FAMILY TIME NEWS l R
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July 2026
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FAMILY TIME
NEWS
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WHAT’S WHERE?
Feel Great! Save Money! Have Fun!
July Fun in the Sun
4
Dangerous Heat
9
Senior Muser
10
JULY 2026
New School Year
10
Inside LSF Head Start
11
YFSN
14
What’s Up?
16
School Calendar
21
Curtain Calls
21
CMA News
22
Family Time News is published monthly by:
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FTN is Wishing Everybody a Happy and Safe Fourth of July!
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July FUN! in the Sun make sure they stay healthy?
The immediate effects of a sunburn, rashes, cell and tissue damage are bad enough. But medical experts believe that too much exposure to the sun in childhood or adolescence is a major cause of skin cancer and premature skin aging later in life.
July, what a great time of year! It’s the middle of summer and here comes the Fourth of July, Independence Day, a time to celebrate America’s freedom by barbecuing hamburgers, drinking beer and blowing up the neighbor’s mailbox with an M80. Yes, the rocket’s red glare and the bombs... well, you know the rest. July is also time for the midsummer classic, the Major League Baseball All-Star game. Speaking of baseball, July is the time for another kind of all-star baseball, the little kind, as in Little League Baseball. So, whether the kids are playing baseball, at a BBQ, swimming in the pool, on the field, cavorting at the beach or just running through the sprinkler in the backyard, the whole time they’re enjoying the beautiful Florida sun. So, it’s this great mid-summertime of fun in the sun, the kids are off from school and parents are midway between figuring out what to do with the kids once school is out and how to manage life when school is back in session. With all this fun in the sun, how do you
Health experts also believe that UVA rays may weaken the immune system. To help protect children from the sun’s damaging effects, remember, the sun is strongest in the middle of the day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. So if possible, try and minimize kids’ exposure during that time. Also, be aware that some kids are more susceptible than others. Kids that have fair skin, or blond, red, or light brown hair are at a higher risk.
perspiration. Wiping down with a towel can remove even water resistant sunscreens.
They may not always be the best fashion statements for kids, but hats with brims and tightly woven, long sleeved shirts and pants offer the best defense from the sun’s rays. Of course, sunglasses always make kids look cool, but be sure to pick glasses whose lenses screen out both UVA and UVB rays. UV rays may contribute to the development of cataracts in later life, so start preventing that now.
Even the color of your kids’ eyes can make them less tolerant to the sun. So take extra care if they have blue, green or gray eyes. Watch out for kids with freckles, because they may also be at a higher risk to burn before tanning.
If you have babies and little tykes who need protecting, be aware that sunscreens may irritate baby skin, and an infant’s developing eyes are especially vulnerable to sunlight. So, it may be best to minimize exposure to the sun for babies younger than six months. If you’re dealing with teenagers, try to discourage them from going to tanning salons. Like the sun, tanning devices can damage the skin and eyes.
If they must be out in the sun for an extended period of time, use sunscreen.
So what if, despite all your precautions, your child gets a sunburn?
Don’t be frugal with it either. Load it up using at least a hand full about 30 minutes before going outside. Even if the sunscreen touts water resistance, reapply it after swimming, toweling or any activity where the kids get their motors running, causing heavy
There are a number of topical analgesics that can be used to sooth the savage beast... er burn, well maybe soothe the burn on the savage beast. Look for ingredients such as benzocaine, lidocaine, camphor, phenol, and menthol,
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these will indeed temporarily provide relief from a mild burn. Moisturizers such as cocoa butter and petrolatum can help relieve the dryness when burned skin begins to peel. But if you’re dealing with
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a severe sunburn or skin blistering, don’t mess around, see a doctor for medical treatment. So let them have some summer fun but take some precautions, buy them a cool hat and a stylish pair
of sunglasses and let them head out to the beach, because before you know it, they’ll be back in the classroom and yet another summer vacation will have come and gone.
Clearwater
just got cuter. Pinniped Pier is opening this July, introducing sea lions at Clearwater Marine Aquarium! Come meet our newest flippered friends and explore this exciting new habitat that will inspire connections with marine life.
Explore more at cmaquarium.org.
A deeper connection
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Happy. Secure. Inspired. Since 1968
Enrolling NOW for the • Grades 4-12 Enrolling NOW for the Enrolling Now for the 2026-2027 SchoolYear Year! • ADHD and LD 2016-2017 School Year! 2015-2016 School Pinellas Park 727.541.5716 Palm Harbor 727.781.2986
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LSF Pinellas Head Start and Early Head Start
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Always fresh from our boats to you! t n i O P n a c i l e visit P food shop a
our Fresh Se
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(727) 934-404 7 937 Dodecanese Blvd. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Far west end of sponge docks
www.rustybellies.com
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HEAT ILLNESS IS A REAL DANGER! Enjoy the sun and being in the outdoors but take precautions because heat illness is a real danger! Heat illness comes in three stages: HEAT CRAMPS, HEAT EXHAUSTION and HEAT STROKE. All three are preventable with proper hydration fluids, smart timing of activities and proper rest. A major factor leading to heat illness is humidity and a person is not without risk during the cooler months. High humidity prevents the proper evaporation of sweat, leading to the body’s inability to dissipate heat quickly. A common misconception is that kids can handle the heat better than adults. In fact, children are more susceptible to heat than adults because they absorb more heat than adults and they cannot dissipate heat as quickly. Children also produce more heat during activities than adults. And children, like adults, don’t drink enough fluids during prolonged exercise.
Heat Cramps are a form of
muscle spasm and tightening that occur as a result of prolonged or intense exercise, usually in a hot
environment, although they occur in cool temperatures as well. Treatment includes rest, cooling down if in a hot environment, gentle stretching and fluids such as Gatorade.
Treatment includes rest, removal from the hot environment to a cool environment, rapid cooling (fans, ice packs) and fluids (water, Gatorade). Intravenous fluids may be needed.
Heat stroke is a medical emergercy!
It indicates the body’s inability to regulate heat. The person no longer sweats; is hot, red and frequently dry. The person will have mental impairment ranging from confusion, disorientation and agitation to hysterical behavior, delirium or coma. Body temperature will be elevated (approximately 105o F).
Heat Exhaustion is generated by prolonged periods of fluid loss during activity at high temperature. It is characterized by extreme weakness, exhaustion, profuse sweating, clammy skin, normal or slightly elevated temperature, thirst and decreased urine output. Sometimes, there is an altered mental state that ranges from giddiness to delirium. Heat cramps may also be present.
Treatment includes calling 911, rapid external cooling (ice, fans, wetting down, clothing removal), removal from the hot environment and fluids (water, Gatorade) only if conscious! Transport to a hospital will be required. The “ABC’s” are an easy way for people to remember how to Defeat the Heat: Always drink before, during and after activity. Bring the right fluids. Sports drinks like Gatorade hydrate best. Consider fluids as a part of essential safety equipment for activities.
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R O I N SE S G N I S MU It’s
the summer and it’s hot and I spend a lot of time at the beach. I wear a pair of b o a r d shorts, a smile and hope for the best. Let’s face it, the only six pack I’m ever going to have again is one that I buy at the 7-11. I’m happy when people smile back but I hate it when people give me the following compliment, “You’re in really good shape...” Now hold on, I’m good with those five words. Those five words make me want to throw my shoulders back, suck in my gut and strut my stuff, as it were. It’s the next three words that take the air out of my proverbial sails. “... for your age!” Ugh! For your age, what does that even mean? Is that like, “You’re really good looking for an ugly guy?” or “You’re really smart for a moron?” Speaking of morons, why does everything have to have a disclaimer today? The definition of a disclaimer is, “A statement denying responsibility intended to prevent civil liability arising from particular acts or omissions.” Does the average American really need to know that driving a Ferrari off a cliff in some commercial should not be tried at home? And how totally moronic would one have to be to try and sue the company if one does so (although most likely with an old Chevy). Really, would it not make more sense for the disclaimer
to read, “If you think this is a good idea then you are an idiot and should seek counseling!”
But I digress... Yes, those three words. The only time those three words make a positive impact is when you’re very, very young. Like in, “Gee, you look much older than someone your age.” Say that to me today and I will be looking to whack you over the head with my cane.
‘til next month, then The Senior Muser
Getting Children Ready for a Successful New School Year!! We hope all children and families are enjoying a fun, relaxing and memorable summer vacation. As the new school year approaches, many children and parents will experience a mix of excitement and nervousness. Whether a child is returning to school or starting kindergarten for the very the first time, a little preparation can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable. Parents can ease anxiety by talking positively about school, listening to their children’s concerns and encouraging questions. Establishing regular routines a few weeks before school starts; such as consistent bedtimes, morning schedules and meal times can help children feel more secure and confident. For young children or children entering kindergarten every day is helpful, practicing simple skills like recognizing letters, numbers and writing their names on their own, also makes children feel ready for learning. Parents can also encourage simple
independence skills such as using the rest room, washing hands, putting on a jacket, tying shoelaces, following directions and taking responsibility for personal belongings. Visiting the school or classroom to meet and greet the teacher before school starts or attending orientation events can also make the new environment feel more familiar and is highly recommended. Safety is also an important part of preparing for the school year. Parents should review school safety procedures with their children including knowing who will pick them up, what to do if they feel unsafe and how to seek help from trusted adults. Children who walk to school should use sidewalks whenever possible, cross only at designated crosswalks, pay attention to crossing guards and traffic signals. Children riding bicycles and E-bikes should always wear properly fitted helmets, follow traffic rules and avoid using phones and headphones while riding. Bus riders should wait in a safe area away from traffic, follow the bus drivers instructions, remain seated while the bus is moving and wear seat belts if available. If your child is a car rider, make sure your child exits and enters from the curb side when possible and follows the school’s designated drop off and pick up procedures. Drivers should remain extra cautious and follow the speed limits around the school zones, bus stops, cross walks around school zones and neighborhoods where children may be walking, biking or riding to and from school. We wish all the children a successful school year filled with learning, friendships, new opportunities and joyful experiences! Submitted by Premeda Wijesiriwardena Preschool Director
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INSIDE LSF PINELLAS HEADSTART BUILDING SCHOOL READINESS FROM BIRTH TO FIVE
As families across Pinellas County gear up for the back-to-school season, LSF is proud to celebrate the continued impact of its Head Start and Early Head Start programs in the Pinellas County area, which have supported the early learning journeys of thousands of children and their families for over a decade. Since first opening its doors in Pinellas, LSF Head Start has become a trusted community resource, now serving more than 1,200 children ages 0 to 5 across the county. With a focus on the whole child, the program nurtures school readiness through high-quality early education, health screenings, nutritious meals and hands-on family support.
them with the resources they need to succeed, that’s when children defy expectations. We’re proud to walk alongside our families every step of the way.” That’s a reality Alysa Walston knows well. A mother of two,
have been a blessing and miracle for me and my family since 2018,” she said. “My son was in Head Start and now my daughter is in Early Head Start. I have seen with my own eyes Head Start’s patience and resourcefulness, the core values in action, the compassion from the teachers, how hard they work and their encouragement with the kids. It has been a beautiful thing to see. My babies are more confident and comfortable with learning and with others. I thank Head Start for helping me on this journey.”
This sense of transformation is common among families who walk through LSF’s doors. Many face barriers “Our goal is not like poverty, just to educate housing children, but insecurity or to uplift entire limited access LSF Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide tuition-free learning and families,” said development services to children ages birth to 5 from low-income families, to healthcare. as well as children with disabilities. LaShonda Watson, LSF meets those Director of LSF families where Pinellas Head Start. “When we Alysa has seen firsthand the they are, with compassionate support parents as their child’s difference LSF Head Start makes. staff, wraparound support first teacher, when we connect “Early Head Start and Head Start and community partnerships
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that ensure every child has a chance to succeed.
• Health, dental, vision and developmental screenings
LSF Pinellas Head Start offers:
• Nutritious daily meals and snacks
• Early Head Start services for infants and toddlers ages 0 to 5
• Family services and goal-setting that support self-sufficiency and growth
• Head Start classrooms for children ages 3 to 5 with developmentally appropriate, play-based learning
“We often say that Head Start is not just a preschool. It’s a launching pad,” added Watson. “In a county as diverse and
dynamic as Pinellas, we’re proud to be a place where every child and every family has the opportunity to rise.” If you’re a parent looking for more than just a preschool, LSF Head Start may be the opportunity your family has been waiting for. Their tuitionfree program gives children the best possible start to become lifelong learners. Whether your kids are taking their first steps or getting ready for kindergarten, LSF Head Start helps them grow with confidence. Spots are limited, so don’t wait to give your child a brighter beginning! Enrollment is now open for the 2026–2027 school year. To apply, contact LSF Pinellas Head Start at 727-547-5979 or apply online at https://www. lsfheadstart.org/lsf-headstart-pinellas/#application
LSF Head Start’s commitment to early childhood education is simple: to enhance the development of very young children between birth and five years of age (the most critical time of growth) and to promote healthy family functioning.
About LSF LSF is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to helping the most vulnerable Floridians. We do this by reducing the suicide and drug addiction rate, giving families in crisis the support they need to persevere and making sure those in poverty get the education they need to close the achievement gap. For more information about LSF and its programs, please visit www. lsfnet.org or contact LSF Vice President of Communications, Terri Durdaller, at terri.durdaller@lsfnet.org.