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2019 / Archives for October 2019

Archives for October 2019

How to Protect Your Child From Identity Theft

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Have you ever received a piece of seemingly junk mail addressed to your underage child that you simply discarded? Next time, dig a little deeper into the content. Why? Because a credit card or loan offer can be a warning sign that your child may be a victim of identity theft. Left undetected, your child could be connected to massive fraudulent debt and bad credit before they can even vote.

One in 40 families with children under 18 had at least one child whose personal information was compromised, according to a recent survey by the Identity Theft Assistance Center and the Javelin Strategy & Research group.

All it takes is a Social Security number – often applied for at birth – which can be paired with a different name, birth date and address to apply for credit. This is called a synthetic identity. And, for nearly 18 years, there is typically little risk of detection.

“The primary use of stolen personally identifiable information is for financial purposes,” said Trevor Buxton, fraud awareness and communications manager at PNC Bank. “Using the stolen Social Security number, identity thieves can open credit cards, rent apartments, buy cars, secure jobs, and apply for welfare or other government programs.”

Warning Signs of Identify Theft

Other warning signs your child may be a victim include:

  • Notification by the IRS of unpaid taxes in your child’s name.
  • Notification that a child’s Social Security number was used on another tax return.
  • Receiving collection calls for a minor child
  • Receiving bills in a child’s name for products or services not ordered or delivered.
  • Declined for government benefits because benefits already are being paid to another account using the child’s Social Security number.

What to Do to Prevent Identity Theft

Parents can be proactive in protecting their child from identity theft:

  • Never carry your child’s (or your) Social Security card in your wallet or purse. Keep it in a safe place, where it is not at risk of being stolen.
  • Pay attention to forms from schools, doctor offices and others asking for personally identifiable information about your child. Opt out if you can or use the last four digits only.
  • Shred all documents that show your child’s personally identifiable information before throwing them away, just as you do for your own documents.
  • Most importantly: Request a credit report for your child annually, using the child’s Social Security number for reference. Every individual is entitled to one free copy of their credit report once every 12 months at www.annualcreditreport.com. If there is no credit history on record, then typically the child has not fallen prey to identity thieves.  If there is a credit history for a minor child, he/she has mostly likely become a victim.

Read Next | Securing Our Schools

What to Do to if You Think Your Child Is a Victim

If you suspect your child may be a victim:

  • Place a 90-day credit alert on your child’s file. There is no charge, but it must be renewed every 90 days. Contact one of the three credit reporting agencies who will then contact the other two:
  • Place a security freeze on the child’s credit to block all unauthorized credit inquiries. There is a cost involved, typically a one-time cost ranging from $2-$15 depending on the state. You also may be charged a similar fee to temporarily or permanently lift the freeze.
  • File a police report.
  • Contact businesses identified in your child’s credit report. Request that any account associated with your child’s Social Security number be closed as a fraudulent account.
  • Contact all three credit reporting companies. Request the removal of all accounts, inquiries and collection notices associated with your child’s name and Social Security number.

Provided by PNC Bank • www.pnc.com

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This is How to Choose a Day Camp During Covid

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Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, many parents are hoping to send their children to camp this summer. Summer day camp is a place where children can stretch their minds, exercise their bodies, develop new interests and forge lasting friendships. For young children, it is a good introduction to the camp experience. For older ones, it is a way to enjoy the activities without the overnight option. Day camp programs vary from one setting to the next. So how can you help make the most of your child’s day camp experience?

Before you consider a camp, inquire about all health and safety precautions. The CDC and American Camp Association offers guidelines for camps opening following the coronavirus pandemic. Use those guidelines as a checklist when you contact camps and don’t consider any camps who don’t adhere to them.

1. Consider interests. Day camps offer a host of options that include everything from one centralized activity to a variety of traditional camp fun. Talk with your child about his interests and what he would like to gain from the experience. Would he enjoy an assortment of activities or does he want to concentrate on one skill, such as soccer or art?

2. Ponder program length. Day camps range from several hours to a full day and can run from one week to an entire summer. How long your child should participate in a program will depend largely upon his age, developmental level and previous camp experience. First-time campers would do well starting in a partial- to full-week program. Experienced campers may enjoy one that runs throughout the summer. Even if your child decides to stay at camp all summer, consider allowing a few weeks break between school and camp (and vice versa) for down time.

Read Next | Summer Activities

3. Look at location. If you choose a day camp close to home, commute time will be less and your child may already be acquainted with some of the other children. A day camp near your employer, however, would give you quick access to your child, in the event of an emergency. But if your child needs additional morning or afternoon childcare, you may want to consider a program close to your sitter.

4. Ask about staff. Find out what the camper-to-counselor ratio is. Ideally it should be six campers to one counselor, as recommended by the American Camping Association. What experience and/or training do the counselors have? How are they selected? What is the camp’s discipline policy? Are they trained to take care of health concerns such as asthma, allergies and dispensing medicine?

5. Focus on the facility. Ask about indoor and outdoor facilities. Is there ample indoor space for children to play during inclement weather? What do they do if it rains all week? Is the outdoor equipment and grounds well maintained and safe? Are the children’s swimming skills tested before they are allowed to enter the water? Is the staff certified in lifesaving and present during water activities?

6. Investigate cost. Inquire about additional fees. Some day camps have a base price but charge extra for trips, special events and activities. If the camp you want to send your child to costs more than you can afford, find out if there is a scholarship program. Also ask about a refund policy, in the event of an illness or family emergency.

Read Next | Can’t Wait for Camp!

7. Arrange a pre-visit. Many day camps have open houses prior to season start up. Find out if the camp you have chosen has one. If not, make other arrangements to introduce yourself to those who will be caring for your child. Since open houses are a good time to gather information, jot down any questions you have before leaving home. If they are not addressed during this time, ask to speak with someone before securing your deposit.

8. Fill out forms. During your pre-visit, you may receive forms to fill out. When it comes to medical forms, be thorough and specific. If your child was on a medication during the school year but will be taken off of it for the summer, make sure the camp is aware of this as it could cause an extreme change in behavior. Insect and food-related allergies should be listed too. Equally important is to share other concerns, such as if your family is going through a divorce or has experienced a recent death, as this may affect how your child interacts throughout the day. Remember, camps look out for the physical and emotional needs of your child, so the more information you provide, the better equipped they will be.

You will also be asked to fill out an emergency contact form, which lists another designated individual to call if you cannot be reached in the event of an accident or illness. While it is imperative to have an appointed individual, equally important is that the person knows she is designated as such. Every year camps contact the emergency person listed and she was not informed she was “on call.” The best advice? Check with that individual before writing the name down.

9. Peruse policies & procedures. Camp should give you materials on camp policies, procedures and planned activities. If you and your child know what to expect and what is expected of you, camp will run smoother. Most camps have a weekly schedule so parents know what the upcoming activities are. Talk with you child about what is planned. If she cannot participate due to health reasons, make sure you (not your child) inform the camp.

In recent years, many day camps have developed strict policies about leaving technology items – cell phones, handheld games and other tech toys – at home. Their philosophy is day camps are designed to be enriching experiences and the children should be engaging in these activities rather than playing with electronics. If restricted items are brought to camp, they may be confiscated and returned at the end of the day in hopes the child gets the message.

10. Keep the line of communication open. Talk about camp before it even starts. Reassure your child of the positive experience he will have. At the end of each camp day, find a block of uninterrupted time where you can listen as he shares his adventures. Ask what he liked about camp and if there were any things he didn’t like. If he is having a hard time articulating what happened, break it down by activities—“What crafts did you do?” “Did you play any outdoor games that involved balls or running?” “Who did you play with at the pool?” “Who did you sit with at lunch?” Above all, encourage your child to always do his best, obey the rules and be respectful of others, and chances are, he’ll have a great time.

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE CHOOSING A CAMP

  • Are you licensed by the state or do you hold an accreditation or certification? What exactly does that credential mean?
  • What kind of background, training and experience do counselors and staff have? How are they chosen?
  • What is the counselor-to-camper ratio? How many students are in each group? How often are the groups together?
  • What kind of medical response is on hand? Camp nurse or CPR and first-aid certified staff?
  • Are you able to administer medicine?
  • What is a typical day like?
  • How often will the campers take field trips? Where do they go? Is there increased supervision in populated setting?
  • What other resources are available to campers, such as a pool, ice arena, farm, hiking trails, ropes course, archery, etc.? How often will my child be able to participate in these?
  • Are lunches and/or snacks provided?
  • Do you offer before- and after-care? Will it be the same staff caring for my child?
  • How often are the facilities cleaned?
  • What alternative plans do you have for inclement weather?
  • What does the camp fee cover? What extra fees will I be required to pay?
  • Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
  • What is the refund policy and rules regarding transfer of weeks?
  • What is your policy regarding cell phones and other technology items brought to camp?
  • How do you handle homesickness and other adjustment issues?
  • What is the discipline policy?
  • How do you handle bullying?
  • What are your drop-off and pick-up policies?
  • Will you provide references?

By Denise Yearian, a former parenting magazine editor, and the mother of three children.

Find a summer camp in Staten Island

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Culture Class: Visiting An Ethnic Museum with Your Family

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Museums are a wonderful way to explore new facts about heritage. Whenever school lets out, set aside a day for exploring culture. Learn more about your family’s ethnic background or discover new ethnicities together. Here are some great places to start, including a few museums located right here in Staten Island.

National Museum of the American Indian – This branch of the Smithsonian is home to one of the world’s largest collections of Native American artifacts, including objects, photographs, archives, and media covering the entire Western Hemisphere, from the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego. The impressive collection represents over 12,000 years of history and more than 1,200 indigenous cultures throughout the Americas. Located at One Bowling Green, Manhattan. americanindian.si.edu

Museum of Chinese in America – MOCA brings 160 years of Chinese American history to life through its exhibitions and educational and cultural programs. MOCA’s Collections and Research Center currently houses more than 65,000 artifacts, photos, memorabilia, documents, oral histories, and art work.  Located at 215 Centre Street, Manhattan. www.mocanyc.org

Sandy Ground Historical Society – The oldest continuously inhabited free black settlement in the United States, a major stop on the Underground Railroad, and possibly containing the only intact 18th-century cemetery African cemetery in the country, Sandy Ground is more than a museum – it’s an actual piece of African American history. Located at 1538 Woodrow Road, in Rossville, Staten Island. sandygroundmuseum.org

Garibaldi Meucci Museum – The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum was the home of Antonio Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone, and a refuge to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the legendary hero who championed the unification of Italy. Owned by the Sons of Italy Foundation, this museum seeks to preserve the legacies of these men and to promote understanding of the Italian-American heritage through cultural, artistic and educational programs and classes. Located at 420 Tompkins Avenue, Staten Island. garibaldimuseum.org

Jewish Museum – The Jewish Museum was the first institution of its kind in the United States and is the oldest existing Jewish museum in the world. It houses 30,000 works of fine art, Judaica, antiquities, folk art, ceremonial objects, and broadcast media which reflect the global Jewish experience over more than 4,000 years. Located at 1109 5th Ave at 92nd St, Manhattan. thejewishmuseum.org

Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art – Featuring Tibetan and Himalayan art and ritual objects, this small but scenic museum sits on Staten Island’s Lighthouse Hill and resembles a Tibetan mountain monastery. Special programs including films, musical performances, lectures and travel talks, traditional Tibetan crafts, family activities and more. Located at 338 Lighthouse Avenue, Staten Island. tibetanmuseum.org

El Museo Del Barrio – This museum covers a wide range of Puerto Rican, Latin American and Caribbean art and culture.  Its collection includes over 6,500 objects, spanning more than 800 years. It was founded by coalition of activists who felt that Latino artists were not well represented in mainstream museums. Located at 1230 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan. elmuseo.org.

Always call ahead or check the website to confirm museum hours and confirm availability of tours.  

 

 

 

Community & School News April 2017

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Important School Dates

April 10 -18 – Spring Recess (including Passover and Good Friday) Public Schools closed

Dine Out for Autism

Dining Out is much more fun when it’s for a great cause. In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, restaurants throughout the five boroughs and Long Island have designated a portion of sales in April to directly benefit the Eden II & Genesis Foundation. Eden II provides programs and services for children and adults living with autism on Staten Island, as well as Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Services include schools, adult day programs, family support programs, residential programs, consultation and training.

Over 30 restaurants are running special promotions to help raise funds and awareness, 17 of which are located in Staten Island. Those restaurants are: Italianissimo, Marina Cafe, Ho’ Brah, Blue, Beso, Bayou, Jimmy Max, The Hop Shoppe, Z One, Z Two, Bocelli, Liberty Tavern, The Stone House, La Fontana, The Burrito Bar, O’Neill’s and Da Noi.

Light It Up Blue!

Will you shine a light on autism Awareness? Sunday, April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. In honor of the day, the group Autism Speaks encourages the world to “Light It Up Blue” to spread awareness. The initiative is supported globally, with such iconic landmarks as the Empire State Building, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Sydney Opera House glowing blue in past years. You can show your own support by wearing blue clothes or accessories, switching your outdoor lights to blue bulbs, or sharing your “LIUB” pictures on social media using the hashtag #LIUB. Learn more ways to go blue on April 2 and to learn how you can make a donation to Autism Speaks.

St. George Day 2017

What do dragons and Earth Day have in common? They’re the stars of the show at the annual St. George Day celebration on Staten Island’s North Shore. The popular community festival will take place Saturday, April 22 from 11am to 5pm in and around Tompkinsville Park. The free event will include kids’ activities, family oriented fun, outdoor art installations, live music, street performance, crafts, and Earth Day demonstrations. Several of St. George Day’s signature offerings, including Earth Day Zone, Art Around the Park, the Festival Dragon Parade, and the giant 35-foot puppet spectacle, “St. George & the Friendly Dragon,” will again be presented. The Dragon Parade kicks off at 2pm. Organizers are also seeking volunteers to help out on the day of the event. High School students will receive community service credit for their participation. Further details on this exciting Staten Island tradition.

P.S. 30: A Place to Grow

Earth Day may be approaching, but the students of P.S. 30 are eco-conscious all year round.  Staten Island Parent columnist and Community Education Council President Michael Reilly recently met with the Westerleigh school’s Green Team coordinator, Mrs. Mitchell, to discuss the program.

The Green Team is a student driven program to help make a positive impact in the community by choosing environmentally friendly habits. The Team’s main responsibility is to collect and sort bottles for recycling, with students working in shifts and logging their hours. The school then deposits the money earned from recycling into an account and the Team holds discussions and votes on how to use the funds for the school. New plants, trees and other items to spruce up the school building are some of the items the Team has purchased. On Fridays the students are “paid” in the form of sweet treats from Assistant Principal Mr. Napolitano. The Green Team has partnered with several city agencies and organizations that align with their mission. One organization is NYC GROW, which provided a grant to purchase a Greenhouse in Mrs. Mitchell’s science room.

“It was great listening to the students explain their efforts with such pride,” Reilly said. “The program allows the students to demonstrate cross learning, applying organizational skills, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics. The Green Team is a wonderful program and definitely makes P.S. 30 ‘A Place To Grow.'”

P.S. 50’s Budding Artists

Borough President Oddo recently welcomed several talented 4th grade students from P.S. 50 to Borough Hall to view their own beautiful artwork on display. The students had been asked to use specific perspective techniques and color grouping to play with depth perception, and were inspired by artists Wayne Thiebaud, John Sloan and Georgia O’Keefe.

Members of the BP’s design team spoke to the youngsters about real world applications of art and how their office uses graphic design to convey messages to the public. “You are the future of art, and I hope you continue down this path,” BP Oddo told them. The artwork will be displayed in room 125 through April.

Running for Life

On Sunday, March 19, more than 20,000 runners from around the world participated in the United Airlines NYC Half, the signature half-marathon of the New York Road Runners (NYRR). Runners race for a myriad of reasons, and this year many ran the 13.1 miles to overcome and advocate for major health issues and in honor of loved ones. That includes a few Staten Islanders.

Five sisters ran together to fight for a cure to heal their 14-year-old nephew, John Hudson, from a rare and painful degenerative skin condition. Team Sista Act has become more than a running team, but a support system for oldest sibling and mother of John Hudson, Faye Dilgen.  Her sisters have rallied over the course of John Hudson’s life to provide childcare that encompasses many of his special needs. Faye, a runner herself, admits that her hobby can sometimes make her feel selfish, but she reminds herself daily that sometimes, “you have to put on your own oxygen mask before you can put on your child’s.”

Kristin DeClara, 29, who is living with Crohn’s disease, ran for the first time a year after losing her father to a stroke. Troubled by the ability of the disease to disrupt her daily routine, she found that exercise eased her struggle throughout the years. Running also helped her grieve the loss of her father last year. DeClara says that being out on the race course “grants her the normalcy life wasn’t kind enough to offer.” She is simply a fellow runner and isn’t defined by the effects of her disease or the unexpected nature of life.

Well-Deserved Discounts for Vets

Many businesses offer discounts to veterans as a symbol of gratitude for their heroic service. If you are a local business owner offering such a discount, the Borough President’s office is asking that you alert them to the offer so that they may expand their current list of local businesses offering veteran discounts. You can email the details to Allison Cohen at ACohen@StatenIslandUSA.com or call (718) 816-2136.

If you are a veteran, you can find the list at statenislandusa.com/veterandiscounts. We thank you for your service!

High Rock Park Challenge

Grab a buddy and rock the competition! The 2017 High Rock Challenge Adventure Race will take place on Saturday, April 29. Held in memory of NYPD Officer John Kelly, two-member teams must run together at all times and compete in mystery events located throughout the approximately 10k course along Staten Island’s Greenbelt trail system. This year, free training sessions will be offered Saturdays in April at 10:30am. No RSVP is needed– just show up on time at Henry Kaufmann Campground (1131 Manor Rd.). Proceeds from the High Rock Challenge support the Greenbelt Conservancy. Link to the registration form and more info here. If you are interested in volunteering to assist with handing out refreshments and directing the runners, call 718-667-2165 ext. 311 or email volunteer@sigreenbelt.org.

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What Does that Mean? How to Translate Texts

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Most parents know that LOL means Laughing Out Loud. You may even know that 420 refers to marijuana. But you may not know that 53X means sex. That worries Brian Bason, CEO at Bark, a new monitoring app. Their website includes a list of popular texting slang terms (tinyurl.com/gqp9tex). For $9.99 a month, they promise to alert parents when kids text something risky.

Of course, slang is nothing new. Parents have been scrambling to keep up with it for generations. Using freshly minted words that adults won’t understand appeals to kids for two reasons. First, it helps kids establish and reinforce a social identity. People who understand the same secret language are likely to be part of the same tribe.  Slang establishes an in group that understands and out group that seems hopelessly out of touch.

Second, slang allows kids to fly under adult radar, talking about things that might be forbidden if the adults could translate what they were saying. Siblings often develop this kind of secret language—winks and whispers and even special words that let them communicate about things that Mom and Dad might not appreciate.

Messaging, of course, has added a new dimension to all of this. Keyboards are tiny. Attention spans are short. Acronyms and emojis make it possible to crowd a lot of information into a small space. As a result, messages have become more and more cryptic and harder for parents to decipher.

Much of the new slang being used online is harmless and even creative.  Some of the better acronyms enter the language. Pretty much everyone knows about FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), IRL (In Real Life) and BRB (Be Right Back). Other very useful acronyms include JSYK (Just So You Know), SMH (Shaking My Head), TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read) and YOLO (You Only Live Once).

Still, parents need to be alert. Kids can get into trouble with texting, and the kinds of speech that would be unacceptable IRL should also be off limits in text. In particular, parents will want to monitor in these areas:

Sex. Most teens seem to have gotten the message that sending nude photos isn’t a good idea. That doesn’t mean teens aren’t texting about 53X. Even  emojis may have a double meaning – an eggplant or a peach can stand for body parts. It’s perfectly natural, of course, for young people to take an interest in sex, but parents need to chaperone, watching for behavior that is too adult or partners who may be predatory.

Substances. Slang has always been part of drug and alcohol culture. Using coded language is a way to evade legal authorities as well as parents. Keeping up with the current terminology isn’t easy, especially since it often varies from place to place. Talk to other parents and even school counselors who often know the latest lingo. And remember that drug terms sometimes have more than one meaning. Dabbing, for example, is both a dance craze and a way to use cannibas. Lit can mean getting high or simply having a good time.

Hate. Texting and social media are often used to bully and abuse other people because of their gender, race, ethnic origin or disabilities. Be clear with your child. A slur is a slur, and you won’t tolerate abusive language in any setting.

Bad Language. If you don’t want your child to say the F word, you will probably want to discourage the use of acronyms like WTF or AF. Even NSS may not be acceptable.

The best way to know what an acronym means is to ask the child who used it. The security company, McAfee, also produces a list of common terms, conveniently subdivided into categories for drugs, sex, and bullying (tinyurl.com/hpb8qu2). Wiktionary also has a long list of acronyms in an Appendix (tinyurl.com/mab7snn).

Another way to educate yourself is to visit databases that try to keep up with slang as it’s created. Here are several of the most complete collections:

•  Slang it.com is family friendly website (they also have free apps for IPhone and Android). When you enter a slang term, you get a clean and accurate definition. They also have a daily quiz question that might be a conversation starter at the dinner table.

•  Noslang.com has been keeping track of net slang since 2005. They offer a text slang translator and a reverse translator that turns English phrases into acronyms. They also offer good Transcription Services. In their articles section, there’s a helpful essay called “What Every Parent Should Know.”

•  Internet slang.com also allows parents to look up acronyms. Their Trending Terms section helps parents zero in current terminology.

•  Acronymsandslang.com has an enormous list of acronyms, organized into categories. With over 20,000 entries in the Internet category, they are likely to supply an explanation for almost any acronym.

•  The Urban Dictionary also has a very complete list of slang of all kinds. The definitions are crowd-sourced so they are generally irreverent and often obscene. The site is not suitable for children, but may be useful to parents because it’s regularly up-dated by its users.

Of course, trying to keep up with adolescent slang is like playing Whack-a-mole. As soon as a term is widely understood by adults, it loses its value for kids and they will move on. That’s why parents have to reinforce that idea that kids shouldn’t say anything online that they would say IRL (in real life). With that in mind, you might also want to introduce a conscience-stimulating acronym of your own – WWGmaS (What Would Grandma Say?)

April is Earth Month!

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April is Earth Month and a perfect opportunity to discuss the little things that we can do to make a positive impact on our community and the environment. There are several resources available for school communities to help support positive environmental lessons and practices.

GrowNYC is just one organization that helps school communities reach that goal, motivating thousands of New York City students to participate in 27 environmental improvement projects in their Environmental Education program.

Their Renewable Energy initiative helps students learn about energy sources, using their classrooms and homes as real-life examples of how to conserve energy. This program employed a fun development component where 400 students built and tested their own working pizza box solar ovens to demonstrate the power of the sun.

In GrowNYC’a Habitat Restoration and Water Health component, the students learned about the history of the New York City Watershed and the efforts being made to improve water quality. The students incorporated the lessons about erosion, restoration, prevention and the roles trees and plants play in the ecosystem into 17 restoration projects across the city. These projects focused on 7 bodies of water in 5 NYC Parks and on school campuses. The students planted 3,100 trees, shrubs and plants, and removed destructive plantation from approximately 7,000 square feet of shoreline. Staten Island’s PS 57, The Hubert H. Humphrey School was one of the schools that participated in this program, focusing their efforts on Eibs Pond, which runs directly across from the school. PS 57 has been recognized locally, regionally, and nationally for their innovative practices and partnerships in environmental education. PS 57 was awarded the distinction of “Green Ribbon School” by the United States Department of Education.

Below are some local field trip activities schools can consider incorporating into their environmental lesson plans.

Blue Heron Park
 222 Poillon Ave, Annadale
718-317-1732 or 718-948-2662

Each of the free programs offered are geared towards a different age group. Children will learn all about the ecology of the hiking areas and have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of birds and their behavior.

Freshkills Park  
Email: education@freshkillspark.org or access a Field Trip request form online: freshkillspark.org/education-lesson-pla/field-trips
Ideal for 6th to 12th grade students: Take a free tour of the once-largest landfill, and see its transition into an expansive natural area. Students learn the importance of water management, biodiversity, and the reclamation of this historic area of NYC.

Greenbelt Conservancy
High Rock Park | Greenbelt Nature Center
718-667-7475 or email education@sigreenbelt.org
K-12 students will enjoy programs dedicated to energy, reuse, ecology, and neighborhood-based nature walks. Fees vary depending on school type and program.

Pratt Industries USA
Victory Boulevard Recycling Center
Contact Barbara Farley, 718-355-6710 at least two weeks in advance to arrange a tour
All age groups will love learning about what happens to the paper they recycle in classrooms. (Much of which is turned into pizza boxes!) Bring recycling to life with a tour.

Serpentine Art and Nature Commons
Stapleton
Contact John Garcia at 646-217-2499 or john.garcia35@gmail.com to arrange a field trip
Local schools of all ages can hike this nature preserve’s many trails to witness the natural biodiversity of Staten Island.

Snug Harbor Cultural Center
Contact Susannah Abbate, Education Coordinator, at education@snug-harbor.org or 718-425-3512 to arrange a tour or class trip
Children of all ages will enjoy the many classes and tours offered at this site. On-site farms, gardens, and pastoral lands act as living classrooms to expand on students’ STEM knowledge.

Additional environmental education resources can be found here.

By Community Education Council 31 President Michael Reilly

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