We're going to school you in this edition of our biweekly news roundup. We've got info about a public school district rezoning (ugh), a possible school bus strike (double ugh) and a big new name in the online high school game (and to think, back in our day we actually had to go to school).

And since Thanksgiving is almost here, we've also got suggestions for ways you can give back to your community, as well as a possible big change to next year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

If you are ready to take the Black Friday plunge and throw yourself into the shopping frenzy to find the perfect - or most affordable - toy or game for your kids, read through our round-up of the big stores' deals for Black Friday 2011.

What is hot?

In case you do not have a ready and vetted 'wish list' supplied to Santa by the main beneficiaries and are uncertain what the most desired items are this year, here is what seems to be most popular in the sales circulars.

Our friends over at NYC Mommy Poppins have a fantastic monthly feature where a different NYC neighborhood is highlighted each month. Here on this side of the Hudson we wanted to get in on the action too, Jersey-style, of course. So starting this month, Mommy Poppins New Jersey will be running our own monthly version entitled “The Best of New Jersey for Kids and Families”, which will be divided up by county. First up, Morris County, where I have spent the last 15 years (nine as a mom) exploring and enjoying all that this great area has to offer. So much good stuff here that it was hard to narrow it down to only the Top 25 of Morris County.

Since his Knuffle Bunny series of children's books are clearly set in Brooklyn, we'll always think of Mo Willems as a New Yorker—even if technically he doesn't live here anymore. But many of his most beloved book series, including Pigeon, Elephant and Piggie, and Knuffle, were originally created when he lived in NYC, so he's definitely a local celeb in our book.

For his work as an author and illustrator, Willems has received three Caldecott Honors and two Theodore Seuss Geisel Medals, and he won six Emmys during his stint as a writer on Sesame Street (another iconic NYC work of art). But really, his most impressive credentials are how much kids (and parents) love and relate to his work.

These days, Willems is busier than ever. This weekend, his book Knuffle Bunny comes alive as a stage musical at the Skirball Center. Meanwhile his sassy Pigeon character is starring in his own app: Don't Let the Pigeon Run This App! Despite his insane schedule (remember he's a dad, too), Willems graciously agreed to answer our questions about his work, his family and his favorite things to do in NYC. Turns out he's as sassy as his famous Pigeon.

Before the wacky snow storm hit CT by surprise our school gave the kids the entire week of Thanksgiving off. In order to make up for lost school days they now have to attend on Monday and Tuesday. That's okay, we still have 5 days off. Plenty of time to celebrate by doing one or two of these fun activities in Litchfield County. Have a happy (and hopefully snowless) Thanksgiving everyone!

As a new Mom, I find myself living in moments of anticipation. I can't really find words to express what it was like the day my baby girl started crawling.  And now I’m awaiting her reaction to Christmas and the big event is still weeks away!   I can't think of a better place for my 1-year old daughter to first see Santa and be engulfed into "the most wonderful time of the year" than at what I consider to be South Jersey’s little gem, Storybook Land in Egg Harbor Township.

It's been a busy week for us! Over the past seven days, we've reviewed two must-see shows, explored three fabulous new exhibits and rounded up 21 places to play on the Upper West Side. After all of this running around, we're definitely looking forward to resting a bit over the Thanksgiving break next week—once we finish cooking the turkey, of course.

Thanksgiving and the holidays are what's on everyone's minds, so we're furiously overhauling our Holiday Guide with updated info about Christmas tree and menorah lightings, offbeat celebrations and other seasonal fun. We also launched our brand-new, locally focused Holiday Gift Guide this week. We'll be adding a lot of info to both of these guides, so be sure to check back throughout the season.

And that's just a bit of what's going on. Here's what we covered this week on Mommy Poppins in NYC, New Jersey, Long Island and Connecticut, as well as selected stories from our sites in Boston and Los Angeles.