SEPTEMBER 2022 (FREE) FALLISBLOOMING! CopingBreak5INSIDEFallIdeaswithSchoolAnxiety5ReasonstoChoosePrivateSchool ++ 7 FUN AUTUMN ACTIVITIES TO CHECK OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST
contents // SEPTEMBER 2022 18 271421 departmentsfeatures 04 INDYSCHILD.COM I September 2022 In Every Issue 06 Letter from the Editor 07 Indy's Children 08 News & Notes 09 Our Cover Kid Around Town 10 Let's Hear It for the Grands! 11 Hidden ParadigmGems:Games 12 Catching up with the Colts: Rigoberto Sanchez 31 Little S'moresiclesFoodies: 38 Local Spotlight: 31Svn Street Dance Academy Special Needs 36 Strategies to Help Avoid Power Struggles Travel 14 5 Amazing Fall Break Ideas Resources & Calendars 34 Education Guide 40 Things to Do in September 47 Fun & Wacky Calendar Sponsored Content 30 The Orchard School Launches Indy's First Progressive Education Symposium to Celebrate Centennial Year 32 Continuing a Foster Family Legacy 43 Adventure Awaits at Southeastway Park 272118 Fall Fun Bucket List Family-friendly ways to celebrate the season! Dealing with Your Child's School Anxiety Anxious feelings about school are normal and expected. Here's how to handle them. 5 Big Reasons to Choose Private School Private school can be a great educational choice. Here's why many families are making the switch. 18 27
06 INDYSCHILD.COM I September 2022 33 Indy's Child is published monthly. Copyright 2022 by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an en dorsement of products, commentary or services herein. Founding Publisher Barbara barbara@indyschild.comWynne Publisher + Sales Mary Wynne mary@indyschild.comCox Editor Nicole nicolesipe@indyschild.comSipe Production Manager Becca becca@indyschild..comReynolds Creative Director Katie katie@indyschild.comClark Digital Publisher + Events Wendy wendy@indyschild.comHasser Administration + Digital Brooke brooke@indyschild.comLitherland Billing billing@indyschild.com Contributing Writers Trisha Brand, Lindsay Conner, Michelle Mastro, Laurel Price, Jennifer Thompson Calendar of Events calendar@indyschild.com WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Now that my kids are back at school, the energy of the house has shifted. It’s definitely quieter. The house stays cleaner for longer. The snack shelf — that oh-soimportant spot in the kitchen that gets a lot of use during the summer — isn’t depleted quite so quickly. With my children at school, I have long, luxurious periods of time to concentrate on my work. I’m not interrupted every 15 minutes by pleas for more snacks. (“How can the snack shelf be empty already?!”) With my kids at school, playdates and park visits have been replaced with solo walks and yoga classes. In case you couldn’t tell: I really like when my kids go back to school. And yet. The other day, I found myself looking at photos of my children on my phone, smil ing as I remembered all of the good times we had this summer. Then I found myself day dreaming about my kids, wondering what they were doing at school — wondering if they were hungry for a snack. Parenthood is kind of strange that way: Sometimes, when your kids are around you all the time, you long for some time to yourself. And then, when you get that alone time — that’s when you start looking at photos of your kids and wishing that they were there next to you. All this to say: Fall break is coming up soon, and my kids will be right back with me, and we’ll be doing more fun things. Need some fall break ideas for when your kids are back at home, too? Then turn to page 14, and you’ll find lots of fun ideas to spend those precious few fall break days together as a family. I’m still planning out our fall break agenda, but I know that whatever we’ll be doing, it will in volve making sure to pack lots of snacks! Home is Where the Snacks Are
September 2022 I INDYSCHILD.COM 07 INDY'S children Want to see your cute kids on this page? We love seeing your photos of Indy kids living their best lives! Here are some of our favorite submissions we received this month. Ava (4) Dutcher (10 mos) Nazzi (9), Chloe (2) and Amir (6) Mia (5) Josh (10) Junior (3) Andrew (5) We're looking for photos of cute kids for the October issue of Indy's Child! Email your photos (with the first name and age of the child) to editor@indyschild.com, and your photos might appear here! Scarlett (2)
cast!
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Get your tickets today!
Thursday, September 22 at 7:00 p.m. at Clowes Memorial Hall Tickets at ButlerArtsCenter.org
LargestIndiana’sApplePie at the Nappanee Apple Festival
Bring
It’s apple season, and what better way to celebrate than at one of the largest festivals in the state of Indiana! The 46th Annual Nappanee Apple Festival is happening September 15-18 in downtown Nappanee, and is home to Indiana's largest 7-foot baked apple pie. The best part: The pie comes out of the oven just in time to kick off the festival! (Yum!) Other family-friendly activities include games, shopping, entertainment, rides and, of course, delicious apple pie. Find out more about the festival at nappaneeapplefestival.org
08 INDYSCHILD.COM I September 2022 NEWS & Notes Our monthly roundup of news you can use 480,000 STUDENTSBUSESHOWTHAT’SMANYSCHOOLBRINGTOANDFROMSCHOOLEVERYDAYINTHEU.S. Source: americanschoolbuscouncil.org DID YOU KNOW? Grandparents’ Day has been celebrated the Sunday after Labor Day since 1978. Celebrate the grand in your life this year Septemberon11,2022.
Taste
returns
MasterChef Junior Live! to Clowes Memorial Hall with a whole new This high-energy, interactive stage production brings the culinary hit TV show MasterChef Junior directly to fans and foodies on stage! Watch Season 8’s winner, finalist and fan favorites as they take to the stage in head-to-head cooking demonstrations and fun (some times messy!) challenges with an overall immersive audi ence experience fun for all ages. It’s a recipe for a guaran teed good time! the whole family to see MasterChef Junior Live!
September 2022 I INDYSCHILD.COM 09 OUR COVER KID: COVER PHOTO BY: Gabrielle Cheikh Photography gcphotography.com WALKER an interesting fact about me // I was born in Chicago! when I grow up // I want to be a daddy. COLORFOODSPORT SCHOOLRESTAURANTSUBJECTBOOKTVSHOWMOVIETOYSUPERHEROCANDY LouMathSwimmingPizzaPinkMalnati's Elephant and Piggy Number Blocks The Incredibles Hershey'sSpider-ManGo-cartchocolate bar my favorites age // 7 years old
Some grandparents share their love of travel by taking photos on their trips and then sharing a slideshow or movie with the rest of the family. Start a collection for the grandkids of rocks or shells from your trips. Middle schoolers like putting keychains on their backpacks, so collect one from each destination. Take a stuffed animal with you on the trip and take pictures of them doing silly things the kids can relate to or might find funny. You will be amazed at what a great conversation starter that is. Most importantly, it helps with spending quality time
Don’ttogether.worry if you’re a longdistance grandparent. COVID was the impetus for all kinds of new technological communications allowing families to do Zoom calls, Facetime, Skype and others. You can still read stories to them over these platforms and show them pictures, and send them oldfashioned snail mail and packages containing surprises. The important lessons you teach them now will stay with them long after you are gone. Most importantly, take time to listen to them: what’s going on in their life, what interests they have and what makes them happy. That is the best gift you can share.
10 INDYSCHILD.COM I September 2022 Let’s Hear It for the Grands! September 11 is Grandparents’ Day. WORDS BY KIMBERLY HARMS ROBINSON, THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS AROUND TOWN BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Grandparents make some of the best teachers. They’ve lived a full life and have uncovered a treasure trove of experiences — good and bad. I learned about art, camping, fishing, andmentiongrandparents,hardhunts,cooking,canoeing,crafts,scavengerforgivenessandworkfrommynottovalues,moralsspirituality.
Share Family History Share family history by going through scrapbooks and photo albums. Tell kids about their ancestors and what they did for a living, and share stories about their parents when they were little. Visit a genealogy center to discover more about long-lost relatives. Let the grandkids know you’re human and how you learned from your mistakes. Be sure to let their parents in on the conversation before you share it, though. It may be a sensitive topic they’d like to avoid or to broach themselves first. Take the grandkids to church, mosque, synagogue or other with you and talk about why you believe what you do. Do Things Together Everyday household chores can be an adventure if you make a game of them. What are the ingredients in cooking and how does the chemistry of it all work? The science of cleaning and the art of design can also be fascinating. Go on adventures — a hike in the woods to experience nature or a photo-taking trip downtown to discover different types of Sometimesarchitecture.the best learning experiences are those we learn together. Visit a museum or a science center and discover new things together. Help build their self-esteem by letting them teach
Other Ways to Stay Connected
As I change seasons to becoming a grandparent myself, I realize more than ever the role my husband and I play by example. As Dr. Ken Canfield says in his book, The H.E.A.R.T. of Grandparenting, “We’re teaching them something all the time by how we act, our routines, how we handle emotions, how we treat people.”
Thealongtheysomethingyoulearntheway.Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has all kinds of jumping-off points to share your interests, whether they are playing a sport together or creating art. Share your love of science, pop culture, history, travel and cultures around the world.
The store has a rotating inventory of between 5,000 and 10,000 cards online and a selection of more popu lar cards are on display in the display case. They’re always available to pull anything found on their online store (search “Paradigm Games” on tcgplayer.com). And if they don't have it, they know where to find it! But don’t expect to find children's toys, comics, video games, arcade machines, or Yu-Gi-Oh cards. They prefer to focus on what they are re ally nerdy about. Paradigm Games organizes in-per son Friday Night Magic events every week, as well as other Magic game formats. They also have extra space for private groups to play Dungeons & Dragons or other games. And they have all the snacks players need dur ing a game—think Sprecher's Root Beer, Mountain Dew, Snickers and Doritos!
Paradigm Games
Lori Byrd-McDevitt — along with partner Jarred Juett — own the newly opened store. The owners’ side hobby recently turned into their latest new brick-and-mortar busi ness venture. The owners are most excited about building a welcoming, family-friendly space for Indy game nerds!
While Indy hosts a number of card game shops and hobby stores, there's nothing of this sort in Mid town or the Near North. Paradigm Games is built on Jarred's passion for Magic: The Gathering, combined with Lori’s background in education and Kidscommunity-building.ofanyagecanhavea blast with the games available at Paradigm. The owner’s 14-year-old son loves to play Dungeons & Dragons cam paigns and spends hours developing his characters' backstories while the owner’s 6-year-old has really taken to Magic: The Gathering and loves finding cards for his "dinosaur deck." (Fun fact: You'll often see the kids around the store, sometimes with their pug, Cedric.)
WORDS BY TRISHA BRAND HIDDEN GEMS
Paradigm Games of fers a professional and inviting space for hobby gaming, board gaming and trading card game experiences. They special ize in Magic: the Gather ing, Dungeons & Dragons, Pokémon and more.
2479 N Meridian St, Indianapolis mGamesLLCfacebook.com/Paradig
September 2022 I INDYSCHILD.COM 11
Catching up with the Colts: Rigoberto Sanchez
The punter for the Indianapolis Colts has learned the perks of raising kids in Indianapolis.
PHOTO CREDITS THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 12 INDYSCHILD.COM I September 2022
Until those bigger excursions around Indy, the baby is content taking day trips to parks or sitting in the car as Rigoberto and Cynthia enjoy backroad drives, taking in the scenery. “We especially enjoy Indiana in the fall,” they say. “We love Indiana all the time, but the sunsets during that time are just amazing.”
BROUGHT TO YOU BY AROUND TOWN WORDS BY MICHELLE MASTRO
As parents, the two say, their world has now changed forever. “Becoming a parent changes your life in an instant,” Cynthia says. “We are still learning as parents. We are young parents. We do wake up to a new baby every day — she is learning something new all the Andtime.”growing up in Indianapolis would make being a family even more enjoyable. “It would be amazing for her to grow up in the kind of community we have here, where everyone is so nice and down to earth. We hope to stay longer in Indianapolis. It’s a big blessing to be able to play in Indy,” Rigoberto says.
The pair still spends time in Northern California near Chico, as much of their family still lives there. They say that while they may prefer most of the Mexican food and family times back in their hometown, “As soon as we touch down in Indy, it’s all about getting back to the great outdoors and exploring the city,” Rigoberto says.
Rigoberto Sanchez and his wife, Cynthia, started their parenting years here in the Hoosier state. Back in 2017, the pair had their first year in India napolis, when Sanchez started playing for the Colts. It was also the year that the two became engaged, after Rigoberto proposed at the Circle of Lights in Downtown Indy. Not long afterward, they were married. Now in 2022, the couple is con tinuing to introduce their 8-month-old daughter to all the city has to offer. They rattle off the places they can’t wait to take their daughter, from the renowned Children’s Museum to the Indianapolis Zoo and more sights around downtown. “She’s starting to notice her surroundings more, so a trip to the zoo will definitely be in the near future despite her young age,” Rigoberto says. “She just makes us look like professionals when it comes to parenting because she is just such an easy baby at times,” Cynthia says. “We think maybe she takes after Rigo because she is so mellow.”
The couple say that Indy offers other, more abstract attractions, too: It’s a place they can feel comfortable raising their child while Rigoberto plays ball. “The fans are very down-to-earth people, which is very special, to be honest, when you are in the public eye,” Cynthia says. “Fans will come over and say hi without overstepping — they are just really respectful of our privacy. That vibe might be very different in other cities where fans may be a bit more disruptive. Plus, Indiana gives us city life without all the traffic and lack of parking!”
Visit an Amusement Park Amusement parks are usually associated with the summer, but most are also open weekends in the fall. At Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, enjoy Kids World during weekends through September 18, plus on Labor Day. These weekends are perfect for little ones, and include everything you love about the park, plus magic shows, juggling, special food just for kids and interactive play. Or enjoy Halloween fun for the whole family during Happy Halloween Weekends, September 24-October 30. Cedar Point, located on the shores of Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio, remains open weekends through October. HalloWeekends run September 15 through October 30 and feature familyfriendly fun by day and hairraising frights by night. Go Underground For a different experience, go underground! Channel your inner explorer and tackle one of the many intricate cave networks in the Midwest. Fall break is the perfect time to explore the Indiana Cave Trail, which consists of four
The Midwest is steeped in history, and fall is the perfect time to get out and explore our heritage. The town of Corydon, Indiana, was established in 1808, and served as Indiana’s first state capitol from 1816 to 1825. Historic highlights include the Constitutional Elm, Indiana’s First State
Agewaterfalls,world, fromwondersEachCave and SquireCaverns,Bluespring Caverns,caves:IndianaMarengoBooneCaverns.featuresitsownuniqueoftheundergroundrockformationstoblindcavefishtoIcebones.
Amazing Fall Break Ideas
Or head to Mammoth Cave, the largest cave in the world, which is just a short drive away in Kentucky. The cave sprawls for over 400 miles and offers 16 different tours for all ages that cover different aspects of the natural wonder. If you are looking to make this more than a day trip, there are opportunities to camp and explore what lies above Mammoth Cave.
WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE TRAVEL
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14 INDYSCHILD.COM I September 2022 Fall break is a great time to travel: The temperatures are cooler, the crowds are usually fewer, and the prices tend to be a little lower. If you’re looking for a place to have fun as a family during your time off this autumn, here are some ideas around Indiana and the Midwest!
Embrace History
Autumn is a great time to travel and have fun with your family.
16 INDYSCHILD.COM I September 2022 Office Building, Governor Hendricks’ Headquarters and the Porter Law Office. Take a trip to Anderson, Indiana, to visit Mounds State Park, which features 10 unique earthworks built by the prehistoric AdenaHopewell people that date back as far as 200 B.C.
If you want to keep your travels in-state, a short two-hour drive north will take you to Fort Wayne, Indiana, a city that sits among three rivers. A visit to Promenade Park is a must — this one-of-a-kind park features trails along the water, a tree-top canopy trail, a kids' canal with an amazing playground, and opportunities to hop aboard a riverboat cruise or rent a kayak. Whether you’re looking to relax or have non-stop adventures this fall break, a family getaway will help you make the most of the school-free days — and make lots of memories.
Make Your Way to a Museum
Have fun and learn a little something this fall break by heading to a museum. COSI in Columbus, Ohio, is an interactive science center that is just as much for adults as it is for kids. Don’t miss COSI’s planetarium — it’s the largest in Ohio! — and the 6-foot-long mechanical T. rex model in the Dinosaur gallery. If you’re up for a little drive, Terre Haute Children’s Museum is three stories of nonstop science fun. The museum was recently remodeled and now includes a huge ropes challenge course, which is open on the weekends. Explore the Midwest Indiana’s location in the U.S. puts us in close proximity to a number of amazing cities that are constantly evolving. St. Louis offers acres of urban green spaces, a one-of-a-kind shoe factory turned surreal playscape known as the City Museum and a budget-friendly zoo. Get a view of it all from the top of the Gateway Arch. If the hustle and bustle of the big city is calling, make the short three-hour drive to Chicago, where you can explore worldfamous museums, get a unique perspective of the city’s architecture aboard a water taxi, shop ‘til you drop along the Magnificent Mile and dine on dim sum in Chinatown.
There are so many festivals happening this fall. Check out our calendar on page 40 to discover some of the can’t-miss festivals this month! Hayrides Hayrides are a necessary part of fall. On select dates in October, take a haunted and historical ride on the Headless Horseman Hayride at Conner Prairie . On the north side, visit Kelsay Farms in Whiteland for hayrides and other fall fun. Nature Hikes Take advantage of cooler temps by going on a family hike. Central Park on the north side, Eagle Creek Park on the west side and Fort Harrison State Park on the east side are just some of the parks that offer easy hiking — some with paved trails — that are perfect for walking with young children.
WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE
There are plenty of U-pick farms in the area where you can stroll through an orchard and pick your own apples. Anderson Orchard in Mooresville is ripe for the picking in the fall, and their annual Apple Festival and Craft Fair is an area favorite. Beasley’s Orchard in Danville opens their farm store and celebrates picking season on Labor Day weekend through October. In the mood for a fall road trip? The Apple Works in Trafalgar is worth the drive. Corn Mazes Indiana is the land of corn, so why not get a little corny this season? Get lost in Fortville’s Piney Acres corn maze, which is 8 acres of fun. Once you make it out of Conner Prairie ’s corn maze, you can hitch a ride on the 1859 Balloon Voyager and view the cornfield from above. And on the east side, Waterman’s Family Farms offers a half-mile walk through their corn field. Fall Festivals
No matter where you’re located in Indy, you’ll find a place to pick the perfect pumpkin, including Tuttle Orchards in Greenfield, Stuckey Farm in Sheridan, Spencer Farm in Noblesville and many others!
Indiana is gorgeous in the fall, and one of the best ways to see the fall foliage is on a train. Ohio River Scenic Getaway in Tell City, Indiana, offers several fun train rides throughout the year, including a Pumpkin Patch Express and an Outlaw Chuckwagon Meal Train. Nickel Plate Express departs from Atlanta, Indiana, and offers themed train rides for families, and dinner rides for adults. And if you’re up for a road trip, French Lick Scenic Railway begins offering scenic train rides in late September through late October, and will take you on a ride through the hills of Southern Indiana and the Hoosier National Forest. It’s officially time to embrace all-things fall and cozy. Make the most of the season!
Scenic Train Rides
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The orange and red leaves on the trees, the brisk breeze blowing outside, the urge to bundle up and sip on everything pumpkin-spiced flavored — there’s nothing like Indiana in the fall! Our region really shines during this season, and there are many opportunities for outdoor adventures and fall fun. Here are a few ideas to put you in an autumn state of mind!
Apple Orchards
Family-friendly ways to celebrate the season!
Pumpkin Patches
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What if my teacher doesn’t like me? Will I have classes with any of my friends from last year?
WORDS BY LINDSAY CONNER
Anxious thoughts and feelings are normal and expected, and this is especially true during times of transition or change like going back to school. If your child’s moods have taken a turn for the worse — or they start to complain about headaches, a nervous stomach, or sleep problems — they may be having some common physical symptoms of anxiety.
Anxious feelings about school are normal and expected. Here’s how to handle them.
Read About It Reading a book together on the topic of anxious thoughts and feelings can help give you a better language to talk about anxiety with your child. Some parents recommend the following books to help ease the transition.
Kids of any age can benefit from regular exercise to help their body and mind work their best. Incorporate playground time, family bike rides, or team sports in addition to academics. Big changes, like going back to school, can cause the mind to race, but deep breathing and meditation are proven strategies to counter anxiety.
Work With Your School
Listen To and Affirm Them Work extra hard to listen to your kids and acknowledge their back-to-school worries. A statement like “That must feel scary,” can open up the conversation. But simply saying, “You’ll be fine!” may feel like a brush-off. This is also a great time to empower your child with words of affirmation. For example, you can talk about how brave they are, the new friends they will meet, and how exciting it is to grow up and learn new things. Instead of referring to your child as shy, worried, or fearful in their presence, you can tell them that they are experiencing a feeling of shyness, worry or fear today, and that talking about those feelings with a grown-up can help them feel more manageable.
Practice Daily Routines
Does your child have a specific worry that’s weighing on them? For instance, if they are concerned with how long the school day lasts, you can print off a daily schedule and tape it to their pencil case so your child will know what’s coming up next. You can mention that other kids have the same nervous feelings and teach them to look for someone else who is alone at lunch or recess.
Hopefully, once your child gets into the swing of things, attending school and overcoming worry will be a positive growth experience for them.
What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety by Dawn Huebner
starts, do a practice run. This includes packing a backpack, driving or walking the route, and practicing drop off. Also, if it’s an option, visit your child’s classroom and meet their teacher, find their cubby, and ask any questions before the first day of school.
Beforenutrition.school
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival
If your child’s anxiety is getting in the way of learning, talk with their school social worker or counselor. A student may qualify for a 504 plan, which is a formal written plan specific to your child to help them be successful in class (for example, being able to take a test in a private room). Visit the website WorryWiseKids.org for more advice on working with your child’s school.
Children might like to go to school with a transitional object, such as a picture of their family, matching friendship bracelets, or a small memento they can keep in their pocket to remind them they are loved and supported. Let them know that it’s OK to be anxious, but that going to school gets easier with time!
One or two weeks before the first day of school, get your kids waking up and going to bed on their regular school schedule. Have them pick out clothing the night before and eat a healthy breakfast. Having routines can help ease anxiety, and so can getting proper sleep and
Some schools offer events during the summer to help families get connected. If your school doesn’t offer this type of meetup, reach out and see if it’s possible to arrange a private meeting with another family before the school year starts. It may help your child to meet or at least see the faces of some of their future classmates.
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Try following a video together or downloading a meditation app on your phone, and practice the breathing and mindset techniques together to build healthy habits that can be recreated during the school day when your child needs a moment of calm.
Talk About It
Encourage Exercise, Breathing and Meditation
Once kids become familiar with the routine and what will happen each morning, that can remove some of their worries.
There are many ways you can help ease your child’s fears and prioritize their mental health. Here are six tips parents love to help kids start school with a can-do mindset!
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September 2022 I INDYSCHILD.COM 27 HOOSING WHAT SCHOOL YOUR CHILD SHOULD ATTEND CAN FEEL LIKE A LOT — ESPECIALLY WITH SO MANY INCREDIBLE OPTIONS FOR QUALITY EDUCATION AVAILABLE. IF PRIVATE SCHOOL HAS NEVER BEEN ON YOUR RADAR, IT SHOULD BE! FROM CLOSE KNIT-COMMUNITIES TO STELLAR EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, HERE ARE FIVE GREAT REASONS WHY YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SHOULD CONSIDER PRIVATE SCHOOL. WORDS BY JENNIFER THOMPSONCBIG REASONS TO CHOOSE PRIVATE SCHOOL Private school can be a great educational choice. Here’s why many families are making the switch. 5
Because of the smaller class sizes and opportunities for parental involvement, private schools often foster a strong sense of community. Teachers and staff members are able to really get to know the students and parents on multiple levels. In addition, some private schools will center around beliefs, such as religion, which also may enhance the community feel as the families not only attend school together, but also church.
Private schools also tend to offer a wide range of course selections, including Advanced Placement courses, gifted programs, the International Baccalaureate program (and the IB diploma program), as well as a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Parents are also invited to be involved in their child’s education — to speak up when necessary and to bring up any concerns or challenges as they arise with the teacher.
Participate in Extracurricular Activities
Parental Involvement
The typical private school will have smaller enrollment numbers than you will find in public schools, which in turn leads to smaller class sizes. With smaller class sizes, kids are able to receive more one-on-one time and attention from the teacher. Fewer kids in the class also means children may be more apt to ask questions. Without as many students vying for their attention in a day, teachers may also be more quick to recognize when a student needs to be more greatly challenged, or in need of extra support - and provide them the means to fulfill those personal needs.
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With so many great educational programs available, it can be hard for parents to choose which type of school is the best fit for their child. Private schools have a lot to offer. If a private school seems best for you, be sure to visit the campus, join social media groups, consult with neighbors and friends — and don’t hesitate to ask lots of questions. The staff and administrators want to help you find the best fit, too. In addition, for those concerned about the financial burden, scholarships and financial assistance are oftentimes available for families.
Strong Sense of Community
Private schools encourage, and provide a variety of opportunities for, parents to become involved. With fewer students, it is easier for the parents to develop relationships with administration and other staff members, in addition to their child’s teachers. Parent-teacher meetings are encouraged, as well as opportunities for the parents to attend social gatherings, and help with the needs of the school, such as fundraising.
Smaller Class Sizes
Also, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, private high schools list more vigorous graduation requirements than their public school counterparts, requiring more coursework to be completed. This typically results in higher test scores, which can lead to increased post-graduate opportunities.
According to a 2021 US News article, “Research has consistently shown that private school students tend to perform better in standardized tests. The National Assessment of Educational Progress, which is often referred to as “the nation’s report card,” assesses both public and private school students in subjects such as math, reading, science and writing. The most recent NAEP data shows what other research has found: Private school students score better in almost all subjects. On college entry tests such as the SAT, NAIS found that students in private schools consistently out-performed their public school peers in all subject areas.”
It is no surprise that the world of sports and after-school activities for children has become competitive. The physical activity and sense of community that extracurricular activities provide are invaluable, and something a lot of parents want for their children. Because private schools do not have the large numbers that many of the public schools have, it may be easier for a child to secure a coveted spot on the team. The need to be the best in order to make the team diminishes and consequently takes the pressure off the child. In addition, only 27% of private school students say they play sports to chase college athletic scholarships (vs. 42% of public school students).
Enhanced Learning Opportunities and Higher Academic Standards
Some schools will also offer programs for parents and students that center on personal growth, such as book clubs, speakers and workshops that address current issues like social media trends, online safety, substance abuse, balancing personal and family needs and more. Attending events such as this strengthens not only the family unit, but also the community bond as well.
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On the following day, Sept. 18th, preschool through grade 12 teach ers are invited to the Conference for Educators on Orchard’s 43-acre wooded campus. The Sunday con ference will begin with a keynote address by Jill L. English, Child Ad vocates Chief of Community Eq uity and Inclusion. The afternoon workshops that follow will be based on Orchard’s Four Pillars: Out door Education; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Social-Emotional Learning; and Hands-on Learning.
On Saturday, Sept. 17th at 7 p.m., the entire Indianapolis community is invited to the Tobias Theater at Newfields to hear a special keynote address by international bestselling author Richard Louv. Best known for his book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, Louv is also the co-founder of The Children & Nature Network.
Head of School Sherri C. Helvie, Ph.D. has been working on the Symposium for a few years now and is eager to connect with and learn from fellow educators around the “Teacherscity. are the front-line researchers and practitioners who bring best practices to life for children,” Helvie said. “The Symposium allows us to build and extend the network of Progressive educators across Central Indiana.”
The Orchard School Launches Indy’s First EducationProgressiveSymposiumtoCelebrateCentennialYear
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
30 INDYSCHILD.COM I September 2022 SPONSORED CONTENT
Celebrating its centen nial this year, The Orchard School is an independent Progressive school that has established its iden tity as an institution of learning and wonder that develops and educates the whole child. As part of this historic celebration, Orchard is excited to host Indy’s first Symposium for Progressive Teaching and Learning. During this two-day event, coordinated by Orchard teachers Caroline Glowacki and Suellen Sharp, attendees will walk away with valuable resources. “Our hope is that this symposium will ignite new ideas, strengthen Indiana con nections, and offer a central place for educators to refine their craft through Progressive education,” Glowacki and Sharp said.
S’mores are the ultimate fun treat that brings back memories of long sum mer days, campfires, and being a kid (or a kid at heart). But now, we have another reason to love s’mores with S'moresicles, a frozen s’mores cart that rode into Indianapolis this summer, and is deliver ing handcrafted, frozen s’mores to the downtown Indy area. What Are S'moresicles?
S’moreo (milk chocolate + Oreo) is always #1! Close behind it are S’morefetti (milk chocolate + sprinkles), I Have Nuttin’ (milk chocolate + Snickers), and Jagged Little Peel (milk chocolate w/ pea nut butter + freeze dried bananas). More Info S'moresiclesabout To order S'moresicles for delivery in the downtown Indianapolis area, visit smoresicles.com
WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE LITTLE FOODIES S’moresicles
September 2022 I INDYSCHILD.COM 31
S'moresicles are not ice cream treats — they’re frozen, toasted, gooey s’mores on a stick. Each fro zen-yet-gooey s’more is dipped in chocolate, peanut butter or Nutella, and then topped with cookies, candies, fruits or sprinkles. Each small batch of S'moresicles is made by hand in Indy by Lynsey Delp, the owner and creator of S'moresicles. She also delivers each order via her S’morecycle bike: a teal 3-wheeler. We talked to Lynsey about S'moresicles to learn more about her unique s’mores treats. What was inspirationyourfor the idea? The idea for S'moresicles came when I was having a bonfire with my family and was trying to eat the toasted marshmallow off of the roasting stick to avoid getting my hands all sticky. That’s when I first had the thought that s’mores should be on a stick to make them easier to eat. Hot s’mores will not stay on a stick, however. Believe me, I tried. After several attempts, I then wondered if they would taste just as good if they were frozen and the rest is history! What are your most popular flavors?
Adult & Child Health’s Therapeutic Foster Care program serves children who require a higher level of care and clinical support than traditional foster care Fortunately,models. A&C’s integrated care model provides foster families with a bevy of resources, including easy access to mental and behavioral health services within the agency.
Addison saw the story, too, and it piqued their own interest in starting a foster family. They were returning home from a friend’s house one night last summer shortly after reading the article when they decided to take the next step. “We wanted to help children who needed some help, and we figured fostering was a way to do that,” Christy says. “We’ve talked about it periodically throughout our relationship, but only in passing. Then, we were coming back from our friend’s house one night. I don’t know how it came up, but we feel like we’re in a good place in our Fromlife.” there, Christy reached out to Julie Stewart, A&C’s Director of Child Welfare Services, to figure out how to begin the process. They were licensed in December.
“We still wanted to be able to help in some way,” Christy says. “We are licensed and we have the space, so that was a way we could continue to contribute.”
In addition, A&C’s program offers licensing, training and ongoing support for foster parents.
Stevepossible.”hopes that everyone who’s considering starting a foster family will remember there’s plenty of “It’sflexibility.notaforever commitment,” Steve says. “I just moved into a new position that requires me to travel. It’s not like you’re adopting a kid. Just give it a shot and do it because you want to help somebody.”
WORDS BY ADULT & CHILD HEALTH SPONSORED CONTENT BROUGHT
Continuing a Foster Family Legacy TO YOU BY
“I Hope Y’all Pick Me” A 9-year-old Oklahoma boy pleaded on a local newscast for someone to adopt him after another foster family adopted his biological brother. The boy, Jordan, had been in foster care for six years at that Withinpoint. 12 hours after the story aired, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services received more than 5,000 inquiries from all over the Stevecountry.andChristy
32 INDYSCHILD.COM I September 2022
Not Every Foster Family is Alike Steve and Christy have one biological daughter, Gemma, who’s 3 years old. They’ve already had one foster child, a 4-year-old boy, who has since returned to his biological family. They don’t currently have any permanent foster children, in part because Steve just accepted a new job that requires him to travel. But they are serving as respite parents, which means they aren’t fostering kids in their home for extended periods, as most foster parents do. They watch foster children when their full-time foster parents need a date night or need to take a break for another reason.
“Just Give It a Shot”
“There was a story in the news that a boy was looking for a family to love him,” Christy says. “It went viral on social media.”
But Steve and his wife, Christy, didn’t become foster parents themselves until they saw an article that tugged at their heartstrings.
“The therapeutic aspect was the most nerve-wracking thing to consider,” Christy says. “The training we did helps us feel more confident in taking on that aspect. A&C was very supportive. They called us about a couple of placements and the details were very helpful in determining if it would be a good fit. We turned down a couple of placements, and we were never made to feel bad about it. It was important that our first placement be as successful as
Steve Addison knows the foster family concept well. His goPendleton’skidsgrandfatherHefosteredstep-grandparentsadoptedstepfatherhim,andhisdozensofkids.saidhisstep-oncepaidforinhishometownoforphanagetotoKingsIsland.
September 2022 I INDYSCHILD.COM 33
The Little Lamb Christian School is a home away from home for children 6 weeks to pre-kindergarten. Since 1987, we have been the go-to private preschool for Carmel families who are interested in a Christian education. We are a place where children can learn, explore, create, grow and play! • 1609 Greyhound Pass, Carmel, IN 46032, Phone: 317-848-3580, Email: kayley@thelittlelamb. com, thelittlelamb.com/, 6 weeks to Pre-Kindergarten and after school care
Children’s Day In Nursery School and Traditional Preschool
CottageParamountHome Paramount Cottage Home serves K-4th grade students as a free public school. Founded in 2010, Paramount Schools of Excellence accomplishes its mission and teaches the mastery of Indiana Academic Standards through an emphasis on rigorous academics and experiential learning activities. The 2019 ILEARN results placed the school among the top-performers statewide. Cottage Home’s new, state-of-the-art facility features bright, spacious classrooms with contemporary furnishings, advanced technology capabilities, and a farm STEM discovery center.
Brebeuf PreparatoryJesuitSchool
International School of Indiana ISI is a non-profit, independent school that offers the BaccalaureateInternationalcurriculumto all preschool through grade 12 students on our newly unified campus. With lessons taught in English, French, Mandarin, and Spanish, our curriculum
Paramount Brookside is designated a 2018 Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education and an “A” school by the Indiana Department of Education.
CARMEL Carmel SchoolsMontessori Carmel Montessori School is located Meridian in Carmel. Our directress is American Montessori Certified with 18 years head-teaching experience and we a a full member of the American Montessori Society. We offer a beautiful, peaceful and positive Montessori learning environment. Extended days available. • 1402 W. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Emily & Scott Rudicel, Phone: 317-580-0699, Email: info@carmelmontessori. com, carmelmontessori.com
The Right Start for A Lifelong Love of Learning! Our strong academic-based curriculum prepares and encourages your child to succeed in school while discovering learning is fun! All of our classes focus on an introduction to colors, number and letters with exciting art and science projects. Math, social studies and sight words are taught in the older classes.Develop Social Awareness & Friendships, Build Confidence and Master Academic Skills for Kinder- garten. • 110 Third Ave NE, Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Diane Atkins, Phone: 317-753-9397, Email: dkatkins22@msn.com, startinglinepreschool.com
Starting Line Preschool
DOWNTOWN IUPUI Center for Young Children
Founded in 2010, Paramount Schools of Excellence accomplish its mission and teaches the mastery of Indiana Academic Standards through an emphasis on rigorous academics and experiential learning activities. Integral to the school’s approach to education are project-based investigations, community partnerships, and three on-site Discovery Centers – an Eco-Center, Space Center with a planetarium, and an operating farm.
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School seeks to prepare the next generation of leaders with the intellectual and technological competence, loving and open hearts, faith inspiration and social responsibility to bring about a more just, humane and loving world. Students from all backgrounds, faiths, and ethnicities are welcome at Brebeuf Jesuit, where all are called to discover and cultivate the fullness of their God-given talents. Each student is therefore challenged and inspired to strive for academic excellence, to engage whole-heartedly in cocurricular activities, to develop confidence in leadership abilities, and to discover God’s presence in everyday life through serving others.
• 2801 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46268, Contact: Colleen Cannon, Director of Admissions, Phone: 317-524-7090, Email: admissions@ brebeuf.org, brebeuf.org
The IUPUI Center for Young Children offers childcare and early childhood education for children ages six weeks to six years old and believes children learn through play, experiences, and interaction with their environment and peers. • 321 Limestone St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, Phone: 317-274- 3508, childcare. iupui.edu/index.html
• 3020 Nowland Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46201 Contact: Toria Graham at 317-775-6660 or contact@ PSOEBrookside.org, paramountindy.org
Early Childhood Center Early Childhood Center, The Church at the Crossing Parents Day Out (22-35 mos) and Part Day Preschool (3 yrs-PreK5) provide relaxed, secure, playful environments that nurture creativity and the exploration of God’s world. A variety of learning materials & readiness skills are woven into each unit. Older classrooms utilize “Handwriting Without Tears” curriculum. Various days, 9am-2pm. Need longer hours? Try our All Day Classes designed for 3 mos – Pre K5 with operating hours, 6:30am-6pm • 9111 N. Haverstick Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46240, Contact: John Drake, Phone: 317-575-6508, Email: ecc@golove.org
Giving Tree Early Learning Open to the Public! Giving Tree Early Learning is a Reggio inspired early education program serving children ages 12 months through Pre-K. At Giving Tree, your child's natural curiosity is nurtured through a child directed, play-based curriculum rooted in developmentally appropriate practice. Our unique creative play spaces, such as the Light Studio and Outdoor Classroom, allow your child the opportunity to explore, discover and innovate. The small class sizes and responsive classroom environment creates a world that ignites confidence and compassion within your child as they develop their mind, body and soul alongside our skilled educators. Visit our website- www.givingtreehhai. org to learn more. We accept CCDF and On My Way Pre-K vouchers and are rated Paths to QUALITY Level 3. Schedule your tour today! • 6602 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Ashley Flaumenhaft, Phone: 317-251-1261, Email: aflaumenhaft@hhai.org, givingtreehhai.org
INDIANAPOLIS – NORTH Beth-El Zedeck Early Childhood Center OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Full Academic Curriculum and Innovative Arts Enrichment. Our Program recognizes that intellectual, social, emotional and physical development are interwoven. Our children will thrive on exploration, creativity, curiosity, discovery, spontaneity and more important, lots of love! Type of School: Early Childhood Cost/Tuition: Please call or email for full brochure. Hours/Dates: Flexible Hours. Full Time/Part-Time available. Ages/Grades: 12 months old+, 18 months old+, 2s+, 3s+, 4s+, PreKindergarten (Kindergarten Readiness Class) (3 day or 5 day option) Before/ After School Care: Before and After School Care always available as needed. Early drop off as early as 7:30 am and late pick up anytime up until 6:00pm/5:30 pm on Fridays • 600 W. 70th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: ECC Office, Phone: 317-259-6854, Fax: 317-259- 6849 or Email: spayne@bez613.org. * Depending on the COVID-19 situation, some options might have to be changed.
The Little Lamb Christian School
• 1203 E. St. Clair Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, Contact: Amie Smith at 463-231-2837 or contact@PSOE Community.org, paramountindy.org
Children's Day In Nursery School and Traditional Preschool is a fully inclusive early childhood program with an emphasis on Christian values and learning through play. It is designed to offer children ages 9 months to 5 years a positive and developmentally appropriate first school experience in the care of experienced and loving caregivers. We play and learn! Classes are offered weekdays from 9 am to 2:30 pm. For the older kids, our program Includes weekly Christian Life Skills, Music class taught by Indianapolis Children’s Choir instructors and Book Club. Please call, e-mail or visit for further information and registration Forms. Tours are individually set up at your convenience! • 5500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, Contact: Christy Whaley, Phone: 317-253-0472, cwhaley@ meridianstreet.org, meridianstreet.org/cdi
34 INDYSCHILD.COM I September 2022 EDUCATION GUIDE * SPONSORED LISTINGS
Paramount Brookside Paramount Brookside is a top-ranked, free, public school that educates K-8 grade students in an innovative environment that instills high expectations for success.
EAST Paramount Englewood Paramount Englewood, a free public school, serves 5-8th grade students. The school shares the state-of-the-art P.R. Mallory campus with Purdue Polytechnic High School. Paramount Englewood is an extension of Paramount Schools of Excellence’s successful education model. The flagship campus is designated a 2018 Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education and an “A” school by the Indiana Department of Education for six consecutive years. • 3029 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46201, Contact Peggy Purvis, at 463.231.2830 or contact@PSOE englewood. org, paramountindy.org
• 1750 W. 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Duane Emery, Director of Enrollment Management, Phone: 317-2022500, Email: emery.duane@sycamoreschool. org, sycamoreschool.org
The Orchard School, an independent, non-sectarian, progressive school, emphasizing experiential learning. Orchard teachers engage the natural curiosity of children, develop academic excellence, and provide leadership experience through well-rounded education. Orchard’s diverse community and commitment to multicultural education inspires responsible, global citizenship. Founded in 1922. NAIS, ISACS, NAEYC accredited. • 615 W. 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Jessica Aiyasami, Director of Admissions, Phone: 317-713-5717, Fax: 317-254-8454, Email: jaiyasami@orchard. org, orchard.org
The Oaks Academy
The Oaks Academy is a Christcentered school (Pre-K through 8th grade) that exists to provide a rich, classical education to children of diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, preparing them to succeed in a rigorous secondary educational program and to demonstrate spiritual, social and emotional maturity.
INDIANAPOLIS –NORTHEAST ChristianHeritage School Heritage partners with Christian families to provide a Christ-centered education with strong, college-prep academics and intentional discipleship of students. Our community combines big school opportunities with sensible class sizes, a strong curriculum that is aligned across grade levels, traditional values, and teachers committed to seeing students succeed both in and outside of the classroom.
• 6401 E. 75th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46236; Phone: (317) 813-3857; email: heritagechristian.net;admissions@heritaggechristian. net , Ages: preschool-grade 12 MSD of TownshipLawrence Located in the northeast corner of Indianapolis, Lawrence is a residential suburban community of 95,000+ and home to Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park and Geist Reservoir. With families from widely diverse cultural, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds, the Lawrence community values and embraces diversity as one of its greatest strengths. Lawrence Township strives to be the district of destination, a reputation built over the years based on the district's award-winning staff, accomplished programs.community,high-achievingadministrators,students,supportiveandinnovativeeducational
• 6501 Sunnyside Road, Indianapolis, IN 46236; Phone: (317) 423-8200; email: danaaltemeyer@msdlt.k12. in.us; LTschools.org
VIRTUAL VirtualParamountLearning
• Call 317-519-4588 or check out paramountindy.org for more information.
INDIANAPOLIS – SOUTH Curtis Wilson Primary School and Academy Curtis Wilson Primary School and Academy, a program of Beech Tree House Center for Child Development, Inc., promotes the emotional, physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual development of each child. Our exceptional teaching staff is dedicated to presenting a challenging and
The Sapling School
Preschool - 6th Grade . • 7850 South Emerson Ave., Indianapolis , 46237, Phone: 317-882-8636, beechtreehouse.com,jhaywood-rollins@ cwpsa.com
• Multiple locations; Contact: Sam Schmelzer, Phone: 317-4267990; Email: admissons@theoaksacademy. org; theoaksacademy.org
The Orchard School
The Sapling School offers a year round Reggio-inspired preschool for children ages 3 to 5 in conjunction with extended after care hours for working families. We empower children to discover themselves and the world around them as they become critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative community members. We value our students and their passions, curiosities, and joys. Their interests guide the holistic, emergent curriculum and our learning environment.
WESTFIELD Kids 360° Early Learning Academy
Montessori School of Westfield, Inc. Located on 3 wooded acres in Central Indiana, the Montessori School of Westfield adheres to the academic traditions of Montessori while serving the present day child. The Montessori School of Westfield serves children from Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Zionsville, Westfield, Sheridan, Noblesville, Cicero and Tipton. We serve children ages 18 months to 15 years. • 800 E. Sycamore Street, Westfield, IN 46074, Contact: Mary Lyman, Directress, Phone: 317-867-0158, Fax: 317-896-5945, Email: montessori westfield@gmail.com, montessorischoolofwestfield.com
September 2022 I INDYSCHILD.COM 35 enthusiastic learning environment that recognizes each unique learner. With a dedication to personal excellence, all members of our school family are challenged to practice and exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in daily life. Stateaccredited with exemplary ratings.
Kids 360° Early Learning Academy is a first-of-its-kind preschool for kids ages 3-5, offering an expansive, state-ofthe-art learning environment designed to facilitate optimal learning for the whole child. Backed by science, our progressive movement-based curriculum primes the brain for learning, improves sensory/motor integration, and helps kids build healthy life skills. Tours available beginning Summer of 2022! • 360 E 186th St. Westfield, IN 46074, Phone: 317-888-4805; Email: support@ kids360preschool.com; kids360preschool. com , Ages 3-5
SPECIAL NEEDS Easterseals Crossroads Offering comprehensive disability services for people of all ages. Early Intervention, Autism Services, PT, OT, Speech Therapy, Feeding/ Swallowing issues, Augmentative Comm-unication, Assistive Technology, Multi-sensory Therapy Rooms, Summer Camps, Life/ Social Skills Groups, Deaf Community Services, Autism Family Resource Center. • 4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205, Phone: 317-4661000, Email: info@ easterseals crossroads.org, eastersealscrossroads.org helps students excel academically while learning to become responsible citizens and effective leaders. ISI also offers a wide range of sports, clubs, and arts programs for students of all ages. High school students participate in a comprehensive four-year college counseling program, leading to a 100% college acceptance rate.
• 4330 N. Michigan Rd.; Phone: 317-923-1951, ext. 334; email: admissions@isind.org; isind.org
• For more information or to explore our virtual tour please visit our website or facebook.com/ saplingschoolindy. To schedule a private tour please call 317-319-8228. Contact: Kelsey Livingston. Phone: 317-319-8228. Email: kelsey@saplingschoolindy.com, saplingschoolindy.com
Sycamore School At Sycamore School, Indiana's only accredited, independent, private school for Preschool - 8th grade gifted students, teachers trained in gifted education deliver a curriculum designed to challenge and engage gifted learners. Art, music, Spanish, physical education, technology, extensive field trips, athletics, financial aid, and after school activities are offered.
Not sure about your K-8th grade students returning to school? Make the Change that makes Difference - choose virtual learning at Paramount Schools of Excellence. Whether on one of Paramount's three state-of-the-art campuses or virtual learning from home, you can expect top-ranked academics, experienced certified teachers, and support.
• Use positive reinforcement strategies. For instance, after the child takes a bath, reward them with something fun.
Strategies to Help Avoid Power Struggles
Samuel Moya, vice president of children’s residential services with Damar ABA Autism Services in Indianapolis, offers parents strategies for de-escalating situations that may cause arguments, and in some instances, may help to prevent them from even happening in the first place.
• Create a structured routine and clearly expectations.spell-out
• Compromise on occasion and offer help. This doesn’t mean you complete the task, but initiating guidance reassures that the task can be done, and is also a good way to model the desired behavior.
WORDS BY JENNIFER THOMPSON SPECIAL NEEDS
Power struggles are bound to happen in a family, especially if you have a child with special needs who becomes easily upset when their routine is out of whack. If you have found yourself in the midst of a power struggle more times than you care to count, don’t lose hope!
36 INDYSCHILD.COM I September 2022
• Come alongside the child, not at the child. This will minimize pushback and resistance. Parents are more likely to see power struggles as disobedience. Instead, they should be seen as opportunities to teach about emotions and connect.
Children should have their day mapped out. This allows them to know what is coming next. Patterns don’t form overnight, and they won’t be broken overnight. Hopefully, as you begin to implement some of these strategies, you will be able to recognize the struggles before they begin and help to de-escalate them quickly.
• Recognize the child’s emotions . What are the emotions associated with that particular incident? How can we teach alternative, less intense emotions to avoid a power struggle? Build a working emotional connection with the child to help them identify their emotions and calm down through coregulation. The child must be able to know that the parent is reliable and honest in their emotional response. Parents should be assertive and not aggressive, proactive and not reactive.
• Give choices, if possible. Explore alternative activities and resume the activity or task later. Remember, it is not about you or the child. It’s about breaking the pattern.
It is possible to create a win-win situation for everyone.
• Be observant about the child’s cues. When parents are observant, they adjust their own behavior and ensure their responses are developmentally appropriate and contextually relevant.
• Regulate your own emotions. You can’t help a child regulate emotions if you can’t regulate your own. Parents should remain calm, avoid getting impatient and angry, refrain from coercive escalation, avoid impulsive behavior such as threatening, yelling, shouting, hitting, overreacting, shaming and verbally abusing.
“There is a saying I have heard before and I agree with: It’s not the child, it’s not the parent, it’s the pattern,” Moya says. “It is the pattern we need to change.” To change the pattern, parents should: • Identify the child’s needs and wants. For example: Is the child refusing to take a bath? Why? What are the conditions we can put in place to help the child like the bath instead of assuming that the child is being defiant?
• Space out requests. If you make multiple demands back to back, the child may become frustrated, lash out or say they are tired.
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In 2018, 31Svn SDA opened and was the first street dance academy in Indiana. Since their debut, 31Svn SDA has mentored thousands of students, and sets themselves apart with their inclusive approach, welcoming all styles of street dances, while maintaining the integrity of their core dance style. Since opening, 31Svn SDA has shared the stage with nationally known artists and organizations like the Pacers, The Big Brothers/Big Sisters National Convention, Indiana Sports Corp and more. Additionally, they organize events and battles across the Circle City to bring dancers from across the U.S. to ForIndianapolis.thoseparents more familiar with ballet or tap classes, street dance is an urban-inspired dance style that is social and improvisational in nature. It often features group dances such as breakdance, popping, locking, house dance and more. 31Svn’s style is heavily influenced by the historic roots of street dance, when dancers of color (primarily Black and Latino) were not welcome in traditional dance studios and therefore found themselves dancing in the streets, at block parties, school yards and other places. Street Dance gives a voice to underrepresented communities.
Seoul and the 31Svn SDA crew take that to heart, not only teaching dance, but inspiring the students to talk about race and culture and how that impacts their communities and their dance. The crew’s connection with kids is what truly stands out. From the outside, street dance might seem assertive or for teens or adults. The 31Svn Crew has built a familyfriendly, empowering and collaborative environment where young students, many of whom are boys, work together and celebrate one another’s artistic expression. Watching a class, you can hear the genuine excitement in Seoul’s voice as a student masters a new technique; he clearly has a passion for dance and helping kids succeed.
Catching up with the only dance studio in Indy dedicated to hip-hop culture.
Hidden in the quiet suburban streets of Fishers is a dance academy teaching kids to pop and lock, head spin, DJ and hip-hop dance, among other things.
31Svn SDA hopes to connect with more students as they support the growing street dance community. They are planning several events this fall, and recently, 31Svn SDA expanded their class offerings beyond dance to include graffiti art and DJing as a means to further allow students to immerse themselves in all aspects of street dance culture.
Local Spotlight: 31Svn StreetDance Academy
AROUND TOWN WORDS BY LAUREL PRICE
31Svn Street Dance Academy offers classes for children (5 and up) through adults, as well as summer camps.
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31Svn Street Dance Academy is the long-awaited dream of Zach Clar, who found himself drawn to street dance, but was looking for a dance academy that could help him develop his skills. After meeting Keegan Loye, whose dance name is Seoul at the IUPUI street dance event Battle Ground Zero, Zach began traveling to Grand Rapids to take lessons with Seoul. After several years, Zach’s family convinced Seoul to relocate to Indianapolis. Seoul was familiar with the street dance scene in Indianapolis and knew the community would be supportive in creating an inclusive Street Dance Academy. Seoul felt confident the Indianapolis area would be an ideal location for a Street Dance Academy because of the number of families in the area. “So many children are pushed into team sports with the hope of finding a physical outlet,” Seoul explains. “But many students do not enjoy team sports and are stuck without a physical way to express themselves. Finding a dance, like breakdancing or hip-hop, gives them the physical mental outlet kids need.”
The 10th annual music festival returns for a free, two-night event, and includes performances by renowned local and nationally award-winning blues artists.
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SAT 03 Family Game Day Families and children of all ages are invited to drop in any time to make new friends while playing board games or solving puzzles. Games and puzzles will be provided.
• Location: Fishers Library, Time: 1 pm, hepl.lib.in.us FREE
• Location: Fort Harrison State Park, Time: 7 pm, on.in.gov/fortharrisonsp
English Country Dancing
Location: Holliday Park, Time: 6:30-8 pm, indyparks. org Movies in the Park: Sing 2 Enjoy outdoor movies together as a family this summer!
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• Location: Southport Branch Library, Time: Noon-4 pm, indypl.org FREE Story Castle Cinema: The Adventures of Milo and Otis Enjoy a free family-friendly movie in the Story Castle!
Location: Cool Creek Nature Center, Time: 7 pm, hamiltoncounty.in. gov FREE Symphony on the Prairie: Neil Diamond Tribute Super Diamond delivers a glittering, smoke-filled show performing Neil’s power ballads and up-tempo hits with unrestrained enthusiasm.
Pajama-Rama Put on your cutest pair of pajamas, grab your favorite teddy bear and pack up a blanket! Families will enjoy music, songs and stories about some of our favorite animals.
FRI 02 SAT 03 Blues Fest
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• Location: Eagle Branch Library, Time: 10:30-11 am, indypl.org FREE
FRI 02̶SUN 11 6th Annual Sunflower Festival Imagine walking through acres of sunflowers of all shapes and varieties. It’s the best way to kick off the fall season!
FRI 02 Friday Night Campfires: Nocturnal Animals Enjoy a fun family night around the campfire! Eat a sweet treat by the fire, learn about something new, and experience night hiking. Roasting sticks and s'mores provided. Bring your own hot dogs and make a meal of it!
SAT 03̶SUN 04 All IN Music & Arts Festival Join in the dawn of a new Midwest tradition! This exceptional festival experience features artist Death Cab For Cutie, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Cage The Elephant, John Fogerty and many others.
Location: Stucky Farm, stuckeyfarm.com
Pre-K Explorers This program incorporates stories, songs, hands-on projects, and interactive activities that focus on helping preschoolers learn school-readiness skills, develop social skills, and explore more challenging concepts. Ages 3-5. Registration required.
Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 1-3 pm, wwpl.lib.in.us FREE Summer Concert Series: Indianapolis Symphonic Band Enjoy an evening of music performed by local musicians. Lay out a blanket or set up some camping chairs on the sledding hill and enjoy!
• Location: Noblesville Main Street, Time: 7-9 pm, noblesvillemainstreet.org FREE
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• Location: Saint Joseph Catholic Festival, stjosephindy.org
• Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, allinfestival.com
• Location: Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, npdamp.com FREE
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• Location: Federal Hill Commons in Noblesville, Time: Dusk, noblesvilleparks.org
A band will be set up on the northeast side of the Square, so bring your chairs or blankets and get ready to hear some awesome music for First Fridays in downtown Noblesville!
Join Señora Laura as she presents bilingual storytime in English and Spanish. Preschoolers will enjoy books, songs and games!
Enjoy a lively evening of dancing for all skill levels. English Country Dance is a form of social folk dance which originated in Renaissance England, and was popular until the early 19th century.
• Location: Garfield Park Arts Center, Time: 6:30-8:30 pm, gpacarts.org
40 INDYSCHILD.COM I September 2022 THINGS TO DO // FREE / free for families! *ONGOING /a recurring event / an Indy's Child favorite!*SN / special needs friendly SEPTEMBER 2022
Location: Conner Prairie, Time: 8 pm, indianapolissymphony.org
FREE Music & All That Jazz
FRI 02 SUN 04 14th Annual St. Joseph Fall Festival Features great rides, community barn sale, silent auction, fabulous food and beer garden.
THURS 01 Bilingual Storytime
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• Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 4-5:30 pm, wwpl.lib.in.us Movies in the Park: Sing 2 Bring your chairs and refreshments, and enjoy a family movie! When the sun goes down, the movie starts.
• Location: Cool Creek Nature Center, Time: 10:30-11:30 am, hamiltoncounty.in.gov
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Location: Falls Park, Time: 6-9 pm, facebook.com/PendletonFallsPark
ParkFest 2022 Bring your own picnic (BYOP) for a perfect summer evening. A BYOP contest will award cash prizes for the best decorations. There will also be games and activities for kids, a selfie photo area, sidewalk chalk painting contest and much more.
Make It & Take It: Grandparents' Day Drop in to make a gift for the older people in your life, to show them how much you appreciate them! You'll leave with a gift and gift bag, so you'll be ready to celebrate with them on Sunday, September 11. $1.
• Location: Conner Prairie, connerprairie.org/jupiter-flights-balloon-festival
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• Location: Brownsburg Library, Time: 4:30-5:30 pm, bburglibrary. net FREE Movies in the Park: Ghostbusters Afterlife Enjoy outdoor movies together as a family this summer!
September 2022 I INDYSCHILD.COM 41 TUES 06 Family Yoga at Coxhall Mansion
• Location: Lions Park in Zionsville, zionsvillelions.com
• Location: Coxhall Gardens in Carmel, 10-11 am, hamiltoncounty. in.gov
• Location: Arbuckle Acres Park, brownsburg.org
FREE Doggie Dip
Preschool Storytime: Sunflowers Ages 3½-Kindergarten can enjoy activities such as stories, songs and crafts!
THURS 08̶SAT 10 47th Annual Oktoberfest Enjoy three days of German and German-American food, dance, entertainment, and of course, great biers.
• Location: Grand Junction Plaza, Time: 7-11 pm, westfieldwelcome.com
Location: Noblesville Library, Time: 9:30-10 am, hepl.lib.in.us
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FREE FRI 09 SUN 11 Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival Indiana’s largest balloon festival! Enjoy live music, food, bounce houses and a balloon race to kick off a spectacular balloon glow featuring special shapes. Cheer on your favorite balloons as pilots fill the sky in exciting competitions, with a grand champion announced after Sunday's final race.
• Location: Carmel Arts & Design District, Time: 6:30-8:30 pm, carmel.in.gov
• Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 6-6:30 pm, wwpl.lib.in.us
FREE Tot Art Babies and toddlers up to age 3 and an adult are invited for an art program. Stick around after the art activity for socialization and playtime. Come dressed for a mess!
Lions Park Fall Festival Carnival, parade, rides, food, music and family-friendly events!
• Location: Nora Branch Library, Time: 10:30-11:30 am, indypl.org
Location: Old City Park in Greenwood, Time: Dusk, greenwood.in.gov FREE Movies in the Plaza: Encanto Enjoy a free evening of entertainment on the Great Lawn. Movies will begin around dusk, so start times will vary. Bring blankets and chairs to cozy up and enjoy the movie!
FREE WED 07 Sensory Story Time Interactive sensory play during an evening story time for all ages. Engage in hands-on play to bring stories to life! Registration required.
FREE *SN Storytime at Cool Creek Nature Center Falling, fluttering, so the leaves do fly. Fall is here and we would love to have you come and join us for a nature-inspired storytime! We will read a story, sing some songs, and enjoy a fun kid’s craft.
Location: Southport Branch Library, Time: 10:30-11:30 am, indypl.org
FREE THURS 08 Baby Storytime Babies up to age 2 and an adult are invited for stories, songs, and rhymes.
• Location: German American Klub, indianapolisgak.com
FREE Cuisine Connect Culture Explore diverse arts, entertainment, traditions and food from all over the world. Enjoy performances and sample diverse cuisines, as well as discover the traditions, crafts, products and games from other countries.
The last dip in the Eskenazi Water Park goes to the dogs! All dogs welcome. $15 (plus $10 for each additional dog) per day.
FRI 09 ̶SAT 10 Blues in the ‘Burg This can’t-miss family event features musical acts from around the country, local food trucks, a beer and wine garden, a kid’s zone and activities for all ages.
Location: Grand Junction Plaza in Westfield, Time: 11 am-3 pm, westfieldwelcome.com
Family Discovery Day: Motion From planetary orbits to our Foucault pendulum, visitors will get hands-on play with the physics of motion. You’ll make a kinetic sculpture and discover the powerful story of Major Taylor, a pioneer in cycling history.
L ocation: Federal Hill Commons in Noblesville, Time: Dusk, noblesvilleparks.org
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SAT 10 Chinese Mooncake Festival Featuring a dragon parade, music, dancing and mooncakes!
FREE
Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 10 am-5 pm, indianamuseum.org SEPTEMBER 02-11 6TH ANNUAL SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL AT STUCKEY FARM
• Location: JCC Indianapolis, Time: 5:30-7:30 pm, jccindy.org
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This program incorporates songs and dance that will help get you ready for your busy day. Encourages the development of gross motor skills and language skills. For toddlers and preschoolers and their caregiver. Registration is required.
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• Location: Riverside Park, Time: 8 pm, icomusic.org FREE
Location: Brownsburg Library, Time: 10-10:45 am, bburglibrary.net FREE Tot Tunes
Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra Concert Experience a live, family-friendly orchestra concert under the evening glow. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy the sounds of classical favorites.
Participants will learn practical breathing tools to help calm the mind. This all-level yoga flow will help you connect to your body. Bring a towel or yoga mat, water, and a friend! $10
FRI 09 Harvest Moon: A STEM Lab Celebrate the Harvest Moon this weekend by learning about the phases of the moon and why the Harvest Moon looks orange when it rises in the evening! Bonus: there will be cookies!
Gluestick Zine Fest
TUES 13 Toddler & Preschool Storytime Children ages 2-5 and an adult are invited for stories, songs, and rhymes.
• Location: Grand Junction Plaza in Westfield, Time: 5:30-7:30 pm, westfieldwelcome.com FREE Little Appleseeds Bring your little ones for seasonal themed fun! We will celebrate with crafts, games and activities. Ages 2-5; pre-registration required.
• Location: Fishers Library, Time: 10-11 am, hepl.lib.in.us FREE
• Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 10 am-2 pm, indianamuseum.org
Six hours of good times and DIY! Zine creators and readers convene at this event celebrating creativity. All ages welcome!
Location: Indianapolis Zoo, 10 am-Noon, indianapoliszoo.com
• Location: Newfields, Time: 9 am-5 pm, penrod.org Plunder in the Park Enjoy a piratethemed community event with live music, food trucks, pirate kids zone and fun!
FREE FRI 16 Major Taylor: Nine13Sports Enjoy special activities with community partners Nine13sports. Hop on Nine13sports’ multi-rider Kids Riding Bikes race simulator with your friends and see if you are as fast as Major Taylor was when he set the world record.
• Location: Downtown Nappanee, nappaneeapplefestival.org
THURS 15̶SUN 18 46th Annual Nappanee Apple Festival
• Location: Nickel Plate Arts, Time: 2-5 pm, nickelplatearts.org
Puppy POOLooza
FRI 16 SUN 18 4-Wheel Jamboree This year’s infield show will feature a performance with six Monster Trucks, 30 Mega Trucks and mud bog racing with new rules and a new bog setup.
• Location: Cool Creek Nature Center, Time: 10:30-11:30 am, hamiltoncounty.in.gov
• Location: Clowes Memorial Hall, butlerartscenter.org
THURS 15 Beats and Bites Fun for the whole family! Enjoy food trucks, acoustic music, lawn games and a face painter.
Story Castle Cinema: Space Jam Enjoy a free family-friendly movie in the Story Castle!
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• Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 10-11 am, indianamuseum.org Squirrel Stampede Celebrate squirrels! Learn the Squirrel Stomp, add to a squirrel mural, check out squirrel-inspired art, and even pick up a clay squirrel to paint for free! The Moontown Pickle Stompers will bring their rural jazz music to our celebration.
Enjoy games, shopping, entertainment, rides and delicious apple pie! The festival is home to Indiana's largest 7-foot baked apple pie, and comes out of the oven just in time to kick off the festival.
• Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 1-3 pm, wwpl.lib.in.us
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FREE TUES 13 WED 14 Blue Man Group It’s everything you know and love about Blue Man Group: signature drumming, colorful moments of creativity and quirky comedy. The men are still blue but the rest is all new!
FREE
The event includes more than 300 artists, six stages of entertainment, more than 50 arts-related non-profit organizations, an extensive children's area, and the Indiana Craft Beer Garden.
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Teddy Bear Clinic Bring your favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal for a checkup! Learn how to care for your plush friends and get a Certificate of Beary Good Health from a Zoo veterinarian. Zoo members only.
SUN 11 Sensory-friendly Sundays @ Conner Prairie The second Sunday of every month, exhibit components that make noise will be turned off. All quiet spaces can be utilized and staff trained in Sensory Friendly Practices will be on hand in case anyone needs assistance.
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Why should humans have all the fun? One of Greenwood’s most popular annual events, Puppy POOLooza welcomes the community’s four-legged friends for an end-ofsummer pool party.
• Location: Nora Branch Library, Time: 10:30-11:30 am, indypl.org
• Location: Fishers Library, Time: 2 pm, hepl.lib.in.us FREE Nature Preschool Program: Creek Stomp It is still hot in September. Wear your water shoes and we’ll head down to the creek. Be dressed to get your feet wet while we explore all the life — plant and animal — that calls Cool Creek home.
FREEDOMAQUATICSPRINGSCENTER
• Location: St. Joan of Arc, Time: Noon-10 pm, sjoa.org FREE
Small Wonders: Colorful Science Become scientists and create with color while collaborating on artworks and messy science experiments.
• Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, 4wheeljamboree.com SAT, SEPTEMBER 10 AT
• Location: Forest Park Lodge Basement, Time: 10-11 am, noblesvilleparks.org Movin’ & Groovin’ If your preschooler likes music and movement, try out this fun musical program! We will enjoy action songs, dancing, singing, playing percussion instruments and other musical props.
• Location: Brownsburg Library, Time: 10-10:45 am, bburglibrary.net FREE Messy Munchkins Listen to a story, then kids can squish and smush their way into the benefits of messy play. Dress for a mess! Ages 2-5. Registration required.
September 2022
St. Joan of Arc
Location: Conner Prairie, Time: 10 am-Noon, connerprairie.org
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Location: Nickel Plate Express, nickelplateexpress.com
French Market One of Indy's major neighborhood festivals with live entertainment, artisan booths, raffles, a children's area, mass in French, tours of the historic church, children's games, and an array of French and American cuisine to celebrate the feast day of St. Joan of Arc.
Location: Garfield Park, Time: 7 pm, indyopera.org FREE
FREE
SAT 10 SUN 11 Superhero Express Hop aboard for a fun filled ride with Spiderman, Batman & Catwoman! Ride the rails to superhero training camp, where your favorite superheroes will teach superhero combat moves!
PUPPY POOLOOZA
Penrod Arts Fair
INDYSCHILD.COM
MON 12 Book Babies: Fiesta Explore stories, rhymes and songs together!
• Location: Old Northside Historic District, Time: 6-10 pm, oldnorth side.org
Location: Black Circle Brewing, Time: 11 am-5 pm, facebook.com/gluestickindy Opera in the Park Experience this free concert with beautiful music and captivating performances while enjoying the spacious park and picnicking with friends and family!
Location: Freedom Springs Aquatic Center, Time: 10 am-2 pm, greenwood.in.gov
Septemberawaits!2022
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, enjoy performances from local cultural groups, food trucks, nonprofit and Latino vendors, and cultural galleries.
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Location: Murphy Aquatic Park, washingtontwpparks.org FREE Mr. Dan the Music Man Sing and dance with Mr. Dan! Registration is required as space is limited.
Tucked away on the southeast corner of In dianapolis is the 188-acre, breath-taking Southeast way Park, where you can find four miles of trail that will send you on a journey through the forests of this environmental education park. Don’t forget to look for the iconic Elbow Tree. Not only is the park where you want to be, but the all-star staff connects explorers of all ages to the environment. With 80 acres of forest, Southeastway Park gives the most beautiful fall views, which are perfect for Southeastwayhayrides.Parkis also home to the celebration of all things insects: Bug Fest! On August 28 from 1-5 p.m., Southeastway Park will host its 28th Annual Bug Fest. Each year, swarms of people venture to the park to earn their Honorary Doctorate of Bugology and experi ence bugs up-close and personal. There are lots of stations to choose from, including the butterfly tent, Bugs Up Close, Ask an Entomolo gist, Insect Safari, Critter Crafts, and a cricket cafe — yes, you can eat bugs! Explore 10 or more stations and receive your Honorary Degree of Bugology.
Southeastway Park is where your next adventure
SAT 17 9th Annual Art Squared See dozens of artists creating works of art for cash prizes. Browse the art fair, where local Indiana artists and vendors come together to sell their goods. To wrap up the day, enjoy a block party featuring live square dancing and BBQ.
• Location: Eagle Creek Park, Noon-7:30 pm, indianafolkmusic.org FREE Fiesta Indianapolis Enjoy a day of music, dancing, food, children’s activities, a health and wellness fair, and community service booths to celebrate and share the Hispanic culture with the entire community.
SEPTEMBERTHURS, 15 LITTLE APPLESEEDS AT FOREST PARK LODGE
Beech Grove Art Festival Stroll through the lovely park grounds and shop with over 50 vendors. There will be live music, open mic, and spoken word performances throughout the day.
The Bug Bazaar, which is making its debut this year, will feature several local artists with bug and naturerelated art for sale. Food trucks and concessions will also be available. In the winter, don’t forget to check out Southeastway Park as staff taps nearly 70 trees and invites the com munity to learn about the process of making maple syrup — from tapping trees to collecting sap to syrup making history to how maple syrup is made at the park. Then, receive a tasty treat. In previous seasons, park staff has made close to 30 gallons of syrup, which equates to nearly 600 bottles!
• Location: Fountain Fletcher District, Time: 11 am-7 pm, discoverfountainsquare.com FREE
• Location: Georgia & Illinois Streets, Time: Noon-8 pm, laplazaindy.org Glow in the Park Light up the night with neon paint, black lights, fog machines, and music! All ages welcome.
• Location: Nickel Plate District AMP, Time: 8-10 pm, playfishers.com FREE
Adventure Awaits at SoutheastwayPark
I INDYSCHILD.COM 43
Jurassic (Ball)Park Night Hold onto your butts as Victory Field transforms into a Jurassic (Ball)Park! Take advantage of photo opportunities with dinosaurs standing 10 feet tall, check out dinosaur fossils and enjoy Jurassic-themed in-game entertainment.
• Location: Global Village Welcome Center, Time: 1-5 pm, imcoalition.org Medieval Festival Enjoy a day of medieval fun, including jousting, a pig roast, heavy armor fighting, archery, music, dancing, and a medieval village where you can learn skills like calligraphy, coin making, weaving and more.
• Location: Victory Field, Time: 6:35 pm, milb.com/ indianapolis Latino Heritage Festival
WORDS BY INDY PARKS & RECREATION SPONSORED CONTENT
• Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 1-3 pm, wwpl.lib.in.us FREE St. Luke Fall Fest Enjoy a kiddie carnival, midway adventure zone, face painting, St. Luke sports bar, food trucks and more!
• Location: Sarah T Bolton Park, Time: 10 am-5 pm, beechgroveartistcollective. com Eagle Creek Folk Festival
• Location: Fishers Library, Time: 10-11 am, hepl.lib.in.us FREE Story Castle Cinema: Mary Poppins Enjoy a free family-friendly movie in the Story Castle!
• Location: St. Luke Catholic Church, 3-10 pm, stluke.org
Enjoy free folk music and activities organized by the Central Indiana Folk Music & Mountain Dulcimer Society, plus jam sessions, workshops, food and beverages, and more. All are encouraged to bring instruments and join in the music-making!
FREE Indy Jazz Fest
2022 Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a special musical journey through the Caribbean! Experience the power of Caribbean music and culture at this free concert featuring the dynamic sound of Pavel & Direct Contact.
• Location: The Palladium, Time: 10:30 am, thecenterpresents.org
Rocky Ripple Festival
Features a juried art exhibit of artists from around the world. Visitors of all ages also can enjoy concerts, dance performances and hands-on activities for children.
• Location: Hohlt Park, Time: 11 am-6 pm, rockyripple.org
MON 19 Family Bingo Night Kids, bring your parents or grandparents for an intergenerational fun night with classic Bingo games!
• Location: Haughville Branch Library, Time: 4:30-5:30 pm, indypl.org FREE WED 21 Play & Learn Storytime
This family-friendly event features a variety of musical acts, ranging from acoustic to electric, solo to ensemble, from a wide variety of musical genres that will perform live on neighborhood porches.
• Location: Clowes Memorial Hall, Time: 7 pm, butlerartscenter.org
SUN 25 ASL Storytime Enjoy a showing of the unique and interactive American Sign Language (ASL) storybook with presentations from students at the Indiana School for the Deaf.
@ The Children’s Museum Enjoy free admission, plus celebrate the music, crafts and colors of Latin American culture.
FREE
Location: Anderson Orchard in Mooresville, andersonorchard.com
SAT & SUN, SEPTEMBER 24-25 APPLE FESTIVAL & CRAFT FAIR AT ANDERSON ORCHARD MOORESVILLEIN
@ Victory Field
• Location: Grand Junction Plaza, Time: 7-11 pm, westfieldwelcome. com FREE
Celebrate all things royalty when princesses from your favorite fairy tales take over Victory Field. Stop by the Plaza before and during the game for a meet and greet.
SAT 24 Historic Archaeology Day
Location: Military Park, Time: 1-5 pm, indycic.org
• Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 1-3 pm, wwpl.lib.in.us
FRI 23 SAT 24 Indy Irish Fest
Location: Central Library, Time: 2-4 pm, indypl.org
• Location: Carmel Arts & Design District, Time: Noon-6 pm, carmelporchfest.org
Celebrate all-things related to archaeology! Hear lectures relating to historic archaeology in Indiana and participate in hands-on activities.
FREE Peanut Butter & Jam: Farmer Jason Emmy and Parents’ Choice Award winner Farmer Jason makes his PB&J debut with a highly interactive concert about farm life and nature appreciation. Ages 1-7.
• Location: Fortville-Vernon Township Public Library, Time: 10:30-11:30 am, fvtpl.org
Story Castle Cinema: Enchanted Enjoy a free family-friendly movie in the Story Castle!
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Enjoy eclectic live music, artists with unique items for sale, food from local vendors, and beer and wine provided by the Broad Ripple Brewpub.
All ages are welcome to enjoy a fun, hands-on storytime. Play clothes are recommended because playtime is rarely neat!
• Location: Taylor Center of Natural History, Time: 11 am-4 pm, hamiltoncounty.in.gov
Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 6-7 pm, wwpl.lib.in.us FREE
Carmel International Arts Festival
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FREE
Join the shenanigans and enjoy all-things Irish heritage during a weekend encompassing cultural activities, live music and family fun.
• Location: Morse Park & Beach, Time: 1-4 pm, hamiltoncounty.in.gov
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*SN Fiesta de la Familia
44 INDYSCHILD.COM I September 2022 SUN 18 10th Annual Indy Festival of Faiths Indiana's largest celebration of faith diversity! Enjoy booths, activities and sacred performances that will help to better understand and appreciate our neighbors from different religious traditions.
• Location: Victory Field, Time: 1:35 pm, milb.com/indianapolis
THURS 22 MasterChef Junior Live! This high-energy, interactive stage production brings the culinary hit TV show MasterChef Junior directly to fans and foodies alike, live on stage! Watch Season 8’s winner, finalist and fan favorites as they take to the stage in head-to-head cooking demonstrations and fun (sometimes messy!) challenges with an overall immersive audience experience fun for all ages.
• Location: Central Library, Time: 3-4:30 pm, indypl.org FREE
Just Add Water: Fishing If you have always wanted to try fishing, then this event is for you! All equipment and bait are provided. A fishing license is not required.
SAT 24 ̶SUN 25 Apple Festival & Craft Fair Pick your own apples in the orchard, visit the crafter tent and pumpkin patch, eat tasty apple cobbler or a fried apple pie with ice cream, and play on the playground and giant straw pile!
• Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 10 am-2 pm, indianamuseum.org
• Location: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Time: 10 am-5 pm, childrensmuseum.org FREE
Carmel PorchFest
Sunday Characters with Princesses
Movies in the Plaza: Raya and the Last Dragon Enjoy a free evening of entertainment on the Great Lawn. Movies will begin around dusk, so start times will vary. Bring blankets and chairs to cozy up and enjoy the movie!
• Location: Carmel Arts & Design District, carmelartsfestival.org
TUES 20 Taco Tuesday for Teens & Tweens Enjoy tacos while discussing your favorite books, shows and movies! Food provided for free! Ages 10-18.
FRI 23 Major Taylor: Freewheelin’ Enjoy special activities with community partners Freewheelin’! Learn about the different parts of a bicycle and how they operate, then show off your creative side as you figure out how to repurpose bike parts to make original art.
• Location: Garfield Park, indyirishfest.com
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• Location: Eagle Branch Library, Time: 7-8 pm, indypl.org FREE Story Time Puppet Show Enjoy a Goldilocks and the Three Bears puppet show! Registration required.
Eva Kor from Auschwitz to Indiana Through Feb. 27, 2024. This exhibit tells the remarkable story of Eva Mozes Kor, who survived Auschwitz as a child and the experiments of Dr. Joseph Mengele, and grew up to be one of the most influential Holocaust educators and activists in the world.
Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 9:30 am, wwpl.lib.in.us
• Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: 10-11 am, indianamuseum.org
SPARK on the Circle Through Oct. 21. Enjoy daily programming, games, live entertainment and culture each day from 11 am-1:30 pm.
September 2022 I INDYSCHILD.COM 45
SUN, SEPTEMBER 25 FIESTA DE LA FAMILIA AT THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS
• Location: St. Malachy Catholic Church, stmalachy.org
• Location: Old City Park in Greenwood, Time: Dusk, greenwood.in.gov FREE St. Malachy Country Fair and Hog Roast Stop by for a pork burger, listen to some live entertainment, and take a ride on the Ferris wheel!
Major Taylor: Fastest Cyclist in the World Through Oct. 23. Discover the life and career of champion bicycle racer and Indianapolis native Marshall “Major” Taylor. In this interactive experience, venture into the training room to learn how Taylor developed his speed and agility through a strict regimen of exercise and diet. Discover the pervasive racism that Taylor battled, and hear from contemporary cyclists about how Taylor’s story has inspired a new generation of Black riders.
• Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 10:30-11:30 am, wwpl.lib.in.us FREE WED 28 Toddler Time: Create with Cardboard Create and play with cardboard in the exhibit, Cardboard Engineering: Build a City! Design, engineer and build skyscrapers, houses and more.
No Compact of Silence: Black Civil Rights Advocates in the Harrison Era Through Nov. 1. This exhibit highlights national and local Black civil rights activists during President Benjamin Harrison’s term in office (1889-1893).
Monet & Friends Alive Through May 28, 2023. This one-of-a-kind experience will take guests on a journey back in time to when the face of European art was set to change forever. The exhibition will showcase the world of Impressionism across three main movements: Metropolitan, A Day in the Life and En Plein Air. The masterpieces of the Impressionists will come to life with a rich, dynamic display of light, color, and sound.
ONGOING EVENTS
Scooby-Doo Mansion Mayhem Through Jan. 31, 2023. Shaggy, Scooby, Fred, Daphne, and Velma have another mystery on their hands. A jewel-thieving ghost has evaded the local police force and was last seen in this very mysterious mansion. Enter the mansion and immerse yourself into a unique adventure where you can enter the world of Scooby-Doo!
• Location: Indiana State Museum, indianamuseum.org Build a City: Cardboard Engineering Through Oct. 30. This interactive construction experience lets visitors get creative with various tools and materials, including loads of cardboard, painter’s tape, carpenter’s pencils, scissors, saws and more. You'll become an architect for the day and add to the cityscape!
• Location: Soldiers & Sailors Monument/Monument Circle, downtownindy.org/do/sparkonthecircle
• Location: Newfields, discovernewfields.org PLEASE NOTE WE WORK HARD TO ENSURE OUR CALENDAR AND GUIDE INFORMATION IS ACCURATE.
• Location: Downtown Broad Ripple, Time: 6:30 pm, broadrippleindy.org
• Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, imsmuseum.org
Ripple Effect 5K Enjoy a 5k around Broad Ripple Village to benefit the Broad Ripple Village Association. The course snakes around Broad Ripple’s commercial and residential neighborhoods and culminates in a post-race block party!
FREE TUES 27 Pajama Time Storytime Families with children ages 3-8 are invited for a fun storytime featuring stories, music and activities! Children can wear their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffie for bedtime stories.
THURS 29 Baby Love Storytime Stories, songs, rhymes, finger-plays, and play time for babies (infant-18 months) accompanied by a caregiver. Siblings welcome. Registration required.
• Location: Haughville Branch Library, Time: 4:30-5:30 pm, indypl.org FREE
• Location: Indiana Historical Society, indianahistory.org Sleek: The Art of the Helmet Through Jan. 8, 2023. This exhibition explores themes such as art, engineering and storytelling, and features helmets from racing history from current drivers, and nine designed by local artists.
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• Location: Indiana State Museum, indianamuseum.org
MON 26 Story Time with Miss Beckie Enjoy stories, songs, finger-plays, rhymes and puppets. Strengthen early literacy skills and encourage the joy of learning. Each program ends with a fun craft or an activity. Ages 18 months-K.
FRI 30 Movies in the Park: The Parent Trap Bring your chairs and refreshments, and enjoy a family movie! When the sun goes down, the movie starts.
• Location: Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, bhpsite.org
• Location: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, childrensmuseum.org
• Location: Westfield Washington Public Library, Time: 10:30-11:30 am, wwpl.lib.in.us FREE LEGO Block Party Let your imagination guide you in making fun LEGO creations! Participate in challenges or free-build whatever you want. LEGO will be provided.
OCCASIONALLY, EVENT SPECIFICS CHANGE AFTER WE GO TO PRESS. THEREFORE, WE ENCOURAGE OUR READERS TO CALL LOCATIONS OR VISIT THEM ON THE WEB TO VERIFY INFORMATION.
INDY'S CHILD SUN MON TUES WEDS THURS FRI SAT calendar 09.2022 92 19 292228212511 12 PETDAYROCK READBOOKADAY SQUASHACORNDAY STAR TREK BEARTEDDYDAY TV DINNERDAY PIRATELIKETALKADAY PEPPERONIPIZZADAY MINIATUREGOLFDAY FIRST DAY OF FALL APPRECIATIONREDHEADDAY RABBIT DAY 18 103WRITINGLETTERDAY COCONUTWORLDDAY SKYSCRAPERDAY 13 fun & WACKY 16 5 7 30232027 17 HASHANAHROSHBEGINS FAMILY DAY CRUSH A CAN DAY NEIGHBORGOODDAY COFFEEDAY CHEWINGGUMDAY SOURCE: daysoftheyear.com 24 NATIONALDAYOFSERVICE CHOCOLATEMILKSHAKEDAY ROALDDAHLDAY QUIET DAY MAKE A HAT DAY GUACAMOLEDAY DANCE DAY 6 814 26 CHEESEBURGERDAY September 2022 I INDYSCHILD.COM 47
