March 2020

Take a Trip to the Poconos from Your Living Room

If you’ve ever had the chance to visit Woodloch Pines in the Poconos (check out our previous travel features to Woodloch here), then you know they’ve been all about quality time with family long before this quarantine. So it’s no wonder that during this time of social distancing, they’ve launched Woodloch at Home- a page with fun, games, recipes, music, interviews, activities, and more. If you’ve ever been to Woodloch,

YMCA @ Home Features Virtual Workouts and Community Resources

  While distance learning and working from home has us glued to our computers for a big part of the day, it’s important we also take time to be active. Luckily the YMCA has plenty of home workouts to choose from on their YMCA @ Home page. From live workouts to meditation and relaxation, there is something for everyone. There are also some great resources for parents on keeping their

Local Bronx Party Business Offering Drive-By Character Appearances

As we continue to self quarantine due to Covid-19, folks everywhere are looking for creative ideas to get through this time. Parents are spending their days keeping their children busy, and small businesses are forced to think outside of the box to stay afloat. That’s why we want to share one idea that can help do both. Local Bronx party business Confetti is currently hosting Character Appearances- where children can

New York Botanical Garden Launches NYBG at Home

If you didn’t have a chance to check out the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden before self quarantine, you’ll still have a chance to admire the beauty virtually! NYBG has launched NYBG at Home- a page where folks can enjoy virtual events such as the upcoming Facebook Watch Party video tour of The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham’s Kaleidoscope on Wednesday, March 25, at 12 p.m. EDT. The site

NYCDOE Regional Enrichment Center Enrollment Form

The NYC Department of Education has shared the link for first responders, health care providers, transit workers, and other key personnel to sign up for childcare. Regional Enrichment Centers will be open 7:30am – 6:00pm Monday-Friday, starting on Monday, March 23rd. Children who are enrolled can attend anytime during open hours. Fill out the survey here to begin the enrollment process.  

Over 60 Virtual Field Trips You Can Take to Explore NYC Landmarks

If you’re looking for some virtual field trip ideas during operation home school- the New York Landmarks Conservancy has a great video series highlighting some of the most iconic landmarks in New York City. The Conservancy’s Tourist in Your Own Town video series highlights over 60 NYC landmarks- including the New York Botanical Garden and Edgar Allan Poe Cottage in the Bronx. Conservancy President Peg Breen is your stay-at-home tour

Weekly Bronx Storytime For Kids Will Now Be Hosted Online

Boogie Down Books usually hosts their weekly storytime on Saturdays at Mottley Kitchen in the Bronx. Unfortunately those meetups have been suspended until further notice, but founder Rebekah Shoaf will keep the reading going virtually for the Bronx and beyond to join in. To join in, head to Zoom on Saturdays at 10am for a live storytime. This week’s story will be Judith Viorst’s classic lemons-not-lemonade picture book, Alexander and the

How to Request Loaner Device for Remote Learning

If your children need a tablet or laptop for school work, the NYC Department of Education is currently accepting requests for loaner devices.  The DOE will use the contact information you provide to get in touch with you to discuss when and where you can pick up a device. Priority will be given to students most in need, and all devices are granted on a temporary basis and will later

Con Edison Will Not Shut Off Service For Non Payment

Due to Covid-19, Con Edison will not be shutting service off for non-payment at this time. Here is how they are trying to help: • Your service will not be shut off for non-payment. • Waiving new late-payment fees. • Suspending no-access fees if we can’t read your meter. • No fees for making payments with credit cards or debit cards. • Suspending fees for refusing smart meter installations •

Bronx Artist Creating New Coloring Page for Download Every Day

Here’s one fun idea for kids during the school closure- color artwork from a local artist! Bronx artist Laura Alvarez will be posting one coloring page a day on her social media that can be downloaded from her website for children to color or paint. Check out the coloring pages at www.lauralvarez.com. There are also lots of other coloring pages for download to choose from. Laura is also taking suggestions

Scholastic Offering 20 Days Worth of Online Learning

If you’re looking for grade specific material for your children, Scholastic is offering 20 days worth of free online courses. Each day includes four separate learning experiences, each built around a meaningful story or video. To get started, visit www.classroommagazines.scholastic.com.

Where to Find Free Meals for Students in the Bronx

Amid school closures in New York City, grab-and-go breakfast and lunch will be available at all schools. Also, some Bronx restaurants have stepped up to offer free meals to students in need. We will add to the list when/if more restaurants join in. All NYC Public Schools All locations Grab-and-Go breakfast and lunch will be available at the entrance of every building from 7:30 am-1:30 pm. Any student can pick