1. food and drink
2. food
3. salads

Visit us online at www.jax4kids.com
FREE!
March 2015
Information, Education and Entertainment for Northeast Florida Families
Get wrapped up
in Nature!
Spring Camp at the Zoo
March 16 – 20
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Ages 5-12
Extended care and Chase Scholarship
Opportunities available.
Featuring Titanoboa and more:
• Sea Lion Splash
• Behind-the-scenes excursions
• Hands-on animal encounters
For more information, visit JacksonvilleZoo.org/Education
TITANOBOA:
Experience the mega-snake exhibit – this year!
June 15th – August 7th
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Ages 5-13
Extended care and Chase Scholarship Opportunities available.
JacksonvilleZoo.org/Education
zoo238058_Camp_Jax4Kids10.625x10.875_rsg.indd
1
Page
2 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH
2015
2/13/15 1:10 PM
Contents
Letter From The Editor
living well
Dear Readers,
Making the Most Out of Loss.................................................................. 4
Community Profile: Leadership Jacksonville............................................ 5
I
t’s time! Time to start planning for summer
camps that is, and we want to help you. On
page 19 you will find 11 questions to ask yourself
before you begin. Throughout the pages of this
issue, you’ll find information on a variety of
camps. On March 1st our comprehensive
summer camps guide will be available online at
www.jax4kids.com and on March 7th, you can
meet with camp providers and register in person
at Jax4Kids Family Expo.
The 7th Annual Family Expo will be held at the
Jacksonville Fairgrounds Expo Center. If you’ve
never been, you’re in for a treat as we bring
together a day filled with lots of FREE family
fun – rock climbing wall, SpaceWalks, puppet
shows, stilt walker, face painters, airbrush tattoos, costumed characters, robotics and coding
demonstrations, Swordfighting with Pirate Ship
Black Raven who is offering summer camps now,
hands on Engineering activities from Growin’
GEERS, hands on science experiments, Marine
Life exploration and a lot of great prizes and
giveaways! Bring your child’s bicycle helmet to
the Expo and get it fitted and they’ll get a prize.
If they’ve outgrown their helmet or it is damaged they can trade it in for a brand new one at
no cost! We thank our friends at Safe Kids for
making this valuable resource available. It’s one
of many you’ll find at the Family Expo.
Did you know your children may be eligible for
Health Insurance through Florida KidCare even
if one or both parents are working? Please turn
March 2015
eating well
Kale: Lean, Green, Perfect for Your Machine............................................ 6
Health & safety
Safe Routes to School Program Is Working.............................................. 8
Feelings of Awe Promote Good Health..................................................... 9
education
to page 35 for information about this affordable
insurance option.
If you or a friend or relative has a child with
ADHD, you’ll want to read the article on page 32.
Looking for new books for your children? See
this year’s award winners for kids of all ages on
page 12. Sleep is a key to good health and teens
often do not get enough of it. Learn valuable
information to help you help your teen get the
sleep their bodies need on page 25.
We hope you enjoy this issue of Jax4Kids’ newspaper. If you would like copies delivered to your
child’s school or daycare, drop us a note at info@
jax4kids.com.
Until next month,
Alison Peters-Carlson
Editor
A Closer Look at Advanced Placement Classes......................................11
Library Group Names Top Children’s Books............................................12
That’s My Job! Pediatric Physical Therapist...........................................12
Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives...................................................13
Clay County School news
County Spelling Bee Winners.................................................................15
Wilkinson’s Fields Teacher of the Year....................................................15
Kornegay is Named Deputy Superintendent...........................................15
Duval county public Schools
2015 Fall VPK Registration Now Open...................................................16
Take a “Discover Duval Schools” Tour....................................................17
Top 5 Finalists for “Teacher of the Year” Announced...............................17
St. Johns County School news
Finalist Chosen for Outstanding Assistant Principal.................................18
Teachers of the Year Named..................................................................18
Early Registration for Kindergarten.........................................................18
summer camps
Camp Selection Step By Step................................................................19
Summer Camp: Unique and Unusual...............................................20-21
Camp Skills Can Be Lasting..................................................................22
Camp Tips............................................................................................23
Teens
Follow us...
Alison Peters-Carlson Editor....................................... editor@jax4kids.com
Linda Bigbee Graphic Designer......................................linda@jax4kids.com
Judi Fields Circulation Manager........................................judi@jax4kids.com
Doug Berle Advertising Sales......................................... doug@jax4kids.com
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Beth Canonica Advertising Sales.................................... beth@jax4kids.com
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Published by Child Enrichment, LLC, 12620-3 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246. Copyright 2015.
Reproduction of any artwork or copy prepared by Jax4Kids.com To Go is strictly prohibited without
written consent of the publisher. We will not be responsible for any errors and/or omissions. The
Publisher’s liability for error will not exceed the cost of space occupied by the error. Articles for
publication are welcome and may be sent to editor@jax4kids.com. For more information concerning
advertising, call 904-710-2020 or e-mail advertise@jax4kids.com.
Page 3 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
Camp Counseling Can Mean More than Just Fun...................................25
Sleep Problems May Be a Lifestyle Matter.............................................25
Infant & Toddler
Young STEM Students Learn by Doing...................................................28
Play On! Toys Teach as Well as Entertain...............................................29
Some Toddler Foods Lead to Obesity.....................................................29
Vitamin D Deficiency Common in U.S. Children......................................30
special needs
Parenting a Child with ADHD.................................................................32
Field of Dreams....................................................................................33
Anxiety Disorder Affects All Ages...........................................................33
nature
The Baby Is 6-feet Tall!.........................................................................34
Pets
For Cats Any Box Will Do.......................................................................36
Things to do
March Events.......................................................................................38
Living well
Making the Most Out of Loss
O
nly one team wins the Super Bowl.
For each player on the New England Patriots
going to Disney World after the game there is a
player on the Seattle Seahawks going home
disappointed without the joy of victory.
It’s a lot like life. Sometimes we win, sometimes
we lose. Sometimes we win the account, the
game, the job promotion, the award and sometimes we lose the very thing we want most.
Winning matters. Losing matters. But in life what
matters most is what we do with our wins and
losses. When we win do we become complacent
or stay humble and hungry?
Even more important than what we do after our
wins is how we respond to our losses. Do we give
up or come back stronger? Do we allow the loss
to act like a cancer that eats away at us for the
rest of our life or do we turn it into a learning
opportunity that leads to our healthy growth?
I certainly know what it feels like to lose. I’ve lost
many arguments with my wife. : ) The Energy Bus
was rejected by the first 30 publishers. As a sales
person years ago, I lost as many accounts as I
won. I lost too many games as a Lacrosse player
at Cornell and now I watch my children lose
tennis matches and lacrosse games.
Through this process of winning and losing we
learn the greatest lesson of all:
No matter how hard we work and how much we
improve there will be times when we experience
the worst of defeats instead of the greatest of
victories. But ultimately life is about more than
winning or losing. It’s about the lessons we learn,
the character and strength we build and the
people we become along the way.
Whether we win the Super Bowl or not, when we
realize this we will surely be a winner in the
game of life! j
www.jongordon.com
Everyone loses but the key is to make the loss
www.positiveschool.com
stand for something and in my family LOSS now
People often say that success breeds success but stands for:
often it breeds complacency. After a win people
LOSS (Learning Opportunity, Stay Strong)
“Life stands before
think they can just show up and achieve the
me like an eternal
same result, forgetting the effort, determination
When we lose we ask what we can learn from
and mindset it took to achieve the win. To
this loss and how we can improve because of it.
spring with new and
continue winning, it’s essential to turn the
Then we stay strong and work harder to get
brilliant clothes.”
euphoria of winning into a fire of burning desire
better. This leads to more wins in the future…and
that fuels your continuous improvement, passion, also eventually more loses…and more learning
– Carl Friedrich
and quest for excellence.
opportunities and opportunities to stay strong and
Gauss
develop our character.
Kids really do say the funniest things! Please share your favorites with us by e-mailing your
story directly to editor@jax4kids.com. One entry each month will be turned into a cartoon to
be published in the next issue of Jax4Kids. We’ll send you the original cartoon as a keepsake.
Page 4 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
Living well
Community Profile:
L
Its year-long programs explore “the dynamics of
the Jacksonville community, analyzing major
areas of community concern, facilitating the
development of leadership capacities and
promoting a strong network” while covering
topics such as Jacksonville history, local
government and political insight, economic
development, business outlook, technology
growth, local education, environmental sustainability, arts, infrastructure, poverty, growth
forecast and health care issues.
Under the guidance of the late Frederick H.
Schultz, the organization’s first president,
Leadership Jacksonville was formed with the
interest and financial support of the Junior
League, the Regional Chamber of Commerce and
the Jacksonville Community Council, Inc. (JCCI).
Leadership Jacksonville graduated its first class
of 29 members in 1977.
The program consists of two weekend retreats,
one in August and one in May, and nine day-long
programs. The opening retreat provides structured exercises that explore the dynamics of the
urban society, leadership styles, and decisionmaking through group process. The program
days provide information about the community,
analyze critical program areas and issues and
provide opportunities for networking and
leadership development. The closing retreat
brings it all together with focus on developing a
vision and a personal trusteeship commitment.
behind-the-scenes experience with a great deal
of interaction with the appropriate community
leaders.
Students apply through their high school during
their sophomore year. They must attend a high
school in Duval, Clay, Baker or St. Johns County
accredited by the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools and should have demonstrated proven leadership ability in school and/or
community activities. Programs dates are August
through March and there is a fee of $250
(scholarships are
available).
Program
graduates will
have met
students from all
areas of our
Community and
developed
mutual trust and
respect;
acquired
increased
awareness of our
community
needs, opportunities, problems and resources; gained a greater
understanding of contemporary issues through
interaction and problem solving with peers, adult
leaders, and decision makers from all segments
of the community; developed effective styles of
leadership, communication and decision making
skills; and become a responsible, ethical leader
committed to active community involvement.
Applications for the Leadership Jacksonville 2016
class are closed. They will begin accepting
application for the 2017 class in January 2016.
The organization expanded its role into developing our youth with the first youth leadership class
in 1990. It consisted of 40 high school juniors
from 31 area schools. Ten years ago the
Collegiate Leadership Experience graduated its
first class.
Youth Leadership Jacksonville is a year-long
program that brings together a diverse group of
high school juniors (approximately 54 students)
and prepares them to become “ethical leaders
committed to active community involvement.”
Those selected attend an opening retreat, six
Program Days (one per month) and a closing
retreat. Programs are practical in nature with
hands-on activities. Program Days deal with
specific facets of the community such as
government, criminal justice, human services,
diversity and business. Each day combines a
Page 5 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
The Collegiate Leadership Experience takes place
during the summer. Approximately 36 participants interact with community leaders, network
with professionals and go behind the scenes to
explore difficult issues facing our community and
learn from our successes. Students participate
in an overnight opening retreat, three weekday
and a Saturday morning Program Day and a
closing retreat. It is designed for students that
are attending college in Northeast Florida or have
their permanent address in Northeast Florida and
are attending college outside of the region. The
applicants should be rising sophomores, juniors,
seniors, or graduate students between 18 and 28
years old, and have been enrolled in college for
at least two semesters by the beginning of the
program in June. All applicants must be in good
standing at their college and have demonstrated
leadership skills in high school and/or college.
Program dates are May 28 through Aug. 1 and
the fee is $500 (scholarships are available).
Program goals include encouraging participants
to live and work in Northeast Florida after
graduation and serve as a community trustee.
Applications are due on March 23, 2015. A
committee of Leadership Jacksonville alumni will
review the applications and conduct in-person
and phone interviews during March and April.
Local students will have face-to-face interviews;
students away at school will have phone
interviews. The class will be selected in May and
applicants will be notified of the results in
mid-May. j
Leadershipjax.org
“It is spring again. The earth is like a child
that knows poems by heart.”
– Rainer Maria Rilke
Learn. Fun. Naturally.
eadership Jacksonville, an organization
whose mission is to develop youth and adult
leaders to assume greater responsibility, has
been improving the quality of life in our community since it was formed nearly four decades ago.
Leadership for All Ages
Animal Encounters
Guided Trail Tours
Energy or Water Detective
Programs start at just $6/person.
NATURE TODAY!
Find us on
treehill.org
Register Now For
Summer Workshops
Two Locations
To Serve You:
1406 Kingsley Ave
Orange Park, FL 32073
8411 Baymeadows Way #2
Jacksonville, FL 32256
DISCOVER
7152 Lone Star Road
• Charcoal Drawing
• Ebony Pencil
Drawing
• Design
• Clay
• Painting
• Print Making
• Scratchboard Art
• Gouache
• Sculpture
• Adult Classes
Jacksonville, FL 32211
educator@treehill.org
904.724.4646
904.612.7557
www.childrensartclasses.com
BOATING
eating well
Kale: Lean, Green, Perfect for Your Machine
W
hen I say the word “superfood” what do
you think of?
As a licensed nutritionist for over 20 years, when
I think of the word superfood, I think of a few
things:
1. A whole food.
2. A food that provides vitamins, minerals and
antioxidants.
3. A food that is low in calories.
To me, a superfood would not be considered
something that is processed, high in saturated
fat/sodium, low in nutrients and high in empty
calories. For example, chips and soda would not
be considered superfoods! But let’s take a look
at a food that has received a lot of attention lately
as a superfood – Kale.
From salads to smoothies, this superfood fits all
of my criteria for a healthy choice. Let’s see how
it can fit in your household too.
Whole food: Kale is a dark-green leafy vegetable
that is easy to grow! Because it is cold-tolerant,
it can be grown during the winter months in Florida. The plants can be started from seed anytime
from September through January or February
and will continue to produce tender leaves until
the heat of summer. As a member of the cabbage
family, it has big curly leaves that add beauty to
a winter garden. The plants do best in 6 hours of
sun or more, so plant in a sunny spot and water
regularly.
Food that Provides Vitamins, Minerals and
Antioxidants: Kale provides a variety of nutrients
for you and your growing children. One cup of
raw Kale contains 134% of Vitamin C, 206% of
Vitamin A, 9% of Calcium and 6% of daily Iron.
A Food Low in Calories: One cup of raw Kale
contains no fat or cholesterol, 2 grams of protein,
29 milligrams of sodium and only 33 calories.
So now we know how good Kale is for you, what
is the superstition? It is thought for many that if
you eat the right foods on New Year’s, you might
just improve your luck for the coming year. In the
American South, eating greens such as Collards,
Kale and Swiss chard on New Year’s Day is said
to improve your chances of gaining “greens”
(money) during the next 12 months.
MADE SIMPLE!
If you are inspired to try Kale for the first time,
here are two recipes to get you started incorporating this superfood into your family’s regular
menu!
Fruit/Kale Smoothie
(adapted from Real Simple)
Ingredients:
• 1 Banana, cut into pieces
• 1 cup chopped Kale (ribs and thick stems
removed)
• 1 cup Almond milk (can substitute Vanilla Soy
or 1% cow’s milk if desired)
• ½ cup 100% Apple juice (optional)
Directions:
Put the Almond milk (and juice) in the blender
first followed by the chopped greens and fruit
chunks last. Start on low first, and work your way
up to the pureed setting. If it is too thick, you can
always add a few ice cubes at the end to thin it
down. Voila!
Kale Salad
(adapted from Betty Crocker)
Ingredients to Prep the Greens:
• 1 bunch of Kale (ribs and thick stems removed)
• ¼ cup Olive Oil
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• Ingredients for the Vinaigrette:
• ¼ cup Olive Oil
• ¼ cup Greek Yogurt Vanilla
• 2 Tablespoons of Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon of Lemon Juice
• 2 teaspoons of Dijon Mustard
• 1 teaspoon of chopped garlic
Directions:
In a large bowl, massage the greens with olive
oil and salt until the leaves soften (about 2 to 3
minutes). Then blend the Vinaigrette ingredients
in a food processor or blender until smooth and
drizzle on top of the greens to desired taste. Top
with grilled chicken or tofu, walnuts or slivered
almonds, mandarin oranges and/or dried cranberries for a tasty “superfood” meal! j
Aurea Thompson,MSH,RD,CSP,LD/N
Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition
Wolfson Children’s Hospital
“Spring is the time of plans and projects.”
– Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina
Page 6 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
•
•
•
•
NO, maintenance, cleaning
or hassles.
Get access to over 800 boats
and over
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United States.
Create fun memories with your
family and friends
2 LOCATIONS
JULINGTON CREEK & ST. AUGUSTINE
JOIN THE CLUB CALL 904.309.1909
www.FreedomBoatClub.com
Page 7 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
health & safety
Safe Routes to School
Program Is Working
M
arch is Florida Bicycle Month!
its safety programs in schools, after school
youth programs, rodeos and camps. Included
While in most other states May is Bicycle
in the program are 10-hour workshops to train
Month, Florida, because of our warmer weather,
elementary and middle school teachers. Traffic
celebrates in March. The governor’s proclamaand bicycle safety education at the elementary
tion mentions bicycles as a means to travel to
school level focuses on pedestrian, school bus
school, and their potential to promote health and and bicycle safety. Materials used to conduct the
wellness and reduce air pollution and chronic dis- workshops focus on development of pedestrian
eases. All of these are goals of the Safe Routes
and bike-handling skills appropriate for physical
to School program, a movement to create safe,
education classes. These are provided at no cost
convenient, and fun opportunities for children to
to teachers by a grant from the Florida Departbicycle and walk to and from schools.
ment of Transportation Safety Office.
Middle school training emphasizes bicycle knowledge and skills in addition to health, nutrition,
and exercise. Lessons include on-bike practice
and classroom instruction with interactive video
components. Scheduling these programs in a
crowded curriculum requires creative solutions,
which many schools have met by embedding the
curriculum in physical education classes.
The program includes community workshops
as well. The 8-hour workshops prepare community law enforcement officials, youth group
leaders, community safety specialists, and
school resource officers bicycle safety and rules
of the road at the elementary level. The Traffic
In 1969, approximately 50 percent of children in
Safety Education Guide is provided at a small
the U.S. walked or bicycled to school, with almost cost to participants, who learn how to implement
90 percent of children living within one mile of
successful bicycle safety programs and present
school walking or bicycling. Today, fewer than
bicycle safety information to the public. Partici15 percent of schoolchildren walk or bicycle to
pants also receive a copy of “The Guide to Bicycle
school. As a result, kids are less active, less
Rodeos” by John Williams and Dan Burden. The
independent and less healthy. U.S. families drive program also includes a driver’s education pro30 billion miles to take their children to and from gram. “Driver’s Ed for Bike and Ped” fulfills the
school, at a cost of $5 billion in fuel and a signifi- need for bicycle and pedestrian safety education
cant increase in traffic congestion.
in driver education programs. Instructors are
given the information for teaching bicycle and
Concerned by the long-term health and traffic
pedestrian laws, common crash types and reconsequences of this trend, in 2005 Congress ap- sponsible sharing of the road through classroom
proved implementation of Safe Routes to School
activities, homework, and evaluation tools.
programs in all 50 states and the District of
Columbia. Communities have used the funding to The program’s Adult Cycling Course provides
construct new bicycle lanes, pathways and side- cyclists guidance and instruction in the basic
walks, as well as to launch education, promotion principles of bicycling. It combines classroom
and enforcement campaigns in elementary and
discussion with on-road practice and activities.
middle schools.
Instructors for this course are certified by the
League of American Bicyclists, the only nationally
A recent study of schools in Florida, Oregon,
recognized program with certified instructors.
Texas and the District of Columbia shows that
The courses are offered by Florida LCI (League
the program is working. There has been a 20
Cycling Instructors) certified Regional Trainers at
percent increase in walking and bicycling in the
various dates and locations throughout the state.
j
years since the program began.
The Florida Traffic and Bicycle Safety Education Program employs a regional training team
to teach educators, law enforcement officials,
school resource officers, Safe Kids coalition
members and volunteers how to implement
Saferoutestoschools.org, Floridabicycle.org
Page 8 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
We take the Fear
out of Dentistry!
Did you know
82% of people say fear is the
number one reason they don’t
go to the dentist?
Don’t let this be you!
Let us help you ease your fears and
take care of your smile! At Carlson
Dental Group, we offer different
levels of sedation allowing you to
relax or even snooze!
904-647-4765
www.CarlsonDentalGroup.com
FREE
Sedation Consultation
ExpiRES mARCh 31, 2015.
Osteoarthritis of the KNEE?
Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research is seeking volunteers
to evaluate novel methods of activity monitoring for individuals
who:
• Are between 30 and 80 years of age
• Have osteoarthritis of the knee and
• Are candidates for a hyaluronic acid injection
based on a physician’s assessment
Study participants will receive study-related
medication and study related medical
evaluations at no charge. Compensation for
time and travel is available for qualified
participants.
No insurance required.
For additional information
about the benefits and risks
of the study, please contact us:
Jacksonville Center
for Clinical Research
(904) 730-0166
www.jaxresearch.com
health & safety
Feelings of Awe Promote
Good Health
T
aking in the glory of nature at the top of a
mountain peak, joining in a song of worship
or viewing a breathtakingly beautiful piece of art
are some of the experiences that fill us with awe
and make us feel most alive. And according to
new research, moments like this are both
spiritually invigorating and good for our physical
and mental health.
A University of California, Berkeley, study, published in the journal Emotion in January, suggests
that the feeling of awe we may experience during
encounters with art, nature and spirituality has
an anti-inflammatory effect, protecting the body
from chronic disease.
The researchers found a correlation between
feelings of awe and lower levels of cytokines,
markers that put the immune system on high
alert by triggering a defensive reaction known as
inflammation. While inflammation is essential to
fighting infection and disease when the body is
presented with a specific threat, chronically high
levels of cytokines have been linked to a number
of health problems, including heart disease,
Alzheimer’s, depression and autoimmune conditions.
“That awe, wonder and beauty promote healthier
levels of cytokines suggests that the things we do
to experience these emotions – a walk in nature,
losing oneself in music, beholding art – have a
direct influence upon health and life expectancy,”
Berkeley psychologist Dacher Keltner, a coauthor of the study, said in a press release.
In a previous paper, Kelter defined awe as a
feeling “in the upper reaches of pleasure and on
the boundary of fear,” that is often inspired by
encounters with the beautiful and the sublime. Study co-author Jennifer Stellar told The
Huffington Post that experiences of awe are most
commonly inspired by being in nature, followed
by witnessing the impressive feats of others,
participating in spiritual and religious events, and
engaging with art and music.
To test the effect of awe on physical health, Keltner’s team asked two separate study groups of
young adults how much they experienced positive
emotions such as awe, amusement, compassion,
contentment, joy and pride on a given day. On
the same day, the researchers took samples of
participants’ gum and cheek tissue to measure
cytokine levels. The samples revealed that in
both groups, those who had experienced awe,
wonder or amazement that day had lower levels
of cytokines, and therefore less inflammation, in
their bodies.
While awe is relatively under-studied compared
to other emotions, previous research has found
that feelings of awe can also boost creative
thinking, help create a sense of having enough
time in the day, and inspire profound personal
transformation.
The UC Berkeley study’s findings join a growing
body of research suggesting that positive emotions play an important role in promoting physical
health. Studies have linked positive emotions
with improved heart health and longevity, and
some research has suggested that mindfulness
practices – which are known to improve emotional well-being – can reduce inflammation.
“Rather than seeing a walk through the park
or a trip to the museum as an indulgence, we
hope people will view these kind of experiences
as important ways to promote a healthy body in
addition to a healthy mind,” Stellar said. “Folding
these kinds of positive experiences into your daily
routine may be more important for health than we
previously realized.” j
Huffington Post
Page 9 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
Things to Do
Health Events
Kids Yoga
March 3, 10, 17 and 24, 4:30pm
Yoga is a great way to increase flexibility, lower
stress, and improve energy. Learn to relax your mind
and body with some simple, kid-friendly stretches
and exercises. This program is for beginners and fun
for the whole family. Please wear loose clothing and
bring your own towel or mat. Teens are welcome,
too.
Southeast Branch / 904-827-6900 / 6670 US1
South, St. Augustine, FL 32086 / www.sjcpls.org
Gate River Run
March 14, 8:30am to 12noon
Events for the annual Gate River Run include USA
15K Championship Run/Walk, Florida Times-Union 5k
for Charity, Brooks Rehabilitation Challenge Mile,
Junior River Run, Diaper Dash, 3 Day Runner’s Expo,
live music, post race celebration, clowns and
entertainment for the kids and more. The runners
expo is Thursday, March 12 from 11am to 6pm;
Friday, March 13, from 11am to 8pm; and Saturday,
March 14, from 8:30am to 12noon. The Junior River
Run is a FREE one mile fun run for children age 13
and under. Each child’s parent must fill out and sign
an entry form for them. Pick up t-shirt and packet at
GATE River Run Expo. First race for the Junior River
Run starts at 11am. There will be four heats for ages
9 and under at 11 and 11:15 and 10-13 at 11:30 and
11:45. Pre-register online.
Jacksonville Fairgrounds / 510 Fairgrounds Place
Jacksonville, FL 32202 / gate-riverrun.com
Youth Mental Health First Aid
March 19, 9am to 5pm
904-998-TNT1 (8681)
www.tntgymfit.com
SPRING
BREAK
CAMP
2015
Youth Mental Health First Aid is a 8-hour training
course designed to give members of the public key
skills to help an adolescent who is developing a
mental health problem or experiencing a mental
health crisis. The 8-hour course covers a range of
common disorders and potential crises such as
helping a young person who is having a panic attack,
is contemplating suicide or is struggling with
substance abuse. Training Cost: $55. Contact
Lissette Maldonado, Training Specialist, at 904-6307251 or by email: lissette@coj.net for registration
information. Jacksonville Children’s Commission /
904-630-7251 / 1095 A. Philip Randolph Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32206 / jccevents.net
NCCAA Annual Sports Clinic
March 21, 9:30am to 12noon
Free clinic for youths to learn general skills of several
sports. Hosted by the NCCAA.
City of Palm Coast / 386-986-2323 / James F.
Holland Memorial Park, 18 Florida Park Drive Palm
Coast, FL 32137 / www.palmcoastgov.com
Local Medicinal Herbs
March 28, 10am to 2pm
In this workshop, Master Herbalist Cindy Whitley will
teach you how to identify and properly prepare the
locally growing medicinal herbs in the Northeast
Florida area. Each participant will make 2 remedies
in class and bring home lots of valuable information
for future plant identification and medicine making.
Lots of new plants will be covered. Please bring a
sack lunch. Cost $40. Pre-registration is required.
Maggie’s Herb Farm / 904-829-0722 / 11400
County Road 13-N, St.Augustine, FL 32092 /
maggiesherbfarm.com
Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.
March 16 - 20
9am - 3pm
Early Drop off – 8am - 9am
Extended Day – 3pm - 6pm
Ages 3 - 12 (must be potty trained)
Join us for gymnastics, games,
pit playtime, obstacles, crafts and snack!
Weekly Rate: $145 (1st child)
$130.50 (Siblings)
Daily Rate: $40 (1st child)
$36 (Siblings)
½ Day Rate: $25 per child
Must be a member or pay
camp registration fee to attend.
Page 10 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
EDUCATION
A Closer Look at Advanced
Placement Classes for High
School Students
I
f you have kids from elementary school
through high school, you may wonder if
encouraging your kids to earn college credit while
in high school is a worthwhile option. These days,
students can choose from Advanced Placement
(AP) courses, dual enrollment courses and other
high school acceleration options to earn college
credit while in high school. In this month’s
column, I’ll take a look at the some of the benefits
and drawbacks of AP classes.
Benefits
The possibility of earning college credit (and
saving money!) while still in high school is a big
benefit for students who enroll and successfully
complete AP courses and the tests that accompany them. According to The College Board, the
organization that administers AP courses,
students have the option of taking more than 30
courses and exams during high school. Classes
range from AP Art History to AP Computer
Science. Course offerings vary according to
individual districts and schools.
The structure of AP courses encourages students
to develop better reading comprehension skills,
study habits and the ability to use higher order
thinking skills, which is another benefit. To
succeed in an AP Literature and Composition
class, for example, students need to read and
understand complex college-level texts and write
several types of essays, among other things
(according to The College Board’s web site).
Drawbacks
One drawback for students can be the increased
time AP courses demand for study and homework. Since students are completing collegelevel work, they are expected to perform at an
accelerated pace. For high school students who
are involved in several extra-curricular activities
or who work part-time jobs, the demand of AP
courses might be too much.
Another drawback can appear when AP students
have deficits in reading comprehension or
academic essay writing. Students with literacy
challenges may need to take remedial courses or
receive tutoring to bolster skills needed to
succeed in AP courses.
Student Perspective
For students who succeed taking AP courses, the
rewards are often worth the effort. A former
student of mine, Lisa Green,* is now a graduate
of Florida State University. “Taking nine AP
classes [in high school] not only saved me time
and money in college,” Green said, “but they also
taught me invaluable lessons about time
management, prioritizing, and setting goals for
myself.”
As for drawbacks, Green told me the only one she
could think of dealt with teacher preparation.
“The only AP classes which I felt were poorly
structured were ones in which a first-time
teacher had been put in charge,” she said. “I had
two AP classes that were taught by first-time
teachers, and these teachers did not seem
prepared to cover the in-depth material or nature
of the class.”
Teacher Perspective
Teaching AP classes can be challenging for
instructors. Though some districts offer AP
training for teachers, others sometimes assign
newer teachers to conduct the classes.
A friend of mine, Sally Smith,* who teaches on
the First Coast, taught both AP Literature and
Dual Enrollment English classes for a total of
three years. She now teaches other courses.
JCDS has provided students with enriching summer day camp
experiences for over 40 years. Let us give your child the
memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.
www.jcds.com/extra/
summercamp.php
“The strengths of the AP program depend entirely
upon the teacher,” Smith said. “Some teachers
may be able to give students a real experience
with many different sorts of literature, but many
others will spend their time memorizing vocabulary lists and teaching writing ‘tricks.’ From a
parent or student’s standpoint, the strength of the
program is that it enables a student to graduate
from college a bit sooner.”
In addition, Smith has reservations about how
well high school students can tackle challenging
literature. “I think most high school students are
not ready for a frank, independent encounter with
many works of classic literature,” she said. “They
tend to depend only on what they have learned in
school, and are likely to opt for a shallow
interpretation, or worse, rely only on personal
preference to judge the quality of the work.” j
Further Resources
For parents wishing to research AP courses
further, here are three helpful web sites:
The College Board - www.collegeboard.org
Duval County Public Schools’ AP page - www.
duvalschools.org/Page/7602
“U.S. News & World Report” AP Article - www.
usnews.com/education/high-schools/articles/2012/05/10/weigh-the-benefits-stress-ofap-courses-for-your-student
*Names have been changed.
JUNE 15 - AUGUST 7
9:30AM - 2:30PM
AGES 3 - 18
Summer camp for children with intellectual disabilities and behavior disorders.
5:2 student-to-therapist ratio. Access to a variety of support services including
Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis and
Mental Health Therapies, provided at an additional rate.
A variety of camp activities include…
• Vocational skills (daily living skills, job ready skills)
• Social skills (play skills, peer interaction)
• Academic skills (reading, language arts and math)
• Health and Safety (community skills)
• Physical activity (gross motor skills and exercise)
• Enriching field trips (Jacksonville Zoo, museums,
community parks and more!)
Nancy Lee Bethea
Page 11 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
(904) 619-6071
6867 Southpoint Dr North, Suite 101
Jacksonville, FL 32216
WWW.KEYSTONEBEHAVIORAL.COM
EDUCATION
Library Group Names
Top Children’s Books
T
he American Library Association has
announced this year’s top books for children
and young adults – including the Newbery,
Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, and Printz awards.
Magoon for “How It Went Down.”
Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award:
“Firebird,” illustrated by Christopher Myers, is the
King Illustrator Book winner.
The award winners:
Two King Illustrator Honor Books: Christian
Robinson for “Josephine: The Dazzling Life of
John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding Josephine Baker” and Frank Morrison for “Little
contribution to children’s literature:
Melba and Her Big Trombone.”
“The Crossover,” written by Kwame Alexander, is
the 2015 Newbery Medal winner.
Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent
Two Newbery Honor Books also were named:
Author Award:
“El Deafo” by Cece Bell, illustrated by Cece Bell;
“When I Was the Greatest,” written by Jason
“Brown Girl Dreaming,” written by Jacqueline
Reynolds.
Woodson.
Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in
Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distin- literature written for young adults:
guished American picture book for children:
“I’ll Give You the Sun,” written by Jandy Nelson, is
“The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary
the 2015 Printz Award winner.
Friend,” illustrated and written by Dan Santat, is
Four Printz Honor Books: “And We Stay,” by Jenny
the 2015 Caldecott Medal winner.
Hubbard; “The Carnival at Bray,” by Jessie Ann
Foley; “Grasshopper Jungle,” by Andrew Smith;
Six Caldecott Honor Books:
“This One Summer,” by Mariko Tamaki.
“Nana in the City,” illustrated by Lauren Castillo,
written by Lauren Castillo; “The Noisy Paint Box:
Alex Awards for the 10 best adult books that
The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract
appeal to teens:
Art,” illustrated by Mary GrandPré, written by
“All the Light We Cannot See,” by Anthony Doerr;
Barb Rosenstock; “Sam & Dave Dig a Hole,” il“Bellweather Rhapsody,” by Kate Racculia;
lustrated by Jon Klassen, written by Mac Barnett; “Bingo’s Run,” by James A. Levine; “Confes“Viva Frida,” illustrated and written by Yuyi
sions,” by Kanae Minato; “Everything I Never Told
Morales; “The Right Word: Roget and His Thesau- You,” by Celeste Ng; “Lock In,” by John Scalzi;
rus,” illustrated by Melissa Sweet, written by Jen “The Martian,” by Andy Weir; “The Terrorist’s
Bryant; “This One Summer,” illustrated by Jillian
Son: A Story of Choice,” by Zak Ebrahim; “Those
Tamaki, written by Mariko Tamaki.
Who Wish Me Dead,” by Michael Koryta; Wolf in
White Van,” by John Darnielle.
Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award
recognizing an African American author and
Recognized worldwide for the high quality they
illustrator of outstanding books for children
represent, ALA awards guide parents, educators,
and young adults:
librarians and others in selecting the best materi“Brown Girl Dreaming,” written by Jacqueline
als for youth. Selected by judging committees
Woodson, is the King Author Book winner.
of librarians and other children’s experts, the
Three King Author Honor Books:
awards encourage original and creative work.
Kwame Alexander for “The Crossover; ” Marilyn
For a complete list of awards, please visit www.
Nelson for “How I Discovered Poetry;” Kekla
ala.org/yma. j
That’s MY Job!
Dianne Drysdale: Pediatric
Physical Therapist
Q. How long have you been a pediatric physical
therapist?
A. I have been a pediatric physical therapist since 1993.
Q. Why did you choose this career?
A. I injured my knee playing soccer in high school and reinjured it again in college. After
participating in physical therapy off and on for three years, I realized this profession was
something I could enjoy. This profession fit me in every way. It takes “exercise” to a different
level by focusing on rehabilitating injuries and returning function. As someone who loves
children, specializing in pediatric physical therapy was a natural choice.
Q. What kind of education did you get to become a pediatric physical therapist?
A. In the early 1990’s when I went to college, physical therapists were required to obtain a
Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy. I attended the University of Florida and earned my
BS in Physical Therapy in 1993. Our profession has evolved over the decades. Now, in order to
sit for the State and National Board exams, new candidates must hold a Doctorate in Physical
Therapy. Currently, licensed therapists holding other degrees are not required to advance their
degree. However, I decided to return to graduate school at University of South Florida and
graduated with my Doctorate of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences in 2014.
Q. What are some of your responsibilities?
A. My main role is to assess a child’s functional status and develop a treatment plan to help
him achieve his goals. In other words, I figure out why a child isn’t sitting, crawling or walking.
Then I design games, play activities, and ways to modify his daily routine to encourage him
to overcome any deficits or weaknesses. A huge part of my job is teaching the child’s family
how to therapeutically hold and play with their child. Sometimes, children need special braces,
wheelchairs or walkers and it is my responsibility to determine which equipment is best for that
child.
Q. What do you like most about your job?
A. I love that my job requires me to use play and creativity to motivate children. I joke that
I get paid to play with children all day but the true payment is witnessing a child accomplish
his goals. When a four year old walks to his mom for the first time, I feel euphoric. The
majority of my patients require physical therapy for several years therefore I develop strong
relationships with their parents. I call my patients “my children” but truthfully, I am honored to
be considered a part of their entire family.
A New Family Easter Tradition
Two local authors have created a new Easter
tradition. Similar to the Elf on a Shelf concept
of rewarding good behavior, Wishy Life is an
Easter Tradition that also rewards and encourages children. The Mother and Daughter-inLaw team of Tiffany and Debbie
Oliva started a fun, family tradition
in their own homes. They quickly
received praise and requests from
friends and peers to share the
story of their bonding ‘Buddy’ with
other families hoping to inspire
and remind children that working
together and behaving well is the
best way to earn positive rewards.
The book includes a ‘Buddy’, Wishy Stem,
Wishy Dust and seven (7) empty eggs that are
hidden and filled each day for a week leading
up to Easter Sunday. Eggs can be filled with
anything from stickers and treats to messages
and small gifts, but bad behavior
results in an empty, unhidden egg
(or a note reminding them what
they need to work on ;)
Wishy Life Buddies: The Original
Easter Tradition provides families
with a sneaky, seasonal pal who gives treats,
rewards and encouraging messages to wellbehaved children during the Easter season.
This year, Easter falls on April 5th.
Start the tradition in your home
this Easter. Wishy Life Buddies is available
at wishylife.com and Amazon.com or these
local retailers: Cinottis Bakery, Spotted Stork,
Sydney Cardel’s, Wardroom and participating
area Hallmark stores.
Children bring their ‘Buddy’ to life by naming him and sprinkling him with Wishy Dust.
Page 12 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
On Easter Sunday, when ‘Buddy’
departs for the year, he promises
to return the following year to
watch after his new family and
friends.
EDUCATION
Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives
T
he March is National Women’s History Month Indian owned museum in the U.S.
and 2015 is the National Women’s History
Project’s 35th Anniversary. In celebration of this
Eleanor Flexner (1908 –1995)
landmark anniversary, the project has chosen
Historian and Independent Scholar
nine women as 2015 Honorees who have contrib“In the end all women
uted in very special ways to our work of “writing
and all men can only
women back into history.” Together, these
benefit from the more
women have written, co-authored, or edited more
truthful and balanced
than 60 books. Holly Near has produced 30 CDs.
image of women which
Collectively, their creations reveal the depth and
will emerge from history
breadth of the multicultural female experience.
where they are shown to
They have woven women’s stories into the fabric
have been actively
of our history.
involved in shaping their
own destiny and that of
Delilah L. Beasley (1867-1934)
the country.”
Historian and Newspaper Columnist
At her memorial service,
Eleanor Flexner’s groundbreaking 1959 book
which was a testament to “Century of Struggle: The Women’s Right Moveher life-long crusade for
ment in the United States” marked her as a
justice, all attending stood pioneer in the field of women’s studies.
and made the following
pledge – “Every life casts In this landmark publication Flexner relates
it shadow, my life plus
women’s physically courageous and politically
others make power to
ingenious work for the vote to other 19th- and
move the world. I,
early 20th-century social, labor, and reform
therefore pledge my life to the living work of
movements. Most importantly, she includes the
brotherhood and material understanding between importance of the campaigns for equal educathe races.”
tion, the abolition of slavery, and the advocacy of
temperance laws.
Delilah L. Beasley was the first African American woman to be regularly published in a major
Polly Welts Kaufman (1929-Present)
metropolitan newspaper and the first author to
Writer, Teacher, Activist
“By connecting with the
present the history of African Americans in early
lives of your figurative
California.
sisters, mothers,
grandmothers and great
Gladys Tantaquidgeon (1899-2005)
grandmothers in all the
Mohegan Medicine Woman, Anthropologist, and Tribal Elder
diversity of the
“In my early years, I
backgrounds they
wasn’t aware that time
represent, you gain
was going so rapidly;
strength from the
later I realized many of
challenges and
our old people were
successes of the
women who came before you. If she could do
dying and their
that — if she could overcome that — if she could
knowledge went with
create that — so can I!”
them. Something had
to be done to preserve
a record of their way of Polly Welts Kaufman is a writer, teacher and
above all an activist for equality. Her path to writlife. My goal has
always been that this
ing women’s lives began with the sound of a door
information be passed on to future generations.” closing, heavy as it was with gendered prejudice.
Graduating from Brown University in 1951 with
Gladys Tantaquidgeon’s life spanned the entire
a degree in American Studies, she planned to
20th century. She grew up in the Mohegan
teach high school in Providence, Rhode Island,
community (Uncasville, Connecticut) learning
only to be asked, “Are you married or going to be
traditional practices, beliefs, and herbalism. She
married?” Answering “Yes,” she was told to look
only completed grade school but at age 20 she
elsewhere for employment.
took the opportunity to study anthropology at the
University of Pennsylvania. She completed exLynn Sherr (1943- Present)
tensive field research on east coast Indian tribal
Broadcast Journalist and Author
cultures and herbal medicines and published
“The modern women’s rights movement has
several books based on her research. In 1931,
brought about the greatest social change in our
she co-founded Tantaquidgeon Museum with her lifetime. It woke me up, gave me purpose
brother and father; it remains the oldest American focused my energy…I joined a growing number
Page 13 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
of twentieth-century feminist determined to set
the record straight and prove definitively that
the same bold women
who had lazed the
trails deserved our
unmitigated thanks.”
Lynn Sherr, an
American broadcast
journalist and author,
began her career at
Conde Nast, when she
won the Mademoiselle Magazine Guest Editor
Competition in college. She soon moved on to
the Associated Press, then WCBS-TV, PBS, and
ultimately ABC, where she covered politics, space
and social change for more than 30 years. As a
correspondent for the ABC news magazine 20/20,
she received many honors, including the George
Foster Peabody Award in 1994 for “The Hunger
Inside,” about anorexia.
tions that black women have made to our nation’s
progress and to the global struggle against social
injustice, and economic and gender inequality.”
As a historian, Darlene Clark Hine sought not only
to explore African American history, but to expand
the discipline of history itself by focusing on black
women “who remained at the very bottom of the
ladder in the United States.” A leading expert on
the subject of race, class, and gender in American
society, Hine is credited with helping to establish
a doctoral field in Comparative Black History at
Michigan State University.
Holly Near (1949-Present)
Singer, Songwriter, Social Activist
“I am open and I am willing for to be hopeless
would seem so strange. It dishonors those who
go before us so lift
me up to the light of
change.”
Holly Near has
inspired generations with music that
chronicles progresJudy Yung (1946-Present)
sive activism of the
Oral Historian, Author, and Professor
late 20th and early
“The personal is political for me. Inspired by the
21st centuries. DurAsian American and women’s liberation moveing the war against
ments in the 1970s, I began researching,
Indochina Holly
interviewing, and writing about Chinese American
began to write songs based on historic and curwomen in an effort to reclaim my history as a
rent events that were challenging progressives in
Chinese American woman, refute mainstream
the United States. She wrote about the killings
stereotypes of the China Doll and Dragon Lady,
and set the historical at Kent and Jackson State, the struggles of The
record straight. And I United Farm Workers and the frightening consequences of nuclear war. Her work with women
haven’t stopped
in the military as well as women in countries
since.”
occupied by the US military led Near to rethink
the role of women in the world and the policy that
Judy Yung is best
challenges women in a very particular way. Near
known for her
began to write songs specifically about women’s
groundbreaking
lives both in a global and personal context.
work in documenting the immigration
Vicki L. Ruiz (1955 –Present)
history of Angel
Educator and Pioneer in Latina History
Island and the life stories of Chinese Ameri“For me, history remains a grand adventure, one
can women. As a second-generation Chinese
which began at the kitchen table listening to the
American born and raised in San Francisco’s
stories of my
Chinatown, Yung embarked on a lifelong mission
mother and
to reclaim the history of Chinese Americans and
grandmother and
to educate Americans about the lives, struggles,
then took flight
and contributions to this country.
aboard the local
bookmobile.”
Darlene Clark Hine (1947-Present)
Historian and Educator
The first in her
“Receiving the
family to receive
2013 National
any advanced
Humanities Medal
was both a blessing degree, Vicki L. Ruiz earned a Ph.D in History at
and a profound mo- Stanford in June 1982. Two months later she
ment in the history showed up for her first teaching position with a
baby on her hip and another on the way. Over the
of Black Women’s
course of three decades, Ruiz has been a major
History because it
force in shaping the field of Chicana history. j
represented
acknowledgement
nwhp.org
and appreciation of the work that I and my
generation of scholars did to include the contribu-
EDUCATION
Movie Effects are More
Real Than You Think
M
uch has been made of the mind-bending
visual effects in the movie Interstellar. But
the methods created by the film’s Oscar-nominated visual effects team may have more serious
applications than wowing movie audiences—they
could actually be useful to scientists, too.
Director Christopher Nolan and Executive
Producer (and theoretical physicist) Kip Thorne
wanted to create a visual experience that was
immersive and credible. When they began to
construct images of a black hole, they realized
that existing visual effects technology wouldn’t
cut it—it created a flickering effect that would
have looked bad in IMAX theaters. So the team
turned to physics to create something different.
“To get rid of the flickering and produce realistically smooth pictures for the movie, we changed
our code in a manner that has never been done
before,” Oliver James, chief scientist at visual
effects firm Double Negative, said. “Instead of
tracing the paths of individual light rays using
Einstein’s equations—one per pixel—we traced
the distorted paths and shapes of light beams.”
That led to a new set of code they called
DNGR—the Double Negative Gravitational
Renderer.
But the team soon realized that the images
produced using DNGR code could be used for
much more than a fictitious interstellar trip. They
began to use the code to conduct simulations of
how a weird space surface called a “caustic”
might affect images of star fields near black
holes in a process known as “gravitational
lensing.” Their simulations showed that as
caustics are dragged around the sky by the
spinning force of a black hole, they stretch
around the hole again and again, affecting how
stars look. This both creates and obliterates
images of stars, creating up to 13 images of a
star as the caustic flings images out of the black
hole.
Think that sounds like a really cool visual? So do
scientists. As astrophysicist Kip Thorne of Cal
Tech, who co-authored the study, says, “This new
approach to making images will be of great value
to astrophysicists like me. We, too, need smooth
images.” j
smithsonianmag.com
Four Win ROWITA Award
I
n conjunction with Women’s History Month,
four women will be awarded for their significant contributions to the artistic environment of
St. Johns County. The 2015 Dr. Gail Pflaster
ROWITA (Recognizing Outstanding Women in
the Arts) recipients are costume designer Mary
Rhopa la Cierra, choral director Kerry Fradley,
storyteller and actress Twila Fleming Hudson and
dance director Felicia Rhoden.
The St. Johns Cultural Council will hold the
awards ceremony at The Back Room of the Saint
Augustine Amphitheatre on Saturday, March 14,
from 4 pm to 6 pm. A short reception will follow
the free event.
Mary Rhopa la Cierra received a Bachelor of
Science Degree in Home Economics and a
Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Costume Design.
She has shared her lifetime interest in fabric and
thread through her work for Cross and Sword, St.
Augustine Art Association, St. Johns County 4-H,
and other organizations.
shares her passion for music in many ways but is
most proud of founding the St. Augustine Youth
Chorus.
Twila Fleming Hudson holds a Bachelor’s Degree
in Education and a Master’s Degree in Early
Childhood Education. She uses her storytelling
abilities to teach children to develop their creative
talent and inspires and educates people through
her portrayals of legendary historical figures.
Felicia Rhoden studied classical ballet at the New
York City Ballet under the direction of George
Balanchine and modern dance at The Martha
Graham School of Modern Dance. A dancer,
choreographer and director for more than 60
years, she teaches and inspires more than 300
dancers as the Director of both the Dance
Ministry and Liturgical Dance at Christ Episcopal
Church.
Established in 2009, the ROWITA Award is named
for the late Dr. Gail Pflaster, a local writer and
enthusiastic arts supporter who was instrumental
Kerry Fradley was born into a musical family then in establishing it. Nominating guidelines are can
went on to earn a Bachelors of Arts Degree in
be found on the St. Johns Cultural Council’s
Piano and Vocal Performance and a Master of Arts website, www.stjohnsculture.com. For more
Degree in Choral Performance. Ms. Fradley
information you may call 904-808-7330. j
Page 14 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
Clay County School News
County Spelling Bee Winners Kornegay is Named
Deputy Superintendent
Joshua Brown (right) from Wilkinson Junior High School came in first with Zinnia Basil (middle) of Orange Park Junior High School second and London Francis (left) of Argyle Elementary
School third. Brown won with the word “roughhewn” in the 18th round. They are shown with Veteran educator Diane Kornegay has been named deputy
school board members Janice Kerekes, Carol Studdard, Ashly Gilhousen and Betsy Condon.
superintendent of Clay County Schools. She will replace
Denise Adams, who will retire June 1, Superintendent Charlie
Van Zant Jr. said.
Kornegay has been in the Clay County system for more than
a decade and has held her present job, assistant superintendent for instruction for 4 years.
A graduate of the University of North Florida with bachelor’s
and master’s degrees in education, she began her teaching
career in Duval County before becoming vice principal and
principal of Kings Trail Elementary School. In Clay County she
first served as principal of W.E. Cherry Elementary before moving to open Argyle Elementary
in 2005. She served as district’s director of school improvement, professional development
before moving into her current position of assistant superintendent for instruction in 2011.
“Clay County students’ academic growth has flourished due in large part to Mrs. Kornegay’s
leadership as evidenced by our recent rise to a historic all-time-high graduation rate,” Van
Zant said in the announcement.
Wilkinson’s Fields
Teacher of Year
Clay County’s Teacher of the Year is David Fields, Advanced Placement U.S. History teacher
at Orange Park High School. The graduate of the University of Florida (BA History, BA Political
Science and M.Ed. Secondary Social Studies) has been at the school for seven years. Fields
will now go on to compete to become Florida’s 2016 Teacher of the Year.
Honored along with Fields was Wilkinson Junior High School teacher assistant Larry Scarbrough, who was named School-Related Employee of the Year. Scarbrough, a volunteer in
county schools more two decades, works at Wilkinson assisting teacher Linda Ford. Scarbrough also announces football games at district schools.
Kornegay is the recipient of the Northeast Florida American Graduate Champion Award and
one of 10 people in the country selected to speak at an upcoming conference in Washington,
DC to address educators and members of congress regarding the implementation of practices to develop collaborative classrooms that support learning of critical college and career
readiness skills.
As superintendent of instruction, Kornegay is responsible for the direction of curriculum, including the coordination of all instructional programs, basic education K-12. Vocational education, exceptional student education, adult/community education and student services. As
the deputy superintendent, she will be administrator-in-charge when the superintendent is
out of the county. The deputy is also responsible for supervising all assistant superintendents
and principals, coordinating the comprehensive improvement planning as well as developing
and maintaining board policies, staff allocations, etc.
Spring Calendar
Teacher of Year David Fields (center right, orange jacket) and teacher assistant Larry Scarbrough
(center left, gray suit) pose with Clay school officials.
Page 15 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
Thursday, March 12
End Third Grading Period (45 days)
Friday, March 13
Planning Day, Student Holiday
Monday, March 16 through
Friday, March 20
Spring Break, Student/Teacher Holidays
Monday, March 23
Students Return to School
Friday, April 3
Good Friday, Student/Teacher Holiday
Monday, April 6
Easter Monday/Fair Day, Student/Teacher Holiday
Monday, May 25
Memorial Day (Observed), Student/Teacher Holiday
Wednesday, June 3
Last Day, Students (4th Grading Period – 50 days)
Thursday, June 4
Last Day, Teachers – Planning Day
www.oneclay.net
OP/Middleburg (904) 272-8100
Green Cove Springs (904) 284-6500
Keystone Heights (888) 663-2529
TDD (904) 284-6584
Connect with us!
Page 16 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
Take a “Discover Duval Schools” Tour
Duval County Public Schools, in partnership with the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, hosts school
tours for community members and groups throughout the year. Each month, citizens meet at either the
district’s central administration building to board a yellow school bus (exactly the way nearly 48,000
students travel each day) or at the school site for a comprehensive tour. During the 90-minute session,
citizens will visit the campus, talk with students and faculty members, learn about unique and innovative
program(s) related to the school, and determine their interests in engaging in public education activities.
The next school tours are:
School
St. Clair Evans Academy
A. Philip Randolph Academies of Technology
Mayport Elementary Coastal Sciences Academy
Ortega Elementary School
Southside Middle School
Lake Shore Middle School
Theme
Science Academy
Career Academies
Coastal Sciences
Museum Studies
Dual Language
IB Middle Years Program
Date and Time
March 27 at 9 a.m.
April 1 at 9 a.m.
April 15 at 11 a.m.
April 29 at 9 a.m.
May 13 at 9 a.m.
May 20 at 9 a.m.
Meet-up Location
School, 5443 Moncrief Rd.
School, 1157 Golfair Blvd.
School, 2753 Shangrila Dr.
School, 4010 Baltic St.
District Office, 1701 Prudential Dr.
School, 2519 Bayview Rd.
For more information or to register, visit www.discoverduval.org.
Top 5 Finalists for “Teacher of the
Year” Announced
After announcing the top 15 Duval County Public Schools’ semifinalists in January, the Jacksonville
Public Education Fund (JPEF) just informed the five educators who will continue on the road to
becoming the 2015 Florida Blue Teacher of the Year. All of the festivities are leading up to the EDDY
Awards where the winner will be announced. Congratulations to the finalists!
The EDDY Awards will be held at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St.;
32202, on March 11 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at eddyawardsjax.org. Visit
jaxpef.org for more information about the finalists.
The finalists are:
C. Suzanne Evans
Fishweir Elementary School
Sabrina Hall
Andrew Jackson High School
Page 17 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
Michael Bostic-Jones
William M. Raines High School
Kifimbo Holloway-Parnell
Kirby-Smith Middle School
Jill Sullivan
Mayport Coastal Sciences
Middle School
St. Johns County School District News
Teachers Of The Year Named Spelling Bee
Winner
Frank “Charles” Moseley Jr., Information
Technology teacher at Switzerland Point Middle
School, has been named St. Johns County’s 2015
Teacher of the Year and John “Hank” Samuels,
fourth-grade teacher at W.D. Hartley Elementary
School, has been named 2015 Rookie Teacher
of the Year at the annual Teacher of the Year
Celebration sponsored by the St. Johns County
Education Foundation.
Amanda Devany from The Webster School; Juliet
Hart from St. Johns Technical High School; and
Katilyn Collazo from Ponte Vedra High School.
then be included for consideration as the Florida
Department of Education Macy’s Teacher of the
Year 2015.
Victoria Damon, an 8th-grade student at Pacetti
Bay Middle School, is the 2015 St. Johns County
School District Spelling Bee winner. She won by
spelling the word “Frankenstein” correctly. Victoria is the daughter of John and Catia Damon.
Thirty-three elementary and middle school
students from 28 public and five private schools
competed, runner-up Colin Fraser of Gamble Rogers Middle School was the runner-up.
John “Hank” Samuels
Frank “Charles” Moseley Jr.
Teacher of the year finalists included: Renata
Russell from Crookshank Elementary School;
The awards banquet is produced by the St. Johns
County Education Foundation (SJCEF) to recognize excellence in the teaching profession and is
sponsored, in part, by THE PLAYERS Championship, Beaver Toyota/Scion and Leonard’s Studios.
Finalist
Chosen for
Outstanding
Assistant
Principal
Nigel Pillay, assistant principal at Pedro MenenIt took 28 rounds for the winner to be determined. dez High School and the St. Johns School District
Assistant Principal of the Year, has been chosen
as a finalist to represent the state as the OutLaurie Hays, program specialist for Elementary
Language Arts, served as the spelling bee coordi- standing Assistant Principal of the Year.
Outstanding Assistant
nator and the pronouncer was Linda Villadoniga,
Principal Nominee
retired teacher. Judges for the event were Jim
Nigel Pillay has over
Welu, retired director of student services; Sandy
13 years of combined
Waldeis, community representative; and Laurie
educational experiHays.
ence in St. Johns and
Seminole Counties,
serving as a classroom
teacher, instructional
coach and an assistant
principal. He began as
a math teacher at MilCunningham Creek, Ketterlinus, Otis Mason, Mill
lennium
Middle
School
in
Sanford
and went on to
Creek, Ocean Palms, Osceola, PVPV/Rawlings,
serve
as
a
mathematics
specialist
at Lake Orienta
South Woods, Timberlin Creek and Wards Creek
Elementary
School
in
Altamonte
Springs
as well
elementary schools. Osceola and Crookshank elas
an
assistant
principal
at
the
middle
and
high
ementary schools as well as The Webster School
school
level.
are expanding their VPK programs to include
Early Registration For Kindergarten
The St. Johns County School District will hold
early registration for children entering kindergarten and students new to St. Johns County and/or
public schools on Thursday, March 12 from 1-5
p.m.; Wednesday, April 15 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.;
and Friday, May 8 from 1-5 p.m.
HRS Form 680. Proof of a physical examination
that has been obtained within one year prior to
enrollment in school is also required. Physical examinations can be performed by either a private
physician or by the county health department.
Voluntary Pre-kindergarten (VPK) early registramore students. For additional information on
tion
will
also
take
place
at
select
schools
on
the
VPK, please contact Early Childhood Services at
To be eligible for public kindergarten in St.
547-4897.
Johns County, children must be 5 years old on or above dates and times. The St. Johns County
before September 1 and must reside in St. Johns School District VPK offers a high-quality early
childhood education program with small class
Students can be registered during the spring
County. To register for first grade, children must
sizes
and
degreed
teachers
with
certification
in
and summer for the 2015-2016 school year,
be 6 years old on or before September 1 and
however; parents are encouraged to register durhave documentation of successful completion of disabilities.
ing the designated dates above so that schools
kindergarten.
Children applying for the VPK program must
can adequately prepare for the new school year.
be
4
years
old
on
or
before
September
1.
The
Additional information regarding registration and
Parents must register children at the school
school attendance zones may be obtained from
where they are zoned for the 2015-2016 school SJCSD offers full-day VPK at the following locathe Student Services Office at 547-7598.
year. Three proofs of residency must be provided tions: The Webster School, John A. Crookshank,
such as a current mortgage statement, lease or
rent agreement and two other forms of residency
documentation such as a current electric bill, car
registration and/or driver’s license. Additional inMonday - Friday March 2-13
FSA ELA Writing Component (Grades 4-11)
formation on residency and guardianship as well
Thursday March 12
Third Quarter Ends
as a link to the Attendance Zone Locator can be
Friday March 13
Teacher Planning Day-Student Holiday
found on the website at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us
under “Featured Links.”
Monday - Friday March 16-20
Spring Break - Student/Teacher Holiday
Important Dates
Florida law requires any student entering a
Florida school for the first time to show proof
of required immunizations documented on the
Monday March 23
Monday - Friday March 23
Classes Resume for Students
May 8, 2015 FSA ELA and Mathematics (Grades 3-11)
Pillay has been employed in his present position since he joined the district in 2012. While at
Pedro Menendez , he has been instrumental in
developing a discipline matrix which has resulted
in a 41 percent decrease in Out-of-School
Suspensions. He has also implemented a “Know
Your Audience” program to identify students with
needs in particular areas. Teachers of these students were able to collaborate on a regular basis
to track progress of their identified students and
share best practices with one another.
“Nigel has taken initiative in many areas including volunteering to be chair of the CHARACTER
COUNTS! Steering Committee without even
knowing what this position would entail,” said St.
Johns Superintendent Dr. Joseph G. Joyner. “His
willingness to tackle challenges at PMHS in an
effort to make things better and more efficient is
amazing.”
Follow us on Twitter
Visit St. Johns County Schools online at http://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/schools/ for more information.
Page 18 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
summer camps
Camp Selection Step By Step
W
hen beginning the camp selection
process, consider your child’s interests.
It’s important to know a child’s personality and
identify what camp programs will benefit him or
her most. With a variety of programs and
activities, summer camp offers fun and meaning-
ber, many camps offer financial aid.
Questions to Consider
In Selecting a Day Camp
Day camps offer experiences that are unique
from resident camps. Because of this, there are
Volleyball Association
VOLLEY STARS CAMP
SESSION 1
SESSION 2
SESSION 3
SESSION 4
JUNE 8-10
JUNE 22-24
JULY 6-8
JULY 20-22
AGES 5-8
Questions to Consider
In Selecting a Resident Camp
1. What locale do I want to consider? (mountains, oceanfront, distance from home)
2. Do I want a traditional camp that gives my
child a wide variety of experiences or do I
want to select a specialty camp that focuses
on a particular activity or set of skills?
3. What size enrollment will make my child feel
comfortable?
4. How rustic do I want the camp to be?
5. How structured do I want the program to be?
Does my child like to have lots of choice in
the activity schedule?
6. Is my child ready to sleep away from home
for an extended stay? This will help you to
select either a resident or day camp setting.
7. What session length will appeal to my child
and to our family plans for the summer? (One
week? Eight weeks?)
8. How can I stay in touch with my child during
camp? Does the camp allow mail, phone calls
or e-mail? Does the camp have parent
visitation days?
Source: American Camping Association
9. How will the camp meet my child’s special
dietary or physical needs?
10.What is my budget for camp tuition? Remem-
Page 19 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
AGES 9-12
260 per session (FULL WEEK)
165 per session (3 DAY OPTION - MONDAY THRU WEDNESDAY)
110 per session (2 DAY OPTION - THURSDAY & FRIDAY)
SESSION 1 JUNE 8-12
JUNE 8-10 (3 DAY OPTION)
JUNE 11-12 (2 DAY OPTION)
SESSION 3 JULY 6-10
JULY 6-8 (3 DAY OPTION)
JULY 9-10 (2 DAY OPTION)
SESSION 2 JUNE 22-26
JUNE 22-24 (3 DAY OPTION)
JUNE 25-26 (2 DAY OPTION)
SESSION 4 JULY 20-24
JULY 20-22 (3 DAY OPTION)
JULY 23-24 (2 DAY OPTION)
AGES 13-16
9AM-4PM
specific points to consider when choosing a day
camp.
1. Does the American Camp Association accredit
the camp? ACA has specific standards
applicable only for day camps.
2. What training does the staff receive on safety,
supervision, counseling, problem solving and
other issues unique to working with young
children?
3. Is the price all-inclusive or are there extra
charges for: transportation, overnights,
swimming lessons, food service, horseback
riding, group pictures, T-shirts, extended care,
field trips
4. If transportation is offered, where is the
closest pick-up location?
5. Does the camp have an “express bus” which
transports children quickly?
6. If before- and after-camp extended care is
offered, who is with the children and what
activities take place?
7. Is lunch served or do campers bring their own
sack lunch? Are snacks and drinks provided?
8. If the camp offers swimming, are there
swimming lessons or is it simply recreational
swimming?
9. Are campers in a group with a counselor all
day? Or, are campers free to go from one
activity to another with appropriate supervision? In this case, whom would you talk to if
you had a question or concern about your
child?
10.Is an open house offered before camp starts
where you can meet your child’s counselor
and van/bus driver?
11.Are parents allowed to drop by for visits or is
there a special parent visitation day? j
9AM-12PM
This camp focuses on motor skills such as volleyball movement,
jumping and throwing. Campers will learn basic volleyball skills
and work with a light ball. (T-shirt included)
ALL SKILLS CAMP
ful adventures to match a child’s interests and
maturity level. Be certain to include your child in
the decision-making process. Together with your
child, explore the camp options and examine the
materials the camps provide. In addition, many
camps have web sites that include photos, maps
or virtual tours of the camp facility, sample daily
schedules and menus, and information about the
directors and key staff. As children become
better acquainted with the camp experience and
more involved in the decision-making process,
they will have less anxiety about going away to
camp. Think about what you want in a camp
before you enroll your child.
95 PER SESSION
SESSION 1 JUNE 15-19
JUNE 15-17 (3 DAY OPTION)
JUNE 18-19 (2 DAY OPTION)
SESSION 3 JULY 13-17
JULY 13-15 (3 DAY OPTION)
JULY 16-17 (2 DAY OPTION)
SESSION 2 JUNE 29-JULY 1 (3 DAY OPTION)
JUNE 29-30 (2 DAY OPTION)
SESSION 4 JULY 27-31
JULY 27-29 (3 DAY OPTION)
JULY 30-31 (2 DAY OPTION)
Campers will receive instructional training from JJVA’s most experienced Coaches on the six fundamental volleyball
skills. Campers have the choice to attend two days, three days, or five days per session. (T-shirt included)
Note: JJVA does not have a cafeteria. Campers will need to bring their lunch.
EVENING SKILLS SESSIONS
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS IN JULY
AGE 13-15: 5-6:30 PM
HIGH SCHOOL TEAM CAMP
JULY 7, 11, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
AGE 16-18: 6:30-8 PM
JULY 31 5-8 PM & AUGUST 1 9 AM - 4 PM
For your convenience JJVA will be offering Extended Care from 8-9 am and 4-5 pm:
Extended Day includes: arts & crafts, movies and other fun activities.
1 HOUR $10/DAY
2 HOURS $20/DAY
REGISTER AND PAY ONLINE AT WWW.JJVA.COM
904.854.2323
11661 PHILIPS HWY
WE’RE ON FACEBOOK
summer camps
g
n
i
r
p
Activities Include: Warm up games & stretching,
tumbling, gymnastics, dance, arts and crafts,
movie, cheerleading and group games.
Come one week or all summer
$150 first week
$10 off each additional week (max discount 3 weeks)
Camp Theatre
2015
Jacksonville
904.783.8043
Session A
June 15July 10
2015
www.gymnasticsunlimitedfl.com
2015
When school’s out,
we’ve got you covered!
FREE extended hours available.
Half days and daily drop ins welcomed!
MENTION
THIS AD
FOR
$10 OFF
CAMP
i
June 8 - July 31 • 8:30 am - 5 pm
i
s
SUMMER CAMP
break
aMarch
16-20,
leg
Session B
July 20August 14
2015
For details and registration info visit
www.theatrejax.com/education
or call (904) 396-4425
Open
House
May 9th
Page 20 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
W
hen most people think of summer camp,
hikes, swimming and capture-the-flag
come to mind. But some niche camps go above
and beyond the classic fun and give kids a
chance to race cars, swim with sharks, or learn
French. From Surf Camp to Camp Jam, here are
some of the more unique, and unusual, ones out
there.
JUST DOWN THE ROAD
CIRCUS CAMP: Visit Tallahassee for a week and
let your child experience a truly unique day camp
on the Florida State campus. Campers will get to
work on all the same acts they’ve seen at the
circus: Flying trapeze, juggling, tight rope,
balancing and more. The staff is made up
entirely of current FSU student performers, and
have all been CPR and First Aid certified.
Available for children ages 7-17 the runs Monday
through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. Registration
opens in March.
circus.fsu.edu/Summer-Programs/Summer-Camp
850-644-4874
RANCH CAMP: A short ride south of Orlando in
the lush oak groves of Lake Wales, this sleepaway camp is geared toward boys and girls ages
6 to 18. Even if your child hasn’t always wanted
to be a cowboy or cowgirl, they’ll be in hog
heaven at the authentic Circle F Dude Ranch with
Western-themed cabins and enthusiastic college
kid counselors. The 500-acre property has a big
lake and stables with 65 horses. In addition to
horseback riding, campers can choose from over
40 different activities. Daytrips to Orlando
attractions are built into the schedule.
circlefduderanchcamp.com • 863-676-4113
June 8th - August 7th
Early Registration Cost: $89/week
After May 9th: $109/week
Sibling Discounts Available
Summer Camp:
Unique and Unusual
SURF CAMP: Take your kids to the hometown of
10-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater to
learn how to ride summer waves. Cocoa Beach
is also famous for the Ron Jon Surf School, a
spin-off of the massive souvenir mecca. The
summer surfing day camp is open to kids ages 7
to 17 with five-day sessions from June to August.
With instructor to student ratio at 1 to 4, class
size is limited. Instructors are local shredders,
CPR and first-aid certified. Surfboards, rash
guards and board wax included.
www.ronjonsurfschool.com • 321-868-1980
Offer expires 4/1/15. No cash value.
FILM CAMP: Make your own Disney film. The
New York Film Academy offers digital filmmaking
and acting camps at Orlando’s Disney World in
six, three and one week sessions. Though they
are shooting their films in Florida, students find
that they may set their films on a street in Paris
complete with the Eiffel Tower and French cafés,
and Morocco. These are among the four amazing
international locations available for students’
productions at Epcot. www.nyfa.edu/summer_
camp • 800-611-FILM (3456)
SPACE CAMP: Offering adventures and learning
activities that can’t be found anywhere else,
Camp Kennedy Space Center focuses on the
space shuttle Atlantis and the historical impact of
its 33 missions into space. Campers participate
in a simulated space shuttle mission, learn
hands-on about the science of space travel and
hear real-life stories from a shuttle astronaut.
Week-long camps run from June to August and
are open to students from 2nd to 11th grades.
www.kennedyspacecenter.com • 866-737-5235
COOKING CAMP: Interact with world class chefs
while learning basic kitchen safety and food
handling skills then prepare a Southern feast with
barbeque and shrimp & grits at a 3-day, June
21-23, cooking camp at the famous Jekyll Island
Club Hotel on Jeykll Island, Ga.
www.jekyllclub.com • 855-535-9547
RIDING CAMP: Parents vacation on beautiful
Hilton Head, while their age 8 to 18 junior
equestrians learn to ride like champions at
International Riding Academy’s intensive riding
camp. Specializing in hunters and jumpers, the
one-week all-day program that combines riding
on different horses, flat-work, jumping, fitness,
video analysis, ground work and learning about
competition and what judges look for.
www.iridingacademy.com • 843-671-2586
WEIGHT LOSS CAMP: Wellspring Florida is the
first and only scientifically-based summer fitness
and weight loss camp in Florida. On the campus
of the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, boys and girls ages 10-24 join with a
professional staff in 3-, 6- or 9-week sessions to
become long-term weight controllers. Rapid and
dramatic weight loss is achieved through a fun
and comprehensive program.
www.wellspringcamps.com/wellspring-florida
866-766-9680
GATOR EXPERIENCE: This University of Florida
baseball camp gives a player the opportunity to
receive the full experience of being a Florida
Gator baseball player. The July 19-23 camp
focuses on the same basic fundamental skills and
mechanics in hitting, pitching, and defensive
skills that help prepare the Gators for the
toughest conference in college baseball. The 9th
to 12th grade players will have full use of practice
facilities and stay in the dorms. The Gators also
hold camps in football, golf, soccer, swimming,
softball and tennis.
www.gatorzone.com/camps
352-375-4683 x-4457
Continued on Page 21
summer camps
Summer Camp: Unique and Unusual
From Page 20
conditioning for boys and body toning for girls.
Other programs during the week-long sessions
AND A LITTLE FARTHER AFIELD
include billiards and shooting as well as the more
traditional swimming, tennis, riding, fishing, golf,
OUTWARD BOUND FOR GIRLS: Classic girls-only etc. www.vineyardcamp.com • 336-351-2070
course offers the same challenges as any
Outward Bound expedition. On this 22-day
AND EVEN FARTHER
course participants aged 14-16 will discover
what it’s like to live, work, and play in the great
SPY CAMP: Break codes, make disguises,
outdoors of the Pisgah and Nantahala National
attend secret briefings, and go on spying
Forests in Western North Carolina. Skills For Life missions. Day-campers 10 to 13-years-old
like teamwork, leadership, environmental
spend one week from 9 am to 3 pm daily at the
stewardship, and self-reliance are taught as the
International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C.
team sets up camp in the backcountry and cooks while mom and dad take in the sights.
their own meals while using Leave No Trace
www.spymuseum.org • 202-654-0933
techniques to minimize their impact on the land.
www.outwardbound.org • 866-467-7651
COMEDY CAMP: At Kids ‘N Comedy Camp in
New York City, the campers are mentored by
SEA CAMP: A year-round, non-profit marine
professional comedians. Students learn improv,
science camp and educational facility located on comic acting, and stand-up comedy, and end
Big Pine Key 30 miles north of Key West in the
camp with a live show at Gotham Comedy Club.
heart of Florida’s fragile coral reefs. Founded in
Open to ages 10-18, and limited to groups of 10,
1966, Seacamp Association offers marine science the students get a lot of attention. No joke.
education and a full suite of water sports and
www.kidsncomedy.com • 212-877-6115
activities including SCUBA, kayaking, sailing,
windsurfing, fishing, and arts & crafts for
FARM CAMP: At Plantation Farm Camp in
campers 12-17 in four summer (18 and 7 day)
Cazadero, Ca. (north of San Francisco), everyone
sessions. www.seacamp.org • 305-872-2331
lives outside without electricity and works on a
sustainable farm. The entire experience is
CAMP JAM: Aspiring musicians rock out in their
own bands at what is considered the premiere
Rock-n-Roll summer camp in the country for kids
ages 7 to 17. Located in Norcross, Georgia, just
outside of Atlanta, Camp Jam markets itself as
“no canoes, lots of rock.” Every Friday night the
campers perform a concert.
www.campjam.com • 770-874-4653
GAME DESIGN CAMP: Build a video game and
get an in-depth view of what it takes to work at
top game design companies. Emagination Game
Design is a two-week overnight camp on the
campus of Emory University in Atlanta for 15-18
year olds. Emagination also holds camps for
beginners to experts in animation, website
design, coding, app creation, RC Cars and
robotics.
www.computercamps.com • 877-248-0206
WRITER’S CAMP: Designed for those in grades
6 through 11 who have an enthusiasm for writing
and a desire to work to develop writing skills,
Young Writer’s Camp on the campus of Duke
University in Durham, N.C. has three 2-week
sessions this summer. Note: This academically
rigorous camp is only for students who are
motivated and have the ability to manage their
time to complete assignments.
www.learnmore.duke.edu/youth/youngwriter
919-684-2827
BODY BUILDING CAMP: Vineyard Camp, a
faith-based co-ed sports camp in North Carolina,
just north of Winston-Salem, allows campers to
major in a particular program such as body
Page 21 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
unplugged with campers choosing from more
than 50 activities, including riding a horse
bareback, building a fort, tie-dying a shirt, or
playing capture the flag in acres of redwood
trees after milking the cows and hoeing the corn,
of course.
www.plantationcamp.com • 707-847-3494
RACING CAMP: At Motorsport Camp in Alton Va.,
kids get behind the wheel at least twice a day to
race on dirt and paved courses. When they
aren’t driving, there’s still time for paintball,
racing-career exploration, motorsport science
and other less-intense pursuits.
www.campmotorsport.com • 434-454-6205
FRENCH CAMP: At Canoe Island French Camp,
45 campers spend their summer in the San Juan
Islands in Washington State in the Pacific
Northwest immersing themselves in French
culture, learning the language and partaking in
classic summer camp activities such as archery.
www.canoeisland.org • 360-468-2329
SHARK CAMP: At Shark Camp, students SCUBA
and snorkel next to the sharks in the Fiji Islands
(South Pacific). Campers must be SCUBA
certified. The survivors receive 10 hours of
community service and three college credits for
the program.
www.gobroadreach.com • 888-833-1907 j
11 weeks of fun filled activities with
weekly themes including Pirate, Chef,
Little Picasso, Magic Week and many more!
Tons of Field Trips . Candy Factory . Skating
Movies . Rebounderz . Bowling . Swimming
Lots of Onsite Adventures
Zumba . Magic Show . Balloon Twisting
Face Painting . Wild Wonders . Science
Experiments . Soccer Shots
$165 a week includes lunch and field trips
Enroll before May 8 for $50 off
the 6th week of camp.
* One offer per family. Multiple discounts not allowed.
Contact location for details.
Form a Band, Write and Record a Song!
Kids will learn instruments, rhythms, songwriting, history, performing
and recording. Exciting games and activities while learning music.
Your child will receive a T-Shirt and Friday Pizza Lunch.
Age Groups: 5-7 and 8-11
June 8 – August 20 . Ages 5 - 10
Sponsored by
July 13-17: Blessed Trinity School, Beach Blvd.
July 20-24: First Coast Center for the Arts, Atlantic Beach
More dates & locations to come!
All skill levels accepted, beginner to advanced.
Cost: $200 Flexible payment options available
Register online at www.FCSOM.com or call 904-236-9700
Limited Space Available, Sign Up Today!
Gate Parkway
11526 Lake Mead Ave. #105
Jacksonville, FL 32256
904-538-0900
OPENING SOON!
summer camps
Camp Skills Can Be Lasting
M
illions of parents choose camp for their
child or teen because of the immense
benefits of the experience. Not only does camp
foster making new friends and learning 21st
century life skills like independence, problemsolving, and teamwork, but it’s also fun! American Camp Association chief executive officer, Peg
Smith, reminds parents to pack a few extra items
from camp in the school backpack.
Confidence – All through the camp experience,
children and youth have tried new activities and
been successful; they feel empowered.
Curiosity – Camp has given children and youth
the chance to explore, study, and observe in an
experiential learning environment.
Character – Camp has challenged children and
youth to develop character — through fostering
respect for each other, a sense of community, and
the ability to solve problems.
How can parents help transfer these skills
into the home?
appreciate the positive attitude and willingness to
help that they developed at camp.
Become Camp-Like – Families can set the example by demonstrating a willingness to change
something at home in order to sustain some of
the changes campers have made. Bob Ditter, a
clinical social worker and psychotherapist who
consults with the American Camp Association,
suggests: “Parents have to make a decision. Are
they willing to change something in their practice
at home in order to sustain some of the changes
their kids have made, such as having a job wheel
that you put up on the wall outlining chores?”
Everyone Gets a Say – At camp, children help
determine how their day is spent. Their advice is
actively sought, and they feel like equal players.
Emulating this environment at home allows them
to continue to stand up for themselves and feel
like a contributing member of the household.
Avoid the Negative Compliment – Don’t
inadvertently sabotage efforts by pointing out
Remember to Remind – When campers come
differences in behavior. Instead of saying, “you
home, they often keep the spirit of camp alive for never did this before,” praise the behaviors in a
a week or two, and then things trail off. Use posi- genuine way. For example, “I noticed how patient
tive reinforcement to remind campers that you
you were with your little brother.” j
June 15 - August 14, 2015
K-5th grade
www.seacoastchristianacademy.com • 562-4780
Page 22 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
summer camps
Camp Tips:
• If your child will wearing shoes they don’t
usually wear or are new such as hiking boots,
make sure they wear them in advance for a
stretch of time to break them in. Better to
break them in before they go than to have
sore feet and miss activities at camp.
• Look for clothing made with fabrics that the
Skin Cancer Foundation recommends as an
effective UV protectant. You’ll find them from
Lands End, Coolibar, Solumbra and UVSkinz.
• Use plastic grocery bags or Ziploc bags to
transport dirty footwear.
• Use ice packs in lunch boxes to keep food
fresh. Try Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers Ice Packs,
they come in fun colors and shapes like sunglasses, penguins and cars.
• Make sure your child knows what poisonous
plants look like.
Exploration Camp
6 Weeks of Summer Art for Ages 5-15
$100 per student / per week
$10 Non Refundable Registration & Reservation fee per week
Arts & Craft
Outdoor Activites
Field Trips
Project Based
Learning
Literacy/Math
Experiments
Gardening
Hands on
Activities
3675 San Pablo Rd S., Jacksonville, Fl 32224 / (904) 493-3535
• Use a permanent marker to label everything
• Don’t forget the sunscreen! Make it fun to
apply by using zinc-oxide based sunscreen
in cool colors like Zinka’s Colored Nosecoat
(www.zinka.com)
• Planet Wise Wet Bags are perfect for transporting wet swimsuits and towels home from
camp. Buy them at www.planetwiseinc.com
• Make camp reservations early
Arts
e Science Festival
JacksonvilleScienceFestival.org
June 15 - July 24 • 8am - 5pm
• If your child’s camp experience will include
travel, pack some small, lightweight activities
like the Camper’s Knot Tying game, Thinkfun
Mini Mouth Word Game, book of Sudoku
puzzles or a deck of cards.
• Send a disposable camera with your child to
document their camp adventures. Waterproof
disposable cameras are available for their
water adventures.
Jacksonvi
• Put a note in your child’s lunch box to add joy
to their day or remind them they’re loved and
special. At www.lunchboxnotes.com, you’ll
find LunchBox Love, Happy Notes, Lunch Lines
(jokes), Ewww That’s Gross Lunch Cards,
Happy Napkins and more. j
• Chamois swimmer’s towels and microfiber
towels like the Sports Life Towel, available
from Amazon, are absorbent and fast-drying.
“Bloom where you are planted.”
– Mary Engelbreit
Page 23 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
summer camps
Famous Movie Camps
Camp North Star – Movie “Meatballs” (1979),
real name Camp White Pine.
Camp Crystal Lake – Movie “Friday the 13th” (1980),
real name Camp No-Be-See.
Camp Chippewa – Movie “Addams Family Values (1993),
real name Camp Sequoia Lake.
Camp Hope – Movie “Heavyweights” (1995),
real name Camp Pinnacle.
Camp Walden – Movie “Parent Trap” (1998),
real name Camp Walden!
Camp Ivanhoe – Movie “Moonrise Kingdom” (2012),
real name Camp Yawgoog.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
CAMP: June 8 – July 24
Extended Care Available
MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMP:
July 27 – 31
Monday – Friday,
9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Members $180 | Non-Members $200
For more information or to
register, call 904.355.0630 or visit
cummermuseum.org
Page 24 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
teens
Camp Counseling Can
Sleep Problems May Be a
Mean More Than Just Fun Lifestyle Matter
S
ome of the best reasons to be a camp
counselor this summer may surprise you.
Sure, working with kids is itself rewarding, and
spending the summer outdoors is enticing, but
have you ever considered that working at
summer camp is actually good for your career?
If you are a college student considering a career
in athletics, sports management, coaching,
teaching, dance, theater, fine arts, child development, child psychology or management, summer
camp provides practical, meaningful experience
to build your resume.
WORK WITH LEADERS
As a specialty counselor at summer camp, you
will have the opportunity to apprentice under
outstanding professionals in your area. Premier
camps employ college and high school coaches,
semi-professional and professional athletes,
Broadway actors, exhibiting artists, experienced
teachers, child development experts and accomplished professionals in all fields. You will
learn leadership, teaching and coaching techniques through training sessions and day-to-day
application working with children in your chosen
field. With plenty of time to practice your own
skills, you may even pick up a few pointers along
the way. You will develop invaluable lifelong
networking contacts with the leaders and future
leaders (dedicated camp counselors just like you)
in your field.
BUILD A RESUME
Athletic and other specialty counselors will build
a semester’s worth of teaching hours in only a
few weeks. Some colleges even offer internship
credit for student summer jobs.
T
eens are notorious for wanting to stay up late
creativity, leadership, ability to command respect,
and for not wanting to get up early. If your
openness to new experiences and relationship
teen is no exception, find out what’s behind this
building with a diverse group of people. These
behavior and how you can help him or her get
are all vital to a successful career in business.
better sleep — starting tonight.
SKILLS BUSINESS LEADERS VALUE
A teen’s internal clock
• Teamwork
• Relationship building
Everyone has an internal clock that influences
• Creativity
• Conflict resolution
body temperature, sleep cycles, appetite and
• Leadership
• Public speaking
hormonal changes. The biological and psycho• Respect
• Planning & Organizlogical processes that follow the cycle of this 24• Dedicated Work Ethic
ing
hour internal clock are called circadian rhythms.
• Communication
• Problem solving
Puberty changes a teen’s internal clock, delay• Openness to new
• Role modeling
ing the time he or she starts feeling sleepy and
experiences
• Decision making
awakens.
TOP MENTORS
Mentoring college students to become coaches
and professionals can be immeasurably rewarding. Our counselors return year after year not
only because of great kids, but also, more often
because of great mentors. High-level, accomplished program directors have a knack for training others as well as teaching our kids top-notch
skills.
ADVENTURE & FUN
Camp provides adventures you may not experience elsewhere:
White water rafting
Camping
Mountain hikes
Trips to amusement parks
Trips to professional ball games
Travel to major attractions
Camp counselors are also encouraged to enjoy
their days and nights off because all work and
no play ...well, you know. During time off, you
can explore a different part of the country. Enjoy
General camp counselors, often interested in the checking out the nearby quaint towns, big cities
fields of child development, teaching, business,
like Boston, New York, Chicago and Montreal,
and management have the chance to garner
spend the day at coastal beaches or hiking
practical experience working and living with kids. breathtaking mountains. Camp facilities and
You also are provided with ongoing leadership
equipment are open to staff as well so you can
opportunities and the chance to work your way
play tennis under the lights or relax at the pottery
up through the “management” ranks to become
wheel. After campers go to bed, you can hang
head counselor, group leader, and division leader, out with fellow counselors from around the world
where you will be responsible for the supervision in the staff lounge equipped with phones, televiand training of other staff members. Week-long
sions, and computers with internet access.
training session focus on supervision, teaching
techniques, problem solving and more. Real
All meals, lodging and transportation are provided
world management experience for your resume!
so you have very few expenses. j
Business leaders appreciate the skills necessary
to be a successful camp counselor – teamwork,
greatcampjobs.com
Too little sleep
Most teens need about nine hours of sleep a
night — and sometimes more — to maintain
optimal daytime alertness. But few teens actually get that much sleep regularly, thanks to
factors such as part-time jobs, early-morning
classes, homework, extracurricular activities,
social demands, and use of computers and other
electronic gadgets.
Stick to a schedule. Tough as it might be, encourage your teen to keep weekday and weekend
bedtimes and wake times within two hours of
each other. Prioritize extracurricular activities
and curb late-night social time as needed. If your
teen has a job, limit working hours to no more
than 16 to 20 hours a week. Nix long naps. If
your teen is drowsy during the day, a 30-minute
nap after school might be refreshing. Be cautious,
though. Too much daytime shut-eye might only
make it harder to fall asleep at night.
Curb the caffeine. A jolt of caffeine might help
your teen stay awake during class, but the effects are fleeting — and too much caffeine can
interfere with a good night’s sleep.
Keep it calm. Encourage your teen to wind down
at night with a warm shower, a book or other
relaxing activities.
Know when to unplug. Take the TV out of your
teen’s room. Minimize use of electronics in the
hour before bedtime.
Adjust the lighting. If your teen does use a phone
or tablet near bedtime, tell him or her to turn
down the brightness and hold the device at least
Sleep deprivation might not seem like a big deal, 14 inches (36 centimeters) away to reduce the
but it can have serious consequences. Tired
risk of sleep disruption. In the morning, expose
teens can find it difficult to concentrate and learn, your teen to bright light. These simple cues can
or even stay awake in class. Too little sleep also help signal when it’s time to sleep and when it’s
might contribute to mood swings and behavioral
time to wake up.
problems. Drowsy driving can lead to serious —
even deadly — accidents.
Sleeping pills and other medications generally
aren’t recommended. For many teens, lifestyle
If your teen isn’t getting enough sleep, here are a changes can effectively improve sleep. j
few things you can try to help:
mayoclinic.com
SRB Rowing
Summer Sculling Camps
Ages 10 to 100
Mon-Thurs 8:15 to 10:30 am beginning June 15
Camp Sessions last 2 weeks
Beginner to Advanced
645 Cesery Blvd.
Jacksonville, 32211
www.SRB-Rowing.org
SRBRowingCoach@gmail.com
(813) 541-4133
Supported by Stanton Rowing Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Page 25 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
teens
Things to Do
Teens
Legend Center, 5530 Soutel Dr Jacksonville, FL
32219 / www.wnme.org
Prioritizing Milestones in High School
March 2, 6pm to 7pm
Learn how to set goals to be successful
throughout High School and beyond. Ribault
High School, 3701 Winton Drive, Jacksonville,
FL 32208 / dcps.duvalschools.org/Page/7398
Babysitters Training Course
March 18, 9am to 3:30pm
The JCA will hold a Babysitters Training Course
for ages 10 to 15 from 9am to 3:30pm. Learn
how to prepare for an emergency while home
alone or babysitting in this one-day class. Valuable
Adaptive Aquatics
safety tips will be taught and basic CPR and first
org / 904-724-8326
/ NFSSE
Flagler
College Career
ExpoCampus Walking Trails,
aid skills will be reviewed. The cost is $50 for
223 Mill
Creek Rd
March
4, 10am
to 2pm
members and $75 for non-members.
Flagler College hosts a Career Expo for those
Jewish Community Alliance / 904-730-2100 /
Visit Jax4Kids.com
forinternship
more event
listings.
interested
in finding a job,
or new
ca8505 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217 /
reer. Flagler College, Ringhaver Student Center
www.jcajax.org
/ 50 Sevilla Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 /
www.flagler.edu
3rd Annual Peeps Diorama Contest
Entries Due March 20
Matriculation: What’s Next After College AcThe Fleming Island Library hosts the 3rd Annual
ceptance?
Peeps Diorama Contest. Teens are invited to
March 12, 6pm to 7:30pm
create one entry to be dropped off at the library
Learn the next steps following college accepfor judging. Entries must be received by 7pm
tance. Terry Parker High School, 7301 Parker
on Friday March 20. The public is invited to view
School Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211 / dcps.
the entries on display in the library from March
duvalschools.org/Page/7398
21st through April 3 rd and cast their vote for the
“Peep-le’s Choice” Award. Fleming Island Library
Annual Spring Break College Tour
Branch / 904-278-3720 / 1895 Town Center Blvd.
March 16 – 20
Fleming Island, FL 32003 / www.ccpl.lib.fl.us
Why Not Me Campaign, Inc. invites teens to
spend Spring Break touring one of the premiere
Teen Survival Cooking
universities in the world: Harvard University.
March 24, 6pm
Tour highlights include Harvard University,
Teens (ages 11-18) are welcome for a teen surHistoric Tour in Boston, and Sightseeing in
vival cooking class. Call the library at 904-827Richmond, VA. The tour leaves from Legends
6900 to register for this free program. Southeast
Center, 5530 Soutel Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32208
Branch Library / 904-827-6900 / 6670 US 1
and will be held March 16 through March 20.
South St. Augustine, FL 32086 / www.sjcpls.org
For more information, contact Ronn G. Johnson
at 904-371-9903 or info@wnme.org.
Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.
Fees start at $109. Why Not Me Campaign /
“A single rose can be my garden... a single
friend, my world.”
– Leo Buscaglia
MARCH 20, 2015
Total Eclipse of the Sun
Primary pathway will be
in the North Atlantic and
Arctic Oceans.
Partial Eclipse begins 3:41 a.m.;
Total Eclipse begins 5:09 a.m.;
Greatest Eclipse 5:45 a.m.;
Total Eclipse ends 6:21 a.m.; Partial Eclipse ends 7:50 a.m.
Page 26 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
THE TILE APP
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OFTRANSPORTATION
assist veterans in preparing their own income tax returns.
Veterans must have made $60,000 or less in 2014 to
qualify for this free tax preparation service. Veterans that
made $60,000 or less in 2014 and don’t want to come to
City Hall for assistance can also get free tax preparation
help online at MyFreeTaxes.com. A free helpline is also
available at 1-855-My-Tx-Help (1-855-698-9435).
About MyFreeTaxes.com:
MyFreeTaxes.com provides
free federal and state
income tax preparation and
filing assistance both online
and in person for qualified individuals and families that
earned $60,000 or less in 2014.
Next time you head out on a trip to any Florida destination
or before heading to or from work, you can find out if there
are any traffic incidents that would warrant you using an
alternate route. If you are traveling Florida’s roadways and
come upon stopped traffic, you can also use the Florida
Department of Transportation’s 511 traffic information
system to find out the cause of the delay and expected
travel time. Dial 511, download the free app, follow them
on Twitter or log on to www.FL511.com.
SPRING FORWARD
PIXEL OF INK
Daylight Saving Time in the United
States begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday,
March 8 and ends at 2 a.m. on
Sunday, Nov. 1. First instituted by
Germany during World War 1, the idea is to make better
use of the natural daylight in the evening. Fire departments
encourage people to change the batteries in their smoke
detectors when they change their clocks because Daylight
Saving Time provides a convenient reminder.
Kindle owners, Pixel of Ink is where you’ll find Free &
Bargain Kindle Books. Visit www.pixelofink.com and sign
up for their daily emails filled with deals and steals.
SPARK PEOPLE
SparkPeople’s mission is to SPARK millions of PEOPLE
to reach their goals and lead healthier lives. They offer
nutrition, health, and fitness tools, support, and resources
that are 100% free.
JUNIOR GENIUS GUIDES
MYFREETAXES.COM
All-time Jeopardy (the game show) champion Ken Jennings
is producing a series of books for kids called Junior Genius
Guides. Chocked full of facts and formatted like a school
class, they are designed to be a fun way to learn. So far he
has published “Maps and Geography,” “Greek Mythology,”
U.S. Presidents,” “Outer Space,” and “The Human Body”.
See ken-jennings.com for info. There’s a Junior Genius
App too.
Qualified Jacksonville veterans can receive free help with
their tax preparation at City Hall, 117 W. Duval Street, Suite
175. Call (904) 630-3680 to make an appointment.
An IRS-certified volunteer income tax coach from
MyFreeTaxes.com will be at City Hall from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m. Tuesday through Friday through June 20, 2015 to
Page 27 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
Always misplacing your keys? Forgot
where you left your purse or wallet?
Find them fast with the Tile tag and app.
Attach the tiny, tough, water resistant
tag and a Bluetooth signal tracks them down through your
smartphone. Buy 1 for $25, 2 for $40, 4 for $70 or 8 for
$130 at www.thetileapp.com. Shipping is free.
DRONES AND THE FEDERAL AVIATION
ADMINISTRATION
As we go to press, the
Federal
Aviation
Administration
has
proposed a new rule to
allow commercial drones
that weigh less than 55
pounds to fly up to 500
feet above the ground at
speeds up to 100 mph. Think about the practical uses and
life-changing applications these unmanned aircraft could
have on our lives such as delivering needed medications
and supplies, allowing a roof inspection of your home
without the hazard to the inspector or harm to your roof
from walking on it or delivering groceries to your doorstep.
Drones are expected to become a $90 billion industry
within the next decade and create 100,000 high-paying
American jobs.
COOL DOWN CUBES
Help calm your child with this
behavior management tool from
EntirelyElementary.com. Using a
permanent marker, write down
cool off strategies on reusable ice
cubes such as take 3 breaths, walk
away, hug a stuffed animal, sing,
look at the sky, try a yoga pose...
when the child gets angry they can
choose an ice cube and do what it says to help them “cool
off”. Plastic ice cubes and containers are available at
Target, Dollar Stores, or Bed, Bath and Beyond.
Picture courtesy of craftycounselorchick.blogspot.co.uk
LET’S CONNECT
infant & toddler
Young STEM Students
Learn by Doing
S
TEM is a world of intellectual learning. STEM
is an acronym for Science Technology
Engineering and Mathematics. The goal of
STEM-focused education is to increase America’s
talent pool and enlarge the pipeline of students
prepared to enter college and graduate with
STEM degrees and go on to work in industries
that are being transformed by technology and
innovation requiring new sets of skills for
workers. Our young students learn through hands
on experiences, not by memorization. No teacher
has to restructure his or her classroom to make it
a STEM classroom. One of the best features
about STEM-based learning is that because it is
so hands-on and creative, teachers can easily
incorporate it into most pre-established classroom routines.
The Game of What?
Open ended questions encourage STEM learning.
Make a “Game of What” poster to display in your
classroom setting. The poster should contain all
of the questions below.
• What did you see happen?
• What did you try?
• What things do you notice about ___?
• What is another way to do this?
• What has changed now?
• What do you think caused ___?
• What do you think ___ might do?
• What might happen if we ___?
• What did you learn?
Use at least two of these questions daily and
teach students to ask these questions of each
other!
Science Activity
Science involves:
1. Observation of natural surroundings
2. Using fine motor skills
3. Using gross motor skills
4. Learning about healthy diet, exercise and
eating
“What’s on My Plate?” has a STEM science
focus. Give each student a white, dinner-sized
paper plate and a small white dessert plate.
Have a brief class conversation, asking what are
everyday foods such as milk, bread, fruit and
cheese, and what are sometimes foods, such as
ice cream, cake or chips. Ask what students like
to eat for breakfast or as a special snack. Have
students draw a plate of everyday food on their
dinner plates using crayons. Have students draw
a picture of their special snack food on their
dessert plates. Display plates on a dinner table
themed bulletin board to remind students about
nutrition habits.
4. Pillow forts
5. Tents for camping indoors
Play a STEM engineering game centered on
ramps. Line your students up in pairs of two and
take them for a walk around the school. Ask
them to look for places where there are stairs and
where there are ramps. Come back to the
classroom and show them a rolling cart or chair.
Ask the students what they would have to do to
take this chair up a set of stairs. Ask what they
would have to do to take this chair on a ramp.
Then, give each pair of students a bag of blocks
and a small toy car and have them build a ramp
for the car.
Technology Activity
Some of the technology young students can learn
about:
1. Tooth brushing
2. Phone dialing
3. Touch games on a leap pad or tablet
4. Simple coding games
5. Sing-alongs with DVDs
Try a technology-based application centered on
dinosaurs and coding. Daisy the Dinosaur is an
early coding app designed for iPads. By dragging
and dropping simple directions, such as “jump,”
“spin,” “repeat five” and so on, students can
make the tiny dinosaur move across the screen.
Once they learn the control board, they can make
her do all sorts of tricks. The free app is a great
early introduction to coding technology for
students.
Math Activity
Incorporate more math activities into your
classroom with these ideas:
1. Beaded or macaroni necklaces that follow a
pattern
2. Paper dolls with buttons glued on at precise
places
3. Grocery shopping corners with bins divided
by amounts
4. Play money sorted into piles
Finally, get creative with STEM math by making
noodle necklaces. This project is perfect around
Mother’s Day because students can create a
noodle necklace for their mother or grandmother.
Put noodles of different types in bowls (they must
be tubular noodles). Give each student an image
of a pattern to follow, such as two ziti noodles,
then one elbow noodle and so on. Have students
string the noodles on a colorful piece of yarn,
following the pattern. Tie yarn at ends and help
students wrap for a gift. j
Sarah Degnan Moje, brighthubeducation.com
Engineering Activity
Here are some ideas on how to teach engineering
in the primary grades:
1. Block towers
2. Car ramps built from blocks
3. Tinker Toys and Lincoln Logs
Page 28 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
infant & toddler
Play On! Toys Teach as Some Toddler Foods
Well as Entertain
Lead to Obesity
E
S
xperts at the National Association for the
Education of Young Children agree that play
is essential to babies, toddlers, preschool, and
school-age children. Children need plenty of
opportunities to play with a variety of good toys
and materials and use their imagination. So what
makes a “good” toy? Members of the association
offer this list for reference on its website:
Toys for young infants—birth through 6 months
Babies like to look at people—following them
with their eyes. Typically, they prefer faces and
bright colors. Babies can reach, be fascinated
with what their hands and feet can do, lift their
heads, turn their heads toward sounds, put things
in their mouths, and much more!
• Things they can reach for, hold, suck on,
shake, make noise with—rattles, large rings,
squeeze toys, teething toys, soft dolls,
textured balls, and vinyl and board books
• Things to listen to—books with nursery
rhymes and poems, and recordings of
lullabies and simple songs
• Things to look at—pictures of faces hung so
baby can see them and unbreakable mirrors
Toys for older infants—7 to 12 months
Older babies are movers—typically they go from
rolling over and sitting, to scooting, bouncing,
creeping, pulling themselves up, and standing.
They understand their own names and other
common words, can identify body parts, find
hidden objects, and put things in and out of
containers.
• Things to play pretend with—baby dolls,
puppets, plastic and wood vehicles with
wheels, and water toys
• Things to drop and take out—plastic bowls,
large beads, balls, and nesting toys
• Things to build with—large soft blocks and
wooden cubes
• Things to use their large muscles with—large
balls, push and pull toys, and low, soft things
to crawl over
Toys for 1-year-olds
One-year-olds are on the go! Typically they can
walk steadily and even climb stairs. They enjoy
stories, say their first words, and can play next to
other children (but not yet with!). They like to
experiment—but need adults to keep them safe.
• Board books with simple illustrations or
photographs of real objects
• Recordings with songs, rhymes, simple
stories, and pictures
alt and sugar in many packaged meals and
toddler snacks for toddlers may create an
early
taste for foods that can contribute to obesity
• Things to pretend with—toy phones, dolls and
and
other
health risks, according to a new
doll beds, baby carriages and strollers,
government
study.
dress-up accessories (scarves, purses),
Without listing brand names, the researchers
collected data on popular 2012 brands of baby
food, toddler dinners including macaroni and
cheese, mini hot dogs, rice cakes, crackers, dried
fruit snacks and yogurt treats.
Researchers at the federal Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention analyzing package
• Things to build with—cardboard and wood
information and labels for more than 1,000 foods
blocks (can be smaller than those used by
for infants and toddlers found that the majority of
infants—2 to 4 inches)
toddler dinners contained too much salt, and
most cereal bars, breakfast pastries and snacks
• Things for using their large and small
muscles—puzzles, large pegboards, toys with marketed for infants and toddlers contained extra
sugars.
parts that do things (dials, switches, knobs,
lids), and large and small balls
The study notes that almost one in four U.S.
children ages 2 to 5 are overweight or obese
Toys for 2-year-olds (toddlers)
— and that almost 80 percent of kids ages 1 to 3
Toddlers are rapidly learning language and have
some sense of danger. Nevertheless they do a lot exceed the recommended maximum level of daily
salt, which is 1,500 milligrams. Excess sugar
of physical “testing”: jumping from heights,
and salt can contribute to obesity and elevated
climbing, hanging by their arms, rolling, and
blood pressure even in childhood, as well as later
rough-and-tumble play. They have good control
on.
of their hands and fingers and like to do things
with small objects.
Foods for toddlers should contain no more than
210 milligrams of salt or sodium per serving, but
the average for toddler meals studied was 361
milligrams or 1.5 times higher. Sugar content
should be no more than 35 percent of calorie
intake. For many snacks in the study, sugar
contributed from 47 to 66 percent of calories.
Also, many toddler dinners and most cereal bars
and dried fruit-based snacks contained at least
one added sugar, which raises concern because it
boosts calorie totals without health benefits.
• Things to create with—wide non-toxic,
washable markers, crayons, and large paper
puppets, stuffed toys, plastic animals, and
plastic and wood “realistic” vehicles
• Things for solving problems—wood puzzles
(with 4 to 12 pieces), blocks that snap
together, objects to sort (by size, shape, color,
smell), and things with hooks,
• buttons, buckles, and snaps
• Things for pretending and building—blocks,
smaller (and sturdy) transportation toys,
construction sets, child-sized furniture
(kitchen sets, chairs, play food), dress-up
clothes, dolls with accessories, puppets, and
sand and water play toys
• Things to create with—large non-toxic,
washable crayons and markers, large
paintbrushes and fingerpaint, large paper for
drawing and painting, colored construction
paper, toddler-sized scissors with blunt tips,
chalkboard and large chalk, and rhythm
instruments
• Picture books with more details than books
for younger children
• CD and DVD players with a variety of music
• Things for using their large and small
muscles—large and small balls for kicking
and throwing, ride-on equipment (but
probably not tricycles until children are 3),
tunnels, low climbers with soft material
underneath, and pounding and hammering
toys. j
www.naeyc.org/toys
Page 29 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
American Academy of Pediatrics
www.aap.org
infant & toddler
Your Children
Are First
With Us!
Vitamin D Deficiency Common
in U.S. Children
A
whopping 70 percent of American kids aren’t
getting enough vitamin D. Such youngsters
tend to have higher blood pressure and lower levels
of good cholesterol than their peers, according to
studies published in the journal Pediatrics. Low
vitamin D levels may also increase a child’s risk of
developing heart disease later in life. There is a lot
of data that suggests adults with low vitamin-D
levels are at risk for diabetes, high blood pressure,
cardiovascular disease, and a lot of cancers, and if
kids start out with low levels and never increase
them, they may be putting themselves at risk for
developing all of these diseases at a much earlier
age.
Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin”
because the human body makes it only when
exposed to sunlight -- although it only takes 10 to
15 minutes a day to make an adequate amount.
Vitamin D, which helps the bones better absorb
calcium, is also added to multivitamins and milk.
Children with low levels of vitamin D were more
likely to have high blood pressure and lower levels
of high-density lipoprotein, also known as good
cholesterol -- two factors that are considered major
risk factors for heart disease later in life. Children
with low vitamin-D levels also had higher levels of
parathyroid hormone than their counterparts with
adequate vitamin D in their blood. Parathyroid
hormone is a measure of bone health. When levels
are high, it suggests that bones need more calcium
to grow.
We take in vitamin D through our diet and from
being exposed to the sun. Liver, fatty fish such as
salmon, and egg yolks are all good sources of
vitamin D. Many foods, especially milk, are fortified
with vitamin D. Vitamin D is also synthesized in the
skin, a process stimulated by the action of the sun’s
ultraviolet light on the skin. Poor diet or insufficient
sun exposure can both lead to deficiencies,
particularly when one source (diet or sun exposure)
is not able to compensate for the other.
Recent research has made doctors aware that more
infants, young children and adolescents are vitamin
D deficient than was previously realized, even
though they show no outward symptoms of
deficiency.
Some vitamin D deficient children have even shown
x-ray evidence of thinning of the bone. While the
significance or even permanence of this x-ray
finding is uncertain, the concern is that the density
that bones develop during childhood can influence
the risk for osteoporosis in later life.
Breast-fed babies need Vitamin D. The exact blood
level values of vitamin D that define normality at
different ages and the amount of vitamin D
recommended for supplementation are both areas
of active study. But there is consensus that babies
that are breast-fed are at high risk for low D
because breast milk is a poor source of this nutrient.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends
that all breastfed infants receive vitamin D supplements.
Children whose dietary habits replace Vitamin D
supplemented milk with juice, which generally is a
poor source of D, are also at risk for deficiency.
Decreased sun exposure, such as in northern
latitudes and during cold seasons, or among dark
skinned patients, can also contribute to vitamin D
deficiency in some populations.
Numerous studies have documented low vitamin D
levels in adolescents both in Europe and the United
States, and while the reasons are unclear, it is
possible that the sedentary and indoor adolescent
lifestyle may result in both decreased sun exposure
and poor intake of foods supplemented with vitamin
D.
Take a supplement or get some sun! A review in the
American Journal of Public Health estimates the
daily sun exposure needed to maintain a normal
vitamin D level at only 15 minutes in summer and
20 minutes in early fall or late spring for people in
the U.S. or at a similar latitude. This assumes clear
skies and exposure of arms, shoulders and back.
The exposure length is doubled for African Americans. During
November to March in the northeast and mid-Atlantic regions and other areas north of 37 degrees
latitude, it is not possible to obtain sufficient vitamin
D from sun exposure.
Because exposure to ultraviolet radiation is
associated with development of skin cancer, it is
better for sun-sensitive or fair skinned people or
those taking photosensitizing medications to take
oral vitamin
D supplements rather than the sun. Similarly, the
Academies of Pediatrics and Dermatology both
advocate using oral supplementation rather than
increased sunlight exposure to increase vitamin D
levels in children, particularly in very young children
who are very vulnerable to damage from UV light.
What Parents Should Do. Because excess vitamin D
and excessive sun exposure have serious health
consequences, parents and patients should not add
supplements or increase their children’s exposure to
sunlight without clear medical guidance. Too much
vitamin D causes excessively high levels of calcium
with symptoms that include weakness, headache,
sleepiness, constipation, nausea, bone pain and
kidney stones.
Nutrition and disease prevention counseling is an
important part of any visit to your pediatrician. Even
though measuring Vitamin D levels in the blood is
not recommended as part of routine health
screening, and bone x-rays are not typically
obtained on asymptomatic children, parents should
consider discussing their children’s risk for low
vitamin D by reviewing their diet and sun exposure
and asking what changes they should make to treat
this easily preventable deficiency which has long
term consequences.
The picture regarding vitamin D is a work in
progress, but evidence is accumulating and doctors
are able to make informed recommendations based
on current and constantly updated information. So,
next time you and your children make a visit to the
pediatrician’s office, ask your physician about
vitamin D. j
Aylin Ozdemir, MD, FAAP, ABIHM
Pediatric Associates of Jacksonville
www.doctor0jax.com
1102 A1A North, Unit 104,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 • 904-273-6533
4745 Sutton Park Court, Suite 801,
Jacksonville, FL 32224 • 904-743-2100
1633 Race Track Road, Suite 103,
Jacksonville, FL 32259 • 904-287-7000
Page 30 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
Dr Mahajan and her team truly strive to put your children
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With 13 years in Jacksonville, we have the experience and
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Page 31 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
ADD/ADHD
without MEDICATIONS
Special needs
Parenting a Child with ADHD
K
ids are always a handful, but if one of those
children has ADHD, each one becomes a
double handful. Are these parents doomed to a
lifetime of frustration? No way. If parents know
what to expect and ways to manage ADHD, life
becomes easier. ADHD doesn’t have to have the
final word in how smooth or rough parent-child
relations are. With appropriate expectations,
some planning and foresight, parents can prepare
themselves (and their children) for success.
Key problem times for a child with ADHD are
times of the day that rely on skills such as wait
or patience (going shopping, waiting at a doctor’s
office or pharmacy, sitting still), as well as organization and staying on task for routines (getting
dressed, cleaning up, completing homework, or
anything that “should be” self-directed).
First of all, expect high activity levels and lot of
behavior that is highly stimulating and makes big
noises, big sights, or big motion. ADHD kids do a
lot of behavior for stimulation, because they crave
excitement. They fidget, they hum or make noise,
they talk a little too loud, stand a little too close,
touch things—everything really, jump and climb
on furniture, etc. It’s like their motto is “Why do a
little when I can do a lot, and why have one when
I can have five?” All this stimulation is great fun
for them, but is highly annoying to most parents
or teachers.
wait, then they will sit appropriately. If a parent
does not plan ahead and bring something to do,
then they should expect their child to start creating their own excitement, and for that excitement
to be annoying (crawling under the table, poking
everyone, humming, etc.)
How about a store? Interesting for parents, but
boring for kids. No, they don’t want to just look
at food jars or keep their hands to themselves.
They want to explore! They want to experience
life! The trip can be considerably shortened if
parents make a list and stick to it. Another quick
fix is to keep them active. They can push the
cart. They can put non-breakable items into the
basket. They can mark off the list and read you
the next item. They can try to stay motivated
to behave knowing that they’re getting a lot of
praise for staying nearby AND that something
fun will happen when the adults are done at the
store.
How about a morning or evening routine that has
several steps? In the short term at least, this
would require supervision and support to make
sure that they have all their materials, that they’re
making progress, and that they’re on track.
Somewhat older children with ADHD (middle
childhood) can possibly just follow a written or
visual task list once they’re used to it, BUT it will
still require parent oversight and double checking. Will they get off task? Probably, but that’s
Of interest, though, they seem to be able to calm why it’s a good idea to stay near. Don’t be surdown and concentrate when playing video games prised, though. Just calmly redirect them to get
or watching TV. Why is that? The answer is
back to action and make sure they get started.
simple. With TV or video games, there’s lots of
Saying instructions louder or in an angry voice
motion, lots of sounds, lots of colors—it’s highly will not be effective—however, parent anger is a
stimulating. Once they reach their ideal stimula- great way to start a fight. Unless you’re looking
tion level, they may be able to stick to an activity for a fight, just calmly block them from distraction
for longer periods of time. Is that to say that
and point out what to do. Pleading, long explanathey should be on video games all day? No. I’m tions, or discussing wrongdoings with the child
saying that they’re calmer and better behaved
while they are needing to work is equally counwhen we can allow them to do activities that are terproductive. Praise them and be exciting when
stimulating, as long as they are acting in a sothe child is in motion and working. When they’re
cially appropriate way. If you keep that in mind,
not, just say what to do in 1 sentence and block
the rest is easier. Make waiting or working seem distractions until they get the ball rolling with the
fun and exciting. Make it boring to be off task.
routine. That way it’s boring to be off task and
exciting to be on task. Work WITH their motivaApplying that formula, think about waiting at a
tion, not against it. If parents have a couple
restaurant, sitting strapped in the backseat, or
children, then make sure that the first child with
sitting at a pharmacy for up to 20 minutes to get ADHD gets fully prepared, then allow them to
a prescription. It’s boring. Dreadfully, dreadplay. That’s what they want to do anyways, so let
fully boring. Do you know what’s NOT boring?
them have the fun time AFTER they’re all ready.
Coloring. A game app on a phone. A tablet. If
It will keep kids more excited and on track than if
they are provided with something to do while they a parent either (a) requires the child to rush then
go straight to bed OR (b) if the child is allowed to
play first, then have to rush to get done.
I know, it may seem much easier said than
done—especially at the beginning. As someone
who’s spent most of my professional life working with children who have ADHD, ODD, and/or
developmental disabilities, I can also say that it
really can be done. Not only can it be done, it
can be simple and easy to do once it becomes
a habit, so that the parents and the children are
happier and more productive. Parents don’t have
to face ADHD alone. There are many parenting
books out there such as Driven to Distraction or
Taking Charge of ADHD. Also, professionals are
delighted to help families in need with children
who have ADHD. j
Andrew Scherbarth, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Licensed Psychologist | Board Certified Behavior
Analyst
Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics
6867 Southpoint Drive North, Suite 106
Jacksonville, Florida 32216
904.619.6071
The American Academy of Pediatricians
has given neurofeedback the highest
grading of effectiveness for ADD/ADHD.
Provides a non-drug approach for
diagnosing and treating ADD/ADHD
and it is based on research that has been
widely replicated all over the world.
Other benefits include:
• Overcoming academic difficulties
• Progress is maintained once program
is completed
• Better social skills
• Improvement of the emotional climate
at home
BIOFEEDBACK ASSOCIATES
904.646.0054
www.biofeedbackassociates.com
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Page 32 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
Call (904) 732-4343 or visit www.JSAKIDS.org
9000 Cypress Green Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Special needs
Field of Dreams Baseball
W
hat kid doesn’t want to participate in a
sport, hear their name called over the PA
system and feel the cheers of pride from the
stands? At Field of Dreams Baseball all children
with mental and physical disabilities are given the
opportunity to experience all these things and
more! The 2015 season kicked off on February
14th and continues until April 23rd. Registration
and uniforms are free thanks to the generous
contributions of sponsors and donations of the
public. Players can register at any time throughout the season, no child is ever turned away. If
they come, they will play.
The Field of Dreams is a specially designed
baseball field with accommodations for various
disabilities. The games are played on Saturdays
at Aberdeen Park in St. Johns County. Players
are accompanied by a volunteer buddy to assist
in batting and fielding. Games are an hour long
and all players get the opportunity to bat, field
and “run” the bases. Trophies are awarded at
the end of the season to every player because
they are all winners!
Field Of Dreams Baseball is currently trying to
raise funds to repair the field that has experienced a lot of wear since its 2010 inaugural
season. They also hope to expand the league
into other sports so that these special kids can
experience sports year round. If you are interested in learning more
about the league or its
fundraising efforts visit
their website at
www.fodbaseballcom.
j
Anxiety Disorder Affects
All Ages
M
ental health issues may seem like
adult-only problems, but they can also
have a profound impact on younger minds. In
fact, anxiety in preschoolers may lead to
physiological changes in the brain, a recent study
suggests.
Researchers from Yale, Duke and Vanderbilt
universities examined children’s brains over
the course of five years and found long-lasting
neurobiological effects in those with an anxiety
disorder (which includes generalized anxiety,
social phobia and separation anxiety). The study
showed there was weaker connectivity in the
brains of these children between the prefrontal
cortex and the amygdala, two regions that interact to play an important role in regulating anxiety,
the Yale Daily News reported.
Children ages 2 to 5 were tested using a psychiatric assessment developed by the researchers, which examined the kids’ behavior and
emotions through parental interviews. After the
participants reached an age range of 5 to 9, the
researchers administered MRI scans to look at
their brains, discovering that changes varied
depending on the type of anxiety disorder.
The study reaffirms the notion that having a mental illness is not simply “all in a sufferer’s head”
or a “phase” – even when it comes to children.
The recent findings, published in the journal PLOS
ONE, suggest that these types of disorders are
rooted in biology and may even lead to physically
different brains.
Experts stress that mental illness should be held
with the same gravity as other health conditions.
Yet despite the mounting research, there still
seems to be an uphill battle when it comes to
empathy and treating the illnesses like a physical
problem. j
Huffington Post
“The more you praise and celebrate your life,
the more there is in life to celebrate.”
– Oprah Winfrey
Page 33 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
Things to Do
Special Needs
Teaching Language to Children with Autism and
Other Developmental Disabilities
March 5 – 6, 9am – 3:30pm
Jericho School is hosting a free 2-day workshop
for parents at UNF Teaching Language to Children
with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities
Participants will gain a greater awareness of Behavior
Analysis as a Science of Learning. Participants will
acquire the understanding and application of the
basic principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. A focus
will be on utilizing B.F. Skinner’s analysis of Verbal
Behavior to assist in the acquisition of language skills
for children with developmental disabilities. Participants will also receive training on effective teaching
procedures and building instructional control. Parking
is free. Lunch will be provided.
Registration is Mandatory. Registration deadline:
February 27, 2015. Please register early, registration
is limited to a number of participants. UNF University
Center / 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224
/ 904-744-5110 / www.thejerichoschool.org
Camp Healing Powers
March 6, 6pm & March 8, 12pm
Camp Healing Powers is a therapeutic camp for
children, ages 7-17, who are grieving the loss of a
loved one. The camp is sponsored, free of charge,
by Community Hospice of Northeast Florida who
provides mental health professionals specializing
in grief and bereavement to help children navigate
through the grief journey in a safe, supportive and fun
environment.
Camp Healing Powers is held at the Marywood
Retreat and Conference Center and is open to children in Northeast Florida. Space is limited so call to
arrange for a pre-camp assessment.
Marywood Retreat and Conference Center / 4266
Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / 904-4076222 / www.communityhospice.com
7th Annual Autism Symposium
March 11, 8am - 4:30pm
Who Should Attend?
Parents, physicians, caregivers, special needs teachers, psychologists, nurses, speech therapists, occupational therapists, behavioral therapists, marriage
and family therapists, child life specialists, physical
therapists, mental health counselors, law enforcement personnel, and social workers. UNF University
Center / 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224
/ 904-202-6039 / www.wolfsonchildrens.org/autism
Believe Autism Dance/Art Classes
March 14
9:30am - 10:30am (3 - 4 year olds)
10:30am - 11:30am (5 - 12 year olds)
11:30am - 12:30am (13 and older)
Art rotation of 30 minutes and dance rotation of 30
minutes. Art activities will be new each week or a
small art project that will be worked on week to week
until complete. The dance rotation will consist of
creative movement and social opportunities. Classes
are taught by Crystal Thompson, a Board Certified
Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and ballet, tap, and jazz
dancer. Classes cost $10.00 and are held at The
Performers Academy. Space is limited. To RSVP call
or email believeautism@gmail.com. The Performers
Academy / 3674 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, 32207 /
704-277-1884 / www.believeautism.com
Nathaniel’s Hope Buddy Break
March 14, 9am - 12pm
Buddy Break is held the second Saturday of every
month from 9am - 12pm at Deermeadows Baptist
Church and 6pm - 9pm at Raiford Road Church. It is a
free kids/respite program where children with special
needs (VIP kids) make new friends, play fun games,
enjoy crafts, therapy dogs, stories, music activities,
and more. Siblings have fun too. Meanwhile, their
caregivers get a break from their ongoing care-giving
responsibilities for three hours. Each VIP kid is paired
one-on-one with a screened volunteer “Buddy” to
participate in that day’s activities.
Deermeadows Baptist Church, 9780 Baymeadows
Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / 904-302-9766 /
www.deermeadows.org
Raiford Road Church, 9201 South State Road 121,
Macclenny, FL 32063 / 904-259-6015 / www.raifordroadchurch.org
Deliver the Dream
March 20 – 22
This is a once in a lifetime retreat weekend providing
structured family-centered activities offering respite,
relaxation, and recreation for families who have
children with an autism spectrum disorder or related
disabilities. The Cerveny Conference Center (www.
campweed.org) is located in Live Oak, Florida on 500
acres of natural beauty. The weekend is at no cost
to the family (lodging, activities, and group meals
included). Registration deadline is February 21.
Camp Weed / 11057 Camp Weed Place, Live Oak, FL
32060 / 954-564-3512 / www.deliverthedream.org
Sensory Friendly Films – Home
March 28, 10am
AMC Entertainment (AMC) and ASA have teamed up
to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite
films in a safe and accepting environment on a
monthly basis. Lights are brought up, sound is turned
down, and families are allowed to bring their own
snacks. Movies are shown at the AMC Regency 24 in
the Regency Center Square.
AMC Regency 24 / 904-725-0885 / 9451 Regency
Square Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 / www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films
Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.
Things to Do
nature
The Baby Is 6-feet Tall!
J
acksonville Zoo and Gardens has a new
baby giraffe. Born in January, the male
reticulated giraffe weighed 193 pounds and was
six feet tall. Guests riding the zoo train may see
the calf and its mother in the outdoor holding
area, pending weather conditions or feeding and
health care.
This is the
second offspring
for mom,
5-year-old
Naomi, since
she arrived at
the Jacksonville
Zoo and
Gardens in
2006. Duke, the
14-year-old patriarch of the herd, has fathered
seven offspring since he came to the zoo in 2003.
The zoo now has nine giraffes.
In the wild, poaching, human population growth
and habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation
continue to decimate the species. Current
estimates by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation
place the giraffe population at less than 80,000.
In 1999, it was estimated that there were nearly
140,000.
Here are some fun facts about giraffes:
• Female giraffes carry a baby for 15 months
and give birth while standing up.
• Baby Giraffes can stand within half an hour
and after only 10 hours can actually run
alongside their family.
• A newborn giraffe will suckle its mother’s milk
as soon as it can stand up. Calves are reliant
on their mother’s milk for up to 9-12 months.
Solid food (leaves) can be eaten from about 4
months at which time calves begin to
ruminate.
• Giraffes live to about 25 years; longer in
captivity.
• The knobs on the top of their head is called
ossicones and they are formed from ossified
cartilage. The female’s ossicones are thin
and tufted and the males’ are mostly thicker
and bald on top.
• A giraffes tongue is 18 – 20 inches long
• The giraffe is the tallest land animal in the
world. Their height allows them to eat leaves
located much higher than other animals can
reach. Acacia trees are a favorite of giraffes.
• No two giraffes have exactly the same coat
pattern. j
Page 34 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
Nature Events
Live Oak School of Sufficiency Homeschool
Program • Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25 from
1pm to 4pm or Thursdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26
from 10am to 1pm
Every week, Live Oak offers folk skills programs
open to local home schooled students, covering
the subjects of homesteading, primitive survival,
and naturalist studies. Students get to experience
the planting and harvesting of organic vegetables,
tracking of local wildlife, and even basic blacksmithing while spending time with like minded peers and
adult role models. Geared for ages 8-12. Cost: $25
per class or $80 for the month. Register in advance;
classes are limited to 10 students.
March: Survival Knife
Week 1: Forging- We forge full tang survival knives
from spring steel.
Week 2: Handles- Riveting and shaping scale
handles on our knives.
Week 3: Sheath- Students custom fit leather
sheaths to their knives.
Week 4: Safety, Sharpening, and Knife use- An
essential class for learning how to safely use a knife.
Live Oak School of Self Sufficiency / 401-793-0777
/ 9998 CR 13 N Saint Augustine, FL 32092 / plcipjr.
wix.com
insect safari and learn about insect adaptations like
camouflage. Bring snacks and drinks. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. $10 per student $5
parking. Crooked River State Park /912-882-5256 /
6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway St. Marys, GA 31558
/ gastateparks.org
Music in the Gardens
March 15, 1pm to 5pm
An afternoon of acoustic guitar performances. Bring
a chair or blanket to sit on. Snacks, water and
soda will be available for purchases. This is a kid
friendly event and there will be a play area for kids
with bubbles, a painting wall, hula hoops, and more.
Regular park entrance fees apply the day of the
show. Donations are suggested for the concert.
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park / 386-4466783 / 6400 North Oceanshore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL
32137 / www.washingtonoaks.org
Migration Madness
March 22, 8am to 12noon
Come explore some of the trails of this 120-acre
nature preserve, while looking for resident birds,
including Barred Owl, Prothonotary Warbler, Greatcrested Flycatcher, Black-and-White warbler, White
and Red-eyed Vireos. Come prepared for easy to
moderate trails (sturdy shoes or sneakers) that could
be muddy if there has been recent rains. Bring binoculars (there are a few pairs to borrow if you don’t
own your own), a hat, snack, and your best eyes and
ears. Contact Inez Whipple for more information
484-769-3816. Duval Audubon Society / 484-769Insects and Invertebrates Nature Camp
3816 / Jacksonville Arboretum, 1445 Millcoe Road,
March 6, 8am to 12noon
School’s out and parents are invited to send their 1st Jacksonville FL 32225 / duvalaudubon.org
– 8th graders to half-day nature camp. Children will
learn about all the creepy crawlies that call Crooked Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.
River their home. Students will participate in an
It’s health insurance for children from birth
through age 18. Eligibility is based on household
income and family size. Your child may be
eligible for health insurance through Florida
KidCare, even if one or both parents are working.
Health insurance is an important part of your child’s
success. Children who get regular health care
perform at their best and miss fewer days of school.
Parents whose children have health insurance are
more productive, miss fewer days of work and have
greater peace of mind.
To schedule an appointment or for more information,
dial 211. Application assistors are available and
trained to guide you through the enrollment process.
We’re Not Just Inflatables Anymore!
(Formerly Jump Zone)
•
•
•
•
Giant Themed Inflatables
Awesome Parties
Walk-In Play
Ages 2-10
Free application assistance is available.
Application Assisters provide families with
their children and support them through
the application process. To schedule an
appointment or for more information, dial 211
or visit www.coverjax211.com.
Monthly premiums depend on your household
income and family size. Many families pay $15
or $20 a month. Most pay nothing at all. There
is also a full-pay option available for families
with higher incomes. See the chart below for
more information.
Insurance
Subsized*
Monthly Premium
Unsubsized
Monthly Premium
MediKids (Ages 1 - 4)
$15 or $20 per family
$157 per child
Healthy Kids (Ages 5 - 18)
$15 or $20 per family
$140** or $153 per child
Children’s Medical Services Network
(Ages Birth - 18)
$15 or $20 per family
None
Medicaid (Ages Birth - 18)
None
None
Here are some services Florida KidCare covers: Doctor Visits, Shots, Surgery, Vision & Hearing, Mental
health, Check-ups, Hospital, Prescriptions, Dental and Emergencies.
To schedule an appointment or for information about Florida KidCare coverage, CALL 211
or dial (904) 632-0600. Application assistance is FREE. Visit us online at www.coverjax211.com.
Get prepared! Please review this application checklist prior to starting your application.
Your Photo ID
Copy of Birth Certificate for each child
• The Area’s Most Exciting
New Party
• Walk-In Play
• Ages 7 to Adult
• More Fun Than Laser Tag
1035 Blanding Blvd Ste. 108 • Orange Park
904.328.2227 • JumperzFunCenter.com
Page 35 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
If not a US Citizen, copy of proof of resident alien
status/green card (front and back) or Refugee letter
Copy of Social Security Cards for all members in
application (or date card applied for)
Total household income, with proof of in come for
each parent to include:
•
•
•
•
Last 4 week’s pay stubs OR
Most recent federal tax return OR
Most recent W-2
Child support court order, if applicable
If job was lost in the last 30 days, date that employment
and income stopped and amount earned during last 4
weeks. (Nothing required outside of 60 days)
If self-employed, bring letter showing income and
expenses from last month or most recent personal
and business tax returns (1099 Form/current Federal
Income Tax Return)
Copy of award letter, if receiving any of the following:
SSI, SSA, Worker’s Compensation or Unemployment
Income
@CoverJax211 I www.coverjax211.com
* Based on family size and household income. There may be co-pays for some services in some program, Premium rates subject to change.
** Without dental coverage.
Things to Do
pets
For Cats Any Box Will Do
T
ake heart feline enthusiasts. Your cat’s
continued indifference toward her new
Deluxe Scratch DJ Deck may be disappointing,
but there is an object that’s pretty much guaranteed to pique her interest. That object, as the
Internet has so thoroughly documented, is a box.
Any box, really. Big boxes, small boxes, irregularly shaped boxes—it doesn’t matter. Place one
on the ground, a chair, or a bookshelf and watch
as Admiral Snuggles quickly commandeers it.
So what are we to make of the strange gravitational pull that empty Amazon packaging exerts
on Felis sylvestris catus? Like many other really
weird things cats do, science hasn’t fully cracked
this particular feline mystery. There’s the obvious
predation
advantage a box
affords: Cats are
ambush predators, and boxes
provide great
hiding places to
stalk prey from
(and retreat to).
But there’s clearly
more going on
here. Thankfully,
behavioral
biologists and
veterinarians
have come up
with a few other
interesting
explanations. In fact, when you look at all the
evidence together, it could be that your cat may
not just like boxes, he may need them.
The box-and-whisker plot:
Understanding the feline mind is notoriously
difficult. Cats, after all, tend not to be the easiest
test subjects. Still, there’s a sizable amount of
behavioral research on cats who are, well, used
for other kinds of research (i.e., lab cats). These
studies make one thing abundantly clear: Your
fuzzy companion derives comfort and security
from enclosed spaces. This is likely true for a
number of reasons, but for cats in these often
stressful situations, a box or some other type of
separate enclosure (within the enclosures they’re
already in) can have a profound impact on both
their behavior and physiology.
The ‘If it fits, I sits’ principle:
Astute feline observers will note that in addition
to boxes, many cats seem to pick other odd
places to relax. Some curl up in a bathroom sink.
Others prefer shoes, bowls, shopping bags, coffee
mugs, empty egg cartons, and other small,
confined spaces.
It’s cold out:
According to a 2006 study by the National
Research Council, the thermoneutral zone for a
domestic cat is 86 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit.
That’s the range of temperatures in which cats
are “comfortable” and don’t have to generate
extra heat to keep warm or expend metabolic
energy on cooling. That range also happens to be
20 degrees higher than ours, which explains why
it’s not unusual
to see your
neighbor’s cat
sprawled out
on the hot
asphalt in the
middle of a
summer day. It
also explains
why many cats
may enjoy
curling up in
tiny cardboard
boxes.
Corrugated
cardboard is a
great insulator
and confined
spaces force the cat to ball up or form some
other impossible object, which in turn helps it to
preserve body heat.
So there you have it: Boxes are insulating,
stress-relieving, comfort zones—places where
cats can hide, relax, sleep, and occasionally
launch a sneak attack against the huge, unpredictable apes they live with. j
Bryan Gardiner, wired.com
Box (anti-)social:
It’s also important to note that cats really suck at
conflict resolution. To quote from The Domestic
Cat: The Biology of its Behaviour, “Cats do not
appear to develop conflict resolution strategies to
the extent that more gregarious species do, so
they may attempt to circumvent agonistic
encounters by avoiding others or decreasing their
activity.” So rather than work things out, cats are
more inclined to simply run away from their
problems or avoid them altogether. A box, in this
sense, can often represent a safe zone, a place
where sources of anxiety, hostility, and unwanted
attention simply disappear.
Page 36 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
Pet Events
Pedal 4 Paws – Register Now
Pre-registration Ends April 1
Event is held April 4, 8:30am to 1pm
This inaugural bike ride takes off from Unity
Plaza and winds through Jacksonville’s urban
core. The ride is open to all level of riders. The
festival-like atmosphere is will feature history,
the arts, live music and more. The event is a
fundraiser for First Coast No More Homeless
Pets. You can register as a team, or as an individual. Experienced cyclists have the option of
riding 50 or more miles, while beginner to intermediate cyclists can do the 7 to 30 mile course.
Costs: $25 for individuals registering before April
1, or $20 each per team member, if registering
as a team. Pre-registration is available online
and ends April 1. First Coast No More Homeless Pets / Unity Plaza, 220 Riverside Avenue,
Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.fcnmhp.org
Meet Your Dog Trainer
March 3, 1:30pm to 2pm
March 4, 4:30pm to 5pm
March 11, 4:30pm to 5pm
Get to know your Petco Dog Trainer with a free
15-minute consultation. Learn about the Petco
Positive Dog Training philosophy and customized
behavior solutions for you and your dog. See a
store associate and sign up. Petco / 904-2730964 / 950 Marsh Landing Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32250 / www.petco.com
Pals N Paws Agility Trial
March 6, 8am to 3pm; March 7, 8am to 4pm;
March 8, 8am to 3pm
Pals N Paws Agility Trial. Spectators admission
and parking is free. The trial is USDAA (United
States Dog Agility Association) and open to all
breeds. Jacksonville Equestrian Center / 13611
Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32221 / www.
palsandpawsagility.com
Jacksonville Pet Food Bank Food Distribution
March 14, 10am to 1pm
The Jacksonville Pet Food Bank provides about
a one month supply of cat or dog food for up
to 4 dogs and 5 cats per household, for those
who qualify. Food will be given out on scheduled distribution days between 10am and 1pm.
It is not necessary to come early and stand in
line. There will be enough food for each event,
and the shortest wait time is after 11am.
Qualifications:
You must meet income qualifications (details
are on the website). You must provide proof of
spay/neuter for each pet. If your pet(s) have
not been spayed or neutered, those services
can also be provided at no cost to you. Please
provide proof of income qualifications & photo
identification. Bring container/bag for each
pet’s food. Please do not bring pets to the
distribution. Food will only be given out on designated distribution dates. First Coast No More
Homeless Pets Clinic / 6817 Norwood Avenue,
Jacksonville, FL 32208 / www.fcnmhp.org
You and Your Best “Four Legged” Friend
March 28, 2pm
Special guest Silke Royer, from My Pet Camp
located in St. Augustine, Florida, will to discuss
how to create a healthy and well-balanced relationship with your dog. From good communication skills to fun games and activities you
can share with your dog. She will also share
some insights on creating a positive environment for your dog to ensure he/she will fit in
well within our human social structure. This
program is open to the public. No Dogs Please.
For more information about the program
contact Julie at: 904-471-5579. Anastasia
Island Branch / 904-209-3730 / 124 Seagrove
Main St St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 / www.
sjcpls.org
Like Jax4Pets.com’s Facebook page
at facebook.com/jax4pets to find out
about other events for pets.
“Celebrate what you want to see more of.”
– Tom Peters
“There are two means of refuge from the troubles of life: music and
cats,” Dr. Albert Schweitzer wrote. There are probably many opinions
regarding that quote but one thing most people will agree on is too
many unattended cats roaming the neighborhood is not good for
people, other wild life or the cats themselves. RAP’s Cats, a 3-yearold effort to control unattended cats in the Riverside/Avondale
neighborhood of Jacksonville, has resulted in more than 400 cats
being trapped, neutered and returned, the preservation group says.
With the assistance of First Coast No More Homeless Pets, RAP will
continue the free service to reduce the numbers of homeless cats.
Call Mary Coleman for assistance in trapping and transport at 4837189.
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Page 37 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
things to do
Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra Festival of
Strings • March 1, 5pm to 7pm
Area young strings students gather in Jacoby Symphony Hall, performing side-by-side with the strings of
the JSYO Philharmonic. This showcase event includes
the JSYO’s Overture, Foundation, Encore and Premiere
strings, the Jump Start Strings violin students, and
ensembles from LaVilla School of the Arts and Douglas
Anderson School of the Arts. More than 300 students will
gather on stage for the grand finale. Tickets: $9 adults,
$4 children. Times Union Center, Jacoby Symphony Hall
/ 904-354-5547 / 300 West Water Street, Jacksonville,
FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org
Purim Holiday Baking
March 2, 1:30pm to 2:15pm
The Jewish Community Alliance hosts a Purim Holiday
Baking from 1:30pm to 2:15pm. Cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Register in advance.
Jewish Community Alliance / 904-730-2100 / 8505 San
Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217 / www.jcajax.org
IHOP National Pancake Day
March 3
On March 3, guests from around the country will once
again celebrate National Pancake Day at IHOP and enjoy
a free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes. In return for
the free pancakes, guests will be asked to consider leaving a donation for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
or other designated local charities. There is a limit of
one free short stack per guest. Valid only at participating
locations, for dine-in only and while supplies last. Not
valid with any other coupon or offer or discount.
www.ihoppancakeday.com
7th Annual Jax4Kids.com Family Expo
March 7, 9am to 2pm
Join us for the 7th Annual Jax4Kids.com Family Expo.
It’s a day filled with fun and play with face painters, stilt
walker, magic shows, rock climbing wall, space walks
and so much more! Register for Summer Camps, meet
with schools, find educational resources, important
health and safety information and giveaways, new and
expectant parent resources as well as pre-natal belly
painting. All activities, admission and parking are FREE.
Enter to win free weeks of summer camp, gift cards,
tickets to Disney Live, Disney On Ice, LEGOLAND® and
many more prizes! Jacksonville Fairgrounds / 510 Fairgrounds Place Jacksonville, FL 32202 / Jax4Kids.com
Theatre of Youth Show: Peter Pan
March 7, 7:30pm
March 8, 2pm
March 14, 7:30pm
The Jewish Community Alliance hosts a presentation of
Peter Pan. Tickets are available in advance.
Jewish Community Alliance / 904-730-2100 / 8505 San
Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217 / www.jcajax.org
Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show
March 7, 1pm 4pm and 7pm
Disney Live! presents Mickey’s Magic Show. Mickey
Mouse, Minnie Mouse and a host of Disney friends
come together with a world-class illusionist to perform
magic from legendary Disney films right before your
eyes. See the Fairy Godmother transform Cinderella’s
rags into a beautiful ball gown in a split second; the
spectacular levitation of Aladdin’s Princess Jasmine;
and the enchanted dancing brooms of Fantasia. Three
performances on March 7, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm. Children
ages 1 and up must have a ticket. Doors open 1 hour
prior to performance. Save $4 with the code JAX4DL
when you order tickets online. Times Union Center /
300 West Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.
ticketmaster.com
PBR BlueDEF Velocity Tour
March 7, 7pm
Florida bull riding fans will get the opportunity to experience the toughest sport on dirt when the Professional
Bull Riders return to the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial
Arena on Saturday, March 7, 2015, with the BlueDEF Ve-
locity Tour. Tickets, ranging in price from $10 to $50, are
available at Ticketmaster.com or the Arena box office.
Additional fees may apply. Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena / 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL
32202 / jaxevents.com/event/professional-bull-riders
JSO: Major-Minor Concert
March 7, 8pm
The JSYO’s advanced ensembles and the Jacksonville
Symphony Orchestra, side-by-side! The JSYO Repertory Orchestra will perform music by Tchaikovsky and
Delibes. The JSYO Philharmonic will perform Enescu’s
Roumanian Rhapsody and Holst’s The Planets. Winners
of the JSYO Young Artists Competition will also be
featured in solo performances with the Jacksonville
Symphony Orchestra. They will be awarded a $1,000
scholarship from the Jacksonville Symphony Guild. Tickets: $9 adults, $4 children. Times Union Center, Jacoby
Symphony Hall / 300 West Water Street, Jacksonville, FL
32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org
Music Festival and Silent Auction
March 8, 6pm
The annual Music Festival and Silent Auction to benefit
UCOM. All ages are welcome. Refreshments and a silent
auction will follow the concert. Proceeds benefit UCOM’s
programs to end hunger and poverty in Jacksonville.
UCOM Jacksonville / Lakewood Presbyterian Church,
2001 University Blvd West, Jacksonville, FL 32217 /
www.ucomjax.org
Different Roles of Parents (Dads are Different)
March 11, 6pm to 7pm
Understand the father’s value in children’s lives (Childcare provided; ages 0-10). Early Learning Coalition of
Duval / 8301 Cypress Plaza Drive, Room 201 Jacksonville, FL 32256 / dcps.duvalschools.org/Page/7398
Bullying in the 21st Century
March 11, 6pm - 7pm – Kirby Smith Middle School
2034 Hubbard Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206
March 12, 5:30pm - 6:30pm – Brentwood Lakes 761
Village Center Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32206
March 17, 4pm - 5pm – Blodgett Villas 1301 North
Davis Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209
March 18, 5:30pm - 6:30pm – Victory Pointe 6750
Ramona Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205
March 19, 5:30pm - 6:30pm – Southwind Villas 8711
Newton Road, Jacksonville, FL 32216
This course will review the warning signs and descriptions of behavior associated with bullying for both the
victim and the bully and strategies that children can use
when faced with a bully. Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools / dcps.duvalschools.org/Page/7398
St. Michael Academy’s Spring Carnival
March 12, 5pm to 10pm
March 13, 5pm to 11pm
March 14, 12noon to 11pm
March 15, 1pm to 6pm
St. Michael Academy hosts a Spring Carnival with rides,
games, food, raffles and vendors. Events held in Central
Park in Fernandina Beach.
Cost: Pay at the Gate ($25 per session for Unlimited
Rides during that session). Unlimited Rides does not
include Attractions and Game booths. Cash is accepted
for Attractions and Game booths. Or, purchase tickets
and pay for individual rides – cost is $3-$6 per ride.
St. Michael Academy / 904-432-7211 / Central Park,
1200 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 /
www.smacarnival.com
7th Annual Rib Cook-Off
March 14, 10am to 4pm
The 7th annual rib cook-off will be held at Main Beach
Park. Rib dinner plates go on sale at 12noon for $10
each. There will also be live music, arts & crafts
vendors, face painting, a kid’s zone and a Cornhole
Tournament at 1pm. For more information, contact Jay
Robertson, 904-310-3361.
City of Fernandina Beach / Main Beach Park, 25 Tarpon
Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 / www.fbfl.us
Page 38 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2015
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Celtic Music and Heritage
Festival • March 14 – 15
On Saturday, St. Augustine’s annual St. Patrick’s Day
Parade begins at 10am. Then, the Celtic Music and
Heritage Festival returns, featuring traditional Irish
music, Scottish pipes and drums, contemporary Celtic
Rock, and more. There will also be the Highland Games
of skill and strength on Saturday and Sunday, with Celtic
vendors, and kids activities. The festival takes place at
Francis Field located behind the St. Augustine Visitors
Information Center. Admission to the festival is $7 per
day if purchased before February 28. Rates increase to
$10 for general admission on March 1. Children 12 and
under are free. Francis Field / 29 W. Castillo Drive, St.
Augustine, FL 32084 / www.celticstaugustine.com
Jaguars Junior Scouting Combine
March 15
Jaguars Kids Club members and one adult guest are
invited on the Florida Blue practice fields for the second
annual Jaguars Junior Scouting Combine. This will be a
great chance to show off your speed, agility and football
skills. Kids Club members will test their skills in a 40yard dash, vertical jump, and more.
Make sure you RVSP to kidsclub@jaguars.com by March
9th, as space is limited. Water and a light snack will
be provided for all members. Make sure you dress in
athletic gear and be sure to wear sunscreen.
Everbank Field, Florida Blue Practice Fields / 1 Everbank
Field Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaguarskidsclub.com
Spring Break Arts Workshops
March 16, 9am to 2pm - All About Painting
March 18, 9am to 2pm - All About Drawing
Spring Break Arts Workshops are an opportunity for the
9 to 16 year old artist or art-enthusiast to experience
working with real artist’s materials in a professional
studio setting. These one day workshops are a great
platform for kids to understand the art making process.
Pre-registration is required one week in advance. Space
is limited.
Monday, March 16, 9am to 2pm – All About Painting
Learn different painting styles like impressionism and
realism while using professional art materials in this one
day painting workshop. Members, $36; Non-members,
$45.
Wednesday, March 18, 9am to 2pm – All About Drawing
In this one day workshop our talented instructor will
introduce different drawing techniques, including comic
book sketching and figure drawing. Members, $36;
Non-members, $45.
Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach / 904-280-0614 /
50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.
ccpvb.org
Carrie Clarke Day
March 21, 10am to 4pm
Food, music and exhibits as well as tours of the historic
Clarke House for all those that attend. Parking available
at First Baptist Orange Park. Free and open to the community.
Town of Orange Park / 904-264-2635 / Clarke House
Park, 1039 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073 / www.
townoforangepark.com
GastroFest
March 21, 11am to 10pm
GastroFest will be Jacksonville’s foremost food festival.
Restaurants, local food providers, local cookbook authors, chef demos, and tastings will all be a part of this
fest. During the day, until 4pm there will be kid-friendly
educational booths featuring urban chicken, farming,
bees and more. The event will be held in Hemming Park.
Gastrofest / Hemming Park, 303 North Laura Street,
Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.gastrofest.com
Itzhak Perlman
March 24, 7:30pm
Itzhak Perlman will perform at Jacksonville’s TimesUnion Center’s Moran Theater in one show only. Tickets
start at $42.50. FSCJ Artist Series / 904-442-2929 /
Times Union Center, Moran Theater, 300 West Water
Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.artistseriesjax.org
Stewards of Children: Child Sexual Abuse Prevention
March 26, 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Stewards of Children is a two-hour training designed
to educate adults on how to recognize, prevent and
react responsibly to the reality of child sexual abuse,
emphasizing child safety as every adult’s responsibility.
A trained adult can protect an average of 10 children
from sexual abuse. This training is designed for teachers,
ministers, after school staff, early learning staff, community members, parents, and family members.
Jacksonville Children’s Commission /904-630-7251 /
1095 A. Philip Randolph Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32206 /
jccevents.net
Finders Keepers Children’s Consignment Sale
March 26, 9am to 8pm; March 27, 9am to 5pm;
March 28, 9am to 3pm
Register online to be a consignor and/or volunteer.
Public shopping days are March 26-28, including half
price day on March 28. Admission and parking are free.
Credit cards and cash are accepted. $12 fee to consign,
payable when you register. Finders Keepers / Morocco
Shrine Center, 3800 St Johns Bluff Rd S, Jacksonville, FL
32224 / finderskeepersjax.com
Peter Cottontail Express
March 28, 10am to 4pm
The St. Marys Railroad Peter Cottontail Express excursion. Journey to the land of magic eggs and Easter
bunnies with Peter Cottontail taking center stage to ride
the return trip and host a fun Easter Egg Hunt. Tickets
for open air railcar rides are: Adults $17, Children (3-12)
$11, and Children under 2 free.
St. Marys Railroad / 912-200-5235 / 1000 Osborne
Street, St. Marys, GA, 31558 / www.stmarysrailroad.com
Publix Apron’s - Creative Kid’s Kitchen
March 28, 10am
Cooking class for kids ages 8-12, where playing with
one’s food is definitely allowed. They’ll be making edible
art while learning a few basic culinary skills. Menu:
Checkerboard Cheese Tray with Fruit and Veggie Playing Pieces; Red and White Pizza Pinwheels; Creative
Colored Eggs; Puffed Rice Cereal Treat Sushi. Cost is
$35. Register in advance. Publix Aprons Cooking School
/ 904-262-4187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville,
Florida 32257 / www.publix.com/aprons
2015 Jest Fest
March 29, 12noon to 6pm
This free family event will feature lots of performers
including World famous Circus Stars: The Flying Wallendas, Broadway and Film Star: Silent Clown Avner the
Eccentric, Arsene From Paris: Comedic Silent Clown,
Magical Mystical Michael, Ringling Bros and Barnum &
Bailey Circus Star: Johnny Peers’ Muttville Comix Dog
Show, One Man Band: Marc Dobson, Wild Cello Playing Goblin and Jester, Rushad Eggleston, 12-year-old
ventriloquist Cole Tucker, the Gainesville Homeschool
Chorus and more.
City of Gainesville / 352-393-8532 / The Historic Thomas
Center and Garden, 302 NE 6th Ave Gainesville, FL
32601 / gvlculturalaffairs.org
Test Taking Strategies That Work
March 30, 5:30pm to 6:30pm
This course will include ways to master reading skills
that can be used to reach proficiency on classroom and
standardized tests.
Victory Pointe, 6750 Ramona Blvd., Jacksonville, FL
32205 / dcps.duvalschools.org/Page/7398
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dates, times and locations
are accurate at time of publication; events
and activities listed in this guide are subject to
change without notice. Visit Jax4Kids.com for
updated information and more events!
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2015-02-12 1:38 PM