GUIDE S PRESCHO MONTESS OLS, O OPEN HOU RI & SES washingtonFAMILY.com NOVEMBER 2019 gratitude MAKING IT A DAILY PRACTICE ‹ WESTMINSTER SCHOOL › SEE PAGE 9 Discover your capable, confident Montessori child. From infancy through elementary school, children learn best when they’re working with activities they love. At Guidepost, your child will enter the wonderful world of Montessori lessons and learning materials, designed to captivate and inspire. Now Enrolling! Visit us online today to RSVP for an event or schedule a tour! guidepostmontessori.com/northern-virginia Kindergarten and Elementary Night at Aldie Campus Friday, November 15, 6 to 7 p.m. Aldie 24328 Marrwood Drive Aldie, VA 20105 (703) 542-5522 Broadlands 42945 Waxpool Road Ashburn, VA 20148 (703) 723-3364 Fairfax 3909 Oak Street Fairfax, VA 22030 (703) 934-0920 Herndon 13251 Woodland Park Road Herndon, VA 20171 (571) 203-8686 Reston 11579 Cedar Chase Road Herndon, VA 20170 (703) 404-9733 Montclair NEW CAMPUS! 3551 Waterway Drive Montclair, VA 22025 (571) 402-1888 Chantilly GP101419 4550 Walney Road Chantilly, VA 20151 (571) 321-0364 Spanish and Mandarin Immersion programs available at selected campuses Infant • Toddler Preschool • Kindergarten Elementary JULIE KENT, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR THE ORIGINAL WASHINGTON, D.C. HOLIDAY TRADITION THE HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE YOU CAN’T MISS NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 29 AT THE WARNER THEATRE TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AND BY PHONE VISIT WASHINGTONBALLET.ORG OR CALL 202.783.4000 CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2019 ON THE COVER Preschool years = pre-reading years. Page 40 Westminster School Students Photo by David Stuck FEATURES DEPARTMENTS 16 8 18 26 40 DAILY GRATITUDE Families can fi nd ways to feel thankful long after Thanksgiving is over. SLICE AND SERVE Pass the pie and these stories of business success from four sweet family shops. CHOOSING CHILD CARE Here’s our anxiety-proof checklist. RAISE A READER Preschool is a great time to start pre-reading fun with your little learner. 15 21 28 38 45 40 CALENDAR DMV FUN Turkey Trots in our area GOOD EATS Holiday favorites, including breakfast SCHOOL NOTES Your child’s study personality BOOKMARKED Books worth giving HEALTHY FAMILY Looking toward good eye health LAST WORD Peaceful home, peaceful family GUIDES 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: info@washingtonfamily.com. Please note we reserve the right to edit or refrain from publishing comments we deem inappropriate. 4 Washington FAMILY NOVEMBER 2019 23 MONTESSORI SCHOOLS 30 OPEN HOUSE 42 PRESCHOOL 5,000 YEARS OF CIVILIZATION REBORN “It’s like being in heaven!” —Paul Behrends, consultant “It is breathtaking! I am walking away deeply inspired and profoundly moved!” —Rita Cosby, Emmy Award-winning journalist “The energy , the precision , the beauty ... I’m just overwhelmed. It’s so beautiful!” —John Anthony, retired judge “ I’ve reviewed about 4,000 shows . None can compare to what I saw tonight.” —Richard Connema, Broadway critic Jan 16–19 & Mar 10–11 Fairfax, VA Jan 31–Feb 2 Baltimore, MD Early Bird code: WFamily T hroughout history artists in almost every culture looked to the divine for inspiration. Art was meant to uplift, bringing joy to those who created and experienced it. Today, Shen Yun Performing Arts pays homage to this tradition, weaving the wisdom and virtues of Chinese civilization with ancient legends and modern heroic tales on stage. SHEN YUN brings to its audiences a whole new experience, revealing a China untainted by communist rule. Be prepared to traverse time and space and be mesmerized by the action, humor, and beauty of five millennia. It’s an experience that will uplift your spirit and touch your heart. Apr 7–12 Washington, DC ShenYun.com/DC 888-974-3698 Expires 12/15. Waives facility and ticketing fees, only at ShenYun.com/DC. Excludes Baltimore. OUR TEAM Cover 1 SENIOR LIFESTYLE NEWS ARTFUL AFTERNOON AMOS OZ DIES Page 20 Page 6 YO U S H O U L D KNOW DOWN FOR DUMPLINGS Page 35 January 11, 2019/5 Shevat 5779 washingto .com Gratefully n e a z i M a g HAPPY 30 years! for over & Pasadena HOLIDAYS EROUS A PROSP y NEW YEAR! A MAGAZINE FOR PARENTS IN PRINT MIKE’S PHARMACY n Vitamins CEM 1/31/19 Expires Life 1 Extensio per customer. Limit Rd Smallwood MD 8541 Ft. • Pasadena, Ste G Pharmacy MIKE’S Toys & Doug 1/31/19 CEM Expires Melissa customer. Limit 1 per Rd Smallwood MD 8541 Ft. • Pasadena, Ste G MIKE’S Your Neighb orhood Road 21122 3820 Mountain , MD • Pasadena 9 Suite G 5-009 410-25 Rd Smallwood MD 8541 Ft. • Pasadena, Ste G Pharmacy 410-255-1800 410-255-0099 HELPING CHILDREN OF DIFFERENT BETTER AGES SLEEP PAS 410-25 FREE BRAKE INSPECT ION 12 OFF TER WIN $ Service® Signature Jiffy Lube nal Oil Change be.com Conventio TEACH YOUR BLUES Child Does Your al Have Season ion? HIGHWAY, 2610 ANNAPOLIS AT: 7101 RITCHIE PASADENA • OFFER VALID RITCHIE HIGHWAY, • 8037 1 15 OFF or a the nationals. in Her 2018 Maryland golds were women’s doubles and mixed doubles two badminton; she took silvers in 50-yard swim events, women’s breast stroke and freestyle. She’ll compete one in those swim events and at least NDING SPEECH DISORDERS UNDERSTA AND LANGUAGE THE CHILDREN RING D.COM VALUE OF VOLUNTEE ERICKSCHIL BREAK badminton event. SPRING CAMPS S CHILD ONLINE AT WWW.FRED Competition is generally stiff er in the age VIEW FREDERICK’ nationals. She will be in an older 84, bracket than in recent years — 80 to D which may work in her favor. “Every IRED ES SNOW-INSP & STORI OLYMPICS, page 14 ® BEHIND WORRY www.booker.Jiffylu Visit us at other offer or used in addition in the LEAVE with any Lube locations in any cannot be combined at participating Jiffy or altered This coupon reproduced value 1/100 c. Only valid Cash CONEYESS12 to fleet discounts. Not to be sold, transferred, trademarks Expires 1/31/19. or restricted. United States. prohibited, taxed mark are registered Inc. where ® MILLERSVILLE way. Void ® and the Jiffy Lube design Jiffy Lube International HIGHWAY, ONLY. LOCATIONS Jiffy Lube ® International, Inc. ©2018 • 8071 VETERANS ROAD, SEVERN GLEN BURNIE of Jiffy Lube Get Ready for Winter PAS BACK TO schoo l BACK TO class homeservic t’s Thursday morning and Paul Werner is sitting inside the Yeshiva of Greater Washington with the Book of Esther open. He’s not a student at the yeshiva but this isn’t a normal is Thursday. The federal government shut down and employees like Werner — who would only say that he works in the executive branch — have been esmag.com I Center. Th ey work in the kitchen at Father McKenna D25 day of Jaron Bourke, left , and Sarinah Kalb Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center’s were among 700 volunteers for the service on Dec. 25. See page 25. Photo by Lloyd Wolf Netanyahu dogged by inquiry as election looms By Marcy Oster See SHUTDOWN, page 13 S M AG AZIN ANNE ARUNDEL FOOD ALLERGIES ONE MOM'S SEE PAGE 30 CAMP FAIR VICE Fall 2018 Sum mer Camps furloughed. For Werner, the shutdown has its up- his sides. He can spend more time with family and use an otherwise lazy week- the day morning to learn Torah. But at to end of the day, he wants to get back work as soon as possible as the prospect of a missed paycheck looms. I “I have six children,” he says, “and pay private school tuition.” Werner is one of about 400,000 on “non-essential” federal employees furlough as President Donald Trump demands more than $5 billion from Congress to build a wall on the border • FEB. 24 TEAC HING BOYS YOU SHOULD KNOW TALKING MASSAGE IN THE ERA #METOO Read ers' Choi IS BACK ce 10 Lo ve BOOKS to toto CHECK THE STATS $ Depress Service® Oil Change Signature Jiffy Lube Synthetic Blend & High Milage be.com NOW! Highway 7101 Ritchie MD 21061 Glen Burnie, 0183 410-760- At This Location Available Full Synthetic, Brake Service G APPS 5 GOAL-TRACKIN CRAF TS Pictured: Student at Reston Montessori School See PAGE 12 jewishtimes.com 1 HIGHWAY, 2610 ANNAPOLIS AT: 7101 RITCHIE PASADENA • OFFER VALID RITCHIE HIGHWAY, • 8037 Road 2610 Annapolis MD 21144 Severn, 410-551- Available ® BEHIND WORRY www.booker.Jiffylu Visit us at other offer or used in addition in the LEAVE with any Lube locations in any cannot be combined at participating Jiffy or altered This coupon reproduced value 1/100 c. Only valid Cash CONEYESS15 to fleet discounts. Not to be sold, transferred, trademarks Expires 1/31/19. or restricted. United States. prohibited, taxed mark are registered Inc. where ® MILLERSVILLE way. Void ® and the Jiffy Lube design Jiffy Lube International HIGHWAY, ONLY. LOCATIONS Jiffy Lube ® International, Inc. ©2018 • 8071 VETERANS ROAD, SEVERN GLEN BURNIE of Jiffy Lube 4002 At This Location Highway 8071 Veterans MD 21108 Millersville, 9693 410-969- At This Location Available E COUNTY FIGHT SEE PAGE 51 with Mexico. an- 0 6> It appeared that Democrats and Re- Mandelblit has decided to wait to publicans would be able to narrowly avoid the third shutdown of the Trump nounce his decision in the cases known the as 1000, 2000, and 4000 until aft er ERUSALEM — Israel’s attorney gen- eral likely will wait until aft er na- See ELECTION, page 15 tional elections to announce whether 0 74470 0 1977 7447 19778 8 2 he will indict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in three corruption inves- be tigations, but the allegations could central to the early elections. Sources reported to be close to Avichai Mandelblit told Hebrew media includ- that ing the KAN national broadcaster J com SER By Jared Foretek Staff Writer THE Senior Olympics set ing in the National HOW TO AVOID Albuquerque, N.M. — her for June in PAINS my second trip to the nationals. “It’s ACHES AND hope to bring home S a national ribbon FROM BACKPACK medal.” It would be her fi rst in 3820 Pasadena, Ste G • FEBRUAR Y 2019 Baltimor esChild. Story begins on page 24 resident and member of Tikvat Congregation looks ahead to compet- al Nutrition Brand ents CEM 1/31/19 Supplem Rd Expires Mountain MD per customer. Limit 1 HOME some turn to study Lev Bar-Av’s National Photo keeps the art of image-making alive ack when Judy Davis was the young- est of four children growing up in Bakersfi eld, Calif., she swam and played badminton — but never competitively, unless vying against her siblings counts. Th at changed about 13 years ago. “My fi rst time competing was the Maryland AS FEATURED ResQ PHOTOS closed, Many hands, light work TO FOCUS Olympics,” the 79-year-old says. FIVE AREAS Senior medaled in swimming Now, having TO ON FOR and BACK badminton in the 2018 Maryland Olympics, the longtime Rockville SCHOOL Senior HYGIENE Israel Year % 25 OFF d Road Smallwoo MD 21122 8541 Ft. • Pasadena, Suite G 5-1800 $1.00 | washingtonjewishweek.com | Havdalah 5:44 | Tevet 26, 5779 Vol. 55, No. 1 | Candlelighting 4:41 FREE Senior B Rd MD 3820 Mountain Pasadena, Ste G • In the New 410-255-0099 410-255-1800 PHARMACY ON WCBM Pharmacy cies: Pharma Candle Lighting: 4:45 p.m. A LIFE IN With govt. 6 January 3, 2019 By Andrea F. Siegel Special to WJW Rd 3820 Mountain MD Pasadena, Ste G • BET TER HABITS 410-255-0099 410-255-1800 PHARMACY % OF F DY 25 STU mac om Phar armacy.c mikesph VOLUME 28, ISSUE athlete looks to national Olympics JANUARY 2019 PASADENA 2018-2019 WINTER F % 25 OF serving www.my & ONLINE $0.75 e er’ s Ey Cons um ER 2019 AUGUST/SEPTEMB m nFAMILY.co Highway 8037 Ritchie MD 21122 Pasadena, 3311 410-768- At This Location Available Brake Service To advertise please call: 410-902-2300 | Anne Arundel County | homeservices mag.com 410-349-95 WadeLands 07 capes.com 1 Brake Service Brake Service MID-ATLANTIC MEDIA has been covering both Beltways in a MAJOR LEAGUE way for nearly a century. NOVEMBER 2019 WashingtonFAMILY.com • 301-230-2222 Craig Burke, Publisher Account Executives Kim Coates, Tamara Morris, Mary Ramsdale, Stacie Shapero, Sylvia Witaschek BUSINESS Pattie-Ann Lamp, Accounting Coordinator • 410-902-2311 • plamp@midatlanticmedia.com EDITORIAL Jessica Gregg, Lifestyle Editor • 410-902-2319 • jgregg@midatlanticmedia.com Adranisha Stephens, Staff Writer • 410-902-2328 • astephens@midatlanticmedia.com PU BLICATIO N EST. Baltimore Jewish Times .......................................... 19 19 Washington Jewish Week ..................................... 19 30 Baltimore’s Child .................. .......................................... 19 83 Baltimore Style ........................ ........................................ 19 89 Consumer’s Eye Magazin e .................................... 1991 Frederick’s Child ........................ ..................................... 19 91 Washington Family .................. ..................................... 19 92 Mid-Atlantic Custom Me dia .................................. 2004 Home Services Magazin e ....................................... 2018 Contributors Zibby Andrews, Michelle Blanchard Ardillo, Ann Dolin PJ Feinstein Irene Myers-Thompson, Abby Quellen, Kathryn Streeter CREATIVE Lonna Koblick, Art Director Bethany Skadin, Graphic Design Intern James Meskunas, Digital Media Manager David Stuck, Staff Photographer MID-ATLANTIC MEDIA Craig Burke, CEO/Publisher • cburke@midatlanticmedia.com Jennifer Perkins-Frantz, Director of Production• jperkinsfrantz@midatlanticmedia.com Bill Sims, Director of Circulation & Audience Development • bsims@midatlanticmedia.com Jeni Mann, Director of Marketing & Custom Media • jmann@midatlanticmedia.com Table of Contents 301-230-2222 410-902-2300 midatlanticmedia.com Single Page Design Calendar of Events © 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. Correspondence and editorial submissions from our readers are welcomed. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment on all editorial and advertising material submitted. We are not responsible for the return of any unsolicited materials. The acceptance of advertising by Washington Family does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. All rights reserved. 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 6 Washington FAMILY NOVEMBER 2019 FIRST WORD Feeling Grateful … and Pies G Jessica Gregg Editor jgregg@midatlanticmedia.com Facebook facebook.com/WashingtonFamilyMagazine Follow us on Pinterest @familymagazine and Instagram @washingtonfamilymag Email us Let us know what’s on your mind. info@thefamilymagazine.com Story Ideas Have a story idea? We want to hear it. Email us at editor@thefamilymagazine.com ratitude has become the platitude for this parenting generation. It makes sense, as we live more in our phones and paradoxically less connected to each other. Feeling grateful is the way we Instagram-proof our expectations and get real about what we really have. But how do we convey this message to our children? Writer PJ Feinstein digs into the daily benefits of gratitude and how we can make it a regular family practice — and not just on Thanksgiving. Speaking of gratitude, we at Washington Family, Baltimore’s Child and Frederick’s Child feel most for- tunate to have worked with Washington Family’s longtime editor Britni Petersen. Britni always knew what parents wanted to talk about and what they wanted to see in this magazine. After a decade in the D.C. area, she has now returned to her home state of Texas. We will miss her but are excited to announce that PJ Feinstein will be com- ing aboard as editor starting with our next issue. PJ is a mother of two and another great voice in our community. We look forward to having her as part of our magazine family. Did you know we are about to enter pie sea- son? Between Thanksgiving and the end of the year, Americans are positively pie crazy, and writer Michelle Blanchard Ardillo talks with four families across the Mid-Atlantic who have made this crusty dessert their career. Read about the ways they mix business and eating pleasure, and then go online for a foolproof crust recipe from Nic Romano of DaddyBoy Bake Shop. Enjoy! Our resident preschool expert, Zibby Andrews, a former early childhood educator and current busy grandmother, shares the pre-reading possi- bilities and fun that parents can have with their preschoolers. Finally, we have a roundup of turkey trots around the region. Happy Thanksgiving to your family from all of us at Washington Family!  ■ SAVE THE DATE! • Raff les and prizes • Family-fun activities • Exhibitors from all over the DMV • Giveaway bags 2020 Join Us For a Day of Family Fun! Northern Virginia: Sunday, January 19, 2020 Noon-4pm • Fair Oaks Mall Register: WFCampFair2020NOVA.eventbrite.com Maryland: Sunday, February 9, 2020 Noon-4pm Westfield Montgomery Mall Register: WFCampFair2020MD.eventbrite.com Contact your account executive to become an exhibitor Contact advertising@washingtonfamily.com or call 301-230-2222, ext. 4 WashingtonFAMILY.com 7 CALENDAR { november } storytimes include short stories, action rhymes, songs and fingerplays. Independent Hill Neighborhood Library, Manassas, Va., 10:30 a.m. pwcgov.org THURSDAY 7 ‘Edward Albee’s Occupant’ In this production, a little Jewish FRIDAY 1 girl from Russia immigrates to the U.S. and becomes the renowned FREE Friday Fun WEDNESDAY 6 sculptor Louise Nevelson. Diving It’s time for some Friday fun! Every deep into her world and getting to first Friday, families can enjoy FREE Musical Storytime witness her mental struggles and movies, music, dance or books For little musical lovers, this career triumphs, the audience will while also making friends with musical storytime is a must. leave with a better understanding others in the community. Contact Barnes & Noble is partnering with of this famous artist’s mind and the library for specific activities. Crescendo Studios to combine how she became a free-thinking Chinn Park Regional Library, Price book and music together to woman who inspired many. William, Va., 10:30 a.m. pwcgov.org get kids excited about reading. Theater J, Washington, D.C., Barnes & Noble (Mosaic 8 p.m. $34-$64. theaterj.org. SATURDAY 2 District), Fairfax, Va., 11 a.m. barnesandnoble.com FRIDAY 8 ‘Matilda the Musical’ Other Voices Theatre presents FREE Sensory Yoga Northern Virginia Roald Dahl’s “Matilda the While all children are welcome, this Christmas Show Musical”, which tells the story of a beneficial yoga program is geared With more than 250 fine artisans, brilliant girl with newly discovered toward kids with autism. It aims at this award-winning holiday show powers who uses her abilities and helping kids with their sensory skills is the perfect way to kick off intelligence to take a dramatic as well as helping to strengthe their the Christmas season. Browse and positive stand in her life. mind-body connections. Grades through tons of fine arts, pottery, The Performing Arts Factory, K-6 with caregiver. Montclair jewelry, photography, fiber arts Frederick, Md., 8 p.m. $18-$22. Community Library, Dumfries, Va., and more to find the perfect othervoicestheatre.org 5:45 p.m. pwcgov.org Christmas gift for your loved ones. Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly, Va., SUNDAY 3 10 a.m. $8. dullesexpo.com FREE Reading to Dogs Did you know that dogs love books, too? Children can practice their reading skills by reading aloud to FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 a therapy dog at the library. For readers in grades K- 5. Attendees can bring their own book or read one from the library. Chinn Park Regional Library, Prince William, Va., 1 p.m. pwcgov.org SATURDAY 9 ‘Taj Express’ Think about those magical Indian Bollywood movies and that’s what this performance delivers. “Taj Express” follows the story of one man’s passion and another’s genius and is packed with all kinds of joy, theatrics and fun. The spectacular dance numbers and music will have you smiling and dancing along. Center for the Arts, Fairfax, Va., 8 p.m. $29-$48. cfa.gmu.edu SUNDAY 10 ‘The Four Seasons’ Enjoy this reimagined version of the beloved “The Four Seasons.” Led my music director and violinist Daniel Hope, he pairs Vivaldi’s iconic masterpiece with neo-classical composer Max Richter’s piece, “Recomposed.” Center for the Arts, Fairfax, Va., 2 p.m. $29-$48. cfa.gmu.edu DISNEY’S ‘NEWSIES’ MONDAY 4 FREE Funday Monday Make Monday less than boring with a day full of crafts, music, movement and fun. Organizations like Mr. Skip, My Gym and Paint Your Own Pottery will be in attendance. Old Town Hall, Fairfax, Va., 10:30 a.m. fairfaxva.gov Baby Storytime Storytimes are great for developing children’s reading and pre-reading skills as well as their imaginations. The library’s 8 Washington FAMILY Don’t miss out on seeing this Tony-Award-winning musical! In the summer of 1899, the New York newsboys took on two of the most powerful men in the country, Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst, and won. Based on true events, this musical inspires audiences to stand up for what is right and let their voices be heard. Arena Stage, Washington, D.C., 8 p.m. $92. arenastage.org NOVEMBER 2019 PROVIDED TUESDAY 5 — ADVERTORIAL — Why Outdoor Play Should Be a Part of Every Child’s Day A s the temperatures drop, children will likely spend more and more time indoors. Outdoor play is just as criti- cal in the fall and winter as it is in the spring and summer. In fact, studies show that chil- dren perform better in school and are physi- cally and mentally healthier when they enjoy the great outdoors. Children develop cre- ativity and learn how to overcome boredom on their own when they experience nature and find ways to entertain themselves out- side. Dr. Claire McCarthy, Faculty Editor of Harvard Health Publishing points out the benefits to executive skills, “These are  the skills that help us plan, prioritize, trouble- shoot, negotiate, and multitask; they are crucial for our success. Creativity falls in here, too, and using our imagination to prob- lem-solve and entertain ourselves. These are skills that must be learned and practiced — and to do this, children need unstructured time. They need time alone and with other children, and to be allowed (perhaps forced) to make up their own games, figure things out, and amuse themselves. Being outside gives them opportunities to practice these important life skills.” With the increasing obsession with elec- tronic devices and screens, and the typical family’s busy schedule, it is more challeng- ing now than ever for parents to find time for outdoor activities on a regular basis. Therefore, the ideal solution is that a child spends some time outside at school every day. At Westminster School in Annandale, VA, children enjoy recess once or twice every day depending on the grade level and all stu- dents have PE class every day. If it’s a cold day, children bundle up and head outside to play on the playground or field, or they go for a nice walk around the campus. The cold is not an excuse to stay inside; in fact, the crisp air is invigorating! Only in the most extreme temperatures or weather condi- tions will Westminster students have indoor recess. Team sports are offered beginning in the 5th grade, which provides the students additional exercise, and which instills the value of teamwork and winning/losing with grace. Optional after-school sports enrich- ment is offered to the younger students. Westminster offers an outward-bound program to students in grades 4-8. These experiences challenge the students to work together in teams to to over- come physical and intellectual challeng- es. Children go rock climbing, canoeing, camping, and zip lining. In addition to the physical benefits of this program, there are mental benefits as well, since the chil- dren must work in teams to solve prob- lems. For instance, how will a team get every person over a six-foot wall without the use of a ladder? Westminster recommends that all chil- dren take a break after school and play outside before beginning their homework. This outdoor play provides a pause from the focused attention at school and gets the blood pumping to the brain, reener- gizing the children for the time they will spend on their homework. While parents may be reluctant to give up the time prior to homework/study time, Westminster says that the 20-30 minutes outside will pay dividends when a more focused stu- dent can complete his homework in a timely manner. Many schools have cut back on the amount of recess and PE students receive in a week, in favor of more technology classes. Westminster, however, remains resolute in its commitment to daily play, recognizing that outdoor activities are beneficial to students in countless ways and must be part of the everyday life of a child.  ■ WashingtonFAMILY.com  9 CALENDAR KIDZ BOP World Tour 2019 Do you and your kids loves to sing and dance? If so, then it’s time to head to D.C. for a live performance with KIDZ BOP. The show will feature today’s top hits sung by kids along with an overall interactive experience. DAR Constitution Hall, Washington, D.C., 4 p.m. $25-$55. dar.org TUESDAY 12 FREE Preschool Playdate: Happy Birthday USMC! It’s USMC’s birthday! Preschool students are invited to a birthday celebration that includes storytimes, sing-a-longs and fun crafts. For ages 5 and under. National Museum of the Marine Corps, Triangle, Va., 10 a.m. usmcmuseum.com Matinee Idylls: Brass 5 Since 1982, the Brass 5 has performed more than 4,000 concerts around the U.S. and Europe. Get the chance to see them live with a mesmerizing performance that is both lively and playful. Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas, Va., 12:30 p.m. $29-$49. cvpa.gmu.edu WEDNESDAY 13 FREE Baby Storytime Storytimes are great for developing children’s reading and pre-reading skills as well as their imaginations. The library’s storytimes include short stories, action rhymes, songs and fingerplays. Bull Run Regional Library, Manassas, Va., 10:30 a.m. pwcgov.org THURSDAY 14 FREE Family Craft Night Craftmaking is way more fun when it involves the entire family. Head to the library for some creative family-inspired Egg-tion HERO crafts. Chinn Park Regional Library, Prince William, Va., 7 p.m. pwcgov.org paying homage to Puccini.” Center for the Arts, Fairfax, Va., 8 p.m. $40-$110. cfa.gmu.edu FRIDAY 15 SUNDAY 17 Daddy-Daughter Date Night Make precious memories with your daughters by enjoying a night out of music, dancing, snacks, games and more. Also, go home with some timeless photos taken in the photo booth. The Zen Lounge, Manassas, Va., 6:30 p.m. $7-$25. Disney Junior Holiday Party Sing and dance along to Disney Junior song favorites as well as holiday classics with Disney friends including Mickey & Minnie Mouse, the Puppy Dog Pals, Vampirina and more. Warner Theatre, Washington, D.C., 3 p.m. $33-$53. warnertheatre.com SATURDAY 16 MONDAY 18 Virginia Opera: ‘Il Postino’ Have a parents’ night out at the opera. Enjoy a production of of Mexican composer Daniel Catn’s tragic-comedic opera “Il Postino”. The Center for Arts describes “Il Postino” as a “universal story of love longed for, and won, featuring an opulent score with arias, duets, and tonal music FREE Make-and-Take Mondays Have an artistic afternoon with your little one creating unique crafts. Instructions and materials will be provided. Central Community Library, Manassas, Va., 6:30 p.m. pwcgov.org NSO Family Concert A special show from the Netherlands for the very young Peter and Friends See that egg? The one in the museum gallery guarded by two boring attendants? It’s very expensive and no one is allowed to touch it. But just when the job of these attendants starts to feel extra boring, they’re needed more than ever! Will they succeed at keeping the egg safe? Join Dutch theater/dance company Maas in a charming production for young audiences featuring miming actors, a chase scene, and a hysterically egg-cellent time. Inspired by Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, this concert developed specifically for toddlers is sure to have audience members playing like ducks, catching a wicked wolf, and engaging with music all along the way! This wild adventure features actors, puppets, and a quintet of woodwind and brass musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra, presented in collaboration with Atlanta, Georgia’s Teller Productions. Come early for a Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo” Nov. 9 & 10 Studio F at the REACH Age 3+ Ages: Infant to 5+ Nov. 23 & 24 Studio F at the REACH A World Premiere Kennedy Center Commission Based on the book by Mo Willems Written by Mo Willems and Mr. Warburton Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma Choreographed by Jessica Hartman Dramaturgy by Megan Alrtuz Directed by Jerry Whiddon Whatever you do, don’t let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! It’s not easy being the Pigeon—you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Starring an innovative mix of actors, puppets, songs, and feathers, Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! (The Musical) is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. Nov. 23–Jan. 5 Family Theater Limited availability! Age 5+ Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. and Jan. 5 at 1:30 p.m. are sensory-friendly performances. Kennedy-Center.org (202) 467-4600 10 Groups call (202) 416-8400 For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540 Washington FAMILY NOVEMBER 2019 Additional support is provided by The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather, and Dutch Performing Arts. Bank of America is the Presenting Sponsor of Performances for Young Audiences. Major support for education programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by David M. Rubenstein through the Rubenstein Arts Access Program. CALENDAR THE BREAKFAST FESTIVAL OF MARYLAND Saturday, November 16 FREE Baby Storytime Storytimes are great for developing children’s reading and pre-reading skills as well as their imaginations. The library’s storytimes include short stories, action rhymes, songs and fingerplays. Potomac Community Library, Woodbridge, Va., 10:15 a.m. pwcgov.org WEDNESDAY 20 ‘Superpower Dogs’ Film “Superpower Dogs” is a documentary about six real- life working dogs from around the world who brave all kinds of natural disasters and help save lives in a variety of situations. This family-friendly film aims to help viewers discover everything that makes these types of dogs so remarkable. National Museum of the Marine Corps, Triangle, Va., 10 a.m. $8-$11. usmcmuseum.com FREE Toddler Music & Motion It’s time to clap, stomp, dance and sing. Each Music & Motion session off ers a variety of music- related and movement activities for kids ages 1 to 3. Potomac Community Library, Woodbridge, Va., 10:30 a.m. pwcgov.org THURSDAY 21 FREE Lego Club There are so many ways to enjoy Legos. Come out to the library for some Lego-building fun for grades K-5. Dale City Neighborhood Library, Dale City, Va., 4:30 p.m. pwcgov.org FRIDAY 22 Sugarloaf Crafts Festival Get a bulk of your holiday shopping done at the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival. Check out 400- plus talented artisans, and take home amazing one-of-a-kind handcrafted products such as Who doesn’t love pancakes? Fulfill all of your pancake dreams at this huge, inaugural event. Enjoy tons of good eats from local breakfast/brunch-style vendors, shopping, contests, kid-friendly activities and more. Frederick Fairgrounds, Building 9, Frederick, Md., 10 a.m. $15.50, FREE for kids 12 and under. visitfrederick.org T reat your child to a magical sleepover party We create ate bespoke sleepover themes for boys and girls Select your date and package We deliver, set-up and style. next day we collect Book Your Child’s Party Today! 713-412-7600 www.confettiteepees.com + ICE CREAM TRUCK BOOK NOW FOR YOUR Summer Programs School Fairs Corporate Venues Birthdays 571-283-2408 ❤  12 Washington FAMILY NOVEMBER 2019 PROVIDED TUESDAY 19 STEP INTO A WORLD OF HOLIDAY FUN. Immerse yourself in a world of holiday spirit at the return of WinterFest at Kings Dominion. The whole park will be transformed into a glittering winter landscape, with ice skating, festive characters, rides, live shows, and more. And don’t miss out on the New Year’s Eve Celebration. Visit kingsdominion.com to learn more. SELECT DATES NOV 23 – JAN 1 Untitled-1 1 10/21/2019 5:01:10 PM CALENDAR jewelry, home décor, clothing and more. Kids can enjoy a dress- up theater while parents shop. Montgomery County Ag Fair, Md., 10 a.m. $8. sugarloafcrafts.com performers. Published in 1949, “1984” examines the issues of truth, nationalism, censorship, surveillance, privacy and individualism. Center for the Arts, Fairfax, Va., 8 p.m. $26-$44. cfa.gmu.edu Hall, Fairfax, Va., 10:30 a.m. fairfaxva.gov FRIDAY 29 ‘The Nutcracker’ by Virginia National Ballet It’s back again — the classic and super festive holiday performance we all know and love. Dance along with the Sugar Plum Fairy and watch the Nutcracker come to life in this amazing performance full of top-notch choreography and gorgeous sets. Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas, Va., 2 p.m and 6:30 p.m. $25-$37. cvpa.gmu.edu TUESDAY 26 FREE Preschool Music & Motion SATURDAY 23 Get ready to dance and sing! 5th Annual Jennifer Bush- This Music & Motion session SUNDAY 24 Lawson 5K & Family Fun Day offers a variety of music-related This annual run raises funds Dog Adoption Event and movement activities for kids Ready to add a loving, furry friend ages 3 to 6. Central Community for economically vulnerable to the family? Come out to Logan Library, Manassas, Va., 10:30 a.m. women and their babies to receive high-quality maternal and Hardware for City Dogs Rescue’s pwcgov.org dog adoption event! RSVP to infant care. Along with a 5K run WEDNESDAY 27 cdradoptionevents@gmail.com. and kids fun run, there will be other activities to enjoy like moon Logan Hardware, Washington, SATURDAY 30 FREE Baby Storytime D.C., 12 p.m. bounces, laser tag, rock wall, Storytimes are great for developing Chanticleer balloon animals, face painting children’s reading and pre-reading MONDAY 25 This male chorus dazzles with and performances. Knights of skills as well as their imaginations. holiday cheer! Enjoy a festive Columbus, Arlington, Va., 9 a.m., FREE Funday Monday The library’s storytimes include program of Gregorian chant, $19.50-$50. jb-lf.org/5K Make Monday less than boring short stories, action rhymes, Renaissance motets, Gospel with a day full of crafts, music, songs and fingerplays. Chinn Park Aquila Theatre: melodies and Christmas carols. movement and fun. Organizations Regional Library, Prince William, George Orwell’s ‘1984’ Center for the Arts, Fairfax, Va., like Mr. Skip, My Gym and Va., 10:30 a.m. Aquila Theatre brings this 8 p.m. $33-$55. cfa.gmu.edu ■ Paint Your Own Pottery will classic, epic novel to life with be in attendance. Old Town dramatic effects and standout A CLASSIC MUSICAL FOR A NEW GENERATION BALLET, HIP-HOP, JAZZ/TAP & MORE! LIMITED TIME OFFER 50% OFF CHILD TICKETS TO SELECT PERFORMANCES OF SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN To purchase online, select CHILD ticket type and enter the code WF50 or call the Box Office and mention promo code WF50. Offer only valid on CHILD tickets to performances of SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN excluding performances NOV 27 - DEC 1 and DEC 21 - 31, 2019. Offer expires DEC 21, 2019. Children must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18. View our ticket policies online for other terms and conditions. NOV 8 - JAN 5 olneytheatre.org 301.924.3400 Washington FAMILY NOVEMBER 2019 301-515-8908 info@commotiondance.com commotiondance.com REGISTER NOW! O L N E Y T H E AT R E C E N T E R WE’RE CLOSE BY! Just 10 min from the ICC, 30 min from DC, 15 min from Rockville and Columbia, and 40 min from Baltimore! 14 Professional Instruction Free Leotard with Registration Children & Adult Classes GERMANTOWN, MD D A N C E. L E A R N. S H I N E. FAMILIES SCHOOL GROUPS SCOUTS BIRTHDAYS 7300 MacArthur Blvd Glen Echo, MD 20812 301-955-6256 OPEN: Saturdays 9-5 Sundays 12-5 is Mention th t a ad and ge ! FREE GIFT (Weekdays by request) glenechopark.org/aquarium Follow us on i RUn turkey RUn BY WF STAFF DMV FUN 12 D.C.-area turkey trots THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS THE PERFECT TIME TO GIVE back to the community. And what better way to give back this Thanksgiving than by participating in a fun family-friendly Turkey Trot? Before you indulge in pumpkin pie galore, burn some calories and support a good cause at one of these local community races below. CLOVERLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TURKEY TROT 1 MILER AND 5K: NOV. 9 Walk, run and join the fun at Cloverly Elementary School! Come on out and participate in this year’s Turkey Trot 5K. Not up to the lengthy race? Run the mile race instead. Bring the whole family for a fun-filled evening. 800 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring, Md., 4:30 p.m. $10. GOLDS GYM TURKEY TROT: NOV. 9 Take part in Golds Gym Ritchie Station’s first-ever Turkey Trot. Not only will you enjoy running the 5K, but you’ll also be able to enjoy a turkey basket giveaway and a free concert following the race. Golds Gym Ritchie Station, 1723 A Ritchie Station Court, Capitol Heights, Md., 7 a.m. $20. GETTY IMAGES/E+/FATCAMERA; TURKEY: ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS/PSHONKA PVTC CRANBERRY CRAWL 10K AND 5K: NOV. 16 Come out to the Cranberry Crawl! Run or walk in either a 10K or 5K race, and enjoy refreshments after you cross the finish line. Plus, the top three racers will receive delicious cranberry bread. East Potomac Park, 972 Ohio Drive, S.W. Washington, D.C., 7:50 a.m. $10; PVTC members, $5. TURKEY TUMBLE FOR AUTISM: NOV. 17 Support the Organization for Autism Research by racing in this year’s Turkey Tumble for Autism. Bring your family, friends and even (leashed) pets for some exercise and festive fun. Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Path, 3700 Water St., Washington, D.C., 8 a.m. 5K, $25; 10K, $40; 10-Miler, $50. MARINE CORP GOBBLE UP TURKEY TROT: NOV. 23 Runners of all ages are invited to gobble up the Turkey Trot 10K or Mile Run alongside the creek aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. The festive finish includes a petting zoo and award presentations of frozen turkeys and pumpkin pies. Marine Corps Base Quantico, 3250 Catlin Ave., Quantico, Va., 8:30 a.m. 10K, $40; 1-Miler, $16. ARLINGTON TURKEY TROT 5K FUN RUN/WALK: NOV. 28 This run goes through Lyon Park and Ashton Heights and raises money for local Arlington charities, including the Arlington Food Assistance Center, the People’s Assistance Network, Arlington Thrive, Bridges to Independence and Doorways for Women and Families. Christ Church of Arlington, 3020 North Pershing Drive, Arlington, Va., 8 a.m. Adults, $45; Ages 6-17, $25. TURKEY CHASE: NOV. 28 Join the Bethesda-Chevy Chase YMCA in a Thanksgiving Day celebration. With plenty of race options, there’s fun for everyone. 9401 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, Md., 8:30 a.m. 10K, $46; 2-Miler, $22; 1K, $20; Kids 50-Meter, $10. 44TH ANNUAL ALEXANDRIA TURKEY TROT: NOV. 28 Started in 1975 with 244 runners, this popular event now has thousands of participants and offers generous cash and gift prizes to top finishers. Mt. Vernon and E. Spring Street, Alexandria, Va., 9 a.m. 12 and Under, $5; 13-21, $15; 22 and Over, $20. TROT FOR HUNGER: NOV. 28 Give back this season by joining the Trot for Hunger Thanksgiving Day Race to help provide food, health care and clothes to over 10,000 people in need. Freedom Plaza, Washington, D.C., 8:30 a.m. Kids, $15; Adults, $40 (Timed), $45 (Untimed). FAIRFAX TURKEY TROT: NOV. 28 Join Pacers Running for the most fun you can have on turkey day. Held in the heart of Old Town Fairfax, the fifth annual Fairfax Turkey Trot will benefit the City of Fairfax Fire Department Benevolent Fund. Next to Fairfax Fire Station #3, 4081 University Drive, Fairfax Va., 9 a.m. $40. THANKSGIVING DAY 5K TURKEY TROT: NOV. 28 Come out to Project ECHO’s annual Turkey Trot! Start your Thanksgiving day off right by running or walking this 5K in support of their organization’s mission: Hope for the Homeless. 355 West Dares Beach Road, Frederick, Md., 7 a.m. Adults, $30; 12 and Under, $25. TURKEY BURNOFF 2019: NOV. 30 Racers come on out for the Turkey Burnoff race. Choose from either a 5- or 10-mile race. Enjoy the lovely views of Seneca Creek State Park, and keep your eye out for deer during your run! Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, Md., 8:15 a.m. Under 18, $5; Adults, $10. ■ WashingtonFAMILY.com 15 ‘thank you’ Every Thanksgiving, before my family gorges on turkey with gravy and marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes, we go around the table and share something we’re thankful for. I would bet you have a similar family tradition. But are your responses as broad and generic as ours? Most of us say that we’re grateful for our health or the opportunity to celebrate the holiday together. It’s like we don’t know how to answer such a big question — “What are you grateful for?” — when it’s asked just once a year. So why do we only count our blessings at the dinner table on the fourth Thursday of every November? After all, positive things happen to each of us every day. They might not be as monumental as receiv- ing a clean bill of health or a long-awaited promotion, but they’re worthwhile none- theless: a stranger letting you cut ahead in line when you’re obviously in a rush; helpful advice from a friend; a compli- ment from a teacher or boss. What would happen if people started practicing grati- tude on a daily basis rather than just on Thanksgiving? Some local experts shared their thoughts. The Benefits of Gratitude In a nutshell, cultivating an attitude of gratitude might make families hap- pier, healthier and more engaged with one another. “There is a growing body of gratitude research that suggests people MAKING GRATITUDE A DAILY FAMILY PRACTICE BY PJ FEINSTEIN who engage in gratitude practices expe- rience psychological, physical, and social benefits,” says Joy Kolb, a licensed psy- chologist and licensed behavior analyst at Alliance Pediatrics in Gaithersburg. Experiencing gratitude, she explains, helps young children have a better under- standing of emotions, teens feel less envious and less depressed, and adoles- cents report more self-discipline. However, the study of gratitude is relatively new — only about 20 years, according to Anthony Ahrens, a professor of psychology at American University who focuses on gratitude, mindfulness and fear of emotion. Psychologists are “still early in trying to understand it,” he says, but one benefit may be that gratitude can help us figure out who we can really trust. “It’s hard to go through life on our own. We need to know which people we can trust, and experiencing and expressing gratitude can help us to realize the peo- ple who we can really count on — and also start to bind us more closely to them,” Ahrens says, referring to a theory of gratitude called “find, bind, remind.” Then there’s the idea that gratitude “can help us to understand that our lives are abundant rather than deprived,” he adds. It’s easy to focus on the things we lack, and sometimes that’s important, he says, if it motivates us to go out and get them. But focusing on what we have creates a sense of abundance, and research even suggests that feeling grateful makes us more likely to be 16 Washington FAMILY NOVEMBER 2019 generous, explains Adam Grant, a Wharton professor and New York Times bestselling author. “It leads us to think a little about what we have to offer and how we can con- tribute something that other people might appreciate,” he says. Practicing Gratitude If families are interested in starting a grat- itude practice, Kolb recommends easing into it. “Some families start by taking turns around the dinner table stating a ‘win’ or ‘peak’ in their day, eventually shaping this exercise into daily gratitude statements,” she says. If children seem hesitant at first, parents can tailor the exercise around their interests and strengths. Artistic kids may prefer drawing a picture of their daily win, and writers can record a posi- tive experience in a journal as part of their bedtime routine. Talking or thinking about a person to whom you’re grateful is one thing, but expressing gratitude to that per- son directly is another. Some studies even suggest that outward expressions of gratefulness may be more beneficial to our well-being than simply thinking about gratitude. “Children can be taught to express their gratitude to others by send- ing thank-you notes or initiating a brief thank-you phone call,” Kolb says. Another way to practice gratitude is to connect it with generosity. During fam- ily gratitude conversations at their dinner table, Adam Grant and Allison Sweet “ Family volunteering and social service opportunities allow parents to point out how their children’s actions can fulfill others and how others express their gratitude.” Grant, co-authors of a new children’s book on generosity, “The Gift Inside the Box,” ask their kids about who they helped and who helped them at school. “At first, we started getting sort of your standard ‘I for- got’ responses from the kids. But after a while, they really became thoughtful about it and would answer with things like, ‘Oh, I helped somebody study for a quiz’ or ‘I shared my snack,’” says Sweet Grant. Asking their kids about receiving help from others reminds them to be grateful for the people who are supportive of them. Similarly, “family volunteering and social service opportunities allow parents to point out how their children’s actions can fulfill others and how others express their gratitude,” Kolb says. But being help- ful can also start at home with kids taking on household chores that are appropri- ate for their age and developmental level. “By engaging in activities that promote a sense of community, belongingness and autonomy, children cultivate gratitude within themselves and others,” she says. Mastering the practice of gratitude takes time and effort, but by incor- porating more opportunities to feel grateful every day, children may have an easier time answering the question “What are you grateful for?” at next year’s Thanksgiving dinner. ■ PJ Feinstein, the mother of two young boys, is a writer and editor in Potomac. She’s grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Washington Family. So why do we only count our blessings at the dinner table on the fourth Thursday of every November? After all, positive things happen to each of us every day. — Joy Kolb licensed psychologist/ licensed behavior analyst, Alliance Pediatrics, Gaithersburg WashingtonFAMILY.com 17 Easy as Pie BY MICHELLE BLANCHARD ARDILLO etween Halloween and late December, internet food sites buzz with searches for two of the biggest food days of the year: Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s not all about turkey and sides, however. According to the American Pie Council, approximately $700 million in pies, or about 186 million units, are sold in gro- cery stores every year. This does not include pies sold in restaurants, bakeries and membership stores, such as Costco. In fact, the pie council reports, if we lined up the number of pies sold at U.S. grocery stores in one year, they would wrap around the globe and keep going. That’s a lot of pie. What makes pie one of America’s favor- ite desserts, especially during the holiday season? We asked four local pie producers. Slice of Life As soon as Maryland native and former stay-at-home-dad Nic Romano dropped his youngest child off at school for the fi rst time this year, he headed out to a commer- cial kitchen, where he rents the facility to bake pies, bread and cookies, which he sells wholesale and via the New Market Farmers’ Market twice a month. Baking seasonally, he started with peach and apple three-inch mini-pies, which were very successful. In October, he switched to pumpkin, which he makes using locally grown pumpkins. “It is defi nitely worth the time and eff ort to break down the fruit and prepare it for baking,” he says. He tries diff erent varieties that he fi nds at local produce stands, but one favorite is the Long Island Cheese, which is wider and fl atter than the jack-o-lantern pump- kins found everywhere in the fall. Its lightly ribbed and pale-colored rind gives it the appearance of a wheel of cheese, thus the name. Romano began his baking in the Navy. At ports of call in Ireland, the Middle East and the Mediterranean, he was able to sample baked goods and specialties of other cultures. After his service, he worked in a college cafeteria and later at Panera, baking bread through the night. His Panera experience and a gift from a friend of a sour dough starter helped him create his own loaves, which he now sells from his business, DaddyBoy Bake Shop. PIE: PIE SISTERS; ROLLING PIN: GETTY IMAGES 18 Washington FAMILY NOVEMBER 2019 The name comes from his 5-year- old son, Daniel. Romano and his wife of 10 years, Lisa, have two other children, Anna, 9, and Billy, 7. While Lisa focused on her career, Romano was home with the children, cooking and baking for his fam- ily and preparing for this new business venture. Facebook/DaddyBoy Bake Shop Motherhood & Apple Pie Founded in 1981, Mom’s Apple Pie is an institution in Leesburg, Virginia, and it’s all in the family. Avis Renshaw and her husband, Steven Cox, run three retail stores as well as Lost Corner Farm, where they grow the fruits and produce used in their pies. Their son, Tyson, works full time on the farm and comes into the bak- ery during the holiday season to help out. Daughter Petra worked in the fam- ily business for years and then opened her own pie company in New York City, Petee’s Pie Company, which has stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn. And daugh- ter Ansa lives on the farm and does the bookkeeping for the business as well as producing soups for the retail stores. The pie business is year-round, accord- ing to Renshaw, but the company does a typical month’s worth of business com- pressed into just three days around the Thanksgiving holiday. Thousands of pies are baked and sold from its three locations. While the top four sellers during the holidays are apple, apple crumb, pumpkin and pecan, apple is still the most popu- lar choice all year long. As the seasons change, so do the pies. During strawberry season on the farm, the stores sell fresh strawberry pies. Then comes blackberry pie, an open-faced pie that is very popular and always sells out. Recipes are tinkered with year to year to accommodate changes in the produce that is grown on the farm. Multiple varieties of pumpkin and squash, such as butter- nut squash, neck pumpkins and kabocha, are mixed together to create the pump- kin pie with the best flavor and texture. For the company’s sweet potato pie, white sweet potatoes, which are much sweeter, are mixed with orange and red varieties for the perfect filling. momsapplepieco.com Pieces of the Pie A childhood spent canning peaches and baking pies with their mother who “always baked everything” laid the groundwork for three sisters to become known as the Pie Sisters. Opening their Georgetown shop in 2012, Allison, Erin and Catherine Blakely went from having fun together in the kitchen baking with their mom to starting at 4 in the morning to bake thousands of pies, all done by hand. In the beginning, Allison focused on crust, cutting the shortening or butter into the flour with a fork, and Erin focused on filling. They also made some decisions that would set them apart from other pie shops. Seeing the success of a local cupcake shop and the growing trend of smaller-sized baked goods, the Pie Sisters Approximately $700 million in pies, or about 186 million units, are sold in grocery stores every year. — AMERICAN PIE COUNCIL Pie Sisters, from left: Erin, Catherine and Allison Blakely Facing page: Pie Sisters’ pumpkin pie PIES: ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS/KAMESHKOVA ; PIE SISTERS PROVIDED WashingtonFAMILY.com 19 Dangerously Delicious Pies Year-round favorite at Dangerously Delicious Pies is the Baltimore Bomb, a vanilla custard single-crust pie that has Baltimore’s Berger Cookies folded into the custard. created pies in three sizes: a standard 9-inch pie, a cupcake-sized mini-pie called a “cuppie” and something called a “pie bite,” which is the size of a mini-muffin, complete with its own mini-crust. These alternate sizes allow patrons to customize their order and please everyone at their holiday gathering. It also lets regular cus- tomers try new flavors without the cost of purchasing a whole pie. All standard 9-inch pies are sold in the glass pie plate in which they are baked. As Allison Blakely shared, “the pie crust bakes more evenly in glass and you can see when the crust is fully baked, not soggy.” Additionally, most of their pies were too heavy to sell or serve in an aluminum pie plate. The cost of the glass plates is factored into the cost of the pies, which average between $35 and $37 each, but if customers return the pie plate at a later date, they receive a $2 credit toward their next purchase. The Pie Sisters also offer savory pies, including chicken pot pie made from their mother’s recipe and quiches. All pies, both sweet and savory, can be ordered frozen and unbaked, so they can be picked up in advance (in their glass pie plates with baking instructions) and baked fresh on the day needed. Pie Sisters desserts can be found at wed- dings and birthday parties and company luncheons and on the dessert menus of area restaurants as well as on the tables of their regular customers. The sisters’ two most popular pies are their bourbon chocolate pecan and their apple caramel crunch pies, Allison says, but during the holiday season, pumpkin is also a favorite. They also offer gluten-free and lactose-free pies. piesisters.com Deep Dish Having reached her 25th anniversary of teaching first grade for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Mary Wortman was searching for something new, but she had no idea it would be running a pie shop. Dangerously Delicious Pies is a Baltimore staple founded by Rodney “The Pie Man” Henry, frontman to Baltimore band Glenmont Popes. While touring with his band, Henry would make pies for his crew and sell them at the merchandise table alongside the band’s wares. In 2012, Wortman and her husband, John, decided to take the plunge and purchase the Canton location from Henry, who was on the road a lot with his band and his frequent appearances on the Food Network. Two years later, the husband-wife duo opened a second location under Henry’s license agreement, a smaller, coffee- house-type of shop in Hampden. Using all of Henry’s rec- ipes, except for specials, which Wortman’s head bakers have creative license to exper- iment with, the Wortmans have found success and learned a valuable lesson: “If you have to learn quickly, you do.” Originally, they both retained their full-time jobs, but eventually, they flung themselves full strength into the pie-baking world, serving 9-inch deep- dish pies, both savory and sweet, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s a fam- ily affair, as son Johnny oversees the Hampden location with co-manager Carla Crisp. Mary doesn’t spend much time in the kitchen, but John does a lot of the baking, having traded the world of instrument technology for the science of oven temperatures. The business’s year-round favorite is the Baltimore Bomb, a vanilla custard sin- gle-crust pie that has Baltimore’s Berger Cookies folded into the custard, Mary says. During the holidays, customers go for the more traditional fare, with pumpkin, sweet potato, pecan and apple — either traditional apple or apple crumb — being top choices. The Wortmans must be doing something right as People magazine recently featured Dangerously Delicious Pies and their blue- berry pancake pie as its Best Pie in the state of Maryland. dangerouspiesbalt.com ■ Want to know how to make the perfect pie crust? Check out Nic Romano’s recipe on our website. PIE: DANGEROUSLY DELICIOUS 20 Washington FAMILY NOVEMBER 2019 GOOD EATS A Full Menu for All-day Holiday Festivities W hen holiday gatherings turn into all-day events, having meals ready from morning to night becomes an important part of seasonal hosting. Starting with breakfast through the main course followed by a savory dessert, a full day of celebration calls for a variety of dishes. To help keep your crowd fueled for a wide range of activities, consider these recipes for Hot Cocoa Pancakes to get your morning started, Browned Butter Smashed Potatoes with Butternut Squash to pair with a holiday ham and Black Forest Cake to end the festivities on a high note. BEGIN THE HOLIDAY WITH A FAMILY BREAKFAST With so many activities scheduled and places to be during the holidays, starting the morning with a filling breakfast can help set your family on the path to enjoyable moments with loved ones. These Hot Cocoa Pancakes require little time in the kitchen, leaving you more time to spend with the family before hitting the road or working on decorations for seasonal gatherings. Made with Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix, containing no artificial coloring or flavors, this recipe makes it simple to put breakfast on the table quickly while still achieving a meal full of flavor. HOT COCOA PANCAKES Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 2 minutes per pancake Yield: 12 pancakes (3 per serving) 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar 1 cup 2% or non-fat milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups Aunt Jemima Original Complete or Buttermilk Complete Pancake & Waffle Mix 1/4 cup water marshmallow spread (optional) chocolate syrup (optional) Aunt Jemima Syrup (optional) Heat skillet over medium-low heat or electric griddle to 375 degrees. In microwave-safe bowl, mix cocoa powder, sugar, milk and vanilla until well combined. Heat in microwave 30 seconds, or until warm. Stir again to ensure mixture is combined. Combine cocoa mixture, pan- cake mix and water. Stir until large lumps disappear (do not beat or overmix). If batter is too thick, add additional 1-2 table- spoons water. Pour slightly less than 1/4 cup batter onto lightly greased skillet or griddle. Cook 90 sec- onds, or until bubbles appear on surface. Turn and cook additional 30 seconds. Repeat with remaining batter. Hot Cocoa Pancakes TOP: GETTY IMAGES/E+/ GIRL: FG TRADE; SYRUP: URFINGUSS; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF FAMILYFEATURES.COM WashingtonFAMILY.com 21 GOOD EATS Top pancakes with marshmal- low spread and drizzle chocolate syrup, or top with syrup. PARTY-PERFECT POTATOES Almost every holiday meal calls for side dishes to complement the main course, and as one of the most versatile base ingre- dients available, potatoes often provide home chefs with a mul- titude of options. Served mashed, fried, scal- loped, sliced, diced, boiled, roasted or just about any style in-between, potatoes are ideal for matching with the center- piece of your family meal. These Browned Butter Smashed Pota- toes with Butternut Squash call for Wisconsin yellow-flesh pota- toes to achieve a dense, creamy texture with their just-buttered appearance. Find more dishes for your hol- iday gatherings at eatwisconsin- potatoes.com. 3 tablespoons butter, divided 8-10 fresh (2-3-inch) sage leaves, stacked and cut into 1/4-inch strips 1/2 cup 1% milk freshly ground black pepper, to taste In 3-quart saucepan, cover potatoes and squash with water; add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat, cover and cook until tender, 12-15 minutes. In small saucepan over medium heat, mix 2 tablespoons butter and sage. Tilting pan and watching closely, cook about 3 minutes, until butter foams and begins to brown; keep warm. Thoroughly drain potatoes and squash, return to pan and shake 1-2 minutes over low heat. Using hand masher, roughly mash to create chunky mixture. Over low heat, gently mix in remaining butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper, BROWNED BUTTER to taste. SMASHED POTATOES WITH Spoon into serving bowl and BUTTERNUT SQUASH drizzle with brown butter and Prep time: 25 minutes sage. Cook time: 15 minutes Serve Up a Savory Sweet 1 pound (3 medium) Wisconsin yellow-flesh potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch chunks 1 small butternut squash (about 1 pound), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks water 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste, divided Browned Butter Smashed Potatoes with Butternut Squash No holiday gathering is com- plete without dessert, and you can take your sweets to the next level with this rich, creamy Black Forest Cake recipe. Tart cherries and whipped cream are combined with Dom- ino Golden Sugar – a less pro- cessed option which is made from pure cane sugar and works cup-for-cup just like white sugar, but with a golden color and distinct hint of molasses flavor – for a contrasting pro- file to put a spin on a seasonal classic. Find more holiday dessert ideas at dominosugar.com. BLACK FOREST CAKE Servings: 8 CHERRY FILLING: 1/2 cup Domino Golden Sugar 22 Black Forest Cake WashingtonFAMILY NOVEMBER 2019 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/2 cup water or unsweetened cherry juice 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted tart (Montmorency) cherries 2 tablespoons cherry brandy (optional) CAKE: 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour 2/3 cup cocoa powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 1/2 cups Domino Golden Sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/2 cups buttermilk STABILIZED WHIPPED CREAM: 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin 2 tablespoons cold water 2 cups (1 pint) heavy whipping cream 2 tablespoons Domino Golden Sugar chocolate curls or shavings, for garnish (optional) To make cherry filling: In medium saucepot, whisk sugar and cornstarch with water or juice then bring to boil over medium heat. Stir in cherries and cherry brandy, if desired, and boil 2-3 minutes, stirring, until sauce is thick and translu- cent. Drain cherries from sauce and set both aside. To make cake layers: Heat oven to 350 F. Line bottoms of three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Grease and flour bottoms and sides. In medium bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. In mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar 2 minutes on medium speed. Add eggs and vanilla; beat 1 minute. Stir in flour mixture and buttermilk. Pour batter evenly among cake pans and bake 20-22 min- utes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool and remove layers from pans. To make stabilized whipped cream: In small pan or micro- waveable bowl, combine gelatin and cold water; allow gelatin to bloom. Heat until gelatin melts and dissolves; set aside. In chilled bowl, whip cream with chilled beaters until soft peaks form. Add sugar and gela- tin; beat until stiff. Prick tops of two bottom lay- ers with fork and brush cherry filling over layers. Sandwich bottom layers with a 1/4-inch- thick spread of stabilized whipped cream. Sandwich sec- ond and top layer with same whipped cream. Spread remain- ing whipped cream over top layer and sides. Garnish with shaved choco- late, if desired, and decorate with any remaining whipped cream. Find more holiday recipe inspiration at Culinary.net and auntjemima.com. ■ — Family Features MONTESSORI GUIDE Discovering Montessori MARYLAND THE BETHESDA MONTESSORI SCHOOL bethesdamontessori.com admissions@bethesdamontessori.com 7611 Clarendon Road, Bethesda, Md. Ages: 3-6 301-986-1260 VIRGINIA BROOKSFIELD SCHOOL brooksfieldschool.org brksfield@aol.com 1830 Kirby Road, McLean, Va. Ages: 2-6 703-356-KIDS THE CHILDREN’S HOUSE OF WASHINGTON thechildrenshouseofwashington.com chowdirector@gmail.com 3133 Dumbarton St., N.W. Washington, D.C. Toddler: Nearly 2-3 Primary: 3-6 202-342-2551 BUTLER SCHOOL butlerschool.org amy@butlerschool.org 15951 Germantown Road Darnestown, Md. Ages: 18 months-14 301-977-6600 CARDINAL MONTESSORI cardinalmontessori.com cardinalmontessori@gmail.com 1424 G St., Woodbridge, Va. Ages: 3-12 703-491-3810 CHILDREN’S HOUSE AT HOLLY HILL MONTESSORI hollyhillmontessori.com hollyhillmontessori@gmail.com 19137 Mateny Hill Road, Germantown, Md. Ages: 2-5 202-246-0547 CHILDREN’S HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL montessoriofarlington.com off ice@chms-arlington.com 2425-A North Glebe Road, Arlington, Va. Ages: 2-6 703-276-1360 ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS / FATCAMERA Montessori School Guide DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AIDAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL aidanschool.org admissions@aidanschool.org 2700 27th Street NW, Washington, DC Ages: 18 Months to Grade 6 202-387-2700 WashingtonFAMILY.com 23 MONTESSORI GUIDE COMMUNITY MONTESSORI SCHOOL cmsreston.com bonnieredcms@gmail.com 1700 Reston Pkwy., Reston, Va. Ages: Infants-6 years 703-478-3656 MONTESSORI SCHOOL AT GOOSE CREEK PRESERVE goosecreekmontessori.com 42470 Rosalind St., Ashburn, Va. Ages: 16 months to 6 years 571-417-3999 HOLLY BROOK MONTESSORI SCHOOL preschoolmontessori.com info@hollybrookmontessori.com 2455 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, Va. Ages: 3-5 703-573-7800 ASHBURN, VA. ONENESS-FAMILY SCHOOL onenessfamily.org admissions@onenessfamily.org 6701 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md. High School: 9411 Connecticut Ave., Kensington, Md. Ages: 2-High School 301-652-7751 HUNTER MILL MONTESSORI SCHOOL preschoolmontessori.com info@huntermillmontessori.com 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, Va. Ages: 2 years 9 months-5 703-938-7755 MONARCH CHRISTIAN MONTESSORI kidslovemonarch.com kidslovemonarch@gmail.com 15120 Enterprise Ct., Ste. 100 Chantilly, Va. Ages: 18 months-6 703-961-8281 MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CEDAR LANE preschoolmontessori.com info@cedarlanemontessori.com 3035 Cedar Lane, Fairfax, Va. Ages: 3-6 703-560-4379 RESTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL restonmontessori.com off ice@restonmontessori.com 1928 Isaac Newton Sq., Reston, Va. Ages: 3 months-Grade 6 703-481-2922 SUNSET HILLS MONTESSORI sunsethillsmontessori.com off ice@sunsethillsmontessori.com 11180 Ridge Heights Road, Reston, Va. 703-476-7477 ■ Open House: December 6th from 6:30pm-7:30pm. FIND US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/WashingtonFamilyMagazine C OMMUNITY M ONTESSORI S CHOOL ♦ STEM ♦ Music ♦ Spanish ♦ PE & Yoga ♦ Infants to CELEBRATING 25 YEARS! 6 years ENROLLING NOW 7:30am to 6:30pm 1700 Reston Parkway, Suite 1, Reston, VA 20194 703-478-3656 ♦ cmsreston.com Email bonnieredcms@gmail.com to schedule a tour. 24 Washington FAMILY NOVEMBER 2019 THE BETHESDA MONTESSORI SCHOOL 20 RUNNER-UP RUNNER-UP 1 8 For 37 years, teaching ages 3-6 F i n D FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE DMV ENROLLING NOW Extended Day 8am – 6pm 7611 Clarendon Rd. Bethesda, MD 20814 301-986-1260 September 2019 admissions still available, email admissions@bethesdamontessori.com today for a personal tour. www.bethesdamontessori.com WashingtonFAMILY WEEKEND GUIDES @ washingtonfamily.com/ fun_things_to_do/ Healthy Smile... Healthy Child Follow us on pediatric dental care John Han, DDS Pediatric Dentist Fernanda Fontes, DDS Pediatric Dentist Jenny Ha, DDS Pediatric Dentist Harold Fleming, DDS Orthodontist Dr. Han voted one of the Top Dentists in Northern VA Magazine & VA Living Magazine. • • • • • • • • • • • • Sedations Laughing Gas/Nitrous Oxide Emergency Care Digital X-ray & Technology Free Orthodontic Consultation Sealants White Fillings School Exams Kid PDC s C Fluoride Treatment Firs ome Early Orthodontics t Cleanings Check up exams * No Referrals Required Accepting all major insurances and Smiles for Children www.mypdcdentists.com Pediatric Dental Care Fairfax office: 9901 Fairfax Boulevard, Fairfax, VA 22030. Springfield office: 6120 Brandon Ave. Suite 114, Springfield, VA 22150 YOUR CUSTOMER IS A SHORT DRIVE AWAY! TARGET YOUR MESSAGE “The response has been the best response of any direct mail publication I have done.” – Areen Movsessian, Classic Bakery, Inc. 210,000 Households 9 Mailings Call today! 301-230-2222 Ext. 4 advertising@consumerseyemagazine.com • consumerseyemagazine.com WashingtonFAMILY.com 25 How to Choose the Right Child Care + Strategies for Separation Anxiety BY ABBY QUELLEN aybe you’re dreading your child’s first day in someone else’s care. Or maybe you’re excited to interview nannies or check out child-care facili- ties. Either way, finding someone to care for your child can be stressful. Kids’ brains grow rapidly during the early child- hood years, and childhood experiences set the foundation for future learning. Thus, high-quality child care is important. The majority of families must also consider affordability and ease of access. However, child care can be expensive. And it’s not always easy to get exceptional care. But, with the right tools, you can find just the right high-quality child care that provides opportunities and exploration for your child. Read on to learn about your vari- ous options and how to evaluate them. Then, discover strategies to help make the transition to child care easier for your child — and you. Plan and Prioritize If you want to find affordable, high-quality child-care, it’s best to start early. Before you begin your search, decide what’s most import- ant to you in a child care provider. Do you most value one-on-one atten- tion? Opportunities for socialization? Outdoor play? Healthy meals? You may not find everything you want in a pro- vider or facility, but you’re likely to find what’s most important if you’re clear on what it is. 26 Washington FAMILY NOVEMBER 2019 Evaluate Your Options Do you have a relative who’s willing to provide care? This option is favored by many families. Relatives tend to offer affordable and flexible care and provide the attachment bond and individualized interaction shown to be advantageous for very small children. However, the option is obviously not available for all families. In-home care, such as a nanny or au pair, offers many of the same advantages, including flexible hours, individual- ized attention and the ease and security of having your child stay in the home. But be sure to calculate all of the expenses, including taxes and sick and vaca- tion leave for the caregiver. And be prepared to take on the responsibil- ity of being an employer. Depending on how you hire your nanny, you may need to do interviews and background checks and draw up a detailed con- tract that spells out your expectations and policies. If a relative or in-home care pro- vider isn’t right for you, it’s time to investigate day-care facilities and home day cares, which usually accept children from 6 weeks to 6 years of age. They offer children the oppor- tunity to play together and socialize, and many offer educational curric- ula, meals, field trips and other perks. Ask around for recommendations and do your own tours, interviews and evaluations. With the right tools, you can find just the right high-quality child care that provides opportunities and exploration for your child. Child-Care Facility Checklist Bring the following checklist along when you tour child-care facilities. Look for these common child-care dangers: 1 Cribs that don’t meet safety standards 1 Improper bedding 1 Lack of child safety gates 1 Blind cords that may present a strangulation hazard 1 Recalled products 1 Unsafe playground surfacing 1 Inadequate playground maintenance Check to make sure: 1 The home or facility is routinely cleaned 1 Handwashing procedures are in place 1 The environment is free of smoke and pollutants Are the Providers: 1 1 1 1 Educated and skilled in early childhood development? Attentive and positive with the children? Friendly and good at communicating with parents? Planning to stay long? Does the adult-to-child ratio meet American Academy of Pediatric recommendations for high-quality care? These recommendations include: 1 Children aged 6 weeks to 1.5 years: three children per staff member, up to six in a group 1 Children aged 1.5 years to 2 years: four children per staff member, up to eight in a group 1 Children aged 2 to 3: seven children per staff member, up to 14 in a group 1 Children aged 4 to 5: eight children per staff member, up to 16 in a group Questions to Ask Potential Providers: 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Are you licensed by the state? Are you accredited by any organizations? What is the parent visitation policy? What’s the illness policy? What is the parenting style and approach to discipline? Are meals provided? What’s the daily schedule? Do the children have time and space for unstructured play? What is the educational curriculum? When and where do children nap? What are the potty-training procedures? How do caregivers communicate with parents? Transition to Child Care ■ Strategies for Separation Anxiety Once you’ve found the right child care, the hard part is over, right? Not so fast. You still have to say goodbye to your child. The transition to child care can be emotional for parents and children, but these strategies can help. Soothe your own anxiety by: 2 Taking time to find the right child care 2 Preparing the night before to avoid morning rushing 2 Exercising, doing relaxation exercises, drinking calming tea or using another relaxation method Sooth your child’s anxiety by: 2 Planning to stay with your child the first little while to help him or her get familiar with new people and surroundings, then gradually increasing the amount of time your child spends without you 2 Telling your child when you’ll be leaving and when you’ll be back 2 Establishing a simple goodbye ritual such as a song, phrase, hug, kiss or high-five 2 Expecting and preparing for some tears and talking with the caregivers about additional strategies to sooth your child Enlisting someone to care for your young child is one of the most challenging parts of the early parenting years. Taking the time to find the right care makes the separation process easier for parent and child. ■ WashingtonFAMILY.com 27 SCHOOL NOTES What’s Your Child’s Study Personality? USE IT TO ACE THE NEXT EXAM BY ANN DOLIN M id-year exams, unit assessments and chapter tests — what does it take to ace them? It’s not just the time that’s put in, it’s also the method of studying that pro- duces the best results. It’s often that bright stu- dents don’t get the grades they are hoping for on these types of tests. And they almost always fall into one of three camps when it comes to study- ing (or not): the crammers, the memorizers and the absorbers. The Crammers These are the kids who do fairly well throughout the quarter, especially on quizzes, but do poorly on cumulative exams. They are smart students who manage to get by during the year without putting too much time into their homework and studying. The studying they do is often at the last minute. If they have a test on Thursday, they not understand how one situation or circum- stance affects the whole. So they have trouble making sense of the bigger picture. In math, they can learn a skill in isolation but have difficulty applying it to problems outside of the specific skill learned. These kids need lots of practice making connections because it doesn’t always come easily to them. The Absorbers For these students, school has been a breeze. They never really had to study when they were younger, and always got good grades. These are the kids who may not love academics, but they can sit in class, absorb the information and do well on the test without much effort. They’re good at critical thinking and analyz- ing information. But as the work gets harder and more complex, they lack the study habits to Absorbers are good at critical thinking and analyzing information. But as the work gets harder and more complex, they lack the study habits to perform to their fullest potential. The Memorizers These kids are very hard workers, and they are often fairly well organized. They do well on quiz- zes and some tests that mostly require memori- zation. They put a lot of time into studying but don’t see the results because they have a hard time connecting the dots. For example, in history, they may learn about two important battles but may see them as separate events, not completely understanding how they’re connected. They may 28 Washington FAMILY NOVEMBER 2019 perform to their fullest potential. These are the students who could get straight A’s but instead get B’s because they lack the proper study skills. They need direct guidance and a study plan to learn the material quicker and more efficiently. So, how can studying be tailored to the Crammer, the Memorizer or the Absorber? Here’s a quick breakdown of ways that will ben- efit each of these types of students and some other tips that work for virtually any kind of learner. The Crammer: First, the Crammer has to want to change. In order for a different way of studying to work, he or she must recognize the problem and be willing to make modifications. If it’s not seen as an issue, all the parental suggestions in the world won’t work. Often Crammers are willing to plan ahead if they don’t feel like they have to do any more work than necessary and if they see the changes result in bet- ter grades (and they almost always do). The good news is that they often don’t have to put in more time, they just need to use it more efficiently. GETTY IMAGES PLUS/E+/SHAPECHARGE start getting ready on Wednesday night. These kids don’t have a strong sense of urgency until they are right up against a deadline. This type of cramming can pay off in the immediate term, but when they need to learn information on a deeper level, it backfires. Cramming only puts informa- tion into short-term memory, whereas learning it over many nights and sleeping on it (by the way, sleep is a fantastic study tool) stores it into long- term memory. It’s not uncommon for Crammers to have two other traits – disorganization and procrastination. SCHOOL NOTES Studies show that when students use a concept called “distributed practice,” they are far more likely to do better on tests. For example, if your child has a test on Friday, they could study for an hour on Thursday night, but they would actually get a better grade if they took the same amount of time and distributed it over multiple days — 20 minutes Tuesday, 20 on Wednesday and 20 on Thursday. The reason they’ll get a better grade is not because they’ve reviewed the material multiple times, it’s that they’ve slept on it. When you learn information and then sleep on it, you’re consolidating that information into long-term mem- ory. However, when you cram for a test, that information is learned at a superficial level, ready for regurgitation the next day. It’s going into short-term memory. Long- term memory is more beneficial because when you have a test later on, say a month later, you’re much more likely to be able to retrieve it. Crammers also respond well to the sug- gestion of using “weird windows.“ Some- times, students think they need lengthy, dedicated time in which to study. And if they don’t have the perfect time and if they’re not in the ideal mood, they won’t do it. In actuality, they can use any chunk of time to get studying done. An exam- ple of a ”weird window” is the 15 minutes they’re waiting at a doctor’s office or that 20 minutes right before lacrosse practice starts. Those are weird windows, and you can chunk time for studying by getting a lot done in short periods of time. The Memorizer: Memorizers do best when they study with others. In humanities subjects that require lots of critical thinking, listening to others’ points of view and how they connect one idea to another is helpful. Memorizers need to study in a multisensory way (auditory, visual and kinesthetic). When left on their own, these kids study by rereading (review- ing their notes or study guide solely by read- ing the information over multiple times). This isn’t the best way to retain material because you’re only using one sense, the visual mode. By also studying auditorily, you’re incorporating one more modality — and now you’re up to two! You can make learning stick even more if you add in the kinesthetic (also known as tactile) modality. Anytime you engage in “self-talk” by asking yourself, “What’s important here?” or “How is this topic connected to the other one?” and jot those notes down, you’re learning kinesthetically, by writing. Writing or typing forces the learner to synthesize the information that is valuable for retention on test day. Work- ing with a subject tutor who can help kids create this “self-talk” and learn to study in a multimodal way, is highly beneficial. The Absorber: The Absorber is usually a quick study, but like the Memorizer, his or her main method of studying is rereading. Rereading is by far the most inefficient way to study since it uses just one modality. Absorbers do well when they learn how to use study guides effectively. When kids are young, teachers provide study guides in the form of a fill-in-the blank worksheet with questions about what is going to be tested. A great way to use a study guide is to make multiple blank copies of it and to first fill it out as best you can without referring to any information. You’re trying to retrieve what you have in your head and put it down on paper. Then, when you absolutely can’t remember anything else, you can go back to your information, which might include your notes or the book, and pull that information out and write it down. Basically, you only want to study what you know. Use this method three times on three blank study guides, and then you’ll really have it mastered for the exam. As kids get older, teachers don’t give study guides out as regularly. Instead, students can make their own. In fact, research shows that when high school students make their own study guide, they achieve better grades on test day. How do you do this? Well, you can take the main headlines from class notes or book chapters and turn them into questions and then jot down answers to those ques- tions. Maybe there is a section in the book on the causes of the Revolutionary War. You can change that into “What are the causes of the Revolutionary War?” and, in an outline for- mat, jot down the answers. When you’re ask- ing yourself these questions, you’re requiring your brain to consolidate information and remember the important parts. At the end of the day, when parents and kids understand study personalities and tai- lor the preparation process accordingly, final exam grades will be a whole lot better. ■ ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS/NELLISYR By the way, sleep is a fantastic study tool. WashingtonFAMILY.com 29 OPEN HOUSE GUIDE 2019 OPEN HOUSE GUIDE • Religious: Cathedral School • Coed • Enrollment: 390 • % of Minorities: 41% • Average Class Size: 21 • Student-Teacher AIDAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL Ratio: 6:1 • Foreign Language: Spanish aidanschool.org beginning in PK • Tuition Range: $36,655 • aidan@aidanschool.org Enrichment Activities • Extended 202-387-2700 Day • Summer Program 2700 27th St., NW, Washington, D.C. At Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Grades: 18 months-Grade 6 • Year Founded: Elementary School, we provide an 1961 • Coed • Enrollment: 200 • Montessori extraordinary early childhood education • Foreign Languages: Chinese (Mandarin), in a diverse community that values every Spanish beginning at age 3 • Tuition Range: individual. Beauvoir’s program encourages $21,751 - $29,578 • Enrichment Activities creative, courageous learners and builds • Sports • Extended Day • Programs for an enduring foundation for a lifelong spirit Families • Full-Day Toddler and Primary of inquiry and joy in learning. Program beginning 2020-21 Open House: Call to schedule a tour. At Aidan Montessori School, education is BRITISH INTERNATIONAL an adventure. Learning is hands-on. Lessons are welcomed. Work is purposeful. SCHOOL OF WASHINGTON Curiosity is encouraged. Schedule your visit biswashington.org admissions@ to see Aidan in action today! biswashington.org Open House: 2019: Nov. 6, Dec. 6 202-829-3700 2020: January 10 2001 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. BEAUVOIR, THE NATIONAL CATHEDRAL Washington, D.C. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Grades PK2-12 • Year Founded: 1998 • beauvoirschool.org Coed • Enrollment: 500 • Average Class margaret.hartigan@cathedral.org Size: 14 • Uniforms • Foreign Languages: 202-537-6493 Spanish beginning in PK2, French for 3500 Woodley Road, N.W. non-beginners • Tuition Range: $13,000 - Washington, D.C. $34,000 • Enrichment Activities • Sports • Grades: PreK-3rd • Year Founded: 1933 ALL THE RIGHT RESOURCES … AT YOUR FINGERTIPS! WashingtonFamily.com/guides/ The Center for Ballet Arts Register Now For Fall Ballet . Pointe . Modern . Jazz Tap . Pilates . Kinderballet Ages 3 thru Adults 3955 Pender Drive, Suite 105 Fairfax, VA 22030 • 703.273.5344 • thecenterballetarts.com 30 WashingtonFAMILY NOVEMBER 2019 Back-to-School • Education Theater & Arts •Party Extravaganza Private Schools •Special Kids Welcome to Washington Baby & Maternity •Camps Dentist & Orthodontist •Entertainment Indoor Play •Preschool & Child Care Private School Open House Spring Break Camps/Holiday Camps Tutoring, Therapy & Special Needs Virtual Camp Fair A parent’s resource for Education, Special Needs, Party Planning, Arts, Music and Sports Programs … and more! GETTY IMAGES / E+ / KALI9 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OPEN HOUSE GUIDE Transportation • Extended Day • IB World School British International School of Washington is a thriving international school in Georgetown. We are a premier private school for children age 2 through to the International Baccalaureate Diploma from more than 60 nationalities. Open House: Individualized visits available Monday – Friday SIDWELL FRIENDS SCHOOL sidwell.edu admissions@sidwell.edu 202-537-8100 3825 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 5100 Edgemoor Ln., Bethesda, Md. Grades PK-12 • Year Founded: 1883 • Coed Come visit us on campus or at sidwell. edu to learn more about how a Quaker education prepares students to make a positive impact on the world. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. MARYLAND Ages 3-6 • Extended Day Established in 1983, Bethesda Montessori THE AUBURN SCHOOL School cooperates with the Washington theauburnschool.org Montessori Institute and is staffed by info@theauburnschool.org AMI trained teachers. Approved by the 410 617 0418 MD State Department of Education, and Park Heights Ave., Baltimore, MD Montessori Schools of Maryland, and 301-588-8048 is a member of the Northern American 9545 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md. Montessori Teachers Association and Grades K-8th • Year Founded: 2010 (Silver other educational organizations. It leases Spring), 2011 (Lutherville) • Coed • Average its facility from the Bethesda Presbyterian Class Size: 8 • Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:2 • Church, but it has no religious affiliation Grading System: A-F • Foreign Languages with the church. It is centrally located (Silver Spring): Spanish, Mandarin • Internet in the heart of Bethesda business district Access • Learning Disabled Program • on Wilson Lane near the intersection Enrichment Activities • Summer Program of Old Georgetown and Arlington The Auburn School grows the social and Roads, three blocks from the Bethesda academic potential of bright students Metro station. with social and communication Open House: Call to schedule a tour. challenges, supporting the development FEYNMAN SCHOOL of academic skills, social competency feynmanschool.org and pragmatic language in an engaging admissions@feynmanschool.org educational environment. 301-770-4370 Open House: Call to schedule a tour. 11810 Falls Road, Potomac, Md. BETHESDA MONTESSORI SCHOOL Grades: PS-8th • Year Founded: 2009 • bethesdamontessori.com Coed • Enrollment: 107 • Average Class Size: admissions@bethesdamontessori.com 14 • Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1 • Entrance 301-966-1260 Exam • Foreign Language: Spanish 7611 Clarendon Road, Bethesda, Md. beginning in PS • Tuition Range: $12,910- $28,565 • Number of Computers: 15 • Internet Access • Gifted/Talented Program • Enrichment Activities • Extended Day • Additional Programs: Music, Art, P.E., Drama, Robotics, Chess, Basketball, Chinese 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 while also providing time for unstructured play. Half- and full-day preschool programs. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. FRIENDS COMMUNITY SCHOOL friendscommunityschool.org connie@friendscommunityschool.org 301-441-2100 5901 Westchester Park Dr. College Park, MD Grades: K-8 • Year Founded: 1986 • Religious • Coed • Enrollment: 248 • % of Minorities: 51% • Average Class Size: 14 • Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1 • Grading System: Progress Reports Only • Foreign Languages: Spanish beginning in K • Tuition Range: $20,200-$22,400 •Computers • Internet Access • Gifted/Talented Program for all • Enrichment Activities • Sports EXPERIENCE • WONDER • GROW Now Enrolling Ages 2 to 6 Toddler Program • Before & After Care NEW Outdoor Education Classroom Montessori Kindergarten & Preschool Advanced Academic Curriculum McLean, VA • 703-356-5437 • www.brooksfieldschool.org WashingtonFAMILY.com 31 OPEN HOUSE GUIDE • Carpools • Extended Day • Summer Program • Outstanding Instrumental Enrichment Program Experience the joy of an extraordinary Quaker education! For life-long learners, courageous risk-takers, and joyous peacemakers. We welcome all backgrounds, educate the whole child, and offer exciting curricula. Grads enter leading high schools and colleges. Open House, all 9-11 am: 2019: Nov. 2, Nov. 15, Dec. 3 2020: Jan. 7, Jan. 11 HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL htrinity.org admissions@htrinity.org 301-464-3215 or 301-262-5355 11902 Daisy Ln., Glenn Dale, MD and 13106 Annapolis Road Bowie MD 20720 Grades: Preschool-Grade 8 • Year Founded: 1963 • Religious • Coed • Enrollment: 444 • % of Minorities: 95% • Average Class Size: 20 • Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1 • Entrance Exam • Grading System A-F • Uniforms • Foreign Languages: Spanish beginning in Kindergarten • Tuition Range $9,690- $13,370 • Number of Computers: 1:1 • Enrichment Activities • Sports • Extended Day • Summer Program • Drama • Art • Music • Technology We offer a transformative education to bring out “The Best You.” Our academic program is challenging and complemented with a variety of enrichment programs to educate the whole child. We are a private, independent school that serves preschool to grade 8. Open House: Monday, November 11, 2019 9:30-11:30am Friday, January 10, 2020 9:30-11:30am Sunday, February 9, 2020 1:00-3:00pm Friday, April 24, 2020 9:30-11:30am SIDWELL FRIENDS SCHOOL sidwell.edu admissions@sidwell.edu 202-537-8100 3825 Wisconsin Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. 5100 Edgemoor Ln., Bethesda, Md. Grades PK-12 • Year Founded: 1883 • Coed Come visit us on campus or at sidwell. edu to learn more about how a Quaker education prepares students to make a positive impact on the world. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. THE SIENA SCHOOL thesienaschool.org info@thesienaschool.org 301-244-3600 1300 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, Md. Grades 4-12 • Year Founded: 2006 • Coed • Enrollment: 132 • % of Minorities: 43% • Average Class Size: 10 • Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1 • Grading System: A-F • Foreign Language: Spanish beginning in 9th Grade • Tuition Range: $39,000 - $41,000 • Number of Computers: 160 • Internet Access • Gifted/Talented Program • Learning Disabled Program • Special Needs Program • Enrichment Activities • Sports • Extended Day • Summer Program Proudly celebrating its 13th year, Siena was recently named as FAMILY Magazine’s best special needs school three years in a row. Visit our website to schedule a Wednesday tour to come learn why! Open House: Wednesday Tours 9:30-11:00 a.m. SPRING BILINGUAL MONTESSORI ACADEMY spring-bilingual.org info@spring-bilingual.org 301-962-7262 3514 Plyers Mill Road, Kensington, Md. Ages: 2-6 Hours: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Since 1967, Spring Bilingual Montessori Academy (SBMA) has protected and encouraged children, and at the same time challenged and stretched them to the limits of their intellect and imaginations. Children arrive at SBMA as two year olds, barely out of diapers, and leave after kindergarten at the age of six: confident, assured and well-educated, possessing qualities of mind and character which serve them well as they continue to learn and achieve. Within the walls of our school children become literate and numerate. They develop pride in their own accomplishments and respect for the talents of their classmates. This is, above all, where children learn how it feels to do one’s best work, and to have the effort as well as the product recognized and celebrated. Open House: November 9th, 2019 January 11th, 2020 The Auburn School THE ADVENTURE STARTS HERE! Our year-round programming helps your swimmer build on the skills they developed during the summer. Enroll Your Preschooler Today! SwimLabs Swim School – Montgomery County 353 Muddy Branch Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 (240) 449-4900 | swimlabs.com 32 WashingtonFAMILY NOVEMBER 2019 The mission of The Auburn School is to grow the social and academic potential of bright students with social and communication challenges. We offer a dynamic educational program for intellectually curious students with challenges in the areas of communication, socialization, pragmatic language, and organization. Open now, our Little Leaves center-based ABA program for young children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder is run in a preschool-like setting. We also work with children in their homes, daycares and schools throughout the Baltimore metro area, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. Fairfax Campus Silver Spring Campus Ashley Pawlowitz Beth Kubovci (301) 588-8048 (703) 793-9353 bkubovcik@theauburnschool.org apawlowitz@theauburnschool.org www.theauburnschool.org WASHINGTON WALDORF SCHOOL washingtonwaldorf.org llawson@washingtonwaldorf.org 301-229-6108 4800 Sangamore Rd., Bethesda, Md. Grades: PreK-12 • Year Founded: 1969 • Coed • Enrollment: 286 • % of Minorities: 30%, 33 nationalities, 19 languages spoken • Average Class Size: 17 • Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1 • Grading System: A-F • Foreign Language: Spanish beginning in 1st Grade, Spanish & German in Middle and High School • Tuition Range: $9,100-$30,200 • Number of Computers: 20 • Enrichment Activities • Sports • Extended Day • Summer Program • Drama Club • Diversity Circle • Student Council • Afterschool Kayaking • Student Exchange Program • Community Service • Service Learning • Newspaper At Washington Waldorf, we encourage the connections that broaden students’ experiences and help them grow in new directions. Our teachers incorporate academic, artistic, and practical elements into every subject, creating memorable lessons, successful scholars, and strong individuals. Think clearly. Feel compassionately. Act purposefully. Open Houses: All school evening open house for the whole family (4-6 p.m.): 2019: Nov. 5, Dec. 3 All school morning tours for parents (8-10:30 a.m.): 2019: Nov. 7, Nov. 13, Dec. 5, Dec. 10 2020: Jan. 9, Jan. 14, Feb. 6, Feb. 25, Mar. 19, Apr. 21, May 7 Preschool/Kindergarten Saturday open houses for the whole family (10 a.m.-12 p.m.): 2019: Nov. 16 2020: Jan. 11 (Snow Date Jan. 18) High school open mornings for students and parents (8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.): 2019: Oct. 17, Nov. 19, Dec. 17 2020: Jan. 16 VIRGINIA ACADEMY OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION myschoolace.com 703-471-2132 10800 Parkridge Blvd., Ste. 150 Reston, Va. Grades: Toddler-Grade 6 • Year Founded: 1996 • Religious • Coed • Enrollment: 170 • % of Minorities: 90% • Average Class Size: 12-13 • Elementary Assessment • Grading System A-F • Uniforms • Foreign Languages: Spanish beginning in Sr. Kindergarten • Tuition: $20,000 • Number of Computers: 80 • Internet Access • Enrichment Activities • Extended Day • Summer Program • Mommy & Me Classes The Academy of Christian Education provides a unique learning experience for Toddlers through Elementary aged students by combining a high-quality, academically accelerated program with a Biblical foundation. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. THE AUBURN SCHOOL theauburnschool.org info@theauburnschool.org 703-793-9353 3800 Concorde Parkway Chantilly, Va. Grades K-8th • Year Founded: 2009 • Coed • Average Class Size: 8 • Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:2 • Grading System: A-F • Foreign Languages (Silver Spring): Spanish, Mandarin • Internet Access • Learning Dis¬abled Program • Enrichment Activities • Summer Program The Auburn School grows the social and academic potential of bright students with social and communication challenges, supporting the development of academic skills, social competency and pragmatic language in an engaging educational environment. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. BASIS INDEPENDENT MCLEAN mclean.basisindependent.com mcLean_admissions@ basisIndepedent.com 703-854-1253 8000 Jones Branch Dr., McLean, VA Grades: Twos Program-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. Open House: 2020: January 11 BROOKSFIELD SCHOOL brooksfieldschool.org brksfield@aol.com 703-356-5437 1830 Kirby Road, McLean, Va. Grades: Toddler-Kindergarten • Year Founded: 1987 • Coed • Enrollment: 100 • Average Class Size: 20 • Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1 (Toddlers) 10:1 (Primary) • Foreign Language: Spanish beginning as Toddler • Tuition Range: $14,220-$23,907 • Number of Computers: 6 • Internet Access • Enrichment Activities • Transportation (for before/after FCPS care program) • Extended Day • Summer Program • Junior Achievement • Robotics • Organic Gardening • Outdoor Adventure Program A unique Eco-Friendly, Montessori School idyllically situated on 5 secluded acres in McLean, Va.. Open House: Daily, 9:30 or 10:30 a.m. 100,000 sq. ft. Field House Over 20 sports programs 4 Basketball courts Olympic-sized pool MedStar Health 2 NHL-sized rinks Virtual Reality Climbing Walls Health Club Restaurant Water Park MedSpa eSports Retail SPORTS / WELLNESS / ENTERTAINMENT T H E S TJA M E S .CO M 6805 Industrial Road / Springfield, VA 22151 / 703.239.6870 WashingtonFAMILY.com 33 OPEN HOUSE GUIDE BURGUNDY FARM COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL burgundyfarm.org info@burgundyfarm.org 703-960-3431 3700 Burgundy Road, Alexandria, Va. Grades: JK-8th • Year Founded: 1946 • Coed • Enrollment: 286 • % of Minorities: 35% • Average Class Size: 15 • Student- Teacher Ratio: 7:1 • Entrance Exam • Foreign Languages: French, Spanish beginning in JK • Tuition Range: $23,592- $26,998 • Number of Computers: 150 • Internet Access • Enrichment Activities • Sports • Transportation • Extended Day • Summer Program Burgundy provides an inclusive, creative, nurturing environment that engages the whole child. Our innovative, hands- on approach cultivates independent thinking, promotes academic excellence, instills respect for diversity, and teaches responsibility. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. CONGRESSIONAL SCHOOL congressionalschool.org admission@congressionalschool.org 703-533-1064 3229 Sleepy Hollow Rd. Falls Church, VA Grades: Infants-Grade 8 • Year Founded: 1939 • Coed• Enrollment: 350 • Average Class Size: 13 • Student- Teacher Ratio: 6:1 • Grading System A-F • Uniforms • Foreign Languages: French, Spanish, Latin beginning in Preschool • Tuition Range: $25,150-$29,800 • Number of Computers: 1:1 • Internet Access • Enrichment Activities • Sports • Transportation • Extended Day • Summer Program • Equestrian Program • Robotics Program A co-ed, independent, day school in Falls Church, VA, Congressional School develops great thinkers and leaders by encouraging students to explore, embrace challenge, and grow through an innovative academic program. With over 30 after school activities, extended hours, and 15 middle school athletic teams, a Congressional education extends well beyond the school day. Fully prepared for excellent secondary schools, Congressional School graduates have confidence, a sense of ethics, and the desire to continually and respectfully question, collaborate, create, and lead. Open House: 2019: Nov. 21 2020: Jan. 15 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. 3551 Waterway Drive, Montclair, Va Ages: Infant to elementary Guidepost Montessori in Loudoun, Fairfax and Prince William counties is among a growing, worldwide network of schools that offer language immersion for ages infant through elementary. Kindergarten and Elementary Night at Aldie Campus November 15, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. KENWOOD SCHOOL kenwoodschool.com alison@kenwoodschool.com 703-256-4711 4955 Sunset Ln., Annandale, Va. Grades: K-6th • Year Founded: 1957 • Coed • Enrollment: 75 • % of Minorities: 50% • Average Class Size: 8 • Student- Teacher Ratio: 8:1 • Grading System: A-F • Foreign Language: Spanish beginning in K • Tuition Range: $775 per month • Number of Computers: 20 • Internet Access • Enrichment Activities • Extended Day • Summer Program • Gymnastics • Taekwondo • Soccer Kenwood is a charming environment to learn in. The classes are small (average of 10, maximum of 15), which offers more one-on-one time with the teacher than your average school. The students receive an individualized experience, which helps them grow and learn more than is possible in a large classroom setting. We pride ourselves on our home-like atmosphere and loving faculty. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Pinecrest School N U R T U R I N G C U R I O S I T Y, CO N F I D E N C E, A N D A L O V E O F L E A R N I N G S I N C E 1957 • Preschool Age 3 - Grade 6 • Before-Care & After-Care • Summer, Winter & Spring Camps • Diff erentiated Instruction • Small Classes • Challenging Academics • Positive Social & Emotional Development Annandale, Virginia 703.354.3446 • pinecrestschool.org F i n D FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE DMV Limited space available in some of this fall’s classes! WashingtonFAMILY WEEKEND GUIDES @ washingtonfamily.com/fun_things_to_do/ 34 WashingtonFAMILY NOVEMBER 2019 OPEN HOUSE GUIDE MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CEDAR LANE preschoolmontessori.com info@cedarlanemontessori.com 703-560-4379 3035 Cedar Ln., Fairfax, Va. Grades: PreK-K • Year Founded: 1971 • Coed • Enrollment: 100 • Average Class Size: 25 • Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 • Foreign Language: Spanish • Tuition Range: $9,312- $17,405 • Internet Access • Sports • Half and Full-Day Program • Summer Program • Music 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. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF MCLEAN mcleanmontessori.org 703-790-1049 1711 Kirby Road, McLean, Va. Ages 2 ½-12 Preschool and Elementary classes • Foreign Languages: Spanish and French • Science & Technology • Drama • Music • P.E. • Computer • Art • Transportation • Summer Program Open House: Call to schedule a tour. MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA msnv.org info@msnv.org 703-256-9577 Hillbrook Campus: 6820 Pacific Ln. Annandale, VA Valleybrook Campus: 3433 Rose Ln. Falls Church, VA Hours: 7:30 a.m.- 5:45 p.m. Yoga • Drumming • Arts • Maker Club MSNV is a leading independent school in the Washington Metropolitan area providing authentic Montessori education for children ages 2 through 12. Our mission is to inspire and guide children to love learning, to love one another, and to love the world around them. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. NYSMITH SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED 13625 EDS Drive Herndon, Virginia 20171 Phone: (703) 713-3332 Website: nysmith.com Email: ebalberde@nysmith.com Grades: 3 years - 8th Grade • Founded: 1984 • Religious: No • Enrollment: 550 • % Minorities: 49 • Average Class Size: 18 Entrance Exam: Yes • Foreign Languages: French/Spanish/Latin • Grade Foreign Language • Begins: 3 Years • Tuition Ranges: $27,750 - $37,900 • Number of Computers: 400+ • Sports Programs: Yes • Enrichment Activities: Yes • Transportation: Yes • Extended Day: Yes • Summer Program: Yes 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. Top 10 School in the World. Open House: Nov. 21, 9 a.m. & 1 p.m. OAKCREST SCHOOL oakcrest.org admissions@oakcrest.org 703-790-5450 1619 Cromwell Rd. Vienna, VA Grades: 6-12 • Year Founded: 1976 • Girls Only • Enrollment: 260 • % of Minorities: 32% • Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1 • Entrance Exam • Grading System: A-F • Foreign Languages: Spanish, Latin beginning in Grade 6 • Tuition Range: $26,960-$28,270 • AP Classes • Extracurricular Activities • Sports • Transportation Oakcrest, an independent school, educates the whole person. Guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church and the spirituality of Opus Dei, we weave together a rich liberal arts curriculum, character development, one-on-one mentoring and service to create a vibrant environment that graduates confident young women--young women who will make a difference in all they choose to do. Open House: Saturday, October 19 2:00-5:00 pm. Register at oakcrest.org. PINECREST SCHOOL pinecrestschool.org admissions@pinecrestschool.org 703-354-3446 7209 Quiet Cove, Annandale, VA Grades: Preschool-6th • Year Founded: 1957 • Coed • Enrollment: 80 • % of Minorities: 32% • Average Class Size: 9 • Student- Teacher Ratio: 9:1 • Grading System: Number • Tuition Range: $6,700-$15,850 • Number of Computers: 20 • Internet Access • Enrichment Activities • Extended Day • Summer Program • Community Service JOY ND H N USE D N HE SA SE NT NC Beauvoir offers an extraordinary education designed for early learners. Accepting applications for pre-kindergarten to third grade for the 2020-2021 school year. WashingtonFAMILY.com 35 OPEN HOUSE GUIDE SAINT ANN CATHOLIC SCHOOL stann.org stann@stann.org 703-525-7599 980 North Frederick St., Arlington, Va. Grades: Preschool-Grade 8 • Year Founded: RESTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL 1951 • Catholic • Coed• % of Minorities: restonmontessori.com 30% • Average Class Size: 20-25 • Student- office@restonmontessori.com Teacher Ratio: 2:1 • Grading System A-F for 703-481-2922 6th-8th • Uniforms • Foreign Language: 1928 Isaac Newton Sq. West, Reston, Va. Spanish beginning in Kindergarten • Grades: Infant-6th • Year Founded: 1986 • Tuition Range: $4,300-$11,100 • Number Coed • Enrollment: 200+ • Average Class Randolf-Macon Academy of Computers: 50+ • Internet Access • Size: 24 • Uniforms: K and up • Foreign rma.edu Enrichment Activities • Sports • Extended Language: French beginning at Toddler • admission@rma.edu Day • Basketball • Lacrosse • Tennis • Track Number of Computers: 12 • Internet Access 540-636-5484 • Volleyball • Robotics • Art • Boys Scouts • • Enrichment Activities • Sports • Extended 200 Academy Dr., Front Royal, VA Girl Scouts • Chess Club • Student Council • Day • Summer Program • Academic Therapy Grades: 6-12 • Year Founded: 1892 • Caritas • Social Justice Club • Math Club Services • Additional Programs: Music, Religious • Coed • Enrollment: 233 •% of Saint Ann Catholic School has an average PE, Art Minorities: 40% • Average Class Size: 11-14 • of 20 to 25 students per class. Our small Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1 • Entrance Exam Open House: Call to schedule a tour. size allows us to focus on academic • Grading System: A-F • Foreign Languages: excellence and moral formation of our German, Spanish, French, Arabic beginning students. Our community is bound grade 8 • Tuition Range: $20,069-$42,771 together by a dedication to BELIEVE, • Number of Computers: 655 • Internet ACHIEVE and INSPIRE. Access • AP Classes • Enrichment Activities Open House: Call to schedule a tour. • Sports • Summer Program • Flight Program • Air Force Junior ROTC As students at Randolph-Macon Academy Club Small classes, hands-on curriculum emphasizes problem-solving and critical- thinking skills. Individualized progressive approach; each child grows academically, socially and emotionally within a caring and positive environment. Summer Camp. Before and after care. Open House: Monday November 11, 2019, 9:30-11:30am Sunday, January 12, 2020, 1-3pm Sunday, February 9. 2020, 1-3pm Sunday, April 19, 2020, 1-3pm COMING IN DECEMBER discover “The Power of Rise.” within themselves, they develop the ability to think critically, to lead with confidence, and to solve problems creatively, ensuring they have the skills to succeed in life. Open House: Nov 11, Dec 8 holiday gift guide & holiday happenings Holiday Happenings Holiday Gift Guide Private School Open Houses Camps Re Re is WESTMINSTER SCHOOL westminsterschool.com admissions@westminsterschool.com 703-256-3620 3819 Gallows Road, Annandale, VA Grades: Pre-K-8 • Year Founded: 1962 • Coed • Enrollment: 270 • Average Class Size: 14 • Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1 to 18:1 • Entrance Exam • Uniforms • Foreign Languages: French, Latin beginning in K • Tuition Range: $10,926-$23,466 • Internet Access • Enrichment Activities • Sports • Transportation • Extended Day • Summer Program • Drama • Arts • Orchestra • Daily PE • Odyssey of the Mind • Math Counts • Science Olympiad Westminster School provides a unique elementary 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. Open House: Nov. 11, Jan. 27, 9:00 -10:30 a.m. ■ No OUR la JOIN No DANCE la FAMILY TODAY! /2 Ye Ye r! r! 703-533-8830 • perfectpointe.com/arlington 2499 N. Harrison St., Suite 1-LL, Arlington, VA 22207 Register for 2018/2019 School JOIN OUR now DANCE FAMILY TODAY! Year Classes, don’t miss out!  Print readership 147,000  Website page views 34,776  E-news subscribers 22,657  Social Media Followers 15,330 Call to advertise: 301-230-2222, Ext. 4 or email advertising@washingtonfamily.com 36 WashingtonFAMILY NOVEMBER 2019 8060 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA 22153 • 703-440-9000 • perfectpointe.com/springfield Where the challenging academic curriculum meets bright students where they are, with the goal of setting every student up for Autism is treatable. Early intervention is critical. en Op ! w ay N c o tod i in nfo C s l e i or u B d e r m  Li l ll fo Ca a lifetime of success. • www.theauburnschool.org • Campuses in Baltimore, Silver Spring, and Fairfax www.littleleaves.org 202-420-8359 info@littleleaves.org THE THE WORLD’S WORLD’S LARGEST LARGEST PROVIDER PROVIDER OF OF CHILDREN’S C CHILDREN H H I I L L D D R R E E N N S S SWIMMING S SWI W W I I M M M MING I I N N G G INSTRUCTION I I NS CHILDREN’S SWIMMING INSTRUCTION C CHILDREN S SWI M MING NS S S T T R R U U C C T T ION ION N N 2 019 GIVE GIVE THE THE GIFT GIFT THAT THAT WILL WILL LAST A LIFETIME! LAST A LIFETIME! Teach Teach a a child child to to swim swim at at KID’S FIRST KID’S FIRST Swim Swim Schools! Schools! W IN N V V is is it o f f a a c c e it b o o o u u r r p p a g e e b o o k k a a li li s a t g o e f f f o o r r s lo lo c c a t t o io f n o o u u r r atio n s s ER Washington FAMILY The Area’s Leader in STEM Education Thank you for voting Feynman School as a Best for Families Winner for Best STEM Program for the 2nd consecutive year. Email us for a private tour. admissions@feynmanschool.org 301.770.4370 Preschool-8th Grade www.feynmanschool.org We We Offer: Offer: • • Group Group or or Private Private instruction instruction • • Mommy & Mommy & Me Me Classes Classes • • Developmental Developmental Swim Swim Team Team • • Homeschoolers Programs Homeschoolers Programs • • Birthday Birthday Parties Parties M Bowie: 443-755-0111 301-262-SWIM Columbia: Columbia: 443-755-0111 A Columbia: 443-755-0111 Rockville: 301-217-5910 R Rockville: 301-217-5910 Germantown: 301-540-SWIM Germantown: 301-540-SWIM Y Germantown: 301-540-SWIM 301-725-SWIM Chantilly, 703-488-9800 L Laurel: VA: Chantilly, VA: 703-488-9800 301-984-SWIM A North Bethesda: Waldorf: 301-638-SWIM Waldorf: 301-638-SWIM N Rockville: 301-217-5910 Falls Church: 703-534-SWIM Falls D Waldorf: Church: 301-638-SWIM 703-534-SWIM $10 OFF NEW NEW CUSTOMERS CUSTOMERS ONLY ONLY TO RECEIVE TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT DISCOUNT PRESENT PRESENT COUPON COUPON AT AT REGISTRATION. REGISTRATION. V Chantilly: 703-488-9800 Bowie: 301-262-SWIM 301-262-SWIM I Bowie: Falls Church: 703-534-SWIM VA: 703-444-9673 R Sterling, Sterling, VA: 703-444-9673 Manassas: 703-392-SWIM Manassas: G Manassas: 703-392-SWIM 703-392-SWIM Midlothian: 804-744-6513 MD: 301-725-SWIM I Laurel, Laurel, MD: 703-321-SWIM 301-725-SWIM Springfield: N North North Bethesda: Bethesda: 301-984-SWIM 301-984-SWIM I Sterling: 703-444-9673 A WashingtonFAMILY.com 37 BOOK MARKED All Wrapped Up Hint, hint! These books make great presents COMPILED BY THE BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY’S COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT STAFF This year brought us some great reads that would also make for wonderful gifts. Check out this list. BOARD/TODDLER The second in the Unlimited Squirrels series fi nds a masked Mystery Reader help- ‘I Am a Baby’ ing his fellow squirrels sound out words and by Katherine Madeline Allen gain confi dence in their decoding skills. In Babies will be engaged in this rollicking addition to the rollicking adventure, read- read-aloud, as they view pictures of diverse ers will devour the extras, including jokes, infants and everyday objects. quizzes and squirrely facts. ‘Flip Flap Find! Counting 1, 2, 3’ by Violet Peto Bright illustrations and simple text teach toddlers to count from one to 10 while they guess what will hatch from the egg. PICTURE BOOKS ‘Saturday’ by Oge Mora Ava loves spending Saturday with her mother; it is their special day. However, this Saturday does not go as planned. In the end, it is Ava who reminds her mother that spending the day together is the most important thing. ‘Another’ by Christian Robinson ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” opens in theaters in December, and young fans will cherish this guidebook. Filled with facts about characters, new planets and scary monsters and villains, kids will get lost in this eye-catching book packed with pictures from the movie. Get ready to learn every- thing you ever needed to know about Rey, Poe and Finn and their thrilling adventures in a galaxy far, far away! MIDDLE READERS ‘The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs’ from America’s Test Kitchen America’s Test Kitchen brings its rigor- ous testing and methodical approach to kids baking. Recipes were thoroughly tested by more than 5,000 kids to get them just right for cooks of all skill lev- els. Recipes are included for breakfast, breads, pizzas, cookies, cupcakes and more YOUNG READERS and include easy-to-follow, step-by-step ‘Who Is the Mystery Reader?’ photos and instructions as well as informa- by Mo Willems tion on technique and the science behind Gift givers can’t go wrong with Mo Willems, baking. Perfect for young foodies and and his newest is another slam-dunk winner. aspiring chefs. In her bedroom at night, a young girl fol- lows her cat into another dimension. This topsy-turvy world has other children play- ing with their “twin.” Is this just a dream or another world? 38 Washington FAMILY NOVEMBER 2019 Happy BOOK Birthday, MARKED Madeleine L’Engle! Each month, we celebrate a birthday of literary signifi cance. ‘Tech Lab: Brilliant Builds for Smart Makers’ by Jack Challoner Engage budding scientists and engineers, as they experiment, invent and test tech- nology, electronics and mechanics at home. Simple steps with clear photographs take readers through building each project with low-cost and readily available materials. Fact-fi lled panels explain the science behind each project and also provide a real-world example of its usage. YOUNG ADULT ‘Obviously: Stories from My Timeline’ by Akilah Hughes The comedian and YouTube sensation arrives with her debut book, a memoir of sorts, fi lled with hilarious, punchy anec- dotes. Hughes describes her childhood and teenage years in small-town Kentucky, com- plete with stories of family, friends and how she coped with food issues and anxiety. Her arrival in New York City and the transition to big-city life brought additional pressures, particularly as a woman of color in the entertainment industry. Perfect for teens looking for inspiration from someone who beat the odds. ‘Mooncakes’ by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu This beautifully illustrated graphic novel features two Chinese-American protago- nists: Nova, a small-town witch, and Tam, a werewolf. Nova’s hearing impairment doesn’t stop her adventurous spirit, and when she goes on a quest to fi nd Tam in the forest, they encounter a dangerous horse that has been demon-possessed. Nova and her hilarious grandmothers rescue Tam and welcome him into the New England book- store they own and operate, where romantic sparks quickly fl y. Sweet and quickly bound- ing between fantasy and reality, this is a sure bet for fans of both shojo manga and “The Prince and the Dressmaker.” ■ “Just because we don’t understand doesn’t mean that the explanation doesn’t exist.” This is the wisdom that Charles Murry tells Meg in the classic novel, “A Wrinkle in Time,” the adventurous, kid-enchanting story written by Madeleine L’Engle. The story centers on Meg Murry as she travels through time and space to find her missing scientist father. The book was first published in 1962 and has received the Newbery Medal, the Sequoyah Book Award and the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award. It is the first book in the Time Quintet series. For generations, preteens and young adults have delighted in the story, and the book is so popular it became a successful movie — twice. The first film came out in 2003 and the second, most current one in 2018. L’Engle based the Murray family on her own science and magic-intrigued relatives. She grew up in the Upper East Side of Manhattan and earned her degree in English from Smith College, nurturing her own love for writing stories. “I’ve been a writer ever since I could hold a pencil,” she told Humanities magazine in an interview. L’Engle continued her passion for writing until her death in September 2007. She wrote more than 60 books and her final work was “The Joys of Love,” published in 2008. WashingtonFAMILY.com 39 LEARNERS LITTLE Pre c ear Pre-reading ear BY ZIBBY ANDREWS y the time their children are in preschool, parents can clearly see how learning stems from rela- tionships and engagement. When young children are lovingly encouraged and supported, they engage joyfully with new learn- ing and absorb new information quickly and easily. Thankfully, research sup- ports the role of relationships in learning. Parental involvement has a scientific, research-based stamp of approval. Parents have a distinct advantage over teachers. Teachers have to estab- lish a multitude of new relationships each year before they can allow optimal learn- ing to happen. Parents can lead their child into the world of reading directly from intimate and peaceful rocking-chair moments. They can follow their child’s lead as they move them into the world of books and reading. But paving the way for pre-reading and early reading means understanding that reading is not about learning the names 40 of the letters of the alphabet. Reading is about meaning and understanding. It assumes active engagement with text and requires an ability to understand context as kids attack each sound and word. Reading for meaning comes from lan- guage and comprehension — skills that can and should be purposefully supported. Washington FAMILY NOVEMBER 2019 PARENTS HAVE A DISTINCT ADVANTAGE OVER TEACHERS. Teachers have to establish a multitude of new relationships each year before they can allow optimal learning to happen. Parents can lead their child into the world of reading directly from intimate and peaceful rocking-chair moments. To develop into strong readers, children need: € a robust store of background information; € a rich spoken language base; € a broad and deep vocabulary; € verbal reasoning abilities and conceptual or abstract knowledge. These are the things preschool teach- ers emphasize, the things that do much more than a worksheet to support pre- and emerging reading skills. But they’re not always on the parental radar as critical to a developing or future reader. A rich variety Background knowledge is vital to learn- ing to read. It comes from trips taken to the zoo and the beach and the nature center. It comes from socializing with neighbors and friends who have differ- ent experiences. It also comes from choosing books set in novel places, full of different animals, homes, trees, flowers and characters. And experiencing something firsthand makes it personal and even more valuable. So, when a family’s weekly trip to the farm- ers’ market intersects with the farm theme in the preschool classroom, a child will be ready to learn at a deeper level. Because they can visualize the market from personal experience, they will have already internalized many of the vocab- ulary words and concepts — words and ideas they will have when they eventually pick up a book to read about farming or markets or nutrition. A strong store of background informa- tion also comes from a variety of classes: the music and gym classes parents attend with their child and the science and art classes they attend at school. These expe- riences expose children to the things they will eventually be reading about inde- pendently. Later, when they’re tackling a book about a ballerina, the actual read- ing and understanding of the book will be easier, enriched by the dance class they attended as a preschooler — and by the wild dancing they did in their own living room. Words and more words By speaking purposefully to their child, by connecting their child’s previous expe- riences to new and novel experiences and by reading a variety of books, par- ents will help children see new words in familiar contexts and familiar words in new contexts. If parents purposefully incorporate new vocabulary words into different aspects of the day, children will start to use them. Children make connections between and among their personal experiences. And they can then make the leap from their world to the world of a book. They can cre- ate the personal meaning for these new words and concepts that is basic to true understanding. Read to children every day, two or three or even four times, because books include higher concentrations of rare words than ordinary language. Yes, even children’s books. Children’s books also have picture clues that encourage the critical thinking used to determine the meaning of words and actions. As parents help their children develop their own expressive vocabulary, the words they speak, they can also point out the literary devices that encourage them to play with sounds. Find books with rhythm, repetition and sound effects. Attention to varied and tricky sounds will lead to smooth readers who can quickly make transitions from cat to fat to pat and eventually to patch and pattern. Curious and creative Young children are naturally curious. Their thoughts, internal and external, are buzz- ing with questions. They are constantly making connections and trying desperately to make sense of the world. They begin with concrete understanding and learn best from physical connections (which is why things always go in their mouths). A par- ent’s job is to support them as they move from this dependence on seeing, touching and feeling to an ability to reason, visualize, justify and think more critically. Good questions can be the key to these emerging skills. Help children play with ideas and challenge them to think outside the box. They often do it naturally, using a kind of magical thinking that takes them from a simple concept to a wild and wonderful place. They can see it as they build a castle as a home for a toy penguin or retell an event that bears little resem- blance to reality. When parents can, they should go along with these fantasies and use their own imagination to support creative thinking. ■ Zibby Andrews is a mother and grandmother with 40-plus years in early childhood education. Pre-Reading Practice WHEN TALKING TO CHILDREN, USE OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS: Œ What are the people in this picture saying? Œ How many ways can we use water? Œ What would happen if …? (Be wacky! What would happen if our dog could fly?) Œ Why do you think the leaves are turning brown? (Maybe it is fairies! Accept that magical thinking – real science will come later.) HELP CHILDREN USE THEIR SENSES. TELL THEM TO CLOSE THEIR EYES AND GUESS: Œ What do you hear? Œ What did I put in your hand? Œ What’s different about this new jam? ASK ABOUT CHANGES AND DIFFERENT WAYS TO LOOK AT THINGS: Œ What would be more fun if it was faster? Œ What would you like better if it was smaller? Œ Our neighbor has a new cat. How do you picture him in your head? Where is he sitting? Is he striped? What color? ■ WashingtonFAMILY.com 41 PRESCHOOL/CHILD CARE GUIDE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AIDAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL aidanschool.org admissions@aidanschool.org Ages: 18 Months to Grade 6 202-387-2700 2700 27th Street NW, Washington, DC Aidan Montessori School prepares children to learn confidently, think independently, and succeed wherever they go. Full-Day programming for Toddler & Primary children will be available beginning in the 2020-2021 school year.  2019 Preschool and Child Care Guide 42 WashingtonFAMILY preschool and a Kindergarten year. Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m., AMI trained teachers, art, French & computer offered, and after school activities. 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. CHESTERBROOK ACADEMY chesterbrookacademy.com 877-959-3746 20 locations throughout the DMV Ages: Infants - Grade 5 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 BEAUVOIR, THE NATIONAL SPRING BILINGUAL a tour! CATHEDRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MONTESSORI ACADEMY beauvoirschool.org CRESTVIEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL info@spring-bilingual.org margaret.hartigan@cathedral.org crestviewmontessori.com sbmaoffice@yahoo.com 202-537-6493 info@crestviewmontessori.com 301-962-7262 3500 Woodley Road, N.W. Ages: 2-6; 301-910-4728 3514 Plyers Mill Road Washington, D.C. 4728 Western Ave., Bethesda, Md. Kensington, Md. Grades: PreK-3rd • Year Founded: 1933 Children enter Crestview at age 2 1/2, often Founded in 1967, Spring Bilingual Montessori • Religious: Cathedral School • Coed • as their first school experience, and depart Academy has innovated and refined Enrollment: 390 • % of Minorities: 41% • after kindergarten as confident and the concept of integrating a Montessori Average Class Size: 21 • Student-Teacher self-assured young children. education with the acquisition of Ratio: 6:1 • Foreign Language: Spanish proficiency in a second language. We are beginning in PK • Tuition Range: $36,655 FEYNMAN SCHOOL open year-round for academic programs • Enrichment Activities • Extended Day • feynmanschool.org and summer camps. Summer Program info@feynmanschool.org At Beauvoir, the National Cathedral 301-770-4370 Elementary School, we provide an 11810 Falls Road, Potomac, Md. VIRGINIA extraordinary early childhood education The area’s leader in educating academically A CHILD’S PLACE in a diverse community that values every gifted children, Feynman School features achildsplaceinc.com individual. Beauvoir’s program encourages extraordinary programs in science, 703-698-8050 creative, courageous learners and builds an math, language arts, theater and music 3100 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, Va. enduring foundation for a lifelong spirit of designed to maximize your young child’s A Child’s Place in Fairfax was established inquiry and joy in learning. potential while at the same time providing opportunities for unstructured play. We offer in 1981. We take children 8 weeks to 5 years BRITISH INTERNATIONAL both half- and full-day preschool programs. old. Please stop by for a visit. SCHOOL OF WASHINGTON biswashington.org BROOKSFIELD SCHOOL GEORGETOWN HILL EARLY SCHOOL admissions@biswashington.org brooksfieldschool.org georgetownhill.com 202-829-3700 info@brooksfieldschool.org; 14901 Dufief Mill Road, 2001 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. Ages: 2-6 North Potomac, Md. Washington, D.C. 703-356-5437 With a “Play. Learning. Arts. Nurturing.” 1830 Kirby Road, McLean, Va. Grades PK2-12 approach to teaching, we’ve found Spanish, organic gardening, art, dance, Pre-school at BISW features a play-based that children thrive in an educational music, mindfulness and summer camp. school curriculum beginning at age 2. environment at Georgetown Hill. We build a strong foundation of social, BURGUNDY FARM emotional, and academic learning to ensure LITTLE BUDS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL success throughout school. K-12 programs littleleaves.org/littlebuds burgundyfarm.org available too, culminating in the IB Diploma. info@littleleaves.org info@burgundyfarm.org 202-420-8359 9727 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md. 703-960-3431 3700 Burgundy Road, Alexandria, Va. MARYLAND The Little Buds Program is a center- Grades: JK-8th • Year Founded: THE BETHESDA MONTESSORI SCHOOL based ABA program for young children 1946 • Coed • Enrollment: 286 • % of with an Autism Spectrum Disorder run bethesdamontessori.com Minorities: 35% • Average Class Size: 15 admissions@bethesdamontessori.com in a preschool-like setting. It is designed • Student- Teacher Ratio: 7:1 • Entrance for children up to age 6 who have been 301-986-1260 Exam • Foreign Languages: French, 7611 Clarendon Road, Bethesda, Md. recommended for intensive ABA services. Spanish beginning in JK • Tuition Ages: 3-6 Range: $23,592- $26,998 • Number of BMS, established in 1983, is located in the Computers: 150 • Internet Access heart of Bethesda, offering two years of NOVEMBER 2019 PRESCHOOL/CHILD CARE GUIDE Enrichment Activities • Sports • Transportation • Extended Day • Summer Program Burgundy provides an inclusive, creative, nurturing environment that engages the whole child. Our innovative, hands-on approach cultivates independent thinking, promotes academic excellence, instills respect for diversity, and teaches responsibility. CAMPAGNA EARLY LEARNING CENTER AT ST. JAMES campagnacenter.org/programs/ early-childhood pshannon@campagnacenter.org 571-982-3924 5140 Fillmore Ave., Alexandria, Va. COMMUNITY MONTESSORI SCHOOL cmsreston.com bonnieredcms@gmail.com 703-478-3656 1700 Reston Pkwy., Reston, VA Ages: Infants to 6 years Our Montessori School cherishes each child for his or her uniqueness and provides personalized, loving care that extends to encourage a child’s capacity to learn and grow. Year-round primary, toddler and infant classrooms bring excitement and quality to your child’s education. 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. 3551 Waterway Drive, Montclair, Va. Ages: Infant to elementary Guidepost Montessori in Loudoun, Fairfax and Prince William 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 11480 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, Va. The Little Buds Program is a center-based ABA program for young children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder run REGISTER TODAY! Does your child need… A place to make friends with support? A camp with structure & consistency ? A supportive & highly trained group of staff? A more understanding camp environment? A low camper to teacher ratio? A small camp environment? Infants & Toddlers: 7:30am–6pm Two-,Three-, Four-Year-Olds: 9am–1pm with extended day options Camp Aristotle at The Auburn School a camp program that supports social development through fun and friendship! Fairfax, Silver Spring and Baltimore www.camparistotle.org F i n D FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE DMV • Warm & Caring Educators • Reggio Emilia Learning Philosophy • Fairfax & Alexandria Locations Contact ECLC@theJ.org today to ensure your child’s space in the classroom WashingtonFAMILY WEEKEND GUIDES @ washingtonfamily.com/fun_things_to_do/ Pozez JCC ECLC, 8900 Little River Tpk., Fairfax 703.537.3003 - theJ.org/ECLC Pozez JCC-Beth El ECLC, 3830 Seminary Rd., Alexandria 703.537.3084 - theJ.org/ECLC WashingtonFAMILY.com 43 PRESCHOOL/CHILD CARE GUIDE 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 AT GOOSE CREEK PRESERVE goosecreekmontessori.com Ages: 16 months to 6 years 571-417-3999 42470 Rosalind St., Ashburn, Va. MSGCP is designed to be a place that fosters self-expression and independence for its students, fully equipped with child-accessible materials that encourage children ages 16-months to 6 to explore and learn at their own pace. MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF MCLEAN mcleanmontessori.org 703-790-1049 1711 Kirby Road, McLean, Va. Ages 2 ½-12 Preschool and Elementary classes • Foreign Languages: Spanish and French • Science & Technology • Drama • Music • P.E. • Computer • Art • Transportation • Summer Program 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 MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF NORTHERN admissions@pinecrestschool.org VIRGINIA Ages: 3-4; 703-354-3446 msnv.org; info@msnv.org 7209 Quiet Cove, Annandale, Va. 703-992-0255 Stimulating preschool program that Valleybrook: 3433 Rose Ln. includes art, music and P.E. enrichment Falls Church, Va. classes. Special presentations, daily outside At the Montessori School of Northern recreation, and field trips included. Virginia, we want the delight of discovery Before- & after-care until 6 p.m. Nurturing to last a lifetime. MSNV provides authentic curiosity, confidence and a love of learning Montessori education for children ages 2-12. since 1957. From Preprimary through Elementary, our learning environment is designed to directly benefit social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. 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. ■ Parenting isn’t easy, but there are strategies that can help. Find support and resources at familytreemd.org/flip or our 24-hour Parenting HelpLine at 800-243-7337. 44 WashingtonFAMILY NOVEMBER 2019 HEALTHY FAMILY Healthy Eyes for School BY IRENE MYERS-THOMPSON W ith school back in full swing, it is an ideal time to get your child’s eyes checked. Good eye health is important, in part because 80 percent of what children learn is through their eyes, according to the Ameri- can Optometric Association. The AOA rec- ommends that a child’s first comprehensive eye exam should occur between 6 months and 12 months, again at age 3 and before entering school at age 5 or 6. However, despite these recommen- dations, more than one-third of Ameri- cans incorrectly believe children should receive a first comprehensive eye exam at age 5 or later, according to a recent UnitedHealthcare survey. The inability to see clearly can affect a child’s physical, emotional and social development, which in turn can affect aca- demic and athletic performance and, ulti- mately, self-esteem. Many times children are unaware and won’t complain if their vision isn’t normal, so it’s important to look for possible signs of vision problems. Also, it’s important to remember that a school’s vision screening is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam. Vision screen- ings at school usually focus on measuring acuity levels and can miss common condi- tions such as poor eye alignment, focusing problems and farsightedness. As you take care of your child’s school shopping, any needed immunizations and more, schedule an appointment for your child to receive a comprehensive eye exam- ination, especially if he or she experiences any of the following: • Difficulty hitting or catching a ball: If your child regularly misses or drops the ball, it’s possible that vision impairment might be affecting hand-eye coordina- tion. This could also be due to a lazy eye, otherwise known as amblyopia. Amblyopia is when one eye is favored over the other, which can affect depth perception, making it difficult to assess objects in front of you. • Squinting while reading or watching television: Ask your child if the text or screen is blurry or if reading gives them a headache. A “yes” answer could indicate an underlying vision problem. • Issues watching 3D movies: 3D movies require eyes to work together as a team to process information, so difficulty viewing 3D content can be a sign of underlying vision issues. After watch- ing a 3D movie, look to see if your child feels any discomfort or dizziness or is unable to process 3D content. Also, watch for digital eye strain, which is caused by prolonged use of computers, smart- phones and tablets, can cause symptoms such as sore, tired, watery or dry eyes, headache or sore neck, shoulder or back. Help your child practice healthy vision habits by keep- ing computer screens at least 30 inches away from their eyes, resting their eyes every 20 minutes and blinking frequently to avoid dry eyes. Practice the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 min- utes, take 20 seconds and look at something 20 feet away. In addition, a comprehensive eye exam can uncover other health conditions not usually associated with the eyes, includ- ing multiple sclerosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, elevated cholesterol and Crohn’s disease. Make an appointment for your child now as part of this year’s school routine. Together with your child’s eye doctor, you can help make sure your child is ready for school and ready to learn. Many times children are unaware and won’t complain if their vision isn’t normal, so it’s important to look for possible signs of vision problems. Irene Myers-Thompson is the wellness director of UnitedHealthcare of Mid-Atlantic. EYE EXAM: GETTY IMAGES/E+/ANDRESR; ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS/SURADECH14 WashingtonFAMILY.com 45 LAST WORD Stirring Up Peace in the Home, Complete with Love and Mutual Respect W When one person’s voice is raised, it’s reciprocated, and pretty quickly, no matter the topic, the point of conversation is lost. 46 ith all the confrontation and strife around us, who doesn’t wish for a more peaceful world? I’ve watched people become embroiled in polarizing issues and hope that they’re paying attention to the sphere of influence where they are in control. As one concerned parent, I’ve decided to look first into the place where I can directly stir up peace: my own home. Here are some straightforward tips to help encourage other parents in the realm where they hold significant influence. Resist yelling around the house, no matter the size of your home. Walk into the next room and talk face-to-face with your child. With her characteristic transparency Lori Borgman, grandmother of 11, syndicated colum- nist and author of, “I Was A Better Mother Before I Had Kids,” pleads guilty to sometimes raising her voice around the home. But, she says, that though it may be momentarily expedient, in the long run, it’s “a horrible habit to develop.” So, if we mess up from time to time, don’t give in. Work intention- ally — like Borgman does — to prevent this oops from morphing into a hardened habit. “Face-to-face is always better,” says high school counselor Susan Childs, noting that when one person’s voice is raised, it’s reciprocated, and pretty quickly, no matter the topic, the point of conversation is lost. Meredith Bodgas, mother and editor-in-chief of WorkingMother.com agrees that the message is affected by its deliv- ery: “Get down on their level so you’re talking to them, not at them or above them. Not only will they be more inclined to listen to what you’re say- ing but you’ll also be less inclined to raise your voice since you’ll be so close to their little face.” It’s tempting, but no interrupting or finishing your kids’ sentences. Be silent. Let them finish all their thoughts. It’s likely your kids will be more apt to return in kind and listen fully to you. When your child asks a question or invites your opinion, weigh-in, but be brief. Don’t say every- thing on your mind. Short and sweet will stay with them longer. Bodgas addresses the need for two-way com- munication, suggesting asking your child “What do you think?” after you’ve spoken. “It gives your kid a platform to civilly share what’s on his mind and allows for a difference of opinion, since you invited him to speak up. Both lead to healthy discourse.” Washington FAMILY NOVEMBER 2019 Childs says kids are often asking for some- thing simple and, missing the point, we go way too deep. She uses the example of your child ask- ing where kids come from, a question ensuring a parent’s flurry to unleash their rehearsed birds- and-bees speech, only to hear, “Oh, well, Bobby said he came from Cleveland.” This story illus- trates the point that as parents we answer too fully, engaging our adult brains when answering our children’s questions. Instead, Childs sug- gests, “don’t elaborate too much unless they ask for more.” Use your sixth sense to feel them out if they want to keep talking; otherwise, stop, Childs recommends. Love is action-oriented. Show up on time. Don’t be late to pick your kids up or be the cause of leaving late for school. You are communicating your love when you show up on time. It’s a matter of respect, Childs adds, to show up for your child when you say you will, no mat- ter their age. Non-driving high schoolers feel it, too. “It’s just rude to be late to a meeting, so why wouldn’t it be the same when we don’t show up for our kids?” Childs says. “As adults, we try not to be late and show rudeness, so why wouldn’t we do the same for our kids?” Childs’ perspective is seasoned, informed and personal, coming from years of school counseling experience. “Just don’t be late for your kids, not to mention that after-school staff has to wait –some- one has to wait — with your child until you arrive. It’s a situation that snowballs.” She reminds us that our tardiness makes our child stand out. “Your disrespect is felt by child and school staff.” Parents, Childs continues, are constantly searching for ways to help their children grow up to be respectful, kind and hardworking members of society, but that a child’s first introduction to respectful behavior comes from us, repeating the adage, “It starts at home.” She counsels to do as we’d like our kids to do and to make home a haven, a “place of calm for our kids.” It’s not a simple world to navigate, for sure, and it’s certainly easy to get swept up in the lat- est flavor of controversy without making forward progress. How sweet and satisfying it is, then, to watch how small changes around the home can yield disproportionately large results. ■ Kathryn Streeter is a Washington, D.C.-based mom and blogger. ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS/SIPHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHRYN STREETER Your best friend is waiting... Montgomery County Humane Society is a private, non-profit, no-kill cat and dog rescue that does not receive any operational funding from the government or from national humane societies. It relies on the support of the community to keep its doors open. Cats and dogs available for adoption today. Come meet your new best friend. ® 601 S. Stonestreet Ave. Rockville, MD 20850 240-252-2555 mchumane.org November 15 – December 30, 2019 With over a dozen holiday events, spectacular decorations, amazing shows and more, Gaylord National’s Christmas on the Potomac is the ultimate holiday destination to create lasting memories. ICE! Featuring How The Grinch Stole Christmas! * NEW Reindeer Rush Tubing NEW Feast with THE GRINCH * Cirque Dreams * Ice Skating * Photos with Santa. * Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions and much more! Stay overnight to experience it all! Tickets and Packages on Sale Now. ChristmasOnThePotomac.com | (301) 965-4000 TM & © 2019 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All Rights Reserved. PEPSI, PEPSI-COLA and the Pepsi Globe are registered trademarks of PepsiCo, Inc. NATIONAL HARBOR, MD