Jax4Kids March 2022 by Jax4Kids

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Contents • March 2022

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Readers,

ast month, the CDC and American Association of Pediatrics released updated Developmental Milestone Guidelines. The new guidelines strongly support the importance of early intervention for children with developmental delays. Checklists have been added for ages 15 months and 30 months, as well as for every well-child visit for ages 2 through 5. New social and emotional milestones have also been added. The CDC also has a milestone tracker app to help you reference where your child should be based on their age. Read more about the new guidelines and the app on page 8. A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that male toddlers who watched more television at age one were more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 3, compared to those without any screen time. Turn to page 8 to learn more about the study and its findings. If you’re still making plans for Spring Break, we’ve got some Spring Break camp ideas on page 11. Also, as you plan your Summer, you’ll find a sampling of Summer Camps on pages 12 and 13 and lots more of both online at www. jax4kids.com. The Jacksonville Science Festival is celebrating its 10th year. Jax4Kids has supported the festival since its inception for its outreach in promoting STEM learning for kids. This year’s festival will be held on March 24th, 25th, and 26th and will include Live Music and Food Trucks. See the cover for locations and times and visit JacksonvilleScienceFestival.org for more information. The Jacksonville Science

LIVING WELL

Community Profile: READ USA, Inc. ��4 Books About Kindness and Well-Being ��4

EATING WELL

March is National Nutrition Month ��6 Things to Do: Eating Well Events ��6

HEALTH & SAFETY

The Connection Between Sleep and Nutrition ��7 Things to Do: Health & Safety Events ��7 Festival will also be hosting a Summer Camp (details on page 15). If you have a college-bound child, applications are now being accepted for several scholarships. Turn to page 14 for a list of scholarships and details. Ready for a Mom’s Night Out filled with laughter?! Get your tickets now and mark your calendar for March 10th. The #IMOMSOHARD Getaway Tour featuring the comic duo Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley is coming to The Florida Theatre! It’s no coincidence that Sleep Awareness Week begins on March 13th, at the start of Daylight Saving Time, when most Americans change their clocks and lose an hour of sleep. Don't forget to set your clocks forward on Saturday night, March 12th. Until next month, Alison Peters-Carlson Editor

INFANT & TODDLER

CDC and AAP Update Developmental Milestone Guidelines ��8 Things to Do: Infant & Toddler Events ��8 Limiting Screen Time in Infants May Decrease Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder ��9

SPECIAL NEEDS

Epilepsy Awareness �� 10 Things to Do: Special Needs Events �� 10

SPRING BREAK CAMPS

Spring Break Camps �� 11

SUMMER CAMPS

Summer Camps ��12-13

EDUCATION

Florida Student College Scholarship Opportunities �� 14 Things to Do: Education Events �� 15 Duval County School News ��16 -17 St. Johns County School District News �� 18 Clay County School News �� 19 Nassau County School District News �� 20

PETS

Should You Sleep With Your Pet? �� 21 Things to Do: Pet Events �� 21

TEENS

Riley’s Way Call For Kindness �� 22 Things to Do: Teen Events �� 22

THINGS TO DO

March Events �� 23

Alison Peters-Carlson Editor................................. editor@jax4kids.com Gabrielle Carlson Associate Editor.............................info@jax4kids.com Linda Bigbee Graphic Designer................................. linda@jax4kids.com Judi Fields Circulation Manager..................................judi@jax4kids.com Beth Canonica Advertising Sales.............................. beth@jax4kids.com Donna Paunetto Advertising Sales........................ donna@jax4kids.com Mary Gustafson Business Manager......................... mary@jax4kids.com Published by Child Enrichment, LLC, 12620-3 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246. Copyright 2022. Reproduction of any artwork or copy prepared by Jax4Kids.com To Go is strictly prohibited without written consent of the publisher. We will not be responsible for any errors and/or omissions. The Publisher’s liability for error will not exceed the cost of space occupied by the error. Articles for publication are welcome and may be sent to editor@ jax4kids.com. For more information concerning advertising, call 904-710-2020 or e-mail advertise@jax4kids.com.

MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 3

LIVING WELL Community Profile: READ USA, Inc.

Books About Kindness and Well-Being

EAD USA began as a voluntary project created by Ellen Wiss and teacher Vanessa Tussey at George Washington Carver Elementary School. As a tutor in Vanessa’s classroom, Ellen witnessed the gains from some of the most struggling students and became hopeful and passionate about expanding the impact for transformational change in one severely impoverished neighborhood.

An alarming number of children – about 67% in Florida and nationwide – are not proficient readers by the end of 3rd grade. This number jumps to a staggering 80% of students in under-resourced communities. Thanks to visionary leadership and investments here at home, Duval County’s numbers are better, with about 50% reading on grade level by the end of 3rd grade.

Asking Vanessa what was needed most, her response was “This school has never had a book fair and kids need books. Parents care about their kids, but they don’t have the resources to organize and run a book fair like traditional PTA’s in more affluent schools. Even if they could organize the fair, the kids don’t have the resources to buy the books. Think about it, when you’re faced with keeping a roof over your family or putting food on the table, books don’t rank. Our kids don’t have books of their own. And, book ownership is key. When kids can read, they can succeed.”

Read Alouds – Multicultural Literacy Project Providing children with books of people who look like them and stories that reflect their own culture and race contributes to their development of an appreciation of self. In many cultures, storytelling and children’s books are used to transmit cultural values and attitudes. When children interact with a story or book, they may identify with the main character, the minor characters, the main problem, or other features of the story. Through these connections, books serve to transmit cultural and moral values to children.

Together, they successfully carried the project out with funds they raised from private donors and additional volunteers they recruited from established education organizations, non-profits, and several corporate sponsors.

The children’s books READ USA chose for the Multicultural Literacy Project are authentic to the narrative, storyteller, and culture which it represents. The characters and stories represent a variety of underrepresented groups, including people who identify as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx, First Nations, LGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, and non-mainstream identities.

Breathing is my Superpower By Alicia Ortego Ages 8 – 12

Readusainc.com features videos of various local leaders who volunteered their time to share their favorite children’s books through video.

The Little Book of Friendship By Zack Bush and Laurie Friedman Illustrated by Sarah Van Evera Ages 2 – 8

These partnerships make it possible to keep costs low, with almost 100% of funds going toward new books. By expanding the board with committed leaders and continuing collaboration with many more partners, READ USA is now serving most of Duval County’s highest-need elementary schools and many community centers. The goal is to open pathways for children in under-resourced communities with book choice and ownership, peer-to-peer tutoring, multicultural literacy programming, professional literacy instruction development for educators, all to positively impact grade level reading proficiency, workforce development, building a diverse teacher pipeline, social justice and ending the cycle of generational poverty. Some of the Programs Include: Book Choice and Ownership – Free Book Fairs For $15 each, every student in an entire elementary school or site in under-resourced communities participates in their free book fair and gets to choose three free brand-new books to own.

Teen Tutoring Program READ USA trains, supervises, and provides reading tutoring jobs to teens from under-resourced communities where evidence-based reading gains are achieved by the teens as well as the elementary school students they lead. Get Involved Through your donations, students in high-need neighborhoods get to choose free new books to own and build onto their home library. Visit readussainc.com for more details on how to become a corporate or volunteer team partner, how to sponsor a school, how to become a volunteer, to give a one-time donation or sign up for a monthly donation. You can also call (904) READ USA or email Tia Leathers, Chief Executive Officer, at Tia@readusainc.com. j readusainc.com

MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 4

What I Tell Myself First By Michael Brown Illustrated by Zoe Ranucci Ages Baby – 18 years

Confidence is my Superpower By Alicia Ortego Ages K – 4

Kindness is my Superpower By Alicia Ortego Ages 3 – 7

The Giving Tree By Shel Silverstein Ages 4 – 8

Gratitude is my Superpower By Alicia Ortego Ages 4 – 9

The NotSo-Friendly Friend: How to Set Boundaries for Healthy Friendships By Christina Furnival Illustrated by Katie Dwyer Ages 4 – 9 It’s Brave to be Kind By Natasha Daniels Ages 5 – 7

Empathy Is Your Superpower By Cori Bussolari, PsyD Illustrated by Zach Grzeszkowiak Ages 5 – 7

CLAY COUNTY

Big Wheels & Pig Squeals

AGRICULTURAL FAIR March 31 - April 10, 2022 claycountyfair.org

for visitor information, visit exploreclay.com MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 5

EATING WELL

March is National Nutrition Month N

ational Nutrition Month® is a tradition • Plan meals based on recipes from other that started in 1973 created by the cultures. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It began as • Try a different fruit or vegetable depending a week-long recognition of healthy eating and on what’s available that season. became a month-long celebration in response • Choose ingredients with different colors and to growing interest in nutrition. During the textures to add variety to meals. month of March, everyone is encouraged to • Vary your breakfast routine to include learn about making healthier food choices and favorites from around the world. develop lifelong healthy eating and exercise habits. This year’s theme is “Celebrate a World Don’t know how to get started? Use My Plate as of Flavors.” National spokesperson for the a guideline for meal planning. Visit www. Academy, registered dietitian Libby Mills, said myPlate.gov for ideas. “celebrating the cultural heritage, traditions • Make half of your plate fruits and vegetaand recipes from all people is a tasty way to bles. nourish ourselves, learn about one another • Make ¼ of your plate grains. Choose whole and find appreciation in our diversity.” What grains, and try a variety of grains including does healthy eating mean to you? There are oatmeal, barley, buckwheat, quinoa, or many ways to embrace National Nutrition millet. Month. • Make ¼ of your plate protein. Choose lean meats, seafood, eggs, beans, pears, lentils, • Eat a variety of foods & include healthful nuts, seeds, and soy products, which are all foods from all food groups. part of the protein foods group. à Plan meals and snacks by choosing • Include dairy or a dairy alternative for healthy recipes to make during the additional calcium, protein, and vitamins. week, then use a grocery list to shop for these nutritious foods. • Incorporate your favorite cultural foods and And if you have specialized nutrition needs or just want assistance setting up a personalized traditions. health plan for the new year, visit a registered à Create tasty foods at home by learning dietitian for more information. j cooking and meal preparation skills while trying new flavors and foods from around the world. Aurea Thompson, MSH, RD, CSP, LD/N • Learn how to read Nutrition Facts Labels. Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition à Pay attention to serving sizes when Wolfson Children’s Hospital checking carbohydrate, protein, and fat content. How do I celebrate a “World of Flavors”?

USDA NATIONAL HUNGER HOTLINE:

Hours: 7AM - 10PM EST

MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 6

Things to Do

you professional tips for achieving bakery-worthy treats. Enjoy some in the studio and take the rest home to share. The menu features Fruit Tart on a Sugar Cookie Base, Tomato, Basil, Pepperoni, and Mozzarella Cheese Pies, and Lemon Cupcakes with Cooking Matters: Learn How to Cook and Shop Raspberry Buttercream Frosting. The Children's on a Budget • March 10, 2pm to 3pm class begins at 10am, and the cost is $60 for Join UF/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program for children 7-15 years old. The Family class starts at monthly cooking courses for adults to learn how to 2pm, and the cost is adults and children 13 or older, prepare low-cost, healthy, easy, and tasty meals. $60, children 12 years or younger with a registered The monthly classes will cover a variety of topics, adult, $45. Max of 2 child tickets per registered including meal preparation, food budgeting and adult. For pastry classes, adults registered with a nutrition. Registration is required. child will make one recipe together. Jax Cooking Clay County Public Library, Middleburg/Clay Hill Studio / 904-379-6220 / 14035 Beach Boulevard, Branch / 904-541-5855 / 2245 Aster Avenue, Mid- Jacksonville, FL 32224 / jaxcookingstudio.com dleburg, FL 32068 / www.claycountygov.com St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Jax Cooking Studio: Family Lasagna from March 17, 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 4:30pm Scratch • March 11, 2pm to 4:30pm Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by making some tasty Learn the art of crafting your very own lasagna. treats. The menu includes Rainbow Quiche, Pot of From the pasta to the meat sauce to the cheese Gold Cupcakes, Rainbow Swirl Sugar Cookies, and filling, the chef will show you how to make each Leprechaun Lime Drink. The Children's class becomponent from scratch to create the ultimate com- gins at 10am, and the cost is $60 for children 7-15 fort food. You’ll be eating the masterpiece you create years old. The Family class starts at 2pm, and the for dinner, so come hungry. Adults and children 13 cost is adults and children 13 or older, $60, children or older are $60; Children 12 years or younger with 12 years or younger with a registered adult, $45. a registered adult are $45. Max of 2 child tickets Max of 2 child tickets per registered adult. per registered adult. Jax Cooking Studio / 904Jax Cooking Studio / 904-379-6220 / 14035 Beach 379-6220 / 14035 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / FL 32224 / jaxcookingstudio.com jaxcookingstudio.com

Eating Well Events

Big and Little Chef: Fun Fair Food March 13, 10am Big Chef, Little Chef series classes are designed specifically for a guardian/parent, older sibling (18 or older), etc. paired with a young chef. Each pair will work together (along with the rest of the students) to create delicious recipes that are appropriate for adults and kids alike. Big Chef must be 18 or older, and the Little Chef age range should be 5–12 years old. The menu features Funnel Cake with Macerated Berries, Homemade Corndogs with Curry Ketchup, Roasted Brown Sugar Turkey Legs, and Baked Pizza Cones. Cost is $80 for each parent/child combo. Publix Aprons Cooking School / 904-262-4187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd Ste 36, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www.publix.com Sweet and Savory Spring Treats March 14, 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 4:30pm Kids and families are invited to the studio to bake sweet and savory treats. The pastry chef will teach

Big and Little Chef: Exploring Produce March 19, 10am Big Chef, Little Chef series classes are designed specifically for a guardian/parent, older sibling (18 or older), etc. paired with a young chef. Each pair will work together (along with the rest of the students) to create delicious recipes that are appropriate for adults and kids alike. Big Chef must be 18 or older, and the Little Chef age range should be 5–12 years old. The menu features Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Biscuits, Caprese Lettuce Wraps with Homemade Pesto, Sheet Pan Gnocchi Primavera, and Sweet Potato and Feta Phyllo Roll Ups. Cost is $80 for each parent/child combo. Publix Aprons Cooking School / 904-262-4187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd Ste 36, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www.publix.com

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Eating Well events.

Visit our Ponte Vedra location in the Sawgrass Village Shopping Center 340 Front Street, Suite 770

HEALTH & SAFETY

The Connection Between Sleep and Nutrition

our eating habits can be crucial for quality sleep. Your food choices and your meal timing can make a difference. For example, diets low in fiber and high in saturated fat may decrease the amount of deep, restorative sleep you’ll get. Excess sugar can cause you to awaken more frequently. Consuming certain foods and beverages close to bedtime can also lead to poor sleep. If you’re having trouble falling and staying asleep, the culprit could be what you’re choosing to eat and drink. What to Avoid Fatty or high-protein foods: Because digestion naturally slows when you sleep, going to bed too soon after eating a steak dinner or other high-protein foods can lead to disrupted sleep, since your stomach will feel uncomfortably full. Foods high in saturated fat have a similar disruptive effect on sleep patterns. Spicy foods: Spicy foods can cause painful heartburn that could make it difficult to lie down comfortably, which makes it harder to fall asleep. Heartburn can also worsen the effects of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as the backed-up acid can create more irritation in your airway. Some spicy foods can raise your body temperature, forcing your body to work harder to cool down enough to fall asleep; feeling too warm in bed may also disrupt your sleep patterns throughout the night. Caffeine: Drinking caffeine late in the day has long been known as a potential sleep disrupter for many people, since it’s a stimulant designed to keep you alert. But be aware that caffeine can be hidden in other foods as well, such as chocolate and even ice cream, so check the ingredients. Alcohol: Winding down with a glass of wine or a beer at dinner can be a pleasurable experience, but not so much when you’re getting ready to sleep. Once the effects of alcohol wear off, you’ll likely find yourself waking suddenly and

struggling to go back to restful sleep. Alcohol can also worsen OSA symptoms. Go ahead and enjoy flavorful foods and drinks, but note that fatty and high-protein foods and alcohol close to bedtime can affect your sleep, so consume them in moderation. And cutting off caffeine in the afternoon is a good idea since caffeine’s effects can last up to six hours, and sometimes even longer if the beverage is high in caffeine. What to Choose Instead If you need a snack before bedtime, consider complex carbohydrates such as oatmeal or whole-wheat toast, which digest easily. Healthy eating habits overall will encourage healthier sleeping patterns. Consuming a high-fiber diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat proteins— while avoiding foods with added sugars—is ideal. Look for foods high in B vitamins; B vitamins are believed to help regulate melatonin. Foods rich in B vitamins include fish, lean poultry and meat, legumes, eggs, and dairy. A healthy diet can also help you lose weight, which can in turn lead to better sleep and make you less likely to suffer from daytime fatigue, insomnia, and OSA.

Things to Do

Swamp Battle Obstacle Course Race March 12, 10am and 1pm Swamp Battle Obstacle Course Race is a local kid's race for ages 5-13. The two mile course features 10+ obstacles. Your abilities will be put to the test Recognizing Grief • March 2, 6pm to 7pm as you encounter fields, swamps, streams, and This course shares a realistic approach to helping hardwood forests. Registration is $25. There are children navigate the difficult process of grief and waves at 10am and 1pm. fear. Valuable resources and contact information WW Motocross Park / 1439 Otis Road, Jacksonville, are shared for caregivers living in Northeast Florida. FL 32220 / www.swampbattleocr.trinityfitness.org The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource that promotes parental 8th Annual Kilwins Ice Cream Run involvement, enhances student achievement, and March 26, 7:30am supports a caregiver's need for personal and indi- Join Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech and vidual growth. Duval Parent Academy / 904-390- Kilwins Jacksonville for the 8th annual Kilwins Ice 2960 / dcps.duvalschools.org Cream Run at the St. John's Town Center to raise awareness and support for children who are deaf Mommy and Me Goat Yoga or hard of hearing who learn to listen and talk. This March 4, 9:30am to 11am family event offers a timed 5K or 1-Mile Fun Run/ This yoga class combines challenging poses for Walk with all-you-can-eat Kilwins Original Recipe adults and some cute, fun poses for kids. Although Ice Cream at the finish line. Registration ranges it is called Mommy and Me, any adult is welcome from $25 to $40. St. Johns Town Center / 10281 to attend with their favorite little sidekick. Classes Midtown Pkwy #125, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / will be limited to 10 adult/child pairs. Masks are www.clarkeschools.org required until you're on your mat; at that point they are optional. This event is held outdoors with plenty Hildervat Kids and Family Race • March 26, 8am of space to appropriately social distance between Bring your Jr. Vikings and introduce them to the individuals or groups. Cost is $30. world of obstacle course racing with this specialty Little Peeps Farmer for a Day / 3049 Cortez Rd, course designed for kids ages 4 and up. Obstacles Jacksonville, FL 32246 / littlepeepsfarm.com are specially designed with kids in mind, however, parents are highly encouraged to run the course TNT Gymnastics Ninja Night with smaller/younger children. These obstacles March 4, 7pm to 8pm will be challenging for your 9- to 14-year-old to Join TNT Gymnastics for a night dedicated to Ninjas complete on his/her own. Ages 4 to 9 years will in training. The first Friday of every month from need assistance from their parents on some of the 7pm to 8pm is Ninja Night at TNT Gymnastics. Cost obstacles. The course is spectator friendly and is $15 (members) $20 (non-members). Ages 5+. fully visible at all times. The 1/2 mile loop can TNT Gymnastics / 904-998-8681 / 2683 Saint be run once or twice. Heats of approximately 50 Johns Bluff Road South, Suite 107, Jacksonville, FL participants will start every 15 minutes starting at 32246 / tntgymfit.com 8am. There are approximately 8-10 obstacles per loop. Types of obstacles include but not limited to: The Gate River Run and Junior River Run hurdles, monkey bars, cargo nets, rings and carries. March 5, 8am All participants will receive a finisher medal and The Brooks Rehabilitation Challenge Mile begins at t-shirt. All participants must be registered before 10am, Junior River Run at 11am, and a Diaper Dash entering the course including parents who are asat 11am. There will be a post-race celebration with sisting children. There will be a Festival Area with free food, drinks, a live band, kids bounce games, food trucks and sponsor tables. The cost is $30 per and more. The Junior River Run is free to any child person or $100 per family. 13 years and younger. All children who complete First Baptist Nocatee / 1770 Valley Ridge Blvd, the one mile run will receive a t-shirt and goodie Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 / hildervat.com packet on race day. There are virtual options as well. Jacksonville Fairgrounds / 510 Fairgrounds Place, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list gateriverrun15k.com

Health & Safety Events

of Health & Safety events.

The takeaway? Good eating habits can go hand in hand with getting a good night’s sleep for a healthier you. National Sleep Foundation About the National Sleep Foundation The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the NSF is committed to advancing excellence in sleep health theory, research and practice. j www.thensf.org www.sleephealthjournal.org

MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 7

INFANT & TODDLER

CDC and AAP Update Developmental Milestone Guidelines

n Feb. 8, 2022, the CDC and AAP rolled out their revised milestone guidelines for their developmental surveillance campaign, Learn the Signs. Act Early (LTSAE). It has been well documented that the earlier kids with developmental delays can get support, the better their outcome will be. In fact, it’s so important that every state has some kind of early intervention program for children up to three years old that offers easy (sometimes free) access to various types of therapeutic treatment. However, because of the way the CDC and AAP milestone guidelines were set up, too many pediatricians were taking the “wait and see” approach with kids, which delayed the start of early intervention. Prior to Feb. 8, all key milestones were based on what 50% of children can be expected to achieve by a certain age. So, basically, there was always a 50/50 shot a child would or would not meet a milestone on time, which is why when a child was a little behind it didn’t seem like a big deal and why so many providers were slow to recommend evaluation for early intervention. Now, with the revised guidelines, all milestones reflect what 75% of children can be expected to achieve by a certain age, so if a child hasn’t met a milestone it’s easier to flag it as a potential delay. Other important changes to these guidelines include the addition of checklists for ages 15 months and 30 months as well as for every well-child visit from ages 2 months through 5 years. Additionally, new social and emotional milestones have been added, vague language has been removed to provide better clarity, and duplicate milestones have been removed. The CDC and AAP have also provided new open-ended questions for providers to ask families as well as new and revised tips for parents and activities for supporting their child’s developmental growth. Even better, not only did they update all of this guidance to be more straightforward, but they also took extra

time to ensure it was written in a way that it would be easy for parents across a variety of backgrounds to understand. The new milestone checklists are available on the CDC’s website, and they range from 2 months to 5 years old. Under each milestone, parents can find detailed information about what they should be looking for as well as access to a summary PDF. The CDC also has a Milestone Tracker app that parents can download, allowing them to easily reference where their child should be developmentally based on their age. If you’re interested in learning more about your state’s early intervention program, you can either talk to your child’s pediatrician or find your state contact through the CDC’s website (for kids over age three, contact your local public school and ask to have your child evaluated for preschool special education services). The revised CDC and AAP guidelines for developmental milestone monitoring is a total game-changer. It equips parents with more concrete information for where their child should be developmentally, and it allows pediatricians to more quickly and effectively identify delays so they can help families get access to the resources they need for early intervention. Thanks to these changes, worried parents everywhere can let out huge sighs of relief and feel confident in taking whatever next step they think is appropriate for their child(ren). j romper.com

MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 8

Things to Do Infant & Toddler Events Jacksonville Public Library Pop-Up Storytimes March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 10am to 10:30am Jarboe Park March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 10am to 10:30am Mandarin South Library Park and Willowbranch Lawn The Jacksonville Public Library hosts a pop-up storytime. Kids are invited for singing, dancing, playing, reading, and more. Jacksonville Public Library / 904-255-2665 / events.jaxpubliclibrary.org Beaches Branch/ Jarboe Park , 510 Florida Blvd, Neptune Beach, FL 32266 South Mandarin Branch / 12125 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32223 Willowbranch Branch / 2875 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL 32205 Wiggle, Giggle & Groove Wednesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 10:30am to 11:30am Bring your little ones to stretch, sing, play instruments, and dance while exploring sounds, rhythms, and patterns that make up language. Feel free to bring your own props from home like a rattle to shake or a favorite stuffed animal to be your dance partner. Blankets are encouraged to help with social distancing. Free and open to ages 0 to 5. Clay County Public Library Green Cove Springs Branch / 904-284-6315 / 403 Ferris Street, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 / www.claycountygov.com

Mandarin Lutheran Church Baby Pantry March 6 and 20, 10am to 12noon The goal of the MLC Baby Pantry is to supply local families in need with baby care items, including diapers, wipes, bath needs, rash cream, ointments, and gently used clothing, at no cost to parents in the Jacksonville area. The baby pantry is open on the first and third Sunday of each month from 10am to 12noon. Availability of items is on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring proof of residency (driver’s license, rental agreement, or mortgage statement), as well as proof that the child you are receiving supplies for is your child (birth certificate) or in your care. Need is on the honor system. They are not asking for proof of income but do ask only that you help them be able to help as many people as possible. Mandarin Lutheran Church / 904-268-4591 / 11900 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223 / mandarinlutheran.org Virtual Breastfeeding Class March 12, 12:30pm to 1:30pm The class is designed for parents that are planning to breastfeed or need support. Hosted by Certified Lactation Counselor Tawanna Nottage, who is also a member of the Broward County Breastfeeding Coalition. The class will cover the following topics: How breastfeeding works, Getting the best start, Positions & latching on, How to tell if your baby is getting enough milk, Common challenges and how to overcome, and Breastfeeding support. The event is online and is free. Pediatric Associates / 954-966-8000 / www. pediatricassociates.com Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list Infant & Toddler Events.

INFANT & TODDLER

Limiting Screen Time in Infants May Decrease Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder

ale toddlers who watched more television at age one were more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at age 3, compared to those without any screen time, according to a recent multi-site Japanese study published in JAMA Pediatrics. "[A]mid the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a rapid change in lifestyles, with electronic devices being used as the main channels of communication and social interactions," the authors wrote. "Amid this social climate, examining the associations of screen exposure with a child's health is an important public health issue." After the team screened approximately 100,00 pregnant women from a large Japanese birth cohort called the Japan Environment and Children’s Study between January 2011 to March 2014 across 15 regional centers, they found 84,030 mother-child pairs appropriate to analyze in December 2020, after excluding participants for missing data, stillbirths, miscarriages, and children born with congenital conditions or cerebral palsy, per the study.

are quiet. This can lead to problems due to the lack of interaction between parents and children. This study provides scientific evidence for sounding the alarm." But statistics expert Kristin Sainani, associate teaching professor of epidemiology and population health at Stanford University in California, told Fox News: "Households where 1-year-olds are watching two or more hours of TV a day likely differ in important ways from households where babies watch less TV." "The paper did not adequately characterize or account for these differences, and thus does not provide strong evidence of a causal link between infant screen time and autism." The study also noted additional limitations were not knowing the cumulative screen time because of a possible reporting bias. Also, their study may be biased towards severe autistic disorder because mild cases are often not diagnosed by age 3.

At age 3, 0.4% of the children, 76% who were boys, received an autism spectrum diagnosis, noting the proportion of autistic children increased with more screen time, finding boys were three times as likely of being diagnosed with ASD than girls, according to the study.

The authors, however, said their findings are relevant in the digital age, finding 90% of the children studied had been exposed to screen time at age one, despite the World Health Organization (WHO) recommending infants should not be exposed to screen time and the American Academy of Pediatrics warning no screen time until 18 months old unless the child is video chatting with an adult, like a parent who is out-of-town.

Although both boys and girls had similar screen time, the study only found an association between screen time and ASD among boys, but not with girls.

Kushima and Yamagata told Fox News their study suggests: "Limiting screen time to no more than one hour per day, at least until age one, reduces the environmental risk of ASD."

"More and more parents are using ICT [information and communication technology] devices such as smartphone to raise their children," said lead author Megumi Kushima, research associate, center for birth cohort studies, University of Yamanashi in Japan, and co-author Zentaro Yamagata, who is a professor and director of the center.

"However, screen time is one of the environmental factors that influence the onset and extent of ASD. Other unknown environmental risks also need to be reduced. Research is needed to clarify these unknown factors." j

They told Fox News, "Of course, there are advantages, but some parents show their children videos for a long time because they

foxnews.com

Episcopal Children’s Services Free Child Care Resource & Referral (904) 726-1500 • (800) 238-3463 www.ecs4kids.org Child Care Resource and Referral Services can help your family by providing: • A customized list of local child care options from our trained specialists. • Information about quality child care and early learning programs • Financial assistance strategies and opportunities • Referrals to other community resources and programs.

Early Learning Coalition North Florida

Helping Children. Helping Families.

MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 9

SPECIAL NEEDS

Epilepsy Awareness A

bout 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point during their lifetime. According to the latest estimates, about 0.6% of children aged 0 to 17 years have active epilepsy. Think of a school with 1,000 students — this means about six of them could have epilepsy.

• Use memory strategies to help with memory problems.

Preventing Epilepsy Sometimes we can prevent epilepsy. These are some of the most common ways to reduce your chances of developing epilepsy. Prevent traumatic brain injuries. Brain injuries, Epilepsy is a neurological disorder of the central also called traumatic brain injuries, are a nervous system, specifically of the brain. It is frequent cause of epilepsy. characterized by the tendency to have recurrent • Ride safely. Use safety belts, child passenseizures. ger seats, airbags, bicycle helmets, and The brain is made up of billions of nerve cells, motorcycle helmets to reduce motor vehicle or neurons, that communicate through electrical and traffic injuries. and chemical signals. When there is a sudden • Step carefully. Falls are the leading cause of excessive electrical discharge that disrupts the brain injury. Older adults and children have normal activity of the nerve cells, a seizure may an increased chance of brain injuries from result. falls. • Get help for traumatic brain injuries if they The way a seizure looks depends on the type of happen. The chance of epilepsy is high with seizure a person is experiencing. Some seizures severe brain injuries. Taking good care of can look like staring spells. Other seizures can the injury may help to avoid epilepsy. cause a person to collapse, shake, and become unaware of what’s going on around them. Lower the chances of stroke and heart disease. Epilepsy can be caused by different conditions Take steps every day to lower your chances of that affect a person’s brain. Many times the stroke and heart disease. These include eating cause is unknown. Some causes include a well, exercising, and not smoking. These health stroke, brain tumor, traumatic brain injury or actions may prevent epilepsy later in life. head injury, and a central nervous system infection. Get vaccinated. Protect yourself and your family from diseases. Immunizations (also known as Managing Epilepsy vaccines or shots) lower your chances of 70% of people with epilepsy can gain seizure infection that can sometimes lead to epilepsy. freedom with medication alone. 30% of people Wash your hands and prepare food safely. An have drug-resistant epilepsy. There are infection called cysticercosis is the most additional treatments for people with drug-recommon cause of epilepsy worldwide. It is sistant epilepsy that can improve seizure caused by a parasite, and it is prevented control or stop seizures altogether. The CDC through good hygiene and food preparation recommends the following: practices. Health screening and early treatment • Know about your condition. for cysticercosis can prevent epilepsy. • Take your seizure medicines as prescribed. Stay healthy during your pregnancy. Some • Check with your doctor before taking other problems during pregnancy and childbirth can medicines or supplements. lead to epilepsy. Follow a prenatal care plan • Keep a record of your seizures and seizure with your health care provider, like your doctor triggers to track patterns and learn how to or nurse, to keep you and your baby healthy. avoid seizure triggers. • Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. March 26th is “Purple Day.” Purple Day is an • Exercise regularly and safely each day. international grassroots effort dedicated to • Follow a well-balanced diet and keep a increasing awareness about epilepsy worldhealthy weight. wide. On March 26th annually, people in • Don’t use tobacco, drink alcohol excessively, countries around the world are invited to wear or abuse other substances. purple and host events in support of epilepsy • Practice ways to lower stress. awareness. Last year, people in more than 85 • Keep in touch with friends and family for countries on all continents participated in Purple support. Day! j • Talk to your doctor about health concerns. • Keep other health conditions in check. cdc.gov • Get help for emotional problems. purpleday.org

MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 10

Things to Do Special Needs Events CARD Adult Resource and Support Group March 2, 5pm to 6pm CARD-Jacksonville runs a resource and support group for constituents who are ages 18 and older, where participants can learn, share, and understand one another through common, comparable experiences and receive helpful guidance. All conversations facilitated via Zoom. UF Health Jacksonville CARD / 904-244-3131 / bernardo.cuadra@ jax.ufl.edu / med.jax.ufl.edu Retro Diner Hour March 9, 5pm to 6pm Adults with autism spectrum disorder will have the opportunity to engage in facilitated social conversations via Zoom. This event will temporarily take the place of the Breakfast Club Meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Center for Autism and Related Disabilities / 904-633-0760 / pediatrics.med.jax.ufl Painting with Emotion March 14, 4:30pm to 5:30pm Painting with Emotion is a monthly group for children between the ages of 12 to 16 years who are registered with CARD or FDLRSMDC. The focus of the group is to develop self-awareness skills related to personal emotions and ways to effectively express those emotions through painting. Held online via Zoom. Center for Autism and Related Disabilities / 904-633-0760 / pediatrics.med.jax.ufl.edu Dadvocate Support Group March 15, 5:30pm to 6:30pm A Male Caregiver Support Group co-hosted by the UF Health Jacksonville CARD and FLDRS-MDC, with the goal of helping

strengthen the relationship between child and parent, while learning about resources and supports from professionals and other parents. Held online via Zoom. UF Health Jacksonville CARD / 904-633-0760 / brett.walden@jax.ufl.edu / pediatrics.med.jax.ufl.edu Sibshops March 16, 5pm to 6pm Sibshop is a gathering of siblings across the ages to create community, build support and share in the stories that make them unique as the sibling of individuals with developmental, intellectual, social-emotional, and medical disabilities. Held online via Zoom. UF Health Center for Autism and Related Disabilities / 904-633-0760 / chanel. baldwin@jax.ufl.edu / pediatrics.med.jax.ufl.edu Special Olympics Polar Plunge March 26, 9am Polar Plunge is an annual fundraising drive for those brave enough to take the challenge. Participants – or “plungers” – raise funds to plunge into chilly water at three different locations across Florida. All proceeds help Special Olympics Florida provide year-round training and services for nearly 60,000 unified partners and athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The event will feature a VIP event for top-raising teams, food and drinks, costume contests, live music, an interactive mural, and more. Registration starts at 8:30am and the Plunge begins at 9am. Beachwalk Club Crystal Lagoon / 352-2439536 / 100 Beachwalk Club Drive, St. Johns, FL 32259 / specialolympicsflorida.org

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Special Needs events.

SPRING BREAK CAMPS Bach 2 Rock Spring Camps March 14 - 18, 9am - 4pm Ages 7 - 17. Rock Band - Designed for students of all levels, from beginners to seasoned artists, this program is taught by real musicians using the unique B2R method, which will have students playing full songs in no time! Students are placed in a band according to their age and skill level, and the requirements of ensemble playing, teamwork, and achievement of musical objectives are stressed. Depending on ability level, development of original material is strongly encouraged. Each weekly session culminates in a public performance and the recording of a CD. This camp is split into two age categories: for kids 7 - 9 and 9+. Cost: $329. jacksonvillebeach.b2rmusic.com / 904-372-7766 / 2280 3rd St S, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 JAX Cooking Studio's Spring Break Cooking Camps • March 11 - 18, 9am - 12pm Ages 7+. Join the cooking studio for some fun cooking up delicious food from scratch. In these classes, kids learn to cook with whole foods in a hands-on environment. Each day, they eat the food they make during class, so the kids never leave hungry! The menu changes each day and between the same day morning and afternoon sessions. Cost: $60 per session. Class size limited to 16. Ages 7 - 15 from 10am - 12:30pm; Family Camps (Ages 13 and older) from 2pm - 4:30pm. jaxcookingstudio.com / 904-742-5906/ 14035 Beach Blvd, Suite 6, Jacksonville, FL 32250

Jacksonville Junior Volleyball Spring Camp March 14 - 16, 9am - 1pm In this JJVA Spring Break Volleyball Camp, the world class JJVA coaching staff will focus on fundamental skills through game-based drills and daily scrimmages. This camp is open to boys and girls grades 4 – 12 (ages 10 and up). It is designed for the beginner to intermediate player and will incorporate teamwork and sportsmanship. Camp Cost & Registration: $129 Non-Members OR JJVA Member Special Pricing $99. www.jjva.com / 904-854-2323 / 8457 Western Way, Jacksonville, FL 32256 Jewish Community Alliance JCation Days March 11, 14 - 18, 9am - 4pm Ages 5 - 12 yrs. On days when school is closed, send your children to the JCA where they will explore, create and socialize with their peers. Simply pack a dairy lunch and your bathing suits, and they'll take care of the rest. A $10 surcharge will be applied to a day of registration. Cost: 7:30am-6pm - $55/day or 9am-4pm - $45/day. jcajax.org / 904-730-2100 x245 / 8505 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217 Kidz Camp at Sports Edge March 14 - 18, 9am - 5pm Kidz Camp is open to boys and girls and caters to children from the ages of 5 to 10 years old. Kidz Camp is packed full of fun and games and includes activities like Dodgeball, Volleyball, Kickball, Archery, Nutrition and Fitness Activities, Arts and

Crafts, Obstacles, Relay Races and Games. Camp Cost: $199/ Week, and Daily Walk-In: $50/day. Extended Care: 8am-9am and 5-6pm for $60/week. www.jjva.com / 904-854-2323 / 8457 Western Way, Jacksonville, FL 32256 MOCA Spring Art Camp March 14 -18, 9am - 5pm K - 5. Join MOCA Educators for exciting art-making sessions, introducing students to the world of contemporary art through visits to the galleries and hands-on projects. Half-Day Sessions, 9am-1pm / $25 per day. Full-Day Sessions, 9am-5 pm / $50 per day. mocajacksonville.unf.edu/ / 904-366-6911 / 333 North Laura St, Jacksonville, FL 32202

ronment? Join MOSH on a wild journey through time! Discover dinosaurs; build pyramids with the Pharaohs; construct catapults like Da Vinci; play with robots; and blast off into space during a week of time travel with MOSH’s Education Team. Cost: $225 for MOSH Members, $250 for Non-Members. Extended Day is $15 per child per day. www.themosh.org / 904-396-MOSH / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207

Sports Edge Basketball Camp March 14 – 17, 9am - 2pm Rising 1st through rising 7th graders. The Sports Edge Basketball Camp will be directed by Bolles Head Varsity Basketball Coach, Jason Hughes. This camp will focus on the overall development of skills and fundamentals with station work, followed by North Florida Gymnastics Spring Fest individual and team contests throughout the week. March 11, 14 - 18, 8am - 6pm They will have 1-on-1, 3-on-3, and 5-on-5 tournaAges 4 and up. Camp Activities include: Gymnastics, ments with championships culminating during the Tumbling, Trampoline, Inflatable Obstacle Course, final day of camp. Contests will include hotshot, Games, Rope Challenge, Foam Pit and Arts & Crafts. FT, 3 pt, and many more. Awards will be given on Snack will be provided. Cost: the final day at the awards ceremony. Camp Cost: Full week rate, 8am-6pm - $25. Daily rate, 8am$189 for the entire camp or $50 per day. 6pm - $55 or 8am-1pm - $45. www.jjva.com / 904-854-2323 / 8457 Western www.nfgymcheer.com / 904-221-5544 / 11653 Way, Jacksonville, 32256 Central Pkwy, Suite 212, Jacksonville, FL 32224 MOSH Discovery Camp March 14 - 18, 9am - 3pm Extended Care: 7:30am - 5pm K - 5. Kids out of school for Spring Break? Looking for a week of fun in a safe and welcoming envi-

Visit Jax4Kids.com online for a complete and always updated list of Spring Break Camps.

ENROLL NOW & SAVE BIG!

Summer Camp Supervised Activities that teach

CONFIDENCE,DISCIPLINE, DISIPLINE, CONFIDENCE, andAND RESPECT! RESPECT! Fun & Safe! Well-Structured! Learn Karate! TOns of FUN!

www.KarateAmerica.info MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 11

SUMMER CAMPS Aquatics Camp June 13 - July 15 Owned and operated by the North Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America, the property is located at the St. Johns River Base at Echockotee sitting on Doctors Inlet in Orange Park. Aquatics Camp serves boys and girls ages 6-14. A camper’s day is filled with activities that bring them from the shores of Doctors Lake to the heights of the climbing wall and from the woods of the archery range to catching some air off the back of one of the wakeboard boats. Extended care available. Discounts for multiple weeks, siblings, & early registration by May 2, 2022. 904-269-2091 / 2513 Doctors Lake Dr, Orange Park, 32073 / www.aquaticscamp.org

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Conservation Camp May 30 - August 12 9am - 3pm Conservation Camp is a unique way for kids to get firsthand experience of what a week in the shoes of a wildlife biologist is like. At camp, students will get to participate in hands-on STEM activities, wildlife surveys, environmental monitoring, habitat evaluations, outdoor hiking through Florida ecosystems, and various live animal encounters each day. Once a week, students will also embark on an adventure to Huguenot Memorial Park for a day filled with coastal system discussions, seine netting, shelling, and swimming. Cost is $299/week with discounts BeaTPAC Performing Arts Camp for The Rattlesnake Conservancy Canebrake June 13 - 17 and 20 - 24 Members and active military. 9am - 3:30pm 800-690-5638 / 7152 Lonestar Rd, Jacksonville, Ages 6 to 14. BeaTPAC is a two-week performing 32211 / www.savethebuzztails.org arts camp hosted at Creekside High School. All students take classes in theatre, dance, orff, and Diamond D Ranch Summer Camps musical theatre. Older students get to choose June 20 - July 29 specialized classes such as hip hop, improv, Day Camp: 8:30am - 5pm and acapella. The two-week camp ends with a Ages 8-17. Opportunity to learn about horses and showcase of the work campers have created! horsemanship. Camp is for both the beginner All prices are for the full two-week session and and those who already have some knowledge of include a t-shirt as well as two snacks and one horses. Day Camp Cost: $675 + tax per week. lunch per day. Early drop-off available beginning Lunch and snacks are provided. at 8:15 for no additional charge. 1 Camper: Overnight Camp: Begins Monday morning at $380, 2 Campers: $690, 3 Campers: $1010. 8:30am until Friday at 5pm. 100 Knight Lane, Saint Johns, FL 32259 / Overnight campers are provided with breakfast, www.beatpac.com lunch, afternoon snack, and supper and dessert. Your child will sleep in an air-conditioned bunkCamp Discovery house, complete with restrooms and shower June, July & August facilities. Overnight Camp Cost: $975 + tax per 6:30am - 6:30pm week. At Camp Discovery, school-aged explorers 904-289-9331 / 5903-1 Solomon Rd, Jacksonwill spend the summer doing fun activities on ville, 32234 / www.diamonddranchinc.com campus and safely visiting exciting places all over the Jacksonville area. Expeditions include Jacksonville Country Day School Summer Jacksonville Zoo, St. Augustine Aquarium, Jack- Camps • June 6 - July 29 sonville Arboretum & Gardens, and much more! 9am - 3pm. Extended Day Available. Cost: $200/week and includes breakfast, field Pre K 4 - 6th grade (rising grade). Eight sessions, trips and snacks. each lasting one week. JCDS offers both Day thediscoverytreeacademy.com Camp and a selection of Specialty Camps.. The Oakleaf / 904-779-1770 / 7629 Old Middleburg campers are placed into cabins according to the Road, Jacksonville, 32222 / Lic# C04DU0391 grade they will be entering in the fall. In addition San Pablo / 904-619-8797 / 3232 San Pablo to day camp, JCDS offers specialty camps. Road, Jacksonville, 32224 / Lic# C04DU0350 Specialty camp topics include Chess, Art, Lego Robotics, Dance, Basketball, Yoga and Academic Children’s Art Classes Summer Workshops refreshers. All Campers will have daily outdoor June 6 - July 22 time, access to the Smith Center Gym, and a daiStudents may participate in a variety of weekly ly swim time with their group. JCDS is commitart workshops. Each workshop will meet each ted to providing safe, fun, and developmentally day, Monday through Friday, for each selected appropriate programs throughout the summer. week. Students may participate in as many as Day camp is $220 per one-week session, and four different 5-Day workshops at Baymeadows specialty camps range from $300-$400 per onelocation for a four-week period over the summer. week session. The cost of each 5-Day workshop is $98 and 904-641-4166 / 10063 Baymeadows Rd, Jackincludes all supplies. Each Workshop will require sonville 32256 / www.jcdssummercamp.com payment in full at the time of registration. www.childrensartclasses.com / 904-612-7557 Jacksonville Science Festival Exploration Baymeadows / 9802 Baymeadows Rd, Suite 14, Camp • June 20 - July 29 Jacksonville, FL 32256 8am - 5pm Beaches / 880 US Highway A1A North Suite Six, Summer EXPLORATION for ages 5 - 15. Activi-

MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 12

SUMMER CAMPS ties include gardening, hands-on STEM activities, field trips, project-based learning, literacy/math, experiments, dance, visual and theatre arts and more. Lunch and snack provided. Cost: $175 per student/per week. 904-493-7300 / 3675 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, 32224 / www.jacksonvillesciencefestival.com Karate America Multiple locations in Jacksonville Summer camps in June, July, and August. Convenient times and weekly camps all summer long. Constructive, fun, and traditional martial arts benefits. Safe structured environment with knowledgeable supervision. Super fun summer camp teaches kids powerful life skills like focus, discipline and respect while learning cool martial arts moves. Diverse activities with physical games, movies, and fun! Kids will accelerate their training, enhance their skills, and have LOTS OF FUN! Space is Limited. Call the location near you today to enroll early and save! www.karateamerica.info Museum of Science & History (MOSH) June 6 - August 5 • 9am - 3pm K- 8th grade. Campers will spend their time in the classroom, in the museum, and outside in some instances for their camp. They will fill their day learning about the topic at hand through hands-on demonstrations, experiments, and crafts. Children will have free time to explore the museum exhibits and will be able to attend at least one science show, animal show, or planetarium show. Cost: $252/week for MOSH Members and $280/week for Non-Members. 904.396.MOSH (6674) / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, 32207 / www.themosh.org Next Step Broadway June 13 - 17 • 9am - 5pm Ages 10 - 17. NEXT STOP BROADWAY® is a week-long musical theatre program consisting of classes, workshops, and rehearsals focused on the "Golden Age of Broadway." The staff of Broadway professionals teaches songs and choreography from classic Broadway productions and replicates the process of putting on an authentic Broadway show. It is a five-day intensive that focuses on being in the ensemble of a classic Broadway show! Camp tuition is $575 for the week and includes lunch, snacks, and a t-shirt. 904-632-5000 / 11901 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, 32246 / www.fscjartistseries.org Ozzie’s Playful Computing Summer Camp at UNF • June 6 - 24, 9am - 3pm Summer Coding Camp for 1st through 5th Graders. Two Cohorts: Code Critters (1st-2nd grades) & Code Creators (3rd-5th grades). This unique, research-backed coding camp was created specifically for early learners (1st through 5th graders) to learn the fundamentals and principles of computer coding using MIT’s Scratch program. Nutritious snacks and drinks provided; campers to bring their own lunch. Daily multimedia mailers showcasing student engagement and growth.

Full Camp Experience: 3-week camp - June 6-24 - $1,050 or 1-week Summer Swoop-In Sessions: June 6-10, June 13-17, June 20-24 - $350/ week. 1 UNF Drive - Tom and Betty Petway Hall - STEM lab, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / www.unf. edu/coehs/nefstem/summer_camps.aspx River City Choral Festival & Day Camp June 6 - 10 • 9am - 4pm Rising 4 - 8th graders. The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus is excited to announce the 3rd annual choral festival and summer day camp, River City Choral Festival. Enjoy a fun-filled week of music, choral singing, and dance workshops! On the final day, all singers will perform in a concert showcasing what they have learned and experienced at the River City Choral Festival. Camp designed for treble voices (soprano and altos) ONLY. Early Bird Registration through April 30, 2022, 11:59 pm EST - $250. *Registration will increase to $350 on May 1, 2022. 904-353-1636 / 10131 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 / www.jaxchildrenschorus.org Theatre Jacksonville Summer Camp Session A: June 6 - 24 Session B: July 11 - 29 9am - 2pm Ages 7-14. There are two sessions, and each is three weeks long. Every day students will rotate through three theatrical arts areas (acting, dance, musical theatre), all in preparation for an original show that they produce at the end of the camp session. They hope to be able to offer in-person audience opportunities in the very near future, but for now the show will be recorded during the camp session and an opportunity for all to view the recorded, finished product (including the performers) will be provided upon the conclusion of the session. Cost: $600 per camper, per session. 904-396-4425 X16 / Trotter Activities Center, 1936 Hendricks Ave, 32207 / www.theatrejax.com Tommy Hulihan’s Summer Sports Camp June 6 - July 29 • 8am - 3pm K - 6th grade. Campers will participate in Team Sports and age-appropriate activities including Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, Kick Ball, Tag Games and more. Campers will be divided into groups based on their age. All family and friends will be allowed to be grouped together, regardless of age. Campers must bring a lunch Monday – Thursday. On Fridays, campers will have a pizza lunch. Cost: $150/week. Daily rates are $35 Monday-Thursday, and $40 for Friday (includes (Pizza Party on Fridays). Extended Care Available. 904-349-2611 / Beaches Chapel Gym – 610 Florida Blvd, Neptune Beach, FL 32266 / www.TommyHulihanBasketball.com

Visit Jax4Kids.com online for a complete and always updated list of Summer Camps.

Join MOSH for a fun-filled summer! JUN. 6 – AUG. 5 | 9 A.M. – 3 P.M.

MOSH combines education and entertainment in our annual Summer Camps. Each Camp encourages student curiosity and exploration as we venture around the Museum. Our highly-trained MOSH Educators utilize the entire Museum to make each Camp engaging for children of all ages.

Visit themosh.org for more information and to register your child.

THEMOSH.ORG

For ages 7-14

In-Person Sessions! SESSION A:

2022

June 6-24 SESSION B:

July 11-29

www.theatrejax.com MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 13

EDUCATION

Florida Student College Scholarship Opportunities

Dorothea B. Shaw Scholarship The Dorothea B. Shaw Scholarship will provide $6,000 ($1,500 per year for four years) to support tuition, books, fees, room and board, and degree-related expenses for a student graduating from a Duval County public or private school and attending an accredited post-secondary institution in the Northeastern United States. Northeastern states are Byon M. Morris Scholarship identified as CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, The Byon M. Morris Scholarship will provide and VT. In selecting the successful candidate, $4,000 ($1,000 per year for four years) to the review committee will consider academic support tuition, books, fees, room and board, achievements, leadership experience, desire and degree-related expenses for one graduat- for personal growth, and financial need. All ing senior who has attained Scouting’s highest applicants must have at least a cumulative 3.0 ranks. One Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts) or one grade point average (weighted) and plan to Gold Award winner (Girl Scouts) who demonattend on a full-time basis. strates an aptitude and desire to succeed will Sam and Lydia Payne Scholarship receive the scholarship. In selecting the successful candidate, the review committee The Sam and Lydia Payne Scholarship will will consider academic achievements, provide financial assistance for two students leadership experience, desire for personal graduating from a North Florida public or growth, and financial need. All applicants must private school who demonstrate an aptitude have at least a cumulative 3.0 grade point and desire to succeed. The scholarship will average (weighted) and plan to attend an support tuition and books up to $18,000 accredited post-secondary institution on a ($4,500 per year for four years) provided the full-time basis. recipient continues to meet the eligibility requirements. All applicants must have a pplications for the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida’s 2022 College Scholarships are open! All scholarship applications are due by the close of business on March 15, 2022. Available opportunities are listed below. Make sure to review the qualifications for each before determining whether to apply.

MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 14

cumulative 2.2 to 3.5 (weighted) grade point average and plan to take a full-time course load in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. In selecting the successful candidate, the review committee will consider a desire for personal growth and financial need. Elizabeth Edgar Hall Corporation Scholarships Elizabeth Edgar Hall Corporation empowers women's economic success by providing scholarships to women completing either an undergraduate or graduate degree from Edward Waters University (EWU), Jacksonville University (JU), or the University of North Florida (UNF). There are two scholarships available: 1. Elizabeth Edgar Hall Founders Scholarship The Elizabeth Edgar Hall Founders Scholarship will be awarded to one undergraduate female student who is completing/has recently completed her first year of undergraduate education and is on track to receive her bachelor’s degree from Edward Waters University (EWU), Jacksonville University (JU), or University of North Florida

(UNF). The award will provide up to $6,000 ($2,000/year for three years) provided the recipient continues to meet the eligibility requirements. 2. Della M. Levy Scholarship for Graduate Studies The Della M. Levy Scholarship for Graduate Studies will award one female student who has completed her undergraduate studies and is pursuing a full-time graduate degree from either JU or UNF. The award of $4,500 can be used to support tuition, books, and other college-related expenses in coordination with your Office of Financial Aid’s Cost of Attendance. In addition to these scholarships, Florida State Parks and Florida Prepaid are partnering to encourage families to explore Florida’s state parks through the Junior Ranger Program as well as prepare for their little ranger’s future with a risk-free college savings plan. As part of the promotion, ten Florida children will be selected to receive a 1-Year Florida University Plan college scholarship valued at approximately $7,000 and a Junior Ranger gift pack. 25 runners-up will be selected to receive a Junior Ranger gift pack. Visit any participating Florida State Park and ask for a Junior Ranger Kit. If you are not at the park, you can do the Virtual Junior Ranger from anywhere. j jaxcf.org floridastateparks.org

Things to Do Education Events

Jax PBS KIDS Writers Contest Thru March 15 It's time for the annual Jax PBS Kids Writers Contest. The contest is open to any child in grades K-3 who writes and illustrates their own story. Stories from each grade level will be selected as grade-level winners for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. All writers and illustrators who enter and meet the requirements of the Jax PBS KIDS Writers Contest will have their work published online at wjct. org and receive a certificate. Grade-level winners will also receive a Jax PBS KIDS bag of swag (may include, but not guaranteed, books, DVD, t-shirt); be invited to read their story live at Be My Neighbor Day; and have a video made of them reading their story. The People’s Choice winner, in addition to all of the above, will receive a $100 savings bond. All entries must be postmarked by March 15, 2022. WJCT Public Media / 904-358-6329 / 100 Festival Park Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / wjct.org

Jax4Kids Magazine October 2021.qxp_Layout 1 9/22/21 12:30 PM Page 1

RIVERSIDE Presbyterian Day School

Now Accepting 2022 - 2023 applications for PreK 3 - 6th Grade The Educational Journey Begins at Riverside!

Visit www.rpds.com to learn more!

/rpdsjax 830 Oak Street

Jacksonville, FL

@rpdsjax |

904.353.3459

@rpdsjax |

admission@rpds.com

Homeschool Art Club March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 11am to 12noon The Jacksonville Public Library hosts a Homeschool Art Club at the Southeast Regional Branch. The weekly event features painting, crafting, reading, and more. Registration is required for this event, and must be completed two hours prior to the start time. A library card is required for registration. Attendance is limited. Please arrive early to check in. Check-in starts 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. Jacksonville Public Library, Southeast Branch / 904-255-2665 / 10599 Deerwood Park Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / events.jaxpubliclibrary.org Duval 4-H Entomology SPIN Club March 3, 6pm to 7pm The Duval 4-H Entomology SPIN Club is a short-term, special interest 4-H club for youth ages 8-13 that is focused on competitions, careers, and systems related to bugs and insects. Participants will learn about the annual Florida 4-H Insectathon, the pest management field, and food systems related to bugs! The club is open to all youth ages 8-13 as of September 1, 2021. Participants are required to create an account in 4honline and pay the $20 annual membership fee, which is only paid once a year and qualifies them for all local 4-H events. Scholarships are available. UF/IFAS Extension / 904-2557450 / 1010 McDuff Ave North, Jacksonville, FL 32254 / sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu Spring 2022 Boy Scout Workshop March 5, 9am to 12:30pm Scouts will learn how to become active citizens aware of and grateful for their liberties and rights and standing up for individual

rights on behalf of all its citizens. This workshop will be offered in person at MOSH and livestreamed online at the same time. Online participants will be contacted with a Zoom link in advance. Cost is $35 per Scout for in-person attendees / $25 per Scout for Zoom attendees. MOSH / 904-396-MOSH / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org Duval 4-H Brick Engineering SPIN Club Tuesdays, March 8-29, 6pm to 7:30pm The Duval 4-H Brick Engineering SPIN Club is a short-term, special interest 4-H club for youth ages 5-10 that is focused on creating models of modern devices with building bricks. Participants will learn the process of designing and building windmills, mazes, water dams, monuments, balloon-powered race cars, houses, and more. The club is open to all youth ages 5-10 as of September 1, 2021. Participants are required to create an account in 4honline and pay the $20 annual membership fee, which is only paid once a year and qualifies them for all local 4-H events. Scholarships are available. UF/IFAS Extension / 904-255-7450 / 1010 McDuff Ave North, Jacksonville, FL 32254 / sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Education events.

Broadway

An Authentic Musical Theatre Experience

June 13-17 • Ages 10-17 Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts • Week-long summer camp program consisting of classes, workshops and rehearsals focused on the “Golden Age of Broadway.” • The staff of Broadway professionals teach songs and choreography from classic Broadway shows. • No Experience Required. • “Opening Night” performance for family and friends at the end of the week.

Visit fscjartistseries.org for pricing, registration, and more info At the present time, masks will be required.

MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 15

A year into half-penny sales tax sees progress on new construction, safety and security updates Frank H. Peterson students whip up winning dish in “Cooking with Champions” event

Outside may have been chilly, but temps were heating up inside Frank H. Peterson as culinary students from across the district fired up their burners in a special head-to-head cooking battle on Tuesday, February 8. In total, five teams from four different high schools battled it out in the “Cooking with Champions” competition, an event sponsored by The PLAYERS and TPC Sawgrass. Each team had one hour to whip up their rendition of seared sea scallops, butternut squash risotto, and chermoula sauce while executive chefs from TPC Sawgrass looked on and evaluated the dishes. In the end, it was the Frank H. Peterson team who snagged the win. The team consisted of student chefs, De’Cota Allen and Colun Smith, along with their faculty advisor Susan Dougherty. Their prize was an opportunity to cook alongside TPC Sawgrass Senior Executive Chef, Ashar Mohammad, among other top chefs, during the PLAYERS championship this month. Additionally, the students will receive a $1,500 scholarship from Florida State College at Jacksonville if they apply and are accepted into the school. The “Cooking with Champions” event was a collaboration among THE PLAYERS, TPC Sawgrass, and the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department with support from FSCJ and Publix. Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene said she is thankful to the district’s community partners for making these types of opportunities possible. “These community partnerships are absolutely invaluable because they help create beyond-the-classroom experiences where our children can become familiar with real-world scenarios and connect with leaders and mentors in their field,” said Dr. Greene. “The support we have from our community partners bolster the more than 50 Career and Technical Education programs available for both middle school and high school students.” District CTE programs range from culinary arts to web development, engineering, and aerospace sciences, and helps prepare students for the workforce of today and the future.

MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 16

On Nov. 3, 2020, voters overwhelmingly approved a voluntary half-penny sales tax to fund a historic facilities improvement program for Duval County’s public schools. Just over a year into the half-penny project, district staff and contractors have been working tirelessly to advance the design, development and renovation of schools across the district. Revenue on target with needs The half-penny sales tax revenue reached $92.27 million through November 2021. The district received $80.26 million from the collected revenue, with the remainder going to charter schools as required in Florida law. The funds garnered to date are sufficient to fund the district’s current ongoing projects within the master facility plan. Prior to voter approval of the tax, the master facility plan was approved by the School Board. The master facility plan is the guiding document on how the district will deploy the tax revenue now and in the future. The 15-year voluntary half-penny sales tax will continue to build revenue, resulting in the creation of safer school buildings and improved learning environments throughout Duval County. New and replacement buildings underway ● New K5 Rutledge H. Pearson: The new school, with a capacity of over 900 students, will serve as a prototype elementary school. Construction for the new elementary school is expected to begin in June 2022. The new school will house the student populations of Rutledge H. Pearson, Henry F. Kite, and Martin Luther King elementary schools. Students from the three schools will transition to the new campus in August 2023.

new campus is expected to open in 2024. Safety and security prototypes completed The master facility plan calls for safety and security building upgrades at schools in the first three years of the half-penny funding. The district chose one elementary, one middle, and one high school to be prototypes for the safety and security upgrades at all schools. Each prototype is evaluated against a preestablished scope of work for all safety and security projects. The standards allow teams to accelerate design and implementation as they define solutions to existing and potential security challenges. District schools will receive similar updates in the near future.

● Biltmore Elementary School: The safety and security updates for the elementary prototype included exterior and interior lighting improvements, installation of identification-controlled door access systems, and landscaping which included trimming and removal of trees and shrubbery to increase visibility and limit access to buildings and school property. The school also had door locking hardware upgraded and installation of clear directional signage. This project was completed in December 2021. ● Lake Shore Middle School: The safety and security updates for the middle school prototype included improvements to school fencing and gates, and the addition of window film to provide an extra layer of security for forced entry and damage. This project was completed in November 2021. ● Duncan Fletcher High School: The high school safety and security prototype received window impact resistant film, and bollards ● Chaffee Trail Middle: The new school project (vertical protection post in the front of a buildhas moved to the design and development ing, guiding vehicular traffic), and landscaping stage of construction. During the January which included trimming and removal of trees School Board meeting, Zyscovich Inc. was seand shrubbery to increase visibility and limit lected as the architectural and engineering firm access to buildings and school property. The over the project, and construction management school also installed identification-controlled firm Gilbane Building Company was awarded door access systems. Due to material shipping pre-construction services. The school is expectdelays, external lighting, directional signage, ed to open in August 2024. fencing and gate installation are expected to be ● Highlands Elementary: District staff are develcompleted by March 2022. oping the design contract for the new school This year, 42 additional schools will see improved and gathering pictures and documentation safety and security. The half-penny sales tax at Highlands Elementary to complete reports project will continue to fund the projects outlined in required by the state of Florida to gain approvthe district’s master facility plan, approved by the al to demolish the current school buildings. If approved, the new campus is expected to open School Board in 2020. The district will continue to analyze enrollment shifts over the life of the tax. If in 2024. enrollment shifts require modifications to the plan, ● Southside Estates Elementary: Like Highthe district will bring those modifications to the lands Elementary, Southside Estates Elementa- School Board. Project summaries, funding, schedry is currently going through the same process ules and more can be found on their master facility of developing the design contract and having plan implementation website at dcps.duvalschools. reports completed for demolition approval. The org/half-penny.

Engineers in the making – students design prototype for space mailbox Students across the district went on an out-of-this world mission as they put their design and engineering skills to work to build a space mailbox. About a dozen student teams from various grade levels competed in the district-wide Space Mailbox competition, which required them to design a concept and then bring it to life. They were able to show off their work at MOSH where the different mailboxes were assessed based on their design and construction. The goal was to give students a chance to apply real-world STEM skills in a creative and fun way. “This was a design and engineering project teaching them to use their creativity to build something under certain specifications,” said Dr. Yvonne Spinner, Director of Science for the district. “Here in Jacksonville, we’re a part of the space coast and there are

so many different organizations and careers that they might decide to enter if they only experienced space a little sooner. So this is our opportunity to make sure they have those experiences that they might not normally have access to.” The winning elementary school team was from Chaffee Trail Elementary. Their team built an astronaut-shaped mailbox. James Weldon Johnson had the winning secondary school team. The Space Mailbox competition was sponsored through a collaboration with MOSH, STEM2Hub, and Blue Origins/Club for the Future, an amazon non-profit. The winning teams design will be constructed and housed at MOSH and used to collect postcards from children that will be flown into outer space.

Palm Avenue, Alden Road Programs Give on-the-job Training for Students with Disabilities For Palm Avenue Exceptional Student Center teacher Cheryl Clavon, it’s simple – students with disabilities can gain employment, and they’re doing so on a regular basis. “They can in fact get jobs, they can maintain those jobs, and they can be very successful on those jobs,” said Clavon. Clavon is one of many Team Duval educators helping students and their families realize these goals through special programs. Whether they are learning essential skills in the classroom or getting on-the-job training, teachers say students are being empowered to become productive members of society. Enterprise Programs at Palm Avenue Exceptional Student Center Through the school’s Business Enterprise program, students are gaining valuable skills and experience in four different areas: Specially Grown Enterprises, Helping Hands Enterprises, Woodcutters & More, and the Palm Café. “My real goal with the school-based enterprises is to help the students learn how to be successful on a job site,” says Woodcutters & More teacher Gregory Schroer. “Are you on time? Are you all in task? Are you getting along with your coworkers? And then how are you dealing with your supervisors, especially when they’re giving you a correction and stuff?” With the school’s Specially Grown Enterprises, students are growing vegetables and learning about nutrition. In the Palm Café, students prepare break-

fast items, and sell them to teachers and staff. In the Helping Hands Enterprise, students are learning office skills such as filing, copying and collating documents. And with Woodcutters & More, students are working on projects and building unique items, such as wooden puzzles. Thanks to this diverse training, students are earning paid jobs, including with the district’s food service provider, Chartwells. For students like Sharonda Murphy, the experience is priceless. “I like that I can challenge myself to do different activities in each other enterprises that we do our school,” says Murphy. “I know I can be successful if I believe in myself.” Developed and based at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Project SEARCH is a national program that focuses on helping students with significant disabilities transition to employment. Students participating in Alden Road’s one-year program do so in a total immersion setting at the University of North Florida. “They are learning with their job skills, they are working with a coach, they’re working with a supervisor,” says Ayaenna McHugh, a Project SEARCH instructor with Alden Road. “They’re in the actual department, with other people that work there. And they are just learning so many skills and learning so many resources, time management, soft skills and hard skills.” As part of the program, students are asked to report to UNF daily. They not only learn employability and competitive job skills, but they also participate in

three internships throughout the year. Students also attend regular “Employment Planning Meetings” and get continual feedback from managers, co-workers, and staff. Graduates have gone on to earn employment with companies ranging from Olive Garden to Lowe’s. “I have definitely learned the importance of a job and how to react into it and how to be more responsible,” says Dillon Sweat, an Alden Road Student participating in the program. “I want to thank the teachers and students that helped me get to where I am.” Employers who are interested in hiring students from either program can reach out to specific staff. ● To inquire about hiring students from Palm Avenue Exceptional Student Center contact Job Developer Donna Okeafor at (904) 693-7516 extension 999955 or email okeaford@duvalschools.org ● To inqure about hiring students from Alden Road’s Project SEARCH Program can contact Instructor Ayaenna McHugh at (904) 565-8611 or at email TylermchughA@duvalschools.org. You may also contact Project SEARCH Skills Trainer John Pitocchelli at (904) 444-7467 or email jpitocchelli@progressiveabilities.org

MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 17

St. Johns County

School District News

Controlled Open Enrollment Programs of Choice Pursuant to HB 7029, 1002.31 F.S., parents seeking additional choice options for their student may enroll their child in any school in the state that has not reached capacity (available seats).

Schedule for Controlled Open Enrollment Timeline / Deadlines:

A list of schools accepting COE students will be released each year. Parents will fill out an application for each school they would like their child to attend during the application window. Assignments will be made through a random lottery system. Siblings will be provided a preference in the lottery. Transfers are granted through completion of the highest grade at the school.

Lottery and Notification: March 28 – April 1, 2022

IEP requirements cannot be guaranteed for students accepting a transfer through COE. For the 2022-2023 school year, the following schools have available capacity for the specified number of seats. No K-8 Schools or High Schools currently meet the Controlled Open Enrollment criteria. • • • •

Crookshank Elementary PVPV/Rawlings Elementary The Webster School, Elementary Murray Middle School

Controlled Open Enrollment (COE) Application: March 1 – March 25, 2022

Acceptance Deadline: Apri 15, 2022 Waitlist Expiration: August 10, 2022 Important Things to Note • Transportation to and from the transfer school is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. • Transfer Applications are for the up-coming school year. • Students who are subject to a suspension or expulsion at their zoned school are not eligible for controlled open enrollment transfers. • Student hardships are available for residents within St. Johns County only. • Student Hardship Transfer and Employee Transfer requests must be renewed each year.

Conscious Discipline Part 1, A Virtual Discussion On March 1st from 6pm – 7:30pm, the ESE Parent Advisory of the St. Johns County School District presents a virtual discussion on Conscious Discipline with SJCSD ESE program specialists Lisa Thacker, Tori Carnall and Kristen Logan. The goal of the program is to provide a proven, comprehensive approach that empowers parents with skills that create a safe, connected, problem-solving environment for families. Panelists will present an overview of Conscious Discipline, Part 1; Learn how to make parenting easier, better

and more fulfilling with discipline strategies that are backed by science and proven to be effective. The meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams platform. You can join the meeting on your computer or mobile app. Look for the link on the district website, www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/ news or call in (audio only) at 904-420-0831. Phone conference ID: 248 111 941#

Parents of students in 5th, 8th, and 9th grade may request a transfer for their child to enroll in a career academy or program of choice not offered at their home school. Programs of Choice include High School Career Academies, IB and AICE acceleration programs, ROTC and in middle school, a Center for the Arts program. ESE School Choice Options / McKay Scholarship Transfers Pre-K ESE students should submit an out-ofzone request to the Pre-K Office. The approval is based on a documented hardship, or space availability and the availability of the appropriate Pre-K ESE services to meet your child’s needs. The McKay Scholarship is available for students with disabilities with an IEP or 504 plan in grades K-12. It offers students with special needs the opportunity to attend a participating private school or an out-of -zone public school if there is space available and if your child’s IEP needs can be met at the school you are requesting. If you are interested in public school choice, you will need to contact the ESE Department. Hardship Waivers A student may be granted a hardship transfer when a condition or situation exists that implies an adverse or compelling circumstance or a state of misfortune unique to that student’s life or a family’s life situation. The situation could impact the student’s ability to achieve success at their zoned school.

Transfer Timeslines are as follows: Controlled Open Enrollment

Mar. 1 – Mar. 25, 2022

Lottery and Notification Mar. 28 – Apr. 1, 2022 Hardship Out of Zone Transfers

Beginning March 1, 2022

SJCSD Employee Applications

Beginning March 1, 2022

Contacts Controlled Open Enrollment, Dana Kirkwood, 904-547-7754 Programs of Choice, Emily Harrison, 904-547-4870 Hardship Waivers, Paul Abbatinozzi, 904-547-7583 ESE Transfers & McKay Scholarships, Tina Powell, 904-547-7712

Calendar of Events

*March 8 – School Board Meeting, 9am March 10 – Third Quarter Ends March 11 – Teacher Planning Day/Student Holiday March 14 – 18 – Spring Break, Student/ Teacher Holiday March 29 - Report Cards *School Board Meeting, 40 Orange Street and via Webex, instructions to access this virtual meeting will be posted on the St. Johns County School District website, www.stjohns.k12.fl.us

Employee Transfers Any parent or legal guardian employed fulltime by SJCSD may request a transfer for their child to attend the school in which they work, or the school closest to their primary work location if a different grade level. Applications are available for each transfer option at the appropriate time on the school district’s website and paper copies are available upon request.

Visit St. Johns County Schools online at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/schools for more information. MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 18

Clay County School News Backpack Collection for Keystone Kids H OSTED BY

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is collecting backpacks and drawstring bags for their next Hammer and Hope event on March 21st from 10am – 4pm at First Baptist Church of Keystone Heights. The event supports Clay County Families facing addiction, The bags will be given to local kids in the Keystone area. The goal is to provide them a few hygiene and learning supplies for the summer. Here’s how you can help! Fill a bag or backpack with the following items... Kids under 8: Toothbrushes Toothpaste Body wash Shampoo Puzzles Flash cards Activity books Coloring pencils

Kids 8 - 12: Toothbrushes Toothpaste Dental floss Body wash Shampoo Conditioner Puzzles Age appropriate books Small games / cards (Uno) Activity books Coloring pencils

Landon Evans Selected Florida Senate Page Landon Evans was one of seven Orange Park High School students who applied to be a Florida Senate Page with the Children's Home Society of Florida. He was selected to participate and go to Tallahassee at the end of January. Landon and his peers from Community Partnership Schools around the state got to meet senators, the governor, and take tours of the FDLE building and the House Chamber. They drafted their own bills and took those to a mock committee and session.

Kids over 12: Toothbrushes Toothpaste Dental floss Shampoo Conditioner Body wash Deodorant Puzzles Books Activity books Coloring pencils Gift cards

Our goal is 100 bags by March 18th! Drop off locations are our Middleburg substation located at 3799 Irvin Ct., Middleburg, FL 32068 or our main office at 901 North Orange Avenue, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. If you need us to pick up, send us an email. Sheriff@ClaySheriff.com

J O I N C L AY C O U N T Y I N C O LL A B O R ATI O N W I TH C O M M U N I T Y PA R TN ER S F O R A N

OV ER D OSE AWAR EN E S S SEM I N AR

He is one of more than 5,000 candidates in the 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2022. Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities. Way to go, Caleb!

March 8, 2022

Food Reception │ 5:30pm–6:15pm Seminar │ 6:30pm–8pm The Springs Church 317 Blanding Blvd. Orange Park, FL 32073

Bringing awareness to the opioid addiction crisis and helping our communities overcome it

Caleb Moncrief U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Candidate Congratulations to Keystone Heights Junior-Senior High School student Caleb Moncrief who made it to the next round as a candidate in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program!

TUESDAY

If you are unable to attend, we welcome you youtu.be/BjIKS5aMSs0 to stream live │

LANTIE JORANDBY, M.D. Chief Medical Officer Lakeview Health

WAYNE MCKINNEY Director of Investigations & Special Operations Clay CountySheriff’s Office

DAVID BROSKIE

GLENN EAST

Battalion Chief, Superintendent Clay County District Schools Community Paramedicine Coordinator Clay County Fire Rescue

PAN ELIST S F R E E R EG ISTR ATION* │

*Registration ensures food & attendance

TI N YU R L .C OM /2P8 H Y V KC

March Calendar March 3, 6pm – 9pm

Regular School Board Meeting Teacher Training Center, Fleming Island High School

March 11

End Third Grading Period

March 14 – 18

Spring Break, Student/Teacher Holiday

March 21

Planning Day/Student Holiday

March 25

Report Cards

www.oneclay.net

OP/Middleburg (904) 272-8100 Green Cove Springs (904) 284-6500 Keystone Heights (888) 663-2529 TDD (904) 284-6584

Connect with us!

MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 19

Nassau County School District News Our Schools...Our Students...Our Future!

Nassau County Names School-Related Employee of the Year Congratulations to Nassau County School District's School-Related Employee of the Year, April Ding-

man from Callahan Elementary School!

NASSAU.K12.FL.US/FOODSERVICE come join our team Are you passionate about children and food? Are you looking for a job that serves a purpose beyond yourself? Come join our mission to help fuel the next generation! We are looking for someone passionate and hard working and committed to do whatever it takes to feed our students in Nassau County! Job duties will fluctuate — applicant must be willing to be FLEXIBLE and work in the kitchens and move food, supplies and equipment to schools as needed!

Questions? Call 904-491-9924.

Instructional Continuity Plan

Nassau March Calendar March 2, 2022

Early Dismissal, See Individual School Schedules for Dismissal Times

March 7, 2022, 6pm

Joint Meeting with School Board and Callahan Town Council

March 9, 2022

Early Dismissal, See Individual School Schedules for Dismissal Times

March 9, 2022

End of Grading Period

March 10, 2022

Teacher Planning Day – No School for Students

March 10, 2022, 6:30pm

School Board Meeting, District Office

March 11 – 18, 2022

Spring Break – School Holiday – No School for Students and Teachers

March 23, 2022

Early Dismissal, See Individual School Schedules for Dismissal Times

March 30, 2022

Early Dismissal, See Individual School Schedules for Dismissal Times

March 31, 2022, 6:30pm

School Board Meeting, District Office

The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) developed an Instructional Continuity Framework to ensure that schools continue instructional and learning support services when standard operating procedures are disrupted due to emergency situations. Using

this framework, Nassau County School District refined their own ICP to support their students. Each district was required to make these plans publicly available and seek input. Visit Nassau.k12.fl.us to view plan and to take a survey for any input.

Spelling Bee

Nassau County School District's Spelling Bee winner is Kaleb from Hilliard Elementary, along with

Visit www.nassau.k12.fl.us for more School District News MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 20

runner-up Charles from Callahan Middle! Great job to all of the participants from each school!

Connect with us @nassauschoolsfl

Things to Do

PETS

Should You Sleep With Your Pet?

n a study of patients seen at the Center for Sleep Medicine in Arizona, 56% of pet owners said they allowed their pets to sleep in the bedroom. But is this popular practice good for you and your pets? As far as your dog is concerned, there’s little downside to getting to sleep with their favorite family member. Sleeping in your bedroom or bed may lead to a stronger bond, and it means that your pet places a high trust level in you and feels safe being vulnerable in your presence. The tighter bond, in turn, may increase feel-good hormones like oxytocin and dopamine in your pet. As for pet parents, there can be similarly good reasons to share your bedroom with your pet.

pet sometimes or frequently. Sleep dimensions, such as sleep quality, duration, and awakenings, were similar among youth, regardless of how frequently they shared their bed with their pet, indicating that dogs weren’t disruptive to children’s sleep. Micro-awakenings Can Be Harmful Whether or not your pet is disruptive to your sleep depends, in part, on how often they awaken during the night. Dogs have a different sleep-wake cycle than humans. During an eight-hour nighttime period, one study found that dogs averaged 23 sleep-wake episodes, with the average sleep-wake cycle consisting of 16 minutes asleep followed by five minutes awake.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be aware your dog is awake during that time; he’ll likely lie quietly. However, it’s also possible that If you feel depressed or anxious, having your dog he’ll move around, bark, or get on and off the to cuddle with at night can bring a sense of calm, bed. That activity could lead to fragmented sleep security, and companionship. on your part, including micro-awakenings, in which you’re jostled out of sleep but might not Further, in a study published in Mayo Clinic be aware of it. Proceedings, 41% of pet owners perceived their pets as unobtrusive or even beneficial to sleep. In Who Shouldn’t Sleep With Their Pet? another example, 40 adults without sleeping If you suffer from insomnia or other sleeping disorders and their dogs — one per bedroom disorders, you should experiment to see if and at least 6 months old — were monitored during sleep. Researchers used fitness trackers, sleeping with your pet improves or interferes with your sleep. People with asthma, allergies, or which allowed them to accurately gauge sleeping time for both the dogs and the humans. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may also find that nighttime exposure to allergens from Sleep efficiency, which is a measure of how their pet exacerbates symptoms or worsens much time is actually spent sleeping while in sleep. bed, was high: 81% for owners and 85% for Your pet’s personality, age, and health status dogs. should also be taken into account. Some dogs Owners slept a bit better when their dogs were react aggressively when accidentally nudged in off the bed as opposed to on it. Still, either way, a their sleep, for instance, while an older dog with sleep efficiency score of 80% or higher is vision issues could fall off the bed and be injured considered indicative of a good night’s rest. The during the night. researchers concluded: A compromise to keep your pet close at night, “Humans with a single dog in their bedroom but not too close, is to set up a cozy bed for your maintained good sleep efficiency; however, the dog on the floor of your bedroom. For others, dog's position on/off the bed made a difference. cozying up to their pet in bed while they sleep is A dog's presence in the bedroom may not be a comfort they wouldn’t want to change, and disruptive to human sleep, as was previously there’s no need to so long as you’re both suspected.” enjoying a good night’s sleep. j Dogs Act as a Security Blanket

Similar results were revealed among children, 34.6% of whom reported co-sleeping with their

healthypets.mercola.com

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.”

– Anatole France

Pet Events

PetSmart National Adoption Week Thru March 6 PetSmart hosts National Adoption Week, which offers a variety of small pets or reptiles. The event showcases adoptable pets in every PetSmart store in the United States and Canada. Area PetSmart Stores / 800-423-7387 / petsmartcharities.org Read Across America Day at the Jacksonville Humane Society March 2, 12noon to 6:30pm Celebrate National Read Across America Day with the animals at JHS. Pet lovers of all ages are invited to visit JHS to read out loud to the dogs and cats. Reading out loud is a wonderful form of enrichment for animals in shelters - it lowers their stress levels, helps them feel more calm in their kennels, and also helps them feel more comfortable around people. Stop by between 12noon to 6:30pm to read. From 3pm to 6pm only, enjoy special activities including free books for all participants while supplies last, scavenger hunt, and crafts for the animals at JHS. The Jacksonville Humane Society / 904-7258766 / 8464 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / www.jaxhumane.org BrewHound Mutt Market March 6, 2pm to 6pm BrewHound is hosting a local vendor market of artisans, crafters, bakers, makers, and more. Dogs not required, but they are welcome to attend. Brewhound Dog Park / 904-372-7266 / 1848 Kings Circle South, Neptune Beach, FL 32266 / www.brew-hound.com Chez Jacqueline Fashion Show March 16, 5pm to 7pm Chez Jacqueline hosts a fashion show. All proceeds benefit the Flagler Humane Society. Tickets are $20 each. Wine and cheese will be served, and there will be raffle tickets three for $5, 7 for $10, and 12 for $15. Must pre-pay to hold your spot, as the event is limited to 30 guests. Contact Chez Jacqueline to RSVP. Chez Jacqueline / 386-447-1650 / 25 Palm Harbor Village Way, Palm Coast, FL 32137 / flaglerhumanesociety.org Mini Workshop Series - Nail Trimming March 19, 3pm to 4pm This workshop is designed to make you more confident in trimming your dog's nail

at home. Instructors will show you how to reduce stress, trim appropriately, help you come up with a trimming schedule, and make it a fun experience for you and your dog. Sometimes it is all about the tool; they will show you different tools and how it makes a difference with each dog/handler pair. They will also discuss safely cutting dogs’ nails that are black and harder to see. Mini Workshops are designed to be budget-friendly, short clinics that help everyday dog owners better understand the topics presented. Each Mini Workshop has a specific topic and moves quickly to maximize time. Hands-on participation is on a voluntary basis only. Cost to participate is $5. Please leave your dogs at home; they will have practice dogs for you to work with. Homemade Hounds Bed & Biscuit / 904203-7314 / 34 Zibra Street, Middleburg, FL 32068 / www.homemadehounds.com Family Dog Safety Class March 27, 2pm to 3pm Did you know that 77% of dog bites come from a family or friend’s dog? This is an unfortunate statistic, but the good news is that dog bites rarely happen out of the blue or without warning. In this kid-friendly class for children and their families, learn how to “speak dog” and how to safely meet new dogs and interact with dogs you know and don’t know. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with a JHS dog behavior specialist. Register now – space is limited. The Jacksonville Humane Society / 904-7258766 / 8464 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / www.jaxhumane.org Flagler Humane Paint Your Pet March 28, 5:30pm to 8:30pm The Flagler Humane Society hosts a Paint Your Pet event. Create a cartoon likeness of your favorite four-legged friend using acrylic paint on a canvas. Bring a copy of the photo of your pet printed on an 8 1/2” x 11” piece of paper. Artist Heather L. Pastor will guide you through the process. No artistic experience is needed. $40 / person includes everything you'll need to complete your painting. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Flagler Humane Society. Please register in advance. Call Amy Carotenuto at 386-246-7684 to make your reservation. Flagler Humane Society / 386-445-1814 / 1 Shelter Drive, Palm Coast, FL 32137 / www.flaglerhumanesociety.org Like Jax4Pets.com’s Facebook page at facebook.com/jax4pets to find out about other events for pets.

MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 21

TEENS

Things to Do

Teen Events Riley’s Way Call For Kindness Teen Warehouse

alling young people ages 13 to 22 who want to change the world!

The Call For Kindness offers young leaders the chance to participate in a dynamic leadership development fellowship and win up to $3,000 in funding for a project of their own that inspires kindness and strengthens their local, national, or global communities. Young people are invited to submit projects tackling anything from equity and social justice issues to building meaningful connections within their school or community. The 2022 special topic will consider ten projects specifically focused on mental health, as Riley’s Way recognizes the growing need to highlight this critical issue only amplified by the pandemic. Riley's Way Call For Kindness is part of Riley’s Way Foundation, which was established by Mackenzie and Ian Sandler in 2014 to honor the life of their nine-year-old daughter Riley Hannah Sandler Applications open on January 20, 2022, and close on April 1, 2022. The Project Embody Riley’s Way values by designing a project that inspires kindness, strengthens your community, and brings people together. Working with your school or a non-profit partner, you can submit a brand-new idea or tell Riley’s Way how you want to improve or expand an existing youth-led initiative. The Prize Riley’s Way will award up to $3,000 to as many as 35 youth-led projects, ten of which will be specifically dedicated to projects related to mental health. In addition to the funding, Call For Kindness Fellows will also participate in a dynamic leadership development experience as one of their Kind Leader Fellows that will help you grow your project, your network, and your leadership skills. Each course is designed around the needs of the group of Fellows, with some of the classes taught by peers and other youth leaders. The Partners Each project is required to have both a partner organization and an adult mentor.

The partner organization will act as your fiscal sponsor and will receive the grant on your behalf. They must be a 501(c)(3), which means they can be either a non-partner organization or a school partner. This organization’s work should be related to your project and should help further advance your initiative. If you are creating a school club or doing work more locally, you might want to consider your school as a partner. If you are doing work on a larger scale, it might be easier to have a non-profit partner. If your project is already a 501(3)(3), you can apply as your own project partner, and you are exempt from requiring a project partner. Your adult mentor is a person who will help and guide you with your project and will be in touch with Riley’s Way staff as needed. If applicable, your mentor can be a part of your partner organization, but they do not have to be. They can be a teacher, coach, after-school counselor, camp counselor, art/music/theater teacher, troop leader, or another adult mentor in your life. Ideally, your adult mentor will not be your parent or guardian.

Mondays - Fridays, 2:30pm to 6pm Teens 13-18 are invited to participate in Teen Warehouse, a motivating program for middle and high school students. Activities include arts, community outings, games, study time, sports and individualized programs. Special Events and outings may require a fee. Located at several locations throughout Jacksonville. City of Jacksonville / 904-630-CITY / www.coj.net Balis / 904-255-6633 / 1512 LaSalle Street, Jacksonville, FL 32207 Emmett Reed / 904-858-1366 / 1093 West 6th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209 Henry T. Jones / 904-399-0615 / 3856 Grant Road, Jacksonville, FL 32207 Mary Lena Gibbs / 904-255-6636 / 6974 Wilson Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32210 Robert F. Kennedy / 904-630-0933 / 1133 Ionia Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206 FAFSA Workshop March 23, 5pm to 8pm Teens are invited for a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) workshop at the

University of North Florida. Participants will receive more information on Financial Aid and scholarships at UNF and will work on the FAFSA one-on-one with a Financial Aid counselor. Advanced registration is required, and space is limited, so register in advance. UNF Hicks Hall / 904-620-1000 / 4892 First Coast Tech Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / www.unf.edu Finding Your Academic Interest March 24, 8pm Applicants with a clear academic focus have a greater likelihood of being admitted by highly selective colleges. Join Stephen Friedfeld as he discusses how to find your academic interest. Stephen received a BA from Cornell University, an MA from Columbia University Teachers College, and a Ph.D. from Rice University. Prior to founding AcceptU, Stephen was an Assistant Dean of admissions at Cornell for four years and an Associate Dean of graduate admissions at Princeton University for six years. Stephen is an IECA Associate Member. Free, but reserve your space in advance. Revolution Prep / 877-738-7737 / answers@ revolutionprep.com / www.revolutionprep.com Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Teen events.

The Process/Timeline Step 1: Visit rileysway.org to start your application. You can submit a written or video application, and you can submit individually or with a group of peers. All applications will need to have an adult mentor to sign on to support the project and confirmation of support from their school or non-profit partner. Completed applications are due at 11:59pm on April 1, 2022. Then, review the application questions. Once you create an account and start your application, you can review and edit until the deadline. Step 2: Riley’s Way judges (made up of past Call For Kindness Fellows, Riley’s Way participants and alumni, and kind adult partners) will review the applications. Projects will be judged on how they embody Riley’s Way values, their feasibility, need, and impact. A judging rubric is available online. Step 3: Riley’s Way will announce the winners on May 6, 2022, in honor of Riley Sandler’s birthday. j rileysway.org

MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 22

Faces of Jax

Free overnight camp June 19-Jul 1, Lake City area • 4th or 5th graders • must be mature and friendly

CISV USA Jacksonville

Interchange

for teens born in 2007 or 2008 travel in Austria or France: Jul 1-14 host in Jax: Jul 15-31

National Leadership Camps

Ohio (kids born in 2010 & 2011) Maine (kids born in 2009 & 2010) Oregon (kids born in 2007 & 2008)

Building global friendship

CISV is a global non-profit organization dedicated to educating and inspiring action for a more just and peaceful world. Founded in 1976, CISV Jacksonville offers 2 to 4 week local & international leadership programs for ages 10 to 18 as well as for adults.

To apply, visit:

jacksonville.cisvusa.org/programs/apply

THINGS TO DO Clay County Agricultural Fair Advance Ticket Sale • Thru March 30 Tickets are on sale now for the 2022 Clay County Agricultural Fair. Regular Ticket Prices are $10 for Adults, $7 Senior / Child, and children 5 and under receive free gate admission. Advance sale ticket prices are $7 for adults, and $5 for Senior / Child tickets. Advance armbands will also be available for purchase for $17 each. Armbands will be good for any day except Saturdays. Concert tickets are also on sale now. Tickets purchased for concerts include gate admission. You can buy with confidence knowing that, should the concerts be cancelled due to COVID-19, you will have the opportunity for a full refund. The 2022 Clay County Agricultural Fair opens March 31 and runs through April 10, 2022. Clay County Fairgrounds / 904-284-1615 / 2493 State Road 16 W, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 / www.claycountyfair.org Playing with Light at MOSH • Thru April 24 LIGHT is fundamental to our everyday lives. With so many applications from the apparent simplicity of vision, the beauty of rainbows or paintings, to the hightech world of fiber optic communication, holographic security and laser surgery, light provides the basis for much of our technology and our view of the world. PLAY is a means to ignite the imagination for people of all ages. Open ended and without instruction, it offers the opportunity for exploration and creativity, but most importantly, it enables learning through experimentation, a key tenant of the scientific process. In drawing together PLAY and LIGHT, Scitech has created an exhibition experience like no other. Using basic physics principles, innovative interactive experiences and a sense of fun, Playing With Light offers the opportunity to explore our world and how it is illuminated through 21 exhibits with a multitude of outcomes. Museum of Science and History / 904-396-6674 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org Jacksonville Icemen vs. Orlando Solar Bears March 2, 7pm; March 6, 3pm; March 9, 7pm Jacksonville Icemen vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits March 12, 7pm; March 13, 3pm Jacksonville Icemen vs. Atlanta Gladiators March 18, 7pm; March 19, 7pm; March 20, 3pm Jacksonville Icemen vs. Florida Everblades March 25, 7pm; March 26, 7pm Tickets start at $12 each. VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena / 904-602-7825 / 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jacksonvilleicemen.com Clay County Strawberry Fest March 5-6, 10am to 5pm The Clay County Strawberry Fest features food, Plant City strawberries, arts & crafts, strawberry shortcake, live entertainment, free bounce houses, strawberry fudge, pony rides, face painting, free petting farm, Berry Cute Baby Contest, train rides, free inside toddler play area, bean bag toss, sack races, and more. Admission is $6 for adults and kids. Children 2 & under are free. Free parking. $1 off admission with canned good donation to benefit the local food bank. Clay County Fairgrounds / 386-860-0092 / 2497 State Road 16 West, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 / www.claycountyfest.com Masters of Illusion • March 9, 7:30pm Based on the multi-award-winning television series, this 21st-century magic show features modern illusions and arts of deception performed live on stage.

Ticket prices range from $25 to $49.50. The Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival March 12, 10am to 10pm; March 13, 10am to 7pm The annual St. Patrick's Day Parade begins at 10am on Saturday. The Festival features traditional Irish music, Scottish pipes and drums, contemporary Celtic Rock, Scottish Highland Games, Celtic vendors and food, and more in celebration of St. Augustine's remarkable Celtic history and heritage. General admission tickets are one-day tickets valid for either Saturday or Sunday. Tickets are $12.50 in advance or $15 at the gate for general admission. Retired and active duty U.S. Military Personnel with current ID admitted free. Children 12 and under admitted free. VIP Tickets are also available. Francis Field / 29 West Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.celticstaugustine.com Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Peter and the Wolf • March 13, 3pm Actor Michael Boudewyns returns to the Jacksonville Symphony with the timeless tale of boy and wolf. Prokofiev’s classic story and music have entertained and inspired kids and families for generations. Tickets start at $10. Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall / 904354-5547 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org GameFace 4:13 Training Academy March 18-19, 12noon to 3pm GameFace 4:13 offers monthly basketball training camps and mentorship workshops for the youth all year round. At the camps, instructors incorporate a variety of drill training, individual breakout sessions, live games, mentorship sessions and more. These sessions will further athletes' game readiness by providing intensified training focused on specific basketball skills. The mentorship workshops use the game of basketball as a tool to teach the youth skills and prepare them for life. Through the teachings of basketball, they are committed to elevating the youth to an advanced level and building leaders on and off the court. Free and open to children in grades 6-9. River City Church / 904-878-9911 / 6801 Merrill Road, Jacksonville, FL 32277 / www.gameface413.org

FSCJ South Campus, 11901 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 Metropolitan Park, 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 St. Augustine Lion’s Club Seafood Festival March 26, 10am to 10pm; March 27, 10am to 6pm The Festival features lots of food, entertainment and arts & crafts. There will be a Kid Zone, arts & crafts show, inflatables, and more. Some activities have a fee. Pets and coolers are not allowed. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. All net profits from the Festival go to support charitable causes and individuals in need: local, state, national, and international, in that order. Francis Field / 25 West Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / lionsfestival.com Art in the Park • March 26, 12noon to 5pm Visit James Weldon Johnson Park to watch local artists create chalk masterpieces to celebrate the theme “My Wish for Jacksonville - Celebrating The Next 200 Years”. During the competition, artists of all ages will have up to six hours to create a work of art entirely from chalk. Visitors to the park will be able to watch the art happening right before their eyes, talk to the artists and vote on which ones they like best. Participants will be given chalk and other tools to create their sidewalk art. Once the time is up, judges in the art community will visit each piece and vote on their favorites. Combined with the public vote, there will be first, second and third place prizes in three categories: Main Artists, High School Student, and Middle School Student. James Weldon Johnson Park / 904-515-5098 / 135

West Monroe Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / jamesweldonjohnsonpark.org Paddington Gets in a Jam • March 26, 1pm Paddington, the famous, accident prone bear, comes to Jacksonville for one show only. All ages are welcome for this family-friendly comedy. Ticket prices range from $20 – $50. Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com Anastasia March 29-31, 7:30pm; April 1, 8pm; April 2, 2pm and 8pm; April 3, 1:30pm and 7:30pm An adventure-filled musical inspired by the beloved films Tickets range from $45.50 to $111.50. Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts / 904632-5000 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.fscjartistseries.org Disney On Ice Presents Dream Big March 31, 7pm; April 1, 7pm; April 2, 11am, 3pm, 7pm; April 3, 1pm, 5pm Dream Big features favorite Disney friends such as Mickey, Miguel, Moana, Elsa, Anna, Belle, Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie, and more. Tickets start at $15. Veterans Memorial Arena / 904-630-3900 / 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www. disneyonice.com EDITOR’S NOTE: Dates, times and locations are accurate at time of publication; events and activities listed in this guide are subject to change without notice. Visit Jax4Kids. com for updated information and more events!

Monster Jam 2022 • March 19, 7pm Monster Jam will feature over 12 trucks. Tickets start at $25. At the Monster Jam Pit Party, 2:30pm to 5:30pm, fans can see the massive trucks up close, meet their favorite drivers and crews, take pictures and more. Pit party tickets are $20 each and must be accompanied by an event admission ticket. TIAA Bank Field / 866-248-8740 / 1 TIAA Bank Field Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.monsterjam.com Jacksonville Science Festival March 24-25, 9am to 2pm – FSCJ South Campus March 26, 10am to 3pm - Metropolitan Park All students, teachers, experts, organizations, local businesses and community partners are invited to come together to celebrate education with all of the Jacksonville community and surrounding regions. Activities include STEAM interactive booths, hands on art, science activities, hands on interactive research data, community art projects, a mega obstacle course, rock wall bungee experience, food trucks, and more. Admission is free and open to the community. Jacksonville Science Festival / 904-493-3535 / www. jacksonvillesciencefestival.org

now playing For Showtimes and Tickets:

WORLDGOLFIMAX.COM World Golf Village | I-95 Exit 323 | St. Augustine

MARCH 2022 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 23

Jax4Kids March 2022

Articles inside

Clay County School News

Nassau County School District News

March Events

Florida Student College Scholarship Opportunities

Limiting Screen Time in Infants May Decrease Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder