January 2018

tampabayparenting.com

JANUARY 2018

date

night

IDEAS

8

parent hacks: local parents share

REACH SUCCESS

resolutions for the whole family POSITIVE BEHAVIOR

TECHNIQUES FOR A HAPPIER 2018

Arrrrgh you ready?

ULTIMATE GASPARILLA GUIDE

Education Guide

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The hospital can be a scary place for anyone, especially children.

At St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, we do our best to comfort parents and children, and ease their fears. Our nursing teams, physicians and specialists ensure that our patients receive exceptional care in surroundings designed just for kids.

Visit StJoesKids.org to learn more about us and our friends, the UnMonsters.

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 3 17-251620-1217

CONTENTS / january 2018

SECTIONS FAMILY FUN SPECIAL SECTION 13 14 16

19 21 23 25 26 29

30 36 51 54

58

61

63 64

68 71

10

Gasparilla Children's Extravaganza Bicycle Rodeo Learn safety the fun way Preschooler's Stroll Pint-sized pirates take on Bayshore Gasparilla Party Tips Party like a pro

LIFE + HOME

Guest Editor The give a darn list Applied Behavior Positive reinforcement Mastry Law Family estate planning tips Safety First Plan for your new baby Life Made Easier Parent hacks Minimalist Kids Narrowing what matters

EDUCATION

Sidewalk Stompers Good for body, school and community STEM Superheroes Pinellas teacher co-authors book series Searching Safely 3 Tips for better online searches Pepin Academies Transitioning students to success

BEAUTY + STYLE

Runway Translator Fresh start fashion

FOOD + DRINK

Date Night Guide 8 Places to reconnect

51

HEALTH + WELLNESS

Centra Care Why regular check-ups are important YMCA Reach success

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Top Picks Things to do in January Around Town Tampa Bay area highlights

FEATURES

10 38

4 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

GASPARILLA CHILDREN'S EXTRAVAGANZA Plan your day at the Children's Parade EDUCATION DIRECTORY Your guide to local private and magnet schools

58

64

ON THE COVER

Meet Jay Langford of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and his sons Madden, 7, and Barrett, 5.

Cover image by Darlene Barlows Photography darlenebarlowsphotography.com

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WHAT LOCAL PRODUCE IS AT YOUR

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THIS FARM CARES recognizes Florida farm

families who use sustainable practices to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to your table.

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Guest editor note

Welcome to 2018

GUEST EDITOR Jennifer Burby

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITORIAL MANAGER

A YEAR OF POSSIBILITIES

Laura Byrne

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anu Varma Panchal

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sarah Stoulil

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Burby Anu Varma Panchal Laura Byrne Tara Payor, Ph.D. Mike Mastry Amy Hammond Courtney Cairns Pastor Kelley Parris Michelle Bremer Emily Hinsdale Sommer Stiles Lalita Llerena Carlee Bowdoin Jennifer Giusti Ann K. Bouchard

CALENDAR Chris Kuhn

R

aise your hand if you felt like 2017 came

not in the office; with parenting, I don't ever feel like

and went in a blur? As each month

I'm truly ever "off the clock.") If you want options

passed, "How is it already Easter?"

where you can work less to spend more time with

became "How are we already going back to school?" and then "How is Starbucks already selling pumpkin

your family, this is absolutely possible for you.

2017 was also a year where I was forced to

spice lattes?" and "How is it already Christmas?" It

prioritize what really matters, hence the inspiration

didn't feel like time passed this quickly when I was

behind "The Give a Darn List" you can read about

in my teens and early 20s.

on page 20. We so often get caught up in the

For me, the past year was a huge transition. I left

minutiae of everyday life and get worked up about

the large statewide law firm where I was an attorney

things that don't really matter. In an effort to put

for six years and joined a smaller, boutique firm on

a kibosh on this, I created a Give a Darn List and

LAYOUT & DESIGN

a part-time basis. It was always a dream of mine to

never looked back. It's a complete game changer and

Page Four Creative

work part-time, but I thought it would be impossible

I'm excited to share it with you.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

to achieve in a profession with strict deadlines and

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ralf Gonzalez Craig Collins

Theresa NeSmith Photography Darlene Barlows Photography Synthia Therese Photography

BOOKKEEPING

Employee of the Month, LLC

TAMPA BAY PARENTING MAGAZINE

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

billable hours. The lesson: Everything is possible once you can figure out what you want your career

I hope everyone has an enjoyable and inspiring 2018. Cheers!

to look like and aren't afraid to put yourself out there to get it. This was a long process, but I learned a lot along the way. I am fortunate to have this opportunity, but navigating the challenges of leaving work to hit the school carpool line and get my girls to extracurricular activities has been interesting! (No, working part time doesn't mean I

JENNIFER BURBY

creator of lifestyle and parenting blog THECHAMPAGNESUPERNOVA.COM

get to sit poolside and drink margaritas when I'm

BECOME A FAN AT:

tampabayparentingmagazine @tampabayparenting @TBParenting

Tampa Bay Parenting is published twelve times per year and distributed throughout the Tampa Bay community. Tampa Bay Parenting 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 Parent-

Image by Synthia Therese Photography

is not responsible for any errors, inaccuracies,

ing 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.

8 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

MORE WITH JENNIFER BURBY on page 19

PAY FOR A DAY

PLAY ALL YEAR Buy a Busch Gardens Fun Card and get an Adventure Island Fun Card FREE. Hurry, limited time offer ends March 25!

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 9

© 2018 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

family fun | Gasparilla Children's Extravaganza

Calligraphy and illustrations by White Sands Collective, Tampa

PLAN YOUR DAY AT THE MCDONALD'S CHILDREN'S GASPARILLA EXTRAVAGANZA ON JANUARY 20.

PIRATE SWAG Items can be found at South Tampa Trading Company

The Children’s Parade has been an annual Tampa tradition since 1947. It’s just as fun as the adult event—up to 100 floats, krewes, marching bands, schools and beads—but without the alcohol and the shenanigans!

For kids

WHEN: From 3:30-6 p.m.,

seating upgrades. Bleacher seating starts at

Saturday, Jan. 20

$38, but advanced ticket pricing ends Jan. 13, and tickets go up by $5 on the day of. Visit

WHERE: The parade starts at the

gasparillatreasures.com to see bleacher deals

corner of Bay to Bay and Bayshore,

and combos.

heads north on Bayshore and ends at Edison.

Parade begins at

HOW TO WATCH: The best way of course,

Bay to Bay and ends

is in person! If you can’t make it, it will be

at Edison.

HOW MUCH: The event is free

broadcast live on Fox 13 and livestreamed on

to attend, but you can purchase

myfoxtampabay.com.

FIND YE For her & him

GASPARILLA CHILDREN'S PARADE ALONG BAYSHORE BLVD.

along the parade route

PRESCHOOLER'S STROLL PARADE ROUTE Stroll begins at

For more details gasparillapiratefest.

Howard and ends at Rome.

com/childrens-fest

HANDICAPPED PARADE VIEWING At Howard on the landside of the parade route

YS BA

.

VD BL E R HO

RESERVED PARADE SEATING PURCHASED TICKETS NOTE: The indicated reserved seating sites are based on demand. Areas not utilized for general admission seating will be available for open viewing.

Map is not to scale, but will give you a good idea of the route.

10 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

MCDONALD'S CHILDREN'S GASPARILLA EXTRAVAGANZA

SCHEDULE 11 a.m. Vendors are open 11a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bicycle Rodeo 1:30-2:45 p.m.

Preschooler's Stroll 2:45-3:15 p.m.

Gasparilla Air Invasion and SOCOM Day Jump 3:30-6 p.m.

6:15-6:30 p.m.

Gasparilla Air Invasion and SOCOM Night Jump

you ready?

7-7:30 p.m.

Piratechnic Extravaganza

SOUTH TAMPA TRADING CO. Hours: 10am - 6pm Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday Closed Sunday

1916 S Dale Mabry Hwy SouthTampaTradingCo.com (813) 831-7882 JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 11

Photo by Darlene Barlows Photography

Children’s Parade

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

T

Y N I

at t h e

MU SE

UM

MU

GlazerMuseum.org

NeW January 1-31 Arrr you ready for a Pirate Invasion?

Glazer Children’s Museum is celebrating Tampa’s Gasparilla heritage and traditions all month long!

• Build and test your own pirate ship • Discover hidden treasure and messages • Create a telescope and eye patch • Talk like a pirate and more!

March 12-16

Spring Break Camp for Ages 5-10 Register your little learner to play with purpose and embrace curiosity at GCM’s Camp Imagination: Spy School!

• Create an undercover disguise • Receive top secret briefings • Discover the science of spying • Decode secret messages and more!

12 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

Visit GlazerMuseum.org/camps

regiSter toDaY

Gasparilla Children's Extravagana | Family Fun

bicycle rodeo

LEARN SAFETY THE FUN WAY AT THE RODEO

By Anu Varma Panchal

S

wing by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Rodeo at the Children’s Gasparilla parade and see if your

young ones (and you!) are up to date on the rules and practices of safe riding. Don’t worry kids; this event may involve learning, but there’s plenty of fun involved.

Children’s Gasparilla Director of Operations Maiken Stefany says to look out for a course set up to the side of the parade route, on the corner of Bayshore Boulevard and South Rome Avenue. You’ll see officers of the Tampa Police Department’s bike unit and members of onbikes near an obstacle course with stop signs and traffic cones. Once the children register with volunteers from Hillsborough County’s Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and sign a waiver, they’ll visit a team of helmet fitters led by Kristi Nalls of Baycare Safe Routes to School. They’ll then be fitted for a bike and head into the route.

“We don’t teach kids how to ride a bike; rather, we teach kids how to ride their bike safely on the roads,” says David DiMarco, master police officer with the Tampa Police Department Bicycle Operations and Response Unit.

“We have two mini courses set up to mimic the road and conditions a kid will encounter on the streets of Tampa.”

While supplies last, children will be fitted with bicycle helmets that they can take home for free. Last year, 350 helmets were donated by onbikes and FDOT, and about 1,500 children rode in the course. Some lucky children also received free bicycles raffled off by onbikes, a charity that aims to provide foster children with bicycles. This year, although the logistics of the bike giveaway proved to be a

SATURDAY, JAN. 20

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bicycle and

Pedestrian Safety Rodeo along Bayshore Boulevard and South Rome Avenue

little too complicated to repeat, DiMarco says Think you can ride a bicycle? Come test your skills at the bicycle rodeo, organized by the Tampa Police Department, onbikes, FDOT

about 350 helmets will again be given away.

“As always, our success in this event can

Tampa and EventFest, Inc. Children will be fitted with free, brand new

only be accomplished as a direct result of the

helmets that they can take home (while supplies last). They can then

generosity from our volunteers at onbikes,

use the rodeo’s bicycles to navigate a fun course that teaches them

BPAC, Safe Routes to School and FDOT,”

safe skills, such as signaling, stopping and maintaining a single lane.

DiMarco says.

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 13

family fun | Gasparilla Children's Extravaganza

SATURDAY, JAN. 20 1:30 p.m., Gasparilla Preschooler's Stroll presented by Lowry Park Zoo, a half-mile on Bayshore Boulevard from Howard to Rome.

IMPORTANT: Preregistration is mandatory to walk in the Preschooler's Stroll.

Participants must be in pirate themed attire and accompanied by adult. While no motorized vehicles are allowed, the little pirates are welcome to ride in a decorated wagon, stroller, tricycle or bicycle. Visit gasparillapiratefest.com/ childrens-fest/preschoolers-stroll/ to download an application. No walkups allowed on the day of!

PINT P SIZED PIRATES

ossibly the most

Jan. 20. Parents who want their tots to participate must

adorable event

preregister. No walkups will be allowed on the day of the event.

in the world, the

All children must be in pirate or animal-themed costumes, and

preschoolers stroll (launched

must ride in decorated “units,” strollers, wagons or tricycles.

in 2005) is an opportunity for

No motorized vehicles are allowed.

the under-5 crowd to show their buccaneer spirit.

“We started this because we

TAKE BAYSHORE!

By Anu Varma Panchal

“Parents really get into it,” Stefany says. “Neighborhoods get together and decorate wagons the same way. Parents go all out, some do replicas of ships that are really intricate—fake smoke

had a need to do something

for cannons, and some light up… the more glitter and beads,

fun for the kids too young to

the better!”

participate in the parade itself,”

Prizes will be awarded for exceptional best in show “floats,”

says Maiken Stefany, director

and Stafany says winners are usually offered complimentary

of operations for the Children’s

bleacher seating for the children’s parade. The parade is

Gasparilla Parade. “We’re very

intended for children 5 and under, but there are no restrictions

excited; Lowry Park Zoo is

on older children who wish to walk and pass out beads.

presenting it again, and it’s fun

The tots (and mandatory accompanying adults) must gather

to have a community partner

for the 1:30 p.m. start time. In recent years, the stroll has

like that one.”

been moved away from the staging area for the larger floats

The stroll is an easy half mile on Bayshore Boulevard from Howard to Rome Avenues and starts at 1:30 p.m. Saturday,

for the children’s parade. Last year, more than 1,000 people participated in this event.

“It’s adorable; it really is,” says Stefany. “We only move as fast as the smallest pair of legs can go. We are excited to see it continue to grow.”

14 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

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Excludes premium seats. Offer good for all shows. Offer excludes day of show.

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JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 15

Family Fun | Gasparilla Party Tips

PARTYlike a Pro

By Carlee Bowdoin of the

YOUR MAP TO PARADE DAY TREASURE Crown-Ginger.com blog

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know the greatest Tampa holiday is

upon us: the day when we are woken at sunrise by the sound of pistols and cannons, when eye patches and parrots become accessories and our Tampa Bay becomes something out of Stevenson’s “Treasure Island.” Among all the pirate hype and trea-

4.

Don’t forget the essentials:

a cooler, a blanket, sunscreen,

sure excitement, it seems most forget or don’t think about how to actually navigate the

chairs and large blanket for your

sea that is Bayshore come parade day. Well, here’s a strategic map for BOTH parades

parade space. Secret arsenal items

to ensure you get the best experience of any attendee.

to include: toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Port-a-potties are available but this way you feel a little cleaner when nature calls.

5.

If you want to get more

beads, make a sign ahead of time, highlighting your favorite Krewe or even college. They love seeing these and are sure to throw you a ton of beads in appreciation.

6.

Specific to the children’s

parade, be sure to stick around afterwards for one of the best fireworks shows in Tampa; it typically starts about 7 p.m.

7.

8.

Remember the children's

parade is an alcohol-free event.

Probably the biggest mis-

calculation we see every year with

Carlee with the Krewe of Queen Anne's Revenge

both parades is attendees waiting south of Bay to Bay to try and get

1.

beads. A major rule to follow is that we are not permitted to throw Most people don’t think of this, but

you should have a getaway car parked in the parade vicinity the night before. This way, you can easily have access to your ride, as

Parade Info

rade aspa ri lla Pa Ch ild ren’s G . m p.

-6 30 20, 3: Saturday, Ja n. on si va In r Jose Gaspa to 1 p.m.

27 11:30 a.m.

Saturday Ja n.

Pa rade Gaspa ri lla .

27, 2-5:30 p.m n Ja , ay Saturd

driving services will be slow and expensive that day.

2.

to Bay.

9.

Also, if you are close to the

barricade, please DO NOT reach over and grab something off a participant. You wouldn’t think so,

Much like on game day, some

people go prior to the parade to stake out a plot for their crew. Or you can just send someone early to get a spot right up front

but this does happen and we want to avoid people getting hurt.

10.

If all else fails, remem-

with a large blanket. Do not underestimate

ber to be nice and say thank you.

the crowd, it gets big fast. You can purchase

Sometimes we forget the parades

bleacher seats online ahead of time (strong-

are made up of volunteers that give

ly recommend).

their own time to make sure the

3.

magic of Jose Gaspar lives on for Bring some cash for vendors. Once

your kid sees that inflatable sword or hubby smells the corn dogs, it's game over.

16 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

ANY beads before crossing Bay

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18 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

Guest Editor | Life + Home

focus on what The Give a Darn List

(Realistically: I will try really hard to not give a darn. Old habits die hard.)

Here is my hierarchy of people who get my darns.

God. My immediate family.

Some people you click with and some

and super special. (e.g. my

and meaningful clicking. Bummer.

grandparents)

On the plane ride back, my negative thoughts started getting the best of me. Why couldn't I connect with these women? Is something wrong with me?

I called my close friend and former roommate, Amy. She's usually the voice of reason. Tell the truth, is there

By Jennifer Burby, thechampagnesupernova.com

something I'm doing wrong?

No.... and be honest with yourself, do you give a darn about any of these people anyway?

C

Other relatives who are close

people you don't. There wasn't any deep

A very small group of close friends.

My boss. Because bills.

Then, there was the list of things on my Give a Darn List: Religion and spirituality.

Marriage/ family time and making memories.

The emotional and academic growth of my children.

The blog work and "work work."

Silence.

That's it.

onfession. I can be a

No. No, I don't.

There's all my darns.

compulsive darn giver-outer.

Which forced me to consider why I give

Doling out the darns like

Oprah gives away cars.

so many darns.

In an effort to be proactive, I got out a

I don't have any more darns to give.

And here's the thing. None of us do.

Even those darns are darn consuming.

You get a darn!

journal and created a list of people and

Anything and anyone else is just icing

That other person gets a darn!

things I was going to give a darn about in

on the cake or nonsense, depending

Everyone's getting a darn!

the future. A Give a Darn List.

on the situation. If something does not

People who don't really matter. Things

Moving forward, the list will serve as

facilitate the growth and nurturing of

that are stupid. Stuff that happened in

the Holy Grail of things and people that

someone or something on my Give a

the past that I can't control. I've had it.

do and do not matter. Things I will make

Darn List, then I'm not going to stress

a priority and things I will not. That way,

myself out about it.

I recently traveled out of town to

(Important note: this doesn't mean

attend a conference. The main attendees

when I am wallowing in self-doubt and

were women like me: moms of young

stress, I can open up the journal and

to be dismissive or unkind to someone

children who were bloggers and authors.

refer to the list.

�

or something that is not on the Give a

All of them were in their mid-30s and the majority were married.

When we arrived at the conference, we were randomly placed in small groups where we performed team building activities and brainstormed about how to grow our businesses.

Here's the problem.

Despite our ostensible similarities, I really had nothing to talk about with these women. Yes, they were friendly and no, there was no drama, but beyond the casual formalities, I just had nothing. to. talk. to. them. about. (The three-hour time change and my exhaustion didn't help things. Being forced to be "on" does nothing but perpetuate my pre-existing social awkwardness.)

We have a limited number of darns in our lives. Y et, we somehow end up giving them away on the dumbest, most insignificant things." - Jennifer Burby

Darn List, it just means you shouldn't prioritize it and shouldn't worry too much overthinking it.)

Go ahead and make a list for yourself.

It feels good to write those names down.

It feels good to write the things down that will be your biggest priorities and then refer back to the list later when you're feeling frustrated.

The modern American family is stressed, rushed and tired. No more. We need to stop spreading ourselves so thin and start worrying about who and what really matters.

Here's to giving a darn about the people and things that matter most.

Here's to the Give a Darn List.

Cheers!

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 19

istockphoto.com/ Shatenka07

matters

If the "trigger" is not on the list, then I'm not going to give a darn.

Call 2-1-1. Your Gateway to Help, Hope, and Healing!

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Applied Behavior | Life + Home

positive reinforcement for a more positive 2018

istock.com/firebach

By Tara Payor, Ph.D.

I

’ve done some intellectually challenging things, but parenting takes the gold for mental gymnastics.

Punctuating the games are questions connected to children’s behavior. Falling into negative routines is easy and re-training mental muscles to choose positive behaviors and responses is tough. During this season of renewal, know that reshaping behavior is possible.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) helps families approach and improve

APPLY IT

behaviors. Dr. Mallory Quinn, Ph.D., a

• Instead of accusations, ask questions • Don’t mock children • Never stare at other parents dealing with children’s negative behavior

Board Certified Applied Behavior Analyst, has spent years researching, using and teaching ABA. We spoke about how parents can employ ABA techniques.

•Set up an environment and expectations that prompt appropriate behaviors •Use positive reinforcement •Visit http://abasportsinnovations.com

COERCIVE CARTWHEELS Applied Behavior Analysts focus on behaviors, ways environment controls

child asks for something in every

behavior, but it doesn’t teach appropriate responses. If a child is

behaviors, and actions to change behav-

aisle, rather than argue, preface the

argumentative at home, Dr. Quinn suggests walking away: “Stay

iors. Quinn explains that parents often

situation: If we get in and out in 15

calm because continued arguing gives children the upper hand.”

fall into the coercive actions trap, which

minutes, you can have “x” on the way

Engaging in screaming matches is part of the negative reinforce-

uses threats but doesn’t change negative

home. Saying, “I’m never bringing you

ment trap and kids continue negative behaviors to get a rise out of

behaviors. Thinking back on December

back to the store” is not productive.

parents. Grandparents call it karma.

shopping, and my toddler breaking free

It’s coercive though, admittedly, not

from shopping carts, I hear threats,

alien to my lips.

not carols, in my mind: “If you don’t sit, Santa won’t bring toys.” Threats changed nothing. A recent study found parents engage in a variety of coercive behaviors—including lecturing, sarcasm and force.

POSITIVITY FOR THE GOLD Dr. Quinn stresses setting up a positive environment: “Provide a

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT Parenting’s mental gym-

lot of positive reinforcement. Even close approximations of desired behaviors deserve reinforcement.”

Applied behavior analysts can help parents understand and

nastics are often coupled

improve children’s behavior. Some work with autistic children,

with emotions. Logic in

helping them gain positive verbal behaviors. Others focus on par-

emotionally charged situations

ent training within specific populations like foster care. ABAs look

isn’t easy, but it’s crucial. When a

at antecedents, teach parents to collect data, and create plans with

child screams for cookies and parents

specific strategies. The last is vital because if behaviors’ functions

give in, a negative reinforcement trap

aren’t understood, negative behaviors might be reinforced. If a

positively-oriented approaches like

begins and the child expects cookies

child acts out because he wants to be dismissed from the table,

antecedent manipulations: things done

every time. I’ve set up a few of these

timeout reinforces the negative behavior.

before negative behaviors occur. Before

traps because I called it survival.

Rather than coercion, Quinn suggests

entering the store, talk with children

Quinn believes in the ABA process and results: “I love that, as

When kids scream, parents some-

behavior analysts, we fade out because we train parents to do what

about what should happen inside.

times scream back—it’s the logic and

we do.” If you do your best to apply positive behavioral approaches

Brevity is key. Set up reinforcers, which

emotional heat mishmash. Yelling at

this year, I promise you can have a cookie.

are consequence manipulations. If a

kids might momentarily stop negative JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 21

Introducing the new WEDU PBS KIDS 24/7 channel! This free WEDU service is available on TV and online at wedu.org/kids.

Everyday on channel 3.5 (Frontier FiOS 473 and Xfinity 205 / 1184) 6:00 AM

FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman

6:00 PM

Nature Cat

6:30 AM

Cyberchase

6:30 PM

Nature Cat

7:00 AM

Cyberchase

7:00 PM

Wild Kratts

7:30 AM

World Girl

7:30 PM

Wild Kratts

8:00 AM

Arthur

8:00 PM

Odd Squad

8:30 AM

Arthur

8:30 PM

Odd Squad

9:00 AM

The Cat in the Hat

9:00 PM

Arthur

9:30 AM

Sesame Street

9:30 PM

Arthur

10:00 AM

Peg + Cat

10:00 PM

Sesame Street

10:30 AM

Super WHY!

10:30 PM

Dinosaur Train

11:00 AM

Clifford the Big Red Dog

11:00 PM

Dinosaur Train

11:30 AM

Caillou

11:30 PM

Splash and Bubbles

12:00 PM

Sid the Science Kid

12:00 AM

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

12:30 PM

WordWorld

12:30 AM

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

1:00 PM

Peep and the Big Wide World

1:00 AM

Ready Jet Go!

1:30 PM

Super WHY!

1:30 AM

Ready Jet Go!

2:00 PM

Sesame Street

2:00 AM

Nature Cat

2:30 PM

Dinosaur Train

2:30 AM

Nature Cat

3:00 PM

Dinosaur Train

3:00 AM

Wild Kratts

3:30 PM

Splash and Bubbles

3:30 AM

Wild Kratts

4:00 PM

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

4:00 AM

Odd Squad

4:30 PM

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

4:30 AM

Odd Squad

5:00 PM

Ready Jet Go!

5:00 AM

Arthur

5:30 PM

Ready Jet Go!

5:30 AM

Arthur

@WEDUPublicMedia

Weekdays on channel 3.1 (Frontier FiOS 503, Spectrum 1003, WOW 905, Xfinity 440) 6:00 AM

Wild Kratts

6:30 AM

Wild Kratts

7:00 AM

Ready Jet Go!

7:30 AM

The Cat in the Hat

8:00 AM

Nature Cat

8:30 AM

Curious George

9:00 AM

Curious George

9:30 AM

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

10:00 AM

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

10:30 AM

Splash and Bubbles

11:00 AM

Sesame Street

11:30 AM

Super WHY!

3:00 PM

Nature Cat

3:30 PM

Wild Kratts

4:00 PM

Wild Kratts

4:30 PM

Odd Squad

5:00 PM

Odd Squad

@wedupbs

Watch Live Online at wedu.org/kids

The PBS KIDS wordmark and the PBS KIDS Logo are registered trademarks of Public Broadcasting Service. Used with permission. DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD ® 2016 The Fred Rogers Company., DINOSAUR TRAIN TM & © 2016 The Jim Henson Company. All Rights Reserved., NATURE CAT and associated characters, trademarks and design elements are owned by Spiffy Entertainment, LLC © 2016 Spiffy Entertainment, LLC, All Rights Reserved., ODD SQUAD © 2016 The Fred Rogers Company. All Rights Reserved., PEG + CAT © 2016 Feline Features LLC. All Rights Reserved., READY JET GO! and the Ready Jet Logo are registered trademarks of Jet Propulsion, Copyright Jet Propulsion, LLC. SPLASH 2018 AND BUBBLES TM & © 2016 The Jim Henson Company. All Rights Reserved.

22LLC. TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY

Mastry Law | Life + Home

SPONSORED

Do You Know What Would Happen To Your Kids If Something Happened to You?

This Story Will Break Your Heart

The answer may surprise you…

In 2006 Casey and Melanie Barber were on a summer vacation with their three children when their van blew a tire and spun out of control, resulting in a horrifying accident that left Casey and Melanie dead. Miraculously, all three of their boys survived the accident.

In the aftermath of the accident there was confusion among family members concerning who would care for the children.

Because the Barbers left no clear instructions, this confusion

ultimately resulted in a court battle over custody of the boys (and their inheritance) that lasted for more than a year, involved no less that 9 different attorneys and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in attorney and court time.

In the end, the court appointed a legal guardian who may or may not have been the person who Casey and Melanie would have wanted to raise their children. We’ll never know because they never made their wishes known.

It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way for Your Family…

Like many parents with minor children at home, the Barbers didn’t take the time to put a plan together that would have protected their children after their accident. “Many parents have so many questions about estate planning and feel so overwhelmed by the thought of their children being raised without them that they procrastinate and do nothing at all,” says St. Petersburg attorney, Mike Mastry. He adds, “I know how it feels, I’m a dad too.”

“The most important thing that any parent can do is name a guardian for their children,” explains Mastry. “Most people don’t realize that if you don’t legally name a guardian to raise your children, then the courts will do it for you; and they may not choose the person that you would have wanted.”

system. Getting information about the basics of a good estate plan is the first step. The second step is to speak to an estate planning attorney about your unique family dynamic and your specific goals for protecting your children. They should be able to answer your questions, offer advice for how to best provide for your children, and craft a plan that meets your needs.

With a good attorney, the process of estate planning shouldn't be intimidating, difficult or even time consuming. It should however be a fundamental requirement for every parent.

Every loving parent understands the need to have a plan in place should something happen to them. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misunderstanding surrounding wills, trusts, and the court

Attorney Mike Mastry is committed to preserving the legacy of individuals and families as a lawyer focusing on Estate Planning Law. He is also a dedicated father and husband, an accomplished woodworker, and a third-generation fisherman who grew up on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Are You Living with A False Sense of Security?

A Parent’s Lack of Knowledge and Misunderstanding About Estate Plans and Wills Can End Up Hurting Their Children

In this free report, A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Your Children Through Estate Planning, we reveal the most frequently asked questions that we hear from parents of minor children, and the questions that parents should be asking to best protect their children. In this report, you will discover: • The legal documents that every parent must have to best protect their children; • Important documents that most estate planning attorneys rarely discuss with their clients; • How to choose the right guardian for your children; and • As a bonus, we show you how to choose the right estate planning attorney for families who have children at home.

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

Download your free copy of A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Your Children Through Estate Planning by visiting www.MastryLawParentsGuide.com or calling (727) 939-5929.

A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Your Children Through Estate Planning is a must-have resource for every parent.

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 23

Quitting tobacco isn’t easy. Finding help should be.

GROUP QUIT offers two programs: OPTION 1

A 2-hour session where participants learn how to develop a successful quit plan.

OPTION 2

Support groups meet once a week for 6 weeks and cover a variety of topics including coping with withdrawal symptoms, managing addiction and preventing relapse.

NICOTINE REPLACEMENT

FREE nicotine patches, lozenges or gum* to help tobacco users cope with nicotine withdrawal symptoms. *If medically appropriate and 18 years of age or older.

GROUP COUNSELING

Is an effective and critical component of any quit attempt, and can more than double the success rate of quitting tobacco.

Program covers all forms of tobacco.

GROUP QUIT

Is the in-person option of Tobacco Free Florida Quit Your Way services.

Pre-registration is required. To register call: 24 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

813-974-7889

tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway

safety first

Safety First | Life + Home

prepare for your new baby istock.com/monkeybusinessimages

Learn more at preventneedlessdeaths.com.

By Kelley Parris, Executive Director, The Children's Board of Hillsborough County

I

n the Tampa Bay area, nearly 200 children under the age of 6 have died in the last five years

(2012-2016) from the top three causes of preventable child death: drowning, unsafe sleep practices and abusive head trauma.

These tragedies can happen to anyone, and every member of our community – not just parents – bears the responsibility of educating themselves on these dangers.

While you are preparing your home and family for your new baby’s arrival, take a few moments to learn the measures you can take once your baby is born to prevent needless child deaths in our community.

SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES More infants die in adult beds than

SAFE STRESS RELIEF Shaking an infant or young child – even

DROWNING PREVENTION AND WATER SAFETY

anywhere else. In fact, infants are 40

once – can be fatal. While most parents

times more likely to die in an adult

think this tragedy could never happen to

for children ages 1 to 4 in the Tampa Bay

bed than in their own cribs. Sharing

them, parents are most often responsible

region, and it is never too early to think

a bed with an infant poses significant

for causing injury or death from shaking

about water safety. Drowning can happen

suffocation risks to the child, due to soft

a baby, or another form of abusive head

to any child, anywhere, at any time. It’s

mattresses, pillows and comforters, and

trauma.

not limited to pools and beaches – there

the potential for rollover.

Practice the ABCs of safe sleep. The

In most cases of abusive head trauma, or shaken baby syndrome, the parent

Drowning is the leading cause of death

are potential hazards in and around the home that can put children at risk.

safest way for infants to sleep is Alone on

or caregiver does not mean to harm the

their Backs in a Crib. This minimizes the

child, but lacks the knowledge or skills

water. Everything from your toilet to your

risk of the infant suffocating, especially if

to cope with a stressful situation, such as

pet’s water bowl can pose a drowning risk.

they have not yet developed neck muscle

if the baby is inconsolable. This means

Drain bathtubs when they are no longer in

control. You can bring your baby’s crib

education is key to preventing head

use and keep bathroom doors closed.

into your room, too. Sharing a room with

trauma deaths.

a child has almost all of the same benefits as sharing a bed, but without the risks.

Crying is normal, and how babies

A child can drown in as little as 1 inch of

Lack of adult supervision in and around the water is the main reason children die

communicate. If you’re attempting

from drowning, so designate a “water

to soothe your child and you become

watcher” who will keep their eyes on

recommendations. A crib mattress should

frustrated, it’s okay to take a time out.

children at all times when kids are in

be firm and fit snugly inside the crib’s

Leave the child safely on their back in the

or near pools, ponds and other types of

frame, and sheets should fit tightly around

crib and step out of the room to regroup.

water. It’s crucial for the “water watcher”

the mattress. The sleeping area should

Check on the child frequently to ensure

to avoid distractions such as texting.

free of blankets, pillows, bumper pads,

they are still safe.

If you already have children and are

Make sure to follow crib setup

stuffed animals, sleep positioners and

Talk to all caregivers, including spouses

toys. Be sure to share this information

and immediate family members, about the

keep an eye on older children who are

with caregivers and grandparents who

dangers of head trauma. Share the above

in or near water while you are caring for

may watch your new baby.

tips with them, and watch for signs that a

your infant.

expecting another, identify who can help

caregiver may not be prepared to care for a child, such as if they are easily angered, stressed or seem inattentive.

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 25

Life + Home | Life Made Easier

Life made easier PARENT HACKS

1

4

JULIANNE HENDRICKSON,

Tampa Bay Parenting contributor and owner of Hendrickson Interiors hendricksoninteriors.com

LAURA BYRNE, creative director of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

“Empty backpacks, lunch boxes, and snack bags right when you children get home from school.

Make it part of your routine. No one likes to remember that smelly half-eaten lunch when you’re trying to enjoy your nightcap and favorite evening show.”

”

“We cook a lot at home, so when time runs out for a grocery store run, I love Instacart and Shipt for grocery delivery. I also love my Instant Pot! My favorite thing to make is risotto with veggies like butternut squash, peas, red peppers and kale.

I’ll sometimes prep the veggies the night before to save time the next day.”

3

feasting. FitLife Foods fuels this Mommy Master® with delicious and nutritious meals and snacks, allowing me to quickly get on

founder of Tampa Bay Moms Blog

night for the week. I schedule everything and keep alarms set

"Moms are so busy, and healthy especially after all the holiday

SHERISS CROSSKEY,

Clothes are laid out on Sunday

MommyMasters.com

living can be a challenge,

2

“I have to plan my week out.

ELLIE HIRSCH, creator of

with my packed day."

6

with reminders and I wash school uniforms on Sundays.”

26 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

"Planning takes just a little time, but it's always worth it.

Sunday afternoons, we use these sheets to plan lunches and dinners for the week. I'm able to get things started and my amateur-chef hubby can come home and finish things up. "

NICOLE BAROLO, designer for Tampa Bay

Parenting Magazine

5

“Larabar Fruits and Greens Mango Spinach Cashew bar. Compact, non-GMO, gluten free, dairy free, these bars are a convenient way to add greens to your diet without a lot of effort. I throw this in my purse and am good to go.”

JENNIFER BURBY, creator

of TheChampagneSupernova.com and Tampa Bay Parenting’s January 2018 guest editor

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 27

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.

28 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

119 Oakfield Drive I Brandon, Florida

Minimalist Kids | Life + Home

minimalist kids

narrowing down what matters

istock.com/ KatarzynaBialasiewicz

By Sommer Stiles

A

play room littered with toys, a calendar penciled in past the margins, and a budget itemized

down to the last penny. In the pursuit

HERE ARE FIVE EASY STEPS FOR HELPING YOUR FAMILY LIVE MORE ABUNDANTLY WITH LESS.

1. Define What Matters.

5. Celebrate Milestones.

Change is good, but it can also be hard. Help with these transitions by celebrating each goal you

of more, we somehow end up with less.

The first step to de-cluttering your life is to identify

achieve and directing the attention from what you

Perhaps it’s time to reassess our approach

what is of value and what is clutter. It could be as

have given up to what you have gained.

and embrace a new mindset — Minimalism.

straightforward as a list: Keep/Discard. Do this as

Minimalism is about simplifying your life

a family.

and zeroing in on what really matters. The concept, while in vogue, is more than a

No matter what steps you take to becoming mini-

2. Set Goals.

malist, the first step will be the hardest. So whether you are condensing your toy collection to grow your

societal trend, it’s a response to the “more

Now that you know what matters most, create an

child’s imagination or living smaller so you can

is more” culture of today. Soundbites may

actionable plan for achieving the desired outcomes.

spend more time saying yes to your child’s invitation

lead us to think that we need to consign our

Ensure success by starting small and setting goals

to play — consider each step like practice, and with

closet in exchange for a capsule ward-

within reach.

practice you become stronger. You will soon begin to

robe or hire a realtor to help us find our dream “tiny house” to become minimalist.

3. Liberate; Don’t Restrict.

These choices, in principle, align with the

Remember it’s not about putting limits on yourself

minimalist philosophy, but are extreme

or your family members, it’s about removing the

examples. Parents lost in the mental clutter

junk so you can make room for the treasure.

of multitasking and families searching to find freedom from their schedules can

4.

Old Habits Die Hard.

adopt this approach without trading 2,000

Blame and guilt will only lead to failure. Stay fo-

square feet for 200.

cused and motivated by forgiving yourself and your family member when they revert to old habits and look to see how this misstep can guide next steps.

discern what you need from what you want.

SOMMER STILES is a Tampa area creative professional and self-proclaimed mama bear. This mother of bears enjoys time with family, travel and the great outdoors, naturally.

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 29

Education | Sidewalk Stompers

SIDEWALK STOMPERS Good for body, school and community

By Emily L. Hay Hinsdale

Learn more at sidewalkstompers.org and on Facebook.com/SidewalkStompers

I

t’s almost 8 a.m., the height of school drop-off time. Children are streaming in through the

gates at Roosevelt Elementary School in South Tampa. But this is a Wednesday morning, and today the crowd looks a little different from the average.

The carline is short – instead, young students and their families are arriving on foot, on bicycles, on scooters and even on skateboards!

Why all the foot traffic this morning?

It’s Walk to School Wednesday! Just inside the school gate, children register as walkers to earn prizes, parents stop for a cup of coffee and families gather, getting to know each other until the bell hurries students to class for a day

When Walk to School Wednesday pre-

already invigorated by healthy activity.

miered, around 80 students participated.

Trophy, given to the “most walking” class. Last year, the Tampa

This is the Sidewalk Stompers pro-

This school year, over 200 students walk

Bay Lightning ThunderBug presented the award!

gram: a community-led volunteer effort

each Wednesday.

promoting a healthy, pedestrian-friendly

“With Walk to School Wednesdays,

while looking forward to the awarding of the Stomping Cup

Step two – get the parents excited about walking to school.

Free coffee donated by Starbucks helps! Parents walkers can

and safe Tampa Bay by encouraging

Sidewalk Stompers introduced another

walking and supporting the development

option for getting to school. Those kids that

of walking infrastructure.

have always driven now know people can

collaboratively on improving safety infrastructure along school

“Walk to School Wednesday has made

also feel more connected to their children’s school community.

Step three – get City traffic officials excited about working

walk, skip and run instead. They’re excited

walking routes. After seeing the rapidly growing number of

such a difference for our school commu-

to participate, and they’re getting their par-

young walkers at Roosevelt, the City installed new crosswalks

nity. Families are building relationships

ents to join them. It’s a student-led culture

and signage in the surrounding neighborhood.

while walking together and our students

shift,” says Tim Scheu, a Roosevelt parent

are improving their health by moving

and co-founder of Sidewalk Stompers.

more and getting their bodies ready to learn,” says Kim Klace, Roosevelt’s PTA President.

The Sidewalk Stompers project can readily be shared with other schools, modified to fit each community’s different needs.

Scheu says the group plans to work with schools throughout

THE SIDEWALK STOMPERS APPROACH IS SIMPLE:

Tampa to give all students the benefits of healthy morning activity and safer walking routes to school.

Sidewalk Stompers was founded in

Step one – get the children excited

2016 with a with a two-fold goal: 1) get

about walking to school. Prizes are great

day can become part of that critical mass that helps us better

more students to enjoy the benefits of

motivators! Students can earn individual

negotiate better infrastructure with the city,” Scheu says.

walking to school and 2) connect with

prizes or win prize baskets full of active

City of Tampa traffic planners to improve

toys for recess for their classrooms, all

school walking routes.

30 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

“The schools and families embracing Walk to School Wednes-

TAMPA BAY’S ONLY ACCREDITED JEWISH DAY SCHOOL

HILLEL ACADEMY Invites you to attend

Honoring Susan Forman

Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 7:30pm at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC.

Join us for a wonderful evening of dinner and dancing.

Featuring a silent auction with over 300 items, gifts and trips.

Helping to support Tampa Bay’s only accredited Jewish Day School. Accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Florida Kindergarten Council. Member of the National Association of Independent Schools. Blue Ribbon School, U.S. Department of Education.

Sponsorships and tickets available now at hillelacademytampa.ejoinme.org

www.hillelacademytampa.com EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMICS, TECHNOLOGY AND JEWISH LIFE

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 31

2020 W. Fletcher Avenue | Tampa, FL 33612 | 813.963.2242

Inspiring curiosity, kindness, and dignity in a caring Christian community.

•Challenging Academics •Performing and Visual Arts •Religious Education •Video Production Activities •Exciting Enrichment Opportunities

•Competitive Athletics •Foreign Language Instruction •Advanced Technology •Global Studies •Community Service

2101 S. Hubert Avenue, Tampa (813) 258-5508 • www.smeds.org

Tampa Preparatory School OPEN HOUSE

GRADES 6-12 january 24, 2018

6:00 pm

www.tampaprep.org/OH

Discover why so many families choose a school whose

students live its mission to THINK, CREATE, ASPIRE TO EXCELLENCE and GO BEYOND

727 West Cass Street Tampa, FL 33606 | 813.251.8481 727 West Cass Street Tampa, FL www.tampaprep.org 33606 | Tel 813.251.8481 | www.tampaprep.org 32 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

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.

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.

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.

DECEMBER JANUARY 2018 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 33

BREAKTHROUGH MOMENTS Berkeley – immerse yourself in virtual worlds without ever leaving the classroom.

AN INDEPENDENT EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN PRE-K TO GRADE 12

www.berkeleyprep.org/openhouse

ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE: Grades 6 to 12: January 17, 2018 | 9:00 – 11: 30 a.m.

34 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

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

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 35

Education | STEM Superheroes

Pinellas County elementary teacher and author Rafael Robinson

Process to apply science, technology, engineering and mathematics strategies and discover solutions. To facilitate the learning experience, the story is aligned with the common core and features a full glossary. A ‘teach and learn’ section encourages teachers and parents to ask children guided questions about the text, and illustrations are lively and bright throughout.

Ideally, Robinson sees his

STEM SUPERHEROES TACKLE PROBLEM SOLVING Pinellas teacher co-authors children's book series with purpose

I

By Amy Hammond

Super Sprockets spreading their superhero message in school districts and homes across the nation. Equipped with the principles of STEM, the Super Sprockets proudly exclaim “Problem solving is our super power!” as they eagerly take on new challenges. It’s a practical power that Robinson hopes all who read the book(s) will gain.

“What we read to children is as important as how often we read to them,” Robinson says.

“The Sprockets engage children and help them think critically.”

t’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a problem solver!

Meet Cali Calibration, Horatio and Simon V, STEM superhe-

AMY HAMMOND

roes who teach creative problem solving in terms young children

is a St. Peters-

can understand. Douglas L. Jamerson, Jr. Elementary School teacher

burg-based writer

Rafael Robinson co-authored the children’s series that features the

who believes that

“Super Sprockets” and begins with “STEM Club Trouble.” Five addi-

forming a collegiate alle-

tional titles are in the works.

giance early in life can lead to

Robinson and co-author Cheryl Henry see their Super Sprockets as filling a gap in children’s literature. By introducing STEM concepts

academic success. Her five-title

through problem solving in a fun and easy way, young learners will

“College Bound” series includes:

begin to think critically. And that, Robinson says, is a must.

“When I Grow Up, I’ll Be a

“Fostering this type of education will help our students become global competitors,” he says. “Demand is increasing for highly skilled workers, and there is a lack of resources for teachers and parents to teach students STEM concepts.”

Enter the STEM superheroes, who use their Super Sprocket Design

36 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

To purchase “STEM Club Trouble” or to learn more about the series, visit thesupersprockets.com.

Gator (Nole, Bull or Tiger)” and “When I Grow Up, I’m Bama Bound.”

!"# $e"e , Art, g in r e e in g n E hnology, c e T , e c n ie c S estival. ration of f b r le o e o c d l t a u u o n n ly Aa ily-friend m a f , e e r f a and Math in

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Hosted at JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 37

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

38 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

After school programs

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

January 11, 2018 9:00 AM Meet our Teachers Preview Curriculum Tour the Campus Meet other Parents

www.hcatampa.org

6201 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa

813.884.8250

K-8TH GRADE:

RSVP Information and additional tour dates can be found on our website www.learninggate.org JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 39

.

Education | Education Directory

SCHOOL INFO

KEY

Financial Aid

Transportation

ENROLLMENT/ CLASS SIZE

STUDENTTEACHER RATIO

189 30

11 to 1

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

GRADES/ TUITION RANGE

K-8 $6,245

Sports AMENITIES

Arts

Uniform Required

OTHER ACTIVITIES

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

40 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 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

SCHOOL INFO

ENROLLMENT/ CLASS SIZE

STUDENTTEACHER RATIO

GRADES/ TUITION RANGE

AMENITIES

OTHER ACTIVITIES

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

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

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 41

Community-building activities.

N • I N C LU S I O

•D

TIO

N

•I

C O U R AG E

RIT Y

AL

SH

AN

RD

CE •

• S T E WA

P

I

B

Happy. Secure. Inspired.

NC

EG

Learn more about Academy’s Signature Programs at: academyatthelakes.org/sp Tampa Bay Parenting CA ad November 2017

TI

NT

Academy’s House System places all students and teachers PreK3-Grade 12 into one of four Houses. Communitybuilding activities throughout the year foster relationships between students of all divisions and ages.

IS

MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS PreK3-Grade 12

Schedule a tour today! academyatthelakes.org/tour

COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE Corpus Christi Catholic School Fully accredited by: The Florida Catholic Conference The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/ Middle States Association

Serving students in Kindergarten through 8th grade OPEN HOUSE

Since 1968

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

REGISTRATION

• Grades 4-12 • ADHD & LD • Fully Accredited • College Prep • Scholarships Pinellas Park Palm Harbor Lutz Riverview

727 541-5716 727 781-2986 813 909-9442 813 677-7777

www.CenterAcademy.com

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 In Parish Office (north side of the Church) Teacher to assist students with special n 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

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

42 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

Bucified Burt | Life + Home

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR MORE

in a PreK-12 private school?

Discover Opportunities Only at Farragut!

AVIATION AP CAPSTONE SCUBA

MARINE SCIENCE NAVAL JR. ROTC SAILING LEADERSHIP ENGINEERING BOARDING Schedule Your Tour 727-384-5500

Learning Environment Engaging, Holistic, Authentic We offer the highest quality Montessori education experience which develops well-rounded students, with a focus on independence, courtesy and respect.

• Individualized academic program, addressing specific needs and goals.

• More than 33 years of experience providing high quality, authentic Montessori education.

• Five spacious acres of beautiful, secure indoor and outdoor environments with a pool.

• Incredibly engaged parent and volunteer community.

Palm Harbor Montessori Academy 2355 Nebraska Avenue Palm Harbor, FL 34683

727-786-1854

PalmHarborMontessori.com Serving Students Ages 12 months - 15 years.

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 43

Education | Education Directory

KEY

SCHOOL INFO

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

44 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 45

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 (Ehrilch 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.

46 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY NOVEMBER 2018 2017

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

The Tampa BayArea's only school dedicated to •Dual enrollment with local colleges• Gifted andTeachers Advanced Learners.

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

•8:1 Student/Teacher •Dual enrollment with local colleges• •Specialist Teachers for all subjects K-12•

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

•8:1 Student/Teacher Ratio•

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

•Gifted Curriculum in all subjects through 12thgrade• •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 Pre-K international field trips• •Outstanding Finenational Arts Program from through 12th grade• •Local, and international field trips• •Outstanding fine Arts Program from Pre-K through 12th grade•

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

•Discussion-based, with emphasis on 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 oldscall forforAugust, 2018 Individual tours available, please an appointment.

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

813-931-3316; www.leegiftedacademy.com

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

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 47

48 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 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

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 49

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

50 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

Searching Safely | Education

SPONSORED

PARENTAL CONTROLS Schools will protect students when they search at school with filters that block certain sites. You can take similar steps at home. Wireless routers, some designed specifically for families that work with your existing router, can help you manage what apps and websites kids can access and even set time limits for online activities. Look for a system that allows you to control multiple devices and customize access based on the user.

Apps such as Norton Family can block inappropriate content and also give parents information about how their children are using the internet – the sites they access, the time they spend and the search terms they use.

DIGITAL SMARTS Filters can’t catch everything, however, and sometimes they block sites students legitimately need. The app Xooloo teaches students to develop good digital habits independently as parents monitor unobtrusively. A family rule to keep computers in central locations is simple and effective. Parents should also talk to their children about what they

searching safely 3 TIPS FOR BETTER ONLINE SEARCHES

Cairns Pastor, Communications

A

between paid and organic results, directing them to .gov or .edu sites for research and discussing the quality of writing on different sites. Does it sound informative or is it packed with keywords and no actual content? Does it have a bias?

ing search results.

How can parents protect kids online

By Courtney

find online, helping them differentiate

Johnson, a middle school teacher at Corbett Prep and a father, says he un-

while helping them learn how to search

derstands the temptation for parents to

safely and identify reputable sources of

lock everything down but cautions that

s a learning tool, the

information? Mike Johnson, Corbett

too many limitations will hurt students

internet brings worldwide

Prep’s director of instructional technology,

in the long run. No filter can block

resources of libraries,

suggests focusing on these three areas.

everything, and many kids will find a

Coordinator for

museums and historical sites to your

Corbett Prep

fingertips. You can tour the Great Wall of China, view the Earth live from the

way around even the strictest controls.

KID-FRIENDLY SEARCH ENGINES Several websites offer Google custom

What’s more important, Johnson says, is to focus on what to do when they

International Space Station or read

searches that direct students to child-ori-

inevitably come across inappropriate

historic documents from the Library of

ented results and filter out explicit content.

content.

Congress just by landing on the right

Kiddle.co and KidRex.org have the same

site.

simple look as Google with a fun spin. Oth-

it’s at a friend’s sleepover or some other

“They will see this content, whether

ers – such as KidzSearch.com – provide

social activity,” Johnson says. “We have

with homework and make research

links to educational videos, games and

a responsibility to teach our kids how to

papers shine. But there’s a lot of junk

websites in addition to the search bar. Kid-

stay safe online and give them strategies

along the journey, junk such as websites

topia.info is broken down by subject area

to use when they do find themselves in

that range from annoying to dangerous,

and indexes educator-approved websites.

these situations.”

This kind of access can help students

bothersome or offensive ads, or misleadJANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 51

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 52 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

•High IA

(Iowa Ass essment) & ACRE T est Score s •Enrichm ent Progr a ms •Advanc ed Curric u lum •Student Leadersh ip •Sports & Extracur ricular Activitie s

OPEN HOUSE: JANUARY 18TH

TAMPA BAY’S ONLY ACCREDITED JEWISH DAY SCHOOL

HILLEL ACADEMY 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

CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO JOIN US FOR OUR

FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIFIC

OPEN HOUSE

WHERE BELONGING LEADS TO LEARNING

FOR PARENTS AND PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS, TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN - EIGHTH GRADE

Tampa: 3916 E. Hillsborough Ave. (813) 236 -1755

Tuesday, January 30, 2018 | 8:30am registration Please call or RSVP to admissions@hillelacademytampa.com for more information

Riverview: 9304 Camden Field Parkway (813) 533-2999

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.

LEARNING DISABILITIES

Pasco: 9804 Little Road (727) 233-2961 WWW.PEPINACADEMIES.COM

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

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 53

Education | Pepin Academies

SPONSORED

P E P I N

AC A D EM I ES

Pepin Academies Centre for Unique Abilities Transitioning Students to Success Transitioning from high school can be an uncertain time for students and their loved ones as they decide their next steps. What will happen after they leave the structured environment of school and make their way in the world? What will be expected of them in a professional workspace? For students with learning and learning-related disabilities and their families, this transition can be even more uncertain.

P

epin Academies recognizes the need for additional

support and education for students with learning disabilities as they leave high school. That’s why transition programs have been established at the Tampa campus and thedowntown campus located in the Office of Public Defender Julie Holt. The program provides training for students ages 18-22 in life and work skills, and offers them the opportunity to work in supervised apprentice positions with many major companies throughout the Tampa Bay area. Pepin Academies are tuition-free charter schools, with campuses in Tampa, Riverview and New Port Richey serving students with learning disabilities in grades 3-12 and age 18-22 since 1999.

BSAC’s new partnership with Pepin Academies and their workplace transitional program is a coming together of two innovative nonprofits to transform the landscape of opportunity for the special needs community and beyond. To be able to provide opportunities for workplace skill development, specialized training and workplace preparedness for these students at BSAC through this program is so powerful and impactful. It is truly a blessing.

—Chuck Burgess, Executive Director for Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center.

Pepin Academies recently partnered with the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center (BSAC) to expand our transition program to the Brandon/Riverview area with the newlycreated Centre for Unique Abilities, and we are now accepting new students.

Our newly expanded program offers the following areas of work-training: • Early Childcare Certificate Program • Auto Detailing • Pool Maintenance • Landscaping • Custodial Maintenance

For more information, contact: Ann Bouchard abouchard@theacademies.us 813-203-3806

Our goal is to provide individuals with learning disabilities the opportunity to develop work skills that will enable them to become independent and live their lives to the fullest. If you or your child feel the Pepin Academies Centre is the right program, please call today as seats are available on a firstcome, first-served basis. Grant funding covers tuition and all ancillary costs needed to provide education to each student.

Where Unique Abilities Lead To Greater Opportunities.

54 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

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 Bouchard, Director 813-203-3806 abouchard@theacademies.us JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 55

Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center (BSAC)

405 Beverly Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511-5507

A National Blue Ribbon School

Excellence

CHRISTIAN

SCHOOL

Open House: Visit our campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at your convenience. ________________________________________ January 18

A Ministry of Palm Harbor United Methodist Church

Excellence in Academic Achievement & Spiritual Formation Teaching the Mind

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

& Summer

usic Camps

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

Arghhh

TAMPA we value community

celebrating our sixty-sixth year of Tampa tradition in the Gasparilla Children’s Parade

keep a weather eye open for

Ye Merry Crewe of Soaring Eagles

st. john’s episcopal parish day school www.stjohnseagles.org • information@stjohnseagles.org 56 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

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 Member of AMS & International Montessori Council, License #JANUARY C620076 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com

57

Beauty + Style | Runway Translator

fresh start

fashion

By Michelle Bremer of runwaytranslator.com Photos by Theresa NeSmith Photography

Check out these gym-worthy tops

Even if you don’t make New Year’s resolutions, January is a perfect time to think about stepping up your workout program, or at least starting one!

All that delicious food from the holidays has taken its toll on our bodies and now we need to hit the gym, but what should we wear? There are so many types

58 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

of workouts these days, from yoga to barre, from spin to Pilates.

Here’s a guide to help you along when deciding what’s appropriate to wear for each.

Clothing provided by CAMP Tampa and Sweet Southern Chic.

If you want to be prepared for nearly anything, your safest bet is to combine yoga leggings, a sports bra and a form fitted tank. This is an ideal ensemble that will take you through all kinds of workouts.

YOGA Yoga pants come in many shapes and styles, but I’m a fan

SPIN Speaking of sweating… Hello cardio! For indoor cycling,

of the full or below-the-knee leggings. On top be sure to wear a

you’ll want to basically wear as little as possible without being

sports bra and/or a fitted T-shirt because you may find yourself

inappropriate. You will get hot! I also recommend renting or buying

in a backbend and you wouldn’t want a wardrobe malfunction in

the spin shoes so you effectively become one with the bike, which

front of the class. No shoes, no problem.

helps you focus on the task at hand.

BARRE & PILATES Refer to yoga options and add grip socks.

RUNNING Whether on the treadmill or in the great outdoors, for me

Your barre outfit should also be form-fitted and the fabric

running requires two things, good shoes and great music! Running

should be moisture wicking, because you will certainly sweat.

shorts and a lightweight top are best, but as the temps drop you may want to wear full leggings and a long sleeve tee. If you’re out in the sun be sure to add a ball cap, shades and sunscreen.

When you're ready to show off all that hard work you've done in the gym, book yourself a beauty session with Theresa NeSmith Photography.

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 Bay. RunwayTranslator.com

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

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 59

60 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

Date Night Guide | Food + Drink

1

TRY A NEW RESTAURANT Bulla Gastrobar in South Tampa recently opened its doors along South Howard Avenue offering delicious drinks, tapasstyle plates and more. For something sweet, we also love The Dessert Spot at Toffee to Go in Tampa.

2

DISCOVER TAMPA’S RIVERWALK Explore the Riverwalk on foot; on wheels with Coastal Bike Share or Magic Carpet Glide Segway; or even by boat with Pirate Water Taxi or Tampa Bay Water Bike Company. Grab a drink and bite to eat at The Sail, Ulele or Sono Café at the Tampa Museum of Art.

3

TRY A DRIVE–IN MOVIE DATE Go old school with a drive-in movie at FunLan Drive-In Theater in Tampa, Joy-Lan Theater in Dade City or the Ruskin Family Drive-In in North Ruskin.

Lemongrass Collins drink from Bulla Gastrobar

4

PLAN A HEALTHY DATE NIGHT IN ST PETE Try the vegan and gluten-free offerings at Love Food Central located at 2057 Central Ave. in St. Pete or the raw vegan menu from The Cider Press Café at 601 Central Ave. Also try Locale Market at the Sundial in downtown St. Pete.

5

PRETTY COURTYARD DINING EXPERIENCES Dine outdoors at Restaurant BT in South Tampa or Ceviche in St. Pete. If you want a water view, the Columbia Café at the Tampa Bay History Museum is a must. Beautiful views are at

date night GUIDE

8 places to reconnect with your spouse in 2018

One of the hardest parts of being a parent can be finding quality time to connect with your partner or significant other. A regularly scheduled “date night” is a great way for couples to spend time with each other and focus on themselves and their relationship.

But how to figure out where to go and what to do? We’ve partnered with Tampa Bay Date Night Guide to highlight some great date night activities. Tampa Bay Date Night Guide seeks to inspire couples to strengthen their relationship by spending quality time together having fun, connecting, and remembering why couples fell in love in the first place.

Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi and American Social in Tampa, too.

6 7

HAVE A GHOSTLY GOOD TIME Get spooked in Tampa's historic Ybor City with Ybor Ghost Tour.

BREW UP SOME FUN at a Tampa Bay area brewery! Some favorite spots include the Brew Bus Terminal & Brewery near Ybor City, Green Bench Brewing Co. in St Pete, Rock Brother’s Brewing in Ybor City, and 81Bay Brewing Co. in Tampa.

8

PLAN A DAY DATE FOR BRUNCH Spots include Oystercatchers in Tampa, the Ceviche restaurants in Tampa and St. Pete, Marchand’s Bar & Grill at The Vinoy Renaissance, Oxford Exchange in Tampa, and Ella’s Americana Folk Art Café in Seminole Heights.

For more date night ideas, head to TampaBayDateNightGuide.com.

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 61

62 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

Centra Care | Health + Wellness

SPONSORED

Here are the top reasons why it’s important for your child to get a sports physical:

istock.com/ shironosov

∙ MAXIMIZE SAFE PARTICIPATION IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY (and this includes both team sports and individual activities such as biking or skate boarding) ∙ IDENTIFY ANY LIFE-THREATENING MEDICAL CONDITIONS such as certain heart conditions

check-up? .

∙ IDENTIFY CONDITIONS THAT MAY LIMIT PARTICIPATION such as a recent concussion ∙ IDENTIFY CONDITIONS THAT REQUIRE A TREATMENT PLAN before or during exercise such as uncontrolled blood pressure

REGULAR CHECK-UPS ARE IMPORTANT

∙ IDENTIFYING AND FULLY REHABILITATING OLD MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES, as previous injury is the strongest predictor of a future sports injury

By Jennifer Giusti

Centra Care doctors know parents are busy and

PREVENTION

sometimes, it seems like physicals just aren’t a

During health exams, your child receives scheduled

priority. But that shouldn’t be the case. So as 2019

immunizations to prevent illness. You also can ask our

commences, let’s discuss why you should schedule an

pediatric-trained physicians to discuss nutrition and

appointment for screenings and exams.

safety information in the home as well as at school.

Routine health exams and tests can help find problems before they start. They also can help find

TRACKING GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

problems early, allowing for more treatment options or

Health exams help keep track of how much your child

cures. By getting the right health services, screenings

has grown in the time since their last visit. It also

and treatments, you are taking steps that increase

provides an opportunity to talk with your doctor about

your chances for living a longer, healthier life. Age,

your child's development: milestones, social behaviors

health, family history, lifestyle choices (i.e. what you

or concerns.

eat and how active you have been) are important factors that impact what and how often you’ll need

SPORTS-INJURY PREVENTION

medical care each year.

Sports physicals, also called a pre-participation exam

Physicians at Florida Hospital Centra Care rec-

(PPE), are exams that help determine whether it’s safe

ommend physicals for children once a year and the

for a child or adolescent to participate in physical ac-

beginning of this new year is a great time to consider

tivity. Most schools require a sports physical, and some

that. Here’s why:

schools offer it directly to students. But even if a PPE

Florida Hospital Centra Care has been serving the Florida community for over 35 years. As a convenience to parents, we are open seven days a week and stay open late at night. For more information or to book an online reservation, visit CentraCare.org.Walk-ins are also always welcome and every Centra Care provides youth, school and sports physicals plus X-Rays, stitches and prescriptions on-site for those times when your young one is hurt or injured.

isn’t required, it is still highly recommended for young athletes to have one completed.

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 63

Health + Wellness | YMCA

reach success REFRAME YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

By Lalita Llerena

A

s you change your calendar from December to January, there’s always a bit of a thrill in the promise of a new year

that’s full of potential. The New Year is a chance to start fresh and say goodbye to the previous year’s frustrations—a perfect opportunity to make resolutions that will help strengthen one’s spirit, mind and body.

However, many of us find our resolutions thrown out along with the holiday decorations. It’s no wonder—starting the New Year by making sweeping cuts to our diets and declarations that we’ll hit the gym seven days a week doesn’t exactly set us up for success! In fact, a nationwide YMCA survey found less than a quarter of respondents kept their resolutions. Many (71 percent) tried, but stated they fell short of their goals, while 40 percent confessed they gave up within the first few months, even weeks, of the New Year.

Survey after survey show weight loss/fitness is the number one New Year’s resolution. When it comes to adding healthy behaviors, like exercise, it’s important to find a facility that keeps you motivated—like the YMCAs of Tampa Bay! The Y is not just a gym, but a community organization that offers more health, more hope and more opportunity.

The Y focuses on a holistic approach to health. So, when you join the Y, you’re committing to more than simply becoming healthier. You are supporting the values and programs that strengthen your community. At the Y, children learn what they can achieve, families spend quality time together and we all build relationships that deepen our sense of belonging.

64 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

SPONSORED

By reframing resolutions and breaking

help others in need, it’s also a way to meet new

them down into smaller, easy-to-sustain

people or discover an interest. Find an oppor-

goals you’ll see big benefits in the long run.

tunity in your community, such as reading to

Here are five New Year’s Resolutions the

children at the Y or distributing food at a local

YMCA recommends for 2018:

food bank.

MOVE MORE

PUT EXTRAS TO GOOD USE

It’s important for children to get at least

Clean out your pantry, closet or attic and

60 minutes of physical activity each day (30

donate extra items to homeless shelters or

minutes for adults). Incorporate physical

community outreach programs.

activity into your daily routines and spend more time walking to places instead of driving.

SWAP A SODA A DAY It may be difficult, but cutting soda can do wonders for your body. If you can’t cut it entirely, resolve to swap one soda a day for a large glass of water instead. Once you’ve been able to swap one out, see if you can cut soda entirely.

SCHEDULE FAMILY TIME

Try not to think about what you’re missing,

With work, school, and activities, fami-

but rather what you’re gaining. For example,

ly-time may seem like an impossible ask,

you may want to limit your screen time in

but see if your family can have a “screen-

2018, but that can be more manageable if you

free” night with no phones or video games.

replace it with something positive like volun-

Instead, use that time to play a board game,

teering or setting special time aside for family.

play outside, go to the Y or visit with family

This can make a resolution feel more positive,

and friends.

and therefore more achievable.

VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME

aged by setbacks. Even though you may expe-

It’s important to not let yourself get discourGiving back and supporting neighbors

rience some missteps that doesn’t mean you

can benefit everyone involved. Not only

have to give up. Nobody got their bad habits

is it a personally rewarding experience to

over the course of a week, so you’re not going to change them in a week either. Change is a process and bad days are part of that process.

2018 is your year to see that getting involved with the community and making lifestyle changes can change your life for the better.

The Y can help! You can come to a Y and feel supported, improve your well-being and learn healthy habits that last a lifetime while creating meaningful experiences in your life.

THIS NEW YEAR, join a cause that benefits yourself as well as your community. Log on to ymcatampabay. org/find-your-y/ and let one of our 25 locations across five Tampa Bay Area counties help you take the best care of yourself in 2018! And if you’re traveling during the new year, we are proud to offer nationwide membership access to YMCA facilities across the United States. This way, you can use the Y as often as you’d like, making it easier to achieve your health and wellness goals.

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 65

ACTIVATE MORE THAN YOUR CORE. By joining the Y, you have the opportunity to develop RELATIONSHIPS, ACHIEVE your goals, and BELONG to something bigger than yourself.

JANUARY

SPECIAL

OFFER

TAMPA METROPOLITAN AREA YMCA 66 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018 tampaymca.org

0

$

SIGN UP FEE!

YMCA OF GREATER ST. PETERSBURG stpeteymca.org

YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST ymcasuncoast.org

3345 S Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, FL 33629

O PEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! 10AM - 10PM • • • •

Urgent Care Auto Accidents Physicals Workers Compensation

(813) 234-0100 www.aplusfamilyuc.com

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 67

What’s Happening | Top Picks

JANUARY STAR WARS™ AND THE POWER OF COSTUME Through April 1, 2018

camp. Advanced registration is required

Village in South Tampa. Check out local-

with daily registration as well as before

ly produced and homemade take-home

and after care available. Daily camp cost

foods, plants, produce, ready-to-eat

View this temporary exhibit at the

is $35 members and $40 non-members.

lunch bites, hand crafts, and eco-friendly

To register, email lleavine@greatex.

and fair trade products. Listen to live

org. 5-10

music and stop by one of the village

Museum of Fine Arts as the Smithsonian traveling exhibition visits the St. Pete museum to showcase its iconic

restaurants. Free admission and parking.

a closer look at costumes that shaped the

WINTER CAMP: ARTS + BOTS Jan. 2-5, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

identities of some of the film industry’s

Find where art and technology meet

most famous characters. mfastpete.org

at Camp Imagination hosted by Glazer

PUCKS FOR PAWS Jan. 11, 7:30 p.m.

Everyone

Children’s Museum in downtown Tampa.

Show your support for Bay area animals

Code an Ozobot, paint with Sphero the

up for adoption at this special admis-

sphere-shaped robot and more. Full

sion promotion from The Tampa Bay

day camp is $50 members and $60

Lightning. Hockey fans also get a Bolts

non-members. glazermuseum.org 5-10

& Barks 14-month calendar featuring

costumes from a galaxy far, far away. Get

MUTINY AT THE MUSEUM All Month Join the Glazer Children’s Museum throughout January as a pirate takeover

hydeparkvillage.com Everyone

the NHL team’s players, and a portion

programs and pirate-themed décor for

WINTER BREAK CAMPS AT MOSI Jan. 2-5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

all mateys aboard in honor of Gasparilla.

Sign up the kids for a fun, interactive

Society of Tampa Bay. To buy tickets, go

glazermuseum.org Everyone

camp experience at MOSI in Tampa.

to tampabaylightning.com/pucksforpaws.

Campers in grades K-3 learn about Space

Everyone

delivers a month of fun, he-ARR-ty

GATEWAYS TO THE CARIBBEAN: MAPPING THE FLORIDA-CUBA CONNECTION Through January 2018, various See the Tampa Bay History Center’s current exhibit on display before it closes this month and learn about five centuries of connections and interaction between Florida and Cuba. The exhibit features rare and original maps, lithographs and other documents. tampabayhistorycen-

ter.org Everyone

OUTBACK BOWL Jan. 1, noon Watch SEC and Big 10 college football teams take the field at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Parking lots open at 8 a.m., gates at 10:30 a.m. and kickoff to follow at noon. outbackbowl.com Everyone

Explorers; those in grades 4-8 focus on

ing and afternoon for an additional fee.

Celebrate the influences and contribu-

mosi.org 4-13

tions on African Americans at this year’s family-friendly festival at Curtis Hixon

DILLY DALLY WITH DALI Jan. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 11:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Discover the creative world of Salvador Dali through games, puzzles and arts and crafts activities which educate and encourage family interaction under the direction of The Dali’s Family Programs Coordinator. Parents are encouraged to stay and join in the fun. Free.

lackheritage.org. Everyone

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT AT GREAT EXPLORATIONS Jan. 12, 6-10 p.m.

Drop the kids off for a night of fun at Great Explorations in St. Pete while you

HYDE PARK FRESH MARKET Jan. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

of Hillsborough County and its mission to promote the well-being of children and

Prepare to be dazzled by colorful

families. glazermuseum.org Everyone

beads and costumes as this yearly pirate tradition returns.

Check out this year’s floats in the parade which starts at 2 p.m. with marching bands and krewes

Learn how animals stay warm in

strolling a 4.5-mile parade route

cold climates with hands-on science

along Bayshore Boulevard and into

experiments at Great Explorations in

Downtown Tampa. gasparillapi-

penguin and polar bear-themed works

Fest entertainment lineup, visit tampab-

children can play in the museum, explore

SEMINOLE HARD ROCK GASPARILLA PIRATE FEST AND PARADE OF THE PIRATES Jan. 27, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

St. Petersburg. Campers get to create

For this year’s full schedule and Music

thedali.org 5-12

first Sunday of every month at Hyde Park

ratefest.com/main-festival/ Moms & Dads

of art. Private museum play and visits to Sunken Gardens take place daily during

68 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

per non-member child. Advance registration is required. greatex.org 4-10

Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa.

take some well-deserved time for your-

Enjoy free admission at Glazer Children’s

SCHOOL’S OUT CAMP: PENGUINS, POLAR BEARS AND THE ARCTIC Jan. 2-5, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

night will directly benefit the Humane

Extended care is available in the morn-

members and $224 for non-members.

Browse vendors at this market held the

its partnership with the Children’s Board

of the proceeds from all tickets that

2018 TAMPA BAY BLACK HERITAGE FESTIVAL Jan. 11-20, various times

Celebrity Scientists. Cost is $168 for

CHILDREN’S BOARD OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FREE TUESDAY Jan. 2, noon to 7 p.m.

Museum in downtown Tampa as part of

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

self. On the second Friday each month, the Touch Tunnel, watch science shows and enjoy a G or light PG-rated movie.

Pizza, snacks and juice are included.

Cost is $25 per member child and $35

SKYWATCH Jan. 13, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Join the space experts at MOSI for an evening of space exploration as seen through the museum’s telescopes.

SkyWatch stargazing events take place in the parking lot by the new MOSI entrance. This month, the winter sky bears its usual suspects including Orion Nebula, Sirius, Pleiades, Hyades and others. No ticket or purchase required.

mosi.org Everyone

MONSTER JAM Jan. 13, 7 p.m.

Cheer your favorite male and female world-class drivers as they deliver adrenaline-charged, high-flying, four-wheel excitement to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. This year’s 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 Everyone

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

Invasion and Socom Night Jump (6:15

Enjoy a day of family fun as part of a

fireworks display to end the day at 7

celebration of MLK, Jr. Day at Tropicana

p.m. Shuttle is available throughout

Field in St. Petersburg. Event will include

day. gasparillapiratefest.com/chil-

live entertainment, kids’ zone, an edu-

drens-fest/ Everyone

cation drive, service programs, vendors and more. stpete.org Everyone

PARENTS NIGHT OUT AT BRYAN GLAZER FAMILY JCC Jan. 18, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

sium and outdoor activities. Cost is $15

pony and wagon rides while exploring

per child for members and $25 per child

the Cook Family’s antique car and truck

for non-members for first child and $5

museum. Free admission. phelc.org

per child thereafter. bryanglazerfamily-

Everyone

to empower children to be proud of what makes them unique and are included with general admission/membership.

greatex.org Everyone

MLK DAY PARADE Jan. 15, noon to 4 p.m.

Come along as Sally, her brother and cautious and outspoken pet Fish spend company of Dr. Seuss’s cat when he

pirate activities. Day includes Bicycle

shows up at Tampa’s Straz Center. Au-

& Pedestrian Safety Rodeo (11 a.m.),

diences of all ages are in for a rhyming,

the Preschooler’s Stroll (1:30 p.m.), Air

rambunctious ride. Tickets start at

Invasion and Socom Day Jump (2:45

$12.50. 5 & Older

streets. Browse unique items at over 450 vendors, sample Kumquat dishes, visit the Kid’s Corral and stop by the

learn what the future holds for those with autism and related disabilities. card-usf. fmhi.usf.edu/cardconference/ Moms, Dads

GREAT CONNECTIONS Jan. 14, 10 a.m. to noon Experience Great Explorations and its

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

health & wellness section. Free entry.

For more info, call 352-567-3769.

SUNSHINE SUNDAY Jan. 28, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Everyone

MASTERS OF ILLUSION: BELIEVE THE IMPOSSIBLE Jan. 27, 8 p.m.

Explore Glazer Children’s Museum with lights and sounds lowered and special programming available for those with

Prepare to be mesmerized as America’s

special needs to enjoy the museum exclu-

largest touring magic show returns with

sively. Free for members and $5 nonmem-

its latest production at The Mahaffey in

bers. glazermuseum.org Everyone

St. Petersburg. Watch grand illusions, levitation, escapes and vanishes, sleight of hand and more. Tickets start at $29.50. themahaffey.com 10 & Older

See the breakout star of the best-selling

Day. Parade travels along 15th Street and

magic show "The Illusionists" as he

21st Avenue. For more information, go

brings his signature brand of magic

Everyone

from this year's lineup of speakers and

Blossom Therapies, an at-home therapy

honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

to mlkjrparade.com/parade-foundation.

Resort in St. Pete. Attend presentations

This month, the museum partners with

the parade route at this year’s event

find your own spot to settle in along

Register for this annual event hosted

sensory-friendly activities and crafts.

THE ILLUSIONISTS PRESENT ADAM TRENT Jan. 29, 8 p.m.

March or join a participating float, or

25TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS Jan. 12-14, various times

needs and their families. Take part in

over 40,000 returns to the downtown

Experience this action-packed stunt show at Amalie Arena in Tampa. Witness a live, legendary battle to defend the universe from evil as The Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy and Spider-Man join Doctor Strange in a race against time. Tickets start at $20. For shows and tickets, go to amaliearena.com 8 & Older

more. warriorsensory.com 5 & Older

made available to children with special

21ST ANNUAL KUMQUAT FESTIVAL Jan. 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. popular, family-friendly event drawing

MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE Jan. 5-7, various times

arts, flexibility, anti-bullying, speed and

exhibits with special early access hours

Explore Historic Dade City as this

MLK, JR. DAY AT GREAT EXPLORATIONS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Jan. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

nity and world. Activities are designed

DR. SEUSS’ THE CAT IN THE HAT Jan. 21, 2 p.m.

a whirlwind afternoon in the uninvited

Everyone

lings. Classes include kickboxing, martial

Disabilities at TradeWinds Island Grand

Bayshore Boulevard for a full day of

activities for all ages. flaquarium.org

kids on the autism spectrum and their sib-

by USF's Center for Autism and Related

Dress as a swashbuckler and head to

Guests will be treated to shark-related

in Tampa with programming designed for

agility drills, discipline, self-defense and

tion for Early Learning in Pasco and

General in Odessa. Enjoy the train,

is working to preserve these animals.

making a positive impact in the commu-

Show your support for the Founda-

event for the family at Component

and see how The Florida Aquarium

activities throughout the day focused on

FOUNDATION FOR EARLY LEARNING’S 2ND ANNUAL CARNIVAL Jan. 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

event may include crafts, games, gymna-

Learn about the ocean’s top predators

um for Martin Luther King Jr.-themed

arts training at Warrior Fitness & Sensory

JCC in Tampa for a night of fun. The

p.m.), Children’s Parade (3:30 p.m.), Air

WARRIORS FOR AUTISM – SENSORY WARRIORS PROGRAM Jan. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 11 a.m. noon Get an up-close look at adaptive martial

Bring the kids to Bryan Glazer Family

MCDONALD’S® CHILDREN'S GASPARILLA EXTRAVAGANZA Jan. 20, 11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Visit the St. Petersburg children's muse-

p.m.) and Piratetechnic Extravaganza

Hernando Counties, Inc. at this unique

jcc.com 2-12

SHARK DAYS AT THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM Jan. 13-14, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SPECIAL NEEDS EVENTS

MLK FAMILY FUN DAY Jan. 15, 2:30-8 p.m.

to the stage at Straz Center in Tampa.

Production offers audiences of all ages a night of magic, comedy and music.

Tickets start at $45. strazcenter.org 7 & Older

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 69

Join Us on February 24, 2018 for the Morgan Auto Group

7th Annual Charity Polo Classic Benefitting:

KEEP CALM AND

GET A SITTER Buy your tickets today at www.CharityPoloClassic.com and start planning your ultimate day out.

Don’t worry, we’ll have plenty of Mom Juice.

Questions about tickets and sponsorship opportunities?

Email cpcsponsorships@gmail.com

70 TampaBayParenting.com | JANUARY 2018

AROUND TOWN MORE HEALTH, INC. ON WFLA Karen Buckenhiemer, executive director of MORE HEALTH, Inc. appeared on WFLA New Channel 8 to share holiday safety tips for families in Tampa Bay from her article in our December issue!

Around Town | What's Happening

Pediatric Emergency Center Opens

BOB SIERRA NORTH TAMPA YMCA RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY The Bob Sierra North Tampa YMCA unveiled its $2.2 million renovation. The final phase includes a newly renovated and expanded welcome center, wellness floor and Kid Zone. Learn more: tampaymca.org

BRANDON REGIONAL HOSPITAL, an HCA West Florida hospital, recently opened a new Pediatric Emergency Center exclusively for kids. The new pediatric ER has 16 private rooms, pediatric emergency medicine experts on staff, and a new patient entrance located on Vonderburg Drive. brandonhospitalkids.com.

KABOOM! PLAYGROUND More than 200 volunteers from Bank of America, the Tampa Bay Rays, University Area Community Development Corporation, Inc, and the community joined KaBOOM! to give area kids the childhood they deserve by building a new playground at University Area Harvest Hope Park. The design is based on children’s drawings created at a special design event in August.

JANUARY 2018 | TampaBayParenting.com 71

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