By Kristin Boza
The moment every parent has been waiting for will finally arrive at the end of August or beginning of September: The kids are heading back to school! As you prepare health records, school supply lists and back-to-school clothes and shoes shopping, don’t forget about yourself. This is the best time of year to get back into a routine of self-care, from exercise to beauty.
Back to School
School Supplies: Most school supply lists can be found on your school’s website. For the best deals and product availability, begin shopping early! Since most of these items are drastically reduced in price at this time of the year, stock up and buy extra glue sticks and pencils, since teachers will likely ask for more of those items later in the school year.
Back to School Clothing: Schools R Us in Mount Greenwood carries school uniforms and other branded items for dozens of local schools, both private and public. For uniform and gym shoes, head down the block to Baron’s Shoes or Big N Little Shoes, both of which carry shoes to fit the dress code at any school. Kiddie Kouture, 10324 S. Western, offers a selection of really cute children’s clothing and some specialty items.
Immunizations: If you’re having trouble getting in to see the pediatrician for back-to-school immunizations, give a call to Saint Xavier University Health Center. They’re offering any needed immunizations for school attendance from kindergarten through 12th grade. School physicals are also available at Metro South Hospital locations; see page 20 for more information and schedule an appointment.
Still Deciding?: If you have decided on private school for your child, there are a few that still have openings for the upcoming school year.
Beverly Montessori, 9916 S. Walden Pkwy., offers half and full day preschool and kindergarten programs. “We have been providing a nurturing Montessori environment that ignites wonder, joy and a lifelong love of learning within children in the community for almost 50 years,” said Kelley Ciraulo, Head of School. Info: 773-239-7635.
Morgan Park Academy, a private non-denominational school at 2153 W. 111th St., seeks to offer the most innovative teachers to a diverse student population. They educate the whole child with a foundation of integrity, respect, responsibility, diligence, kindness, cooperation and service. Info: 773-881-6700.
St. Barnabas School, 10121 S. Longwood Dr., is hosting its Information Sunday on Aug. 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. At this time, parents can sign up for parent/teacher conferences, before/after care, intramural sports and classroom assignments are given. On Mon., Aug. 22, preschoolers are invited to an orientation from 8:30 to 9 a.m. and a “meet and greet” for grades kindergarten through 8th will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Don’t Forget About Activities!: Maybe you took the summer off from the constant rush between sports, music and dance. Now is the time to get your child back on schedule.
Dance Gallery Chicago, 10628 S. Western Ave., offers classes for children starting at age two, and even for adults. Dance Gallery’s instructors strive to teach new skills and foster an appreciation for the art of movement and dance. Since 1998, Dance Gallery has displayed the artwork of owner Marylee Sinopoli’s mother, Barbara Majeski. “We like to say “Art on Art,” due to the paintings paired with the dancing, said Sinopoli. “We have a wide range of students who walk through our doors,” she said. In-person registration will be held on Wed., Aug. 31 and Thurs., Sept. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the studio.
Ballet 5:8, located at St. Paul’s Bible Church, 1960 W. 94th St., will begin registration for fall classes on Thurs., Aug. 25. “Our professionally-trained staff and comprehensive curriculum ensure that students get the most out of their experience in class … gaining dance skills, confidence, self-discipline and physical fitness,” said Amy Kozol Sanderson, executive director and school administrator of Ballet 5:8. She added that the school is the home of a nationally-recognized pre-professional ballet training program and the official school of the Ballet 5:8 professional company.
Back to You
Now is the time to get back into a fitness and beauty regimen!
CORE Fitness, 2940 W. 95th St., specializes in Pilates, physical therapy, massage and the Be Activated program. They provide group and individual training for physical fitness and well-being. CORE Fitness embraces the importance of personalized attention to a fitness or rehabilitation program. Terri McCabe, CORE director of education and training, encourages parents to make time to work out. “I think the best way to establish a good routine when the kids go back to school is to make your workouts a part of your weekly schedule,” she said. “Treat them like meetings, doctor’s appointments, or any other engagement where you know you can’t cancel. And prepay! A financial incentive seems to hold us more accountable to our workout goals.”
Beverly Yoga Center, 1917 W. 103rd St., offers yoga and meditation classes for all physical fitness levels. In a calm, welcoming environment, patrons nurture their mind, body and heart to live a healthy, mindful life. Carly Carney, owner of BYC, encourages parents to use this time of the year to remember themselves. “Take time to stretch, slow down and be mindful, which can feel counterintuitive when our lives are packed with things to do and get done,” she said. “Research shows that when we are constantly in the mode of doing and in stressful states of multitasking, it activates a part of the nervous system that is always on high alert.” Carney encourages parents to do yoga, take walks in nature, meditate, journal, swim and other activities to slow you down in order to promote relaxation within the body. “It’s helpful for anyone who is busy, over-scheduled or experiencing difficulties to remember that it takes the body time to shift from high alert to a relaxed state. Practice kindness for yourself and give yourself space and acceptance to be human.”
Treadfit, 10458 S. Western Ave., welcomes everyone from serious runners to walkers and joggers. Each session is 50 minutes and incorporates intense anaerobic exercise with recovery and strength-building exercises. Treadfit provides heart-rate monitors to track heart-rate and get an accurate calorie burn. The typical client can burn 400-800 calories per session! “It’s so important for moms and dads to schedule their workout time,” said Treadfit owner Jenny Harkins. “Just as you would schedule your kids’ activities, make sure you schedule time for yourself to squeeze your workout in!”
Running Excels, 10328 S. Western Ave., can supply all of your workout needs. They carry shoes for runners, walkers and cross-trainers, plus they offer a complimentary gait analysis and shoe fitting to ensure the proper fit. For students, Running Excels offers a 15% discount for those who run Cross-Country, and they currently have some spike shoe models priced at $20, according to Bev Lynch, Running Excels owner. For younger children, Running Excels carries shoes in sizes 2 to 7.
Tranquility Salon, 9908 S. Walden Pkwy., aims to make each client feel and look their best. Their team of experts consider their work an art form; they will work with each client to develop a great cut and/or color and will educate them on how to achieve the same styles at home.
