February 2018

tampabayparenting.com

FEBRUARY 2018

LOCAL CRAFTS KID-FRIENDLY DAY DATES & DATE NIGHT STYLE

LOVE AT FIRST BITE cooking classes to try in Tampa Bay EASY CHANGES

for a healthier

HEART PRO TIPS:

WHEN TO DITCH THE PACIFIER & HOW TO DO IT CRAVING AN EVENT?

Our February TOP PICKS page 58

Education Guide

March 24th, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Downtown Tampa 33 “1 Stop Shop” for parents and families interested in summer camps, summer activities, and summer programs!

33 Meet and talk face-to-face with staff from dozens of providers.

33 Learn about all the great programs for your kids this summer and even register for programs on the spot!

33 Live entertainment, hands on activities, workshops, speaker sessions, and so much more!

33 Great giveaways throughout the morning.

33 $5 Museum Admission until 10 a.m. Regular price after 10 a.m.

Free for Members.

More info at SummerFunExpo.com

Your Source for Exceptional Pediatric Care

With more than 200 pediatricians, pediatric specialists and family medicine physicians in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties, care for your family is always nearby.

As the area’s premier pediatric providers, we will continue to help your children stay healthy, with a wide range of services, including: n Asthma management n Extended care: Weekend and holiday hours n Hospital newborn care

n New baby care and separate well baby waiting room

n Now accepting new patients. n Most major insurance plans are accepted.

For assistance in scheduling an appointment: (855) 466-6686

n Pediatric sick visits n Well child care

n Immunizations Thank you for allowing us to care for your family.

17-258780-1217

BMGKids.org

FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 3

CONTENTS / february 2018

SECTIONS 13

14 19

38 41 42

51

52

54 56

58 63

LIFE + HOME

52

The Perfect Picture 5 tips for great shots

EDUCATION

Coding Smarts Hillsborough schools beef up computer programs Test Anxiety Help your child beat the testing blues

HEALTH + WELLNESS Guest Editor Feature MORE HEALTH educates generations of kids Safer Pediatric Heart Surgery Audrina's story Your Child's Heart Health Steps for a healthier life

FOOD + DRINK Date Night Guide 4 Cooking classes to try

BEAUTY + STYLE Couple Goals Date night fashion from Runway Translator

FAMILY FUN SPECIAL SECTION Crafting with Kiddos Classes and studios in Tampa Bay Kid Friendly Day Dates 10 Fun ways to connect with your kids

WHAT'S HAPPENING Top Picks Family-friendly February events Around Town Highlights from the community

Find a school for your child

41 FEATURES

51

56

ON THE COVER

24 - 35 EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Your guide to local private and magnet schools

45 - 46 NATIONAL CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH Tips from the pros

Meet Reesing Barlows, the 5-yearold son of our cover photographer Darlene Barlows.

Cover image by Darlene Barlows Photography darlenebarlowsphotography.com

4 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

Come see what the Patel Conservatory has to offer this summer!

FREE FUN • SNACKS • PERFORMANCES • CLASSES

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VOCAL &

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SAT • FEB 24 • 10AM-2PM Register for summer camps and classes

by MAR 10 and receive 10% OFF!*

PATEL CONSERVATORY

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813.222.1040 patelconservatory.org

*Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply.

FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 5

Guest editor note

GUEST EDITOR

Karen Buckenheimer

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITORIAL MANAGER Laura Byrne

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anu Varma Panchal

healthy kids

HAPPY FAMILIES

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sarah Stoulil

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Karen Buckenheimer Anu Varma Panchal Michelle Bremer Anna Tataris De Jesus Tara Payor, Ph.D. Michael McIlwain, D.M.D. Dana M. Busciglio Diaz, D.M.D., M.S. Lily Conrad Amy Hammond Merris Pope Joe Humphrey Brianna Althaus

CALENDAR

It is an honor to serve as guest editor for Tampa

healthy behaviors are associated with academic

Bay Parenting magazine’s February issue. As

achievement. What job could be better – fun, exciting,

executive director of MORE HEALTH, Inc., I have

meaningful, life-changing and empowering?

been passionate about children’s health and safety for many years.

Growing up in Tampa, I learned the

Twenty-eight years later, MORE HEALTH is still going strong. The lessons are highly requested and we continue to seek

importance of brushing my teeth, washing

funding to meet the growing needs of our

my hands and eating healthy foods at

community. We have taught over 3.5 million

Sarah Stoulil Brianna Althaus

school. Most of the time, health was taught at

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

the very end of the year and wasn’t much fun. But

classroom at a time, at no cost to schools. We have

in high school I took an anatomy and physiology

saved lives: One child identified melanoma on her leg,

class that truly changed my attitude and inspired

another child found a firearm in his back yard and

LAYOUT & DESIGN

me to choose a career in health. The complexities

followed our safety steps, and another performed the

of the human body fascinated me and I wanted to

Heimlich maneuver on her mom who was choking.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

learn more.

Ralf Gonzalez Craig Collins

Page Four Creative

Darlene Barlows Photography Theresa NeSmith Photography Bianca Merrell Photography

INTERN

Brianna Althaus

BOOKKEEPING

Following graduation from FSU, I took care of

students throughout the Tampa Bay area, one

This month, MORE HEALTH celebrates Children’s Dental Health Month and American Heart Month.

very sick children at Tampa General. Many had

Kids sing the “Wiggle, wiggle, brush, brush” song as

debilitating diseases, but some had severe injuries

they learn their teeth are meant to last a lifetime! The

that could have been prevented. I clearly saw the

heart lesson focuses on the anatomy of the heart and

need for health and safety education and decided

how to keep the heart healthy and strong.

Employee of the Month, LLC

to become an instructor for MORE HEALTH, Inc.

I invite you to learn more about our mission and

TAMPA BAY PARENTING MAGAZINE

Providing health and safety education to children,

how you can help support innovative, interactive and

teens and adults was a perfect fit for me.

relevant health and safety education for children and

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

BECOME A FAN AT:

tampabayparentingmagazine @tampabayparenting @TBParenting

The MORE HEALTH lessons are fun, exciting

families. Together, we can make a difference.

and interactive! Students and teachers love having specialized instructors teach 24 different lesson topics using large visuals to make health education come alive in the classroom. And, most importantly,

KAREN PESCE BUCKENHEIMER, RN, BSN Executive Director, MORE HEALTH, Inc.

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 | FEBRUARY 2018

MORE WITH

KAREN BUCKENHEIMER

on page 38

Downtown Tampa 110 W Gasparilla Plaza 33602 Open Daily M-F 10am-5pm Sat 10am-6pm | Sun 1-6pm GlazerMuseum.org

At GCM, your little learners imagine, discover, and connect to the world around them. Register your kids to play with purpose and embrace curiosity this Spring and Summer break at Camp Imagination!

Campers Ages 5-10!

With imaginative themes, there is a camp for every kid! Find dates, themes, and details at GlazerMuseum.org/camps

SPY SCHOOL

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RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM Competitors shown are subject to change. © 201 Feld Entertainment, Inc.

8 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

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FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 11 © 2018 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

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The Perfect Picture | Life + Home

perfect picture 5 tips for great shots

Images by Bianca Merrell Photography

By Amy Hammond

O

n the quest for a perfect picture? Although there is no way to guarantee the toddler

won’t pick his nose and that everyone will actually look at the camera, you can vastly improve your chances for a memorable shot. Bay Area photographers share their tips below.

COMMUNICATE Yes, with the nose-picking toddler, but also with the photographer. Bianca Merrell invites her clients to snap a quick pic of wardrobe possibilities before the shoot date. She’ll offer suggestions or give the thumbs-up. Once wardrobe is approved, keep all of it together and ready to go.

FORM A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Moms and dads who play a daily scramble of find-that-sock, this means you.

Merrell loves capturing the real, raw

SPECIAL THANKS TO: COURTNEY

VISUALIZE YOUR SCENE

emotion that comes with the arrival of

Maternity portraits are gorgeous with

a new baby. She invites new parents to

a backdrop of rolling waves and sand

take part in their child’s newborn ses-

dunes. Newborn sessions in a studio like

sion, where the love is nearly palpable.

Embellished Simplicity, embel-

Merrell’s, with plenty of natural light

Rasmussen and Bryant build an easy

lishedsimplicity@yahoo.com

and warmth, keep the infant comfortable

rapport with families who return year

BIANCA MERRELL of Bianca

and lend an ethereal glow to images.

after year to “play picture” with their

Merrell Photography

Embellished Simplicity photographer

photographer friends.

Biancamerrellphoto.com

RASMUSSEN AND JENNIFER BRYANT of

Courtney Rasmussen and her colleague, Jennifer Bryant, suggest a variety of

Pictures remind us of phases we swear

locales to clients and let them choose what

to never forget – gap-toothed smiles and

feels right.

wiggly teeth and how much cherished children grow each year. With a bit of

RELAX

TIME IT RIGHT

preparation and with the help of a good

The magic happens when personality

Repeat out loud: I shall not schedule a

photographer, we never will.

emerges, says Rasmussen. She and

picture session during nap time. (Not

Bryant encourage kids to have fun during

yours; the toddler’s.) For newborns,

photo shoots. They avoid over-posing and

Merrell suggests a shoot within the first

suggest including everyone in the logistics

14 days of life. Don’t expect the infant to

of the event long before it occurs. While

vogue; most newborns with full bellies

you may not want to give the toddler carte

snooze the entire time. When it comes to

blanche on outfit selection (that ragged

holiday pictures, try for late November/

Elmo hoodie and underwear may not

early December. Give the photographer

fit your theme) asking him whether his

enough time to select and edit the best

clothes are comfortable will involve him

pictures from the session.

in the process.

FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 13

Education | Coding Smarts

istock.com/nadia_bormotova

HILLSBOROUGH SCHOOLS TO SUPECHARGE STEM LEARNING WITH BIG GRANT FROM CODE.ORG

By Joe Humphrey, Hillsborough County Schools

A

language that can help control robots, build video games, manage theme parks and

protect seemingly infinite data floating around in “the cloud” is about to become a much bigger part of students’ learning in Hillsborough County Public Schools.

That language is coding – an essential skill for students to learn to remain competitive in today’s global economy. While only about 40 percent of schools teach computer science, 90 percent of parents want their kids to study the subject, Don Miller of Code.org noted at a recent gathering of educators and partners at

Students at Hillsborough County schools including Turner/Bartels K-8 in New Tampa will benefit from enhanced opportunities to learn computer science and coding.

the Tampa offices of tech titan Microsoft.

A recent grant will change that in our school district.

“It’s a great opportunity for us,” says Larry Plank, our district’s director of STEM education. “We’ve been talking about expanding computer science for

gateway class for learning the skills

a while.”

necessary for this high-wage, high-demand

Independent of Code.org, STEM instruction happens

career market. This money will help expand

throughout our district, which recently held a STEMtastic

(part of a $200 million commitment

the class to all high school campuses, plus

event to highlight those offerings. Also, Hillsborough Schools is

nationally from the White House) is

extend middle school and elementary

creating two STEM hubs – one in Town ‘n Country and another

heading into Hillsborough Schools to

school coding instruction.

in New Tampa.

The $250,000 grant from Code.org

promote professional development,

post-secondary education and the workforce.

The gathering where Miller and others

The goal of each is to establish first-rate programs that will

supplies and more to expand computer

spoke was called "Building a Better Tampa

serve students in grades K-12. STEM education is already hap-

science education at all grade levels.

Bay: The 21st Century Digital Learning

pening at all district schools, but this is an opportunity to “make

Taskforce." It marked the formal beginning

a significant change” that can help “move entire schools” to offer

27 high schools offer Advanced Place-

of an effort to “prepare a platform where

high-impact instruction, Plank says.

ment Computer Science, an essential

computer science education is available

Right now, about half of the district’s

At STEMtastic, Tampa Bay Technical High School gave prospective students a hands-on look at the school’s high-tech offerings.

The Tampa Bay STEM Network exists as a way to coordinate

to all students regardless of the school

that education in Hillsborough County, bringing educators,

they attend, the financial standing of their

governments and industry partners together into a common

parents or ethnicity,” Plank says.

ecosystem. The grant is the latest accomplishment that will

Teachers, administrators and other partners will then gather monthly at “solution labs” aimed at building the best plan for

bring cutting-edge STEM education into even more schools and classrooms.

That means more robots, more laptops and more training to

making sure students receive the computer

get those tools into students’ hands – to ensure we are preparing

science training they’ll need to be ready for

students for life.

14 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

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Brandon Academy

A private independent preparatory school for students in Pre-K to High School. www.brandon-academy.com

Lower School Open House: 3 year olds to 5th grade February 22, 2018 at 8:15 a.m.

•High IA (Iowa Assessment) & ACRE Test Scores •Enrichment Programs •Advanced Curriculum •Student Leadership •Sports & Extracurricular Activities

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OPEN HOUSE e! c n e r ffe i D e th r e v Disco

February 13, 2018 6:30-8:00 P.M.    

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SPARK your curiosity IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT HOMEWORK AND WORKSHEETS. But a school with hands-on, active learning that unleashes your child’s imagination and unlocks intellectual potential?

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FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 17

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INSPIRING A SENSE OF WONDER THROUGH HANDS ON LEARNING AND GUIDED DISCOVERY Accepting enrollment 12 for ages 3-

Montessori students:

of learning 3 Develop a lifelong love themselves 3 Discover concepts for & motivation 3 Develop self-discipline 3 Learn at their own pace

Call to reserve a space or schedule a private tour of our classrooms.

1603 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach 727-360-7621 www.montessori-by-sea.org 18 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY Member 2018 of AMS

& International Montessori Council, License # C620076

Test Anxiety | Education

ACE the test help your child beat the testing blues

istock.com/lankogal

By Tara Payor, Ph.D.

N

o matter the learners’ ages, I frequently see anxiety about assessments. Fleeting knots

in the tummy are harmless, but anxiety that is so debilitating that students cannot focus or suffer effects like vomiting is not.

“Teaching to the test” gets a bad rap.

But it’s good practice and helps diminish test anxiety. Teaching to the test means teachers have an end goal and engage in backwards design—crafting scaffolded lessons ensuring that students engage with content and apply it in myriad ways. That differs from dry test drills, which foster anxiety because of an all-consuming build up toward the test.

Jessica Anderson, a teacher at Christ the King, has seen the physical effects of test anxiety and deliberately counters it.

“I can spot testing anxiety immediate-

ly, and I create a classroom environment

not spending too much time on difficult

that empowers students with confidence

questions.”

and strategies to beat it,” says Anderson,

Those may seem like obvious steps, but

who believes that accounting for varying

when anxiety is high, the most rudimen-

learning styles is key. “Teachers can de-

tary directions can be forgotten. Court-

sign project-based, performance-based

ney O’Grady, a fourth-grade teacher, has

Anderson helps students envision success: “I tell them assessments are their time to show off their learning. I remind students to work steady, grab as many points as possible, and have confidence they know the material.”

Teachers acknowledge that test-taking is difficult for students who have a hard time handling the stress of competition among

and oral assessments that

classmates and pressure from parents,

meet standards and show

teachers and principals. “Reassure

content mastery. Memorization-without-application assessments are futile,” she explains. A mastery approach to learning, coupled with alternative assessments, helps students beyond test day.

Marilyn Mecha, English Language Learner Specialist at Alonso High School, believes that portfolios, essays and observations are good assessment

I tell them assessments are their time to show off their learning.

Jessica Anderson, teacher at Christ the King School

tools that help make learning relevant.

them things will be okay no matter how they do on a test,” Mecha advises parents. “Tests are pieces of paper and students are much more than that. When they’re successful, have them share their strategies to help build confidence and nurture positive testing experiences.”

Teachers do see a need for tests.

Regular, formative assessments help teachers uncover gaps in understand-

She also encourages humor, and advises

ing and adapt instruction accordingly.

students to breathe and focus. “I remind

seen students pull out their hair and cry

While assessments contribute needed accountability for both

them that tests don't determine who

at test-time. O’Grady teaches students

teachers and students, putting undue pressure on the children can

they are. I underscore reading directions

to take brain breaks and use calming

be counterproductive. Says O’Grady: “Remind kids that tests don’t

carefully, underlining key words, and

sensory objects.

define them.”

FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 19

K-8TH GRADE:

RSVP Information and additional tour dates can be found on our website www.learninggate.org

It starts with inspiration... and The Learning Never Ends.

Visit MontessoriHouseDaySchool.com to:

Give your child the gifts of a lifelong love of learning and an individualized curriculum at one of the leading schools in Tampa for 1½ to 12 year olds.

20 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

1

Find articles and videos explaining why an authentic Montessori education is better for children in today’s world.

2

Discover why accreditation is so important (American Montessori Society, Florida Council of Independent Schools, & Florida Kindergarten Council).

3

Understand that any school can call itself Montessori and why only one school in Tampa is actually accredited by the American Montessori Society.

4

Learn how The Montessori House began 45 years ago and why its rich history of quality education is prompting alumni to enroll their own children now.

5

Locate the two Tampa campuses. Call the Carrollwood campus at (813) 961-9295 or the Westchase area campus at (813) 884-7220 to schedule a personal tour.

Children are inspired to think at The Montessori House Day School.

Visit today.

Toddler, Pre-K (including VPK), Kindergarten, Elementary Grades 1-6, and Summer Camps are open for enrollment.

Non-Discriminatory Admissions Policy.

Every child… known, inspired, challenged, empowered .

Advantage aCADEMY Of hillsborough Grades K-8 304 W. Prosser Drive Plant City, FL 33563 813-567-0801

www.advantageacademyhillsborough.com

BELL CREEK ACADEMY Grades 6-12 13221 Boyette Road Riverview , FL 33569 813-793-6075 www.bellcreekacademy.com

channelside ACADEMY Of math and science Grades K-8 1029 E. Twiggs Street Tampa, FL 33602 813-579-9649 www.channelsideacademy.com

HILLSBOROUGH aCADEMY Of math and science Grades K-8 9659 W. Waters Ave. Tampa, FL 33635 813-793-6085 www.hillsboroughacademy.com

SACS Accredited, Premier, Tuition-Free Public Charter Schools

Enrichment in S.T.E.A.M.

INDEPENDENCE ACADEMY Grades K-8 12902 East Hwy 92 Dover, FL 33527 813-473-8600 www.iacademies.com

PINELLAS ACADEMY Of MATH AND SCIENCE Grades K-8 1775 S. Highland Ave. Clearwater, FL 33756 727-330-9449 www.pinellasacademy.com

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math Education

SUNLAKE ACADEMY

Character-Based Education program in a Safe, Secure Campus.

valrico ACADEMY

Of math and science Grades K-8 18681 Dale Mabry Hwy. Lutz, FL 33548 813-616-5099 www.sunlakeacademy.org

Grades K-5 13306 Boyette Road Riverview, FL 33569 813-699-5049 www.valricoacademy.com

Please visit our website for a complete listing of our schools:

www.charterschoolassociates.com FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 21

Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties presents

Storybook Forest The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. invites you to travel through our Storybook Forest March 10, 2018 11:00am - 2:00pm

No on site parking Free Shuttle Pick-Up: Crews Lake Middle School 15144 Shady Hills Rd. Shady Hills, FL 34610 Printing services provided by

22 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

Crews Lake Wilderness Park 16739 Crews Lake Dr. Shady Hills, FL 34610

SPORTS LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT ACADEMy

Home of the

Spartans!

IN PuRSuIT OF ACADEMIC ExCELLENCE! Sports Leadership and Management Academy (SLAM) Tampa prepares students in grades 6-12 for postsecondary studies and careers through programs emphasizing sports leadership and management career preparation.

SLAM! Tampa offers secondary students opportunities in career exploration and internships through career academies in the sports leadership and management arena: • Sports Medicine • Digital Media and Sports Television Production • Sports Marketing, Entertainment and Management • Visual and Performing Arts

SPORTS LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT 7116 Gunn Highway, Tampa, FL 33625 www.slamtampa.com

(813) 920-8802

SLAM! Tampa also offers: • Extended Day Tutorial • Enrichment Program, Clubs and Activities • Athletic Programs • 21st Century Classrooms

FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 23

Education | Education Directory

EDUCATION DIRECTORY Your guide to area private and public magnet schools KEY SCHOOL INFO

Financial Aid

ENROLLMENT/ CLASS SIZE

Transportation

STUDENTTEACHER RATIO

GRADES/ TUITION RANGE

Sports AMENITIES

Arts

Uniform Required

OTHER ACTIVITIES

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY ADVANTAGE ACADEMY OF HILLSBOROUGH 304 W. Prosser Drive, Plant City, 33563 advantageacademyhillsborough.com | 813-567-0801

480 varies by grade

K-8 varies by grade

ARMWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 12000 E. U.S. Highway 92, Seffner, 33584 armwood.mysdhc.org | 813-744-8040

2,235

BELL CREEK ACADEMY 13221 Boyette Road, Riverview, 33569 bellcreekacademy.com | 813-793-6075

1,060 varies by grade

varies by grade

6-12

BERKELEY PREPARATORY SCHOOL 4811 Kelly Road, Tampa, 33626 berkeleyprep.org | 813-885-1673

1,320 15-20

10 to 1

PreK-12 $17,660 $24,680

BLAKE HIGH SCHOOL 1701 North Blvd., Tampa, 33607 blake.mysdhc.org | 813-272-3422

After school programs, summer programs, S.T.E.A.M. enriched curriculum, clubs, technology

9-12

After school programs, summer programs, S.T.E.A.M. enriched curriculum, clubs, technology Episcopal affiliation, after school programs, summer programs

1,666

9-12

260 15

11 to 1

PreK3-12 $9,000 $11,000

CARROLLWOOD DAY SCHOOL 1515 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, 33613 carrollwooddayschool.org | 813-920-2288

1,030 varies by grade

10 to 1

PS2-12 $5,390 $19,970

After school programs, summer programs

CENTER ACADEMY LUTZ 1520 Land O'Lakes Blvd., Lutz, 33549 centeracademy.com | 813 909-9442

100 20

10 to 1

4-12 $7,000$12,580

After school programs, summer programs

CENTER ACADEMY RIVERVIEW 10518 Riverview Drive, Riverview, 33578 centeracademy.com | 813 677-7777

100 20

10 to 1

4-12 $7,000$12,580

After school programs, summer programs

CHANNELSIDE ACADEMY OF MATH & SCIENCE 1029 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, 33602 channelsideacademy.com | 813-579-9649

560 varies by grade

K-8 varies by grade

After school programs, summer programs, S.T.E.A.M. enriched curriculum, clubs, technology

CORBETT PREPARATORY SCHOOL OF IDS 12015 Orange Grove Drive, Tampa, 33618 corbettprep.com | 813-961-3087

500 18

8 to 1

PreK3-8 $7,915$15,620

After school programs, summer programs, International Baccalaureate

BRANDON ACADEMY 801 Limona Road brandon-academy.com | 813-689-1952

24 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

After school programs

The Tampa Bay Area's only school dedicated to •Dual enrollment with local colleges• The•Specialist Tampa Bay Area's only school Gifted andTeachers Advanced Learners. for all subjects K-12• dedicated to Gifted and Advanced Learners.

•Dual•8:1 enrollment with localRatio• colleges• Student/Teacher

•Dual enrollment with local colleges• •Specialist Teachers for all subjects K-12•

•Gifted Curriculum•Specialist in all subjects Pre-K 12th grade• Teachers forthrough all subjects K-12• •8:1 Student/Teacher Ratio•

•8:1 Student/Teacher Ratio• •Acceleration/Advancement not based on chronological age•

•Gifted Curriculum in all subjects through 12th grade• •Gifted Curriculum in all Pre-K subjects Pre-K through 12th grade•

•Local, national and not international fieldon trips• •Acceleration/Advancement not chronological •Acceleration/Advancement based onbased chronological age• age• •Local, national and international field trips•

•Outstanding Finenational Arts Program from Pre-Kfield through •Local, and international trips•12th grade•

•Outstanding fine Arts Program from Pre-K through 12th grade•

•Outstanding fine Arts from Pre-Konthrough 12th grade• •Discussion-based, withProgram emphasis on critical & creative thinking• •Discussion-based, with emphasis critical & creative thinking•

•Discussion-based, with emphasis on critical & creative thinking•

Now enrolling 3-4 OLDS year olds August, 2018 NOW ENROLLING 3-4 YEAR FORforAUGUST, 2018 Individual tours available, please call for an appointment.

Now enrolling 3-4 year olds forforAugust, 2018 Individual tours available, please call an appointment.

8613 Twin Lakes Boulevard, Tamp, FL 33614 Individual tours available, pleasewww.leegiftedacademy.com call for an appointment.

813-931-3316;

8613 Twin 8613 Twin Lakes Lakes Boulevard, Boulevard,Tampa, Tamp, FL FL 33614 33614 813-931-3316; www.leegiftedacademy.com 813-931-3316; www.leegiftedacademy.com

FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 25

Thursday, March 15, 9am - 2pm

THE TAMPA BAY AREA’S ONLY SCHOOL DEDICATED TO GIFTED AND ADVANCED LEARNERS.

Education | Education Directory

KEY

SCHOOL INFO

Financial Aid

Transportation

ENROLLMENT/ CLASS SIZE

STUDENTTEACHER RATIO

189 30

11 to 1

GRADES/ TUITION RANGE

Sports AMENITIES

Arts

Uniform Required

OTHER ACTIVITIES

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC SCHOOL 9715 N. 56th St., Temple Terrace, 33617 cccstt.org | 813-988-1722

K-8 $6,245

Catholic, after school programs

DOWDELL MIDDLE MAGNET SCHOOL 1208 Wishing Well Way, Tampa, 33619 dowdell.mysdhc.org | 813-744-8322

612

DUNBAR ELEMENTARY 1730 Union St., Tampa, 33607 dunbar.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5677

277

21 to 1

K-5

After school programs, summer programs

FERRELL GIRLS PREPARATORY ACADEMY 4302 24th St., Tampa, 33610 ferrell.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5608

594

17 to 1

7-8

After school programs, before school program

FRANKLIN BOYS PREPARATORY ACADEMY 3915 21st. Ave., Tampa, 33605 franklin.mysdhc.org | 813-744-8108

567

17 to 1

8

After school programs, before school program

HILLEL ACADEMY 2020 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa, 33612 hillelacademytampa.com | 813-963-2242

175 15

15 to 1

PreK-8 $6,300 $16,100

HILLSBOROUGH ACADEMY OF MATH & SCIENCE 9659 W. Waters Ave., Tampa, 33635 hillsboroughacademy.com | 813-793-6085

870 varies by grade

varies by grade

K-8

HILLSBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL 5000 Central Ave., Tampa, 33603 hillsborough.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5620

6-8

1,980

After school programs, summer programs, S.T.E.A.M. enriched curriculum, clubs, technology

9-12

HILLSDALE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 6201 Ehrlich Road, Tampa, 33625 www.hcatampa.org | 813-884-8250

145 15

15 to 1

K2-6 $6,500

INDEPENDENCE ACADEMY 12902 E. U.S. Highway 92, Dover, 33527 www.iacademies.com | 813-473-8600

900 varies by grade

varies by grade

K-8

JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL 4401 Cypress St., Tampa, 33607 jefferson.mysdhc.org | 813-872-5241

1,827

9-12

KING HIGH SCHOOL 6815 N. 56th St., Tampa, 33610 king.mysdhc.org | 813-744-8333

1,738

9-12

26 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

After school programs, summer programs, garden, technology, Hebrew

Christian affiliation, after school programs, summer programs, VPK and Step-Up After school programs, summer programs, S.T.E.A.M. enriched curriculum, clubs, technology

ENROLLMENT/ CLASS SIZE

STUDENTTEACHER RATIO

GRADES/ TUITION RANGE

LEARNING GATE COMMUNITY SCHOOL 16215 Hanna Road, Lutz, 33647 learninggate.org | 813-948-4190

800 18-22

varies by grade

K-8

LEE ACADEMY FOR GIFTED EDUCATION 8613 Twin Lakes Blvd., Tampa, 33614 leegiftedacademy.com | 813 931-3316

80 8-10

6 to 1

Pre-K - 12 $10,700 – $11,800

After school programs, clubs

329

16 to 1

K-5

After school programs

SCHOOL INFO

AMENITIES

OTHER ACTIVITIES

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

LEE ELEMENTARY MAGNET SCHOOL OF WORLD STUDIES & TECHNOLOGY 305 E. Columbus Drive, Tampa, 33602 lee.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5405

After school programs, summer programs

*Currently at Lockhart Elementary Magnet

LENNARD HIGH SCHOOL 2342 Shell Point Road, East Ruskin, 33570 lennard.mysdhc.org | 813-641-5611

2,890

9-12

LETO HIGH SCHOOL 4409 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, 33614 leto.mysdhc.org | 813-872-5300

2,305

9-12

LINCOLN ELEMENTARY MAGNET 1207 East Renfro St., Plant City, 33563 lincoln.mysdhc.org | 813-757-9329

649

25 to 1

Headstart-5

After school programs

LOCKHART ELEMENTARY MAGNET 3719 N. 17th St., Tampa, 33610 lockhart.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5727

423

14 to 1

Headstart-5

After school programs

LOMAX ELEMENTARY MAGNET 4207 26th St., Tampa, 33610 lomax.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5569

380

16 to 1

K-5

After school programs

MACFARLANE PARK ELEMENTARY MAGNET 1721 N. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 33607 macfarlane.mysdhc.org | 813-356-1760

363

20 to 1

K-5

After school programs

180 25

25 to 1

K-5 $7,700 $8,100

Summer programs

MONTESSORI ACADEMIES 11302 N. 53rd St., Temple Terrace, 33617 MontessoriAcademies.com | (813) 899-2345 MIDDLETON HIGH SCHOOL 4801 N. 22nd St., Tampa, 33610 middleton.mysdhc.org | 813-233-3360

1,691

MULLER ELEMENTARY MAGNET 13615 N. 22nd St., Tampa, 33613 muller.mysdhc.org | 813-558-1355

391

15 to 1

K-5

After school programs

529

18 to 1

6-8

After school programs

ORANGE GROVE MIDDLE MAGNET SCHOOL OF THE ARTS 3415 16th St., Tampa, 33605 orangegrove.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5717

9-12

FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 27

Safety Harbor Montessori Acadmey An education as unique as your child.

Early Childhood - 8th grade 2669 N. McMullen Booth Road Clearwater, Fl 33761 (727) 724-1767 www.safetyharbormontessori.com Individual tours available by appointment.

COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE

TAMPA BAY’S ONLY ACCREDITED JEWISH DAY SCHOOL

Corpus Christi Catholic School

Fully accredited by: The Florida Catholic Conference The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/ Middle States Association

HILLEL ACADEMY

Serving students in Kindergarten through 8th grade OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, February 1, 2018 8:30 AM – General Meeting/Campus Tours

REGISTRATION

Thursday, February 15, 2018 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM In Parish Office (north side of the Church)            

Strong faith formation program Certified, fully credentialed professional staff REGISTRATION Thursday, February 12, 2015 Outstanding academic program of studies 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM High standardized test scores 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM One-to-one iPad program Teacher to assist students with special nIn Parish Office (north side of the Church) Extensive Community Service program Graduates accepted at area private high schools Secure, safe campus Strong school-parent partnership Extended Day program available until 6:00 PM Caring, nurturing environment

Financial Assistance Available

EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMICS, TECHNOLOGY AND JEWISH LIFE Please call for your personal tour of the Hillel Academy campus.

Accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Florida Kindergarten Council. Member of the Jewish Community Day School Network and the National Association of Independent Schools.

Blue Ribbon School, U.S. Department of Education.

www.hillelacademytampa.com 2020 W. Fletcher Avenue | Tampa, FL 33612 | 813.963.2242

28 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

Come to our OPEN HOUSE or call for a tour or for a day for your child to shadow another student.

Corpus Christi Catholic School 9715 N. 56th Street Temple Terrace, FL 33617

(813) 988-1722 kgreco@cccstt.org website: www.cccstt.org

A National Blue Ribbon School

Bucified Burt | Life + Home

Excellence

CHRISTIAN

Does your child have an Individualized Education Plan? Are you looking for a school that believes your child can thrive with the right services to support them socially and academically? Pepin Academies is Enrolling Now! Serving 3rd –12th grades, and job training for young adults. Call us today and find out if your child is eligible.

TUITION FREE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS

FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITIES

WHERE BELONGING LEADS TO LEARNING Tampa: 3916 E. Hillsborough Ave. (813) 236 -1755

SCHOOL

A Ministry of Palm Harbor United Methodist Church

Excellence in Academic Achievement & Spiritual Formation Teaching the Mind

Reaching the Heart

www.westlakechristianschool.org

|

727.781.3808

Accreditation - Florida Council of Independent Schools, Florida Kindergarten Council, & Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/AdvancED

Riverview: 9304 Camden Field Parkway (813) 533-2999 Pasco: 9804 Little Road (727) 233-2961 WWW.PEPINACADEMIES.COM

Your child with autism is graduating from high school.

NOW WHAT?!

The Learning at the University of South Florida

What’s next after high school?

The Learning Academy can prepare you for the career path of your choosing.

learningacademy.fmhi.usf.edu The Learning Academy Employment Services provides customized employment solutions through a full array of services, supporting job seekers and employers.

learningacademy.fmhi.usf.edu/employment Contact us for more information srichmond@usf.edu | 813 974-2996

FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 29

Education | Education Directory

SCHOOL INFO

KEY

Financial Aid

ENROLLMENT/ CLASS SIZE

STUDENTTEACHER RATIO

1,000+ 13-18

13 to 1

916

RAMPELLO DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP 802 E. Washington St.,Tampa, 33602 rampello.mysdhc.org | 813-233-2333

Transportation GRADES/ TUITION RANGE

Sports AMENITIES

Arts

Uniform Required

OTHER ACTIVITIES

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY 3-12, Transition program for 18-22 yr olds

After school programs, summer programs

22 to 1

6-8

After school programs

769

20 to 1

K-8

After school programs

RIVERHILLS ELEMENTARY MAGNET 405 Riverhills Drive, Temple Terrace, 33617 riverhills.mysdhc.org | 813-987-6911

K-5 471

16 to 1

After school programs, before school program

ROBINSON HIGH SCHOOL 6311 S. Lois Ave., Tampa, 33616 robinsonhs.mysdhc.org | 813-272-3006

1,638

9-12

ROLAND PARK K-8 MAGNET 1510 N. Manhattan Ave., Tampa, 33607 rolandpark.mysdhc.org | 813-872-5212

773

K-8

After school programs

SHORE ELEMENTARY 1908 E. Second Ave. Tampa, 33605 shore.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5712

412

18 to 1

K-5

After school programs

SLIGH MIDDLE MAGNET 2011 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa, 33610 sligh.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5596

589

14 to 1

8-11

After school programs

SPORTS LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT ACADEMY 7116 Gunn Highway, Tampa, 33625 slamtampa.com | 813-920-8802

500 22

22 to 1

6-11

After school programs, summer programs

K(4)-8 $12,930 and $13,400

Episcopal, after school programs, summer programs, clubs

PEPIN ACADEMIES 3916 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 33610 pepinacademies.com | 813-203-3806 PROGRESS VILLAGE MIDDLE MAGNET SCHOOL OF THE ARTS 8113 Zinnia Drive, Tampa, 33619 progressvillage.mysdhc.org | 813-671-5110

ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL PARISH DAY SCHOOL 240 S. Plant Ave., Tampa, 33606 stjohnseagles.org | 813-849-4200

503 20

9 to 1

ST. MARY'S EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL 2101 S. Hubert Ave. Tampa, 33629 smeds.org | 813-258-5508

447 22

16 to 1

PreK-8 $13,900

Episcopal, after school programs, summer programs, advanced curriculum, foreign language, technology

1055

22 to 1

8-12

After school programs

STEWART MIDDLE MAGNET 1125 Spruce St., Tampa, 33607 stewart.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5691

30 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

Summer Programs at Shorecrest

HALF & FULL DAY SUMMER CAMPS MAY 28 - AUGUST 17, 2018

Day Camp weekly themes, activities, field trip, art, games and water fun.

Plus a menu of 1-week options for every interest.

With Extended Day Care, Camps are Available 7:30am-5pm Expanded Offerings

Greater Adventure

PK–12 service, paddleboarding and kayaking, fishing, a week at Busch Gardens

trips to the Southwest, Iceland and England, field archeology, Costa Rica, Peru (for grades 4 to 12)

More Upper School Options

college essay writing, SAT/ACT prep, leadership and service, travel, field archeology of the Southwest, glass blowing, CPR/1st Aid

AND NOW OFFERING

Parent Courses Great Books, Intro to Mandarin, Tots and Me Yoga, CPR/1st Aid Diversity & Inclusivity, Swim with Manatees

For full course/camp listing and to register, visit www.shorecrest.org/summer AND NOW OFFERING

Summer Camps and Programs for students in preschool through high school.

5101 FIRST STREET NE, ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33703 | 727-522-2111 FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 31

Education | Education Directory

SCHOOL INFO

KEY ENROLLMENT/ CLASS SIZE

Financial Aid STUDENTTEACHER RATIO

Transportation GRADES/ TUITION RANGE

Sports AMENITIES

Arts

Uniform Required

OTHER ACTIVITIES

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY STRAWBERRY CREST HIGH SCHOOL 4691 Gallagher Road, Dover, 33527 strawberrycrest.mysdhc.org | 813-707-7522 SUNLAKE ACADEMY 18681 Dale Mabry Highway, Lutz, 33548 sunlakeacademy.org | 813-616-5099

2237

9-12

650 varies by grade

varies by grade

K-8

2,085

20 to 1

9-12

670 varies by grade

12 to 1

6-12 $21,000$23,000

13 to 1

Pre-K-6 $6,000 $10,500

12 to 1

18 mo. to 6 $8,100$12,200

925 varies by grade

varies by grade

K-5

After school programs, summer programs, S.T.E.A.M. enriched curriculum, clubs, technology

984

16 to 1

6-8

After school programs

5020 N. 47th St., Tampa, 33610 williams.mysdhc.org | 813-744-8600

847

19 to 1

6-8

After school programs

YOUNG MIDDLE MAGNET

611

16 to 1

6-8

After school programs

TAMPA BAY TECH HIGH SCHOOL 6410 Orient Road, Tampa, 33610 tbt.mysdhc.org | 813-744-8360 TAMPA PREPARATORY SCHOOL 727 W. Cass St., Tampa, 33606 tampaprep.org | 813-241-8481 THE MONTESSORI CHILDREN'S HOUSE OF HYDE PARK 2416 W. Cleveland St., Tampa, 33609 hydeparkmontessori.com | 813-354-9511

75 25

THE MONTESSORI HOUSE DAY SCHOOL 5117 Ehrlich Road, Tampa, 33624 7010 Hanley Road, Tampa, 33634 montessorihousedayschool.com 813-961-9295 (Ehrlich Road) 813-884-7220 (Hanley Road)

150 20

VALRICO ACADEMY 13306 Boyette Road, Riverview, 33569 valricoacademy.com | 813-699-5049 WALKER MIDDLE MAGNET 8282 N. Mobley Road, Odessa, 33556 walker.mysdhc.org | 813-631-4726

After school programs, summer programs, S.T.E.A.M. enriched curriculum, clubs, technology

Summer programs

After school programs, summer programs

After school programs, summer programs

WILLIAMS MIDDLE MAGNET SCHOOL

1807 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa, 33610 young.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5739

OPEN HOUSES

Check out

tampabayparenting.com

for more details.

32 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY NOVEMBER2018 2017

REGISTER TODAY!

PEPIN ACADEMIES CENTRE FOR UNIQUE ABILITIES Pepin Academies Centre for Unique Abilities is dedicated to continue the education process for students as they transition from the classroom to the workforce. This new partnership between Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center and Pepin Academies teaches students the life skills they need to be productive and contributing members of society.

Major Areas of Training: Active Recreation Proper Socialization Interpersonal Skills Independent Life Skills Job Placement/Workforce Development

Where UNIQUE ABILITIES Lead To

Work Training Programs Include: Early Childcare Certificate Program Auto Detailing Pool Maintenance-Lawn Care Custodial Maintenance Class Times Available: Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

GREATER OPPORTUNITIES.

Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Grant funding covers tuition and all ancillary costs needed to provide education to each student.

For more information or to set up an appointment, please contact: Ann K. Bouchard, Ed.S., Director 813-203-3806 abouchard@theacademies.us FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 33

Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center (BSAC)

405 Beverly Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511-5507

Admissions Open Houses 8:30 a.m. February 1 and March 6

34 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

Education Directory | Education

KEY SCHOOL INFO

Financial Aid

Transportation

Sports AMENITIES

Arts

Uniform Required

ENROLLMENT/ CLASS SIZE

STUDENTTEACHER RATIO

GRADES/ TUITION RANGE

OTHER ACTIVITIES

450 varies by grade

8:1 in Early Childhood; 14:1 average other grades

PreK3-12 $10,490$21,190

After school programs, summer programs, S.T.E.M.

425 17

8 to 1

PreK3-12 $13,000$19,000

Sports, arts, after school programs, summer programs, military, aviation, scuba, sailing, leadership

80 20

10 to 1

4-12 $7,000$12,380

After school programs, summer programs

90 13

10 to 1

5-12 $7,000$14,880

After school programs, summer programs

250 20

K-3 is 9:1, 4-8 is 20:1

PreK - 8 $5,691

Catholic, after school programs, summer programs

PINELLAS & PASCO COUNTY ACADEMY AT THE LAKES 2331 Collier Parkway, Land O' Lakes, 34639 academyatthelakes.org | 813-909-7919

ADMIRAL FARRAGUT ACADEMY 501 Park St. N., St. Petersburg, 33710 farragut.org | 727-384-5500

CENTER ACADEMY PALM HARBOR 34054 U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor, 34684 centeracademy.com | 727 781-2986

CENTER ACADEMY PINELLAS PARK 6710 86th Ave. N., Pinellas Park, 33782 centeracademy.com | 727 541-5716

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC SCHOOL 250 78th Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, 33702 holyfamilycatholicschool.com | 727-526-8194

Multi child discounts

MONTESSORI BY THE SEA 1603 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach, 33706 montessori-by-sea.org | 727-360-7621

PINELLAS ACADEMY OF MATH AND SCIENCE

70 20

10 to 1

PreK - 6 $7,000 $9,500

After school programs, summer programs

680 varies by grade

varies by grade

K-8

After school programs, summer programs, S.T.E.A.M. curriculum, clubs, technology

175 12-30

8 to 1

PreK-8 $8,000$15,000

After school programs, summer programs

960 15

10 to 1

PK3-12 $8,310$22,630

After school programs, summer programs, Advanced Placement Courses; Online classes, S.T.E.A.M. curriculum (PK3-12)

400 16

12 to 1

K4-8 $6500$10,000

Christian, after school programs, summer programs

370 18

18 to 1

K-8 8,250

United Methodist, after school programs, summer programs

1775 S. Highland Ave., Clearwater, 33756 pinellasacademy.com | 727-330-9449

SAFETY HARBOR MONTESSORI 2669 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, 33761 safetyharbormontessori.com | 727-244-9002

SHORECREST PREPARATORY SCHOOL 5101 First St. NE, St. Petersburg, 33703 shorecrest.org | 727-522-2111

ST. PETERSBURG CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2021 62nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 33702 stpetechristian.com | 727-522-3000

WESTLAKE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 1551 Belcher Road, Palm Harbor, 34683 westlakechristianschool.org | 727-781-3808

FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 35

When faced with peer pressure, 99% of kids in our program are less likely to be involved with drugs.

Mentoring can change the lives of kids, for the better, forever.

Will you make a dierence and

be big?

Funded by

BBBSTampa Bay.org 36 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 37

Health + Wellness | Guest Editor

MORE HEALTH teaches generations of Tampa kids how to stay healthy

By Karen Buckenheimer, RN, BSN morehealthinc.org

M

ORE HEALTH is excited

During the month of February, we

to provide interactive

recognize two important health topics

health and safety lessons to

— Children’s Dental Health Month

and dental sealants can help decrease the incidence of cavities.

Each 40-minute presentation is taught

students throughout Tampa Bay each

and American Heart Month. A healthy

to individual classes in local schools at

year. Funding from Tampa General

mouth is essential to a healthy body and

the request of teachers and principals.

Hospital, Johns Hopkins All Children’s

poor oral health can negatively affect the

The MH instructor’s enthusiasm,

Hospital and community partners

health of the heart. So it makes sense to

creative lesson visuals, and consistent

enables all of the lessons to be taught

celebrate Tooth Month and Heart Month

and medically-accurate information

at no cost to schools. This year, MH

together!

make learning about the mouth fun!

instructors will teach over 10,000

Did you know that tooth pain is the

Students practice proper tooth brushing

presentations to 200,000 students,

number one reason children miss

and learn the “Wiggle, Wiggle, Brush,

reaching 3.7 million students since our

school? Dental disease is an epidemic

Brush” song. Healthy foods and non-

inception in 1989.

that is five times more common in

sugared beverages are emphasized to

children than asthma. Children

help prevent cavities. Prevention is key,

based on community needs assessments

with poor oral health are more likely

and early prevention is even better! A

and delivered by high-quality

to experience problems with eating,

healthy mouth is essential for a healthy

instructors to students in Pre-K to 12th

speaking, playing, sleeping, attending

body. A healthy student is a successful

grades. Lesson topics such as nutrition,

and performing at school. Keeping teeth

student.

dental, skin cancer prevention, firearm

healthy for a lifetime is easy with a little

safety, distracted driving, heart and

bit of prevention. The MORE HEALTH

an increase in overweight and obese

lung health, personal hygiene, safety

Dental Lessons, taught to young

children, as well as children with Type 2

and First Aid, and bike and pedestrian

elementary students, emphasize three

Diabetes in our schools. The Centers for

safety help students form habits for

main points:

Disease Control tells us that 40 percent

MORE HEALTH’s 24 lessons are

healthy living, leading to a lifetime of

1. Brush teeth in the morning

Over the past 28 years, MH has seen

of American adults and 20 percent of

overall well-being. All the lessons are

and before bed, for two minutes with

adolescents (ages 6-19) are obese, while

fun, interactive and informative and

fluoridated toothpaste.

the American Academy of Pediatrics

especially enjoyed by students, teachers and parents.

2. Eat healthy foods, non-sugared drinks and drink water.

3. Visit a dentist for a dental checkup two times a year. Fluoride varnish

38 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

states that 1 in 30 children in the United States suffers from hypertension. It is vital parents adopt healthy nutrition and activity habits.

The Heart Lesson is a fantastic lesson for fifth

PROMOTE A HEALTHY MOUTH

graders and highly requested by schools. In the

• Start dental hygiene early- wipe your baby’s teeth with a soft washcloth

“Heart Lesson,” students learn that the heart is a

• Don’t share spoons, straws or drinks – you are sharing your mouth’s germs with your baby

very special muscle that pumps blood throughout the

• Don’t put a baby’s pacifier in your mouth – a pacifier should only be in baby’s mouth

body powerfully and continuously, throughout an

• Take your baby for a dental check-up at age 1 and every six months afterward

entire lifetime without any rest. A giant “walk through

• Provide foods low in sugar and offer only non-sugared drinks and fluoridated water

heart” mat guides students through the heart and

• Provide water at bedtime if needed

blood vessels. The importance of healthy nutrition is

• Brush in the morning and at night for 2 minutes with fluoridated toothpaste

emphasized as students identify the five different food

• Ask your dentist about fluoride varnish and sealants to help prevent cavities

groups. One of the highlights of the Heart Lesson for

• Practice good oral hygiene if you are pregnant; periodontal disease is linked to pre-term deliveries

students is dancing to music and then quickly listening

• Zylitol chewing and lozenges can reduce decay-causing bacteria

to their hearts with stethoscopes! Student’s faces light up when they hear their own heartbeat. Students also

HEART HEALTHY TIPS

learn the consequences of inactivity, obesity, smoking,

• Be a good role model and practice healthy behaviors

alcohol and drug use on the heart and are given a

• Keep meal time fun and positive

heart-healthy pledge to consider signing with their

• Offer healthy foods including lean meats, veggies, fruits, whole grains, non-sugared beverages

families.

• Limit TV, video game, computer and phone time

MORE HEALTH is committed to providing

• Encourage physical activity every day

innovative health and injury prevention lessons

• Make dinnertime a family time

to empower students and their families with the

• Limit fast foods and sugared snacks

knowledge to make healthy and safe decisions leading

• Encourage reading food labels and cooking together

to a lifetime of good health. We believe prevention

• Maintain a healthy weight

begins with education. We encourage you to commit as

• Take your child to the physician for an annual check-up

a family to follow simple steps for a healthy mouth and

• Practice good hygiene behaviors including washing hands frequently

healthy heart. We welcome your input and support!

• Do not smoke

MORE HEALTH is committed to providing innovative health and injury prevention lessons to empower students and their families.

Karen

Buckenheimer

(LEFT) Students learn the that a healthy mouth is part of a healthy body.

Fifth graders follow blood through the heart via the "walk through heart" mat.

FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 39

GROWING TOGETHER

A NEW Pediatric ER for your family’s emergencies!

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.

40 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

119 Oakfield Drive I Brandon, Florida

Safer Heart Surgeries | Health + Wellness

young at

heart safer kid's heart surgery

By Lily Conrad, American Heart Association-Tampa Bay

Six-year-old Audrina's second heart surgery involved the less-invasive Melody Valve procedure.

F

or 6-year-old Audrina, who has

offers a simpler, safer and less invasive surgery: the

successfully survived two open-

Melody valve.

“The Melody valve allows replacement of a pulmo-

heart surgeries and multiple

cardiac procedures to repair a congenital

nary valve through a vein in the groin—the femoral

heart defect, six years can seem like a

vein—or neck—the jugular—as opposed to another

lifetime.

open-heart surgery,” explains Gary Stapleton, M.D.,

It actually is a lifetime in medical tech-

“Because Dr. Stapleton and the heart institute added this innovative technology, it meant we didn’t

Audrina’s cardiologist and the division chief of pedi-

have to go out of state to have this procedure done,” Audrina’s mom, Rachel, explains.

Unfortunately, Audrina is likely to need additional procedures down the road.

“We are hopeful that the Melody valve will last for

atric cardiology and medical director of the cardiac

several years. At that point there may be the ability

Technology, procedures, medical

catheterization lab at Johns Hopkins All Children’s.

to implant a second valve inside of this one when

equipment and devices are improving

The procedure is much less invasive and usually

the need arises, although I suspect she will need

nology.

daily for patients like Audrina who receive

requires 23 hours of in-hospital observation as

another open-heart surgery to put in a larger diam-

patient-centered cardiac care from Johns

opposed to surgery, which typically requires a

eter conduit when she is a teenager or young adult

Hopkins All Children’s Heart Institute.

one-week stay in the cardiovascular intensive care

to accommodate for her growth,” Stapleton explains.

unit. The patients can also return to their normal

According to the American Heart

The American Heart Association funds more cardiovascular research than any U.S. organization

Association, congenital heart defects like

activities within a week of the procedure as opposed

Audrina’s are the world’s most common

to surgery, which requires significant activity

except the federal government. Because of advance-

birth defect, and about 25 per-

restrictions for up to eight weeks.

ments in research and technology, more infants

“Audrina has already had two open-

cent of children born with

and children with congenital heart defects survive

a congenital heart defect

heart surgeries, so by doing this

to adulthood. But despite the progress made, more

will need heart surgery

procedure we were able to avoid

research is needed so kids like Audrina can live long,

a third open-heart surgery in the

healthy lives.

or other interventions to survive.

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week

first six years of her life. With each

is Feb. 7-14.

open-heart surgery, there is increased

When Audrina needed heart surgery to replace her pulmo-

Visit heart.org/chd

nary valve, which will require

for info.

replacement every few years as she grows, her family found that Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital now

risk of bleeding or damage to the heart due to significant scar tissue that builds up

“Audrina is so active. She is living a normal life with ballet, gymnastics and tumbling. My wish is that every child who faces a congenital heart defect has the same opportunity,” Rachel says.

in the chest,” Stapleton says.

Audrina’s parents were understandably thrilled to see that risk reduced.

FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 41

Health + Wellness | Your Child's Heart Health

heart healthy tips FOR YOUR KIDS

By Anu Varma Panchal

L

et’s get the bad news out of the way first. In America today, one out of every three children is at risk of

adult obesity. One out of every six children is already medically obese. This has led to skyrocketing incidence in children of conditions such as kidney, liver and heart disease; obstructive sleep apnea; and Type 2 Diabetes (which in itself can lead to other issues such as blindness and nerve disease). The American Association of Pediatrics has in recent years approved cholesterol reducing medications for children as young as 8 years old—a necessity in a country where 11 percent of all children have elevated cholesterol levels.

In fact, for the first time in our country’s history, our children are likely to have shorter lifespans that their parents’ gen-

eration.

And now—the good news. The fix is simple and doable. Old-fashioned diet and exercise are still the first lines of defense when you are trying to keep your little one’s heart healthy.

“You don’t need to be eating tree bark and running a marathon every day,” quips Dr. J. Blaine John, a pediatric and fetal cardiologist with Pediatric Cardiology Associates and St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. Instead, he pushes subtle changes over time and a focus on simple, achievable goals.

42 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

DITCH THE SODA IMMEDIATELY. not be a surprise to most people, but how many

AIM FOR 20 MINUTES OF EXERCISE OR SOME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY EVERY DAY. This doesn’t

parents realize that juice is bad too? “It’s just

mean your child has to become an elite ath-

good-tasting sugar water,” says Dr. John. Instead

lete. Riding a bicycle around the block, taking

of that calorie and sugar-laden glass of orange

the dog for a brisk walk or just shooting

juice, hand your child an orange. It has all the

hoops with the neighborhood kids all counts

vitamins and nutrition of the juice, plus fiber at a

as physical activity.

All of it. That soda is terrible for health may

Image by Darlene Barlows Photography

fraction of the calories.

February is American Heart Health month

CUT DOWN SCREEN TIME. Children

SMOOTHIES AREN’T ALWAYS A GREAT OPTION.

are racking up between two and four hours of screen time daily. This should be reduced to

Homemade ones may be all right, but store-

less than two hours—and this includes smart

bought smoothies sometimes are loaded with as

phones, tablets, video games and any other

many as 500 calories.

screen or device.

THROW OUT THE SPORTS DRINKS.

The key to successfully changing a child’s

Gatorade, Powerade and sports drinks are not

weight lies at home, says Dr. John. It’s

indicated for a child athlete, says Dr. John. All

important for the whole family to make the

they need is healthy meals with water or skim

changes together. Don’t buy a bag of potato

milk to drink.

chips and tell your child they are not healthy.

Instead, make a bag of lower calorie popcorn

SKIP THE STARBUCKS STOP in the

for you and your child to eat together. Make

morning for your teen; a venti caramel macchia-

that family walk a part of your daily routine,

to, for example, contains a significant amount of

and not only will you all lose weight and

the daily calorie intake appropriate for a kid.

become healthier, the child will come to think of post-dinner walks as a family routine that

TOSS OUT THE ENERGY DRINKS.

they will take into their future adult lives.

“Heart health begins in childhood and lasts

Dr. John has lost count of the teenagers he has seen come in with chest pain and palpitations

a lifetime,” says Dr. John. “The most effective

that are caused by consumption of energy drinks

changes parents can make are in their own

that are full of excessive amino acids, sugar and

home. They can start today.”

caffeine.

BEWARE OF CALORIE-LOADED SNACK OPTIONS that masquerade as healthy choices. Many cereal bars and granola varieties fall under this category. Read the nutrition information on the label.

How many calories you need each day—ENERGY IN— depends on a few things: •

Your age

•

Whether you are male or female

•

How active you are

not active

Somewhat Active —Some ENERGY OUT. Does physical activity equal to walking quickly for 1 ½ to 3 miles (about 30–40 minutes) each day. Plus, does light activity needed for daily life.

Very Active —A lot of ENERGY OUT. Does physical activity equal to walking quickly for more than 3 miles each day (more than 40 minutes). Plus, does light activity needed for daily life.

somewhat active

Graphic courtesy of the National Institute of Health.

Not Active —Not much ENERGY OUT. Does only light activity needed for daily life. For instance, cooking or walking to the mailbox.

very active

FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 43

44 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

Pediatric Dental Visits | Health + Wellness

cheers not fears TEACH YOUR KIDS TO STAY CALM AT THE DENTIST

By Michael McIlwain, D.M.D.

Did you know? istock.com/ wichai leesawatwong

February is National Children's Dental Health Month.

Learn more at ada.org.

T

ooth decay is the No. 1 chronic childhood

With “a bad previous experience” being

developing permanent teeth. Primary (or baby)

illness, so starting dental checkups for

regularly cited as the main reason parents

teeth are important for: (1) proper chewing and

your child early on is crucial. A child’s first

don’t take children to the dentist, a good first

eating; (2) providing space for the permanent teeth

dental visit not only sets the stage for future visits,

impression is critical. Even the most advanced

and guiding them into the correct position; and (3)

but also for your child’s oral hygiene habits from an

techniques and skilled dental professionals

permitting normal development of the jaw bones

early age. However, dental fear and anxiety usually

will have a hard time erasing a bad memory,

and muscles. Primary teeth also affect the develop-

begin during childhood and tend to worsen with

which is why it is so important to start with a

ment of speech and add to an attractive appearance.

time if not addressed.

positive experience.

While the front four teeth last until 6-7 years of age,

As soon as your child’s first tooth comes in, you

Set an example for your child and act relaxed

the back teeth (cuspids and molars) aren’t replaced

should start taking them to the dentist. If you’re

and even excited about going to the dentist.

thinking of putting off their appointment, consider

They will pick up on your positive outlook and

the fact that 25 percent of children have at least

probably react similarly. Remain calm and

it’s widely recommended that your child have his or

one cavity by the time they turn 4. The Centers for

avoid words that may frighten your child, like

her first dental visit when first teeth start appear-

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that

needles and shots; you want to make sure your

ing. Early initial visits and regular follow-ups are

more than 40 percent of children have decay by the

child feels as comfortable and safe as possible.

encouraged for enhanced growth, appearance and

time they reach kindergarten. The sooner children

The first dental visit is usually short and in-

self-confidence. Your child will eventually identify

begin getting regular dental checkups, the healthier

volves very little treatment. During the exam,

dental visits as an opportunity for staying healthy

their mouths will stay throughout their lives. Early

your dentist will get acquainted and check all

with a fantastic smile.

checkups help prevent cavities and tooth decay,

of your child's existing teeth for decay, exam-

which can lead to pain, infection, suffering and other

ine your child's bite, and look for any potential

medical issues. Youngsters with healthy teeth chew

problems with the gums, jaw and oral tissues.

food easily, learn to speak clearly and smile with confidence.

It is very important to maintain the health of the primary teeth. Neglected cavities can and frequently do lead to problems that affect

until age 10-13.

To begin building on a thorough prevention plan,

MICHAEL MCILWAIN is a pediatric dentist in the Tampa Bay Area with offices in Tampa and Wesley Chapel. A Tampa native, Dr. Mike is dad to two daughters and a son. Learn more at mcilwaindentistry.com.

FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 45

Health + Wellness | When to Call it Quits

calling it QUITS WHEN TO GIVE UP THE PACIFIER OR THUMB SUCKING HABIT

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO ENCOURAGE A CHILD TO STOP SUCKING THEIR THUMB? Stopping a thumb habit is a little trickier than stopping a pacifier habit because you can take away the pacifier. Here are a few techniques I recommend to parents: ∙ Talk with your child. Let him/her know that you want them to have great teeth!

Explain to them that just like we have to brush them to keep them clean, we need to help them grow. Show them that when their thumb is in the way, the teeth cannot grow in the right place. We need them to grow in the right place so we can bite and chew yummy food! ∙ The “thumb garage” - get down at their eye level and tell them you understand that they like to suck their thumb. Tell them that when they really want to suck their thumb instead of putting it in their mouth, put it in the “thumb garage.” The thumb garage is the opposite hand, made into a fist. ∙ If the habit persists beyond age 4, we can make a habit stopping appliance custom-made for your child.

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO ENCOURAGE A CHILD TO STOP USING THEIR PACIFIER OR WHAT YOUR CHILD MAY AFFECTIONATELY CALL THEIR “PACI,” “BINKY” OR “BOBO”? ∙ The disappearing paci - with this technique you gradually take away the istock.com/whitephotoroma

pacifiers until only one or two remain. With those final two, you cut the tip of the paci little by little until he/she no longer wants it anymore. ∙ Cold turkey - this is the technique I used

Ideally by 1-2 years of age. After that,

get her to sleep) but one day we “couldn’t

By Dana M. Busciglio

S

part of development. Most children stop

it’s much more of a negotiation to stop

find it” and that was it. For 1-2 days she

Díaz, D.M.D, M.S.

this type of sucking on their own. When

the habit.

said, “We can’t find my bobo.” She is now

Mom to two amazing

with my almost 2-year-old and it worked

WHEN SHOULD I BEGIN TO WEEN MY BABY OFF HIS/HER PACIFIER?

much better than I expected. She lived for

by sucking their thumb or a pacifier is a natural and normal

elf-soothing for a young child

that thing (and so did my husband and I to

3 years old and has never asked for her

a child continues what dental profes-

been practicing in the

habits” it can lead to abnormal dental

Brandon area for 11 years.

development. We spoke with one of our

She is very excited to

local moms who is also Tampa Bay’s

FOR A CHILD WHO IS 3 TO 4 YEARS OLD, IS THE DAMAGE FROM PACIFIER USE AND THUMB SUCKING PERMANENT AT THIS POINT?

only dual certified pediatric dentist and

No! Studies show that there are no

The beautiful thing about working with

orthodontist, Dr. Dana Busciglio Díaz, to

long-term effects on the palate (roof

the teeth and mouth is that everything can

area. She is pre-booking

get answers to some common questions

of the mouth) if the thumb or pacifier

be fixed! We have a variety of orthodontic

appointments for new

regarding dental habits in children.

habit is discontinued by 4 years of age.

appliances custom made for your child’s

children, Dr. Dana has

open her own practice, iHeartSmiles, next month in the FishHawk

sionals call these “non-nutritive sucking

patients.

“bobo” again!

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS IF MY CHILD REFUSES TO STOP SUCKING THEIR THUMB?

habit that will help them to stop even when they are sleeping!

46 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

FUN ZONE

Join the fun 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily Feb. 8-19 in the WEDU PBS KIDS Fun Zone inside the Florida Center at the Florida State Fair!

FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 47

48 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

3345 S Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, FL 33629

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! 10AM - 10PM • • • •

Urgent Care Auto Accidents Physicals Workers Compensation

(813) 234-0100 www.aplusfamilyuc.com

What services and resources are available to you and your family?

Get an app for that...

It ’s so simple!

Download the Parent Connection app Answer a few questions In moments you’ll know what services are available Use the resources tab everyday And, it’s all free!

This project is/was supported by the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA)of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number D89MC28265-01-00, Affordable Care Act, Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood HomeVisiting Program, $8,361,139. This information or content and conclusions are thoseof the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of,nor should any endorsement be inferred by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

The Parent Connection app is brought to you by the Healthy Start Coalition of Hillsborough County, Inc.

FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 49

S U N D AY M A R C H 1 1

LIVE AT THE GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

FREE ADMISSION!

2 SHOWS: 1:00PM & 3:00PM MADE POSSIBLE BY

MORE DETAILS AT WWW.GMFKIDSFEST.COM

50 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

Date Night Guide | Food + Drink

love at first bite COOKING CLASSES TO TRY from TampaBayDateNightGuide.com

istock.com/worldofvector

By Brianna Althaus

Put the joy back into cooking by expanding your culinary education at one of the many cooking classes Tampa Bay has to offer. Whether you want to become a culinary artist, spend time in the kitchen as a couple, or just gain a little confidence in your “chef-ing” abilities, there is a class for you. You’ll find it easy to become inspired in the kitchen; all you need is an apron.

PUBLIX APRON COOKING SCHOOL

Publix has always been a favorite for

THE EPICUREAN HOTEL THEATRE

Work side by side with James Beard-nomi-

finding the products that begin culinary

nated chefs, internationally-known cooks,

adventures, and now you can have fun

and local culinary talent at the Epicurean

cooking all the products you know and

Theatre. Located within South Tampa’s

love. Publix provides an array of rotating

Epicurean Hotel, the classroom boasts a

classes focusing on particular prepa-

theatre-like setting with a state-of-the-art

rations and types of cuisines as well as

kitchen. The setting and company provide

classes that feature renowned chefs and

optimal opportunity for students to prepare

teachers. Learn basic knife skills, how

and enjoy fine wines, craft cocktails and

prepare brunch like Bobby Flay, or take a

gourmet meals.

private class with your hubby.

SUR LA TABLE

THE ROLLING PIN

Visit The Rolling Pin’s Kitchen Emporium

Pull up a chair and whip up something

to learn about tools and techniques to in-

delicious at one of Sur La Table’s many

spire you in the kitchen. Both hands-on and

cooking class options. Classes coincide

demonstration-style classes are equipped

with store hours so shoppers can observe

for all levels of students, from kids and

students as they slice, bake, sauté and stir.

tweens to adult beginners and experts.

Because of the nature of the store, the

Students will learn to cook specific menu

learning kitchen is equipped with all the

items as well as gain tips and techniques

exciting equipment a cooking enthusiast

they can take to their own kitchens.

could dream of. From savory to sweet, Sur La Table’s classes provide tips and treats for every type of chef.

For more local cooking classes and date night ideas, head to TampaBayDateNightGuide.com.

BRIANNA ALTHAUS is an undergraduate student studying professional writing, rhetoric and technology at The University of South Florida. Raised in Tampa, she has a genuine love for her hometown.

FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 51

Beauty + Style | Runway Translator

#couplegoals

By Michelle Bremer of runwaytranslator.com Photos by Theresa NeSmith Photography Makeup by Ciara Honackie Hair by Phillip Joseph. Male Model is Sebastian Telecki

Sometimes a couple is so in sync they finish each other’s sentences. They embody the vision of two hearts that beat as one. They’re so cute and perfect together, and on date nights even their outfits complement one another. #couplegoals

brunch date ON HIM Shirt, vest, pants and shoes are model’s

own ON HER Drawstring top, sequin skirt, feather cuff and handbag from Deborah Kent’s, jewelry and boots stylist’s own

52 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

date night in To achieve this rare pinnacle of style, there are a few simple guidelines: Don’t be too matchy-matchy! Nothing says, “We tried too hard” like two people wearing the same look, unless you’re going to a Twinning Costume Party. Tend to the details and try to stay in the same color palette.

Be yourselves! If your personal style is trendy-chic and his style is carefree-casual, meet in the middle and use elements that reflect those individual styles. Bring the looks together by coordinating through the use of color or texture.

Have fun with your fashion; it’s not a contest! You won’t receive a trophy for being voted the Best Dressed Couple (unfortunately), but accepting the challenge of creating a cohesive look between two people is, for some of us, extremely gratifying.

ON HIM Henley and sweatpants from Nordstrom Rack ON HER Satin tee from Macy’s, metallic sweatpants from Deborah Kent’s

night at the gallery

ON HIM Jacket, tee and jeans from Nordstrom Rack, shoes are

model’s own ON HER Heart sweater and metallic skirt from

heading out

ON HIM Shirt and jeans from Nordstrom Rack, jacket from Suit

Deborah Kent’s, shoes from Nordstrom Rack, vintage handbag

Supply, hat and shoes are model’s own ON HER Romper from Sweet

stylist’s own

Southern Chic, earrings, bag and shoes are stylist’s own

MICHELLE BREMER is a busy full-time working wife and mother of two active children. She owns Runway Translator, a full-service fashion styling firm. She also volunteers in the community with The Junior League of Tampa and Dress for Success Tampa

THERESA NESMITH, a wife and mom to three, owns Theresa NeSmith Photography. She specializes in women and family portraits, capturing the essence of her clients. She shoots on location and in her natural light studio in Tampa. 813-469-4021 theresanesmithphotography.com

Bay. RunwayTranslator.com FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 53

family fun | Crafting with Kiddos

CRAFTING

By Anna Tataris De Jesus

I love doing crafts with my children, but I don't love ending up with glue and glitter everywhere (regardless of how simple the craft is) and stepping on beads and stickers for days after vacuuming a million times. So I started searching for places around town where my kids can get crafty. This way, I get to spend more time making the crafts with them since I'm not prepping everything.

We leave the mess there and we bring home something really cool. Crafts are something I do with my kids all year round, but the month of February is especially fun at these art hotspots.

LEARNING EXPRESS TOYS

YELLOW BIRD STUDIO

This toy store has free

On Feb. 10, drop off your 5 to

weekly craft events for the

11-year-olds from 2-4 p.m. for

kids, and their outlets

Valentine’s Day Crafternoon.

across Tampa Bay are

They can create Pom-Pom Love

offering themed events for

Bugs, Tape Resist LOVE paintings

Valentine's Day. Check out

and heart-shaped yarn mobiles.

the calendar for the store closest

Younger ones can enjoy Valentine’s

to you. Sign up early—some events

Day the entire month, as Yellow Bird will

feature character appearances and sell out early.

host love and friendship-inspired activities with the morning Hand in Hand classes that are held every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday

MICHAELS CRAFT STORE

from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Crafts include making Valentine playdough, sensory Love Potions and collaborative murals to

Michaels isn't just

inspire cooperation

a great place to buy supplies

and work on prob-

for craft

lem-solving and

projects; they

social skills. This

also have a

class is for children ages 18 months to 4

Kids Club every

years, and a caregiver

Saturday for

is required to attend.

children ages 3-8 from 10 a.m. to noon

COLOR ME MINE

and a MAKEbreak event from 1 - 3 p.m. On Feb. 3,

At this fun pottery place in Hyde

kids can make Valentine's Day

Park Village, you get to pick out your

Lady Bugs and

pottery and paint it. All through Feb-

on Feb. 10, design

ANNA TATARIS DE JESUS is an Emmy-nominated television journalist with a passion for traveling with her family. Together with her husband Roy, she creates videos

ruary, the pottery studio will offer various

and create Valentine's

Valentine’s Day-themed events. Regulars can

Day Cards. All month,

look forward to other events such as “Paint me a

Michaels will have

story,” a fun Mommy & Me workshop for kids ages

Valentine's Day-themed

2-5, and a Sensory Friendly Painting Party.

crafts at stores across Tampa Bay.

LAKESHORE LEARNING STORE Lakeshore Learning in Tampa offers free crafts for children every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and

inspiring families to travel. Follow them at

this month, will have opportunities to make Valentine mailboxes and dream catchers. On Feb. 10 from 10

TheGreatEscapePlan.com or at facebook/

a.m. to 3 p.m., the store is offering a free Bee Mine Valentine Event with Valentine-themed craft stations. On

TheGreatEscapePlan.

Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the studio will feature Pete the Cat Storytime every hour with multiple crafts focused on Pete the Cat including a Cool Cat Paper Puppet.

54 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

Bucified Burt | Life + Home

MUSICAL ARTS PIANO CONSERVATORY JUDITH CATALDO, DIRECTOR

Piano lessons and classes for every age Private Lessons, Group Classes

& Summer Music Camps PIANO IS OUR PASSION! 2101 W.Xennedv'Blvd. Tampa. YC... 33606

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1/16/18 3:50

Florida resident value Residents get an incredible value through February 28, 2018 with Adults-at-Kids Pricing. Take advantage by pre-purchasing tickets online.

Adults-at-kids-pricing

25.95

$

For a limited time

See website for details and restrictions.

TLPZ.org/FloridaResident

Tampa’s lowry park zoo FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 55

Family Fun | Kid Friendly Day Dates

day dates with kids 10 PLACES IN TAMPA BAY

By Merris Pope, Hula-Frog South Tampa editor

1

7

date with your little one. Shop, grab

5

lunch at Bar Taco or Goody Goody

Tampa Bay is home to some amazing

St. Pete is a great

Burgers and score a sweet treat at

beaches. Pass-a-Grille has a beauti-

option for the

Sprinkles or The Hyppo to eat as

ful and kid-friendly beach with easy

adventurous kid.

you relax by the fountain.

street parking and nearby public

With 40-foot walls

restrooms. Dine at The Hurricane

and challenges for

Restaurant before or after you build

beginners as well

that sandcastle for a full day of fun.

as more advanced

SHOP AND PLAY Visit Hyde Park Village for a fun day

HAVE FUN IN THE SUN

2

GET YOUR CLIMB ON Vertical Ventures

climbers, it's sure to be a good bonding

BRAVE THE COASTERS

experience.

6

Busch Gardens has something for kids of all ages. If your bigger kid is a thrill-seeker, take them to ride

CATCH A LIGHTNING GAME

the roller coasters. For the littler kids, Elmo and his Sesame Street

Go Bolts! Support our local hockey

8

friends have a show and rides just

team and spend some quality time

HIT THE LANES

for them. Don't forget to see the

with your child, who (if she’s 12 or

Who doesn't love

animals!

under) can join ThunderBug's Kids

fancy bowling

SAIL OFF ON AN ADVENTURE

Club and become one of the Tampa

shoes, knocking

Bay Lightning's biggest little fans!

down some pins and

Spend the day on the pirate taxi

Membership includes Lightning swag,

eating pizza? It’s a

and enjoy our beautiful city!

a free ticket to a game and more!

good time for all.

3

4

Start at the Sail Pavilion and

ENJOY A SWEET TREAT

hop off at Curtis Hixon or Water

Head over to Datz Dough for a

Works Park for some playground

special dessert date and choose

time. You can grab lunch at The

from the many delicious menu

Columbia Cafe or Ulele too.

items—doughnuts, ice cream, doughnut ice cream cones and more! Plus, there’s specialty coffee for the grown ups.

Try Datz's ultraviolet cupcake.

9

PAINT TOGETHER Potter’s House in Tampa is quaint and quiet, the perfect place to share a special moment creating art with your little one. Choose from

10

VISIT WINTER THE DOLPHIN This day date is perfect for the dolphin lover or a fan of the Dolphin Tale Films! Not your typical aquarium,

a variety of options, from mugs, plates, orna-

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a

ments or figurines, and enjoy!

marine life rescue center. When you visit, learn about their ongoing work of rescue, rehabilitation and release.

56 TampaBayParenting.com | FEBRUARY 2018

Purchase a Valentine Cookie

February 1st-14th A Sweet Way to Show You Care!

100% of the proceeds will be donated to

St. Joseph's Children's Hospital Heart Institute*

Are You Living With

A False Sense of Security?

Do you know what would happen to your kids if something happened to you? The answer may surprise you...

In this free resource, A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Your Children Through Estate Planning, Attorney Mike Mastry reveals the most frequently asked questions that he hears from parents of minor children, and also the questions that parents should be asking to best protect their children.

Take the first step toward ensuring that your children will be taken care of, no matter what happens to you.

Request your FREE resource today.

www.give2stjoeskids.org

*Participating Tampa Bay area locations owned by Covelli Family Limited Partnership; find your neighborhood bakery cafe at www.paneraflorida.com.

Call 727-308-5266 or visit www.MastryLawParentsGuide.com FEBRUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 57

What’s Happening | Top Picks

FEBRUARY GASPARILLA: A TAMPA TRADITION Through March 4 Henry Plant Museum, Tampa Explore the history of Tampa Bay’s most beloved community festival.

Learn about the early Gasparilla parades through vintage photographs and Ann Lowe-designed Gasparilla gowns to see how they compare to the way we celebrate today. plantmuseum.com

STAR WARS™ AND THE POWER OF COSTUME Through April 1 Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg

View this popular temporary exhibit when the Smithsonian traveling exhibition visits the St. Pete museum to showcase its iconic costumes from a galaxy far, far away. mfastpete.org

MONSTER JAM Feb. 3, 7 p.m.

Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

This year’s adrenaline-charged, high-flying event will feature some of motorsports’ most popular drivers/trucks including Bounty Hunter driven by Jimmy Creten, Grave Digger with Charlie Pauken, Scarlet Bandit by Dawn Creten, and more. Passes are available for a Pit Party 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. when fans can see the trucks up close, meet drivers, take photos and get autographs. Gates open to all at 5 p.m. Tickets start at $15. raymondjamesstadium.com

HYDE PARK FRESH MARKET Feb. 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hyde Park Village, Tampa

Browse vendors at this market held the first Sunday of every month and featuring locally produced and homemade foods, plants, produce, hand crafts and eco-friendly and fair trade products. Listen to live music and stop by one of the village restaurants. Free admission and parking. hydeparkvillage.com

CHILDREN’S BOARD OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FREE TUESDAY Feb. 6, noon to 7 p.m.

Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa

County and its mission to promote the well-being of children and families. glazermuseum.org

FLORIDA STATE FAIR Feb. 8-19 Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa

Enjoy classic fair rides and treats, and check out the Florida State Fair Dance Championship, wine competition, recycled yard art and the Leroy Van Dyke Country Gold Tour. floridastatefair.com.

THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA PRESENTS THE MUSIC OF STAR TREK & STAR WARS Feb. 9, 8 p.m.

Straz Center, Tampa

The Florida Orchestra goes boldly where no man has gone before as they perform Star Wars classics from John Williams and music from the Star Trek movies and TV show. Conducted by Michael Francis, the concert stages Trekkies against Star Wars fanatics, culminating in a stellar performance. floridaorchestra.org

CHANGING EMOTIONAL RESPONSE: A MINDFULNESS PROGRAM Feb. 10, 9-10 a.m.

Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa

Join Evolve Personal Health for activities that allow children to explore their emotions. Participants will be presented with neutral and negative emotions, and then discuss how to deal with them in a positive way. This event is free. glazermuseum.org Ages 5-12

DAY OF PLAY Feb. 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Al Lopez Park, Tampa

Learn how the simple act of playing can aid in your child’s growth. Families will enjoy live entertainment, prizes, games and more! Food can be purchased at food trucks from the Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally. elchc.org

Enjoy free admission as part of the museum’s partnership with the Children’s Board of Hillsborough

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

BROWNIES, JUNIORS AND CADETTES AT MOSI AND THE LET IT GLOW! CAMP-IN Feb. 10, 7 p.m. – Feb 11, 9 a.m.

MOSI, Tampa Explore the science behind luminescence, make your own jewelry and dance under black lights. This camp includes hands-on STEAM programming, snacks, sleeping at MOSI, breakfast and after-event access to MOSI. Sponsored by Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. gswcf.org

KREWE OF SANT’ YAGO KNIGHT PARADE Feb. 10, 7 p.m.

Ybor City

Find a spot on the sidewalk to collect beads at this popular night parade rolling down Seventh Avenue in historic Ybor City. Enjoy lighted floats, vendors and the rich heritage the Krewe strives to uphold. Event benefits the Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago Education Foundation. knightparade.com

BOY SCOUT MERIT BADGE WORKSHOPS various dates and times MOSI, Tampa Take advantage of several Boy Scout Merit Badge workshops including: Environmental Science (Feb. 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.); Electronics (Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.); Space Exploration (Feb. 17, 3-6 p.m.); Astronomy (Feb. 17, 7-11 p.m.); and Engineering (Feb. 25, 2-5 p.m.). mosi.org

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: VOLTA Feb. 14 – March 4, various times Tampa Greyhound Track, Tampa

See Cirque Du Soleil in their high-flying, colorful, acrobatic glory under the big top. “Volta” is inspired by the adventurous spirit of freedom, with action sports taking center stage. cirquedusoleil.com

PARENTS NIGHT OUT Feb 15, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Bryan Glazer Family JCC

Bring the kids to Bryan Glazer Family JCC in Tampa for a night of fun. The event may include crafts, games, gymnasium and outdoor activities. Cost is $15 per child for members and $25 per child for non-members for first child and $5 per child thereafter. bryanglazerfamilyjcc.com 2-12

PATEL CONSERVATORY PRESENTS DISNEY’S “THE ARISTOCATS KIDS” Feb. 15-18, various times Straz Center, Tampa Join a cast of kids from second through fourth grade as they perform the stage adaptation of Disney’s animated classic motion picture, “The Aristocats,” which follows a family of Parisian felines as they experience twists and turns of adventure. strazcenter.org

SPECIAL NEEDS EVENTS

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

WARRIORS FOR AUTISM – SENSORY WARRIORS PROGRAM Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24 11 a.m. – noon Warrior Fitness & Sensory

71ST ANNUAL FIESTA DAY Feb. 24, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Ybor City

This free, family-friendly street festival on Ybor City’s Setima (7th Avenue) celebrates the Cuban, Italian, Spanish, Jewish and German immigrants who settled in Ybor City in the late 1800s. There will be live music, food, arts and crafts and fun for all ages!

SKYWATCH Feb. 24, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

MOSI, Tampa

Join the space experts in the parking lot by the new MOSI entrance for an evening of space exploration through the museum’s telescopes.

This month, the winter sky bears Venus and Mercury setting in the West as Cancer starts to appear in the East. No ticket or purchase required. mosi.org

DOWNTOWN DUNEDIN ART FESTIVAL Feb. 17-18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy a day of Midway rides, games, tasty fair food, exhibits, shows and pageant events. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. Unlimited ride wristbands are available for purchase. pascocountyfair.com

CLEARWATER SEAFOOD AND BLUES FESTIVAL Feb. 23-24, various times Coachman Park, Clearwater

Listen to an eclectic lineup of national blues artists and emerging bands at this annual music festival.

Headlining Saturday night is Kenny Wayne Shepard Band and Sunday night is Ana Popovic. General Admission is free with reserved seating starting at $25. myclearwaterevents.com 12 & Older

CORBETT PREP ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE Feb. 1, 8:30 a.m.

Tampa

Attend a Corbett Preparatory School of IDS open house and learn about the Tampa school’s concept-based curriculum and about programs including fine arts, sports, STEM and International Baccalaureate. corbettprep.com

CORPUS CHRISTI OPEN HOUSE Feb. 2, 8:30 a.m.

Tampa

Browse original handmade work by fine artists from across the country in downtown Dunedin along Main Street. See a wide array of media and engage with the artists onsite with work available for purchase.

Free admission. artfestival.com

PASCO COUNTY FAIR Feb. 19 – 25, various times Pasco County Fairgrounds, Dade City

PRIVATE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE EVENTS

Tour the north Tampa campus of Corpus Christi Catholic School to meet faculty and staff and get information about academic, arts and sports programs on the campus. cccstt.org

BE MINE Feb. 8, 6 p.m.

Palma Ceia Golf Club, Tampa

“Grease” is the theme of this year’s Heart Gallery of Tampa’s annual bash, which benefits local foster children by raising awareness and funds. This year’s event will include unique entertainment with Grease characters, open bar, food and an after party. heartgallerytampa.org 21 and up

HILLSDALE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE Feb. 13, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Tampa

Discover the difference at Hillsdale Christian Academy, located in Citrus Park. See what a Christian education can do for your family. hcatampa.org

BRANDON ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE Feb. 22, 9 a.m.

Brandon

Visit to see the nationally-recognized advanced academic program, creative assignments, art, music, physical education, foreign language, field trips and other enrichment. Families with students 3 years old through 5th grade can attend our Lower School Open House on Feb. 22. RSVP at brandon-academy.com.

Kids on the autism spectrum and their siblings can get an up-close look at adaptive martial arts training at Warrior Fitness & Sensory in a safe and supportive learning environment. Classes include kickboxing, martial arts, flexibility, anti-bullying, speed and agility drills, discipline, self-defense and more. warriorsensory.com 5 & Older

GREAT CONNECTIONS Feb. 11, 10 a.m. to noon Great Explorations, St. Petersburg

Experience Great Explorations and its exhibits with special early access hours made available to children with special needs and their families. Take part in sensory-friendly activities and crafts. This month, the museum partners with Blossom Therapies, an at-home therapy service for Alternative & Augmentative Communication, Autism Spectrum Disorder, general speech and language and IEP assistance. Cost is $5 per person for general admission and free to Museum members. greatex.org Infant & Older

SENSORY FRIENDLY PAINTING PARTY! Feb. 18, 6-8 p.m.

Color Me Mine, Tampa

Have a crafty little one on your hands? Sensory sensitive guests will enjoy lowered lights and noise at Color Me Mine. Spend an evening painting with free studio fees for all! tampa.colormemine.com Everyone

SUNSHINE SUNDAY Feb. 25, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa

Explore the museum with lights and sounds lowered and special programming available for those with special needs to enjoy the museum exclusively. Free for members and $5 nonmembers. glazermuseum.org Everyone

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AROUND TOWN

SCHOOL SECURITY OFFICER GIVES BACK Officer Juan Melo retired from the Tampa Police Department and became a school security officer with Hillsborough Schools. He works primarily at Booker T. Washington Elementary School in Tampa. To reward four students for their hard work, Officer Melo decided to buy each of them a bicycle with his own money.

Around Town | What's Happening

Carrollwood Day School hosts Day of Caring

HEALTHY RESOLUTIONS YMCA Wellness Expert Jenny Beadle recently appeared on WFLA News Channel 8 to share easy healthy New Year's resolutions families can do together for a healthier and happier 2018! Learn more at tampabayparenting.com.

BABY HIPPO NAME REVEAL Lowry Park Zoo teamed up with The Hyppo in Hyde Park Village to get suggestions from the public on what to name their baby pygmy hippo. After receiving more than 1,000 entries, the name Holly Berry was selected—a perfect name since the zoo got a hippopotamus for Christmas with her birth in December!

CHILDREN'S BOARD Members of Leadership Hillsborough, a local 501HILLEL LIGHTNING CLINIC Tampa Bay Lightning players C3 dedicated to supporting taught hockey techniques to students at Hillel Academy the development of local during a hockey clinic, which included training and scrim- community leaders, collected, ages. Following the clinic, players and students enjoyed wrapped and delivered more lunch together at the school. than 300 holiday gifts to the students at Wimauma ElemenTHERAPY PIGS Thunder tary as part of their annual gift and Bolt along with giving campaign. members of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla visit patients at Tampa General Hospital.

CARROLLWOOD DAY SCHOOL Students launched into the new year with a day dedicated to giving back called Day of Caring. Elementary students were inspired by one of their own students who won a battle against cancer and created activity boxes for pediatric cancer patients.

Students in upper grades held a bake sale to raise money for pediatric cancer research, collected stuffed animals for patients and even held a Walk-a-Thon to benefit the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

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

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