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GUIDE: Back-to-School Activities, Classes & More!

By Meghan Friedland, Editor/Publisher Macaroni Kid Danbury-Bethel-Ridgefield, CT August 25, 2016
Welcome to the 2016 Macaroni Kid Back-to-School Guide! We've rounded up some wonderful local businesses that have lots to offer for the 2016-2017 school year. Be sure to let these businesses know that you read about them in Macaroni Kid! You can access this Guide from our web site through September 29th. Beyond that, you can always locate information on each business in our Business DirectoryTo get the scoop on family fun in the Danbury-Bethel-Ridgefield area, sign-up to receive our kid-friendly event calendar and e-newsletter HERE!

Bach to Rock (B2R)
Ridgefield, CT; 475-215-0011; ridgefield.bachtorock.com 
Bach to Rock is coming to Ridgefield this fall! We use an innovative approach to music instruction based on the belief that everyone learns faster playing the music they like, whether it’s rock or Bach — the technical foundation is the same. From Bach to Blue Oyster Cult, from Mozart to Mayer, Cash to Clash and Puccini to Perry (Katy or Steve), Bach to Rock (B2R) offers a wide variety of lessons in all music genres. for kids, teens and adults of all ages. We teach guitar, bass, drums, vocals, keyboard, brass, strings, ukulele and more. 

Bee U Learning Center
Bethel, CT; (203) 798-0015; www.beeulearningcenter.com
Located in Bethel’s secure and picturesque Berkshire Corporate Park, Bee U Learning Center brings over 30-years of early childhood experience. The center is licensed for up to 64 children (3 months -12 years).  Classrooms are structured for all children’s needs, are separated by age group, and furnished with age appropriate materials. Each have access to our large outdoor play area including age appropriate development materials to help promote large motor skills.  We offer full/part-time preschool with emphasis on kindergarten readiness, full/part-time childcare as well as before/after school care.  Openings are currently available for 2016/2017.  Please call or email us to visit our facility at (203) 798-0015 or beeulc@gmail.com.

C2 Education
Ridgefield (475) 215-1211; Brookfield, CT (203) 628-2668; www.c2educate.com
With new locations in Brookfield and Ridgefield, C2 Education offers K-12 tutoring, homework help, and academic mentoring services. We specialize in helping students prepare for the PSAT/SAT/ACT exams and provide free college admissions counseling. There’s nothing one-size-fits-all about C2 Education: our tutors customize our program to each student’s needs. The skills we teach prepare them for outstanding achievements—not just in school, but for the rest of their lives. Call or stop in to get a free consultation!  

College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors of Danbury
Danbury, CT; 203-794-0590; http://collegenanniesandtutors.com/danburyct 
College Nannies + Sitters is the nations largest employer of nannies and baby sitters.  All nannies/sitters are thoroughly vetted and background screened and will provide hours of fun for your children.  Visit our website or download our new App and start receiving the top quality childcare your family deserves. Mention Macaroni Kid and get your first 4 hours of care FREE! 

Danbury Sports Dome
Danbury, CT; 203-778-3663; www.danburysportsdome.com 
We offer day programs and clinics in our state-of-the-art, indoor, climate-controlled facility.  Programs are designed for your child’s physical and mental development. Our field programs use a variety of games to engage kids in physical activity. Overall our Day Programs and Clinics will enable individuals to create self-confidence, promote physical fitness, work on motor skills and provide enrichment too. We stress a non-competitive environment and promote fun above all else. Instructor to student ratio is kept small to maximize individual development. Fall Programs: Dinky Doos Soccer (ages 3-5): Saturday mornings starting October 1. Junior Blues (ages 6-14) soccer starts September 30 and runs for 8 weekly sessions. Call or visit our web site to register. Register with code MacKid2016 and Save $20!

Firefly Family Yoga
Ridgefield, CT; 203-431-0140; www.fireflyfamilyyoga.com 
Firefly Family Yoga offers an engaging, fun, and welcoming wellness experience for the entire family. Our certified instructors and wellness team are there for every member of your family and family-to-be: we’re proud to be the only studio in the area with a core concentration in prenatal and postnatal yoga; introduce your youngest yogis to practice in mommy and me, toddlers, and kids yoga; older kids find calm and confidence in our preteen and teen classes; and beginners, seniors and those looking for a calming yoga practice will love Gentle Flow. Or, bring everyone together for one of our Family Classes! Our extended Wellness Team includes a Registered Dietician, Occupational Therapist with Lactation expertise, Aromatherapy and Essential Oils, Prenatal and Kids Massage Therapist, and a hypnotherapist and Reiki Master. Contact us for more information on our fall offerings and workshops. Macaroni Kid readers get $25 a 7-week fall kids series or 5-class pass by using coupon code MKF25. Offer expires 10/31. Offer for new students only. 

Gayle's Family Hair Studio
Bethel, CT; 203-616-5990; www.gaylescuts.com 
Gayle's, A Family haircutting Studio is a comfortable friendly environment for your entire family to have a haircut. Gayle is a legally licensed hairdresser and has worked locally for over 17 years. At Gayle’s, we believe children's haircuts should be fun, happy and fairly quick since kids don't like to sit long. Toys and a TV are available and kids are welcome to bring a snack or special toy from home. Early morning and evening appointments can be arranged. Schedule your child’s back-to-school haircut today! 

Music Together of Greater Danbury
Danbury, CT; (203) 731-4053; www.mtdanbury.com
Have you ever wondered what you can do to nurture the musical growth of your child, regardless of your own musical ability? Experience Music Together® and find out how important--and how fun--your role can be! Our Music Together classes build on your child's natural enthusiasm for music and movement. We'll help you provide your child with the basic musical skills needed to enjoy school and social musical activities, and to study an instrument should he or she choose to do so. Now registering for the fall semester which starts September 12. Free demo classes available. Mention Macaroni Kid and SAVE $15!

Mathnasium of Danbury
Danbury Fair Mall, CT; (203) 744-MATH (6284); www.mathnasium.com/danbury
We are your neighborhood math-only learning center. We help kids in grades 2-12 understand math by teaching the way that makes sense to them. When math makes sense, kids leap way ahead – whether they started out far behind or already ahead in math. Our formula for teaching kids math, the Mathnasium Method™ has transformed the way kids learn math for over a decade across 500+ centers in the US and Canada. Mention Macaroni Kid and SAVE 10%! Print your coupon here

Once Upon a Child
Danbury, CT; 203-791-2393; www.onceuponachilddanbury.com
Our store features a wide selection of gently used clothes, toys and other merchandise at bargain prices. Don't pay full price on Back-to-School clothes -- come check out our heavily stocked inventory and SAVE! We also have a great selection of after-school activity items like soccer cleats and dance wear, Halloween costumes & much more! Be sure to visit us Aug. 21-27 for tax-free week!       

Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance
Ridgefield, CT; 203-438-5597; www.ridgefielddance.org
Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dance school, is nationally recognized as a "distinguished, high achieving, pre-professional performing arts school" that "nurtures young dance artists in strong movement technique." We are dedicated to educating and encouraging students to become knowledgeable, passionate, thinking artists. We offer classes in all disciplines for ages 2 through adult. Classes include Hip Hop, Contemporary, Ballroom, Commercial Dance Workshops and more.

Ridgefield Montessori School
Danbury, CT; 203-438-4506; www.ridgefieldmontessori.com
The Ridgefield Montessori School has been preparing children for a lifetime of learning and success in a nurturing environment since 1999. We dedicate ourselves to nurturing the individual child’s inherent love of learning and desire for independence. We seek to build a partnership with the students and parents in a diverse community where each child feels an important member and can strive to reach their full potential. We commit to fostering human understanding, kindness and acceptance. The Montessori curriculum focuses on the whole child and the teachers at RMS strive to provide a wonderful foundation for our students that sets them on a path to further educational successes. Toddler, Early Education and Kindergarten programs serve children 18 months to 6 years of age. In addition to the highly academic Montessori program, RMS offers Extended Day and After Care, Foreign Language, Music, Enrichment Programs, Field Trips, Special Music Performances, Aldrich Museum Art Program. Call to schedule a visit!

Ridgefield Suzuki School
Ridgefield, CT; (203) 403-2667; www.RidgefieldSuzukiSchool.com
A community music school offering Suzuki-based violin, viola, cello and early childhood instruction to families in Ridgefield and the surrounding towns. The Suzuki Method is a long-standing, internationally recognized approach to music education. The foundation of the Suzuki method is the belief that every child can learn. Families receive a weekly private lesson by a trained Suzuki teacher, a weekly group class, many performance opportunities as well as parent education and support.  We strive to provide a nurturing environment where students develop lifelong learning skills, musical excellence and a profound love of music! Register now for fall classes. 

Spark Arts  
Bethel, CT;  203-456-3651; www.sparkartsbethel.com
Our passionate, talented artists share their expertise in small, comfortable classes to offer you a fantastic, creative, learning experience. We welcome children AND adults to come and play. Classes being offered this fall include Acting, Circus Arts for Kids & Teens, Art Studio (drawing, painting, sculpting), Dance & Music Theater, Family Ballet (for moms & babies!) and Performance Theater (Seussical)! Register now for fall classes and find your inner Spark in the heart of downtown Bethel! 

Sparklicious
Redding, CT; (203) 587-1329; www.sparklicious.com
Sparklicious, parties, crafts and glamour. A children's party center and event venue, Ages 3-16 years old. This Fall, join our Sparkle Club or Princess Academy. Sparkle Club includes pottery painting, jewelry creations, Hip Hop Dancing and more. Princess Academy, from dress up, to story time, perfect for little princesses. We’ll also have special drop-off events on days when school is out such as Yom Kippur and Columbus Day. Call us or follow our Facebook Page for details and updates. 

Tot Town Party & Play
Brookfield, CT; (203)885-0554; www.tottownct.com 
Come to Tot Town Party & Play before or after school this fall to let your little one unwind and burn off some creative energy. Tot Town provides plenty of opportunities for kids to be physically active, while engaging their imaginations. Our play room caters to children 8 and under and is filled with toys and equipment that encourage creative exploration. It is an indoor, parent-supervised play area. Tot Town is committed to providing a comfortable, clean and enjoyable environment for babies, kids and parents. Adult admission is free when you bring your tot to play. Mention this ad and get $2 off your open play session.