August already?

Halfway through the summer? It can’t be but it is. The weeks fly by in a way they don’t when there’s snow and ice on the ground. Right? Whether it’s vacations away or days in the park or at the beaches, summers in the city are never long enough.

Our issue this month presents our annual Fall School Guide. We hope you will take a good look at the many options around your borough for education opportunities. So many fine professionals throughout our communities are offering wonderful choices from daycare to high school. There’s something for everyone.

In addition, this issue has an article I think is very important and is a must-read. Our resident writer Tammy Scileppi has given us another wonderful insightful piece on the important world of social media and its affect on our adolescents. Through a fascinating interview with Dr. Melissa Robinson-Brown, they discuss the growing cultural phenomenon. Make sure to read “Too Connected.”

I am a part of this world too. I text, I email, I have two Facebook accounts and am no stranger to social media. However, when I end my day and am in our office building elevator, I often am the only rider not holding a smartphone and either reading or typing. When I dine out with my 20-something daughter, her phone is always present and beeping with texts coming in and mine is stored in my purse where it largely stays. Even when I’m at my desk, that’s where my phone is stored. It doesn’t follow me everywhere and when I get home, I seldom am aware of its presence, which is why I still have a land line, otherwise no one can reach me by phone. But I am not an adolescent and in fact, am strongly categorized as a digital immigrant. These youngsters are natives.

And don’t miss reading the piece on “Older Moms” by another of our resident writers, Allison Plitt. As one of those gals myself, I am a true testament to the trend that has been developing, although I do take issue with her contention that 20 years ago it was unheard of for a woman in her 40s to be giving birth. Actually, it was just starting to be a trend and a woman over 35 having a first time pregnancy was no longer referred to as having a “change of life baby.” As women explored life, love and new careers, there was naturally often a delay in not only having children but in entering into committed relationships. Anyway, there are indeed unique issues and this is a good read.

Make sure the summer is not going by with your kids no longer reading, writing and engaging in learning activities of some kind. The loss of continuity is detrimental. Visit the libraries and read as a family. It’s such a bonding pleasure.

Enjoy the final month of summer. I know I will. Thanks for reading!

Relevant Directory Listings

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Ready Set Grow Preschool

<p><a href="https://www.readysetgrownassau.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.readysetgrownassau.org/&source=gmail&ust=1692384562653000&usg=AOvVaw3H4vbx-RdPPdKc5YnYYhnS">Ready Set Grow Preschool </a>(RSG), located in New Hyde Park believes that lifelong learning begins with a well-rounded, comprehensive and compassionate early childhood education. </p> <p>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’s natural curiosity about the world around them in order to promote socialization, creativity, and critical thinking. Student’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. </p> <p>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,  was relieved when her son felt immediately comfortable at the preschool relaying to the director that, “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’s making such good memories”. 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’s, Cheryl L. thanks RSG for “...making her children's pre-school experience so special and helping to prepare them for Pre-K. Cherryl continues by stating, “ RSG staff creates an educational atmosphere combined with caring, creativity and fun.”</p> <p><a href="https://www.readysetgrownassau.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.readysetgrownassau.org/&source=gmail&ust=1692384562653000&usg=AOvVaw3H4vbx-RdPPdKc5YnYYhnS">Ready Set Grow Preschool</a> is now accepting Fall new-student applications for 2’s, 3’s and 4’s. Visit their website or email RSG’s head director, Louiza at <a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a> for information on classes and registration. </p>

The Long Island School For The Gifted

<p>A smart start of an educational journey. </p> <p>For over 40 years, The Long Island School For The Gifted has provided an accelerated experience for gifted children in pre-kindergarten through ninth grade, in a nurturing environment where they will be both intellectually challenged and comfortable socially. LISG helps gifted students develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed for life. Emotional, and social needs of the gifted child are addressed whilst building strong character as part of the commitment to developing the whole gifted child.</p> <p>The beauty of an independent gifted school like LISG is that students can learn and grow with others who are like them.  We have found that LISG’s whole-school approach to gifted education has benefitted our students both more broadly and more deeply than alternative approaches—like isolated “enrichment” activities, single accelerated classes, or simply placing exceptionally intelligent children with older students in higher-grade classes.  With gifted peers, students learn in a cooperative environment that provides for their social and emotional development and in which giftedness is valued and nurtured by every teacher and staff member in the school.</p> <p> LISG has rolling admissions. Availability is limited based on the grade.  Contact them today.</p>

Lyceum Kennedy Japanese School

<p><span style="font-size: 13px; color: #000000; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; font-family: 'Arial'; font-style: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none;">日本語習得と日本文化の継承を基本に全日制、補習校、サマースクールと大きく三つのプログラムがあります: There are three main programs based on Japanese language acquisition and inheritance of Japanese culture: full-time, supplementary school, and summer school.</span></p>