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4 Hudson Valley Parent n November 2017 ON OUR COVER In this issue FEATURES 8 I am a Hudson Valley Parent Fran Divine fights for her son's right to be himself BY PAUL SMART 10 Me Time: Just for women Have you ever heard of cold laser? Alternative medicine to help you feel your best 14 Oh no! Your kid woke up with a fever! Should you keep your kid home from school? BY LISA IANNUCCI 18 How to deal with mean girls Teach your kid when to stand up for herself and when to walk away BY DAWN GREEN 20 Secrets to single parent success Take some time for yourself and grieve in your own way BY THOMAS MATTINGLY 24 Don't let bad weather keep you cooped up Cute kids are all smiles at local indoor playspots 26 Say goodbye to holiday stress Holiday tips from a mom with a son on the spectrum BY K. RIELLY 30 Could your child be smoking? The best ways to help your kid say "NO!" to tobacco BY ELLEN REINHARD & DIANE MOORE 32 Calendar Got a crafty kid? Check out these family friendly events! 40 Get involved in your kid's school What you need to know about the PTO BY LISA IANNUCCI 42 How good is your child's education? 12 top schools make the grade This month's cover kid is Casey, a 7th grader at Cornwall Central Middle School. She is on the swim team and loves to dance. Photo by Michael Bloom HV PARENT READER FEEDBACK We asked parents: What is your favorite thing about your child's school? They have a new, beautiful playground with equipment that is age appropriate and helps build upon each child's physical, social and intellectual development. — Jennifer, mother of a kindergartener in the Cornwall Central School District The teachers are incredible. They are always so willing to help my daughter and cater to her special needs. It really feels like they care and want her to be successful. Her teachers have made her love classes she had no interest in before! — Christine, mother of a freshman in the Valley Central School District All of the teachers have been very involved in my children's learning. They are helpful and active in helping my kids. Another plus is that they offer college level classes. — Caroline, mother of children in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District My favorite thing is how involved the parents are in helping our children have every opportunity to be successful. Spackenkill is one of the smallest districts in Dutchess county, but having served on the PTA, I can say it's one of the most involved. — James, father of children in the Spackenkill Union Free School District