Drawn together: Creators of “Spirited Away” create unexpected love story

Parents who yearn for wholesome entertainment for their tweens, about contributing to their community, helping out at home, and ok, a smattering of puppy love, too, will be thrilled to screen the animated Japanese film “From Up On Poppy Hill” for their family’s next movie night.

Just released on DVD and Blu-Ray, this 2011 movie is set in the quaint seaside town of Yokohama in 1963. It centers on Shun (Anton Yelchin) and Umi (Sarah Bolger). The friends join to lead their fellow students on a crusade to save their school’s quirky Latin Quarter, a beloved, ramshackle clubhouse.

Your tween may get drawn in by the movie’s romance and stunning artistry, and will learn about a fascinating time in Japan’s history.

“From Up On Poppy Hill” Blu-ray + DVD, $34.95, DVD, $29.94, www.amazon.com.

Harlem Hebrew Language Academy Charter School

An academically rigorous K&ndash;5 curriculum including intensive instruction in the Hebrew language. A diverse student body develops a strong sense of social and civic responsibility across the curriculum.

Garden School

A coed, fully-accredited, independent school in Jackson Heights offering an excellent and affordable Nursery&ndash;Grade 12 education. Small classes allow for a personalized approach.

Ready Set Grow Preschool

<a href="https://www.readysetgrownassau.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.readysetgrownassau.org/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1692384562653000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3H4vbx-RdPPdKc5YnYYhnS">Ready Set Grow Preschool&nbsp;</a>(RSG), located in New Hyde Park believes that lifelong learning begins with a well-rounded, comprehensive and compassionate early childhood education.&nbsp; Ready Set Grow, the treasured preschool attached to the Progressive Athletic Center, serves as an educational hub for children 2 to 4 years of age. The educational team at RSG have created an enriching environment that hones in on children&rsquo;s natural curiosity about the world around them in order to promote socialization, creativity, and critical thinking. Student&rsquo;s delve into thematic daily play-based lessons in science, mathematics, art, literary enrichment, and physical education that serve as building blocks for the child's academic future. Preschoolers at RSG have the unique opportunity to develop their gross motor skills at the attached, fully equipped gymnastics facility where they engage in climbing, movement-based games and gymnastics.&nbsp; Ready Set Grow preschool offers 4 age-based classes taught by certified teachers. Each thoughtfully curated class is an excellent nursery to grade school transition. The warm and welcoming environment of the school allows children to feel confident in their new-found independence. As a first-time mom, N.S,&nbsp; was relieved when her son felt immediately comfortable at the preschool relaying to the director that, &ldquo;From the first day of school, my son's teachers have shown such warmth, compassion and professionalism. We are greeted each day with genuine smiles and excitement. My son looks forward to drop off each day and often mentions teachers and classmates at dinner. It's so cool to know that he&rsquo;s making such good memories&rdquo;. The professional and fun-loving staff helps their students cultivate social and academic skill sets that will be utilized throughout their school career. As a mom of two now-grade schooler&rsquo;s, Cheryl L. thanks RSG for &ldquo;...making her children's pre-school experience so special and helping to prepare them for Pre-K. Cherryl continues by stating, &ldquo; RSG staff creates an educational atmosphere combined with caring, creativity and fun.&rdquo; <a href="https://www.readysetgrownassau.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.readysetgrownassau.org/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1692384562653000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3H4vbx-RdPPdKc5YnYYhnS">Ready Set Grow Preschool</a>&nbsp;is now accepting Fall new-student applications for 2&rsquo;s, 3&rsquo;s and 4&rsquo;s. Visit their website or email RSG&rsquo;s head director, Louiza at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a>&nbsp;for information on classes and registration.&nbsp;