BACK-TO-SCHOOL DIRECTORIES INSIDE washingtonFAMILY.com AUGUST 2021 Smart. Local. Parenting for the DMV. Have an A+ School Year! SCHEDULING AFTER- SCHOOL ACTIVITIES WHAT INSTRUMENT SHOULD YOUR CHILD PLAY? MAKE MEALTIME LESS STRESSFUL OFFERING the best in MONTESSORI EDUCATION for 30 years Preparing students to succeed, lead and contribute to a better world. Ages 2-Grade 12 Accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year • Small class sizes. Highly trained teachers. • International community. New Leadership Program. • College prep without the stress. 6701 Wisconsin Ave. • Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-652-7751 • www.onenessfamilyschool.org CONTENTS AUGUST 2021 Did you know that the DMV is one of the nation's top apple-growing regions? Page 8 FEATURES 14 18 24 30 DEPARTMENTS FINDING THEIR RHYTHM Clarinet or trumpet? How to help your child begin their musical journey. 6 8 AFTER THE BELL After-school activities that are fun for kids don't have to be stressful for you. 10 12 OUT-THE-DOOR CHECKLIST "Don't forget your lunch!" This handy pull-out will make mornings less stressful for everyone. SIT, STAY ... SEE YOU SOON! With kids back in school and parents back to work, many pets will be alone for the first time. Let us help make the transition easier. Get your kids ready for the return to school this fall. Look inside this issue for back-to-school articles, tips and more. CALENDAR FAMILY FUN Top picks for local apple picking EDITOR’S PICKS PARENT YOU SHOULD KNOW Meet Andrea Creel, founder of Shining Kids Yoga HEALTHY FAMILY Tips for parents of picky eaters EDUCATION Beating the back-to-school blues 13 17 32 34 BOOK MARKED Reading about the return to school MY TURN When her 4-year-son needed glasses, this local mom wrote a book to cheer him up. DIRECTORIES READERS’ RESPONSES WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK We welcome your feedback on specific articles, overall themes and anything else related to editorial content. Enter your comments on the Feedback tab of our website, washingtonfamily.com. 22 PRESCHOOL/CHILD CARE 25 OPEN HOUSE 26 BACK-TO-SCHOOL Please note we reserve the right to edit or refrain from publishing comments we deem inappropriate. WashingtonFAMILY.com  3 OUR TEAM AUGUST 2021 WashingtonFAMILY.com • 301-230-2222 Craig Burke, Publisher EDITORIAL PJ Feinstein, Editor • 301-230-6696 • pfeinstein@midatlanticmedia.com Michael Vyskocil, Managing Editor • 410-902-2319 • mvyskocil@midatlanticmedia.com Katie Beecher, Staff Writer • 410-902-2328 • kbeecher@midatlanticmedia.com Eleanor Linafelt, Staff Writer • 240-432-3044 • elinafelt@midatlanticmedia.com ADVERTISING Account Executives John Crooks, Alan Gurwitz, David Pintzow, Mary Ramsdale, Ruth Rothseid, Shera Sacks, Kim Coates Schofield, Stacie Shapero, Sylvia Witaschek BUSINESS Kris Ries, Accounting Manager • 443-471-5355 • kries@midatlanticmedia.com CONTRIBUTORS Dana Cohen, Elena Epstein, Laura Farmer, Barbara Noe Kennedy, Kate Oczypok, Jennifer Rothschild, Jennifer Marino Walters CREATIVE Jay Sevidal, Graphic Deisgner James Meskunas, Digital Media Manager MID-ATLANTIC MEDIA Craig Burke, CEO/Publisher • cburke@midatlanticmedia.com Jeni Mann Tough, Director of Marketing & Custom Media • jmann@midatlanticmedia.com washingtonFA MILY.com 2021 JUNE SPECIAL FOCUS SPECIAL NEEDS ON Smart. Local. Parenting for the DMV. washingtonFA MILY.com JULY 2021 Smart. Local. Parenting Happy Father's Day! LOCAL ICE CREAM SHOPS DOCTORS AND DOULAS AND MIDWIVES, OH MY! V TES 2 021 W INN ER WHEN YOU’RE VACCINATED … BUT YOUR KIDS AREN’T LIFE AS A STAY-AT-HOME DAD THE DRIVE Advertise in our September Issue! BACK TO SCHOOL OR CALL us at 301-230-2222, EXT. 4 SMART. LOCAL. PARENTING FOR THE DMV. Print | Digital | ARE 100+ of Your Famil IN! y Favorites FAMILY THEME PARKS WORTH EMAIL us at advertising@washingtonfamily.com for the DMV. THE ACCESSIB PLAYGROUNDS LE FOR INCLUSIVE FUN WAYS TO ENGAGE IN SUMMER 2020 2020 2020 2020 Special Series Calendar of Events Family Matters Family Fun Table of Contents Single Page Design Interior Illustration ©2021 Washington Family. Washington Family is published 12 times a year by Mid-Atlantic Media, and is distributed free of charge throughout Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. 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Any reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, is strictly forbidden without expressed written permission. 11900 Parklawn Drive, Suite 300 | Rockville, MD 20852 | 301-230-2222 or 703-318-1385 | washingtonfamily.com 4  Washington FAMILY  AUGUST 2021 2020 LEARNING FIRST WORD School’s in Session PJ Feinstein Editor pfeinstein@midatlanticmedia.com Facebook @WashingtonFamilyMagazine​ Twitter @FAMILYMagDC Pinterest @familymagazine Instagram @washingtonfamilymag Email us Let us know what’s on your mind. info@thefamilymagazine.com One year ago, parents were still trying to imagine what the school year would look like for our kids. Would they be back in the classroom or still logging into Zoom? Some had already decided to homeschool, while others were coordinating learning pods with families who were being similarly cautious during the pandemic. It was a stressful time, to put it mildly. Thankfully, back-to-school season feels a lot less worrisome this year. Our kids may still have to wear masks in the building per new recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, but at least schools are planning to be open full time. Most after-school activities are also planning to offer in-person programming again. That means parents are faced with the pre-pandemic dilemma of determining how many extracurriculars our kids should be participating in. In this issue, staff writer Eleanor Linafelt looks at how kids can get the most out of after- school activities, and how to make scheduling them less stressful for parents. Are your kids at or approaching the age where they can participate in instrumental music class at school? If so, check out Laura Farmer’s story about what to consider when choosing your child’s first instrument. Hint: Your small-for-their-age kid might want to hold off on the trombone for another couple of years. With kids back in school and many parents finally returning to the office after a year and a half, our homes are going to be a lot quieter soon. What does that mean for our pets, especially the ones we adopted during the pandemic? Contributor Jennifer Marino Walters shares expert advice on minimizing our pets’ separation anxiety. Also in this issue: our favorite local orchards for apple picking, books to ease your child’s back-to-school jitters and an interview with Andrea Creel, the mompreneur behind Shining Kids Yoga. Here’s to an A+ school year! Happy reading! n ? Have questions about Car Seat Safety?? Maryland What’s the law about car seats? What’s the best car seat for my baby? Where can I get a car seat for my child? Is there a seat check near me? K ids I n S afety S eats has answers! helpline: 800-370-SEAT e-mail: MDH.kiss@maryland.gov website: www.mdkiss.org WashingtonFAMILY.com  5 TOP 10 Family Activities in August Around the DMV BY KATIE BEECHER 1 FLY DANCE COMPANY: THE GENTLEMAN OF HIP HOP School-age kids will delight in this fast-paced theatrical hip-hop dance performance at Wolftrap’s Theatre-in-the-Woods. Combining classical music and street dance, FLY aims to entertain and inform audiences. $12 for age 2 and up. wolftrap.org 4 AUG. 12-14 JULY 30–AUG. 16 STEP AFRIKA! CIRCO VAZQUEZ After a year hiatus, Circo Vazquez is hitting the road again and bringing its spectacular show to Tysons. Under a vibrant pink and blue big top tent, kids of all ages can enjoy acrobats, trapeze artists, musicians, jugglers and more. $25-$80. circovazquez.com 2 3 AUG. 11 After catching a Step Afrika! Performance at the Kennedy Center, join the fun by participating in a variety of free lessons in stepping, the South African gumboot dance and more. Free. kennedy-center.org AUG. 6, 13 & 20 STORIES FROM THE PAST Little learners can enjoy history-themed stories and crafts Friday mornings at Alexandria’s Lee-Fendall House Museum and Garden, which dates back to 1785. $6 per child. leefendallhouse.org 6  Washington FAMILY  AUGUST 2021 5 AUG. 13-21 MONTGOMERY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR The fair is back for its 72nd year at the Montgomery County Agricultural Center in Gaithersburg, with farm animals, carnival rides, Grandstand entertainment (don’t miss the Monster Trucks!) and delicious fried treats. $15 onsite, $12 online, free for children 11 and under. mcagfair.org 1 KRIMZOYA / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS; 2 SMARTBOY10 / DIGITALVISION VECTORS; 3 EVGENIYA GAYDAROVA / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS; 4 KATYAU / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS; 5 VLADISLAV KLOK / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS CALENDAR 6 JOHN1179 / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS; 7 MALCHEV / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS; 8 ENJOYNZ / DIGITALVISION VECTORS;; 9 TIGATELU / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS; 10 ARTPHOTO13 / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS 6 AUG. 15 MONTGOMERY PARKS FAMILY FISHING FUN Whether you’re an expert angler or a fishing novice, this nature program at Black Hill Regional Park in Boyds offers fishing options for the whole family. Bring your own gear or borrow fishing poles at the lake. $12. montgomeryparks.org 8 CALENDAR 7 AUG. 20–22 AWESOME CON JR. Awesome Con, D.C.’s own Comic Con, includes interactive activities for the next generation of geek culture fans — cosplay parades, drawing lessons, lightsaber training, superhero yoga and more — at Walter E. Washington Convention Center. $15 per kids ticket. awesome-con.com 9 AUG. 22 HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS SPREAD GAME TOUR The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their basketball tricks and comedy hijinks to the Capital One Arena in D.C. for a performance that’ll keep fans of all ages at the edge of their stadium seats. $18-$160. harlemglobetrotters.com AUG. 25 & 26 DINOSAUR EXPLORE Future paleontologists will love this two-day outdoor program for preschoolers, featuring creative lessons on dinosaur fossils, feathers, food and more, at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale. $36 per child. fairfaxcounty.gov 10 AUG. 28 LIVING EARTH FAMILY DAY This virtual event from the National Museum of the American Indian in D.C. is a celebration of summer, with various nature-inspired crafts and a sunflower paint-along. Free. americanindian.si.edu WashingtonFAMILY.com  7 DMV’s FAMILY FUN THE BY BARBARA NOE KENNEDY Best Apple-Picking Orchards Fall’s impending arrival means cooler temps, colorful autumn foliage … and apple picking! The DMV just happens to be one of the nation’s top apple-growing regions, with a plethora of orchards offering pick-your-own apples, along with other family-friendly festivities. There are ladders to climb, corn mazes to get lost in and apple pies to devour. But not all orchards are made the same. Here are some of the best to ensure family memories of a lifetime. (Note: All locations are following current COVID-related mandates.) Butler’s Orchard, Germantown, Maryland People drive miles and miles to pick fruit, vegetables and flowers (and Christmas trees!) at this popular 350-acre farm in Montgomery County. Apple picking, of course, is the star of the show from mid-September to mid-October, when six varieties of apples are ripe on the branches, including Autumn Gala (which was discovered right here in Maryland). Part of the fun is the farm market, the 5-acre farm park with its cute animals and The Farmer’s Porch cafe. Before heading home, be sure to stock up on fresh-made apple cider, cider donuts and apple pie. butlersorchard.com Admission is $3 per person, age 2 and up. Reservations are required. Closed Mondays. 8  Washington’s FAMILY  AUGUST 2021 Waters Orchard, Germantown, Maryland There aren’t a lot of bells and whistles at this pretty family farm in Germantown, which focuses solely on apples — 16 varieties of them — between September and November. It’s all about the fresh air, country beauty, family fun … and tractor rides. Be sure to check the website ahead of time to see which apples are ready for picking. An added perk is the nearby Doc Waters Cidery, where you and your family can sip apple juices (and hard ciders) produced from the orchard’s apples. Snacks and food trucks are available, or bring your own picnic. watersorchard.com No admission fee, but pay for an empty bag upon arriving that you will fill with your choice of apples. Cash only. Closed Monday-Thursday. Great Country Farms, Bluemont, Virginia This super picturesque farm in Loudoun County offers a variety of fruit picking spring through fall, but come September into early October, it’s all about the apples — more than 40 different kinds of them. And here’s an interesting fact: all of their trees are dwarf trees, making picking easy even for the little ones. The Corn Maze and Apple Harvest festival happens throughout September, with additional activities on weekends, including marshmallow roasting, cider press demonstrations and live family-friendly music. The farm’s newest addition is Henway Hard Cider Company, producing hard ciders from orchard apples and offering al fresco dining and cider-sipping by a placid pond. greatcountryfarms.com Tickets are $10/child and $12/adult on weekdays, and $14/child and $16/adult on weekends. Open daily. Advance tickets are recommended on weekends. Crooked Run Orchard, Purcellville, Virginia The Brown family has tended this vegetable and fruit farm in Loudoun County for 250-plus years, with apples one of its mainstays (some of the trees date back to 1760!). A minimal amount of chemicals is used in the growing process, making this a healthy choice. You and your kids will love hanging out with farm animals, walking the nature trail and lingering over lunch at one of the picnic tables (BYO picnic basket). Check the Facebook page for current offerings, or call 540-338-6642. facebook.com/CrookedRunOrchard/ No ticket price or reservations needed, but it is cash only for the crops. Closed Monday-Thursday. PHILIP STEUR / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS West Oaks Farm & Market, Winchester, Virginia Virginia is the nation’s sixth largest producer of apples, with the Shenandoah Valley being the epicenter, and this 200-acre Frederick County farm has been in the Snapp family for 10 generations— since the early 1700s! They began selling produce 15 years ago, with the farm market opening in 2018. Last year apple picking was added to the mix, meaning this pick-your-own experience is likely to be less crowded than others, since word is just getting out. Ten varieties of apples are grown, with the most popular being Honeycrisp. There’s also a corn maze with 3 miles of paths and live music events on the weekends. westoaksfarm-market.com No ticket price or reservations needed. Open daily. WashingtonFAMILY.com  9 HERE’S WHAT WE’RE LOVING FOR KIDS THIS MONTH BY ELENA EPSTEIN, DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL PARENTING PRODUCT AWARDS For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com Cry Babies Goodnight Starry Sky This Cry Babies toy makes realistic baby sounds and cries LED tears when you remove its pacifier. Press her belly; she’ll turn any room into a magical starry night sky by projecting a moon and stars design. Kids can also fall asleep to the sounds of five different lullabies that play more than 10 minutes of soothing music. $19.99, ages 18 months+, imctoys.com Design & Drill Bolt Buddies First Responders Use the kid-friendly power drill to snap the pieces together, then race into endless pretend- play fun with a fire truck, police motorcycle or rescue helicopter. The sustainable packaging transforms into a reusable play set, which becomes part of the playtime experience and features color-in graphics that spark kids’ creativity. $21.99-$39.99, ages 3+, educationalinsights.com Super Mario Aquabeads Creation Cube Set Place the beads on the provided templates, spray with water and watch as the beads magically fuse together to create Super Mario art. Using the included design pegs, your child can attach the bead design to the base to act out scenes. The creation kit includes more than 2,500 solid, jewel and star beads in 30 vibrant colors. $39.99, ages 4+, epocheverlastingplay.com 10  Washington FAMILY  AUGUST 2021 TETIANA GARKUSHA / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS EDITOR’S PICKS “Spanish for Kids: La Música” Pack your bags for a musical adventure around the world. Join María and a playful group of peers as they embark on a fun-filled journey from Spain to Latin America. Dance to lively Spanish melodies, explore vibrant places and meet a colorful cast of characters. $12.99, ages 1-10, whistlefritz.com “A Smart Girl’s Guide: Race & Inclusion” Discovery: Rocks and Gems Learn how various rocks and gems are formed as well as their uses. Use the six rock and gem samples to get your collection started. This fun learning kit features a slide-out tray printed with rock names and a poster for young collectors to categorize their finds. From sparkling gemstones to molten lava, this introduction to the world of rocks and gems is a must-have item for any future geologist. $17.99, ages 6-8, silverdolphinbooks.com Give kids the tools and techniques to gain racial fluency, normalize the conversation around race, question biases and take positive action individually and collectively. Tips, quizzes, questions and challenges provide practical ways for readers to learn and implement the concepts right away. $12.99, ages 10+, americangirl.com The Imagine Neighborhood Podcast Each episode tells an original, fantastical and hilarious story, but it also tackles the big feelings that come with growing up. Through the use of metaphor, the series explores topics such as fear, frustration and responsibility, as well as real-life serious issues including race and diversity, dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and cyberbullying. Free, ages 5-8, imagineneighborhood.org Math Sprint: The Mental Math Game This educational board game for kids boosts addition, subtraction, multiplication and division skills. $29.97, ages 7+, byronsgames.com Magna-Tiles: Animal Series These distinctive animals are ready for your child’s next adventure in creativity and learning. Match animals to their footprints and build new and exciting environments. The figures are compatible with all Magna-Tiles sets and feature fun new characters, colors and patterns. $39.99, ages 3+, magnatiles.com WashingtonFAMILY.com  11 PARENT YOU SHOULD KNOW A Conversation with Andrea Creel, Founder of Shining Kids Yoga BY PJ FEINSTEIN and it isn’t just for flexible or athletic people,” says Andrea Creel, founder of Shining Kids Yoga. “It can be adapted to meet the needs of all people in all places.” Creel, who lives in Rockville with her son Quinn, 13, teaches 20 kids yoga classes a week. But as a business owner, her responsibilities don’t end when she rolls up her yoga mat. “I wear many hats as part of my job,” she says. “I also create class schedules, hire and train instructors, manage registrations, coordinate with school administrators and PTAs and handle our social media accounts.” Washington FAMILY spoke to Creel about the benefits of yoga and the highs and lows of being a mom entrepreneur. When did you decide to start Shining Kids Yoga, and how has your business grown over the years? yoga, the greater the benefits. However, even a few minutes per day or one class per week makes a difference. Does your son enjoy yoga, too? He does like yoga! When he was younger, he practiced yoga with me and attended a lot of my yoga classes and events. Now that he’s a teenager, he’s more focused on his own interests and activities, like art, theater and video games. I love watching him perform onstage and exploring his talents and passions. We also like exploring new towns and places nearby. Somehow many of our explorations end with us finding new ice cream shops like Rocky Point Creamery in Point of Rocks and Woodbourne Creamery in Mount Airy. started teaching after-school yoga classes at my son’s elementary school in Rockville. The class was so popular that I started to hear from other schools and PTAs that wanted yoga classes to be a part of their after-school enrichment programs. Eventually, there were so many schools interested in after-school yoga programming that I hired additional teachers and Shining Kids Yoga really started to expand! In 2019, I created the Shining Kids Yoga Teacher Training Program to guide a new generation of kids yoga teachers. And this year, I released my first yoga book for kids, “Mystery Pose: A Yoga Guessing Game,” and created f you’re looking for Shining Kids Yoga, several yoga card games so that kids could have you won’t find it on Google Maps. The fun practicing yoga at home and with friends. Washington FAMILY Best for Families I love finding new ways to help children 2020 “Best Children’s Yoga Classes” experience the joys and benefits of yoga. winner doesn’t have a studio or a storefront. Instead, Shining Kids Yoga provides yoga What are some of those enrichment programming at elementary benefits? schools, preschools and daycare centers across Oh, there are so many! Benefits of yoga include Montgomery County, Maryland. It also offers increased focus and concentration, self- online classes, a necessary addition during awareness, self-acceptance, strength, flexibility the pandemic. and emotional self-regulation. As with most “Yoga doesn’t just happen in a yoga studio, things, the more frequently a child practices I 12  Washington FAMILY  AUGUST 2021 Being a business owner often means working odd hours, always being “on the clock” and always having something else that needs to be done. As is a common experience for many parents, I sometimes stay up late to finish everything, but I try to remember to set aside time to do fun things together with my son and take a break from work because there’s always something more that could be done. Of course, there are many benefits, too. One benefit that has been really meaningful to me is that I have been able to carve out time in my schedule to volunteer at my son’s school, and I have been very active with the PTA. If I was working a traditional 9-5 job, I don’t know that I would have had the flexibility to do this. Childhood goes by so quickly, and it has been important to me to have this ability to play an active role at my son’s school and be there when he needs me. Do you have a mantra? “You are whole, perfect, and complete exactly as you are.” I tell this to my adult and child yoga students, and I remind myself of this, too. n PROVIDED BY ANDREA CREEL What are some of the challenges of being a mother Shining Kids Yoga began in 2014 when I and a business owner? HEALTHY FAMILY Make Mealtime Less Stressful Local experts offer tips for parents of picky eaters BY KATE OCZYPOK Start small P arents deal with all sorts of child- related frustrations throughout the day, but frustration at mealtimes can be a whole other level of exasperation. “It’s easy to feel defeated and focus on what the kids aren’t eating,” says Jennifer Anderson, a registered dietician and founder of Kids Eat in Color, a local resource with 1.4 million Instagram followers. “Feeding kids is a long game, though.” Anderson recommends serving micro portions of new foods — about the size of a pinky nail — to reduce a child’s anxiety about it and to reduce waste. Even with such tiny portions, “it can take many exposures to a new food, sometimes hundreds, before a child tries it,” she says. Have safe foods While it is important for parents to expose children to different foods Hart recommends serving at least two foods at each meal that you know your child will eat. Anderson echoes this sentiment, saying it’s important to always include a safe food at meals to prevent table tension. “A meal consisting of all new foods or foods that are hit-or-miss for your child can cause stress,” she says. “Make it a habit to make meals that usually include familiar non-familiar foods.” Make it flavorful “Parents tend to go for more bland foods, but kids like spicy, tasty foods,” Hart says. She recommends offering young children food in all different flavors, including spicy, bitter and sour. Put them to work “The more your child invests in the preparation of your meal, the more likely he or she will be excited to try it,” says Ju. She suggests taking children grocery shopping, letting them pick out a new fruit or vegetable and then finding an interesting recipe to try together. Look for signs Although many kids dismiss certain foods because they don’t like the taste, some refuse to eat them because of how they feel afterward. If you notice a pattern of physical ailments after they eat a certain food or food group, try eliminating the food in question and then reintroducing it to determine the source of the problem, says Ju. “If you have serious food-related concerns, a discussion with your pediatrician or a registered dietician is always in order,” she adds. Classic examples of something more serious include physical ailments such as diarrhea, loose stool, excessive gas, stomach upset or pain and skin issues like hives. “If the child acts out after eating something he or she didn’t like, but then acts fine when presented with other foods, chances are it’s more of a preference,” says Nancy Piho, a registered dietician nutritionist at Good Food Nutrition Group. “The body doesn’t lie when it’s an allergy, intolerance or sensitivity, so be sure to look for signs and patterns.” n WashingtonFAMILY.com  13 CLARKANDCOMPANY / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS First, it’s important to remember that most children are a bit picky, especially around age two, according to Mandy Hart, a pediatric speech-language pathologist and drama therapist in Bethesda, Maryland. One of Hart’s specializations is feeding disorders. “If a kid doesn’t like foods like broccoli, cauliflower or lettuce, that’s okay,” she says. “Kids are allowed to have personal preferences.” That said, kids’ preferences are often fickle; sometimes there’s no rhyme or reason to them. Christine Ju, a registered dietician nutritionist in Washington, D.C., and part of the Good Food Nutrition Group, advises parents not to give up. “As parents, we all get frustrated when our kids don’t eat something we want them to eat after multiple attempts,” she says. “Sometimes, if a child rejects a food once, the parents assume that the food is forever banned, but that’s not the case at all.” Finding Rh yth m Ho w ins to he trum lp y BY e LA nt a our UR A F nd AR ME fos R ter child c a lif elo hoose ng love a mus of m ical usi c 14  Washington FAMILY  AUGUST 2021 IRAIDA_BEARLALA / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS Their Register Now for Fall! or the Withers family of Abingdon, Maryland, the house rule is if you want to live here, you have to learn to play a musical instrument. “We said, ‘We don’t care which instrument. Just pick one you like!’” says Cheri Withers, a mother of two school-aged children. Like many musically inclined families, Cheri and her husband Jared believe that learning to play an instrument and eventually performing in an ensemble foster valuable life skills, such as perseverance, the ability to work with others and self-esteem. But what’s the Withers’ most important reason? It’s fun! “I played in my school band and later, as an adult, learned to play the mandolin. I wish I had a little more training to be able to play at a higher level,” says Jared, who has performed in a bluegrass band as an adult and continues to jam with his neighbors. “I’d like my children to get enough training so that they can feel confident on their instruments and enjoy making music with others.” Their eldest daughter, Elliott, dabbled in learning the piano for a few months before she finally landed on the instrument that seems like a fit: classical guitar. But like most young musicians, it’s a long road from the first tentative plucks of the guitar strings to effortless playing with an ensemble. “With guitar, kids may have to practice for several days to build the dexterity to correctly fret a string with their finger,” explains Jared. “There was a learning curve just to be able to play an easy song.” LESSONS FOR ALL AGES THEATER PROGRAMS Private & Semi-Private Lessons Nurturing & Experienced Teachers Traditional & Suzuki Methods Recitals & Competitions Theater Kids (Ages 5-7) Rising Stars! (Ages 8-12) MAIN STAGE (Ages 10+) Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Guitar, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Voice GROUP MUSIC LESSONS Available for Piano, Guitar & Violin BABY BEATS Before your kid embarks down the path of learning to play music, you can do many things to prepare them for the journey. Just ask Michelle Urzynicok, a professional musician who plays the E-flat clarinet as a master sergeant for the U.S. Marine Band. “I’m a huge proponent for the early childhood music programs,” says Urzynicok. “For example, I did Music Together with my kids, and it was amazing! They were exposed to world music. They got to move around. The kids didn’t have to behave; they just got to have a lot of fun. It was important to me that their first exposure to and participation in music be fun!” She also advocates looking for opportunities to expose children to live music. “Take advantage of anything in your community,” she advises. “The major orchestra in your city has children’s concerts that are often free or very inexpensive. It’s very different to experience live music instead of watching a screen. There’s so much more energy!” 2 019 W IN N ER SCHOOL SOUNDS In elementary school, your child will likely receive general music classes once or twice per week. By second or third grade, most school music Washington FAMILY The Area’s Leader in STEM Education Winner for Best STEM Program for the 2nd consecutive year Please call 301-770-4370 to learn more! Preschool-8th Grade www.feynmanschool.org WashingtonFAMILY.com  15 programs teach students how to play the recorder, a simple musical instrument in the woodwind family. Through learning to play notes and read music on this basic instrument, budding young musicians are laying the groundwork to learn to play other more complex orchestral and band instruments. Around fourth grade, students usually have the opportunity to choose an instrument and participate in the school band. This choice can often be difficult. Which one to choose? What is the best fit? The good news is that choosing an instrument doesn’t need to be complicated. “If your child gravitates toward a certain instrument, let them play that instrument!” says Urzynicok. “Too often, I see parents negotiate: ‘If you play this certain instrument for a few years, then we’ll let you play the instrument you actually want to play.’” According to Dr. Miles Brown, assistant professor of string bass and jazz at the University of Delaware, there’s no wrong answer, especially by the time the kids are in their later elementary school years. “When kids are much younger, some of the easier instruments to learn are violin, piano, classical guitar or the drums,” says Brown. “Some of the brass instruments are heavy, and younger kids may not have the strength to hold them. But by third or fourth grade, they should have the stamina to play any instrument, especially when instruments are sized appropriately.” Brown should know. He plays the giant of the orchestra, the bass, with the nationally recognized contemporary chamber orchestra Alarm Will Sound. Most elementary-aged kids could barely reach the top of Brown’s standard size bass, let alone play it. But that’s where finding the proper fit becomes important, since many fourth graders can manage a quarter-sized bass. For this reason, parents of young musicians may consider renting their child’s first instruments so that they can size up as their child grows. HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRIVATE MUSIC TEACHER? For younger musicians, finding a teacher with an impressive resume is less important than finding one who works well with your child. According to Jenine Brown of the Peabody Institute, “When my friends ask me who they should hire as a private teacher, I ask, ‘Well, what kind of teacher do they gravitate toward at school? Do they like a more structured teacher, or do they run to greet the one who is more warm and friendly?’ Find one whose personality is a good fit for your child.” Don’t get discouraged if your child needs to switch teachers a few times until you find the right fit. n MAKING MUSIC After your child has chosen an instrument, you can help them succeed at learning to make music. First, their school music teacher is a great resource. She or he will usually work with your child a few times per week in individual and small group lessons. Typically, teachers and students work toward a final concert. If you find that your child is energized by their music studies, you might consider hiring a private instructor. More frequent one-on-one instruction will help them progress more quickly. The local preparatory programs, colleges or orchestras in your area are a good place to begin your search for a private teacher. Both private teachers and school music programs usually encourage young musicians to practice outside of school. Making time for this extra practice can be challenging, given all of the other extracurricular activities that most families are already managing. But according to Jenine Brown, assistant professor of music at the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, it doesn’t have to be. She is also a mother of two school-aged musicians and understands that the struggle to encourage practicing is real. “I am not ashamed to say little 16  Washington FAMILY  AUGUST 2021 candies go a long way! Bribery doesn’t hurt anybody. Honestly that is the number one go-to that works,” she says with a laugh. “I don’t think a 7-year-old can necessarily see the endgame 20 years from now. My daughter loves playing and is proud of her progress, but day-to-day practice is hard. You should also keep in mind the attention span of a younger child: Just 10 minutes per day may be enough for a beginning musician.” The Withers family also unashamedly embraces bribery to encourage young Elliott’s progress. Together, they agree on a daily practice set list. When she completes the set, they mark her practice chart. When she completely fills in her practice chart, she gets a prize. “It’s amazing!” Cheri Withers says. “A $5 stuffed animal bought us a whole month’s worth of practicing!” And, apparently, it’s paying off. “Most of her lessons this last year were virtual (due to COVID-19), but her progress has been remarkable,” says Cheri. “She’s having fun, and we’re so proud of how much she’s already learned.”  T Dive into Fall with Early Learning Academies Now Open! • Registration fee waived for new families • Serving children from 6 weeks to 12 years • Two convenient locations: Ashburn and Sterling Learn more or schedule a tour: elacommunity.com Early Learning Academy EDUCATION Back-to-School Blues? How to Navigate Family Feelings About Returning to School navigate their feelings work just as well with adults. Consider these three tips to help your children (and yourself) manage emotions during the transition back to school. Plan ahead The fear of the unknown can be stressful. Children who aren’t able to clearly articulate their feelings likely won’t be able to make the connection between new, uncertain situations – like going to school and being around other people – and their feelings. Instead they may become overwhelmed by emotions, which might look like more meltdowns, clinginess or a variety of other behaviors. Talk with your children about how they feel about going back to school ahead of the first day of class. Ask questions to help them determine why they feel particular feelings when they think about school then work together to solve potential issues. That could mean finding a way to meet your children’s teachers ahead of time, whether virtually or in-person, or practicing introducing themselves to classmates. Build a consistent routine “It’s important to remember that even in the best of times, it’s normal for children to express feelings of sadness, isolation or stress.” W hether it’s your child’s first day of kindergarten or the start of middle school, back-to-school season can bring a range of feelings – from worry to excitement – for the entire family. This year may be more emotional as many families spent the better part of the past two school years at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s important to remember that even in the best of times, it’s normal for children to express feelings of sadness, isolation or stress,” says Tyreca Elliott, from KinderCare Learning Centers’ inclusion services team. “Learning how to address those feelings helps us build self-confidence, resilience and independence. What’s important is the way adults respond to children’s stress. Offering comfort, reassurance and assisting with problem solving will help children learn and grow from stress in a positive way.” As an added bonus, Elliott says many of the most effective ways to help children learn to Routines can give children (and adults) a sense of security and structure, which in turn make it easier to cope with big emotions like stress and anxiety. Try to stay consistent, and if you need to make adjustments, talk them through with your children. Be sure to mention key milestones instead of times, particularly if they can’t tell time yet. Make sure your children have opportunities to ask questions about any changes to routines. They may need reassurance before they’re ready to face something new. Create special family moments As important as routine is, it’s just as important to prioritize quality time together. That could mean a vacation or something as simple as Saturday bike rides or Sunday morning pancakes. Plan a family outing or special time together to celebrate completing the first week of school. Family rituals and celebrations can give children and adults something to look forward to. Quality time together also helps families build resiliency. — FAMILY FEATURES n WashingtonFAMILy.com  17 After the Bell BY ELEANOR LINAFELT 18  Washington FAMILY  AUGUST 2021 THE IMPORTANCE OF AFTER- SCHOOL PROGRAMS AND KEEPING THEM STRESS-FREE Even though your kids would probably dispute the numbers , 80% of a young person’s life is spent outside of school. The summer accounts for some of that time, but much of it occurs in the hours after school is done for the day. How kids spend that time matters. Some parents choose to enroll their children in structured programs, which can include anything from sports to art classes to music. But exactly how important are after-school programs? What should you look for when choosing the right ones for your kids, and what are some ways to manage the inevitable stresses of FATCAMERA / GETTY IMAGES / E+ scheduling? WashingtonFAMILY.com  19 Ellie Mitchell, the executive director of the Maryland Out of School Time Network, says that after-school programs allow kids to interact with each other more casually than they are able to in school. “There is more space and time in after-school for kids to be kids together,” Mitchell says. “Free play, imagination and creativity goes on in those spaces that structured time in the school day doesn’t often allow for.” Due to the relative freedom of after-school programs, they are often environments where kids discover their passions. “People frequently say in their reflections on their own after-school experience that that is where they found the thing they fell in love with,” Mitchell says. “Often they are introduced to the passion in an informal learning setting rather than the formal, because you have that freedom to explore it in a way that has less pressure attached to it.” To find out what they like, kids should be introduced to a variety of activities. In the early years, Mitchell recommends parents choose a variety of programs for their children, but eventually young people can EXPANDING PRIMARY PROGRAM EXPLORE • WONDER • GROW Now Enrolling Ages 2 to 6 Toddler Program • Before & After Care Montessori Kindergarten & Preschool Advanced Academic Curriculum McLean, VA • 703-356-5437 • www.brooksfieldschool.org 20  Washington FAMILY  AUGUST 2021 pursue what they’re interested in. Dr. Kaushal Amatya, pediatric psychologist for the divisions of nephrology and cardiology at Children’s National Hospital and professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at the George Washington University School of Medicine, says it is important to encourage kids to focus on what they’re good at. But that shouldn’t be the only factor. “Parents should try to understand what they see as some skills that the children are developing,” Amatya says, “and try to harness those by getting the children more involved “There is more space and time in after-school for kids to be kids together.” P. 16-17; IRINA CHEREMISINOVA / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS ELLIE MITCHELL in the things that they seem to be naturally gravitating toward.” However, he adds, “after- school activities don’t always have to be something that they’re good at, or something that they need to excel in — in fact, it shouldn’t always be like that.” Jessica Boro, a parent of three who lives in Potomac, Maryland, believes it’s important for her kids try out a variety of activities, even those that they don’t show a natural flair for right off the bat. But she also recognizes the challenges this can bring. Her 7-year-old daughter, for example, is sometimes discouraged when her soccer team loses, and gets turned off by the competitive aspects of sports. “There is some stress that comes with it,” Boro says. In order to relieve some of this stress, Amatya recommends paying close attention to how you schedule these activities. While he recognizes that it can be difficult to coordinate schedules for kids enrolled in after-school programs most afternoons because their parents work or have other commitments, ideally competitive activities should be limited to once or twice a week. “If it’s something that the children are expected to excel in or compete in,” he says, “daily or even a few times a week might be a little too much, especially for elementary school kids.” To preserve their “family sanity,” Boro and her husband decided to have each of their children participate in one activity per season. With three kids, this helps them balance everyone’s schedules and still have quality time to spend together as a family. But how you schedule the kids’ after- school activities isn’t just important for them: Parents also need to minimize their own commitments and stress for the sake of the whole family, according to Dr. Consuelo Cagande, division chief of the Community Care and Wellness Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “I strongly feel that the best way children can manage many demands is learning from their parents or adults,” she says. “Parents need to be self-aware of their own over- commitment and model good self-care. It’s OK to not do everything just because another child is doing it.” While there can be stresses associated with her kids’ after-school activities, ultimately Boro is grateful for the unique social opportunities they grant. For one, being on the soccer team has allowed her daughter to make friends with kids who aren’t in her class at school and who she wouldn’t have met otherwise. “I like the community aspect of it for them,” Boro says. “That’s the good part of any of the after-school programs: They are a way for kids to do an activity that’s structured, but also be able to be kids.”  T Puppet Shows Puppet Shows Puppet Shows Occasions For Occasions All Occasions For For All All (703) 444-9426 (703) 444-9426 (703)444-9426 Large and and colorful • Large marionettes and colorful marionettes • • Large colorful marionettes hand puppets puppets and hand puppets and and hand Lively music music • Lively music • • Lively • • Audience participation Audience participation • Audience participation • • Puppet-making Puppet-making workshops • workshops Puppet-making workshops • • Goody Goody bags bags • Goody bags Susan Wall's Susan Wall's www.carouselpuppets.com www.carouselpuppets.com PayYourNanny.com We’re here to help families Payyournanny.com provides payroll and tax compliance services to household employers (703) 819-9796 byudd@payyournanny.com payyournanny.com (703) The 819-9796 Center for (703) 819-9796 Ballet Arts Register Now Fall Registration Begins August 1st Ballet . Pointe . Modern . Jazz Tap . Pilates . Kinderballet Ages 3 thru Adults 3955 Pender Drive, Suite 105 Fairfax, VA 22030•703.273.5344•thecenterforballetarts.com WashingtonFAMILY.com  21 PRESCHOOL/CHILD CARE GUIDE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CHESTERBROOK ACADEMY chesterbrookacademy.com 866-267-5685 26 locations throughout the DMV FEYNMAN SCHOOL feynmanschool.org info@feynmanschool.org 301-770-4370 11810 Falls Road, Potomac, Md. The area’s leader in educating academically gifted children, Feynman School features extraordinary Chesterbrook Academy preschools combine programs in science, math, language arts, theater learning experiences and structured play in a and music designed to maximize your young fun, safe and nurturing environment - offering far child’s potential while at the same time providing more than just child care. Preschool is the first opportunities for unstructured play. We offer both introduction to a lifetime of learning, a journey that half- and full-day preschool programs. should start off on the right foot. We help children discover, explore and learn to their GEORGETOWN HILL EARLY SCHOOL fullest potential. MARYLAND 2021 Preschool and Child Care Guide BARRIE SCHOOL barrie.org/preschool admission@barrie.org Ages: 18 months+; 301-576-2800 13500 Layhill Road, Silver Spring, Md. Beginning at age 18 months, we provide a safe and secure environment that cherishes the uniqueness of each child and integrates a hands-on Montessori approach. Guided by our experienced teachers, children learn independence and build confidence. THE BETHESDA MONTESSORI SCHOOL bethesdamontessori.com admissions@bethesdamontessori.com 301-986-1260 7611 Clarendon Road, Bethesda, Md. Ages: 3-6 BMS, established in 1983, is located in the heart of Bethesda, offering two years of preschool and a Kindergarten year. Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m., AMI trained teachers, art, French & computer offered, and after school activities. CHESTERBROOK ACADEMY chesterbrookacademy.com 877-959-3746 20 locations throughout the DMV Ages: Infants - Grade 5 georgetownhill.com 14901 Dufief Mill Road, North Potomac, Md. With a “Play. Learning. Arts. Nurturing.” approach to teaching, we’ve found that children thrive in an educational environment at Georgetown Hill. LITTLE BUDS littleleaves.org/littlebuds info@littleleaves.org 202-420-8359 9727 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md. The Little Buds Program is a center-based ABA program for young children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder run in a preschool-like setting. It is designed for children up to age 6 who have been recommended for intensive ABA services. ONENESS-FAMILY SCHOOL onenessfamilymontessorischool.org Ages 2-Grade 8; 301-652-7751 6701 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md. Oneness-Family School has been providing the very best in Montessori education since 1988. Our unique program focuses on both character and curriculum, offering a diverse international community founded on values within an academically rich environment. This enables us to prepare our students to be the global leaders of tomorrow who can think in creative and dynamic ways for an everchanging world. Our preschool and school-age programs combine learning experiences and structured play in a fun, safe and nurturing environment – offering far more than just child care. We have 20 locations in the Washington D.C. area. Call today to schedule a tour! SPRING BILINGUAL MONTESSORI ACADEMY spring-bilingual.org sbmaoffice@yahoo.com 301-962-7262 3514 Plyers Mill Road, Kensington, Md. CRESTVIEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL crestviewmontessori.com info@crestviewmontessori.com Ages: 2-6; 301-910-4728 4728 Western Ave., Bethesda, Md. Founded in 1967, Spring Bilingual Montessori Academy has innovated and refined the concept of integrating a Montessori education with the acquisition of proficiency in a second language. We are open year-round for academic programs and summer camps. Children enter Crestview at age 2 1/2, often as their first school experience, and depart after kindergarten as confident and self-assured young children. 22  WashingtonFAMILY  AUGUST 2021 VIRGINIA A CHILD’S PLACE achildsplaceinc.com 703-698-8050 3100 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, Va. A Child’s Place in Fairfax was established in 1981. We take children 8 weeks to 5 years old. Please stop by for a visit. BROOKSFIELD SCHOOL brooksfieldschool.org info@brooksfieldschool.org; Ages: 2-6 703-356-5437 1830 Kirby Road, McLean, Va. Spanish, organic gardening, art, dance, music, mindfulness and summer camp. CAMPAGNA EARLY LEARNING CENTER AT ST. JAMES campagnacenter.org/programs/ early-childhood pshannon@campagnacenter.org 571-982-3924 5140 Fillmore Ave., Alexandria, Va. CHESTERBROOK ACADEMY chesterbrookacademy.com 866-267-5685 26 locations throughout the DMV Chesterbrook Academy preschools combine learning experiences and structured play in a fun, safe and nurturing environment - offering far more than just child care. Preschool is the first introduction to a lifetime of learning, a journey that should start off on the right foot. We help children discover, explore and learn to their fullest potential. THE GRIFFIN ACADEMY OF WESTMINSTER SCHOOL westminsterschool.com klee@westminsterschool.com 703-340-7268; Ages: 3-4 3819 Gallows Road, Annandale, Va. The Griffin Academy of Westminster School provides a safe, creative, and loving environment in which children ages 3 and 4 can thrive. The preschool day is structured to have an equal balance of play and structure. GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI guidepostmontessori.com/ northern-virginia 866-202-8593 24328 Marrwood Drive, Aldie, Va. 42945 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, Va. 4550 Walney Road, Chantilly, Va. 13251 Woodland Park Road, Herndon, Va. Ages: Infant to elementary Guidepost Montessori in Loudoun and Fairfax PRESCHOOL/CHILD CARE GUIDE counties is among a growing, worldwide network of schools that offer language immersion for ages infant through elementary. HOLLY BROOK MONTESSORI SCHOOL preschoolmontessori.com info@hollybrookmontessori.com 703-573-7800; Ages: 3-6 2455 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, Va. Children learn in an intimate and unpretentious atmosphere, where they respect themselves and others and care for the environment around them. We offer a complete educational and social environment and utilize the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori. HUNTER MILL MONTESSORI SCHOOL preschoolmontessori.com info@huntermillmontessori.com 703-938-7755; Ages: 2.9-6 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, Va. Hunter Mill Montessori School provides an intimate and nurturing environment for 2.9-6 year olds to develop their independence through the Montessori experience. We offer a complete educational and social environment and utilize the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori. LITTLE BUDS littleleaves.org/littlebuds; info@ littleleaves.org 202-420-8359 Reston, VA: 11480 Sunset Hills Road, Va. The Little Buds Program is a center-based ABA program for young children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder run in a preschool-like setting. It is designed for children up to age 6 who have been recommended for intensive ABA services. MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CEDAR LANE preschoolmontessori.com info@cedarlanemontessori.com Ages: 3-6; 703-560-4379 3035 Cedar Ln., Fairfax, Va. Montessori School of Cedar Lane has been providing over 45 years of Montessori tradition to Northern Virginia. We offer a complete educational and social environment and utilize the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori to help the child develop more fully the potential within him. MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA msnv.org; info@msnv.org 703-992-0255 Dynamic sales professional needed to join our growing media company! Mid-Atlantic Media (MAM), publisher of Washington Family, Washington Jewish Week, Montgomery Magazine and Consumer’s Eye among others, is seeking a new business development advertising sales professional to join our team of revenue hunters. Valleybrook: 3433 Rose Ln. Falls Church, Va. At the Montessori School of Northern Virginia, we want the delight of discovery to last a lifetime. MSNV provides authentic Montessori education for children ages 2-12. From preprimary through elementary, our learning environment is designed to directly benefit social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. NYSMITH SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED nysmith.com; ebalberde@nysmith.com 703-713-3332; Ages: 3 years-Grade 8. 12625 EDS Drive, Herndon, Va. Family owned and operated since 1983, 620+ children. 1:9 teacher-student ratio, award winning. Daily individualized reading & math, science, computers, logic & foreign language. Loving atmosphere with an exciting curriculum. PINECREST SCHOOL pinecrestschool.org; admissions@ pinecrestschool.org Ages: 3-4; 703-354-3446 7209 Quiet Cove, Annandale, Va. Special presentations and field trips, too. Before- & after-care until 6 p.m. Nurturing curiosity, confidence and a love of learning since 1957. RESTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL restonmontessori.com/office@ restonmontessori.com 703-481-2922 ; Ages: 3 months-Grade 6 1928 Isaac Newton Sq. West, Reston, Va. Established in 1986, Reston Montessori School is a private, co-educational school for children from 3 months through 6th grade. SUNSET HILLS MONTESSORI SCHOOL sunsethillsmontessori.com office@sunsethillsmontessori.com 703-476-7477; Ages: 18 months-13 years 11180 Ridge Heights Road, Reston, Va. At SHMS we are committed to recognizing and cultivating the uniqueness of each individual child. We have a community of educators, and wonderful families, that have chosen SHMS because of a shared vision for early childhood and elementary education.  ■ Stimulating preschool program that includes Spanish, music and P.E. enrichment classes. CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF MONTESSORI EXCELLENCE OPEN HOUSES OCTOBER 1 | NOVEMBER 5 | DECEMBER 3 VIRTUAL ON NOVEMBER 17 Responsibilities and Duties Primary objective will be to acquire new advertising customers for our publication’s print and digital platforms. Secondarily, the advertising sales professional will be expected to manage an active book of advertising customers to reach established budgets. The advertising sales professional will have the opportunity to cross sell into MAM’s other publishing titles, including Baltimore Jewish Times, Frederick’s Child, Baltimore Style, Baltimore’s Child and Home Services Magazine. Qualifications and Skills • Motivated to make money • Competitive • Excellent communication • High energy • Works well under pressure • Technical competencies including typing and familiarity with Outlook, Excel and CRM’s • Minimum two (2) years business-to-business outside sales • Strong understanding of digital media • Familiar with building customer relationships and cross selling techniques Please send cover letter and resume to hr@midatlanticmedia.com. No phone calls. AGE 18 MONTHS TO GRADE 6 Preparing children to learn confidently, think independently, and succeed wherever they go. SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT AT AIDANSCHOOL .ORG | 202.387.2700 | 2700 27TH STREET NW, WASHINGTON, DC WashingtonFAMILY.com  23 or o D - e h t - t u O hecklist C When your children are first learning to get ready for school, it’s easy for them to forget a few things. Help them out by posting this list by your front door or someplace they can’t miss it! T Before I Leave the House, I Will ... teeth brushed? k, Pack my homewor et) bl ta r (o computer in es and headphon my backpack. Ready To Go? hair combed? homework in backpack? om and Go to the bathro wash my hands. . Put on my jacket Tie my shoes. d water Grab my lunch an bottle. mom Say goodbye to and dad! socks match? don’t forget your lunch! 24  Washington FAMILY  AUGUST 2021 shoes tied? MARKER: VIKIVECTO; LITTLE GIRL: YULIYA SOKLAKOVA ; PAPER: SPICYTRUFFEL LUNCH BOX: 4KODIAK/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS clothing neat? Wear my mask. OPEN HOUSE DIRECTORY AIDAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL 2700 27th Street, NW, Washington, DC 202-387-2700 aidanschool.org admissions@aidanschool.org 8:00 AM-4:00 PM After School & Enrichment Activities 9:15-11:00 AM Aidan Montessori School is a co-ed, independent private school for children ages 18 months through grade 6 located in Woodley Park, DC. Founded in 1961, Aidan prepares children to learn confidently, think independently, and succeed wherever they go. Open Houses: October 1, November 5, December 3; Virtual on November 17 BASIS INDEPENDENT MCLEAN mclean.basisindependent.com mcLean_admissions@ basisIndepedent.com 703-854-1253 8000 Jones Branch Dr., McLean, VA Grades: Preschool (age 2) - Grade 12 • Year Founded: 2016 • Coed • Enrollment: 470 • Student- Teacher Ratio 8:1 • Entrance Exam • Foreign Languages: Mandarin, Latin, Spanish, and French beginning in PK1 • Tuition Range: $25,500 - $30,000 • AP Classes • Enrichment Activities • Sports • Transportation • Extended Day • Summer Program Students, age 2-grade 12, receive a well- rounded, liberal arts curriculum with a STEM focus. THE BETHESDA MONTESSORI SCHOOL bethesdamontessori.com admissions@bethesdamontessori.com 301-986-1260 7611 Clarendon Road, Bethesda, Md. Ages: 3-6 Open House: Call to schedule a tour. BMS, established in 1983, is located in the heart of Bethesda, offering two years of preschool and a Kindergarten year. Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m., AMI trained teachers, art, French & computer offered, and after school activities. BROOKSFIELD SCHOOL brooksfieldschool.org sarah@brooksfieldschool.org 703-356-5437 1830 Kirby Road, McLean, Va. Ages Served: 3-10 Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Mindfulness, nutrition, Spanish, dance, music & art, outdoor adventure program, extracurricular activities and summer camp. CHESTERBROOK ACADEMY chesterbrookacademy.com 866-267-5685 26 locations throughout the DMV Chesterbrook Academy preschools combine learning experiences and structured play in a fun, safe and nurturing environment - offering far more than just child care. Preschool is the first introduc- tion to a lifetime of learning, a journey that should start off on the right foot. We help children dis- cover, explore and learn to their fullest potential. CONGRESSIONAL SCHOOL congressionalschool.org gherbst@congressionalschool.org 703-533-1064 3229 Sleepy Hollow Road, Falls Church, Va. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. A co-ed independent day school for infants to eighth graders in Falls Church, Va.. Congressional School prepares young learners for future success, inspiring them to question, collaborate, create, and lead. and others and care for the environment around them. We offer a complete educational and social environment and utilize the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori to help the child develop more fully the potential within him. The school provides a program specially suited to the needs of the child and offers individual attention to his whole development. FEYNMAN SCHOOL feynmanschool.org admissions@feynmanschool.org 301-770-4211 11810 Falls Road, Potomac, Md. Grades: Preschool-Grade 8 Open House: Call to schedule a tour. The area’s leader in educating academically- gifted children, Feynman School features extraordinary programs in science, math, language arts, theater and music designed to maximize your child’s potential. HUNTER MILL MONTESSORI SCHOOL preschoolmontessori.com info@huntermillmontessori.com 703-938-7755 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA 22124 Tours available by appointment Hunter Mill Montessori School provides an intimate and nurturing environment for two years, nine months to six years old year olds to develop their independence through the Montessori experience. We offer a complete educational and social environment and utilize the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori to help the child develop more fully the potential within him. The school provides a program specially suited to the needs of the child and offers individual attention to his whole development. GLENBROOK COOPERATIVE NURSERY SCHOOL glenbrookschool.org membership@glenbrookschool.org 301-365-3190; 10010 Fernwood Road Bethesda, Md. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. At Glenbrook, we nurture our children in the early, formative years so they can define themselves as individuals. We strive for this through spontaneous play in a controlled and time structured environment. We believe that children can feel secure only when they understand and trust a set of limits. Their imagination, curiosity, and interests need time to wander, expand, and develop within these limits. Cooperative nursery schools are administered and maintained by the parents, allowing everyone to grow and learn together. The special nature of Glenbrook is the close working relationship between parents and teachers. Our approach builds a sense of community and togetherness for parents and children. GOOSE CREEK PRESERVE goosecreekmontessori.com info@goosecreekmontessori.com 571-417-3999 42470 Rosalind Street, Ashburn, Va Tours available by appointment A brand new Montessori School in the Broadlands area of Ashburn. All of the classrooms are spacious with an abundance of natural lighting. The classrooms open to the playground with patios allowing children to freely work inside and outside. Goose Creek offers a complete educational and social environment and utilizes the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori to help the child develop more fully the potential within him. HOLLY BROOK MONTESSORI SCHOOL preschoolmontessori.com info@hollybrookmontessori.com 703-573-7800 2455 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, Va. Tours available by appointment Children learn in an intimate and unpretentious atmosphere, where they respect themselves MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CEDAR LANE preschoolmontessori.com info@cedarlanemontessori.com 703-560-4379 3035 Cedar Lane, Fairfax, Va. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Montessori School of Cedar Lane has been providing over 40 years of Montessori tradition to Northern Virginia. We offer a complete educational and social environment and utilize the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori to help the child develop more fully the potential within him. MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF MCLEAN mcleanmontessori.org 703-790-1049 1711 Kirby Road, McLean, Va. Ages: 2-12 Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Preschool and elementary classes. Spanish, French, science, drama, music, P.E., computer, art, summer school, transportation available. NYSMITH SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED nysmith.com ebalberde@nysmith.com 703-713-3332 13625 EDS Drive, Herndon, Va. Ages Served: 3 yrs.-8th Grade Hours: 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. The award winning Nysmith School for the Gifted is committed to making school fun. We nurture your student’s love of learning and help your child learn to their potential. Our 1:9 ratio allows us to differentiate the academic program up to 4 grade levels above grade. ONENESS-FAMILY HIGH SCHOOL Andrew Kutt 9411 Connecticut Avenue, Kensington, Md 240-426-2614 onenessfamily.org/ admissions@onenessfamily.org 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Serving students from 2 years through grade 12 Virtual Tours for Lower School on Tuesdays and Fridays at 9:30 AM, and for High School on Wednesdays at 11:00 AM For 30 years, Oneness-Family School’s award winning Montessori program has served families of students 2 years thru grade 12. OFS features highly trained, supportive teachers and a diverse, engaged parent community. We create a collaborative learning environment where everyone feels successful. We foster students who are prepared to lead and succeed in a changing, challenging world by balancing college prep academics with a focus on well-being and shared values such as empathy, inclusion and equity. This September 2021, Oneness-Family School will launch its new high school Results Leadership and Global Studies program. PAYYOURNANNY.COM payyournanny.com byudd@payyournanny.com 703-819-9796 Payyournanny.com provides personal household employment tax and payroll services to countless families in the D.C. metropolitan area that hire nannies, housekeepers, personal assistants, nurses, home health aides and others. “We’re here to help families.” PINECREST SCHOOL pinecrestschool.org admissions@pinecrestschool.org 703-354-3446 Ages: 3-12 7209 Quiet Cove, Alexandria, Va. Hours: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Please email for more information! Pinecrest School is a fully accredited progressive school offering small class sizes, hands on curriculum, individualized approach, and a focus on a balance of academics and social and emotional well being. Offers preschool-6th, summer camp and before/after care. SPRING BILINGUAL MONTESSORI ACADEMY spring-bilingual.org 301-962-7262 3514 Plyers Mill Road, Kensington, Md. Ages: 2-6; Hours: 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Montessori preschool with Foreign Language programs. WESTMINSTER SCHOOL westminsterschool.com admissions@westminsterschool.com 703-256-3620 Preschool (3 and 4-year-olds) - Grade 8 3819 Gallows Road, Annandale, Va. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Westminster School provides a unique Preschool-Middle School education based on a classical curriculum; accelerated academics enhanced by the arts; and an emphasis on personal responsibility and good character. Students enjoy small classes taught by teachers who specialize in their field. n WashingtonFAMILY.com  25 BACK-TO-SCHOOL SKYNESHER / E+ DIRECTORY AFTER SCHOOL & ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES ACTING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE afyp.org 4260 Chain Bridge Road Fairfax, Va. 703-554-4931 Celebrating 20 + years of fun, challenging classes for ages 5 to adult taught by theater professionals. After-school, student showcases, summer acting camps, and school tours. THE CENTER FOR BALLET ARTS thecenterforballetarts.com ctrbalarts@aol.com 703-273-5344 3955 Pender Drive, Ste. 103 Fairfax, Va. Ages: 3-Adult The Center for Ballet Arts provides a well-rounded curriculum and pleasant encouraging environment for dance training in many different disciplines. Classes are designed to promote flexibility, strength, artistry, coordination and technique. CITYDANCE www.citydance.net inquiry@citydance.net (301) 581-5204 Online and CityDance School & Conservatory at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane North Bethesda, Maryland 20852 Ages: 3-Adult CityDance School & Conservatory provides a curriculum of ballet training and contemporary dance techniques including modern, jazz, hip hop and world dance forms. We are offering a hybrid of online and in-person dance classes for fall 2020! ENCORE STAGE & STUDIO encorestage.org info@encorestage.org 703-548-1154 4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, Va. Encore offers a variety of virtual theatre arts programs. Students will build their skills in acting, storytelling, and creative thinking through this unique theatrical experience. HARMONIA SCHOOL OF MUSIC & ART harmoniaschool.org harmonia@harmoniaschool.org 703-938-7301 204 F Mill St., N.E. Vienna, Va. Harmonia School offers outstanding performing arts programs. It includes instrumental and Voice lessons and early childhood classes. Our Theater department offers one of the finest Musical Theater and Acting programs that culminate in productions. The classes are offered to all ages & all levels. Taught by highly educated and experienced teachers. 26  WashingtonFAMILY  AUGUST 2021 INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MUSIC ismw.org; info@ismw.org 301-365-5888 11325 Seven Locks Road Potomac, MD 20854, #255 4701 Sangamore Road, #LL-03 Bethesda, Md. Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Voted best in music instruction, the International School of Music offers music lessons in all instruments and voices to students of all levels and ages. Preschool music classes and adult music instructions are also available in addition to the optional performances and certificate programs. Book your trial lessons today. can be monitored. We help parents find and secure the right schools and school programs. We strive to work collaboratively with your current school team. EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANTS WEINFELD EDUCATION GROUP, LLC WeinfeldEducationGroup.com info@weinfeldeducationgroup.com (301) 681-6233 4216 A Cordell Avenue, Suite 240 Bethesda, Maryland 20814 WEG advocates for your child’s success. Our team of special education experts in DC, MD and VA support your child, both during in building and Virtual Learning, ensuring that each IEP and 504 Plan considers your child’s potential and is appropriate for his or her unique strengths and challenges. We conduct educational assessments throughout the school year so both baseline data and progress ENCORE STAGE & STUDIO encorestage.org info@encorestage.org 703-548-1154 4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, Va. Encore offers a variety of virtual theatre arts programs. Students will build their skills in acting, storytelling, and creative thinking through this unique theatrical experience. INDOOR SWIMMING, MUSIC, ART & PERFORMING ARTS ACTING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE afyp.org 4260 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 703-554-4931 Celebrating 20 + years of fun, challenging classes for ages 5 to adult taught by theater professionals. After-school, student showcases, summer acting camps, and school tours. HARMONIA SCHOOL OF MUSIC & ART harmoniaschool.org harmonia@harmoniaschool.org 703-938-7301 204 F Mill St., N.E., Vienna, Va. Harmonia School offers outstanding performing arts programs. It includes instrumental and Voice lessons and early childhood classes. Our Theater department offers one of the finest Musical Theater and Acting programs that culminate in productions. The classes are offered to all ages & all levels. Taught by highly educated and experienced teachers. INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MUSIC ismw.org; info@ismw.org 301-365-5888 11325 Seven Locks Road #255 Potomac, MD 20854 4701 Sangamore Road, #LL-03 Bethesda, Md. Hours: Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Voted best in music instruction, the International School of Music offers music lessons in all instruments and voices to students of all levels and ages. Preschool music classes and adult music instructions are also available in addition to the optional performances and certificate programs. Book your trial lessons today. PRIVATE SCHOOLS & PRESCHOOLS AIDAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL Nicole Goodman 2700 27th Street, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 387-2700 aidanschool.org admissions@aidanschool.org 8:00 AM-4:00 PM After School & Enrichment Activities Aidan Montessori School is a co-ed, independent private school for children ages 18 months through grade 6 located in Woodley Park, DC. Founded in 1961, Aidan prepares children to learn confidently, think independently, and succeed wherever they go. BASIS INDEPENDENT MCLEAN mclean.basisindependent.com mcLean_admissions@ basisIndepedent.com 703-854-1253 8000 Jones Branch Dr. McLean, VA Grades: Preschool (age 2) - Grade 12 • Year Founded: 2016 • Coed • Enrollment: 470 • Student-Teacher Ratio 8:1 • Entrance Exam • Foreign Languages: Mandarin, Latin, Spanish, and French beginning in PK1 • Tuition Range: $25,500 - $30,000 • AP Classes • Enrichment Activities • Sports • Transportation • Extended Day • Summer Program Students, age 2-grade 12, receive a well- rounded, liberal arts curriculum with a STEM focus. BROOKSFIELD SCHOOL brooksfieldschool.org sarah@brooksfieldschool.org 703-356-5437 1830 Kirby Road, McLean, Va. Ages Served: 3-10 Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Mindfulness, nutrition, Spanish, dance, music & art, outdoor adventure program, extracurricular activities and summer camp. Sister Montessori preschools, proving Northern Virginia’s preschool children with quality education for the past 50 years. CHESTERBROOK ACADEMY chesterbrookacademy.com 866-267-5685 26 locations throughout the DMV Chesterbrook Academy preschools combine learning experiences and structured play in a fun, safe and nurturing environment - offering far more than just child care. Preschool is the first introduction to a lifetime of learning, a journey that should start off on the right foot. We help children discover, explore and learn to their fullest potential. CONGRESSIONAL SCHOOL congressionalschool.org gherbst@congressionalschool.org 703-533-1064 3229 Sleepy Hollow Road Falls Church, Va. A co-ed independent day school for infants to eighth graders in Falls EDUCATING TOMORROW’S ARTISTS, ENGINEERS, PROFESSORS, AND LEADERS. BASIS Independent McLean is an age 2–grade 12 private school where students are empowered to explore, discover, and create as they learn at the highest international levels. Our globally benchmarked curriculum is designed to help students build the content knowledge, independence, and critical inquiry needed to excel. LEARN MORE: ‡ basisindependent.com/mclean ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FALL 2022 B2106_032 MCL Washington Family_Print_7.125 x 4.625 v5.indd 1 7/2/2021 12:42:46 PM WashingtonFAMILY.com  27 BACK-TO-SCHOOL DIRECTORY Open House: Call to schedule a tour. The area’s leader in educating academically- gifted children, Feynman School features extraordinary programs in science, math, language arts, theater and music designed to maximize your child’s potential. Church, Va.. Congressional School prepares young learners for future success, inspiring them to question, collaborate, create, and lead. FEYNMAN SCHOOL feynmanschool.org admissions@feynmanschool.org 301-770-4211 11810 Falls Road, Potomac, Md. Grades: Preschool-Grade 8 GLENBROOK COOPERATIVE NURSERY SCHOOL glenbrookschool.org membership@glenbrookschool.org Using play to explore the arts, make new friends, and (secretly) build school skills! ARLINGTON, VA 202.964.0860 SOARINGSTARTS.COM Montessori School of McLean Exceptional Montessori Education for Toddlers through Upper Elementary: Ages 2-12 Cultivating each child’s unique ability to flourish in mind, body and spirit ENRICHMENTS • Science • Technology • Spanish • Outdoor Classroom • Library • Music • Drama • Art • Physical Education Aftercare • Transportation • Summer Camp 1711 Kirby Road McLean, VA 22101 703-790-1049 www.mcleanmontessori.org 28  WashingtonFAMILY  AUGUST 2021 Accredited by 301-365-3190; 10010 Fernwood Road Bethesda, Md. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. At Glenbrook, we nurture our children in the early, formative years so they can define themselves as individuals. We strive for this through spontaneous play in a controlled and time structured environment. We believe that children can feel secure only when they understand and trust a set of limits. Their imagination, curiosity, and interests need time to wander, expand, and develop within these limits. Cooperative nursery schools are administered and maintained by the parents, allowing everyone to grow and learn together. The special nature of Glenbrook is the close working relationship between parents and teachers. Our approach builds a sense of community and togetherness for parents and children. HOLLY BROOK MONTESSORI SCHOOL preschoolmontessori.com info@hollybrookmontessori.com 703 573-7800 2455 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, VA 22027 Tours available by appointment Children learn in an intimate and unpretentious atmosphere, where they respect themselves and others and care for the environment around them. We offer a complete educational and social environment and utilize the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori to help the child develop more fully the potential within him. The school provides a program specially suited to the needs of the child and offers individual attention to his whole development. HUNTER MILL MONTESSORI SCHOOL preschoolmontessori.com info@huntermillmontessori.com 703-938-7755 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA 22124 Tours available by appointment Hunter Mill Montessori School provides an intimate and nurturing environment for 2.9 – 6 year olds to develop their independence through the Montessori experience. We offer a complete educational and social environment and utilize the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori to help the child develop more fully the potential within him. The school provides a program specially suited to the needs of the child and offers individual attention to his whole development. THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL AT GOOSE CREEK PRESERVE goosecreekmontessori.com info@goosecreekmontessori.com 571 417-3999 42470 Rosalind Street, Ashburn, VA 20148 Tours available by appointment A brand new Montessori School in the Broadlands area of Ashburn. All of the classrooms are spacious with an abundance of natural lighting. The classrooms open to the playground with patios allowing children to freely work inside and outside. Goose Creek offers a complete educational and social environment and utilizes the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori to help the child develop more fully the potential within him. MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CEDAR LANE preschoolmontessori.com info@cedarlanemontessori.com 703-560-4379 3035 Cedar Lane Fairfax, Va. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Montessori School of Cedar Lane has been providing over 40 years of Montessori tradition to Northern Virginia. We offer a complete educational and social environment and utilize the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori to help the child develop more fully the potential within him. MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF MCLEAN mcleanmontessori.org 703-790-1049 1711 Kirby Road, McLean, Va. Ages: 2-12 Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Preschool and elementary classes. Spanish, French, science, drama, music, P.E., computer, art, summer school, transportation available. NYSMITH SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED nysmith.com; ebalberde@nysmith.com 703-713-3332 13625 EDS Drive, Herndon, Va. Ages Served: 3 yrs.-8th Grade Hours: 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. The award winning Nysmith School for the Gifted is committed to making school fun. We nurture your student’s love of learning and help your child learn to their potential. Our 1:9 ratio allows us to differentiate the academic program up to 4 grade levels above grade. ONENESS-FAMILY HIGH SCHOOL Andrew Kutt 9411 Connecticut Avenue Kensington, MD 20895 240-426-2614 onenessfamily.org/ admissions@onenessfamily.org 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Serving students from 2 years through grade 12 Virtual Tours for Lower School on Tuesdays and Fridays at 9:30 AM, and for High School on Wednesdays at 11:00 AM For 30 years, Oneness-Family School’s award winning Montessori program has served families of students 2 years thru grade 12. OFS features highly trained, supportive teachers and a BACK-TO-SCHOOL DIRECTORY diverse, engaged parent community. We create a collaborative learning environment where everyone feels successful. We foster students who are prepared to lead and succeed in a changing, challenging world by balancing college prep academics with a focus on well-being and shared values such as empathy, inclusion and equity. PAYYOURNANNY.COM payyournanny.com byudd@payyournanny.com 703-819-9796 Payyournanny.com provides personal household employment tax and payroll services to countless families in the D.C. metropolitan area that hire nannies, housekeepers, personal assistants, nurses, home health aides and others. “We’re here to help families.” PINECREST SCHOOL pinecrestschool.org admissions@pinecrestschool.org 703-354-3446 Ages: 3-12 7209 Quiet Cove Alexandria, Va. Hours: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Please email for more information! Pinecrest School is a fully accredited progressive school offering small class sizes, hands on curriculum, individualized approach, and a focus on a balance of academics and social and emotional well being. Offers preschool-6th, summer camp and before/after care. RESTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL restonmontessori.com office@restonmontessori.com 703-481-2922 1928 Isaac Newton Sq. West, Reston, Va. Hours: 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Established in 1986, Reston Montessori School is a private, coeducational school for children from 3 months through 6th grade. RMS provides academic school day, enrichment programs and before/ after school activities. SPRINGWELL SCHOOL springwell.school info@springwell.school (301) 578-6885 9525 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20901 Grades: K-4 A progressive school offering a unique blend of Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia. WESTMINSTER SCHOOL westminsterschool.com admissions@westminsterschool.com FOLLOW US FOLLOW ON US ON FOLLOW US ON SPRING BILINGUAL MONTESSORI ACADEMY spring-bilingual.org 301-962-7262 FACEBOOK: @WashingtonFamilyMagazine @WashingtonFamilyMagazine FACEBOOK: 3514 Plyers Mill Road TWITTER: @FAMILYMagDC TWITTER: @FAMILYMagDC Kensington, Md. PINTEREST: @familymagazine PINTEREST: @washingtonfamilymag @familymagazine INSTAGRAM: Ages: 2-6; Hours: 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. INSTAGRAM: @washingtonfamilymag Montessori preschool with Foreign Language programs. 703-256-3620 Preschool (3 and 4-year-olds) - Grade 8 3819 Gallows Road Annandale, Va. Westminster School provides a unique Preschool-Middle School education based on a classical curriculum; accelerated academics enhanced by the arts; and an emphasis on personal responsibility and good character. Students enjoy small classes taught by teachers who specialize in their field. ■ THE BETHESDA MONTESSORI SCHOOL Since 1983 2021 WIN NE R ENROLL NOW FOR 2021 In-Person Learning In Progress 8am – 6pm, 3-6 yr olds 7611 Clarendon Rd. Bethesda, MD 20814 301-986-1260 Exceeds MD Covid-19 safety guidelines Email us to learn more and tour the school admissions@bethesdamontessori.com www.bethesdamontessori.com The perfect balance of learning and play ® NOW ENROLLING Contact us to schedule a tour today! • Safe, nurturing environment • Enthusiastic and caring teachers • Links to Learning curriculum • Ongoing parent communication CBA_WashingtonFamily_Aug21_7x4.72.indd 1 Chesterbrook Academy Preschool ® With nearly 20 locations throughout the Washington metro area (877) 959-3746 • ChesterbrookAcademy.com 7/15/21 4:26 PM WashingtonFAMILY.com  29 Sit, Stay ... See You Soon! As your family returns to work and school, here’s how to help your pets handle the transition. BY JENNIFER MARINO WALTERS W henever Adam Lopuch would leave his house — to pick up food, to drive the baby to daycare or even just to mow the lawn — his Labrador retriever, Bella, would go nuts. She’d bark like crazy. She’d jump on the windowsill, sometimes scratching off the paint. She’d pant. After Lopuch and his wife, Abbie, got some tips from a trainer, Bella’s separation anxiety eased a bit. Her twice-weekly trips to doggie day care have helped as well. But when Lopuch returns to the office in September following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, he’s worried about how Bella will react to his being gone on the days she’s not at day care. “I’ve had a lot of anxiety about it,” Lopuch admits. And he’s not alone. According to the American Pet Products Association, more than 11 million U.S. households got a new pet during the pandemic. A large number of those pets were dogs. And those pandemic pups have spent a lot of time 30  Washington FAMILY  AUGUST 2021 PG. 30: EVA BLANCO / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS; PG. 31: 5SECOND / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS with their humans, making them happier and more closely bonded with their owners. But all of that attention has come with a downside. “Many of these dogs have never learned independence,” says Dr. Amy Learn, an animal behaviorist with AB Wellness Center in Richmond, Virginia. “They were never left home, so they may have become hyper attached to the humans in the household.” Now, as pandemic restrictions ease and Americans return to work and school, those dogs will suddenly be home alone for the first time. And experts fear that sudden change could cause — or worsen — separation anxiety. Separation anxiety in pets isn’t just sadness when their owner is away. It’s extreme distress and panic that could lead to all sorts of health issues and problematic behaviors. Here are some of its signs: • Excessive howling or barking • Peeing or pooping in the house • Chewing up furniture, shoes and other items • Scratching windows and doors • Pacing • Salivating • Attempting to escape, sometimes to the point where they harm themselves These behaviors often begin when a dog sees its owner getting ready to leave, such as when they’re putting on their shoes or picking up their wallet. The behaviors often continue for some time after the owner leaves, until the dog tires itself out or the owner returns. How to Prevent and Ease Separation Anxiety in Dogs Luckily, there are things you can do to help prepare your pup for daily separations and to ease their anxiety while you’re away. • Give your dog lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Physically and mentally challenging your pup while you’re at home will increase her endorphins, making her more relaxed and less stressed when you leave. • Begin your back-to-work routine ahead of time. Dogs thrive on routines, which give them a sense of stability and thereby reduce their anxiety. The key is to start your workday routine before you head back to the office. Wake up at the proper time, get dressed, have breakfast, etc. You could even leave the house to exercise or run an errand at the time you’d usually leave for work. Do your best to feed, walk and play with your pup around the same times you will when you’re back in the office. • Start with shorter absences and work your way up. Begin building your dog’s independence by spending increasing lengths of time in a different room from your pet while you’re at home. Then you can start to leave the house for longer and longer time periods, starting with five minutes and gradually increasing the time. • Keep departures and returns drama-free. If you make a big deal about leaving, it will only make your pet nervous. So keep your departures short and simple — just smile and say, “I’ll be back!” The same goes for your returns. • Be careful with “departure cues.” Your dog may begin to feel anxious when he sees certain signs that you’re preparing to leave. So, try to do these things at times when you’re not leaving the house. If your dog starts to whine when you pick up your keys, for example, pick them up and put them down throughout the day. If he begins to pace when you put on your coat, wear it around the house for short time periods. • Associate separations with positive things. Before you leave the house, hide little treats for your dog to find. You could also leave out a bone or some fun toys. Lopuch began to leave Bella in her crate with a peanut butter-filled Kong whenever he’d leave the house. Now she knows that when Dad leaves, it’s time for her favorite treat. • Make your absences as comfortable as possible. Be sure your dog has easy access to her bed, her blanket, her favorite stuffed animal and her food and water. Leave the house at a comfortable temperature, and consider keeping a TV or radio on. You could also set up a camera system that will allow you to check on and talk to your pup remotely. • Consider hiring a dog walker. Hiring someone to walk and/or play with your dog once or twice a day will mean he’s alone for shorter time periods, which could ease his anxiety a great deal. DON’T FORGET ABOUT CATS! Cats may have a reputation for being independent and aloof, but the truth is that they can experience separation anxiety as well. In fact, a 2019 Oregon State University study found that cats have similar attachment styles to their humans as dogs and children do. So, make sure to check for signs of separation anxiety in your felines when you head back to the office. Here’s what to watch out for: • Going to the bathroom outside of the litter box, especially on your bed • Excessive meowing, crying, yowling or other vocalizations • Destroying things • Excessive grooming • Wanting constant contact with you when you’re at home To prevent and ease separation anxiety in your cat, you can follow the same steps as you would for dogs. You could also provide a perch or patio that will allow your cat to look out the window, and a small shelter or nook for your kitty to hang out in. And you might consider adopting another cat so the pair can keep each other company. As with dogs, see your veterinarian if your cat’s separation anxiety seems excessive. They may recommend a supplement, medication or pheromones to help with the anxiety, or connect you with an animal behaviorist if needed. T If your dog’s separation anxiety persists or gets worse even after you’ve tried all of those steps, it’s time to visit your veterinarian to make sure there’s nothing else going on. They may recommend anti-anxiety medication or natural supplements, such as St. John’s Wort and chamomile. You could also consult a veterinary behaviorist or professional trainer. With a lot of love, patience and consistency, you can help your dog become calmer, happier and more independent. T WashingtonFAMILY.com  31 BOOK MARKED Back to School With Books Ease your child’s back-to-school jitters with these stories about schooltime adventures BY JENNIFER ROTHSCHILD, COLLECTION ENGAGEMENT LIBRARIAN, ARLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY PICTURE BOOKS EARLY READERS HENRY AT HOME Written by Megan Maynor, illustrated by Alea Marley Henry and his sister Liza do everything together, from fun activities like visiting their favorite Twisty Tree to scary things like getting a shot. Liza is going to start kindergarten, but Henry isn’t old enough to go. Lonely and angry at being left behind, Henry learns to have fun without Liza until the end of the day when the two can share everything that happened on their separate adventures. OLIVE OH GETS CREATIVE Written by Tina Kim, illustrated by Tiff Bartel Olive is excited about her school’s art contest. She may only be in the third grade, but she already knows she’ll be a famous artist when she grows up, and creativity is what she does best. But when all of her classmates start working on their projects, Olive can’t think about what to do. As she sees everyone else’s work, she starts to question her creativity and artistic talent until she finally finds the perfect idea. NOT LITTLE Written by Maya Myers, illustrated by Hyewon Yum Dot is very small, but she’ll tell you that she is not little. She is constantly proving her capabilities, especially when a new boy comes to school who’s even shorter than she is! When a bully turns his taunts to the new student, Dot proves that she’s not little by standing up for her new classmate despite her fear. BEAUTIFULLY ME Written by Nabela Noor, illustrated by Nabi H. Ali Zuri is excited for her first day at school and has picked out a special outfit for the big day and everything. She starts the day feeling fantastic, but at breakfast, her parents and sister vocalize their body insecurities. At school, she overhears mean comments about other students’ bodies and starts to feel bad about her own appearance. At dinner that night. she declares she’s going on a diet, causing her family to engage in frank self- reflection and a conversation about what true beauty really is. PRINCIPAL TATE IS RUNNING LATE Written by Henry Cole Principal Tate keeps Hardy Elementary School running smoothly with friendly cheer until the day car trouble means she’s not there when the day starts. Without their beloved principal, no one knows what to do about all the little things that happen—everything from a sick student to school board members stopping by. Luckily, everyone starts working together so that by the time Principal Tate arrives, the pandemonium has been averted and the school is running smoothly. 32  Washington FAMILY  AUGUST 2021 VAMPIRES DON’T WEAR POLKA DOTS Written by Marcia Thornton Jones and Debbie Dadey, illustrated by Pearl Low The classic Bailey School Kids Adventures are getting a fresh new life as a graphic novel series. The third graders at Bailey Elementary School are notoriously hard to teach, and they’re notorious for driving all of their other teachers to quit. But their latest teacher may be more than she seems. Mrs. Jeepers just moved from Transylvania and lives in the spookiest house in town. She couldn’t actually be a vampire, could she? BOOK MARKED MIDDLE-GRADE READERS MIDDLE SCHOOL BITES Written by Steven Banks, illustrated by Mark Fearing Looking at the start of middle school, Tom has big plans to fly under the radar and have a quiet year. His plans are dashed on the last day of summer vacation when he’s bitten by a rat, a mangy dog and a creepy Halloween decoration. He finds himself turned into a vampire, werewolf and zombie. In addition to navigating classes, bullies and locker mates, he also has to deal with turning into a wolf once a month and frequent cravings for blood and brains! JUST BE COOL, JENNA SAKAI Written by Debbi Michiko Florence Dealing with the fallout of her parents’ nasty divorce and her own breakup, Jenna decides to refocus on school and her goals, especially her love of investigative journalism. But her first assignment for newspaper club is a personal essay, which will mean poking some emotional bruises she’d rather pretend don’t exist. Things get even more complicated when her recent ex is her main competition for a journalism scholarship. ONE KID’S TRASH Written by Jamie Sumner Hugo has always been teased for being small, but his outcast status means he’s gotten very good at observing everything around him. He’s particularly adept at Garbology—the art of learning all about someone by analyzing their trash. When his father moves them across the country for a new job, Hugo’s garbage-analyzing skills gain him popularity for the first time, but popularity can be fickle, especially when Hugo lets his fame go to his head. TEENS THE TAKING OF JAKE LIVINGSTON Written by Ryan Douglass The teachers at Jake’s high school frequently ignore the small and large ways he’s bullied for being one of the only Black students at his school. In addition to the horror that is school, Jake’s also a medium. He sees dead people reliving and helps them move on. One recent spirit is particularly vengeful and wants to use Jake to finish enacting the murder spree he started before he died. Jake is now fighting a battle for survival on multiple planes in this horror thriller. HANI AND ISHU’S GUIDE TO FAKE DATING Written by Adiba Jaigirdar When Hani’s friends tell her she can’t really be bisexual because she’s only dated guys, she blurts out that she’s dating the most unlikely girl in school—Ishu. They’re total opposites: Hani is popular, but Ishu is devoted to her studies. Hani is Muslim and Ishu is an atheist Hindu. Hani is out, and Ishu is still in the closet. Hani is Bangladeshi- Irish, and Ishu is Indian-Irish. But Ishu could use Hani’s popularity in her bid to become head girl, so Ishu agrees to the ruse. But fake dating wasn’t nearly as hard as staying together when feelings develop between the two of them. BOTH SIDES NOW Written by Peyton Thomas Finch loves debate and is hoping to get a debate scholarship to attend college, but he struggles with the topic for Nationals. Everyone at the competition will be debating transgender bathroom access, but for Finch, it isn’t an academic exercise. He is trans and isn’t sure he can handle hearing what feels like a debate on his right to exist in public. Adding to his complications, he has a crush on his debate partner who already has a boyfriend. n WashingtonFAMILy.com  33 WF MY TURN ‘Zeke’s New Glasses’ BY DANA COHEN 34  Washington FAMILY  AUGUST 2021 had? I had to change my strategy and try to build a little acceptance so that he wouldn’t immediately snub the glasses when they arrived, which I fully expected him to do. One night before bed, he told me he felt sad about needing glasses because he was worried “people won’t know it’s Zeke when I wear them.” I reminded him of all the people we know who wear glasses. We recognize them easily, and it’s no big deal—just an extra accessory. Even his dad wears glasses! I decided to write a book for him, “Zeke’s New Glasses,” featuring photos of our family, friends and neighbors wearing their glasses. I thought seeing so many familiar faces and having some silly rhymes would get him laughing and make the topic of glasses less daunting for him. I created the book online and had it printed and mailed to us. It included 35 family members, friends and characters wearing their glasses. “Zeke has new glasses. Daddy wears them too. Amanda and Mark have glasses, and they’re just a few.” Dana Cohen is a communications professional who lives in Towson with her husband, Michael, and their two kids, Zeke and Thea. DAVID STUCK W hen I found out my spirited 4-year-old son Zeke needed glasses at a routine doctor’s appointment, I immediately started my campaign to hype him up about how cool glasses are and how much fun it will be to pick out frames. He was not convinced. We borrowed every children’s book from the library we could about glasses. The problem was they all centered around the theme of not being able to see and how glasses magically solved the problem. “I can see,” he’d repeatedly tell my husband and me. The books didn’t resonate with him at all. I realized that at 4, the way he sees is all he’s ever known. Of course he thought he could see! Honestly, so did I. This was a kid who pointed out all the different types of vehicles as we drove along the highway, easily recognized objects and never appeared to squint or strain. In his preschool program, learning is play. He wasn’t expected to read a chalkboard from a distance, accomplish highly precise tasks or struggle to complete schoolwork. Why would he be eager to wear glasses to fix a “problem” he didn’t think he I found photos online of some things he likes and included them, too. “Glasses help your eyes so you can see the world clearly. Firefighters, construction workers and truck drivers wear them and get a checkup yearly.” I ended the book with some words I was hoping would quell the biggest worry he expressed—that no one would know it was him behind his new frames. “Wearing glasses is no big deal. We promise. It’s true. Your glasses just make you the best version of YOU. You’re still the same Zeke, and everyone can agree. Zeke is kind, silly and smart, and now he can see.” When Zeke’s glasses arrived, he was more interested in them than I expected. He tried them on and kept them on for a bit. Every day afterward he wore them for longer chunks of time. Progress! About a week in, I heard him get up in the morning. I peeked on my phone at the camera we have in his room. I saw him get out of bed, pick up his glasses, put them on himself and grab the book before settling into his big chair. He looked at the cover and “read” aloud “Zeke’s New Glasses” and began to flip through the pages. We’re now a few months in, over that initial trepidation, and he recognizes the glasses help him. He happily wears them every day. As parents, we always want to protect our kids from hard things, but children learn resilience by facing adversity and working past it. To a 4-year-old, glasses feel big! I’ve actually enjoyed navigating this parenting test. It taught both me and my son the value of acknowledging an unavoidable life challenge—and there will be many, as we all know—and finding a way to creatively tackle it together. T