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100 Teachers to Win Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises in Celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week

YourUpdateTV

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2 – 6) Norwegian Cruise Line is relaunching its award-winning Norwegian’s Giving Joy TM contest, rewarding 100 teachers across the U.S. with a sailing aboard its newest groundbreaking ship, Norwegian Prima. In addition, the top three grand prize winners will receive a seven-day cruise for two and up to a $25,000 donation for their school. Recently, Senior Vice President of Branding and Communications at Norwegian Cruise Line, Christine Da Silva, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the initiative and why it’s so important to recognize the work of our teachers. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/4ldobDA3veo Norwegian’s Giving Joy TM campaign serves to recognize and celebrate educators for their relentless dedication to inspiring students every day, and unwavering commitment to bringing joy to the classroom. In addition to honoring these often-under-valued teachers, this campaign highlights the intersection of travel and education, two areas that Norwegian Cruise Line is extremely passionate about. Travel is one of the most immersive means of education. It broadens our perspective, encourages us to discover, adapt and accept new cultures and experiences. The month-long campaign is now live and runs through June 3, 2022. Norwegian Cruise Line is encouraging nominations of certified or accredited teachers in the U.S. and Canada who strive to bring joy into their classrooms and inspire their student’s day-in and day-out. The top 100 teachers across North America will win an exclusive invitation to the inaugural sailing of NCL’s newest innovative ship, Norwegian Prima, from Galveston, TX from Oct. 27-31, 2022. The top three winners will also receive a seven-day cruise for two on voyages departing from the U.S. and Canada through Dec. 31, 2023, as well as $25,000, $15,000 or $10,000 respectively for their school. To nominate a beloved teacher, to vote and for the contest terms and conditions, please visit www.nclgivingjoy.com. About Christine Da Silva: Christine Da Silva is the Senior Vice President of Branding and Communications for Norwegian Cruise Line, responsible for the development and execution of the brand’s global branding strategy as well as its external and internal communications and events. Overseeing branding and communication, she leads the development of the brand narrative; is responsible for reputation, crisis and issue management; and has been instrumental in the launch of engagement initiatives including the game-changing Norwegian’s Giving Joy TM and Encore Moments campaigns as well as the debut of the Company’s latest vessels. Da Silva has over 25 years of experience guiding brands and businesses in delivering authentic and impactful messages through integrated communication and marketing strategies that drive growth, sales and awareness. She is based in the Company’s head office in Miami, Florida. About Norwegian Cruise Line: As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 55 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, its fleet of 17 contemporary ships sail to over 300 of the world’s most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. Norwegian Cruise Line not only provides superior guest service from land to sea, but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodations across the fleet, including solo traveler staterooms, club balcony suites, spa-suites and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company’s ship-within-a-ship concept. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com. For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the NCL Newsroom and follow Norwegian Cruise Line on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

May 05, 2022 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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The Alliance for Education Releases Annual Report Demonstrating Support for Seattle Students

Alliance for Education

The Alliance for Education (the Alliance), Seattle’s only local education fund, released their 2021 annual report today. The report highlights the success of Alliance programs that support students, families, and teachers across all 106 Seattle public schools. According to the annual report, one program in particular, the Right Now Needs Fund, fulfilled 12,617 individual requests for support for students and families at Seattle Public Schools in the past year. The Right Now Needs Fund works directly at the school level to provide funding for clothing, food, health, internet, and housing costs for students and families across Seattle Public Schools, allowing students to focus on learning by supporting their success within and beyond the classroom. According to the report, of the requests fulfilled from September 2020 to August 2021, 56 percent provided food, 31 percent went toward shelter for students and families, six percent provided school supplies, six percent for clothing, and one percent funded internet costs. Since its launch in 2018 with a generous donation from Amazon, the Right Now Needs Fund has reported more than 35,000 individual instances of support for students and families across all 106 schools. “Our students succeed when they have access to an education system that equitably supports every student in Seattle’s diverse community. As an independent, local education fund, we act quickly to convene community partners to address these challenges by developing, investing, and partnering in programs and pathways that increase equity for Seattle students. We rely on the generous donations of our community to design, implement, and fund the programs and pathways that make Seattle Public Schools an equitable school system where our students thrive,” said Lisa Chick, CEO of the Alliance for Education. In addition to the Right Now Needs Fund, the Alliance raises funds and develops programs that address existing inequities preventing students from receiving the education they deserve. The 2021 annual report demonstrates the impact of its fundraising for the following programs that support Seattle teachers, students, and their families. The Seattle Teacher Residency program was developed in partnership with the University of Washington, Seattle Education Association, and Seattle Public Schools to train educators to teach in culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The program places diverse cohorts of highly-qualified teachers in Title I schools which are most impacted by poverty. Currently, 155 Seattle Teacher Residency graduates teach in Seattle Public Schools. The Education Equity Fund was created by the Alliance to serve Seattle students, families, and teachers during times of crisis. During the pandemic, the fund provided 10,000 laptops, 24/7 tech support, teacher training for remote learning, 25,000 meals for students, and more. The Alliance supported the creation of the Office of African American Male Achievement at Seattle Public Schools by raising $2.5 million to fuel its first three years of work. The Office of African American Male Achievement is the first of its kind in Washington, creating a framework that aligns strategy and practices across the district to ensure Seattle Public Schools has the culture, conditions, staff competencies, and community connections in place for all Black boys and teens to excel in their education. Together these programs offer necessary support to help Seattle students receive an excellent and equitable education to reach their fullest potential. Learn more about the Alliance’s philanthropic partnerships and programming impacts in the recently released annual report. ### The Alliance for Education works in close partnership with Seattle Public Schools and other community partners to convene stakeholders, create programs and raise funds designed to advance educational justice and racial equity in Seattle’s public school system. To learn more about the Alliance for Education, visit www.alliance4ed.org. Contact Details Elle Carlos +1 951-217-5380 ecarlos@wearerally.com Company Website https://www.alliance4ed.org/

May 03, 2022 08:03 AM Pacific Daylight Time

UNO Pizzeria & Grill Honors Teachers with Free Pizza

UNO Pizzeria & Grill

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, Uno Pizzeria and Grill is giving away a free pizza to teachers. In an effort to recognize the contributions of teachers over the last two years and all of their work in general, the historic pizza restaurant has decided to give a free individual deep dish or thin crust pizza to any teacher who comes in with a valid school or teacher ID. “We all appreciate the effort and dedication that teachers provide for our children. It’s great to be able to do something that shows our gratitude in a meaningful and widespread way. Everybody loves pizza and we love our teachers, so by offering them a free pizza, we can give them a small token of that appreciation” stated CEO Erik Frederick. The promotion with run from May 2 -May 4 and is valid for dine-in only. Available at participating locations. Present valid teacher id to redeem offer. About UNO Pizzeria & Grill Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Uno Restaurant Holdings Corporation includes approximately 80 company-owned and franchised UNO Pizzeria & Grill restaurants located in 18 states, and the District of Columbia, India, and Saudi Arabia. UNO is all about connecting people over pizza – from its famous Chicago Deep Dish, which UNO invented in 1943, to its Chicago Thin Crust, to its gluten-free and vegan pizzas. The Company also operates Uno Foods, a consumer packaged-foods business which supplies supermarkets, airlines, movie theaters, hotels, airports, travel plazas, and schools, with both frozen and refrigerated private-label foods and UNO branded products. For more information, visit www.unos.com. Contact Details Chris Dellamarggio cdellamarggio@unos.com Company Website https://www.unos.com/

May 02, 2022 01:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Texas Car Accident Data Reflects Worrisome Trend

Justinian & Associates

Vehicle accidents and fatalities in Texas have continued on a worrisome trend upward in 2022 according to recent data compiled by Justinian & Associates, an Austin personal injury lawyer firm. The trend is not only reflecting an increase in the number of overall accidents and deaths, it’s contributing to a growing economic loss for the state, up significantly from the $43-billion loss from vehicle accidents alone reported just over a year ago. “The worrisome trend of increased Texas car accidents and fatalities, particularly here in the general Austin area and surrounding communities of Round Rock and Pflugerville, is something that can’t be ignored,” said Dustin Fox, lead attorney for Justinian & Associates. “While not all car accidents result in fatalities,” said Fox, “they can result in catastrophic injuries and huge losses for those involved who don’t know what to do after a car accident occurs. This knowledge gap is one of the reasons why we’ve prepared a list of top things to do immediately after an accident occurs, to help Austin area residents limit potential losses and medical bills.” Fox has six primary tips for drivers who have been in an Austin car accident. “First, know that you have the right to know the other driver's information. Other parties involved are required to share specific information with you, and it's important that you get that information as soon as possible after the accident. Second, be cautious about what you say or share with the other driver or passengers involved. Any comments can be used against you later in court. For this reason, it’s best not to discuss the accident with the other driver at the scene.” The third tip has to do with paying medical bills, a topic many accident victims worry about. “Some personal injury lawyers will work with medical providers under a Letter of Protection after the accident,” says Fox. “If you've been injured in a car accident in Austin, this will delay the need for you to pay medical bills you might incur until after a settlement. A good personal injury lawyer will negotiate with medical providers on a client’s behalf.” Texas Department of Transportation data shows that 2021 was the deadliest year on record for Austin’s roads, with more than 106 deaths reported by year-end. This number reflects the danger of driving in Texas statewide, where, on average, more than 11 people died each day in traffic-related accidents in 2021. The record deaths-from-accidents data led one state official to lament the worrisome trend: “We have a real crisis in our state,” said Bob Kaufman, chief communications officer with the Texas Department of Transportation. The three most common causes of vehicle accident deaths in Texas shed some light on where Austin area drivers need to exercise more caution and restraint: Driving while intoxicated, not wearing a seatbelt, and speeding. “Oftentimes, the cases we see and try are situations that could have been avoided if drivers exercised more caution before getting on the road,” said Fox “That’s the general message we want to convey — be careful on the road because, while an Austin personal injury lawyer is there to help you navigate the challenges of the legal system, the best approach is to avoid having to deal with the hassles and potentially catastrophic consequences of a car accident in the first place.” Listen to a podcast interview with Dustin Fox on Six Things To Do after a car accident. Justinian & Associates is an Austin personal injury law firm with offices in Round Rock and San Antonio, Texas. www.justinian.com -###- Contact Details Threlkeld Communications, Inc. Bill Threlkeld bill@threlkeldcomm.com Company Website https://www.justinian.com

April 28, 2022 08:42 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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IMPROVING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN

Maple

Maple, a provider of reliable, remote online access for students, announced the availability of its fully portable and pocket-sized connectivity solutions for closing the digital divide in rural and low-income communities. School leaders throughout the United States can partner with Maple to take advantage of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) to give students a safe and reliable home internet connection that promotes online learning and unlocks opportunities. Remote and hybrid learning is here to stay, making technology and at-home internet access essential for students to access academic resources. These basic tools that millions of students need are often unavailable to children in underserved and low-income communities, creating gaps in learning, reducing opportunities to advance, and threatening future goals. According to the Federal Communication Commission, nearly 17 million students lack at-home internet access —many of whom are from minority, low-income, and rural communities. "Education is a human right," stated Michael Kadisha, Chief Executive of Maple. "Equal access to education is, in my view, the defining civil rights issue of our time. Regardless of location or economic status, all students today must have equal access to the internet to succeed.” Maple and its leadership team have a proven history of creating solutions for education and serving students. At the outset of the pandemic, Maple provided Chromebooks and other technologies to support remote learning. They quickly realized that a computer or tablet is of little use without reliable internet access. To solve this, Maple partnered with StratusX to build the Maple Hotspot, a cellular, cloud-managed personal WiFi solution that connects students and educators to their digital classrooms from anywhere. Maple hotspots eliminate the frustration associated with slow or 'spotty' service. When students in areas with limited mobile service utilize the Maple hotspot, they can reliably access the internet whenever and wherever they want. "We are proud to partner with StratusX in this critical endeavor," Kadisha said. “Their unique patented technology prevents service disruptions as devices switch seamlessly between mobile carrier networks to capture the optimal signal at all times. This benefit is critical as it gives high-speed connectivity while avoiding downtime for students from any carrier facing weather disruptions, technical issues, or even poor reception in the students' location." "With Maple's insights, experience, and guidance in the education sector, our team designed many specific features, including cloud-managed CIPA compliance to ensure safe access to content authorized by schools," explained Raviv Laor, StratusX's CEO. "With Maple, connecting online is always available, safe, and compliant." While several other hotspot providers exist, Maple's school-centric solution uniquely addresses the needs of educators, students, and school leadership. "This turnkey connectivity solution meets the specific demands of the education sector: schools have customized features to implement certain web surfing restrictions and verification options that ensure students have safe experiences online. Most importantly, the device's proprietary SIM management technology allows schools to connect, manage, configure and operate their fleets 100% remotely," said Laor. "It is a win-win situation. Schools save time and students learn with the technology they need," Kadisha continued. "We are proud of our role in eliminating these easily addressable inequities that arise from a lack of online access and improving learning outcomes for all students." Schools may use the funds they secure through the ECF program to procure Maple hotspots. A new application window opens on April 28 and runs through May 13, where schools may request 100% funding for student connectivity needs. Maple also provides schools with white-glove service, with end-to-end assistance from government funding applications to hardware setup and device deployment. “We know that the Homework Gap is a financial and emotional burden for students," Kadisha said. "We can and will do better." About Maple Maple provides trusted technology solutions for schools, students, and libraries that bridge the digital divide by delivering high-quality internet access that unlocks valuable educational experiences for students. Please visit https://www.mapleconnect.co/. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with a Maple spokesperson, please contact Dan Rene of kglobal at daniel.rene@kglobal.com or 202-329-8357 Contact Details Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 daniel.rene@kglobal.com Company Website https://www.mapleconnect.co/

April 26, 2022 12:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time

First MENA fintech Pay-Now, Pay-Later school fees app zenda raises $9.4m

zenda

zenda, MENA’s first fintech app for families has announced it has secured a $9.4m oversubscribed seed round. Leading regional and global investors (STV, COTU, Global Founders Capital, and VentureSouq) participate in the oversubscribed round. zenda currently addresses pain points around the payment of school fees - in particular, the lack of convenience and flexibility in payment options for parents and the poor collection of payments for schools. zenda was founded in June 2021 by Raman Thiagarajan and Haseeb Ahmed, alumni of McKinsey & Company, where Raman led the Firm’s Financial Services Practice in the MENA region. zenda is the founders’ second start-up, and leverages deep insights and knowledge from their successful previous ed-tech venture. With approximately US$37B processed annually in fee payments to private educational institutions in the GCC, US$34B in the rest of Middle East and Africa, and US$70B annually in India, the market is sizable yet largely untapped. Fee payments in schools (nurseries - K12 - tertiary) are mostly non-digital, and even where digital, are cumbersome, manual and expensive. Also the majority of families earn monthly but fee payments are usually termly or bi-annual, resulting in cash flow stress for parents and collection delays for schools. Using zenda, families can track dues and make payments through a multitude of pay-now and pay-later options, and unlock rewards for paying on time. zenda integrates with schools through its proprietary data model and APIs (much like zapier) and eliminates last mile reconciliation challenges and delays. CEO and founder of zenda, Raman Thiagarajan said: “In today’s digital world, we seek low friction and immediacy - why should that not be the case for fee payments? Part of the ecosystem still runs on cash or cheque with no convenient option to pay later. Since our launch, feedback from the market and especially from our users has been terrific – we are grateful & pumped with the response from parents and seeing how they have embraced our service. zenda schools are witnessing a systematic increase in their collections. We have a truly outstanding team and I feel privileged that such a passionate group is with us on this journey. We are excited and hopeful for the possibilities ahead – in providing customer-centric digital financial services to solve some of the simple yet important problems for families in our regions” zenda has witnessed strong market traction with schools and with families. Its user base grew 20X since June 2021 and crossed $100M+ in annual contracted TPV volume by Q4 2021, across UAE and India. zenda’s success is also attributable to the team’s expertise and deep insights into how educational institutions operate, from their earlier venture. zenda’s mission is to help families thrive. In the future, it aims to make it easier for families to manage money and to enable their financial wellness through tailored banking and financial experiences. Commenting on the announcement, Ihsan Jawad, General Partner at STV said: “Raman, Haseeb and the team have identified a compelling gap in the market and in supporting families on a topic that is very important to them. Seeing their strong traction over the past several months, we couldn't be more excited about zenda. The UAE itself is a USD 8+ billion market for private education fees and they are already well poised to capture leadership. They have built an outstanding team and we look forward to working with them in helping zenda achieve its mission.” About zenda zenda is a fintech app for families. It enables families to pay school fees with pay-now and pay-later options, unlocking rewards for paying on time. Finance runs deeply through the family - from paying school fees to saving for short term expenses such as family trips, to investing for education. But family finance has remained stuck in a single-player paradigm. We want to change that. zenda’s mission is to help families thrive. It aims to make it easier for families to manage money and enables their financial wellness - banking and financial experiences built from the ground up, designed specifically for families. For more information please visit www.zenda.com or follow the company on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter. Contact Details zenda Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.zenda.com/

April 25, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Maple Bridging Digital Divide For Students And Educators

Maple

Maple, a provider of reliable, remote online access for students and educators, announced its fully portable and pocket-sized WiFi hotspot connectivity solution will be available to schools and libraries as a new Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) application window opens. The Federal Communications Commission's ECF program provides more than $7 billion to meet remote learning needs. Maple leaders encourage schools to obtain their learning solutions by utilizing the third ECF opportunity launching on April 28, 2022. Maple technology provides students and educators with online connection by utilizing a pocket-sized router with a fast and reliable network connection. The ease of use, superior connectivity, security, and 24/7 bilingual technical support, make Maple a well-received partner of school systems in the United States and globally. "Maple provides a safe and reliable solution that unlocks opportunities and bridges the digital divide for students. Our technology solutions support learning in the classroom, at home, and in the community, giving students safe access to the internet," explained Michelle Mirshokri, Vice President at Maple. "Our school partners appreciate the customized settings available that include restrictions on web surfing, geolocation, and verification options that ensure students have safe experiences learning online." Conventional and “legacy” hotspots lack features school districts need, creating logistical challenges and added costs. Maple technologies are superior, providing unique benefits more desirable for schools in managing and students in utilizing. The cloud management capabilities allow for ease of tracking (making it nearly impossible to lose devices). The remote monitoring and shutdown features ensure students use the technology properly and lost/stolen equipment is promptly deactivated (messages on how to return devices are also displayed on the hostspot’s digital screen). Most importantly, Maple hotspots feature a proprietary and patented SIM management technology, that prevents disruptions in service as devices can switch seamlessly between mobile carrier networks to provide an optimal signal at all times. There are no SIMs in devices to remove or lose, saving schools time and money associated with the management and logistics of their fleets. Any changes to access or service, including website restrictions, are implemented remotely. The security, quality of connection, and cloud management are unparalleled. Schools may use the funds they secure through the ECF program to procure Maple's technology. A new application window opens from April 28 through May 13, where schools may request 100% funding for student connectivity needs. Maple also provides schools with a white-glove service, with end-to-end assistance on everything from government funding applications to hardware setup and device deployment. "We are proud to play a role in supporting students as virtual learning continues to open doors for more opportunities and experiences," Mirshokri continued. "We hope to help thousands more access a reliable, high-speed connection suitable for online learning.” Representatives from Beth Rivkah Colleges described their experience with Maple stating, "With Maple devices, we're able to provide portable internet devices to all of our students in need. This aids us in ensuring that no child falls behind and misses out on vital learning with their teachers and peers and allows them to remain connected." "The Maple team is pleased to assist schools with the ECF application process. The opportunity to provide internet access to all students is too important to pass up," Mirshokri said. "Remote and hybrid learning is here to stay, and Maple hotspots are the great equalizer in bridging access for so many." About Maple Maple provides trusted technology solutions for schools, students, and libraries that close the bridge divide by delivering high-quality internet access that unlocks valuable educational experiences for students. Please visit https://www.mapleconnect.co/. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with a Maple spokesperson please contact Dan Rene of kglobal, at daniel.rene@kglobal.com or 202-329-8357. Contact Details kglobal Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 daniel.rene@kglobal.com Company Website https://www.mapleconnect.co/

April 18, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Toy Trends & Top Picks For The Children In Your Life

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/1cFzvKKiSB8 Active play helps with a child’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. Additionally, toys often provide an opportunity for youngsters to learn by engaging their senses, sparking their imaginations, and encouraging them to interact with others. A recent Toy Association-commissioned survey revealed that most parents (82%) believe that toys are important for supporting imaginative play and discovery.Toy Trends Specialist with The Toy Association, Jennifer Lynch, says whether it is a stuffed animal, action figure, puzzle, or doll, toys help encourage play, which is important for healthy brain development. With that in mind, she highlights a few of this year’s top toys. TOP TOYS: LITTLE LIVE PETS CHAMELEON, MOOSE TOYS Lynch says one of the newest youth electronic offerings from Little Live Pets, Sunny the Bright Light Chameleon is a one-of-a-kind interactive light up pet that is packed with personality and full of features and surprises. She points out that it’s “Soft, squishy and fun to hold, Sunny responds to love and attention with more than 30 sounds and reactions along with a full body of coloring changing rainbow lights that reflect Sunny’s mood — from happy to super happy, full to sleepy and warm to cold and more. Kids will be delighted when they hear Sunny repeat back what they say.” Like a true chameleon, Lynch adds, “Sunny blends in everywhere. Switch to party mode and Sunny flashes to the beat of the music, and when the party really gets going Sunny sings. Get Sunny dancing on the ceiling, walls, windows – wherever – with the suction feet feature of this one-in-a-chameleon pet.” Direct link: https://www.moosetoys.com/our-toys/little-live-pets/bright-light-chameleon-sunny/ VTECH® KICK & SCORE PLAYGYM™, VTECH Babies are able to achieve motor-skill milestones with this multi-stage, developmental play mat that includes a detachable plush soccer ball, learning panels and gym pieces. Lynch says babies start with floor play by kicking the ball or swatting the giraffe, flip to tummy time to strengthen core muscles, and parents can engage kids during seated play with the interactive, detachable learning panel that reinforces language skills and provides on-the-go play and exploration. Direct link: https://www.vtechkids.com/product/detail/20258/Kick_and_Score_Playgym GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE FAIRY KITTY GARDEN, SPIN MASTER Inspired by the enchanted Cotton Candy Tree from the show, Lynch says, “This treehouse playset features lights, a transforming canopy, secret room, vine zipline, swing, figures, accessories and furniture pieces to play out exciting adventures!” Fans are able to explore the treehouse’s two floors with Kitty Fairy and an exclusive 3.5-inch-tall Gabby Girl figure. They can also discover a tree canopy that opens up to reveal a play area. After exploring all the features, youngsters can unbox their special Dollhouse Delivery, just like Gabby does in the show, and find a surprise watering-can accessory to use in their storytelling. Lynch highlights that there’s also a thumbwheel built into the floor. Kids can spin it to find a secret room in the trunk of the tree and watch as the trunk and table light up (batteries included)! For one last surprise, she says fans can scan the QR code inside the Dollhouse Delivery to unlock a special reward in the free Gabby’s Dollhouse App (available on iOS and Android). Direct link: https://www.spinmaster.com/brands/gabbys-dollhouse/gabby-s-dollhouse-transforming-garden-treehouse-playset-with-lights-2-figures-5-accessories-1-delivery-3-furniture-kids-toys-for-ages-3-and-up SONIC SPEED RC, JAKKS PACIFIC Lynch concludes with the world’s favorite blue hedgehog that’s back for a next-level adventure. The latest offering allows fans to recreate the action from the Sonic the Hedgehog 2 movie with this RC. She points out it includes an iconic ring-shaped controller allowing for forward motion, turns and spinning action. The toy trends specialist adds that the RC lights up when fans select Turbo mode for that extra boost. For convenience and additional fun, the six-inch scale articulated Sonic figure is removeable. Direct link: https://www.jakks.com/sonic-the-movie/sonic-the-hedgehog-2-sonic-speed-rc/ For more information, go to thegeniusofplay.org. Facebook: Facebook Instagram: Instagram Twitter: Twitter Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

April 12, 2022 02:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Easter gifts Kids Actually Want: From Learning to Fun

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/2V7NL-Jogw4 Play has a profound impact on childhood development. In fact, toys often provide an opportunity for youngsters to learn by engaging their senses, sparking their imaginations, and encouraging interaction with others. With Easter fast approaching, Toy Trends Specialist with The Toy Association, Jennifer Lynch, says now is a great time to find the perfect gifts for the kids on your shopping list. First, Lynch says it’s a good idea to know that one of this year’s biggest toy trends is content creation. Although, digital channels like YouTube may come to mind, she adds, hands-on creation helps with childhood development. Next, she adds that it’s important to understand the benefits of childhood play. Experts agree that active play is essential during the formative years. In fact, it helps grow fine and gross motor skills, including grasping, object manipulation, drawing, independent sitting, crawling, and walking. With that in mind, Lynch highlights a few of this year’s top toys. TOP TOYS: SCRIBBLE SCRUBBIE ARCTIC PETS, CRAYOLA Lynch says kids will be amazed to watch pets change colors with the brand-new Scribble Scrubbie Arctic Igloo (blue in cold water and white in warm water). This toy helps little one’s adventure into the arctic with two new color-change pets, a seal and a wolf. She says imaginations will run wild in pretend scenarios as pets warm up in the cozy, life-like igloo or head outside to go sledding in the cold. Kids can decorate the pets with the included markers, wash them clean and start over again. Other options in the latest line include the Scribble Scrubbie Safari Pets Treehouse featuring tattoo stickers for pets. Direct link: https://shop.crayola.com/toys-and-activities/scribble-scrubbie-pets-arctic-igloo-playset-7474710000.html LEGO JOHN DEERE TRACTOR, LEGO: Designed in collaboration with John Deere, Lynch says the tractor and trailer toy is packed with realistic features. It comes equipped with huge wheels, articulated steering and a driver’s cab with a seat that turns. The toy specialist adds tractor-loving youngsters will enjoy a building challenge plus role-play fun as they construct their very own John Deere tractor. Then, they can have fun exploring all the details packed into the model. Lynch points out that the trailer tips, making it perfect for transporting heavy loads. The wheels let it traverse all terrains, and it has a drawbar with an extra hinge that allows it to navigate hills and valleys with ease. This set serves as a great introduction to LEGO Technic buildable model sets with realistic movement and mechanisms that allow young LEGO builders to explore engineering in an approachable and realistic way. Direct link: https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/john-deere-9620r-4wd-tractor-42136 SQUISHMALLOWS 2022 WILDLIFE SQUAD, JAZWARES: Lynch says while no easter basket is complete without a stuffed toy, table the Easter bunny and opt for an exotic animal from the Squishmallows Wildlife Squad. The line features animals like a fuzzy orangutan, metallic-backed armadillo, and more. Since 2017, the versatile Squishmallows have grown into an international phenomenon and offer comfort, support and warmth as friends, couch companions, bedtime buddies and travel teammates. With more than 1,000 characters to collect, young fans can aspire to be like their favorite characters. Each Squishmallows has its own unique name and storyline to add to the fun. Direct link: https://www.jazwares.com/brands/squishmallows MINI CLAY WORLD CANDY CART, KLUTZ: A perfect miniature scene for crafters with a sweet tooth, Lynch says the candy-colored clay and puffs of pastel cotton let you recreate all sorts of confectionery, from sour gummies to rainbow candy, tie-dye jawbreakers, swizzle sticks, clouds of cotton candy, and more. Another fun aspect of this toy are the creative prompts that encourage crafters to invent their own candy brands and display them in clear glass-looking jars with stoppers, in miniature boxes, on wooden lollipop sticks, or in iridescent cellophane baggies with twist ties. Lynch points out fans can slot together the cotton candy stand with a clear dome to serve customers, and a tented kiosk to display an assortment of sweet treats. Direct link: https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Clay-World-Candy-Cart/dp/1338775421 For more information, go to thegeniusofplay.org. Facebook: Facebook Instagram: Instagram Twitter: Twitter Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

April 11, 2022 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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