Area businesses ready for the back-to-school season

 Apple-A-Day Nursery School Apple-A-Day Nursery School Apple-A-Day Nursery School in Jackson has been providing quality programs for preschool children for 29 years.The staff at Apple-A-Day knows that helping your children grow emotionally, socially and intellectually is essential in the early years.The school’s qualified, experienced teachers nurture the individual needs of preschool students, encouraging them to become enthusiastic learners and giving them the foundations they need for successful futures. The school’s balance of teacher-directed and child-directed activities allows teachers to observe and facilitate in each child’s development, while guiding them in areas that require instruction. Every clean, colorfully decorated classroom offers kids a wide variety of choices, allowing them to select the learning tool they are most comfortable with and therefore, will learn better with. Play centers, art centers and computer centers are just a few of the areas in which kids have fun while learning.Apple-A-Day’s focus on social, emotional, cognitive and physical development make for well-rounded, schoolready children.They learn to adjust to new environments while gaining a sense of belonging and making new friends. During warmer months, gross motor skills are developed outside in the play area as children have fun climbing and playing on the playground. When the weather prohibits outdoor play, activities like the parachute and beanbag tossing are done indoors.Apple-ADay offers 40-week sessions from September to June. For more information, call 732-928- 1777 or visit www.appleadaynurseryschool.com.

 Around the Corner Art Center Around the Corner Art Center The Around the Corner Art Center is a full-service art center that accommodates a year-round art school, a custom frame shop, a paint-your-own pottery studio, and offers a full line of fine artist supplies to professionals and amateurs.The art center also runs a variety of children’s art camps and birthday parties. This local art center, established in 1980, began as a custom frame shop. Through the years it has changed into one of Monmouth Counties premier art schools. The Around the Corner Art Center offers fine art classes in painting, drawing, pastel, clay and ceramics, anime and cartooning, teen portfolio preparation workshops, as well as fashion design and sewing. Painting classes are offered in a variety of mediums including oil paints, acrylics, gouache and transparent watercolors. Drawing classes explore the use of charcoal, graphite pencils, colored pencils and more.The teachers all have their special areas of expertise ranging from traditional painters, to accomplished draftsman, to skilled clay craftsman and professional anime artists.The Around the Corner Art Center’s professional design team is available to assist customers with their custom mat and frame selections for artworks, memorabilia, needlework, diplomas, souvenirs and more.The paint-your-own pottery studio welcomes walk-ins or groups looking to create something special.The Around the Corner Art Center is located in Freehold Township, at 290 Mounts Corner Drive, and is housed in the historic Solomon House, a two-story colonial white clapboard farmhouse originally built in the late 18th century. For more information, call 732-308-4666 or visit www.aroundthecornerartcenter.com.

 Freehold Ophthalmology Freehold Ophthalmology  Cassville Nursery School Cassville Nursery School Each day at Cassville Nursery School, children have the opportunity to participate in large and small group instruction. Literacy, math, science, social studies and music/movement activities are touched upon during every session.The children are provided an atmosphere that is safe, secure, accessible, organized, comfortable, predictable and consistent. Each child’s social and emotional needs are met by coaching and supporting the young learners’ social skills and problem-solving abilities.At Cassville Nursery school, children will develop the social and emotional competence to become successful learners. Good handwriting promotes strong literacy skills and academic success in other subjects. On the other hand, children who struggle with handwriting may avoid writing, leading to slower development.The Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) curriculum draws from years of research to provide developmentally appropriate multi-sensory tools and strategies. The teachers are trained in HWT and use the curriculum daily.To help lighten the load on parents, Cassville Nursery provides warm, nutritious meals, diapers, wipes, linens for nap, and a flexible drop-in program. Open houses will be held Aug. 11,Aug. 19, and Aug. 25, 10 a.m. to noon. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 732-276-7244 or visit www.cassvillenursery.com.

 Howell Township Police Athletic League Howell Township Police Athletic League  Frogbridge Day Camp Frogbridge Day Camp The Dance Den, located on Route 9 north in Howell, in their newly renovated studio with three large, spacious, air-conditioned rooms with viewing windows, is excited to celebrate its 33rd year of dancing in the dance community.The Dance Den is one of the oldest established dancing schools in the area and prides itself in the latest dance techniques. Students are encouraged to have fun as they learn about dance, build self-esteem, form close social relationships, and discover a positive outlet for their energy. The Dance Den owner and director, Fran Skiba, says their specialty programs (i.e. Halloween party, Bring-a-Friend Week, pajama party, performance troupe and competition team) allow children to not only enjoy dance, but to bring excitement, creativity and enthusiasm into their classes and lives. The Dance Den offers guest master classes and trips into Manhattan for dance weekends. Fran, her two daughters Heather Rosenberg and Emily Rossetti, along with Amy Sloane and Angela Kazima, make up the creative teaching staff. Classes are taught in ballet, pointe, lyrical, jazz, hip hop and tap for ages 3-18.Advanced classes, such as the performance troupe classes and the competition team classes, help enhance the students’ goals in their dancing.The studio encourages students with special needs to dance with them, as there is always a place in these youngsters’ hearts to enjoy the love of dance and expression.The talent and creativity at The Dance Den has been recognized, with students receiving top competition and national championship awards.The Dance Den has been selected “best of” readers choice awards in Monmouth County for the last six years. The Joseph H. Skiba college scholarship is given out each year to a selected high school senior, and they also offer the Monica Ann Talcott Scholarship in memory a former student. For more information, call 732-431- 5532 or visit www.danceden.com.

 Kiddie Academy of Jackson Kiddie Academy of Jackson  Ivy League Day Camp Ivy League Day Camp At Explore & Learn Preschool, children learn through play. Located at 68 Bennetts Mills Road in Jackson, they use a state-approved, research-based curriculum that emphasizes developmentally appropriate learning. Children ages 2 ½ through 6 years of age love coming to the preschool to learn new ideas and concepts involving math, language, literature, science and social skills from the devoted and caring staff all while having fun.Weekly themes, activity centers, stories, songs, dancing and outdoor play round out the exciting program.Along with special guests and trips, children are always exploring the world around them. Explore & Learn Preschool offers many flexible schedules for working families.They also provide before and after care for children in the public school (ages 6-13) while also providing busing to and from the various elementary schools. Call 732-928-8002, visit the website www.ExploreAndLearnPreschool.com, or stop by for a tour to find out how your child can become part of the Explore & Learn family.

 Model Team Model Team Freehold Ophthalmology focuses on the medical and surgical treatment of eye disease, as well as routine family eye care. Each of its three locations is outfitted with some of the most advanced technology available in the rapidly changing field of ophthalmology. However, even more than having outstanding equipment, Freehold Ophthalmology prides itself on employing outstanding people.According to the founder, Dr. Eric Gershenbaum,“To ensure that our patients have the best possible health care, we want every member of our staff to perform at the highest level of competence and professionalism. We feel that not only is it crucial that our patients are diagnosed and treated correctly, it is also essential that they are educated about their condition and treated with compassion and kindness.”At Freehold Ophthalmology, they understand that health care is about caring for people, not just treating diseases. Besides Dr. Gershenbaum, Freehold Ophthalmology includes Dr. David A. Schlisserman, Dr. Mark Heimmel, Dr. Revathi Naadimuthu and Dr. Rhonda Ravitz. For more information, visit www.freeholdop.com.The three office locations are: 509 Stillwells Corner Road, Freehold, 732-431-9333; 20 Hospital Drive, Unit 6,Toms River, 732-349-7167; and 202 Jack Martin Blvd., Unit C4, Brick, 732-458-5700.

 The Next Step Dance Academy The Next Step Dance Academy  Music, Theatre and Dance Music, Theatre and Dance Frogbridge Day Camp, located in Millstone Township, is a private, family-owned and -operated facility welcoming campers entering pre-K through 10th grade.The 86- acre, state-of-the-art country campus offers all of the amenities of a sleepaway camp, right in your own backyard. Frogbridge features more than 70,000 square feet of indoor air-conditioned activity space, unlike any camp, anywhere in the country. Campers eat lunch in air-conditioned comfort at the lakeside catering hall.The extensive hot lunch menu, created and served by experienced culinary professionals, features age-appropriate specials throughout the summer as well as daily alternatives.A salad bar, along with fruits and yogurts, is available daily. Outdoor activities include: rock climbing, zip lines, bungee trampolines, low and high ropes courses, go-carts, bumper boats with water cannons, three lakes for boating and fishing, tube rides, horseback riding, golf, tennis, archery, laser tag, and all traditional camp activities such as soccer, baseball, basketball, tetherball, gaga and much more.The Frogbridge swim program consists of three heated, Olympic-size swimming pools supervised by American Red Cross-certified lifeguards and water safety instructors. Camp groups are always led by teachers and experienced, collegiate early childhood education majors.The air-conditioned infirmary is headed by two registered nurses at all times. Bathing suit laundering, daily pool-side towel service, modern restroom facilities with attendants and front gate security provide ease of mind for parents, knowing your children are cared for in a clean, safe and secure environment every day of their stay at Frogbridge. Camp programs include daily elective choices, weekly special events, annual Color War events, and 8th-, 9th- and 10th-grade travel programs, some of which include overnights. If your child ages 3 through 15 is looking to make new friends, develop positive self-esteem, interact with peers and create memories that will last a lifetime, you owe it to yourself and your children to visit Frogbridge today.Air-conditioned door-to-door transportation as well as “Central Express,” money-saving meet-thebus options, are available throughout Monmouth, Middlesex, Mercer and Ocean counties. For more information, call 609-208- 9050 or visit www.frogbridge.com/daycamp.

 Saint John Vianney High School Saint John Vianney High School  Prince of Peace Educational Center Prince of Peace Educational Center The Howell Township Police Athletic League (PAL) reminds the community that their office is now located at Southard School, 115 Kent Road, and that many activities and programs are now being held at that location. A variety of educational, recreational and enriching programs are offered.The PAL, in cooperation with the Howell Township School District, continues to offer Before and After School Child Care programs for K-8 students in district schools and encourages parents to explore the option of the Kindergarten Wrap-Around Program. Combined with district half-day kindergarten, K-Wrap provides parents of students the option of a full day of education and enrichment with certified teachers at their district school. Enrollment for September 2012 is under way.The Howell Township PAL is excited to announce the opening of the Little PALs’ Preschool! Little PALS’, a state-licensed child care setting located within the Southard School, will make available an affordable, certified child care option for the community. Accepting children ages 18 months to 5 years. Little PALs’ offers full-day sessions, half-day sessions, summer care and before- and after-care sessions. Space in many PAL programs is limited.Visit www.howellpal.org or call 732-919-2825 for more information.

 Tiffany Dance Academy Tiffany Dance Academy  Tadpole Village Preschool Tadpole Village Preschool The summer of 2013 will be the 43rd season of big league fun at Ivy League Day Camp (ILDC). Back by popular demand for the 2013 summer will be Road Scholars Teen Tours @ Ivy League.The Road Scholars Teen Tour program will consist of two two-week sessions of cross country travel.The trips offered for 2013 are Toronto and Niagara Falls, Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach, Montreal, and Ohio and Pennsylvania Amusement Park Extravaganza. Road Scholars consists of 22 days away. Ivy League has been running Teen Tour programs since 1980 under the super- vision of experienced adult staff.The program will be offered to eighth-, ninth- and 10th-graders and can be combined with any of the other teen programs. Road Scholars is a great way for teens to have fun, tour, learn and experience many new places with their peers. ILDC has been owned and operated by the Leiser family for more than 30 years. It is the only day camp in the Manalapan/Marlboro area accredited by the ACA for more than 30 years.The owners/directors are onsite and available year round. All swim instructors are Red Cross certified; all athletic staff are adult physical educators; and all preschool division groups are led by adult staff. ILDC has large, indoor, air-conditioned activity rooms and a field house. There are heated pools, a water park and a large bumper boat pool. Hot lunch is served daily and the camp offers door-to-door airconditioned bus transportation.All of the bus drivers are employed by the camp and not a bus company.At Ivy League, experienced and caring role models are constantly encouraging campers and building their selfesteem, discovery, exploration, active participation and respect for others.To learn more about Ivy League Day Camp and Road Scholars Teen Tours @ Ivy League, call 732-446- 7035 or visit www.ivyleaguedaycamp.com.

 West Side Dance West Side Dance  Tip Tap Toe Dance Studio Tip Tap Toe Dance Studio Kiddie Academy of Jackson recently received an award for Best Practices in Curriculum at the company’s annual conference in Orlando. Recipients are recognized for their ongoing dedication to providing superb experiences for the children and families enrolled at Kiddie Academy as well as the community at large.“We are so proud to have received this award. Our success has so much to do with the staff’s hard work and their dedication to the children and their education. They bring a tremendous amount of passion to work every day and that makes a huge impact in the academy,” said Frank Mozino, franchisee of Kiddie Academy of Jackson.“We look forward to continuing our efforts and striving toward excellence.” Credit for this award goes in no small part to Suzanne DeSeno (Miss Suzanne), who has been the Academy director for two years. She came to the school from the Asbury Park School District where she served as director of one of the city’s Abbott preschool programs. For more information about Kiddie Academy of Jackson, call 732-730-2100.

Does your child have what it takes to make it big in TV and modeling? Model Team LLC of Ocean Grove would like to know. In fact, the 21-year-old agency featured on ABC-TV would like to see you and your child (ages 5-12 and 13-25) on Aug. 17 at their office for a free evaluation. That’s how many Model Team success stories started. “We’re very proud of our models,” says Model Team LLC owner John Merriman,“not only because they’re successful, but also because they have the confidence to do anything in life.” Madison, 9, and her parents came from Belmar to audition, and after developing with Model Team she now shoots ads for J. Crew in France and Iceland.The cover girl has also worked for many other clients such as Calvin Klein,The Children’s Place, New York runway shows and ABC’s Nightline, o name a few. Molly from Wall came to Model Team at age 5 to learn modeling and to make friends. Now 17 years later, she has booked everything from Ralph Lauren to Vogue, and has made lifelong friends along the way. Matt, 21, from Robbinsville, has booked many worldwide ads for clients such as Nikon,Verizon and Converse; Model Team has gotten fashion contracts for him 12 countries.Trey, a CNN Man of the Year, is now the expert dentist on Good Morning America, and Model Team has been working closely with a production company to develop a reality show about his amazing work in Kenya, Haiti and the United States.“I can’t thank John and Model Team enough,”Trey says. Model Team is looking for others with amazing stories to tell.“With the state of the world now, it’s important for kids and teens to find their selfworth in a fun, stress-free place,” says Merriman, a former child actor himself.“That fun place is definitely Model Team. For a free evaluation, call Model Team at 732-988-3648.

Music, Theatre and Dance (MTD) is dancin’ up a storm in the Jackson community. Whether recreational or serious, you’ll get the best instruction for your money.They have successful performance programs, and motivating instructors with a history of excellence. MTD is celebrating its 23rd season of dance, under the artistic direction of former Broadway artist Alison Mann.There are wonderful age-appropriate class levels offered at MTD to suit the needs of toddlers, kids, teens, adults and boys. One can explore musical theater, modern, funky jazz, tap, ballet and hip-hop.At MTD, friendships are nur tured, potential is challenged, self-esteem is boosted, creative thinking is encouraged, preparedness is expected and motivation is offered. MTD offers excellent training with organized and attentive customer service in a family environment with great facilities, spacious air-conditioned studios and parentfriendly observation windows.A landmark business in the community, MTD is wellknown for offering a strong foundational product at affordable prices. Join MTD to celebrate their 23rd season of enhancing lives through arts appreciation. For more information, call 732-367-0210 or visit www.musictheatreanddance.com.

With back to school rapidly approaching, Dr. Louis Napolitano, D.M.D., knows it is a good time to review preventive measures you can take to give your children life-long benefits.You cannot have long-term good health without first having a healthy mouth. Numerous studies show increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, infection related problems and some cancers are related to periodontal disease. In addition, low selfesteem and poor self-image can be caused by misaligned teeth.The first thing to remember is that cavities are caused by the mixture of bacterial plaque, some form of sugar, and the individual’s resistance. If the teeth are aligned, then daily brushing and flossing will keep the bacteria under control. The bacteria constantly multiply to create a toxic mixture, which must be removed daily. It is important to have regular dental checkups. A surprising fact is that it is not the quantity of sugar that you eat, but rather how often you eat it. Since the bacteria that cause decay are microscopic, whether you are exposed to an ounce of sugar or a milligram of sugar, the bacteria combined with the sugar produces cavity causing acid for approximately 20 minutes after it is consumed. The general rule should be when eating or drinking sugary treats, eat or drink them at once, not over long periods of time. There are several ways to improve your resistance to dental disease. Good nutritional habits will improve your overall health and reduce your frequency of sugar intake.Your dentist can help prevent decay with the use of sealants and fluoride. Having good arch form and a good bite, make complete plaque removal and chewing much more efficient.A good-looking smile improves appearance and self- confidence. Invisalign is an effective and convenient method of orthodontic treatment. All types of misalignments and space issues can be corrected.When Invisalign retainers are worn, they are invisible, and work equally as well for children or adults. Dr. Napolitano’s office is located at 2046 W. County Line Road, Suite 2, Jackson. For more information, call 732-905-2488.

There are many things to consider when choosing a dance studio for your child.Are the teachers qualified? Are the class sizes small enough that your child will get individual attention? Does the studio value their recreational students as much as the competitive students? At The Next Step Dance Academy, they are proud of the program they have built over the last five years. Now entering its sixth year, the entire collegetrained, award-winning staff will be returning for another year.The larger-sized classes have a second full-time teacher in the room at all times — not an older student — so that they can give all dancers equal attention. They follow the same curriculum with the recreational students and the competitive students because they feel that every student deserves the very best and has the right to learn proper technique and terminology no matter why they choose to dance.They have created a supportive, family atmosphere among the students and their families that they have become known for. NSDA offers classes in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop, modern, pointe and Zumba. Separate ballet and jazz technique classes can be taken in addition to or instead of recital classes.They also offer classes for boys.They welcome all students ages 2 1/2 and up.The Next Step Dance Academy is located in Howell Center, 2426 Route 9, Howell. For more information, call 732-845-5252 or visit www.nextstepda.com.

Prince of Peace Educational Center is celebrating 40 years of serving the communities of Howell, Jackson and Freehold. It is a state-licensed, nonprofit, Christian preschool, conveniently located at 434 Aldrich Road in Howell.The center has been newly renovated to create a bright and cheerful environment where learning is fun.The highly qualified veteran staff provides the children with a variety of age-appropriate learning experiences. Their warmth and caring gives the children the security they need, allowing them the freedom to use their imaginations and explore their environment.The curriculum provides many opportunities for handson learning through socialization, fine, gross and sensory motor skills. Music, dramatic play, art, science experiences, story time as well as kindergarten readiness and outdoor play provides a full learning experience. Prince of Peace offers two-, three- and fiveday programs as well as full day and the extended “Brown Bag Bunch” lunch. Mommy & Me classes are also available.Visit the Prince of Peace Open House on Aug. 15 from 9:30 a.m to 1 p.m. For more information, call 732- 367-2544 or e-mail [email protected].

Saint John Vianney High School’s motto of “Knowledge, Commitment, Involvement” is a combination of ideals that guide the school every day.The students who enter as freshmen and leave as graduates are given knowledge, asked for commitment, and expected to be involved in school activities and community organizations.The curriculum at SJVHS was designed to provide preparation for college with honors, advanced placement and dual enrollment course options. Currently, SJVHS operates on a block schedule with a one-to-one tablet PC program. SJVHS is the only high school in New Jersey with school-wide Blackboard, a learning management system.A new weight room, music room and athletic bubble were completed this summer and students have the opportunity to compete in 33 varsity sports and participate in more than 40 clubs and activities.The Catholic education nurtures spirituality and encourages Christian service. Students at SJVHS provide more than 8,000 hours of service to local agencies and organizations per year. Established in 1969, Saint John Vianney High School (www.sjvhs.com) is a co-ed, Catholic high school operated by the diocese of Trenton. It is located on 38 acres of property in Holmdel. Students attend SJVHS from 40 sending schools throughout New Jersey. For more information, contact Kristy Geoghan, director of advancement, at 732-739-0800, ext. 144 or e-mail geo