‘Vampire Dog’ is sweet tale

Celebrate this spooktacular season by popping in a DVD of “Vampire Dog,” and you may find it’s just the ticket to getting your whole family howling with laughter. There’s nothing scary about the pooch in question, Fang (given a hilarious, sarcastic voice by “Saturday Night Live” alum Norm MacDonald). Instead, Fang delivers one-liners and sage advice to his owner, a tween named Ace (Collin MacKechnie), who needs all the help he can get as the awkward new kid at the Lugosi Public School, where the monsters are the “cool” students, who tease, bully, and put down the academic achievers.

Don’t worry, parents — despite the moniker of “vampire,” Fang is not a blood-thirsty hound, but rather a red-gelatin-dessert-craving canine, who happens to have an allergic reaction to direct sunlight. Although the sweet-toothed pooch catches the eye of mad scientist Dr. Warhol (Amy Matysio), there’s a happy ending for the boy and his dog. The tale, directed by visual effects expert Geoff Anderson, is followed by comic bloopers and outtakes.

“Vampire Dog” DVD, $14.98, www.amazon.com.

Amazing Explorers Academy Williamsburg

Welcome to Amazing Explorers Academy, a premier STEAM-based preschool dedicated to fostering a love of learning and exploration in children aged 0 to 5. Our innovative and dynamic programs provide a nurturing environment where young minds can thrive and develop essential skills that will shape their future. At Amazing Explorers Academy, we embrace the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) approach, integrating these disciplines into our comprehensive curriculum. Through hands-on experiences and age-appropriate activities, children are encouraged to inquire, investigate, and discover, igniting their natural curiosity. We have many Enrichment programs included in our curriculum like Tiny Chefs, where your child is introduced to the joys of cooking and nutrition. Under the guidance of our incredible team, they learn to create delicious and healthy treats, fostering independence and creativity in the kitchen. Music and Movement is another integral part of our curriculum, enhancing children's motor skills, coordination, and self-expression. Beyond being a creative outlet, music&rsquo;s rhythmic and melodic patterns stimulate the brain, exercising it and aiding memory development. We also place a strong emphasis on Nature Exploration, recognizing the importance of connecting with the natural world. Nature as a classroom allows children to engage all their senses, appreciate nature, and form stronger connections to their environment and community. Central to our philosophy is the belief in the power of play-based learning. We understand that children learn best through play, and our skilled educators design play-based activities that promote cognitive, social, and emotional development. Play-based learning nurtures creativity, problem-solving, and communication skills, all essential for success in the 21st century. Our highly trained and caring teachers are committed to creating a safe and nurturing atmosphere, where every child feels valued and supported. At Amazing Explorers Academy, we strive to inspire a lifelong love of learning, providing a solid foundation for future academic and personal achievements. Join us on this exciting journey of exploration and discovery, where every day is an opportunity to learn, play, and grow together!

Speyer School

Process over product. Empathy and analysis over memorized facts. These are what we emphasize at Speyer. Speyer was founded to provide an environment specifically designed for gifted students to foster their natural talents, to build a strong educational foundation through differentiated instruction, and to provide a limitless ceiling for growth and exploration.&nbsp; Yes, Speyer is a school for gifted learners &mdash; however the word "gifted" is not the most important part of that statement. Our focus is on the word "learners." We are passionate about challenging our students every day in their insatiable quest for learning and help them discover who they are as people.&nbsp; Speyer students cover more than geometry, chemistry, and history &mdash; they also learn how to collaborate, listen, and be a friend. Because of our intentional K-8 model, Speyer graduates attend and thrive at the top high schools in NYC and across the country and we send them there braver, kinder, and more prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead.&nbsp; Unlock your child's potential at Speyer, the only independent school in NYC designed for gifted learners. Speyer&rsquo;s main Admissions entry points are Kindergarten, Fifth Grade, and Sixth Grade, though we review applications for all grades (space permitting).

Rodeph Sholom School

<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 300; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rodeph Sholom School, an Early Childhood through 8th Grade Reform Jewish independent school, inspires today&rsquo;s curious learners to become tomorrow&rsquo;s purpose-driven leaders. Located on Manhattan&rsquo;s UWS, the school engages students in meaningful experiences and intellectual exploration through a curriculum infused with Jewish values while fueling their love of learning and sense of responsibility to themselves and society. Students and families of all backgrounds connect and thrive in Rodeph Sholom School&rsquo;s welcoming and inclusive community.