GUIDES PRIVATE, MONTESSORI & SPECIALIZED LEARNING SCHOOLS washingtonFAMILY.com s l a v i t s e F Fall OCTOBER 2019 YOUR BEST GIRLS THRIVE AT OAKCREST SCHOOL SEE PAGE 5 ADMISSIONS ESSAY 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 Ms 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 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! Fairfax 3909 Oak Street Fairfax, VA 22030 (703) 934-0920 Aldie 24328 Marrwood Aldie, VA 20105 (703) 542-5522 Broadlands 42945 Waxpool Road Ashburn, VA 20148 (703) 723-3364 Chantilly 4550 Walney Road Chantilly, VA 20151 (571) 321-0364 Herndon 13251 Woodland Park Road Herndon, VA 20171 (571) 203-8686 Reston 11579 Cedar Chase Road Herndon, VA 20170 (703) 404-9733 Infant • Toddler • Preschool Kindergarten • Elementary GP090919 Fall Festival and Open House at Aldie October 12, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. guidepostmontessori.com/northern-virginia Spanish and Mandarin Immersion programs available at selected campuses CONTENTS OCTOBER 2019 Pumpkin Carving 101 Pg. 16 DEPARTMENTS 22 8 42 50 ESSAY Writer Michelle Ardillo shares how to write a winning private school application essay that will impress the admissions committee. BITTY & BEAU’S A new Annapolis coff ee shop brews opportunity for people with disabilities. TEEN JOB For parents of teens with autism, there are many ways to help your child succeed in the job mar- ket. TECH CLASSROOM Take a look inside a typical local school class- room to see how much technology is there. STAYCATION Have a family fun mini-vacation this fall right here in the District. READERS’ RESPONSES YOUR 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 OCTOBER 2019 18 20 46 48 52 54 FAMILY CALENDAR FAMILY BLOG Getting crafty on a budget BOOKMARKED Not-so-spooky Halloween books for kids SCHOOL NOTES Homework help for students with ADHD HEALTHY FAMILY Food allergy-friendly Halloween GOOD EATS Tailgate-inspired recipes LAST WORD Caring for aging parents GUIDES 26 SPECIALIZED LEARNING 32 PRIVATE SCHOOLS 44 MONTESSORI SCHOOLS COVER PHOTO PROVIDED 30 FEEDBACK Oakcrest School FEATURES 28 WE WANT ON THE COVER — ADVERTORIAL — Why Mentoring Matters Yoda and Luke Skywalker. Dumbledore and Harry Potter. Socrates and Plato. We’re all familiar with famous mentors and their protégés, both real and fictional. But what does mentoring look like to an everyday teenager? Mentoring at Oakcrest is an opportunity for each student to converse about her life with someone she trusts — from strug- gles to personal goals to friendships and everything in between. It’s a way for her to reflect on her own growth with the guid- ance of someone who has a few more years and a little more wisdom under her belt. We believe this mentoring relation- ship is crucial to helping middle and high school girls learn about them- selves, grow in confidence and strive for virtue. Because of this, mentoring forms the corner- stone of an Oakcrest education. During monthly one-on-one meetings, the Oakcrest student and her mentor discuss what’s happen- ing in her life and ways she can grow and improve. Many schools offer group advising, but our mentoring program is unique because it focuses on an individ- ual, highly personalized experience with each student. Our mentoring program rests on two core principles. First, we want to help our students grow in self-knowledge and encourage them to embrace both their strengths and struggles. The best way they can do this is by trying every day, patient- ly and persistently, to grow virtue. By con- stantly working on themselves, they are equipped to serve others and make the world around them a better place. Second, we believe that all of us — young or old — need figures in our lives to keep us accountable and guide us as we work towards our full potential. Kate Hadley, director of mentoring, explains that mentoring helps with “learning that you will always need people in your life to mentor you, in every different facet of your life. And to not be afraid to go for help. Even as you grow into an adult, you have mentors who help you finan- cially, you have mentors who help you spiritually, you have mentors who help you learn how to parent. This is a concept that’s an underlying principle of our men- toring program.” At Oakcrest, 85 percent of female facul- ty and staff serve as mentors. In the words of teacher and mentor Elizabeth Black, “The mentor is a woman who accompanies the student as she matures into a young woman, listening, giving advice as needed and, in general, being another adult who has a fresh per- spective for the student.” Deep trust and respect form the heart of each student-men- tor relationship. Students appre- ciate that mentors not only give advice and insight, but also take the time to thoughtfully listen to what they have to say. Student Elizabeth Wells (‘19) notes, “My favorite thing about my men- tor is that she treats me as an adult. Of course, there still exists the line that sep- arates a teacher from a student, but when I talk to her, she speaks to me as an adult and recognizes that my problems require adult solutions.” Oakcrest teacher and mentor Monica Pompei explains, “A mentor is not a coun- selor or a psychologist, but rather one who listens to the mentee’s concerns and coaches the mentee to reflect and ask her- self questions that help her know herself better. She helps encourage truthfulness about oneself without judging the men- tee.” Many faculty and staff also support their mentees outside of official mentor- ing sessions — they’ll stop by a student’s sports game, attend a ballet she’s dancing in, or simply pause and chat with her in the hallway between classes. Mentors are crucial not just for a young woman’s character formation, but also her career aspirations. Writing in Fortune magazine, business leader Erin Ganju dis- cusses how she wishes she’d had a female mentor at the beginning of her profes- sional life. All too often, she notes, these types of mentors are lacking, especially in fields traditionally dominated by men. She adds, “That’s why it is essential for female leaders to offer guidance to prom- ising young women and girls on paths that traditionally have been closed to them. They can act as role models and encour- age their mentees to take the next step, to reach for higher goals, and push them to lean in.” Oakcrest mentors strive to help our girls discover and fearlessly pursue their ambitions. As in everything else that we do, parent partnership plays an important part in men- toring. The mentor serves as an essential link between parents and school. Students are encouraged to discuss with their parents the goals that they have developed with their mentor. Parents and mentors are in contact throughout the year and parents can reach out to their daughter’s mentor at any time. One Oakcrest parent says, “My husband and I see mentoring as one of the great benefits of an Oakcrest education … Our daughters’ mentors have helped them recognize the areas in which they need to grow, but also celebrated the wonderful things that are going on in their lives. We’ve all heard the saying that ‘it takes a village’ and my hus- band and I really feel that Oakcrest and the mentors, in particular, are a crucial part of that ‘village.’” Mentors love the chance they get to have a personal relationship with each of their mentees. They care about not only the girl’s academic growth, but also her social, physical, character and spiritual development — at Oakcrest, she is truly known and valued as a whole person. ■ Erin Ganju, “What Star Wars Can Teach You About the Importance of Mentorship,” Fortune, June 17, 2015, http://fortune.com/2015/06/17/ WashingtonFAMILY.com 5 OUR TEAM OCTOBER 2019 WashingtonFAMILY.com • 301-230-2222 Craig Burke, Publisher ADVERTISING Craig Burke, Director of Sales 301-230-6697 • cburke@midatlanticmedia.com Account Executives Kim Coates, Tamara Morris, Mary Ramsdale, Stacie Shapero, Sylvia Witaschek 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 BUSINESS Pattie-Ann Lamp, Accounting Coordinator • 410-902-2311 • plamp@midatlanticmedia.com EDITORIAL Jessica Gregg, Lifestyle Editor • 410-902-2319 • jgregg@midatlanticmedia.com Britni Petersen, Managing Editor • 301-230-6696 • bpetersen@midatlanticmedia.com Adranisha Stephens, Staff Writer • 410-902-2328 • astephens@midatlanticmedia.com Contributors Michelle Blanchard Ardillo, Ann Dolin, PJ Feinstein, Dana Reinhardt, Erica Rimlinger, Kathryn Streeter, Irene-Myers Thompson, Gina Gallucci-White CREATIVE Lonna Koblick, Art Director Steve Burke, Graphic Designer Rachel Levitan, Graphic Designer Caroline Swartz, Graphic Designer James Meskunas, Digital Media Manager David Stuck, Staff Photographer MID-ATLANTIC MEDIA Craig Burke, CEO/Publisher • cburke@midatlanticmedia.com Liz Spikol, Editorial Director • lspikol@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 SPORTS / WELLNESS / ENTERTAINMENT Table of Contents Single Page Design Calendar of Events T H E S TJA M E S .CO M 6805 Industrial Road / Springfield, VA 22151 / 703.239.6870 © 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 OCTOBER 2019 FIRST WORD Falling for Fall F Britni Petersen Managing Editor bpetersen@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 all is in full swing. Can you feel it? The cool, crisp air, the changing leaves, the spirited cheers from football fans all around and, of course, the smells of pumpkin goodness wherever you go. Perhaps I’m a bit biased, but I do believe fall is one of the best (if not the best) seasons, especially in the DMV. There are pumpkin patches to visit, Starbucks pumpkin spice lattes to sip on, All Hallows’ Eve fun to enjoy, and the best fall festivals to attend. While we shared some fall festivals last month, we have even more October fall festivals to share this month in our extended calendar on page 11. As for pumpkin-galore, we have a great guide on carving and designing the perfect Jack O’Lantern on page 16. Even if you consider yourself a Jack O’Lantern aficionado, writer Dinah Wolfe shares some special carving and preserving hacks to keep your pumpkins looking their best all season long. To get into the Halloween spirit, we have a not-so- spooky list of Halloween books for your kiddos to enjoy before the big holiday on page 20. And before any big football game, we have some tailgating-inspired recipes that will score you some serious touchdown points at your next tailgate-style gathering. Now that we are well into the start of the new school year, we have some essential tips for students applying to private schools this fall from a local private school teacher, Michelle Ardillo. Ardillo shares essay- writing strategies and ideas that will seriously impress the school’s admissions committee on page 22. And, just because summer is long gone and Christmas is still a few months away, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy another family vacation. Writer PJ Feinstein shares her promising experience with having a family staycation in D.C. and why DMV-area families should consider this little fall mini-vacation as well. She also includes some particularly wonderful family-friendly D.C. hotel options and activities on page 22. So fall, football, fun and pumpkins … sounds about right for October. For even more seasonal content and exciting things to do with your family this month, check out washingtonfamily.com. Happy reading! ■ WashingtonFAMILY.com 7 CALENDAR { october } TUESDAY 1 FREE PORTRAITURE 101 Learn how to discuss and analyze art with an interactive discussion led by a National Portrait Gallery educator. National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C., 5:30 p.m. npg.eventbrite.com WEDNESDAY 2 MOTHER, DAUGHTER, SISTER, SPY Listen to prominent women in the CIA, Department of Defense, and more discuss their experiences in the intelligence agency. The International Spy Museum is hosting their annual panel on women spies. International Spy Museum, Washington, D.C. 6 p.m. $99. spymuseum.org THURSDAY 3 SUNDAY 6 FREE PIKETOBERFEST Listen to live music, build a sandcastle at The Beach and more at Pike and Rose’s version of Oktoberfest. This is the 6th annual PIKEtoberfest. North Bethesda, Md., 12 p.m. pikeandrose.com MONDAY 7 MAGGIE ROGERS: THE ANTHEM Watch musician Maggie Rogers perform her hits in Washington’s Wharf area. Rogers achieved fame in 2016 when she impressed Pharrell Williams with her song “Alaska.” The Anthem, Washington D.C., 8 p.m. $80. ticketfly.com TUESDAY 8 GEORGETOWN MEN’S SOCCER Support the Hoyas men’s soccer team as they take on FREE KIDS STEAM CLUB the Lehigh men’s team. Shaw SUNDAY 13 Field, Washington, D.C., 3 p.m. $5-$10. wearegeorgetown.com FREE SUNDAY NIGHT FULL MOON WALK Gaze at Washington’s beautiful monuments by the light of the full moon. Join BROADWAY CENTER Washington, D.C. History and STAGE: FOOTLOOSE Culture on a walk through one Take in this film-turned- of Washington’s most beautiful musical at the legendary areas. World War II Memorial, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Footloose Washington, D.C. eventbrite.com has been nominated for several Tony Awards. The Kennedy Center, Washington, TUESDAY 15 D.C., 8 p.m. $59-$175. FREE BOOK kennedy-center.org THURSDAY 10 BUDDY BINGO Grades K-5. Read a book together as a group and FREE PORTSIDE IN OLD then play bingo based on the TOWN FALL FESTIVAL book. One lucky participant Learn more about the history will win a copy of the book. of sailors, enjoy live music and Central Community Library, nautical demonstrations, and Manassas, Va., 6:30 p.m. participate in all kinds of food pwcgov.org and drink related activities along the water in Alexandria’s Old Town. Waterfront Park, Alexandria, Va. visitalexandriava.com SATURDAY 12 JACKS PUMPKIN GLOW Children in grades 1-5 are encouraged to build LEGO marble tracks at the Arlington Public Library. Parents are also welcome to assist their children. Cherrydale Branch Library, Arlington, Va., 4 p.m. arlingtonva.libcal.com FRI, OCT. 4 | 6-9 P.M. | $17 SATURDAY 5 Taste the best mac and cheese that Northern Virginia has to offer while listening to live bands and sampling great craft beers. Children under 9 years old enter for free. Arlington and Ballston, Va.,$20-$35. macandcheesefestival.com 8 Washington FAMILY It is truly a Pumpkin Wonderland with this immersive Halloween stroll filled with thousands of hand-carved jack o’ lanterns. Enjoy savory fall-themed snacks and beverages as you wander along a trail illuminated by thousands of intricately carved pumpkins, many showcasing Capital City’s pumpkin look-a-likes of iconic landmarks, musicians, movie stars, superheroes and princesses. Lake Fairfax Park, 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, Va., glowpumpkin.com OCTOBER 2019 PROVIDED NORTHERN VIRGINIA MAC AND CHEESE FESTIVAL CALENDAR HALLOWEEN ON THE FARM Oct. 20 | 4-7 p.m. | $4 SUNDAY 20 SATURDAY 26 Dress up like your favorite sports player, movie character, or anything else and look at some of the world’s creepiest animals at the National Zoo. National Zoo, Washington, D.C., $20-$30. 5:30 p.m. nationalzoo.si.edu Bring your children and watch as they compete in a 1-mile race. MCM is a great way to get your children active in their early years. Pentagon North, Washington, D.C. 9:30 a.m. marinemarathon.com BOO AT THE ZOO 2019 MONDAY 21 FREE TODDLER MUSIC & MOTION Each session offers a variety of music, dancing and other movement activities you’re sure to enjoy. First come, first served until capacity is reached. Haymarket Gainesville Community Library, Haymarket, Va., 10:30 a.m. pwcgov.org TUESDAY 22 FREE MCM KIDS RUN SUNDAY 27 FREE DEL RAY HALLOWEEN PARADE All are invited to dress up and parade down Mount Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues and compete for the best costumes in honor of Halloween. This will be the 23rd annual Del Ray parade. Alexandria, 2 p.m. visitalexandriava.com TUESDAY 29 FREE PRESCHOOL SO YOU THINK YOU CAN STORYTIME DANCE LIVE! 2019 These story times engage Check out this family-friendly Halloween event hosted this year at the Old Maryland Farm. Festivities include hayrides, costume contest, crafts, pumpkins for sale, and more. Old Maryland Farm, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Kettering, Md. pgparks.com FRIDAY 18 SATURDAY 19 Every third Friday of the month, make it a special night out with your little Princess(es). Enjoy a fun night making memories with music, dancing, snacks, drinks, games and a special photo- op area. The Zen Lounge, Manassas, Va., 6:30 p.m. $7-$25. Participate in 18th Century activities like taking a horse- drawn wagon ride and talking with George Washington at the Fall Harvest Family Days festival. Mount Vernon, Washington, D.C., $12-$20. 9 a.m. mountvernon.org DADDY DAUGHTER DATE NIGHT 10 FALL HARVEST FAMILY DAYS Washington FAMILY OCTOBER 2019 So You Think You Can Dance, the 16-time Emmy Award- winning FOX TV show, comes to Merchant Hall for one night. The dancers will captivate audiences with genres varying from lyrical to salsa, hip-hop to contemporary, and the latest street moves, in original choreography seen on Season 16. Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas, Va., 8 p.m. $45-$100. hyltoncenter.org FRIDAY 25 MOVIE NIGHT AT CARLYLE HOUSE In celebration of Halloween, watch scary movies at the Carlyle House in the week leading up to the holiday. Voting for which movies will be played will take place on Carlyle House’s Facebook page. Carlyle House, Alexandria, Va., 7 p.m. $2. visitalexandriava.com children with short stories, action rhymes, songs and finger plays. They focus on pre-reading skills that all children need to become good readers, and they help parents practice these skills at home. Chinn Park Regional Library, Prince William, Va., 10:30 a.m. pwcgov.org THURSDAY 31 FREE TRICK-OR- TREATING Join in for some good old fashioned trickery and treats! Bring your little ghosts, goblins, princesses and action-heroes to one of Alexandria’s most haunted dwellings for fun, candy and more. Carlyle House Historic Park, Alexandria, Va., 4 p.m. visitalexandria.com Halloween Happenings ■ Fall for These 5 D.C.-Area October Festivals By Deb Greengold OAKLAND AUTUMN GLORY FESTIVAL: OCT. 9-13 FAIRFAX FALL FESTIVAL: OCT. 12 This festival is a 5-day annual fall event that celebrates the changing season! Holding a combination of indoor and outdoor activities ranging from concerts, band performances, art exhibits, and even a parade. It was voted as one of the ‘Top 50 Small Towns with the Best Fall Foliage’ by Good Housekeeping and is known to have something for everyone. Garrett county is welcoming to all to come visit and enjoy the crisp autumn weather! Deep Creek, MD, various times. autumglory.com ALL THINGS GO FALL CLASSIC: OCT. 12-13 The 43rd annual Fairfax festival is finally here! Come to this free event, suitable for all ages and enjoy food, children’s activities, and arts and crafts. There will also be a late-night concert in Old Town Square from 5:30pm-8:30 pm. Fairfax, Va., 5:30 p.m. festivalnet.com TASTE OF DC: OCT. 26-27 Here in Washington, D.C., All Things Go Fall Classic holds uprising musicians with exciting vibes like LANY, Betty Who and Allie X. Having music flying through the air and crippling crisp fall leaves below your feet you’ll have an overwhelming feel-good mood for the entirety of the night. Also, make sure to visit one of the food vendors when you get hungry from dancing the night away! There will be pizza, empanadas from local DC chefs, Shake Shack, Insomnia Cookies and so much more! Union Market, D.C., various times. allthingsgofallclassic.com Known for being the ‘Largest culinary festival in the mid-Atlantic’, check out The Taste of DC. It has been bringing people and food together since 1989, it is a taste bud tingling- packed weekend with ‘captivating entertainment’. Don’t miss Restaurant Row which holds over 50 of the region’s best restaurants and largest beer garden, right here in DC! Audi Field, Washington, D.C., various times. thetasteofdc.org BOO AT THE ZOO: OCT. 18-20 Even the animals are getting into the Halloween spirit! The National Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo is an event everyone can enjoy. There will be trick-or-treating stations for the kids, animal demonstrations, after-hour access to the diff erent animal house and this is just to name a few. National Zoo, Washington, D.C., various times. nationalzoo.si.edu ■ YOU SHOULD PROBABLY START SCREAMING... OPEN FRI – SAT • 9/27 – 11/2 7612 Willow Road, Frederick 301-845-8099 screamlandfarms.com li n g fe ar & il ch e n o b f o t h ig n ly st o h A G h o da r e! w se o th r fo r o r r te le ab k u n sp ea Escape the Woodshed Zombie Paintball de of Horrors Barn of Bedlam & Hayri FREE VIP Fastpass FREE Zombie Paintball Reload Buy 1 VIP Fastpass, Get 2nd VIP Fastpass Buy 1 Paintball Reload at Regular Price, Get the 2nd Skip to the front of all attractions! FREE With this coupon. Not valid with other off ers prior to purchase. 1 coupon per person. Expires 11/2/19. FREE With this coupon. Not valid with other off ers prior to purchase. 1 coupon per person. Expires 11/2/19. WashingtonFAMILY.com 11 Night of the Living Zoo: Oct. 25 Halloween Happenings by Irene- Myers Thompson From zombie walks to creepy haunted houses, we have you covered on the best Halloween events all over the DMV for parents, teens and little ones. Check out the “Scare Level” to see which event is right for you and/or your child. Scare Level Key: = Mild Scares = Medium Madness = Maximum Terror There will be tons of crafts, science experiments, and other Halloween- themed activities. Guests are encouraged to arrive in costume and get into the Halloween spirit. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly, Va. 12 p.m. FREE. Scare Level: Experience amazing oddities and performers at the annual adults- only Halloween party, Night of the Living Zoo. Ghouls and goblins will be able to enjoy a dance party, after- Trick or Treat at Tudor Place: hours animal exhibits, plenty of Oct. 26 beer options, and food from popular Washington food trucks. Smithsonian Scare Level: National Zoo, 7 p.m. $30-45. Get into the Halloween spirit with the Tudor Place as the seasons Halloween Haunt at Kings change, and enjoy trick or treating Dominion: Through Nov. 2 throughout the site. Kids and adults Scare Level: and alike are invited to decorated their Terror will be around every corner at own haunted house and participate in Kings Dominion’s annual Halloween outdoor games and pumpkin painting. Haunt event. The event features Costumes are recommended. Tudor haunted mazes, terrifying shows Place, Washington D.C., 10 a.m. $5-15. and performances, and thrilling Field of Screams: Through Nov. 2 amusement park rides. Are you Scare Level: brave enough to enter the fright Get ready to be scared with Field zone? Parental discretion advised. Kings Dominion, 16000 Theme Park of Screams Maryland that features Way, Doswell, Va., check website for over 40 acres of thrills and fun. Walk through the Trail of Terror, play times. $40-55. kingsdominion.com carnival games, and eat s’mores, Air and Scare: Oct. 26 funnel cakes, and other carnival Scare Level: foods while sitting around a bonfire. Explore the scary side of air and 4501 Olney Laytonsville Rd., Olney, space at the National Air and Space MD, check website for times. $10-21. Museum’s annual Halloween event. screams.org COMING IN NOVEMBER Preschool and Child Care! Spotlight on Preschool and Open House Dates Educational opportunities for the littlest learners  Monthly readership 147,000  Website page views 15,300  E-news subscribers 24,000  Social Media Followers 6,022 Call to advertise: 301-230-2222, Ext. 4 or email advertising@washingtonfamily.com 12 Washington FAMILY OCTOBER 2019 Raven’s Night: Nov. 2 Scare Level: Join artists Belladonna and Ken Vegas for Raven’s Night, a soiree of dark decadence and ethereal performances. The night will feature tarot card readings, variety arts, and live music. The main event will be a cabaret accompanied by several side performances. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The Birchmere, Alexandria, Va., 5:30 p.m. $25. Trick or Treating at Mount Vernon: Oct. 26 Scare Level: Take part in a scavenger hunt, take a wagon ride, and create Halloween- themed crafts in an unforgettable evening. Children and adults will be able to watch historic relics such as chocolate-making, 18th Century dancing, and wool weaving. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Va., 3:30 p.m. $8-$16. Markoff’s Haunted Forest: Through Nov. 2 Scare Level: and For the last 25 years, Markoff ’s Haunted Forest has been one of the most highly rated haunted houses in the area. Besides the traditional haunted house, there will be a zipline, games, and food and drink off ers. 1920 Martinsburg Road, Dickerson, MD, various times. $20-$40. markoff shauntedforest.com Halloween costumes in this annual event. Awards are given for best costume and more! Mt. Vernon Ave. and Commonwealth – Alexandria, Va., 2 p.m. FREE. Eighties Mayhem at the Black Cat: Oct. 26 Clifton Haunted Trail: Oct. 27 Scare Level: Enjoy a parents’ night out in D.C. and hang out in your favorite Halloween costume at the famous music venue, The Black Cat and listen to music from DJ Steve EP, DJ Missguided and Killa K. The Black Cat, Washington, D.C., 9 p.m. $15. 17th Street High Heel Race: Oct. 30 Scare Level: Take part in this DC tradition by showing up in costume and watching men and women alike race down the Dupont Circle neighborhood in high heels. The racers will be cheered on for a full quarter-mile in this hilarious event the night before Halloween. 17th St. N.W., Washington, D.C., 7 p.m. FREE. Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade: Oct. 27 Scare Level: This Clifton trail includes terrifying sights, over two dozen skits and freaky movie re-enactments. The haunted train winds through 8 acres and is full of scary surprises. Historic Clifton, Va., 7 p.m. $13-$18. Silver Spring Zombie Walk: Oct. 26 Scare Level: The Silver Spring Zombie Walk is an annual Halloween party held in various locations around Silver Spring, Md. Come dressed up in your ultimate zombie costume and get ready to embrace the zombie life for a night! The walk includes live music and performances, as well as a zombie- related screening at the AFI Silver Theatre post-walk. Silver Spring, Md., 6 p.m. $13. ■ Scare Level: Special dignitaries and elected off icials, children and pets parade in their 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 INSTRUCTION NS CHILDREN’S SWIMMING C CHILDREN S SWI M MING NS S S T T R R U U C C T T ION ION N N FALL FE ST 2019 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! 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LOCATIONS Jiffy Lube ® International, Inc. ©2018 • 8071 VETERANS ROAD, SEVERN GLEN BURNIE of Jiffy Lube 5 HIGHWAY, 2610 ANNAPOLIS AT: 7101 RITCHIE PASADENA • OFFER VALID RITCHIE HIGHWAY, • 8037 ay ns Highw 8071 Vetera MD 21108 ville, Millers 9693 4002 410-551- At This Location 410-969- At This Location Available VIEW FRED PAS Oil Sign Jiffy Lube Synthetic Blend & High Milage ® lube.com c, Full Syntheti us at www.booker.Jiffy WORRY BEHIND in addition LEAVE D THE HOW TO AVOI PAINS ACHES AND PACKS FROM BACK G SPEECH UNDERSTANDIN DISORDERS AND LANGUAGE BA CK TO schoo SPIRED SN OW-IN & STORIES CRAF TS Pictured: Student at Reston ri School HOME FEBRUAR Y 2019 some to study BaltimoresC hild.com Story begins on page 24 SER By Jared Foretek Staff Writer 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 I 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 Senior Olympics,” the 79-year-old says. Now, having medaled in swimming and badminton in the 2018 Maryland Th ey kitchen at Father McKenna Center. Senior Olympics, the longtime Rockville Jaron Bourke, left , and Sarinah Kalb work in the Jewish Community Center’s D25 day of the Edlavitch DC resident and member of Tikvat Israel were among 700 volunteers for Dec. 25. See page 25. Photo by Lloyd Wolf Congregation looks ahead to compet- service on set ing in the National Senior Olympics her for June in Albuquerque, N.M. — my second trip to the nationals. “It’s hope to bring home a national ribbon in rst fi her be would It or a medal.” the nationals. in Her 2018 Maryland golds were an- women’s doubles and mixed doubles Mandelblit has decided to wait to two By Marcy Oster badminton; she took silvers in nounce his decision in the cases known the 50-yard swim events, women’s breast as 1000, 2000, and 4000 until aft er ERUSALEM — Israel’s attorney gen- stroke and freestyle. She’ll compete eral likely will wait until aft er na- one in those swim events and at least See ELECTION, page 15 tional elections to announce whether 0 74470 0 1977 7447 19778 8 2 badminton event. he will indict Prime Minister Benjamin the in er stiff Competition is generally three corruption inves- age Netanyahu in nationals. She will be in an older but the allegations could be 84, tigations, to 80 — years recent in than bracket central to the early elections. which may work in her favor. “Every Sources reported to be close to Avichai includ- media Hebrew told Mandelblit the KAN national broadcaster that OLYMPICS , page 14 ing See OLYMPICS, D.COM .FREDERICKSCHIL BREA SPRING CAMP ERICK S ’S CHILD ONLINE AT WWW r Chi ld Does You sonal Have Sea ion? ice® Depress ature Serv Change 1 15 OFF 2610 AT: 7101 RITCHIE PASADENA • OFFER VALID RITCHIE HIGHWAY, • 8037 N OW! olis Road 2610 Annap MD 21144 , Severn ® WORRY BEHIND in addition LEAVE Visit offer or used the with any other Lube locations in any cannot be combined at participating Jiffy or altered in 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. 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Siegel Special to WJW Rd 3820 Mountain MD Pasadena, Ste G • BETTER % 25 ST OFF UDY HABITS Limit Phar arm m acy.com ghb Your Nei MACY 2 6 January 3, 2019 Netanya hu dogged by inquiry as election looms J ss l D BA CK TO cla Montesso $0.75 om n e .c a z i M a g HAPPY 30 years! & ena for over HOLIDAYS S ROU A PROSPE R! NEW YEA ac y Pasad serving VOLUME 28, ISSUE athlete looks to national Olympics ARY JANU 2019 Ey e mer’ s Consu 5 % OFF Gratefully PRINT & ONLINE 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 from billion $5 than more demands Congress to build a wall on the border SEE PAGE 51 See SHUTDOWN, page 13 IN TH YOU SHOULD KNOW TALKING MASSAGE PAGE 12 jewishtimes.com 1 Highway 8037 Ritchie MD 21122 Pasadena, 3311 410-768- At This Location Available Brake Service CHECK MOM'S FIGH 24 TE ACHING with Mexico. 0 6> It appeared that Democrats and Re- publicans would be able to narrowly avoid the third shutdown of the Trump #METOO E S M AG THE S TATS DIA M ID -ATLANTIC M E both Beltways has been covering E way in a MAJOR LEAG U for 100 years. 301-230-2222 410-902-2300 midatlanticmedia.com ANN E ARU T BO YS 10 L ove BO OKS to toto To advert ise please call: 410-90 2-2300 | Anne Arund el County | homes ervices mag.co m 410-349-95 07 Wade Land scapes.co m 1 Brake Service PU BLICATIO N AZIN ERA Re aders' Choice IS BACK VICE FOOD ALLERGIES ONE SEE PAGE 30 CAMP FAIR • FEB. esmag.com Fall 2018 Su mmer Camps EST. Baltimore Jewish Times ...................................... 1919 Washington Jewish Week ................................. 1930 Baltimore’s Child ........................................................ 1983 Baltimore Style ............................................................ 1989 Consumer’s Eye Magazine ................................ 1991 Frederick’s Child ......................................................... 1991 Washington Family ................................................... 1992 Mid-Atlantic Custom Media .............................. 2004 Home Services Magazine ................................... 2018 NDE L COU E NTY JOIN US THIS FALL FOR FUN EVENTS & PUMPKIN PATCH AMAZING FARM FUN SEPTEMBER 21 – NOVEMBER 3 $1.00 OFF EACH OR Hayrides, Jumping Pillows, ADMISSION, Pedal Kart Track, $35.00 OFF A GROUP RESERVATION Hillside Slides, Farm Animals, of 25 Mining + paid Sluice, admission* (FREE Teepees, UNDER Tetherball 2 YEARS) Poles, and Tetherball Poles, a pie sized pumpkin included with each admission 26469 Ticonderoga Road Chantilly, VA Road (703) Chantilly, 327-4424 26469 Ticonderoga VA (703) 327-4424 AMAZING FARM FUN AMAZING FARM AT FUN TICONDEROGA AT TICONDEROGA amazingfarmfun.com amazingfarmfun.com GET’M Three GET’M television hosts fight over one microphone in this imaginative production full of silly misunderstandings, a Three puppet television show, and hosts hilarious hide-n-seek. fight over one microphone in this imaginative production full of silly misunderstandings, Age 3+ November 2 & hilarious 3 | Studio F a puppet show, and hide-n-seek. A World Premiere Kennedy Center Commission Balancing Bodies Written by Brian Quijada Original Music by Marvin Quijada Directed by Pirronne Yousefzadeh Take a seat in a rolling office chair as an ordinary space transforms into a universe full of surprises and twists. Dance/theater company Woest from the Netherlands brings this interactive show balancing foolishness and seriousness. Discover the power of walking in another person’s shoes. October 19-November 3 Family Theater Age 9+ October 31-November 2 Terrace Gallery Age 9+ Sat., Nov. 2 at 1:30 p.m. is a sensory-friendly performance. Kennedy-Center.org (202) 467-4600 Groups call (202) 416-8400 For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540 NSO Family Concert October 20 | Concert Hall Age 5+ An annual tradition! The Concert Hall transforms into a ghostly sight when our ghoulishly attired musicians perform new and old classics to celebrate Halloween. 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. WashingtonFAMILY.com 15 A QUICK GUIDE TO CARVING AND DESIGNING THE PERFECT JACK O’LANTERN BY DINAH WOLFE Pumpkins are everywhere this time of year. We carve them, eat them and wear them as cos- tumes. We line our mantels with them, turn them into table centerpieces, and bake cookies, cakes and pies with them. For many, pumpkins symbolize family and tradition during this time of year. As Jack O’Lanterns pop up in store windows and on the front steps of every home, make sure your family’s carved pumpkins are looking their absolute best with this helpful guide below. PUMPKIN CARVING 101 Why do we go crazy over this iconic fruit, and where does the pumpkin-carving tradition come from? Jack O’Lanterns were originally carved out of turnips and potatoes. While Jack O’Lanterns’ location of origin is uncertain, pumpkins are native to North America, and carving and lighting them gained popularity after Irish and Scottish immigrants arrived in the U.S. in the mid-1800s. Pumpkins are harvested in October, just in time for Halloween and Thanksgiving. It was once a common belief that carving scary and grotesque faces in pumpkins and placing them in front of your home would ward off evil spirits (or pranksters) on Halloween. While pumpkin carving is nothing new, how often have you or your kids attempted to create a pumpkin masterpiece to have it end up falling short? Or, maybe you’ve had trouble getting a carved pumpkin to last more than a day or two? Keep reading for some basic but essential pumpkin carving tips and tricks. Perfect for both beginners and more experienced carvers, these tips will surely boost your Jack O’Lantern-making skills this season. 16 Washington FAMILY OCTOBER 2019 Choose the right pumpkin. A large pumpkin with a sturdy stem and a flat base is ideal. Large pumpkins are easier to handle and carve, and a sturdy stem is a sign of a healthy pumpkin that will last longer. Be sure to examine your pumpkin from top to bottom, and avoid ones with soft spots and bruises. Use the right tools. These days, many great tools for both kids and adults are available in retail stores. A boning knife or serrated knife works well for carving, an ice cream scoop works well for remov- ing the pumpkin seeds, and a scraper cleans the inside walls nicely. For kids, you may want to purchase a carving tool set specially designed for them. Cut the lid. First, create a lid by cutting at a 45-degree angle so it does not fall into the pumpkin when you place it back on top. You can cut the lid in a zig-zag shape, or another option is to cut off the back or bottom. The choice is based on what you want and the look you want to achieve for your pumpkin. Scoop the goop. Remove all the seeds and pulp with an ice cream scooper. Place them aside and roast them later for a healthy snack! Once the seeds are removed, scrape the walls with a scraper. If you carve a pattern in the front, try to scrape the back of the pumpkin as smoothly as possible because it will be visible through your carved design and will reflect the light. Draw and carve. Draw the face or trace a template for your desired design. Your design can be scary, gro- tesque or funny. Consider using a dry erase marker so you can easily wipe off mistakes. If you are a beginner, start with a simple design. Use a small paring knife or Exacto knife for more detailed designs. Make slow, gentle cuts that go straight up and down, not at an angle. More experienced carvers may use drills and electric carving knives. Preserve it. You can preserve your pumpkin to make it last longer by spraying or soaking it in bleach or cold water. After you soak it, make sure to dry it completely to avoid mold. As an added preservative, apply petroleum jelly to the cuts. This jelly acts as a bar- rier to lock in moisture and slow down the dehydration process. OTHER PUMPKIN DIY IDEAS You don’t have to carve a pumpkin to decorate it. There are also many beau- tiful but spooky alternatives to carving a pumpkin for your Halloween decor. You can paint them, decoupage them, or cover them in fabric or tulle. You can embellish them with flowers, gems or gauze. You can even repurpose them and turn them into fall-inspired serving bowls, drink coolers or flower vases. Here are two easy alternatives: DECOUPAGE To decoupage fabric onto a pumpkin, cut strips of fabric one or two inches wide. To determine the length needed, measure from the stem to the bottom center of the pumpkin. Apply decoup- age medium directly onto the pumpkin with a paintbrush. Place one fabric strip, and apply another generous layer of decoupage medium on top of the strip. Continue applying strips until your pumpkin is covered. Allow it to dry completely. COOLER To make a drink cooler, choose a large, wide pumpkin. Follow the tips and tricks above for cutting the lid, removing the seeds and pulp, and scraping the wall. Do not carve it. Place a glass bowl inside the pump- kin. Fill the bowl with ice and place a bottled beverage inside. Consider embellishing the pumpkin by paint- ing it or attaching paper bats to the outside. This pumpkin drink cooler is perfect for Halloween parties and get-togethers. BOUQUET Using a medium to large-sized pump- kin, complete the carving steps above to hollow out the pumpkin. Then, turn the hollowed-out pumpkin into a vase by taking a pre-arranged grocery store bouquet, holding the stems right below the flowers, and trimming all of the stems at once to a length that fits the pumpkin. Place the shortened bou- quet into your pumpkin and voilà — a perfectly festive flower arrangement. The pumpkin is officially an icon of autumn. From Halloween through Thanksgiving we can’t get enough of them. So now that you know why we carve pumpkins and how to carve one, it’s time to make it a family tradition. Carve them, line them up and light those Jack O’Lanterns! ■ Dinah Wolfe is a DIY expert and runs a successful home décor, craft- ing and DIY blog. 1 Use dry erase markers to trace designs. Use dry erase markers to draw designs directly onto your pumpkins before carving. Unlike permanent markers or even pencils, the markings will completely wipe off clean with a wet paper towel once you’re done. 2 Place silica gel packs at the bottom. Those little silica gel packs that you find in shoeboxes can serve a great purpose. Put them in the bottom of Jack-o’-Lanterns to extend their life. The packets not only trap moisture, but they also prevent mold. 3 Sprinkle on some cinnamon. After you’ve finished carving, sprinkle a little cinnamon on the bottom of the lid or base of the pumpkin. Because of this, when you light your Jack O’Lantern, it will smell just like pumpkin pie! WashingtonFAMILY.com 17 WF BLOG Getting Crafty on a Budget Inspires Thrifty Fun S After watching a number of YouTube videos on how to tear clothing for zombie costumes, I grabbed a pair of scissors and went to work. FATCAMERA/E+/GETTY IMAGES 18 Washington FAMILY BY GINA GALLUCCI-WHITE hortly after Halloween two years ago, my son announced that he wanted his next costume to be Jason Voorhees. Why? I am not really sure. He has never even seen a horror movie let alone one from the Friday the 13th franchise, but he never wavered all year in his costume pick. I think it was his fascination with the old school hockey goalie mask. The only problem with his choice was that there were no costumes like this to buy for a tween. I found many adult-sized costumes, but none to fit my 10-year-old. (In case any large costume producers are reading this: Not every tween boy wants to be a Marvel/ D.C. superhero.) I can’t sew and I will never be that Pinterest-worthy mom, so I had to get cre- ative in how to piece together this costume. I Googled costume pictures of the legend- ary screen villain and found one where he was wearing a torn-up denim shirt, a white T-shirt and blue jeans. My son had a white T-shirt and a pair of jeans that looked pretty beat up from every- day wear, so that part was done. But, there was no way I was going to buy a brand-new denim shirt just to completely destroy it. So, I decided to go to Goodwill. I donate to the Walkersville location quite often as my two kids have outgrown clothes and toys, so I figured I’d give it a try. I ended up finding a beautiful George- brand denim button-up shirt in excellent condition for $1. It was a tad big on my son, but Jason Voorhees doesn’t look like the type of criminal that has to have fitted clothes. After watching a number of YouTube videos on how to tear clothing for zom- bie costumes (go ahead, look them up), I grabbed a pair of scissors and went to work. I’ve got to admit that I was a little sad to tear up this shirt, because it looked like it had not been worn much, if at all. As I snipped away at the fabric, I was actu- ally surprised at how hard it is to make the tears look realistic. I ended up making small cuts with scissors and then using my fin- gers to rip the incision bigger and pull at the fraying threads. I cut off any parts that were neatly sewn together and made them as jag- ged as possible. Then we threw the shirt in some dirt and charcoal with some splatters of fake blood to complete the look. OCTOBER19 2019 I found a hockey mask at a Halloween store, but it was plain white and didn’t have the red markings like the character’s tradi- tional facial cover up. After red paint failed to properly adhere, we ended up using a red Sharpie which worked well. My husband scuffed up the mask with sand paper and he applied ash leftovers from a recent cookout for a weathered, beaten-up look. After finding a fake machete online, the total price for the costume was less than $10. This was the cheapest costume my son has ever worn, but I think one of the best because of all the creative work it took to bring it to life. I’ll admit, I had fun. Goodwill also helped me to create a cos- tume for my daughter when her class did a wax museum project. Each child was asked to pick a famous individual/hero to research, highlight- ing his or her background, accomplishments and how the hero overcame obstacles. Projects were displayed in the school cafete- ria “museum” with the students posing by info boards they created. When passersby pressed a button on the board, each student came to life to discuss his or her hero. My daughter chose Urbana High School graduate and American Ninja Warrior super- star Jessie Graff. One of the stuntwoman’s most iconic outfits was inspired by Wonder Woman and featured a red crop top and a blue skirt with white stars. I had searched online for possible matches, but each were too expensive for a one-day event. I headed back to Goodwill since my pre- vious excursion was successful. I found a red top with small stars and a big blue star on the front. For the bottom, I found a one piece Fourth of July dress with red and white stripes on the top and a blue skirt with white stars. The skirt was actually sewn into the top so I was able to cut the skirt off at the hem without having to sew it (whew!). I reused the discarded top as a rag to clean shelves. The look cost less than $5 and my daughter was thrilled to match her hero. My takeaway: As your children outgrow items, don’t throw them away. Make sure to donate them, knowing that they may come to life again at a wax museum or a Halloween party near you. ■ Gina Gallucci-White is a local mom, writer and reporter for several local and national news outlets. A CLASSIC MUSICAL FOR A NEW GENERATION MUSIC LESSONS Suzuki Programs for Violin & Cello All Ages & Levels All Instruments & Voice REGISTERING NOW for 2019-20! MUSICAL THEATER Musical Theater & Acting Classes NOVEMBER 8 - JANUARY 5 ages 5-7 & 8-14 olneytheatre.org olneytheatre.org 301-924-3400 301.924.3400 OLNEY THEATR E CENTER 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! 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 BALLET, HIP-HOP, JAZZ/TAP & MORE! Professional Instruction Free Leotard with Registration Children & Adult Classes 301-515-8908 info@commotiondance.com commotiondance.com D A N C E. L E A R N. S H I N E. REGISTER NOW! RISING STARS! 101 Dalmatians ages 8-12 FALL MAIN STAGE BRING IT ON! Register now & get the audition time www.harmoniaschool.org 703-938-7301 Vienna, VA 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 WashingtonFAMILY.com 19 BOOK MARKED 12 Not-So-Scary Halloween Books for Kids BY WF STAFF Halloween icons like ghosts, goblins and witches don’t always have to be scary! These family-friendly books below will get your kiddos in the All Hallows’ Eve spirit without the fright. ‘Halloween 1, 2, 3!’ ‘Creak! Squeak! Halloween’ by Random House by DK Ages: Baby-3. A Halloween counting board book featuring the cadets from Nickelodeon’s Top Wing! Nickelodeon’s Top Wing cadets get into the spooky spirit in this Halloween- themed counting board book with sturdy pages and a shiny foil cover. Ages: 2-5. Creak! Squeak! Halloween is an exciting board book with five sturdy flaps for preschoolers to lift, and five spooky noises including a croaking frog and a creaking door. This high- quality Halloween adventure encourages interaction and hands-on play by rewarding curiosity with surprise sounds and delightful characters. ‘Where’s the Witch?’ by Nosy Crow Ages: Baby-3. Gently spooky creatures hide behind bright felt flaps in this Halloween offering. A perfect book to share with very little ones. Five stylishly illustrated spreads show a series of gently spooky creatures hiding behind bright felt flaps in this Halloween offering. ‘Peppa’s Happy Halloween!’ by Golden Books Ages: 3-7. Peppa Pig is a loveable little piggy who lives with her younger brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig. Peppa loves playing games, visiting exciting places and making new friends, but her absolute ‘Dr. Seuss’s Spooky Things’ favorite thing is jumping up and down in by Dr. Seuss Ages: Baby-3. Written in super-simple muddy puddles! In this story, Peppa Pig and rhyme, little boys and ghouls will giggle her friends are planning a Halloween that is with glee at this ever-so-slightly spooky full of tricks and treats! board book starring Things One and Two ‘Trick or Treat, Little Critter’ dressing up in classic Halloween costumes– by Mercer Mayer including ghosts, bats, skeletons, black cats, Ages: 3-7. It’s time to go trick-or-treating and pumpkins! It’s a sweet Halloween treat with Little Critter and friends. Celebrate and a great way to introduce babies and Halloween with Little Critter in this toddlers to the world of Dr. Seuss! adorable full-color storybook–with cards, stickers and a poster. ‘Haunted House’ by DK Ages: 2-5. Are you daring enough to join the brave cat and mouse as they explore the noisy haunted house? If so, open the surprise flaps and hear the funny, light-activated sounds in this spooky sound book that’s shaped like a house. With a delightful rhyming story to read aloud to little ones, a sliding door on the cover, and enticing flaps to lift inside, it’s the perfect noisy Halloween gift for the scariest time of the year. 20 Washington FAMILY OCTOBER 2019 ‘How to Scare a Ghost’ by Jean Reagan Ages: 3-7. Who says ghosts get to have all the fun on Halloween? Guided by a tongue- in-cheek instructional style, two children show young readers how to set the stage for a spooktacular Halloween by carving pumpkins, playing games and even reading scary stories. Has a ghost showed up? Great! Now the fun and the scaring can really begin. Happy BOOK Birthday, MARKED Nikki Grimes! ‘Ghost in the House’ by Ammi-Joan Paquette Ages: 3-7. Boo! Watch out for this rollicking, cumulative counting book for a Halloween treat that’s more playful than scary. When a little ghost goes slip-sliding down the hallway, he suddenly hears … a groan! Turns out it’s only a friendly mummy, who shuffl es along with the ghost, until they encounter … a monster! As the cautious explorers continue, they fi nd a surprise at every turn. ‘Give Me Back My Bones!’ by Kim Norman Ages: 3-7. A stormy night at sea has uncovered some long-buried secrets and surprises. Is that the mast of a shipwreck? A faded pirate hat? A mandible and a clavicle, phalanges and femurs, a tibia and a fi bula — could there be a set of bones scattered across the ocean fl oor? A jaunty rhyme takes readers on an underwater scavenger hunt as a comical skeleton tries to put itself back together piece by piece. ‘Bella Broomstick #2: School Spells’ by Lou Kuenzler Ages: 8-12. Bella Broomstick is back. But she’s no longer in the Magic Realm; she’s now living in the Person World. She has a new best friend named Esme. With Esme by her side, Bella is finding Person school to be really fun and not as scary as she thought it would be. But chaos erupts when the biggest bully in school mocks Esme’s very human (and unsuccessful) magic tricks. Bella secretly casts a real spell but it doesn’t go the way she had planned. ‘Disney Dracula, starring Mickey Mouse’ by Bruno Enna Ages: 8-12. Jonathan Ratker (Mickey Mouse) receives a warm invitation from the mysterious Dracula, welcoming him to his castle in Beetsylvania. His objective is to close a deal for his law fi rm, but he soon fi nds Dracula’s reputation is not without merit, and he is a prisoner in the castle! Ratker seeks refuge in writing letters to his love, Minnina, hoping to one day return to her. However, the supernatural is at play, and Jonathan Ratker must fi nd a way to escape the castle and stop Dracula from going after who he loves most. ■ Each month, we celebrate a birthday of literary signifi cance. Nikki Grimes started writing poetry when she was only 6 years old. She gave her first public reading when she was 13 at a library in Harlem, New York, the neighborhood where she was born and raised. She now lives in California. Grimes has written more than 75 books for children. Her first, a novel entitled, “Growin,’” was published in 1977. In 1993, she was an NAACP Image Award Finalist for “Malcolm X: A Force for Change,” which tells the life story of the activist. In 2003, she was awarded the Coretta Scott King Award for “Bronx Masquerade,” a slam-poetry novel about high school students who use poetry to discover who they are. Her 2008 children’s book “Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope,” was a New York Times Bestseller. In 2016, Grimes received the Virginia Hamilton Literary Award from Kent University for her contribution to multicultural youth literature, and in 2017, she received the Wilder Medal from the Association for Library Service to Children for her lasting contribution to children’s literature. This year, Grimes launched a speaking tour across America. She will be in Washington, D.C. at the Politics and Prose Bookstore on Oct. 10 and will be in Baltimore at the National Council of Teachers of English conference from Nov. 21-24. ■ WashingtonFAMILY.com 21 Express Yo ES u S TH r E s SCHO e OL lf TO IMPR ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE ARDILLO BY MICHELLE BLANCHARD Eighth-grade year for many brings tears of joy and sadness. Students must leave the safe cocoon of middle school and spread their wings as high school freshmen. For parents interested in pursuing secondary education in a Catholic school or private school for their children, this process can be formida- ble. And, to make matters worse, this same process will repeat itself in four short years when it is time to apply to colleges and universities. Many of these tips and strategies will be helpful for both. Where to begin? Gather as much informa- tion as possible. Research the school online, talk to friends who are alums or have older children who attended the school, go to an open house, attend a sporting or perform- ing arts event, schedule a day for your 8th grader to shadow at each school and drive to and from the school during rush hour traffi c. Inquire about tuition, book fees, meal options, bus and/or carpool options, dress code, curriculum, in-house tutor- ing and especially advanced placement and honors courses. If you have a child with documented learning diff erences, inves- tigate what programs and resources are available for your student. After choosing schools of interest, the next step — applying for admission — is equally daunting. Here are some tips to ease into the competitive world of Catholic or private high school admissions. 22 Washington FAMILY OCTOBER 2019 THE APPLICATION Every school’s application is diff erent. In today’s digital age, most schools require that you set up an online account to access the school’s application. As soon as the appli- cations are available, set up your account and print out a hard copy of the application. Set up a two-pocket fi le folder for each high school of interest. On the front of the folder, in black marker, write the important dates for that particular school, such as: ‰ date of open house ‰ date of scheduled shadow visit ‰ deadline for the actual application ‰ deadline for applying for fi nancial aid ‰ deadline for applying for an academic scholarship, a performing arts schol- arship (some schools off er performing arts scholarships in speech and debate, theatre, music and dance), or a fi ne arts scholarship ‰ deadline for teacher recommendations or letters of recommendations from alums of the school THE ADMISSIONS ESSAY Applications for most Catholic or private high schools require an admissions essay. The purpose of the admissions essay is twofold: It gives the admissions commit- tee a sample of your writing, and it lets the admissions committee get to know you in a diff erent way. Some high schools have a specifi c writ- ing prompt for the essay topic. Some high schools have an open-ended statement or question to respond to. ANSWER THE PROMPT First, is there a writing prompt on the application? If so, read it carefully. Decode and analyze the prompt: What is it asking? It is important to answer the prompt fully to submit the best possible essay. Here are some sample topics that have been on applications for Catholic and/or private schools over the years: ‰ If you were able to get into a time machine and travel anywhere in time or place, where would you go and why? This is a very spe- cifi c prompt. It is asking the 8th grader to specifi cally identify a time and place they would like to visit in person. The essay must be fi lled with visual images and sensory details. The student must use words to paint a picture in the minds of the admissions committee. Tell me about the one person that has been the most influential in your life so far. This essay is an opportunity to speak about a teacher, a coach, a neighbor, the moder- ator of an after-school club, the parent of a friend or a relative. The entire essay must be an introduction to that person. The introduction should give a physical description of this person and identify some personality traits, as well as how you know this person, when you met them, and how they are a part of your life. The body paragraph should give specific sup- porting details as to how this person has influenced you, how you’ve grown as an individual as a result of knowing this person, and what examples of kindness, compassion, courage, faith, knowledge, etc., this person has shared with you. The conclusion should reflect back on this per- son’s place in your life. Imagine your life if you had never known this person and end your essay talking about that. Describe yourself using a metaphor. A metaphor is a literary device of figura- tive language. It is somewhat analogous to a simile, but a metaphor goes a step fur- ther. A metaphor replaces one thing with another. For example, after a long sum- mer, your backyard is covered with a thick layer of green grass. But, after an early winter blizzard, your backyard is a car- pet of white velvet. In describing your- self using a metaphor, pick an object: ani- mal, plant or mineral. Find the strong attri- butes of that object. Then, match those attributes to your strengths. Talk about how they are the same and how you are that object. A stu- dent who dances to the beat of a different drum might describe himself like a salmon, swimming against the current, never following the popular crowd, staying true to himself and what his own goals are. Or, how he perseveres even when things are difficult. This would be a perfect example of using a metaphor to describe this type of student. We know what our school can give you. What can you give to our school? This prompt is asking a simple question: Why do we need you? What will you bring to the school that other students can’t bring? Do you have a special talent, are you very serious about service to others, or are you skilled at something that this school does not currently offer as a sport or after- school club/activity? They are looking for something a bit more than “I’m really good at soccer.” What makes you special? FOCUS THE ESSAY If there is no specific writing prompt and, instead, the application just asks you to “tell us about yourself,” this is an opportunity to choose a topic that has some meaning to you. Remember that your application already lists all of your activities, honors, accomplishments and grades. You do not need to talk about this. Instead, think about the last three years of school and life, and think about one event or activity or episode in your life that you can write about in a three-paragraph essay. This type of essay, where you have some freedom in what you write about, really requires you to focus on one specific thing. Make an outline. Write a thesis statement (topic sentence) that states clearly what you are writing about. Don’t announce it; don’t say “this essay is about.” Then, select three main points that support that the- sis statement and have a few supporting details or examples for each main point. This will easily add up to a body paragraph of five to eight sen- tences. Be sure your body paragraph has a strong topic sentence and a strong transition sen- tence (now you have seven to 10 sentences in your body paragraph). Here’s a possible the- sis: “Being stage manager of my school’s spring musi- cal made me a better student.” Support this example with the following points: It taught me to manage my time, it taught me how to communicate and cooperate with my peers and teachers, and it taught me how to work well under pressure. Perhaps Where to begin? Gather as much information as possible. COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES HELPFUL HINTS ABOUT ADMISSION ESSAYS Admission essays should be typed unless the application states otherwise. Use the front only of white printer paper and black ink, double- spaced with indented first lines of paragraphs. Use Times New Roman 12 pt. font or something very plain and easy to read. At the top left, type a heading (full name and date). Your title for your essay should be centered under your heading. Admission essays should be three paragraphs unless the application specifically states otherwise. If it says, “in one paragraph …” then write a one-paragraph essay. Otherwise, you should have an introduction, a body paragraph and a conclusion. Intro and conclusion can be four to six sentences, but the body paragraph should be longer, seven to 10 sentences. Proofread very carefully. Run the spellcheck app in your word processing program. Read the essay out loud so you can “hear” what your eyes will miss when reading your own writing. Write in first person (I, we, me, us, our) unless it specifies otherwise. Do not announce your essay in your writing: “In this essay I will” or “I hope you have enjoyed this essay”. Do not “speak” directly to the “reader” of the essay. Be sure you have answered the writing prompt completely! Let your English teacher or an adult read over it and give you some comments. Edit and revise, proofread and print again. Remember: Do your own work! ■ WashingtonFAMILY.com 23 Get Organized you have a relative or close friend with a serious illness or disability. What has this taught you? How have you included this person in your life and made your- self a part of theirs, in spite of the illness or disability? You could discuss gratitude for your good health, a willingness to help others less fortunate, or a desire to choose a career field where you can be of service to others such as medicine, social work or special education. GET ORGANIZED All good writing starts with brainstorming and pre-writing. Spend an hour making notes about things you would like to write about. You won’t write about everything in your notes, but it will help you orga- nize your thoughts. Make an outline, just like you do for a school essay. The admis- sions committees are looking for evidence that you can organize your thoughts and explore a specific topic from start to fin- ish. A strong outline will make the writing process much easier. GET PERSONAL Remember that the admissions committee for each high school uses a variety of things to decide upon your acceptance such as: ƒ grades ƒ recommendations from teachers ƒ clubs, activities, sports, volunteer/ service work, religious involvement (if applying to Catholic school) ƒ honors, awards, achievements Take a Deep Breath Remember that everyone goes to high school. 24 Washington FAMILY OCTOBER 2019 All good writing starts with brainstorming and pre-writing. Spend an hour making notes about things you would like to write about. ƒ high school placement test score ƒ admissions essay ƒ interview (not all schools have inter- views, but those that do are looking for eye contact, a firm handshake, good pos- ture, a good conversation, positive things about your middle school and positive things about their high school) So, the essay is only one part of the puzzle, but it is something you have total control over, unlike some of the other things on the list of things they use to decide whether you will attend their school. Talk about positive and personal things that show who you are in the best possible way. Talk about school pride and school spirit. Talk about being a good role model, a leader, a caring friend. Talk about how you connected with your middle school, your teachers and your classmates. If you had a particularly dif- ficult struggle, but somehow managed to come out on top, consider discussing this because it will show that you have deter- mination and character. Don’t brag, but don’t hide your strengths either. If you must mention a weakness, embrace it, but also talk about the positive steps you take to combat it. DON’T PROCRASTINATE Start now. As soon as those applications are online, get your writing prompts out in front of you. Write a first draft and let a parent read it. Edit and revise it. Ask a language arts teacher at your school to read over it. Review the comments from the teacher, and edit and revise it again. Plan ahead and start early enough that you are not stressed to finish right before the deadline, missing the opportu- nity to have time to send out your very best work. As Aristotle said, “Well begun is half done.” DO YOUR OWN WORK This is obvious, but it must be said. Do your own work. School administrators are very good at assessing students’ work, and if the admissions essay presented to them feels more like that of a seasoned profes- sional than that of a rising freshman, it will not bode well for you. TAKE A DEEP BREATH Remember that everyone goes to high school. There are many fine choices among the Catholic and private high schools in this area. If tuition costs are a barrier even with financial aid and/or scholarships, explore your public school options. Visit and/or shadow there. Talk to neighbors. Investigate magnet pro- grams or schools that have a performing arts or STEM focus. Make an appointment to meet with an administrator. And finally, remember: It is not always just about the destination. It is also about the journey. ■ Michelle Blanchard Ardillo is a freelance writer and middle school language arts teacher. She has successfully guided hundreds of students through the high school application process for 12 years. Follow her @michardillo on Twitter or Goodreads or at michelleardillo.com. SPECIALIZED LEARNING GUIDE ACADEMY OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION myschoolace.com 703-471-2132 10800 Parkridge Blvd., Ste. 150 Reston, Va. Ages: 2 ½ yrs.-6th grade 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. 2019 Specialized Learning GUIDE 26 Description: 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. THE NYSMITH SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED 13625 EDS Drive Herndon, Va. Phone: 703-713-3332 Website: http://www.nysmith.com Email: ebalberde@nysmith.com Grades: 3 years - 8th Grade serving students in grades 4-12th with language-based learning differences. Schedule a tour to learn why Siena was named by Washington FAMILY Magazine as the best special needs school for the fourth year in a row. ■ SAINT ANN CATHOLIC SCHOOL stann.org stann@stann.org 703-525-7599 980 North Frederick St. Arlington, Va. Ages: 3 ½-14 THE AUBURN SCHOOL Saint Ann Catholic School is a close- theauburnschool.org knit community with 20-25 students info@theauburnschool.org per class. Our small size allows us to 410-617-0418 focus on academic excellence and 7401 Park Heights Ave. LITTLE BUDS PROGRAM moral formation of our students. We Baltimore, Md. are bound together by a dedication to littleleaves.org 301-588-8048 BELIEVE, ACHIEVE and INSPIRE! 9545 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md. info@littleleaves.org 202-420-8359 703-793-9353 9727 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md. THE SIENA SCHOOL 3800 Concorde Pkwy., #500 Ages: 1-6 Chantilly, Va. thesienaschool.org The Auburn School grows the social and A center-based ABA program for young info@thesienaschool.org children with an Autism Spectrum academic potential of bright students 301-244-3600 Disorder run in a preschool-like setting. 1300 Forest Glen Road with social and communication challenges, supporting academic skills, It is designed for children up to age Silver Spring, Md. 6 who have been recommended for social competency and pragmatic Ages: 9-18 intensive ABA services. language. Proudly celebrating our 14th year, BASIS INDEPENDENT MCLEAN mclean.basisindependent.com mcLean_admissions@ basisIndepedent.com 703-854-1253 8000 Jones Branch Drive McLean, Va. Ages: 2 yrs.-Grade 12 Students, age 2-grade 12, receive a well- rounded, liberal arts curriculum with a STEM focus. Part of the world-renowned network of BASIS Curriculum Schools, we prepare each child with a top- ranked education and spark a true love of learning. GETTY IMAGES/E+/ URSAHOOGLE accessibility matinee performance for selected productions. These matinee performances provide accommodations for children and families with special needs. Accommodations include ASL interpretation and assisted listening devices as well as Braille and large print programs to allow the performance to be accessible to all audiences. An exclusive backstage tour will be provided for children to make meaningful connections with the story and to experience theatre in a new way. Interested patrons needing these accommodations must e-mail info@ encorestage.org in advance. Dates for our accessibility matinee performances will be available online on our website. ENCORE STAGE & STUDIO encorestage.org info@encorestage.org 703-548-1154 4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, Va. Ages: 4-18 Encore Stage & Studio provides accessibility services year-round. Encore is delighted to provide an Washington FAMILY OCTOBER 2019 F i n D FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE DMV Little Leaves Behavioral Services 10730 Connecticut Avenue Kensington, MD • 301.933.5666 Shop at the non-profi t thrift store that supports people with I/DD! OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! COLUMBUS DAY SALE 10/10-10/14 50% Off Everything! ! WEEKEND GUIDES @ washingtonfamily.com/ fun_things_to_do/ HALLOWEEN SALE 10/24-10/27 50% Off Everything! Th e mission of Little Leaves Behavioral Services is to help people with social, communication and behavioral challenges grow and succeed so that they can participate as fully as possible in their families and communities. Using evidenced-based practices based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), our professionals partner with each family to develop and implement an individualized therapeutic plan. Our therapeutic approach incorporates strategies that have been proven eff ective for helping children. We create a treatment program that is individualized to your child and tailored to the needs of your family. We also help families coordinate the logistics of therapy so that they can focus their time on what really matters — caring for their children. Th e Little Buds Program, a center-based ABA program for young children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder 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. For more information 202-420-8359 info@littleleaves.org • www.littleleaves.org All profit benefits The Arc Montgomery County, connecting people of all ages and abilities to build inclusive lives. PAREVE Sunflower Bakery and Cafe Sunflower are dedicated to providing skilled job training and employment for adults 18+ with learning differences in pastry arts, production baking, barista service and front of house operations. Sunflower Bakery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Please contact us to learn more about our Bakery and Cafe Employment Training Programs and our Teen Job Exposure Programs. WE SUPPORT National Disability Employment Awareness Month To learn more about our mission, visit TransCen.org WashingtonFAMILY.com 27 Amy Wright (center), Bitty (left) and Beau. People with disabilities staff Bitty & Beau’s in Annapolis BY ERICA RIMLINGER 28 Washington FAMILY OCTOBER 2019 i n September, a new coff ee shop will replace the Starbucks on Dock Street. Bitty & Beau’s Coff ee is, like Starbucks, a chain, but smaller and with a very diff erent mission. Amy and Ben Wright, the Wilmington, N.C.-based founders of Bitty & Beau’s Coff ee, named their coff ee shops after their son and daughter who have Down syndrome, and primarily employ people with disabilities. “But it’s not just about creating jobs and opportunity for people with disabilities,” says CEO Amy Wright. “It’s about the cus- tomers’ experience and their takeaway. We’re trying to reach people and change people’s perceptions about people with disabilities. It’s amazing to see people come in for a cup of coff ee. A lot of peo- ple who have maybe never spent time with someone with Down syndrome or autism have a transformative experience.” Starting three and a half years ago, in their hometown of Wilmington, the Wrights have been steadily expanding on the southeastern seaboard and opening Bitty & Beau’s Coff ee in Charleston, S.C., Savannah, Ga., and now Annapolis. “We like to plant ourselves where there’s a lot of tourism and foot traffi c,” Wright says. They’ve chosen to open shops in cities and towns where “you have your community and you also have the infl ux of tourists that come in.” This, she says, increases the reach of Bitty & Beau’s Coff ee’s mission. “Those customers go back to their workplaces and look around and say, ‘Wait a second, why don’t we have somebody working here who has a disability? Let’s do something about that.’” That ripple eff ect, Wright says, is what’s “going to really create change in our country.” Amy and Ben met while enrolled at the University of Cincinnati College-Conser- vatory of Music. It was, Wright notes, “love at fi rst sight,” and they moved quickly. After meeting in September 1992, Ben proposed that New Year’s Eve in Times Square, and the two married in May 1993. Five years later they had their fi rst child, Lillie, and 19 months later, wel- comed another daughter, Emma Grace. Their world changed when, fi ve years later, their son, Beau, arrived. “Though we had an idea he might have Down syndrome, we did initially go through that shock and sadness in the beginning days,” Wright remembers. “It was something that didn’t TOP: PROVIDED; HEART: ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS/FRENTUSHA coffee shop brews opportunity last too long for us. After we got through grieving the son we thought we were going to have and embraced the son we were given, it was just a wonderful, freeing light-bulb moment that really changed us as people.” Just as the Wrights felt as though they were “learning the ropes” as parents of a child with a disability, they became pregnant again and welcomed a daughter who also had Down syndrome. Bitty’s given name is Jane but, Wright says, earned her nickname “because she’s always been itty-bitty.” “When Bitty was born it was like a Mack Truck hit us,” Wright says, explain- ing that she and her husband came to think “this was bigger than making sure the world was good and welcoming for Beau and Bitty. We’ve been trusted with a job here. We need to find the best platform we can to advo- cate for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. That’s when the soul searching started. We tried a lot of different things: benefit concerts, walks, blogging, a variety of things in our community.” The idea to open Bitty & Beau’s Coffee “hit me like a lightning bolt,” she says. Just like their whirlwind romance-engage- ment-marriage two decades before, just a few months passed between the idea and its fruition. Wright’s idea came to her in November 2015, and they opened their first shop in January 2016. “It was a real risk for us,” Wright says. “We didn’t know anything about cof- fee shops. We were creative people, but we just educated ourselves on every aspect of it.” The whole family got involved, “whether it was painting the walls or putting fur- niture together or marketing,” she says. For its first six months, the coffee shop operated out of a 500-square-foot spot. The risk paid off: “We had a line out the door from day one. It was originally called Beau’s Coffee. We hadn’t even given too much thought to naming it. Beau was with me and I said, ‘This may be someplace you want to work someday, Beau.’” When they moved into a 5,000-square- foot former Hummer dealership, Beau requested the shop be renamed to include his sister. It’s been “a whirlwind” three years for Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, says Wright, and the support they’ve received for their shop in Annapolis has been “overwhelm- ing. We felt welcomed in Charleston and Savannah, but this was unlike anything we had so far.” Hundreds of people have reached out to say they want jobs, she adds. They plan on having a hiring fair and spending a week- end interviewing candidates. There’s no requirement for employment at Bitty & Beau’s Coffee other than a “willingness to learn, a great attitude and a willingness to be part of the team,” Wright says. Bitty & Beau’s Coffee’s mission is, in part, a response to what she calls an “unemployment epidemic that faces peo- ple with disabilities.” According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 80 percent of people with disabilities are not in the workforce. Kids with disabilities “get all this support through school, and all these teachers are invested in making sure kids are prepared for the workforce, and then there are no jobs,” Wright says. But she advises parents of kids with disabilities to stay optimistic about their child’s future. “Parents of children with special needs are really good at advocating for their children to find their place in the world,” she says. With that momentum, “good things can happen.” And spend a couple minutes in the cof- fee shop to see what’s possible, she says. “Not just for individuals to work in coffee shops. That’s not the point. They can be in any place of work, shoulder to shoulder with typically developing people.” “I do feel a shift in our country,” she adds. “I feel like people are beginning to see value in these individuals. I think the coffee shop has shown our country what is possible for people with disabilities.” ■ Katie, a coffee shop employee, is ready to take orders. Staff gathers for a pre-opening pep talk. WashingtonFAMILY.com 29 C I T S I T U A R U YO TEEN WANTS A JOB ow can ou rov ide su ort COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES BY DANA REINHARDT ll of us remember our fi rst job. Whether it was helping out with the family busi- ness, serving sweet treats at the local frozen yogurt shop, mowing lawns or working at a summer camp, it was an experience that, for better or for worse, you’ll always remember. While fi rst jobs rarely launch your career, they are an important step to estab- lishing yourself in the workplace. They are an opportunity to practice working as part of a team, taking responsibility, conduct- ing oneself professionally and interacting with customers. All teens should have access to these valuable experiences. For parents of teens with autism, the job search can be a daunting idea. Signif- icant gaps in education, awareness and inclusion continue to persist in the work- place regarding individuals with autism. This has resulted in a high unemployment rate for those individuals. According to Autism Speaks, nearly half of 25-year-olds with autism have never held a paying job. Here are a few tips as you consider job opportunities for your teen, help them nav- igate the interview process and equip them to succeed once they’ve landed the job: 30 Washington FAMILY OCTOBER 2019 Set clear expectations for the job-hunt process It’s important to have mutual guidelines and parameters you and your teen can agree on upfront before diving into the job search. For example, how many hours is your teen willing and able to work, given other commitments? Will they need help with transportation? What kind of environment will be most conducive to success? Consider lighting, noise level, potential for crowds, etc. that could be sensory triggers. This will help focus your search and ensure that you invest time in fi nding a job that’s going to be a true fi t for your teen’s needs and your family’s needs. Consider their strengths — and interests When people picture individuals with autism in the workplace, they may pic- ture jobs that are routine-based and entry level. While jobs like this may be an excellent fit for some individuals with autism — especially in the summer when the learning curve can be steep and fast — individuals with autism are a diverse group. Like all teens looking for a job, individuals with autism have a wide range of strengths that can be valuable in a variety of settings, whether that’s an excellent memory, attention to detail, analytical abilities or high-level math skills. It’s important to emphasize and encourage these strengths in your teen and explore opportunities for them to leverage and build on those skills. At the same time, it’s important to encourage your teen to think about their interests and passions. Some teens with autism may fi nd themselves limited by the box in which society has placed them. But as with any young adult, taking a job that they are excited about can be more fulfi lling, can encourage creativity and can inspire them to dream big and take ownership of their future. Play out several mock interview scenarios In anticipation of the unpredictable nature of interviews, run a few diff erent scenarios with a mix of questions so that you can talk through potential responses with your teen and prepare them for the uncertainty. This allows them the oppor- tunity to work through those challenges in an environment where they feel safe and comfortable and with someone they know and trust. It can even be helpful to ask another friend or family member to conduct one of the mock scenarios so that they can practice with diff erent interview styles and generalize their skills. Provide a toolkit for self-advocacy As your teen explores job opportunities, it’s important to be both realistic and sup- portive. We know all too well the harsh realities of this world and how cruel peo- ple can be. There’s a possibility your teen will face disrespect, discrimination, and rejection along the way. Consider how ALL THE RIGHT RESOURCES … AT YOUR FINGERTIPS! According to Autism Speaks, nearly half of 25-year-olds with autism have never held a paying job. you can equip your teen to face those cir- cumstances when they arise, whether it’s during the hiring process or once they’ve landed the job. This can include educat- ing them about the types of interview questions that employers legally should or shouldn’t be asking as well as shar- ing ideas for how they can message their strengths and skills. Look for community education opportunities See the process as an opportunity to advo- cate for your son or daughter while you educate your community in the process. Take time throughout the year to reach out to a few businesses in your community to see if they would be interested in inclusion + ICE CREAM TRUCK WashingtonFamily.com/guides/ 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! training or a workshop. This can be a unique way to raise awareness and create more opportunities not only for your teen, but also for other individuals with autism. Remember that while individuals with autism certainly face a unique set of chal- lenges, rejection is a universal feeling. You can remind your teen that they are not alone by sharing stories of individuals with all diff erent types of backgrounds who faced rejection before they found success. As parents, though we want to protect our kids from facing hurt and rejection, we need to give them the opportunity to explore their independence. And as a com- munity, it’s important that we continue to advocate for inclusive hiring practices and workplace policies for our children and future generations. ■ Dana Reinhardt is the education director of HASA, a Baltimore nonprofit that provides health, speech-language, education, language access and inclusion programs to people of all ages, and oversees Gateway School, a nonpublic school for children with autism and other communication- related disorders. She can be reached at dreinhardt@hasa.org. 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 BOOK NOW FOR YOUR Summer Programs School Fairs Corporate Venues Birthdays 571-283-2408 ❤  Puppet Shows For All Occasions (703) 444-9426 • Large and colorful marionettes and hand puppets • Lively music • Audience participation • Puppet-making workshops • Goody bags Susan Wall's www.carouselpuppets.com 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 WashingtonFAMILY.com 31 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 2019 PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE AIDAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL aidanschool.org aidan@aidanschool.org 202-387-2700 2700 27th St., NW, Washington, D.C. Grades: 18 months-Grade 6 • Year Founded: 1961 • Coed • Enrollment: 200 • Montessori • Foreign Languages: Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish beginning at age 3 • Tuition Range: $21,751 - $29,578 • Enrichment Activities • Sports • Extended Day • Programs for Families • Full-Day Toddler and Primary Program beginning 2020-21 At Aidan Montessori School, education is an adventure. Learning is hands-on. Lessons are welcomed. Work is purposeful. Curiosity is encouraged. Schedule your visit to see Aidan in action today! Open House: 2019: Oct. 4, Nov. 6, Dec. 6 2020: January 10 BEAUVOIR, THE NATIONAL CATHEDRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL beauvoirschool.org margaret.hartigan@cathedral.org 202-537-6493 3500 Woodley Road, N.W. Washington, D.C. Grades: PreK-3rd • Year Founded: 1933 • Religious: Cathedral School • Coed • Enrollment: 390 • % of Minorities: 41% • Average Class Size: 21 • Student- Teacher Ratio: 6:1 • Foreign Language: Spanish beginning in PK • Tuition Range: $36,655 • Enrichment Activities • Extended Day • Summer Program At Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School, we provide an extraordinary early childhood education in a diverse community that values every individual. Beauvoir’s program encourages creative, courageous learners and builds an enduring foundation for a lifelong spirit of inquiry and joy in learning. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. JOY AND MATH CAN BE USED IN THE SAME SENTENCE. Beauvoir offers an extraordinary education designed for early learners. Accepting applications for pre-kindergarten to third grade for the 2020-2021 school year. Limited space available in some of this fall’s classes! 32  WashingtonFAMILY  OCTOBER 2019 GETTY IMAGES / E+ / KALI9 PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF WASHINGTON biswashington.org admissions@bigwashington.org 202-829-3700 2001 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. Grades PK2-12 • Year Founded: 1998 • Coed • Enrollment: 500 • Average Class Size: 14 • Uniforms • Foreign Languages: Spanish beginning in PK2, French for non-beginners • Tuition Range: $13,000 - $34,000 • Enrichment Activities • Sports • 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. Mandarin beginning at 3 years. • Tuition Range: $18,500 -$33,230 • Montessori through Grade 5 • Project-Based Learning Grades 6-12 • AP Classes • Off Campus Learning • Athletics include Equestrian • Transportation and Extended Day Available • Summer Camp • Community Service • Extended Study Week Located minutes from the ICC and Glenmont Metro, Barrie School is rooted in Montessori and Project- based Learning approaches—that inspire excellence, resilience, and responsibility through learning by BARRIE SCHOOL doing. We create rich and challenging barrie.org learning experiences, foster a deep admission@barrie.org MARYLAND sense of belonging, and empower 301-576-2800 student voice and responsibility. This THE AUBURN SCHOOL 13500 Layhill Road, Silver Spring, Md. is key to unlocking students’ intrinsic theauburnschool.org Grades: 12 months-Grade 12 • Year motivation and their insatiable desire info@theauburnschool.org Founded: 1932 • Coed • Enrollment: to explore challenging problems. The 410 617 0418 300 • % of Minorities: 60% • Average result: a truly diverse student body Park Heights Ave., Baltimore, MD Class Size: 11 • Student-Teacher Ratio of engaged citizens with diverse 301-588-8048 10:1 • Grading System: Montessori: and inclusive worldviews, who are 9545 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md. Lower School NA, Project-Based confident to be themselves. Barrie Grades K-8th • Year Founded: 2010 Learning integrates local, national and global (Silver Spring), 2011 (Lutherville) • Middle & Upper School: A-F Coed • Average Class Size: 8 • Student- • Foreign Languages, Spanish, French, & educational opportunities. In addition to our school, our 45-acre campus EXPLORERS WANTED. Teacher Ratio: 8:2 • Grading System: A-F • Foreign Languages (Silver Spring): Spanish, Mandarin • Internet Access • Learning Disabled 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. Investing in the early years of learning. Building a foundation for their future. Advanced, Research-Based Curriculum for: Passionate Learners Creative Problem-Solvers Collaborators Engaged Citizens ATTEND AN OPEN HOUSE Tuesday, October 29 at 9AM Schedule a Tour: 703-533-1064 Preschool - Grade 8 Co-ed, Independent School in Falls Church • Contact us about our Infant and Toddler Program WashingtonFAMILY.com 33 PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE is home to a summer camp that has been a Washington, D.C.-area tradition since the 1950s, and the world- renowned Barrie Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies. Open House: 2019: Oct. 19, Montessori for 12 months-Grade 5; Oct. 21, Project- Based Learning in Grade 6-12; Nov. 11, Admission Tours; Jan. 11 and Apr. 25 All School Open Houses BETHESDA MONTESSORI SCHOOL bethesdamontessori.com admissions@bethesdamontessori.com 301-966-1260 7611 Clarendon Road, Bethesda, Md. Ages 3-6 • Extended Day Established in 1983, Bethesda Montessori School cooperates with the Washington Montessori Institute and is staffed by AMI trained teachers. Approved by the MD State Department of Education, and Montessori Schools of Maryland, and is a member of the Northern American Montessori Teachers Association and other educational organizations. It leases its facility from the Bethesda Presbyterian Church, but it has no religious affiliation with the church. It is centrally located in the heart of Bethesda business district on Wilson Lane near the intersection of Old Georgetown and Arlington Roads, three blocks from the Bethesda Metro station. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. 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. backgrounds, educate the whole child, and offer exciting curricula. Grads enter leading high schools and colleges. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL htrinity.org FRIENDS COMMUNITY SCHOOL admissions@htrinity.org friendscommunityschool.org connie@friendscommunityschool.org 301-464-3215 FEYNMAN SCHOOL 11902 Daisy Ln., Glenn Dale, Md. 301-441-2100 feynmanschool.org Grades: Preschool-Grade 8 • Year 5901 Westchester Park Drive admissions@feynmanschool.org Founded: 1963 • Religious • Coed • College Park, Md. 301-770-4370 Enrollment: 491 • % of Minorities: 85% Grades: K-8 • Year Founded: 1986 • 11810 Falls Road, Potomac, Md. • Average Class Size: 20 • Student- Grades: PS-8th • Year Founded: 2009 • Religious • Coed • Enrollment: 240 • % of Minorities: 50% • Average Class Size: Teacher Ratio: 10:1 • Entrance Exam Coed • Enrollment: 107 • Average Class 14 • Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1 • Grading • Grading System A-F • Uniforms • Size: 14 • Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1 • Foreign Languages: Spanish beginning System: Progress Reports Only • Entrance Exam • Foreign Language: Foreign Languages: Spanish beginning in Kindegarten • Tuition Range $9,515- Spanish beginning in PS • Tuition $13,195 • Number of Computers: 1:1 • in K • Tuition Range: $19,420-$21,530 Range: $12,910-$28,565 • Number •Computers • Internet Access • Gifted/ Special Needs Program • Enrichment of Computers: 15 • Internet Access • Activities • Sports • Extended Day • Gifted/Talented Program • Enrichment Talented Program for all • Enrichment Activities • Sports • Carpools • Extended Summer Program • Drama • Art • Music Activities • Extended Day • Additional • Technology Day • Summer Program • Outstanding Programs: Music, Art, P.E., Drama, We offer a transformative education Instrumental Enrichment Program Robotics, Chess, Basketball, Chinese to bring out “The Best You.” Our Experience the joy of an extraordinary The area’s leader in educating academic program is challenging academically gifted children, Feynman Quaker education! For life-long and complemented with a variety School features extraordinary programs learners, courageous risk-takers, and of enrichment programs to educate in science, math, language arts, theater joyous peacemakers. We welcome all Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities (MANSEF) Does your child with special needs require more attention than your public school can provide? MANSEF’s 80 nonpublic, state-approved special education schools provide specialized services to children in collaboration with public schools. Where the challenging academic curriculum meets bright students where they are, with the goal of setting every student up for MANSEF schools serve more than 4,000 students between the ages of 2 and 21 who have a range of disabilities that affect their physical, emotional, or intellectual well- being. These students receive customized services delivered by experienced teachers and other staff. Students are referred by Local School Systems, which results in no cost for parents, and schools are located across the state. a lifetime of success. MANSEF also provides resources and support to families of students with disabilities and advocates on their behalf. • www.theauburnschool.org • To find out more about MANSEF and to locate a member school, visit www.mansef.org Campuses in Baltimore, Silver Spring, and Fairfax 34 WashingtonFAMILY OCTOBER 2019 The Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities (MANSEF) P.O. Box 6815, Baltimore, MD 21285 410-938-4413 • www.mansef.org PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE the whole child. We are a private, independent school that serves preschool to grad. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. THE MANOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL manormontessori.com 301-299-7400 10500 Oaklyn Drive Potomac, Md. 5450 Massachusetts Av Bethesda, Md. 11200 Old Georgetown Road, Rockville, Md. Ages: 2-9 Open House: Call to schedule a tour. 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: Call to schedule a tour. WASHINGTON WALDORF SCHOOL washingtonwaldorf.org llawson@washingtonwaldorf.org 301-229-6108 4800 Sangamore Road, Bethesda, Md. Grades: PreK-12 • Year Founded: 1969 • Coed • Enrollment: 300 • % of Minorities: 30%, 33 nationalities, 19 languages spoken • Average Class Size: 18 • Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1 • Grading System: A-F • Foreign Language: Spanish beginning in 1st Grade • Tuition Range: $6,300-$29,700 • 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 Our integrative curriculum & innovative instructional methods provide a developmentally appropriate education. Encouraging clear thinking, balanced feeling, and initiative, WWS offers great preparation for college & for life. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. 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 35 PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE VIRGINIA THE AUBURN SCHOOL theauburnschool.org ACADEMY OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION info@theauburnschool.org myschoolace.com 703-793-9353 703-471-2132 3800 Concorde Parkway 10800 Parkridge Blvd., Ste. 150 Chantilly, Va. Reston, Va. Grades K-8th • Year Founded: 2010 Grades: Toddler-Grade 6 • Year (Silver Spring), 2011 (Lutherville) • Founded: 1996 • Religious • Coed • Coed • Average Class Size: 8 • Student- Enrollment: 170 • % of Minorities: 90% • Teacher Ratio: 8:2 • Grading System: Average Class Size: 12-13 • Elementary A-F • Foreign Languages (Silver Assessment • Grading System A-F • Spring): Spanish, Mandarin • Internet Uniforms • Foreign Languages: Spanish Access • Learning Dis¬abled Program beginning in Sr. Kindergarten • Tuition: • Enrichment Activities • Summer $20,000 • Number of Computers: 80 • Program Internet Access • Enrichment Activities The Auburn School grows the social and • Extended Day • Summer Program • academic potential of bright students Mommy & Me Classes with social and communication The Academy of Christian Education challenges, supporting the development provides a unique learning experience of academic skills, social competency for Toddlers through Elementary aged and pragmatic language in an engaging students by combining a high-quality, educational environment. academically accelerated program with Open House: Call to schedule a tour. a Biblical foundation. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. A Progressive Independent School & Learning Community School Admission Events LOWER SCHOOL Discover Montessori 12 months - Grade 5 Saturday, Oct. 19 at 10 am j MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL The Power of Project-Based Learning Grades 6-12 Sunday, Oct. 27 at 1 pm RSVP Today! admission@barrie.org 301-576-2800 barrie.org 13500 Layhill Road • Silver Spring, MD Minutes from the ICC & Glenmont Metro Bus Transportation & Extended Day Available 36 WashingtonFAMILY OCTOBER 2019 BASIS INDEPENDENT MCLEAN mclean.basisindependent.com mcLean_admissions@ basisIndepedent.com 703-854-1253 8000 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, Va. Grades: Twos Program-Grade 12 • Year Founded: 2016 • Coed • Enrollment: 430 • Student-Teacher Ratio 8:1 • Entrance Exam • Foreign Languages: Mandarin, Latin, Spanish, and French beginning in PK1 • Tuition Range: $22,000-$29,000 • 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. Part of the world-renowned network of BASIS Curriculum Schools, we prepare each child with a top- ranked education and spark a true love of learning. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. BEANTREE ASHBURN CAMPUS beantreelearning.com 571-223-3110 43629 Greenway Corporate Drive, Ashburn, Va. Grades: Infant-K • Year Founded: 2007 • Coed • Average Class Size: 14 • Student- Teacher Ratio: 14:1 • Uniforms • Foreign Language: Spanish beginning in PS • Internet Access • Enrichment Activities • Extended Day • Summer Program BeanTree Learning in Ashburn provides unparalleled care and nurturing for infants through PreK. Led by a team of experienced and caring educators, BeanTree provides children with a safe and stimulating environment for academic success and provides parents with peace of mind. Year- round enrollment for full and part-time academic and specialty programs. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. BEANTREE WESTFIELDS CAMPUS beantreelearning.com 703-961-8222 5003 Westfields Blvd., Chantilly, Va. Grades: Infant-K • Year Founded: 2007 • Coed • Average Class Size: 14 • Student- PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE Teacher Ratio: 14:1 • Uniforms • Foreign Language: Spanish beginning in PS • Internet Access • Enrichment Activities • Extended Day • Summer Program Fully accredited, discover the BeanTree Difference at our Westfields/Chantilly Campus! Offering unprecedented educational offerings for your child in every stage of academic development, BeanTree offers Infant care through Full Day Private Kindergarten, Before/ After School, and Summer Camp. Year- round enrollment for full- and part-time academic and specialty programs. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. 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. 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 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 CONGRESSIONAL SCHOOL schools, Congressional School congressionalschool.org graduates have confidence, a sense admission@congressionalschool.org of ethics, and the desire to continually 703-533-1064 and respectfully question, collaborate, 3229 Sleepy Hollow Road, create, and lead. Falls Church, Va. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Grades: Infants-Grade 8 • Year EDLIN SCHOOL Founded: 1939 • Coed• Enrollment: edlinschool.com 345 • Average Class Size: 13 • Student- 703-438-3990 Teacher Ratio: 6:1 • Grading System 10742 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, Va. A-F • Uniforms • Foreign Languages: Grades: K4, K5-8 French, Spanish, Latin beginning in Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Preschool • Tuition Range: $24,650- $29,300 • Number of Computers: 1:1 • FAIRFAX CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Internet Access • Enrichment Activities • fairfaxchristianschool.com Sports • Transportation • Extended Day • admissions@studyfcs.com Summer Program • Equestrian Program 703-759-5100 • Robotics Program 22870 Pacific Blvd., Dulles, Va. A co-ed, independent, day school in Grades: K-12 • Year Founded: 1961 • Falls Church, Va., Congressional School Religious • Coed • Enrollment: 400 • % develops great thinkers and leaders of Minorities: 50 • Average Class Size: 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. 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? 2 019 W IN N ER 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 Washington FAMILY RESULTS MATTER, SYLVAN DELIVERS RESULTS Personalized MATTER, SYLVAN Tutoring DELIVERS - Personalized Tutoring Skills - - SAT/ACT Prep - Study SAT/ACT Homework Prep - Study Support Skills - Homework VISIT OUR LEARNING Support CENTERS IN RESTON AND FAIRFAX VISIT OUR LEARNING CENTERS IN RESTON AND FAIRFAX Reston: 703-382-6300 Reston: 703-382-6300 Fairfax: 703-382-6305 Fairfax: 703-382-6305 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 WashingtonFAMILY.com 37 PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE 10 • Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1 • Grading System: A-F • Foreign Language: French, German, Spanish & Chinese beginning in K • Tuition Range: $27,350 - $40,225 • Number of Computers: 100 + • Internet Access • Advanced Placement Program • College Dual Enrollment • Honors Program • Enrichment Activities • Sports • Transportation • Extended Day • Summer Program • ESL Program The Fairfax Christian School is an award-winning, independent, university-preparatory school serving K-12th grade. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI guidepostmontessori.com/ northern-virginia 866-202-8593 24328 Marrwood Drive, Aldie, Va.. 42945 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, Va.. 4550 Walney Road, Chantilly, Va. 13251 Woodland Park Road Herndon, Va. Ages: Infant to elementary Guidepost Montessori in Loudoun and Fairfax counties is among a growing, worldwide network of schools that offer MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CEDAR LANE preschoolmontessori.com info@cedarlanemontessori.com LOUDON SCHOOL FOR 703-560-4379 THE GIFTED (LSG) KENWOOD SCHOOL 3035 Cedar Ln., Fairfax, Va. loudonschool.org kenwoodschool.com Grades: PreK-K • Year Founded: 1971 • info@loudonschool.org alison@kenwoodschool.com Coed • Enrollment: 100 • Average Class 703-956-5020 703-256-4711 Size: 25 • Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 44675 Cape Ct., Ste. 105, Ashburn, Va. 4955 Sunset Ln., Annandale, Va. • Foreign Language: Spanish • Tuition Grades: 6-12 • Year Founded: 2008 • Grades: K-6th • Year Founded: 1957 • Range: $9,312-$17,405 • Internet Access Coed • Enrollment: 75 • % of Minorities: Coed • Enrollment: 60 • % of Minorities: • Sports • Half and Full-Day Program • 43% • Average Class Size: 7 • Student- 50% • Average Class Size: 8 • Student- Summer Program • Music Teacher Ratio: 4:1 • Grading System: Teacher Ratio: 8:1 • Grading System: Montessori School of Cedar Lane Number • Foreign Language: Chinese, A-F • Foreign Language: Spanish has been providing over 40 years French, Latin, Spanish beginning in beginning in K • Tuition Range: $775 of Montessori tradition to Northern per month • Number of Computers: 20 • 6th • Tuition: $25,300 (Middle School), Virginia. We offer a complete Internet Access • Enrichment Activities $27,600 (High School) • Internet Access educational and social environment and • AP Classes • Gifted/Talented Program • • Extended Day • Summer Program • utilize the discoveries and methods of Enrichment Activities • Transportation Gymnastics • Taekwondo • Soccer Dr. Montessori to help the child develop LSG is the private school designed Kenwood is a charming environment more fully the potential within him. to inspire and challenge advanced to learn in. The classes are small Open House: Call to schedule a tour. students in grades 6-12. We are opening (average of 10, maximum of 15), which new campus in early 2019 that will allow MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF MCLEAN offers more one-on-one time with the mcleanmontessori.org teacher than your average school. The the student body to increase from its 703-790-1049 current enrollment of 60 to as much students receive an individualized 1711 Kirby Road, McLean, Va. experience, which helps them grow and as 125. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Ages 2 ½-12 learn more than is possible in a large Preschool and Elementary classes classroom setting. We pride ourselves language immersion for ages infant through elementary. Fall Festival and Open House at Aldie October 12, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on our home-like atmosphere and loving faculty. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. The Auburn School 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 20 1 9 WINNER 9 Follow us on 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 38 WashingtonFAMILY OCTOBER 2019 PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE • 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. Ages: 2-12 Hours: 7:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. Yoga • Gymnastics • Drama • Drumming • Arts • Maker Club • Dance 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: http://www.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 Range: 27,750 - 37,900 Number of Computers: 400+ Sports Programs: Yes Enrichment Activities: Yes Transportation: Yes Extended Day: Yes Summer Program: Yes Description: 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: Oct. 24 & Nov. 21, 9a.m. & 1p.m. OAKCREST SCHOOL oakcrest.org admissions@oakcrest.org 703-790-5450 1619 Cromwell Road, Vienna, Va. Grades: 6-12 • Year Founded: 1976 • Girls Only • Enrollment: 223 • % of Minorities: 32% • Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1 • Entrance Exam • Grading System: A-F • Foreign Languages: Spanish, Latin beginning in Grade 6 • Tuition Range: $24,350-$25,540 • AP Classes • Enrichment Activities • Sports • Transportation Oakcrest, an independent school, educates the whole person. Inspired 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: Oct. 19, 2-5p.m. THE PAVILION AT BEANTREE beantreelearning.com 571-223-3113 43635 Greenway Corporate Drive, Ashburn, Va. The Pavilion at BeanTree in Ashburn caters to ages 5 to 14 offering an advanced accredited curriculum. Offering full day private Kindergarten, half day Kindergarten enrichment, Before/After School Programs in addition to multiple summer camp offerings for school age children, The Pavilion at BeanTree provides an unparalleled environment for academic excellence. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. PINECREST SCHOOL pinecrestschool.org admissions@pinecrestschool.org 703-354-3446 7209 Quiet Cove Annandale, Va. Grades: Preschool-6th • Year Founded: 1957 • Coed • Enrollment: 72 • % of Minorities: 32% • Average Class Size: 9 • Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1 • Grading System: Number • Foreign Language: THE ADVENTURE STARTS HERE! Autism is treatable. Early intervention is critical. Op www.littleleaves.org 202-420-8359 info@littleleaves.org en ! o N w day to ic l C in info re ds B e u mo l or Li all f C Our year-round programming helps your swimmer build on the skills they developed during the summer. SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMS AVAILABLE Enroll for fall lessons and try us out for FREE! SwimLabs Swim School – Montgomery County 353 Muddy Branch Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 (240) 449-4900 | swimlabs.com WashingtonFAMILY.com 39 PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE Spanish beginning in Preschool • Tuition Range: $7,450-$15,300 • Number of Computers: 20 • Internet Access • Enrichment Activities • Extended Day • Summer Program • Community Service Club Small classes, hands-on curriculum emphasizes problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Individualized approach; each child grows academically, socially and emotionally within a caring and positive environment. Summer Camp. Before and after care. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY rma.edu admission@rma.edu 540-636-5484 200 Academy Drive, Front Royal, Va. Grades: 6-12 • Year Founded: 1892 • Religious • Coed • Enrollment: 354 •% of Minorities: 32% • Average Class Size: 12-15 • Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1 • Entrance Exam • Grading System: A-F • Foreign Languages: German, Spanish, French beginning grade 8 • Tuition Range: $20,069-$42,771 • Number of SAINT ANN CATHOLIC SCHOOL stann.org stann@stann.org 703-525-7599 980 North Frederick St., Arlington, Va. Grades: Preschool-Grade 8 • Year Founded: 1951 • Catholic • Coed• % of Minorities: 30% • Average Class Size: 20- 25 • Student-Teacher Ratio: 2:1 • Grading System A-F for 6th-8th • Uniforms • Foreign Language: Spanish beginning in Kindergarten • Tuition Range: $4,300- RESTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL $11,100 • Number of Computers: 50+ • restonmontessori.com Internet Access • Enrichment Activities office@restonmontessori.com • Sports • Extended Day • Basketball • 703-481-2922 Lacrosse • Tennis • Track • Volleyball • 1928 Isaac Newton Sq. West, Reston, Va. Robotics • Art • Boys Scouts • Girl Scouts Grades: Infant-6th • Year Founded: 1986 • Chess Club • Student Council • Caritas • • Coed • Enrollment: 200+ • Average Social Justice Club • Math Club Class Size: 24 • Uniforms: K and up • Saint Ann Catholic School has an Foreign Language: French beginning average of 20 to 25 students per at Toddler • Number of Computers: 12 • class. Our small size allows us to Internet Access • Enrichment Activities focus on academic excellence and • Sports • Extended Day • Summer moral formation of our students. Our Program • Academic Therapy Services • community is bound together by a Additional Programs: Music, PE, Art dedication to BELIEVE, ACHIEVE and Open House: Call to schedule a tour. INSPIRE. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Computers: 655 • Internet Access • AP Classes • Enrichment Activities • Sports • Summer Program • Flight Program • Air Force Junior ROTC As students as Randolph-Macon Academy 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: Oct. 14, 10a.m. & 1p.m. 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: Oct. 22, 9:00 -10:30 a.m. ■ 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! We take the guess work out of advertising. 301-230-2222 • advertising@consumerseyemagazine.com • consumerseyemagazine.com 40 WashingtonFAMILY OCTOBER 2019 www.OlneyChamberMD.com Join us for the… Monday, October 14, 2019 4:30—8pm Our Lady of Good Counsel HS Bring this ad to receive 2 FREE Raffle Entries! FREE Community Event! • Taste of Olney • Over 80 exhibits • Auctions & Raffles • Dance & Martial Arts Demos • Flu Shots Available • Hero Dogs Demos • Please Bring a Food Donation for Olney HELP Register for 2018/2019 School Register now for now 2019/2020 School Year Classes miss WON’T out! LAST! DON’T Year MISS Classes, OUT! HURRY don’t - SPACES Register now for 2019/2020 Re No School Year Classes Ye DON’T MISS OUT! HURRY - SPACES WON’T LAST! 703-533-8830 • perfectpointe.com/arlington 2499 N. Harrison St., Suite 1-LL, Arlington, VA 22207 F i n D 8060 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA 22153 • 703-440-9000 • perfectpointe.com/springfield FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE DMV Treat your child to a magical sleepover party We create bespoke sleepover themes for boys and girls Select your date and package We deliver, set-up and style. next day we collect WashingtonFAMILY WEEKEND GUIDES @ washingtonfamily.com/fun_things_to_do/ Book Your Child’s Party Today! 703-563-1567 www.confettiteepees.com WashingtonFAMILY.com 41 TECH’ED OUT BY MEGHAN THOMPSON WE KNOW the modern classro om no longer thrives o n information-packe d lectures to students ( sometimes struggl ing to pay at te ntion). Inst ead, schools use technology to sup plement curriculums an d make learning a more interactive experience. But just how muc h technology do e s your child encounter in t he school day? We took a look inside the c lassrooms of Bal timore County Publ ic Schools and Arlington County Public Sc ho ols to get an idea. L APTOPS & DEVICES All BCPS students are equipped with laptops for everyday use. This is part of BCPS’s blended-learning approach, which uses technology to enhance the cur- riculum, says Ryan Imbriale, executive director of BCPS’s innovative learning department. Students can use their lap- tops to log onto BCPS’s digital learning ecosystem, BCPS One, which provides them with teacher-vetted resources. IN C O RPO RAT I N G L A PTOPS int o t he c la ssr o o m i s th e p r i m a ry f i x t ure o f B CPS ’s blen de d - l ea r n i n g a p p r o a ch, w hi ch uses t e c h n o l o g y to en h a n c e t he curriculum. ” RYAN IMBRIALE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BCPS’S INNOVATIVE LEARNING DEPARTMENT 42 Washington FAMILY OCTOBER 2019 At APS, students are also equipped with lap- tops and tablets for everyday use. According to their website, APS started this with a 2011- 2017 strategic plan that aimed at providing students in grades 2 to 12 with a personal digital learning device to support instruc- tion. They chose iPad Airs for elementary and middle schools and Macbook Airs for high school. Now that the plan is fully imple- mented, the school says they are pushing further. Their goal by 2020 is to become “the country’s top media-rich personalized platform that features seamless integration with all instructional systems. This includes “creating a user-friendly interface that gives teachers an efficient tool for sharing instruc- tional resources, assignments, activities and assessments” according to APS’s “Executive Summary on APS Digital Learning.” CODING CURRICULUMS Students as young as kindergarten- ers are learning to code and to develop an understanding of how programming allows them to create from their key- boards. LEGO robotics club is just one example of where students can explore computational thinking and watch their digital commands create action in the physical world — and, of course, make robots. M O B I L E I N N OVAT I O N L A B In 2016, BCPS launched its Mobile Innova- tion Lab, a makerspace for students housed in an old school bus that travels among ele- mentary schools. The lab features a 3D printer, a computerized cutting machine, mini-drones, LEGOs and robots for student experimentation. D O K I D S S T I L L H AV E T E X T B O O KS ? Yes, but no more chunky textbooks and unreasonably heavy backpacks. While BCPS and APS students still have access to paper books and magazines in their libraries, more options are available in e-book format. A big advantage of digi- tal materials is accessibility. While print textbooks are still used in the class- room, online libraries like APS’s 24/7 “MackinVia” portal, provide expan- sive access to endless resources on a public-school budget. ■ COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES L E G O ROB OTICS CL UB is just o ne exa mpl e o f w here st udent s can ex plo re co mput a t io n al th i n ki ng a nd wa t ch t hei r digit al co mmand s c r e at e act i o n i n t he physica l wo rld — a nd, o f c o u rs e, ma ke ro bo t s. WashingtonFAMILY.com 43 MONTESSORI GUIDE Discovering Montessori DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 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 Montessori School Guide MARYLAND THE BETHESDA MONTESSORI SCHOOL bethesdamontessori.com admissions@bethesdamontessori.com 7611 Clarendon Road, Bethesda, Md. Ages: 3-6 301-986-1260 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 VIRGINIA BROOKSFIELD SCHOOL brooksfieldschool.org brksfield@aol.com 1830 Kirby Road, McLean, Va. Ages: 2-6 703-356-KIDS 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 COMMUNITY MONTESSORI SCHOOL cmsreston.com bonnieredcms@gmail.com 1700 Reston Pkwy., Reston, Va. Ages: Infants-6 years 703-478-3656 ALL THE RIGHT RESOURCES … AT YOUR FINGERTIPS! 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! 44 Washington FAMILY OCTOBER 2019 ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS / FATCAMERA WashingtonFamily.com/guides/ C OMMUNITY M ONTESSORI S CHOOL HOLLY BROOK MONTESSORI SCHOOL preschoolmontessori.com info@hollybrookmontessori.com 2455 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, Va. Ages: 3-5 703-573-7800 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 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 ♦ 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. 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. THE BETHESDA MONTESSORI SCHOOL FIND US ON FACEBOOK 20 RUNNER-UP RUNNER-UP facebook.com/ WashingtonFamilyMagazine 1 8 For 37 years, teaching ages 3-6 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.com 45 SCHOOL NOTES ADHD & Homework Common Struggles and How Parents Can Help BY ANN DOLIN I f your child has ADHD, it goes without say- ing that you’re committed to helping them become successful, resilient and to overcome their academic challenges. But on average, students with ADHD say that 80 percent of their interactions at school are negative ones. Whether that’s because of how they feel about themselves, their surroundings, their peers or just school in general, it means they spend the majority of their day feeling negative. And there’s one issue in particular where this negativity tends to manifest itself most: homework. With ADHD, homework can become a real struggle. But what we also know, is that it’s not a problem that can’t be overcome if we take the right steps. Below are three keys to success for students with ADHD, including different ways ADHD manifests itself and approaches to homework and studying that will move your student in the right direction. 1 ABOVE:ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS/ KATARZYNABIALASIEWICZ; FACING PAGE: GETTY IMAGES/ E+/ JUANMONINO 46 Know how ADHD manifests itself in your child It is important to know how ADHD affects your child before you can choose the best approach to help them succeed academically. For example, in an interview with Pat Quinn, M.D, the author of “Understanding Girls with ADHD,” she discussed how ADHD can manifest itself differently in girls than it does in boys. More often than not, you hear ADHD and you think disruption. However, that is not always the case, especially when it comes to girls. Girls with ADHD may actually tend to be more shy and withdrawn. This is because when their minds wander away from the task at hand, they’re more inclined to not want you to know they’re not paying attention. As an avoidance strategy, it’s more straightforward to stay quiet. Alternatively, with boys (generally speaking, of course) the research shows they tend to man- ifest their ADHD symptoms more externally, whether through running around, interrupting vocally, or actively misbehaving. But it would also be a mistake to characterize all boys with ADHD in this way, because there are many who don’t exhibit this behavior. The bottom line is this: Every case is differ- ent. You know your child. So it’s essential to try to best understand your child’s strengths and Washington FAMILY OCTOBER 2019 weaknesses when it comes to schoolwork to determine which strategies are appropriate, and which don’t seem relevant. 2 Be the “Charismatic Adult” Studies show the top differentiator between stu- dents with behavioral, attention or learning dis- orders who succeed and those who do not is the presence of a “charismatic adult” in their life. As psychologist and researcher Julius Segal notes, “From studies conducted around the world, researchers have distilled a number of factors that enable such children of misfortune to beat the heavy odds against them. One factor turns out to be the presence in their lives of a charismatic adult — a person with whom they identify and from whom they gather strength.” Reflect on your own experiences: How did you get to where you are today both personally and professionally? Did you have a charismatic adult in your life who encouraged and believed in you? Being this figure in a child’s life does not mean being Mother Theresa, but it does require tak- ing an interest in the child and their strengths rather than focusing on his or her shortcomings. And when mistakes and failures do happen, it means helping them work through them con- structively so that they walk away from the situation knowing more than they did before and feeling positive about the experience. 3 Set them up now with healthy homework and study habits For most kids with ADHD, homework and studying are filled with dread and excuses, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s break it down by topic so we can really hone in on how to help develop these essential habits that will carry them to success now, and later in their academic careers. ADHD AND PROCRASTINATION Your child constantly procrastinates, even after dozens of reminders. How can you get him more excited about homework and completing it earlier? Step 1: Have a predictable schedule Allow a 30-minute break after school before getting started on homework. When kids know what to expect, they are less likely to procrastinate. SCHOOL NOTES Step 2: Consider the “Tolerable 10” Set a timer for just 10 minutes and encour- age them to work as hard as they can until the time runs out. This helps give them a push to get started, and after the 10 minutes is up, they can either take a short break or continue for another round. ADHD AND MISSING ASSIGNMENTS AND INSTRUCTION Either they miss the teacher’s instructions, forget homework and books, or sometimes just ignore assignments entirely. How do you ensure homework and assignments are getting done without seeming overbearing? ADHD AND TIME MANAGEMENT Time management is the enemy of kids with ADHD. Your child is smart, but when it comes to completing assignments, they can take hours longer than the instructor intended. How do you help them minimize distractions and encourage productivity? Step 1: Trust but verify Set expectations, rewards and conse- quences for completing homework and assignments. Then verify with an online grading portal if one is available. Com- municate with teachers if necessary, but always do this with your child so that Step 2: Control screen time Limit breaks to outdoor activities or things they’re involved in the process. that don’t involve a screen. Video games and social media are specifically designed Step 2: Tie privileges to effort Link things like screen time and hanging out addictive and hard to detach from. So allow with friends to the amount of time spent a mental break, but don’t let them make studying and doing homework, rather than things harder on themselves than they need outcomes like grades. Kids can see the direct to be by getting wrapped up in something correlation between working and learning that’s hard to pull away from. and a benefit … rather than feeling over- whelmed by the idea of getting better grades, ADHD AND HOMEWORK: when they may not know exactly how. WHAT’S NEXT? The best way to ensure your child will be Step 3: Talk to teachers ready for the independence they crave is to about emailing assignments back off slowly, but stay supportive. and homework Set up weekly meetings and discuss Kids with ADHD and executive dysfunc- tion may benefit from having the option to upcoming assignments and offer support. submit homework online or through email. You’ve guided them through this far and They can focus on one thing at a time, and it is time to let them take the wheel … just submit it right then and there, rather than make sure they don’t head off in the wrong having to wait, organize and bring it into direction. ■ school to turn in. Step 1: Make a game plan Break homework or projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. Check in, and make a big deal when he’s accomplished one or a set of tasks. For many kids, time is too abstract of a concept. Consider using candy or baseball cards and letting him know he’ll be rewarded when the task is complete. Step 2: Help prioritize Ask what they will do first to help them get started. Make sure they understand the directions and can do the work. Then, let him go at it alone but stay close by so you can help if needed. Step 3: Use a timer Once you have broken up the assignment into more manageable pieces and helped prioritize their work, set a timer and encourage them to work in short spurts (see the “Tolerable 10” above). Then ADHD AND DISTRACTIONS slowly make the time longer, but never Pulling your child back into study mode from a break or video games seems near more than 30 minutes. impossible. So how do you pull them away from those distractions to focus on homework? Step 1: Put a limit on breaks Kids may need a break after a long school day. For elementary-aged kids, a 30-min- ute break after school should do the trick. Older kids may need more time to “chill” after school is out, but ideally, assignments and studying should start before dinner time. Use this to have them indulge their break time, while still setting boundaries. Ann Dolin is a former Fairfax County teacher and current founder and president of Educational Connections Tutoring, serving the D.C. area. On average, students with ADHD say that 80 percent of their interactions at school are negative ones. WashingtonFAMILY.com 47 HEALTHY FAMILY Making Halloween Safe and Fun for Kids with Food Allergies W For millions of kids with food allergies, the risk of exposure to food allergens on Halloween is high, from accidental ingestion to cross-contamination. 48 Washington FAMILY OCTOBER 2019 e’re approaching that hallowed time of year that spooks par- ents. Last-minute costume scrambles, sugar-induced meltdowns, track- ing teens’ whereabouts, and attempting to monitor the candy calorie intake. But for parents of kids with food allergies, there is a different and extra reason to be frightful. For millions of kids with food allergies, the risk of exposure to food allergens on Halloween is high, from accidental inges- tion to cross-contamination. Six of the top eight allergens are in high circulation around Halloween. Wheat, milk, soy and egg are used in many chocolates, fruit chews and caramels and often, candies are made with the same equipment used with peanut or tree nuts. The scare for children is very real. According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), one in every 13 chil- dren has a food allergy. Halloween, and its guaranteed grab-bag of surprises, requires parents of children with food allergies to have a few more tricks up their sleeves to ensure their kids can safely enjoy the holiday. “Safe” and “fun” can co-exist at Halloween. There are easy ways to plan ahead and help avoid food-allergen related surprises by incorporating new traditions so parents and kids can enjoy the holiday without any scary surprises. Here are some tips to prepare for the best Halloween yet. • Create a Halloween action plan with your child’s allergist. Food allergies are specific to each child and it’s important to consult the medical professionals who know your child’s situation best. Review the plan, in advance, with your family and friends who plan to trick-or-treat with your child so they can put on their capes and help save the day. • Spot the safe places. The Food Allergy Research & Education’s (FARE) Teal Pumpkin Project is a recent initiative to help children and parents identify neighbors who offer non-food treats. Teal-colored pumpkins placed at the doorsteps of homes serve as a “safe” sign for trick-or-treaters. This indi- cates homeowners have giveaways that don’t include food — sending a message that treats and surprises come in more than candy packages. • Get others involved to help foster a more inclusive holiday. It’s a great time to break out your DIY skills and show others how fun and easy it is to create a community that sup- ports families with food allergies and sensitivities. Host a “Trunk or Treat” party in a community park- ing lot and invite friends, neighbors and family to deck out their cars and load up their trunks with non-food treats, like bubbles, glow sticks or Halloween temporary tattoos. • Develop a candy plan. Trick-or-treat with your child and monitor what they receive as you go from house to house. Carrying around a bag full of goodies can be tempting for kids, so tuck a few “safe food” items in your pocket to help deter your child from reaching into their stash. When you arrive home, create a candy exchange game, so kids can trade in items that may trigger their allergies, for other candy or non-food treats. • Watch for possible signs of an aller- gic reaction. Keep an eye out for any symptoms or any out-of-the-ordinary behaviors — these could be early sig- nals. If you think your child may be at risk of suffering an attack, follow your allergy action plan. If you’re unsure if your child has a food allergy, contact your doctor or a walk-in clinic. Other providers, like UnitedHealthcare’s “24-Hour Nurse,” can help you decide which symptoms may need a doctor’s eye. Irene-Myers Thompson is the wellness director for UnitedHealthcare of Mid-Atlantic. IMGORTHAND/E+/GETTY IMAGES BY IRENE-MYERS THOMPSON visit us online for Awesome Camp info! Mention Code FM4A for a free upgrade ity iv t c a r o l o o h ew sc n r o f g in k o Lo ? . . . n e r d il h c r u o options for y hem? t s it f y l l a e chools s e t a v i One that r r p DMV. air to see e 2019 f over the h l l t a o t m o e r f m o s C lore • ctivitie a t eaways Ga n iv e G • m t h n c e i m tertain and enr • Family En rship! ily Schola E.COM m a F n o t g Washin VENTBRIT Win a $100 WFEDUCATIONFAIR2 u 0 st 1 c 9 h .E eck-in at event to win. • DJ M Find that “just right” ol for private scho ! your children Fair Oaks Mall Saturday, Oct. 5 • 11 am to 4 pm To reserve a table for your school or activity program, email advertising@washingtonfamily.com or call 301-230-2222, ext. 4 WashingtonFAMILY.com 49 STAYcation, Anyone? A FUN KID-FRIENDLY GETAWAY IN THE DISTRICT BY PJ FEINSTEIN M y husband and I may have sur- prised our two boys this summer with a staycation in D.C., but we actually got the idea from them. For nearly a year since a canceled fl ight unexpectedly kept us overnight in Savannah, Georgia, they’d been asking when we’d be able to sleep in a hotel again — and for nearly a year we responded, “We don’t know!” When we travel, it’s usually because we’re visiting family, and we didn’t have any other trips on the calendar for the upcoming school year. However, after my kids asked about staying in a hotel for the 187th time, it dawned on me that we didn’t have to book an expensive long-distance vacation in order to spend the night at a hotel. There are a ton of hotel options in D.C.; we could stay locally and be tourists for a day right here in our own city. We decided on the Omni Shoreham Hotel, which overlooks Rock Creek Park, because of its resort-style atmosphere and its proximity to a Metro station. Best of both worlds, right? After arriving one Saturday, the four of us headed outside for a quick lunch at the pool bar, fueling up for our fi rst adventure of the day — a ride on the Metro. My boys are 5 and 8, still young enough to love the Metro. They seriously could be content riding the red line from Shady Grove to Glenmont and back again, but that day we had a surprise destination in mind. See, like many children, if there’s one thing my kids love more than the Metro, it’s superheroes, so we took them to the National Museum of American History’s “Superheroes” exhibit of costumes and comic books. qFun at the Jefferson Hotel qInternational Spy Museum 50 Washington FAMILY OCTOBER 2019 After posing for a photo in front of Michael Keaton’s Batmobile and my lit- tle one’s jaw hitting the fl oor at the sight of Captain America’s shield, we wandered the museum for about an hour and a half before hopping back on the Metro and returning to the Shoreham. There were still a few more activities to accomplish on our staycation agenda, including a dip in the pool, room service for dinner and a movie in bed. Plus, the hotel had one more surprise for the boys — complementary milk and cookies delivered to the room for an evening snack. A nice touch. The next morning we stuff ed ourselves with omelets, Belgium waffl es and assorted pastries at the breakfast buff et and then let the kids lead us on the Shoreham Scavenger Hunt, a kid-friendly way to explore the hotel’s interesting history. An older prop- erty, the hotel is elegantly appointed and boasts an array of artifacts from signifi - cant political and cultural events that had taken place at the property over the years. My boys were less than impressed that the Beatles stayed at the Shoreham before their fi rst performance in America (they scribbled their setlist on a piece of hotel stationery!), but were very excited to win a branded Frisbee for answering all of the questions on the form. Staying close to home allowed us to not only save money on travel expenses but also to make the most of our weekend. We crammed quite a few adventures into our 24-hour staycation, and the boys had an amaz- ing time. How do I know? They’re already asking when we can stay at a hotel again. Wanting to plan your own D.C. stay- cation this fall? Check out these hotels and activities: PHOTOS PROVIDED qHOTELS The Madison is celebrating the 50th anni- versary of the moon landing with out- of-this-world activities for kids through December 31, 2019. With their D.C.overy Family Package, kids get a backpack fi lled with space-themed swag, such as a plush astronaut bear, moon landing activity book and colored pencils — and parents get free parking at the hotel. Add the Dinosaur D.C. Package to your reservation at the Capitol Hill Hotel and make it a dino-themed staycation. Kids receive a dinosaur coloring book, colored pencils and a stuff ed dinosaur at check-in and refreshing dino drinks (plus cock- tails for adults!) after visiting the new Hall of Fossils at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Thoughtfully planned by the hotel’s his- torian, The Jeff erson’s complementary walking guide for guests takes families on a q The History Gallery at The Willard Hotel tour of local landmarks dedicated to “Kids Who Made American History,” including Sheyann Webb, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Smallest Freedom Fighter;” Sacagawea, the young Lewis and Clark expedition leader; and Gavin Grimm, the transgender student who brought his fi ght over school restrooms to the Supreme Court. Guests at The Willard InterContinental have access to the hotel’s Kids Concierge, which off ers complementary age-ap- propriate amenities like in-room des- sert, board games and toys to borrow, and an adventure map. Young guests can earn “Duck Bucks” throughout their stay (named after the program’s mascot, Millie the Mallard) and redeem them at the property’s ice cream cart. While staying at The Darcy, kids can check out complimentary backpacks that include everything needed for a fun adventure out in the District. There are few themes to choose from such as “Wild in the City,” a spotlight on animals, which includes resources like “First Animals” in the White House and a guided map of Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Have a big family and don’t want to feel cramped? Georgetown Suites off er ultra-spacious apartment-style suites with a fully-equipped in-room kitchen so that your family can have tons of legroom and get a good night’s rest after a long day in the city. While typical hotel rooms are about 350 square feet, Georgetown Suite’s room are about 600 square feet at a similar standard hotel cost. qACTIVITIES See more sights in less time on a day bike tour with Fat Tire Tours. Departing twice a day, each three-hour tour takes you to the White House, the Capitol, the National Mall, various war memorials and other famous sites. Best of all, bikers of all ages and experience are welcome: Parents qFat Tire Bike Tours can rent baby seats, tandem bikes, tod- dler trailers and smaller city bikes for kids ages six to 11. “My Computing Devices,” a new exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, features more than 30 devices dating back to 1840, including a 1901 cash register and Google Glass smart glasses. STEM-loving kids can take a look at notebooks from famous programmers and participate in an interactive photo opportunity. At the recently relocated Spy Museum, now at L’Enfant Plaza, children collect intelligence at digital interactive kiosks, crawl through air ducts, and test their sleuthing skills by participating in the museum’s Undercover Mission activ- ity. (FYI, kids younger than seven will likely need an adult’s help to complete the missions.) A full debrief, along with your child’s disguise photo and scores, is available online after your visit. Sightseeing not your thing? Skip the museums and monuments and head to Rock Creek Park, where families can golf; ride horses; or rent kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards and other boats. There are also more than 32 miles of trails to explore, so help your little ones lace up their hiking boots and grab a free trail map at the park’s Nature Center. ■ PJ Feinstein a writer and the content editor of Wolf + Friends, an app that connects moms raising kids with special needs. She lives in Potomac with her family and would love to have a staycation with just her husband one of these days. WashingtonFAMILY.com 51 GOOD EATS Take Down a Tantalizing Tailgate W hether you prefer watching your favorite teams in-person or on TV, tailgate season means it’s time to break out your party’s favorite foods from appetizers and snacks to all-out meals. Go long for a touchdown-worthy tailgate or settle in for game day on the couch with these recipes for a bold burger, sweet-and-spicy wings and creamy coleslaw. For an appetizing pregame warmup, try this assortment of nacho toppings to give your whole party something to cheer about. HOMEMADE NACHOS WORTH THE HYPE Perfect for pairing with game day dishes of nearly any variety, nachos allow a special amount of personalization for guests of all ages and taste preferences. Along with tortilla chips, of course, try nibbling on these topping options throughout your party: Tailgate season means it’s time to break out your party’s favorite foods. PHOTOS COURTESY OF FAMILYFEATURES.COM AND GETTY IMAGES 52 WashingtonFAMILY • • • • • • • • • • • Shredded cheese Melted nacho cheese Sour cream Guacamole Salsa Black olives Shredded meat Sliced peppers Diced tomatoes Corn Beans A FLAVORFUL, EXOTIC SPIN No tailgate is complete without a game day staple: burgers. For a twist on tradition, try serv- ing a different style of beef to give guests a new take on an all-time favorite. This Grass-Fed Wagyu Burger with Red Radish Chili Pickles uses First Light 100 per- cent grass-fed Wagyu beef from New Zealand, home to some of the world’s most natural tast- ing beef and lamb. With cattle allowed to roam and graze freely over lush green hills and pastures all day, every day, the result is a tender, flavorful meat that tastes as nature intended. Remember to cook the pat- ties quickly over high heat to help retain juiciness, tender- ness and flavor. With a touch of chili pepper in the pickles, you can add just enough spice with a sweet kick. OCTOBER 2019 GRASS-FED WAGYU BURGER WITH RED RADISH CHILI PICKLES RED RADISH CHILI PICKLES: 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 2 tablespoons water 1/2 teaspoon sugar 2 tablespoons sliced fresh red chili peppers 1/2 cup sliced red radish WAGYU BURGERS: 1 1/3 pounds First Light New Zealand Grass- Fed Wagyu Grind salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1 teaspoon grainy mustard (optional) 2 tablespoons rice bran oil 4 hamburger buns 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 4 lettuce leaves 2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced 2 tablespoons onion jam To make Red Radish Chili Pickles: In small saucepan, heat vinegar, water and sugar. Add chili and radish; remove from heat. To make Wagyu Burgers: Season Wagyu grind with salt and pepper, to taste. Mix in mustard, if desired. Form into four patties. Lightly brush both sides of burgers with oil. In frying pan, sear burgers over high heat then reduce heat to medium and cook until well caramel- ized. Flip and repeat process on other side. In frying pan, lightly toast burger buns. Spread mayonnaise on buns; top with lettuce, tomato and burger. Spread spoonful of onion jam on each burger then finish with Red Radish Chili Pickles. CRUNCH INTO COLESLAW Appetizers, main courses and snacks may dominate many tailgate parties, whether at home or the stadium, but don’t forget to incorporate sides that can accompany all the flavors of your festivities. This Honey-Dill Coleslaw, for example, makes for a comple- mentary dish to just about any protein from burgers to wings and beyond. Plus, with only a few simple ingredients, it’s an easy side to whip up yourself or enlist help from an eager guest. Honey Dill Coleslaw HONEY-DILL COLESLAW Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board Servings: 4 1/4 cup honey 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed 1 package (16 ounces) coleslaw mix 1/4 cup thinly sliced onion salt, to taste pepper, to taste In small bowl, combine honey, sour cream and dill. In large bowl, toss coleslaw mix with onion and honey-sour cream mixture. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately. GOOD EATS A SWEET-HOT HANDHELD Ditch the plates and dive right into a sweet and spicy snack perfect for the whole party with these Honey-Sriracha Grilled Wings. To help simplify prep, try grilling ahead of time and keep in the oven until guests arrive. Or, if you’re tailgating in style at the stadium, toss into a pan and cover with foil to keep them warm until it’s time for a bite. Honey Sriracha Grilled Wings HONEY SRIRACHA GRILLED WINGS Recipe courtesy of the National Honey Board Servings: 8 4 pounds fresh chicken wings water 3 cups rice wine vinegar 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce 2 tablespoons salt 2 cups honey, divided Heat grill to 225-240 F. In large bowl, rinse wings with cool water. Add rice wine vinegar, Sriracha, salt and 1 cup honey. Fold to incorporate all ingredients and coat wings evenly. Place wings on grill, cover with lid and cook 12-14 minutes before turning once and cooking additional 15-18 minutes. Open lid and turn wings. Brush remain- ing honey on wings. Cook 5-8 minutes, remove from heat and serve. ■ Find more tailgaiting recipes at beefandlambnz.com and honey.com. — Family Features 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 • 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 53 LAST WORD Arms Around Both Generations: Caring for Teens and Aging Parents BY KATHRYN STREETER J We expect our teenagers to ‘get better’ while our elderly parents continue to decline and eventually pass on. uggling the demands and learning curve of blossoming adolescents is tough, but just what if this process prepared parents for handling their own aging parents? Understanding where similarities lie between teens and aging parents puts a new twist on the popular theme of feel- ing “sandwiched” between these two lovable but stretching generations. Family therapist Colleen O’Grady, the author of “Dial Down the Drama,” says there are similarities between teens and aging parents and that “skills you learn from raising teenagers are helpful.” She offers valuable encouragement needed for dealing with both in her simple admonition, “Remember, it’s not personal.” Though her book focuses on teenage girls, her mantra of not getting pulled into the drama is at the heart of her family counseling strategy, a message she was privileged to share onstage in her TEDx Talk last year. Not getting sucked into the drama, she says, is equally critical for adult children in their relationship with aging parents. Observation Watching teens’ nonverbal signals grows increas- ingly important because often, many things go unsaid, simmering below the surface. Noting expressions, the way they walk through the front door or hastily leave the dinner table offer clues to what’s going on. Similarly, there’s a lot to be learned from watch- ing aging parents. How’s their driving? Do they struggle with balance or basic housekeeping? Instead of badgering them, approach the issue you’ve detected with open-ended questions, O’Grady advises, such as, “Is it hard keeping up with the housework?” instead of threatening, lead- ing questions like, “You can’t clean the house by yourself, don’t you agree?” O’Grady says, “When you listen, most of the time you will hear an opening for advice.” In “How to Care for the Emotional Needs of the Elderly,” Frances Evesham identifies the core needs of an elderly person, including that of engag- ing in pleasurable activities. Just as one would for a teen, take steps to support an aging parent’s areas of interest. Being watchful and observant is the first step in offering solutions, so, she says, “Take time to listen carefully to an elderly person.” Evesham advises that if your aging parent loves 54 Washington FAMILY OCTOBER 2019 reading, for example, but is struggling with seeing the text, consider buying large-print editions. The take-away: Do what is possible to maintain their dignity and independence so they can continue doing what they love. Intervention Knowing when to intervene requires discernment. Sometimes parents have to be reminded that their teens deserve respect; aging parents deserve no less. O’Grady sheds light on where the “drama” comes from, explaining that aging parents can spend a majority of their days in the limbic system of their brain, i.e., the reactive part. Prompted by fears of losing control, their independence or their dignity, fear of the future, among other things, makes aging parents prone to “a plethora of nega- tive emotions — especially anxiety.” The brain, she continues, goes “off-line” from the higher brain — the cerebral cortex, which is the big-picture, prob- lem-solving part of the brain — and instead lodges in the limbic system, the reactionary part. Likewise, teens often tend to live in the brain’s reactive limbic system, but unlike their grandpar- ents, they do so because their pre-frontal cortex, responsible for cognitive behavior, is still in the process of development. The poor judgment and reasoning piece is where LuAnne Smith, geriatric care manager and elder care consultant, sees similarities between teens and seniors. “However, the sad difference is that we expect our teenagers to ‘get better’ while our elderly parents continue to decline and eventually pass on,” Smith says. Even when there’s no dementia, O’Grady says cognitive decline is common in the elderly, so they will typically get emotionally flooded and react quickly, seeing events in the extreme. It’s a struggle to demonstrate our sincere care for aging parents without making them feel like they’re being shadowed. This sage advice is reminiscent of counsel given to parents regarding their teens, to give them space to live their own lives. Barring medical prob- lems, this learned posture conveniently provides adult children with a useful template for caring for aging parents. ■ Kathryn Streeter is a D.C.-based mom and blogger. Exceptional Schools Fair November 17, 2019 | 11:00am - 2:00pm Showcasing the many wonderful school choices available to families of children with diverse learning needs. Find out about individualized programs that will help your child thrive both academically and socially. Katzen Arts Center American University @ Ward Circle (Massachusetts Ave and Nebraska Ave NW DC) Sponsored by The American University School of Education Admission is FREE and Open to the Public Parking is FREE in the Katzen Center | Tenleytown Metro on the Red Line For more information, please contact Erin Lidz at exceptionalschoolsfair@gmail.com www.exceptionalschoolsfair.com PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS The Auburn School The Lab School of Washington Brehm Preparatory School Landmark School Chelsea School The Legacy School The Children's Guild The Maddux School Commonwealth Academy The Diener School Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities Eagle Hill School The Nora School Forman School Oakwood School The Frost School Parkmont School Fusion Academy Purnell School The Gow School The Siena School The Howard Gardner School The Sycamore School Ivymount School Wye River Upper School The Katherine Thomas School ou r est riend is ait ing 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 56 WashingtonFAMILY OCTOBER 2019