge, guidance and encouragement needed to realize their potential. Working parents can feel confident their little ones are getting homework help, structured outdoor and indoor activities, healthy snacks and crafts at the Y. If you’re not looking for structured childcare but want to keep your kids busy, check out the Y’s youth sports and swim lessons. Did you know basketball and volleyball were actually invented at the Y? How cool would it be to learn from the pioneers? Whether it’s soccer, gymnastics or swimming, YMCA sports provide kids with more than just technical skills — children also learn skills they need to succeed in life. They don’t only become quality athletes; they become confident kids who turn into contributing and engaged adults.

As your kids transition into the teen years, it’s important to keep them involved so they don’t feel isolated or misunderstood. The Y’s mission is to engage teens to help them develop their full potential while providing supervision, as well as opportunities for volunteerism and community service. Teens learn about leadership development, service to others and physical fitness at the Y. There’s even a “Youth In Government” program that gives students the opportunity to serve as part of a youth-run, youth-led model government process.

As you can tell, there’s no limit to what your kids can do at the Y! They’re learning, exercising and making friends each day. To see how your children can learn, grow and thrive at the Y, visit ymcatampabay.org/find-your-y/ and check out what youth programs are offered at the location most convenient to you!

AUGUST 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 45

FOOD + DRINK HEALTH + WELLNESS | TRADEWINDS | FLOTATION THERAPY

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Float on ALL RIGHT COULD FLOTATION THERAPY BE THE WELLNESS OF THE FUTURE?

By Sarah Stoulil

N

atural and alternative forms of health and wellness have seen a major upswing in interest in recent years. One common at-home wellness remedy is the use of Epsom salts, which most people use in small doses in their bathtubs to ease stress and relieve physical aches and pains.

But what if you were to float in 1,000 pounds of medical grade Epsom salts? At Chill Therapy you can do just that.

WHAT IS FLOTATION THERAPY?

Flotation Therapy is a tool for relaxation, pain relief, better sleep and overall total body wellness, according to the folks at Chill Therapy. While floating, your body is submerged in 10 inches of Epsom saltsaturated, temperature-controlled water. The saturation of the water allows you to float easily (in fact, it is difficult to push your hands or feet to the bottom without them springing back to the surface), bringing your body to a state of complete relaxation.

WHAT IS IT LIKE?

There are many aspects that make floating a personal experience at Chill Therapy. Each float pod is located in a private room with a private shower for use before and after your float. You can hook up your own music through an auxiliary cord to the float pod’s integrated speakers. The speakers are set under the water 46 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

so you can easily hear while you float. 3) You can also choose your own LED light colors to fit your mood or engage in color therapy. Or if you prefer pure quiet and darkness, you can turn off the light and sound altogether.

The benefits are not unlike what you receive from using Epsom salts at home, just much more effective. Obvious benefits are of relaxation and stress relief merely from being in a quiet environment and letting the cares of the world melt away. However, the real benefit comes from the density of the water.

With 1,000 pounds of medical grade Epsom salts, the water is dense enough to lighten the gravity on your body. This sensation has a tremendous effect on pain relief. Also, with this high concentration of salt, the therapy can result in better sleep, reduced recovery time, mindfulness, increased concentration and lower blood pressure.

WHERE CAN YOU EXPERIENCE FLOTATION THERAPY?

Chill Therapy, a relaxation and recovery spa, is located in the heart of South Tampa at 2102 S. MacDill Ave. They have two float pods on site as well as other wellness therapies.

Visit ChillTherapyTampa.com for more information.

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GROWING TOGETHER

A NEW Pediatric ER for your family’s emergencies!

HCA

Tailored exclusively for young patients, the Pediatric Center at Brandon Regional Hospital provides advanced pediatric care for kids of all ages.

As your family grows, our Pediatric Center experts are here for you:

All NEW Pediatric ER with dedicated entrance and family areas Advanced Pediatric Inpatient and Intensive Care Units Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) NICU and Pediatric Surgical Care from All Children’s Specialty Physicians

For more information on the Pediatric Center, or to find a pediatric specialist for your child call (813) 653-1065.

48 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

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CPR | HEALTH + WELLNESS

By American Heart Association-Tampa Bay

W

A MINUTE OF YOUR TIME COULD SAVE A CHILD’S LIFE

hen Lona Mazzeo received a call from her son Samuel’s high school alerting her that he had passed out during gym class, Lona assumed her son was dehydrated. It was just this past February and midday temperatures were already unusually high.

Yet, when Lona arrived at the hospital, she learned that her healthy, athletic 6-and-a-half-foottall son at just 16 years had stopped breathing.

“Two weeks before the incident, Samuel participated in a weightlifting competition,” Mazzeo says. “He had a healthy physical every year and never showed any signs that would indicate he was anything other than the picture of perfect health.”

The last thing Samuel remembers is sitting down to take a break before feeling dizzy. He has no recollection of his teachers rushing over to perform CPR while another ran to retrieve the school’s AED. “When I got to the hospital, the principal told me what happened, and I probably had the strangest look on my face,” Mazzeo says. “I remember asking, ‘did you just tell me that my son died, and you guys saved him?’ I was in complete shock!”

Samuel was later airlifted to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital where doctors diagnosed him with ARVD, a rare genetic condition that weakens the heart’s ability to pump blood.

Astonishingly, six weeks later, Samuel was back at school with a pacemaker.

Samuel can continue to lead a healthy, normal life with a few exceptions, exceptions that this active teenager is still working to accept.

An avid athlete, Samuel can no longer play contact sports. He has reluctantly given up his position on the football team and will spend his senior year supporting his teammates as a student coach. He will also have to sit out this year’s basketball season and will no longer be able to pursue his dream of serving in the Coast Guard.

Every year, 7,000 children and teens experience cardiac arrest. Samuel is one of the lucky ones because the teachers and staff at Cypress Creek High School had received CPR training.

In 2017, the Pasco County School Board – with help from the American Heart Association (AHA) and school district administrators – enacted policy revisions ensuring every high school student receives Hands-Only CPR training before graduation.

The AHA’s Hands-Only CPR is a simple two-step process that takes only a minute to learn. Taking 60 seconds of your time could help save a child or the life of someone you love.

To learn more or to register for a CPR class near you, visit CPR.heart.org.

FACTS ABOUT CPR

• CPR provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival.

• About 46 percent of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receive the immediate help that they need before professional help arrives.

• Sadly, 70 percent of Americans don’t feel prepared to give CPR.

AUGUST 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 49

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FAMILY FUN | DISNEY PREVIEW

TOY STORY LAND

at disney

get a peek at the park's newest attraction

By Laura Byrne

T

he grand opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is topping the list as one of our favorite sneak peeks! With thousands of media members from around the world, we were among the first to set foot into the new 11-acre area that transformed us into the size of toys strolling through Andy’s backyard.

The new rides, Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers, are obviously the main attractions, but we really appreciated the attention to detail we noticed as we walked through the land.

Benches are made out of oversized dominos and Popsicle sticks. Your child’s beloved blocks are giant sized, and you buy merchandise from a life-sized FisherPrice Family Camper cart!

The debut of this new land is part of the reimagining of the park that will bring on additional areas and rides in the coming years, including those dedicated to Star Wars and Disney’s Cars.

SLINKY DOG DASH

This is the cutest roller coaster you’ll ever ride! Kids must be 38 inches or taller to experience the twists and turns designed by Andy—you’ll even spot empty bottles of glue, coaster parts and Andy’s plans drawn out in Crayola as you make your way through the line, so keep those cameras handy!

52 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

ALIEN SWIRLING SAUCERS

(See photo on the opposite page.) This ride is perfect for little ones 31 inches or taller. Hitch a ride with the beloved three-eyed aliens as they take you on a galactic spin. This ride really lights up at night; in fact, the entire land is a must-see once the sun goes down.

“PLAY DISNEY PARKS” APP UNVEILED THIS SUMMER! Disney launched a first-of-its-kind app for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. The app is the perfect boredom buster while waiting in line for a rides. Your child can select the park and the ride for which they are waiting, and then interact with their surroundings as they wait for their turn! It’s also loaded with the sounds of Disney with curated playlists. You can test your Disney trivia and learn fun facts, too. The app is FREE to download.

In other Disney news, Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival kicks off this month Aug. 30! You can taste your way around the world through Nov. 12.

AUGUST 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 53

y M e B Be My N e ig h b o r Neighbor D ! a y Day !

Meet Daniel Tiger at select times during Children’s Board Tuesday at Glazer Meet Daniel TigerFree at select times during Children’s BoardMuseum Free Tuesday at 7Glazer Children’s on Aug. Aug. 7 Children’s Museum onpm! from noon-6:30 from noon-6:30 pm!

The Aug. 7 Children’s Board Free The Aug. Children’s Board Free Tuesday at 7 the Glazer Children’s Tuesday at the GlazeraChildren’s Museum, will feature Daniel Museum, will feature atheme.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Tiger’sTiger Neighborhood theme.

Daniel will be dropping Daniel dropping by for aTiger meetwill andbegreet and to by for a meet and greet and to encourage children and families encourage and familiesby to give backchildren to the community to givea back toneighbor. the community by being caring being a caring neighbor.

Hey Neighbor, Create, r, Cr ! , tete naea d Do anbo Hey keigh TaNe Take and Donate!

Children and families will have the Children andto families have the Caring opportunity createwill Daniel Tiger opportunity to one create Daniel Tigerand Caring Neighbor Kits, to take home one Neighbor tostudent. take home and to donate Kits, to anone area Kits willone to donate to an area student.

Kits will include a Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood include a Danieland Tiger’s Neighborhood book, placemat other goodies. book, placemat and other goodies.

Watch Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Watch Daniel Tiger’s weekdays at 9:30 a.m.Neighborhood on WEDU PBS. weekdays at 9:30 a.m. on WEDU PBS. Digital Channel 3.1, Frontier FiOS 506, Digital Channel 3.1, Frontier FiOS 506, Spectrum 1003, WOW! 905, Xfintiy 440 Spectrum 1003, WOW! 905, Xfintiy 440

/WEDUPublicMedia /WEDUPublicMedia

@wedupbs @wedupbs

wedu.org wedu.org

DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD © 2012 The Fred Rogers Company. All rights reserved.

DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD © 2012 The Fred Rogers Company. All rights reserved.

54 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

PRESENTED BY: PRESENTED BY: PRESENTED BY:

Let the mouth-watering aromas thrill your senses and tempt your taste buds at the 27th Annual Gourmet Feastival.

Enjoy and signature Let the mouth-watering aromas thrill your senses tempt dishes your taste Let the mouth-watering aromas thrill your sensesYes, andit’stempt your taste from Tampa Bay’s finest restaurants and beverage purveyors. buds at the 27th Annual Gourmet Feastival. Enjoy signature dishes buds atfabulous the 27thentertainment, Annual Gourmet Enjoysilent signature dishes a from foodieTampa heaven, withfinest and Feastival. anpurveyors. impressive Bay’s restaurants and beverage Yes, it’s from Tampa Bay’s finest restaurants and beverage purveyors. Yes, it’s auction with unique items. a foodiefilled heaven, with fabulous entertainment, and an impressive silent a foodie heaven, with fabulous entertainment, and an impressive silent auctionVIP filled Tickets: $75with (5 unique p.m.filled ); items.

General Admission auction with unique items. $50 (6-8:30 p.m.)

Tickets:benefit VIP The $75Helen (5 p.m. ); Davis General $50contribution (6-8:30 p.m.)

Proceeds Gordon CentreAdmission for Women. Your stays Tickets:and VIPensures $75 (5helpp.m. ); General Admission right here in our community is available for those who need it$50 most.(6-8:30 p.m.)

Proceeds benefit The Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women. Your contribution stays For tickets or information: Proceeds benefit The Helen Davisfor Centre Women. contribution stays right here in our community and ensures helpGordon is available thoseforwho need itYour most. right here in our community and ensures help is available for those who need it most.

For tickets or information: For tickets or information:

www.TheCentre.org www.TheCentre.org www.TheCentre.org

Libations by: Delicious tasty samples by: Libations by: Delicious tasty n ABC Fine Wine Libations by: Delicious tasty samples by: & Liquors samples by: n ABC Fine Wine

n ABC Fine Win Gators & Liquors nn Njoy Distillery & Liquors Gators nn Florida Canen Gators Njoy Distillery n Njoy Distiller n Distillery Florida Cane n Florida Cane Distillery VIP Swag BagsDistillery

n

VIP Swag Bags VIP Swag Ba AUGUST 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 55

FAMILY FUN | SUMMER VACATION

Summer Vacay PLACES AND FACES

We’re sharing some of our favorite things from our summer travels—who knows…it just might inspire your next family vacation or staycation!

SIG NE R, NIC OL E BA RO LO , DE ING NT TA MPA BAY PA RE This summer we're enjoying time at local places like Pass-a-grille beach in St. Pete.

JE SU S, AN NA TATA RIS DE EP LA N AP SC TE EA GR HE @T

Indian Shores beach is amazing. Four generations gathered around the pool and on the sand to celebrate the 60th wedding anniversar y of special great-grandparents. For us, beach fun accommodates a wide age range.

We made our annual road trip to Hilton Head Island, S.C., which was recently named the World's Best Island in the U.S. and Canada by Travel + Leisure Magazine! We love grabbing ice cream in Harbour Town and relaxing in the iconic red rocking chairs after running around on the playground.

It's about a 6 -hour drive from Tampa, so we made a pit stop in Savannah to check out the Savannah Children's Museum which was super cool. It's all outside and attached to the Georgia State Railroad Museum. We highly recommend putting Hilton Head and Savannah on your family's travel bucket list!

TIV E & LA UR A BY RN E, CR EA FO R R TO EC ED ITO RIA L DIR ING NT RE PA Y BA A MP TA

Our vacation to Siesta Key Beach was quite an adventure.

This year we traveled with our toddler and infant girls.

Between diaper changes and sunscreen applications, we walked on the soft sandy beach, collected seashells, and even rode a peacock in the ocean! The sandbars were a playground for our toddler and the breathtaking sunsets 56 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

EZ , WI FE OF RE BE CC A GO NZ AL ING AC CO UN T NT TA MPA BAY PA RE NZ AL EZ GO LF RA IVE EX EC UT

were a great backdrop for a family photo.

For our seafood fix, we dined at Phillippi Creek and were not disappointed. My husband's family has been renting in the same place for decades and it's wonderful to share stories about what everyone has been up to while making new memories with our girls. There was definitely no shortage of fun!"

AUGUST 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 57

year-old 4 r u o y r o f FREE e curriculum t ia r p o r p p a y ll Developmenta s d Instructor ie if l a u Q d n a Credentialed s ble class size a e g a n a m e r Limited, mo rollment n e e in l n o y s Ea

prepare your child for successful entry into kindergarten

The Voluntary PreKindergarten program (VPK) is a FREE program for 4 and 5-year-olds focused on kindergarten readiness. Children must be 4-years-old on or before September 1, or parents can choose to enroll their child the following year when the child is 5.

For more information about eligibility and enrollment, visit us at www.elchc.org or call 813.906.5041

6800 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Suite 150, Tampa, FL 33614 58 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

AROUND TOWN | WHAT’S HAPPENING

around town Brooksville Ridge Girl Scout Troop 24302 successfully earned their sewing badge by creating Fidget Mats for the Alzheimer’s Family Organization. The scouts learned about Alzheimer’s Disease and how Fidget Mats may soothe the agitated fidgeting of people with dementia.

Local military and school partnership wins national award

The Children's Board of Hillsborough County hosted an event that included a safe sleep workshop and distribution of 90 pack n’ play cribs and diapers to local expecting and new parents in an effort to end unsafe infant sleep. In attendance were (from left) Dexter Lewis (CBHC) Jessica Reynolds (Healthy Start Coalition), Shelton Gilyard (CBHC), Robert Irvin (Kappa Alpha Psi), Kelley Parris (CBHC), Albert Coleman (Kappa Alpha Psi) and Paula Scott (CBHC).

Nineteen middle school students from Hillsborough County Public School's Roland Park K-8 Magnet and IB School took their service learning journey to La Fortuna, Costa Rica, for eight days. Students raised over $21,000 in scholarship money for the opportunity to experience international service and prepare themselves for college.

On their journey they worked at the professional Technical High School, shared cross-cultural experiences with Costa Rican students and learned traditional dances.

They reinforced and repaired a suspension bridge, maintained trails, tiled classroom floors, mixed cement and leveled ground to help construct another classroom. They even helped helped maintain a greenhouse and built planters. Pura Vida! They are already planning next summer's trip to Peru where they will do a sustainable infrastructure project with descendants of the Incas.

TBPM contributor Anna Tataris De Jesus shared her favorite Tampa Bay day trips on Tampa Bay's Morning Blend on ABC Action News.

School and military leaders just came home to Tampa Bay from Washington, D.C. with a nationwide honor — the 2018 Pete Taylor Partnership of Excellence Award.

The award recognizes a partnership between MacDill Air Force Base and Hillsborough County Public Schools that’s one-of-a-kind in the United States, celebrating the “total community partnership” for “ensuring an inclusive, quality education for all military-connected children.” In the photo, students visit the base in South Tampa for MacDill STEM Day, an annual hands-on event that exposes thousands of students to potential high-tech careers.

The Florida Alliance for Arts Education has announced that Sharon Reid-Kane, Education & Outreach Officer/ Vice President of Education & Outreach for the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall, has been named the recipient of the 2018 Arts Education Professional Award.

AUGUST 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 59

WHAT’S HAPPENING | TOP PICKS

August

Sandy. For a small donation, audience members can cuddle with puppies before or during the play’s intermission. newtampaplayers.org

11TH ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR PRESENTED BY COAST DENTAL Aug. 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kick off the morning with the first 500 kids in line receiving a FREE book bag! Local exhibitors will be providing back to school information about health and wellness, private and public schools, childcare, after school programs, tutors, children’s retailers, finances and much more! And with 60+ retailers, the event will give families the chance to get all of their back to school shopping done at the same time! backtoschoolfair.com

STORKS 4D AT THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM Aug. 1–31, various times Included with regular admission to the aquarium, catch this special 13-minute video voiced

by Jennifer Aniston, Andy Samberg and Ty Burrell. Join the stork on a special effect filled baby delivery journey. flaquarium.com TAMPA BAY COMIC CON Aug. 3–5 The stars of the comic book and film world come together at the Tampa Bay Convention Center.

Watch panels and take photos with actors from your favorite films and television shows like "Game of Thrones," "Gotham," "Harry Potter," "Beauty and the Beast," and more. tampabaycomiccon.com ANNIE: THE BROADWAY PLAY Aug. 3 – 12, various times Join everyone’s favorite orphan Annie live on a great adventure through New York City. Catch a showing of the award winning play "Annie," as produced by the New Tampa Players community theatre and the University Area CDC. At both Saturday matinee shows, connect with the Humane Society of Tampa at Annie’s Puppy Kissing Booth to honor her dog,

SATURDAY MORNING MARKET Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

St. Pete’s top farmers market moves from Al Lang Stadium to the shade of Williams Park for its summer dates. Get Saturdays started right with rows of local vendors carrying fresh produce, artisanal crafts and food trucks in the heart of downtown. saturdaymorningmarket.com THE MARKET AT THE PARK Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

No rain delays or Florida heat here. Enjoy a day at the indoor local artisan and fresh market at Citrus Park Mall with kids’ activities and comfortable seating. marketatthepark.com KIDDING AROUND YOGA Aug. 4 and 18, 10 a.m.

Families are invited to the Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete to participate in Saturday morning yoga specifically designed for kids. Participate in partner yoga, games, activities and more while enjoying music and stories. This event is ages 3+ and attendees should provide their own towel or mat. mfastpete.org TODDLER TUESDAYS AT ZOOTAMPA Aug. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 10 a.m.

Zoo members are invited to Lowry Park for aquatic animal morning. Tots can participate in activities and story time, and hang out with the zoo’s most popular residents. zootampa.org

THE INCREDIBLE DUCK RACE Aug. 18, 10 a.m. to noon Join the Kiwanis Club of Tampa and Center State as they present The Incredible Duck Race at Curtis Hixon Park. 10,000-plus rubber ducks will be released down the Hillsborough river and the first three ducks to cross the finish line will win amazing prizes! Proceeds of duck sales will benefit the Tampa Kiwanis Foundation and go towards helping kids in the Tampa community. tampaduckrace.com

60 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

Our favorite events and things to do for families in Tampa Bay!

FREE TUESDAY AT THE GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Aug. 7, noon to 7 p.m.

Courtesy of the museum and its partnership with the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, the Glazer Children’s Museum will provide free admission Aug. 7. This is the perfect time for new families and regulars to engage in a hands-on learning adventure at downtown Tampa museum. glazermuseum.org BUCCANEER’S TRAINING CAMP Aug. 4, 7, 11, 14 and 22, 8:45– 10:50 a.m.

For the first time ever, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expanding their public training camp from the practice fields to the new indoor practice facility. See the NFL stars up close and personal before the season starts. This event is free but tickets should be reserved ahead of time online. buccaneers.com BOLTS BREW FEST Aug. 17, 7 p.m.

Join the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena for the second annual Bolts Brew Fest.

Meet Lightning personalities, play games, and indulge in unlimited craft beer samplings from a large variety of local and national craft breweries.

Bring a designated driver with a discounted ticket option or purchase VIP tickets for a tour of the Lightning locker room and a complimentary ticket voucher for a preseason game. boltsbrewfest.com GROWN UP NIGHT Aug. 24, 5:30 - 8 p.m.

You’ve taken the kids there, but now there’s a special night just for adults 21+ at the Glazer Children’s Museum. Experience the museum through your

own eyes and have your own tactile adventure at exhibits while you build, jump and play like a kid again. Free snacks and beer will be available while supplies last in addition to a cash bar. glazermuseum.org BIER FEST AT BUSCH GARDEN Aug. 25 – Sept. 16­ Celebrate the end of summer at Busch Garden’s Bier Fest. The festival will fuse more than 200 years of Oktoberfest and Tampa Bay’s own beer culture that guarantee nights of fun.

Over 100 beers from local and international breweries will be available throughout the event in addition to traditional German cuisine and music.

The Bier Fest celebration is accessible with regular park admission. buschgardens.com TOY TRAIN AND HOBBY SHOW Aug. 25, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Spend a Saturday at Lopez Hall Pinellas Park with toy train enthusiasts viewing collectable model displays of toy trains, tracks and accessories. Discover a new hobby or check out the other collectible vendors at the event. Adult tickets are just $5 and kids under 12 are free. regalrailways.com

SPECIAL NEEDS EVENTS

For even more family fun, visit TampaBayParenting.com to see our full calendar!

NIGHT IN THE ISLANDS Aug. 4, 7 p.m.

Night in the Islands returns to the Tarpon Spring Sponge Docks for a night of food, music, and dancing on the Greek Islands. Free dance lessons will be available from 6-7 p.m. tarponarts.org TAMPA THEATRE’S SUMMER CLASSIC SERIES Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26, 3 p.m.

Escape the August heat by spending a few hours in the cool darkness of a movie theater this summer with a couple of timeless films. Spend Sundays catching up on the classics with “Rope, “The Manchurian Candidate,” “Blazing Saddles” and “Wizard of Oz”. tampatheatre.org INTREPID: STORIES OF SURVIVORSHIP Aug. 8, 8 p.m.

Join Studio @620 for a musical dance and song performance benefiting cancer survivors. This event features dancer and cancer survivor Marlana LaCivita, founder of the Be Infinite charity, and other artists from Tampa Bay, Orlando and Ohio. thestudioat620.org GREAT ST. PETE CUPCAKE CONTEST Aug. 25, noon Hosted by the Morean Art Center, tweens and teens ages 10 to 16 compete in cupcake wars by entering four cupcakes for judging in whatever categories they choose (including gluten-free and vegan).

Attendees will vote for People’s Choice Award as contestants are encouraged to bring extra desserts for this category. The victor will take home a hand made cupcake trophy. moreanartscenter.com MONSTER JAM TRIPLE THREAT SERIES Aug. 25, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Check out speedsters, ATVs and the classic Monster Jam trucks as they face off at Amalie Arena. The smaller vehicles will be in the design of their corresponding Monster Jam truck like fan favorites the Grave Digger, Scooby Doo, Megladon, and more during this special event. amaliearena.com PAW PATROL LIVE! THE GREAT PIRATE ADVENTURE Aug. 4-5, various times Join the cast of PAW Patrol as they search for buried treasure and rescue Cap’n Turbot before the Pirate Day celebration.

Meet Tracker, the newest pup on deck during this live journey at Adventure Bay. strazcenter.com

REEL WESTERN MOVIE SERIES Aug. 21, 5-8 p.m.

Join the James Museum on Tuesdays after 5 p.m. for special $5 admission. On this Tuesday, former Tampa Bay Times movie critic Jim Persall presents an exclusive showing of Little Big Man

27TH ANNUAL GOURMET FEASTIVAL Aug. 23, 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Let the mouth-watering aromas thrill your senses and tempt your taste buds at the 27th Annual Gourmet Feastival sponsored by Comdesign at Armature Works. Enjoy signature dishes from Tampa Bay’s finest restaurants and beverage purveyors. Yes, it’s foodie heaven, with fabulous entertainment, and an impressive silent auction filled with unique items. Tickets: VIP $75 (5 p.m.); General Admission $50 (6-8:30 p.m.) This event is 21+. thecentre.org

(1970). This pairs perfectly with happy hour specials at the Canyon Café. thejamesmuseum.org MIRANDA LAMBERT AND LITTLE BIG TOWN Aug. 3, 7 p.m.

Hitch a ride on The Bandwagon Tour at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater for night of Grammy Award winning music. Hear chart-topping songs like Lambert’s “Over You” and more on this night in the country. fairgroundsampitheater.com KEVIN HART AT AMALIE ARENA Aug. 4, 7 p.m.

Laugh your lungs out with world famous comedian Kevin Hart as he performs his new standup routine live in Tampa.

Hart is notable for his Netflix comedy specials and movies like Jumanji, Get Hard, and various feature standup films. amaliearena.com IMAGINE DRAGONS Aug. 10, 7 p.m.

From the band that brought you “Radioactive,” MidFlorida Credit Union presents Imagine Dragon’s EVOLVE tour.

Experience new singles like “Believer” and “Thunder” live. fairgroundsampitheater.com TAYLOR SWIFT Aug. 14, 7 p.m.

Taylor Swift brings her all-star Reputation Tour lineup to Raymond James Stadium with opening performances by pop stars Camila Cabello and Charli XCX. This night of show stopping girl power makes this the concert of the summer. raymondjamesstadium.com

CHUCK E. CHEESE SENSORY SUNDAY Aug. 5, 11 a.m.

Visit Brandon, Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Wesley Chapel locations the first Sunday of every month for a sensory-friendly experience. With reduced crowds, and subdued music and lighting, the restaurant’s trained staff provides fun and games for the whole family. chuckecheese.com SENSORY FRIENDLY SATURDAY AT ALTITUDE Aug. 4 and 18, 9 – 10 a.m.

Participate with fewer crowds and lower music during these mornings at Altitude Trampoline Park. Altitude invites guests with special sensory needs to jump with them at reduced rates, and one accompanying parent jumps free. altitudetampa.com AMC SENSORY FILM SHOWINGS Aug. 11 and 25, various times AMC Theatres and the Autism Society are proud to offer sensory film showings of new movies on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. AMC Veterans 24 and West Shore 14 are participating theaters with less darkness and lower sound in the theaters, and opportunity to move around the theater as needed. Check with local theaters for show times and to be announced film listings. amctheatres.com GREAT CONNECTIONS Aug. 12, 10 a.m. to noon.

On the second Sunday of every month Great Explorations opens its doors for two hours of sensory consideration for special needs children. With customized lighting and sounds, the museum also provides a “cool down” room to provide a comfortable experience for kids and their families. greatex.com

JOURNEY AND DEF LEPPARD Aug. 18, 7 p.m.

Travel back in time at Amalie Arena for a night of rock ‘n roll.

Experience timeless smash hits from Def Leppard and Journey as they perform live on stage. amaliearena.com STROLLER TOUR AT RINGLING ART MUSEUM Aug. 28, 10 a.m.

The stroller tour is the perfect time for new parents and caregivers to enjoy the Ringling Art Museum in Sarasota stressfree with the family. Bring a stroller or front carrier as you take a guided tour through the Ringling’s vast art collection with a group that pays no mind to crying infants or chatty children. ringlingmuseum.org AUGUST 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 61

62 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018

11 th ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR is back!

• FREE EVENT • Sales-Tax Holiday Weekend!

• First 500 receive a Free Backpack!

SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, August 4, 2018 - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WestShore Plaza, 250 WestShore Plaza, Tampa, FL 33609

Presented by coast dental & Orthodontics AUGUST 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 63

320 W. Kennedy, Ste. 220 Tampa, FL 33606

64 TampaBayParenting.com | AUGUST 2018