Page 7 - Lifesyles in Palm Beach Gardens - October '21

Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens, Page 7

Palm Beach Symphony from page 6 Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is located at 701 orchestral music. The
Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. orchestra is celebrated
“Our mission at Zero Empty Spaces is to expand the Lugano Diamonds, Findlay Galleries, HSS Florida, PNC for delivering spirited
appreciation of all genres of art to create a thriving cultural Wealth Management, The Colony Hotel, Hilton West Palm performances by first-
community,” said Andrew Martineau, Zero Empty Spaces Beach, Provident Jewelry, Ed Morse Automotive Group and rate musicians and
co-founder and managing partner. “The musical instruments Palm Beach Design Masters are proud sponsors of Palm distinguished guest
provide a unique canvas to our artists, and the auction will Beach Symphony. Programs are also sponsored in part by artists. Recognized by
benefit our artists as well as support Palm Beach Symphony.” the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts The Cultural Council for
Zero Empty Spaces Working Art Studio at 11300 Legacy and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. Palm Beach County with
Avenue, Suite 140 in Palm Beach Gardens is open daily from About Palm Beach Symphony a 2020 Muse Award for
1 to 5 p.m. and by appointment by calling Faith Schwack, Palm Beach Symphony is South Florida’s premier Outstanding Community
(561) 662-7916 or Anthony Burks, (561) 727-9173. orchestra known for its diverse repertoire and commitment Engagement, Palm Anthony Burks
Tickets for the Nov. 7 concert are $25 to $95 and are to community. Founded in 1974, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit Beach Symphony
available online at PalmBeachSymphony.org; by phone at arts organization adheres to a mission of engaging, continues to expand its education and community outreach
(561) 281-0145; or by visiting the Palm Beach Symphony educating, and entertaining the greater community of programs with children’s concerts, student coaching
Box Office, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The the Palm Beaches through live performances of inspiring sessions and master classes, instrument donations and
free public concerts that have reached more than 56,000
students in recent years. For more information visit www.
palmbeachsymphony.org.
About Zero Empty Spaces
Zero Empty Spaces is a rapidly growing affordable
artist studio/vacancy management company that creates
affordable artist studios in vacant spaces around the
country where artists can create and collaborate at an
affordable price. The concept expands the appreciation
of all genres of art and helps to create a thriving cultural
community in the cities surrounding each location.
Current Florida locations include Doral, Hallandale
Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Hollywood,
Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens, West
Cassandra Nordenbrock Andrew Holliman Gretchen Cocuzza Kitty Burri Palm Beach, Sarasota. For more information visit www.
zeroemptyspaces.com.

Photos courtesy of Palm Beach Symphony

Dysgraphia

Explained

By Jim Forgan, Ph.D.,
School Psychologist
Dorian Frith Kathleen Ross Melissa Mastrangelo Linda Zerpolo Does your child
have awful looking
penmanship? Does
Oxbridge Academy on the Move she have an awkward
looking pencil grip?
How about difficulty
What does an acclaimed co-educational, independent newly appointed athletic director Stan Ross, also the putting thoughts onto
school – known for instilling values, building boys’ lacrosse coach. “Oxbridge paused the football paper? One young child
character, emphasizing diversity, and creating a program in 2018 with some safety concerns with some told me he felt like he
curriculum suited for individual choice – do when of the games on the schedule and other reorganization was having writing wars
it reaches its 10-year milestone? In the case of decisions.” Ross adds. “COVID-19 delayed our plans with his hand. A mom expressed her frustration when
she explained her child’s writing was so slow and
Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach it adds a a little, however we feel we are ready for the return of laborious that the writing process was painful for them
middle school for grades seven and eight and brings football as a junior varsity sport next fall and varsity both. These are classic dysgraphia warning signs.
back one of its signature athletic programs, football competition in the years to come.” Dysgraphia is a writing learning disability that
along with a return of its cheerleading team. The affects 6 to 10 percent of kids. Testing for dysgraphia
Oxbridge Academy Middle School opened its doors The athletic program also includes baseball, is an easy process that most kids enjoy. We assess
in August and football is set to return to campus in basketball, cross-country, equestrian, golf, lacrosse, your child’s finger control as some children can’t
the fall of 2022. sailing, soccer, softball, swimming, track & field, control their finger movements which create fine motor
tennis, girls volleyball, and girls flag football. Over difficulty. A dysgraphia evaluation also assesses your
“When we began planning for our 10-year anniversary the years, many Oxbridge student-athletes have child’s ability to copy from close or farther away.
and identified ways to build on our strong foundation, received scholarships to play at the next level in We compare your child’s talking ability with his or
a middle school and bringing back our football college. her writing ability as most children with dysgraphia
program were a big part of the conversation,” are stronger verbal communicators but don’t express
themselves well in written form.
explained Oxbridge Head of School Ralph Maurer. Academically, Oxbridge boasts an average class If your child has dysgraphia he or she might be
The school’s 10-year milestone also coincided with size of 14, a 9:1 student/faculty ratio, and a faculty eligible for classroom accommodations on a 504 Plan.
several other important factors: more families moving of which 77% have advanced degrees, including This is the public school document that recognizes
into the area and an increasing demand for private 13% with doctorates. Oxbridge is also proud of its your child has dysgraphia and prevents teachers from
school education. The timing is right, and so is the unique, signature programs: Artificial Intelligence discriminating against your child’s writing. Some
mission. (AI), Aviation, Cambridge (England) Scholars, and children need to use technology whether voice to text
Independent Research. The school’s Model U.N. and or keyboarding. Other children need extra time on
“Adding middle school grades means preparing debate teams and its theater students consistently writing tests. Some children need a special writing
students at a younger age to be world citizens receive statewide awards and recognition. The utensil such as the Pen Again which is a wishbone
and future leaders who are caring, confident, number of extra-curricular options grows as students looking pencil that helps children correct an awkward
compassionate, critical thinkers,” Maurer continues. are encouraged to bring new ideas for clubs. Oxbridge pencil grasp.
“It gives younger students from all walks of life the also emphasizes community service, which includes Children with weak finger strength and control
might need to participate in occupational therapy. An
opportunity to benefit from a culture that nurtures tutoring students, clothing and toy drives, and beach occupational therapist works on fine motor activities
and instills values such as integrity, honesty, respect, clean ups. such as cutting, drawing, buttoning, and improving
and gratitude. It will help them develop character and finger control. Children with severe dysgraphia often
discover their passions at an earlier age and prepare It’s your turn to discover Oxbridge. qualify to receive occupational therapy at school. A
them for a seamless transition to our high school.” thorough dysgraphia evaluation pinpoints your child’s
For more information about Oxbridge Academy, difficulty and provides the paperwork for obtaining
“Bringing back our football program adds another e-mail admission@oapb.org or call (561) 972-9826. school help.
fantastic athletic program and enhances opportunities We offer in office ADHD/ADD testing, school
for our student body and school spirit,” explains neuropsychological evaluations for dysgraphia and
dyslexia, and gifted testing. Call (561) 625-4125 or
Paid Advertisement visit www.JimForgan.com.