Birmingham Parent November 2018 issue by Birmingham Parent

THE PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR CENTRAL ALABAMA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; NOW IN OUR 15TH YEAR OF PUBLISHING

NOVEMBER 2018

WHEN YOUR CHILD IS ADOPTING A CHILD

FREE

CELEBRATING VETERANS DAY IN AND AROUND BIRMINGHAM

FOUR REASONS TO CONSIDER

OUR 2018 PRIVATE SCHOOL DIRECTORY PAGE 22

PRIVATE SCHOOL PRIVATE EDUCATION: A CHOICE DECISION

Alabama School of Mathematics and Science

Free Tuition, Room, and Board

Visit ASMS.NET to Apply Now Alabama 9th & 10th Graders are Eligible to Apply

Alabama’s Public High School Educating Alabama’s Future Leaders since 1989

Come find out if ASMS is right for you by attending a statewide informational meeting and visiting our campus for ASMS Day on Saturday, November 10 or Saturday, December 1. Register for the meeting you plan to attend as well as ASMS Day at www.asms.net.

ASMS Informational Meetings ALBERTVILLE Thursday, Oct. 11, 6:00 PM Albertville High School

FLORENCE Wednesday, Oct. 17, 6:00 PM University of North Alabama

MONTEVALLO Monday, Oct. 8, 6:00 PM Montevallo University

ALEXANDER CITY Tuesday, Oct. 23, 6:00 PM Central Alabama Community College

GREENVILLE Thursday, Oct. 4, 6:00 PM Beeland Park Community Center

MONTGOMERY Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:00 PM Alabama Association of School Boards

ANNISTON/OXFORD Wednesday, Oct. 24, 6:00 PM Oxford Civic Center

HAMILTON Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:00 PM Bevill State Community College

ROANOKE Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:00 PM Roanoke Public Library

ATMORE Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, 6:00 PM Coastal Alabama Community College

HUNTSVILLE Monday, Oct. 22, 6:00 PM University of Alabama in Huntsville

SELMA Tuesday, Oct. 2, 6:00 PM Wallace Community College

AUBURN Thursday, Oct. 11, 5:30 PM (Central) Auburn University

JASPER Thursday, Oct. 25, 6:00 PM Bevill State Community College

THOMASVILLE Thursday, Oct. 11, 6:00 PM Coastal Alabama Community College

BIRMINGHAM Tuesday, Oct. 23, 6:00 PM University of Alabama at Birmingham

LIVINGSTON Tuesday, Oct. 9, 6:00 PM University of West Alabama

TROY Thursday, Oct. 18, 6:00 PM Troy University

BOAZ Wednesday, Oct. 10, 6:00 PM Snead State

MOBILE-OPTION 1 Thursday, Oct. 4, 6:00 PM ASMS Campus

TUSCALOOSA Wednesday, Oct. 24, 6:00 PM University of Alabama

ENTERPRISE Tuesday, Oct. 23, 6:00 PM Dauphin Jr. High School

MOBILE-OPTION 2 Thursday, Oct. 25, 6:00 PM ASMS Campus

Register for an ASMS Informational Meeting at www.asms.net. AL AB AMA SCHOOL OF M ATH AND SCIENC E • 1255 DAUPH IN S TREET • M OB IL E, AL AB AM A 3 6 6 0 4 • 2 5 1 . 4 4 1 . 2 1 0 0 • W WW. AS M S .N E T

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ed note IS PRIVATE EDUCATION THE CHOICE DECISION FOR YOU? If you’ve ever considered private school for your child, this is the Birmingham Parent issue for you! We’ve got several great stories on how to choose a private education and why, and then there’s our great directory of private schools to keep as a resource, should you decide to explore this option for your child. My children are grown, but they have run the educational gamut. They have attended public school, private school and were even homeschooled for a time. We had good experiences in all three! We made big sacrifices to send our children to a Christian school for a few years, but we don’t regret it. The lessons and environment there were perfect for them at that time. But when our daughter was diagnosed with scoliosis and put in a large brace to wear 22 hours a day, we made another decision, another sacrifice, for me to become their teacher, and we homeschooled for a time. After two years of a brace, our daughter still had to have major back surgery. We were blessed to be able to school her at home so she maintained her grades and studies and didn’t have to be left back. In fact, she ended up doing early enrollment at junior college and graduating as a homeschooler. Our son, four years younger, was pulled out of private school and homeschooled with his sister. It was a money decision for us, and he even completed two grades in one year! But when his sister graduated high school, our son wanted to return to public high school, which he did, with great success and plenty of friends. So I understand that so many issues face parents today with their educational decisions for their children. Every child and family is different. We at Birmingham Parent hope that this information will help you make an informed decision if you decide to explore private education. While it’s not for every child/every family, it might be for you. November is National Adoption Month. Don’t miss our feature on Adoption, another family decision that you may be considering. In this special holiday season, we at Birmingham Parent are thankful for YOU our readers and YOU our advertisers and sponsors who make Birmingham Parent possible every month and who encourage us and read the magazine month after month, year after year. Thank you for loving “our baby.” Happy Thanksgiving! Carol Muse Evans, publisher & editor carol@birminghamparent.com

ABOUT THE EDITORS: Carol Muse Evans is the publisher/editor/owner of Birmingham Parent magazine, a publication she and her husband David began in 2004. The Birmingham, Alabama-based parenting publication attracts more than 60,000 readers monthly in a four-county area and receives 10,000 hits per month on its website. The magazine has a 20,000+ print circulation, plus several thousand in readership of the digital edition online. It is the only independently audited free publication in our area. Evans is an award-winning writer and editor who has also has written for several other publications as a freelance writer since the late 80s. She is a graduate of Auburn University in journalism and is a graduate of Scottsboro High School. She is married with two grown children and lives in Alabaster. She is a member of the National Federation of Press Women, Alabama Media Professionals and Southeastern Advertisers and Publishers Association (SAPA). Evans also serves on the board of directors of Childcare Resources. Lori Chandler Pruitt is associate editor of Birmingham Parent, where she is responsible for the calendar and editorial editing. She also is a freelancer for Business Alabama magazine and has written/edited for several other publications. This award-winning writer and editor is a graduate of the University of Alabama in news/editorial and Hueytown High School. She is married with two children.

P.O. Box 326 (add 800 Hwy. 52 E. for pkg) Helena, AL 35080 205-624-2405 205-624-2515 FAX www.birminghamparent.com

editorial PUBLISHERS David & Carol Evans EDITOR Carol Muse Evans ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lori Chandler Pruitt CALENDAR Lori Chandler Pruitt CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Vivian Friedman, Paige Townley, Denise Yearian, Melanie B. Holliman, Erin Chase, Stephanie Rodda, Sean Dietrich, David Hardin, MD, Jan Pierce, M.Ed., Charles Ghigna, Childcare Resources

sales SR. MARKETING CONSULTANT Kayla Fricks MARKETING CONSULTANT Natalie Julian WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Bethany Adams Hunley

art & production ART DIRECTOR Hilary Moreno DISTRIBUTION T&P Deliveries LEGAL COUNSEL Balch & Bingham LLP

BIRMINGHAM PARENT IS A PUBLICATION OF EVANS PUBLISHING, LLC. Publishers: Carol Muse Evans, David K. Evans Sr. Birmingham Parent (EIN20-0694149) is published monthly by Evans Publishing LLC. www. birminghamparent.com or editor@ birminghamparent.com. Birmingham Parent is © 2018 by Evans Publishing LLC. Family Connections Media ©2018 by Evans Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Editorial submissions are welcome. For back issues, please send a self-addressed 10” x 13” envelope with $4 for postage and handling.

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contents

PA R EN T IN G

Parenting with Dr. Friedman What Should Children Know About the Finances?

PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE When it comes to being a parent, there are dozens of decisions that have to be made every day in regards to what is best for your children. And as the child gets older, those questions don’t get any easier – in fact, they can get more challenging.

10 our focus

our features

EDITOR’S NOTE Is Private Education the Choice Decision for You?................4

PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE FOUR REASONS TO CONSIDER Sending Your Child to Private School...................................10

PARENTING with Dr. Friedman...............................7

PRIVATE EDUCATION: A Choice Decision........................... 14 STEPS TO LOCATING CHILD CARE...............16 How to Make the Most of PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES...............................18 PRIVATE SCHOOL DIRECTORY.....................................22

SHORT STUFF.................................. 8

32 ADOPTION When Your Child is Adopting a Child.........................32

________ ________

How to Celebrate Veterans Day In & Around Birmingham...................36

our regulars

2018 Gift Guide............................... 27

ASK THE ATTORNEY Powers of Attorney......................... 24 PARENTING PEOPLE: Operation School Bell...................26 ASK THE SPECIALIST It’s Not Too Late to Get Your Flu Shot............................28 DINING WITHOUT WHINING Winter Cobb Salad.........................30 SEAN OF THE SOUTH Young Minds....................................38 CALENDAR OF EVENTS............... 41 POETRY PARTY November..........................................46

ON THE COVER: Army dad Christopher and Children Israel, age 3 and Arianna, age 2, of Sterrett, are celebrating Veterans Day as a family. Photo by Samantha Ferguson, His Hands Photographs, www.hishandsphotographs.com, 205-862-3374. 6 | birminghamparent |

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My husband is making a change from a salaried position to self-employment. This will result in a cut in our income for at least the first one to two years.

Then, if successful, we might do better than we did before. How much of this should we share with the children? In general, how much should children know about their parent’s finances? At what age can children understand financial matters? Children can be included in the facts of family financial changes, but should be spared from the worry as much as is realistically possible. This is not to say that you cannot say, “We cannot afford a new toy now” when the child asks for something that he wants but doesn’t necessarily need, but he should not be a part of the parental anxiety about making ends meet. Financial changes are an opportunity to teach your children both about money and about delayed gratification. This is a psychological term that means that children have to learn that they cannot have what they want, when they want it. Whether or not the money is available, no child should have unlimited and immediate access to goods. Children are quick to absorb attitudes from their parents. If you are excited about the new opportunity, even if you are also scared of flying without a safety net, your children will feel upbeat about the change. If you are angry at your husband for giving up financial security, your children will worry. Tell your children the plans in words and concepts that they can understand. An

appropriate explanation will be different for each age group. A two-year-old might not need to know at all. He will be more concerned with how many hours mom or dad are working than with how much money is coming in. He will be affected by jittery parents but probably won’t be affected by the financial change. A 10-year-old may need to know that dad is starting his own business and that may mean that for a while, the family will be careful about how much money they will spend. A teenager might want to be more involved in the process, even to the point of working with dad to get the business going. Understanding of money parallels overall mental development. Young children think concretely, while teenagers of average or above intelligence have abstract thought. Young children can consider only one dimension, while teens can weigh multiple factors. Preschool-age children don’t give much thought to money beyond the fact that the parent provides it and they can exchange the money in their hand for a toy or candy. Their understanding is concrete and in the

here and now. Preschoolers don’t plan ahead. Beginning at about age 11, with the onset of abstract thought, they become able to plan for the future. From about age six, children should be taught the concept of saving – that you don’t spend money immediately just because you have it, but you put some away for later. Teenagers should additionally be taught the concept of investing. Including your child in some of the information about the change in finances will lead him to cooperate. If he understands WHY he cannot have tennis lessons this year, he will be less likely to resent the change.

Vivian K. Friedman, Ph.D. is a child and family psychologist at UAB, Department of Psychiatry. Send questions for response in this column to Viviankf@gmail.com. No personal replies are sent.

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SH O RT STU FF Button Battery Dangers

Bennie Goes Up! Up! Up!

Parents of small children are usually on guard against potential choking hazards, but one item that is often overlooked is the button battery or disc battery. These batteries are about the size of a quarter or smaller and pose a dangerous risk to children if ingested. Ann Slattery, managing director of the Regional Poison Control Center at Children’s of Alabama, says the center has received 60 calls related to disc batteries in the last three years. Thankfully, none resulted in a fatality, but swallowing a disc battery can be extremely dangerous. Not only do they pose a choking hazard, but they can result in actual burns resulting in tissue damage and internal bleeding. When ingestion occurs, it’s crucial for the child to have an X-ray to determine where the battery is located and if surgery is needed. Between 1985 and 2009, more than 56,000 disc battery ingestions were reported to the National Poison Data System. Because these batteries are small, often hidden and used in so many devices, they can often be overlooked. “These are in so many different products,” Slattery says. “They are in greeting cards, remotes, hearing aids and watches, even in children’s toys.” More often than not, parents do not see the child ingest the battery. The symptoms of possible poisoning by disc battery ingestion include coughing, choking, loss of appetite, irritability and fever. In some cases, if the battery is small and moves beyond the esophagus, it may pass uneventfully through the rest of the digestive system within a matter of days. “However, if it’s lodged in the esophagus, it is considered an emergency and requires immediate removal,” she adds. If you suspect your child has swallowed a disc battery, call the poison control center at 800-2221222. If it’s an obvious medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

When Brynn Welch adopted her infant son in August 2013, she thought she was set for children’s books. She had shelves and shelves full of books at home and had been collecting them for some time. But an issue arose that she did not expect: None of the books featured characters of color. Welch is white, and the child she adopted, Ben, is black. “I became sort of manic,” says Welch, an assistant professor in the UAB Department of Philosophy. “I was tearing through every book in the house. It was a bad moment for me, this feeling of having filled my house with books where he couldn’t see himself in them and feeling guilt for not having noticed that.” So began the story of “Bennie Goes Up! Up! Up!” which was published in February. Welch and Joy Eastridge, a friend from Welch’s hometown in northern Tennessee who works as a parish nurse and writes Bible studies and devotionals, are co-authors. A colleague in the UAB Department of English, Jill Clements, was her proofreader. The book is illustrated by Mary Ruth Pruitt, a former student of Welch’s who had just completed her master of fine arts degree at the Memphis College of Art. The book follows the adventures of Bennie and his dreams of soaring and reaching for the stars. The book is full of details that Welch says often are not present in popular children’s literature. Much like the real-life family that inspired them, the book’s mother-son duo are unconventional, with her red hair and his dark skin. In an illustration of Bennie’s room, a costume tiara can be seen sparkling from inside his toybox – in homage to real-life Ben, who loves anything that sparkles or twirls. In a playground scene, a family pushes their son in a wheelchair on an adaptive swing set. The book is available for purchase on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble.

7 Hoover Schools Named to the 2018 list of “America’s Healthiest Schools” Seven Hoover City Schools were named to the 2018 list of “America’s Healthiest Schools” by the Alliance for Healthier Generation. The alliance identified 461 of the nation’s healthiest schools based on the school’s ability to meet a rigorous set of criteria – including serving healthier meals and snacks, getting students moving more, offering high-quality health and physical education, and empowering school leaders to become healthy role models. The alliance recognized Bluff Park Elementary School, Deer Valley Elementary School, Greystone Elementary School, Harriette Gwin Elementary School, Riverchase Elementary School, Rocky Ridge Elementary School and Spain Park High School. Three other schools in the state also made the list. They are W.O. Parmer School in Butler County, and Lincoln Elementary School and Munford High School, both in Talladega County. For more information, visit healthiestschools.org.

How Schools Are Achieving Quality Physical Education Quality physical education is the cornerstone for schools invested in teaching the whole child, and it is the time during a school day to develop motor skills as well as address fitness and social development. “All activities and games in physical education classes should be designed to meet three main goals: motor development, fitness development and social development,” says Sandra Sims, Ph.D., associate professor in the UAB Department of Human Studies. “To do this, teachers need to focus on three areas: modification, inclusion and safety.” Modification: Teachers should design games that increase the opportunities needed for motor development, fitness development and social development. “Maximum participation of all students is critical,” Sims says. “For example, instead of playing one large kickball game where students may touch a ball only once, the teacher should organize the class to play several games at the same time.” Sims adds that teachers also can modify the rules of the game. Instead of playing a volleyball game with a regulation height net, the teacher can lower the net and play multiple “two versus two” volleyball games. This allows for more students to participate with others of the same level skill set. Inclusion: All students should be included in activities for the entire class time. A popular elimination game is “knock out,” where two students shoot a basketball at the same goal and try to be the first to ring the goal. After students are “knocked out” of the game, they sit and wait for the game to end. “Instead of having students sit out, the teacher can include stations or areas where students can move to a new game to play or practice skills used in the game instead of sitting and watching others play,” Sims explains. “Students who are not athletically inclined or who have disabilities are often at a disadvantage during elimination games.” Safety: “Games that target hitting other students create unnecessary safety risks,” Sims says. “Games that cause students to feel inferior, humiliated and isolated have no place in physical education classes. It is important that we create a safe and inclusive environment by providing opportunities for each student to learn and succeed, no matter their skill level.”

Infant Walkers Pose Risk for Injuries A new study published in the journal Pediatrics finds that on average, more than 9,000 children are injured each year by infant walkers. Additional details of the study conducted by the Center for Injury Research and Prevention at Nationwide Children’s Hospital include: • An estimated 230,676 infant walker-related injuries among children younger than 15 months old were treated in U.S. emergency departments during the 25-year study period. • Most children (74.1 percent) were injured by falling down stairs in an infant walker and 90.6 percent of injuries were to the head/neck. • Among the 4.5 percent of patients admitted to the hospital, 37.8 percent had a skull fracture.

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• During 1990 through 2003, overall infant walker-related injuries and stair fall-related injuries decreased by 84.5 percent and 91.0 percent, respectively. • The average annual number of injuries decreased by 22.7 percent during the 4-year period following implementation of the federal mandatory safety standard, compared with the 4-year period prior to the standard. Gary Smith, MD, PhD, director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is the senior author of the study. Despite the decline in injuries, Smith says infant walkers remain an important and preventable source of injury among young children, which supports the American Academy of Pediatrics’ call for a ban on their manufacture and sale in the U.S.

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Private School Issue

“We enrolled 80 new students for this school year, and they came from 40 different academic programs in Birmingham and beyond. This creates an ethnic diversity, and in today’s increasingly global community, it’s important for students to understand, appreciate, and collaborate with a wide range of perspectives and experiences.”

Educating The Whole Child...mind, body and spirit. Fully Accredited | Grades K-12 For a tour, please call 205.987.3376 2113 Old Rocky Ridge Road, Hoover, AL 35216 hooverchristianschool.org

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Photo courtesy The Altamont School

—THOMAS GOLDSMITH, DIRECTOR OF ADMISSION AT THE ALTAMONT SCHOOL

• Bible Teaching & Training

• Absolute Academic Excellence

FOUR REASONS TO

Consider Sending Your Child to Private School When it comes to being a parent, there are dozens of decisions that have to be made every day in regards to what is best for their children. And as the child gets older, those questions don’t get any easier – in fact, they can get more challenging. For example: should you send your child to public school or private school? Like with any decision, there are always pros and cons. Here, we talked with private school experts who share the top four reasons why you should be thinking about private school.

Smaller Class Sizes

A lower student to teacher ratio is rather typical in any private school, and there are many benefits to that, such as greater interaction between students and more opportunities 10 | birminghamparent |

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By Paige Townley

for collaboration between students and their teachers, notes Thomas Goldsmith, director of admission at The Altamont School. “It also means that your child is truly going to be known by his or her teacher,” Goldsmith says. “At a private school, students aren’t going to slip through the cracks. They will be known and cared for.” For example, at The Altamont School, the administration and staff is given the opportunity to get to know students, and a specific faculty advisor is assigned to each student to meet with daily. “They meet daily for about 10 minutes and talk about information for the day, go over any questions the student may have talk about academic schedules, and social opportunities around campus,” adds Julie Beckwith, director of communication. “That’s just one

example of a greater level of personal interaction between students and teachers that can happen with smaller class sizes.” The smaller class sizes also mean that students have an easier opportunity to develop communication skills, says Dr. Melinda Bray, co-founder/education director of The Hillsboro School. “Students develop their voice because classrooms are small,” she says. “Children learn how to communicate with other people and often talk in class more.”

Individualized Learning

Each student learns differently, and often private schools can capitalize on that and provide more individualized learning opportunities. “Children learn in different ways, and private schools often employ a variety of

learning approaches that accommodate the varying needs of children,” notes Rebecca Little, head of school for Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy. The Hillsboro School was founded on the idea of teaching children based on how they learn, so that means the school doesn’t teach children simply based on their age, adds Bray. “We teach kids where they are ready to learn and not how old they are,” she says. “So as they learn concepts, they move on to the next concepts. They don’t have to sit around and wait for other children who may be taking a little longer.”

Diverse Curriculum Options

Oftentimes a private school provides a greater opportunity to access more educational programs, specifically the arts. For instance, at Advent Episcopal School, every student from pre-K through eighth grade take art, French, and music. There is no requirement to select just one per year or semester. “We know the benefits that having access to the arts as part of early foundation education is really helpful later on,” says Claire Cassady Vaughn, Advent’s director of advancement. “More often than not, in private schools you have a more equitable access to those different programs because the schedule is designed to make sure it accommodates those important programs. “Often, either due to volume or funding, public schools aren’t in a position to allow students to take that many at a time. Public

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Private School Issue schools may have the options, but students usually have to pick. They can’t take them all,” Vaughn adds. Private school curriculums also often allow more opportunities for off-campus learning experiences, instead of just being a few pre-selected destinations for entire classrooms. For example, The Hillsboro School allows students to take all sorts of field trips, and they can be for just one or two students and not an entire classroom. “Our students actually help plan their field trips,” Bray says. “They start that in elementary school, and they report back on the places they go. “For us, field trips are field experiences,” Bray adds. “Students go with a purpose and know the goals of the visit. We take a lot of field trips because we believe in getting the students out in the real world to apply their learning and see that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom.”

The classroom, reimagined.

Diverse Student Body

In addition to a diverse curriculum, private schools also offer diversity within the classroom. At private schools, students aren’t limited to living within a particular community or zip code. “We enrolled 80 new students for this school year, and they came from 40 different academic programs in Birmingham and beyond,” says Goldsmith. “This creates an ethnic diversity, and in today’s increasingly global community, it’s important for students to understand, appreciate, and collaborate with a wide range of perspectives and experiences.”

Oftentimes a private school provides a greater opportunity to access more educational programs, specifically the arts.

Photo courtesy The Altamont School

Paige Townley is a Birmingham freelance writer.

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Private School Issue QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CONSIDERING A SCHOOL: ✚ What is the school’s philosophy on teaching reading?

BIRMINGHAM’S PREMIER DAYCARE & PRESCHOOL

✚ What kinds of books are the children expected to read? Who chooses them?

FAVORITE PRE-SCHOOL/ DAYCARE

✚ How and when is writing and composition taught? Is there time for creative writing?

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✚ Is the curriculum established or does it emerge from the students’ interests? ✚ How often do the children use textbooks? Workbooks? Worksheets?

Photo courtesy The Hillsboro School

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✚ How are the children assessed?

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✚ What extracurricular activities are offered? Is it open to all children? ✚ How much time is spent on art, music and crafts? ✚ Are there many opportunities for cooperative learning? ✚ How is discipline for improper behavior carried out? ✚ What kind of qualifications do the teachers have? ✚ Who makes decisions about the school? ✚ What level of parental participation is allowed?

PRIVATE EDUCATION:

There are a host of reasons why parents send their children to private schools. For some, it is a smaller teacher-student ratio and more individualized attention. For others, it is the religious grounding their children receive. For still others, it is to better address their student’s needs and cater to his academic timetable, be it a late bloomer or one who is gifted in math or art. But since no two schools are alike, where do parents begin their search for the right academic setting? “Most families start by talking with someone they know,” says private school admissions director Connie Ernsberger. “It may be someone in the community or at work. What’s important is that you ask people whose opinions you trust.” While investigating the options, avoid trying to find the “perfect school,” but rather look for a good fit – one that meets the child’s needs. “When it comes to schools, there is no one-size-fits-all,” says Maria Barber, private school headmistress. “Every academic setting has a different flavor, and one is not necessarily better than another. It’s that one may be a better fit for your child than another.” For this reason, look at your child’s needs, noting his strengths, weaknesses, interests and

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✚ When do children start getting homework? How much at what grades? ✚ When does computer education start? How much exposure per week do they get?

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Get Your Hands on Marine Science at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab

By Denise Yearian

talents. Also consider what sort of learning environment he would be most comfortable in. A self-motivated learner, for example, may do well in a program where he gets to direct and carry out his own learning. But a child in need of constant direction might be more suited to a structured environment. Next, make a list of what you want in a school. Be specific about ambiance, class size, teaching style, curriculum, the role of art and music, homework and where parents fit in the running of the school. “I suggest the list be prioritized,” says Ernsberger. “Some things may be non- negotiable to parents, such as class size, a strong art program or religious affiliation. Other things would be nice but not necessarily mandatory.” After the list has been made, call schools that are potential candidates and ask for information to be sent. Consider each one’s program, mission, services, faculty and administration. What makes the school unique? What is its teaching philosophy? Is there a vision for the future? Is there anything the school does particularly well? What about the curriculum? Will it cater to your child’s talents and interests? While cost and commuting distance are factors, experts agree these are hurdles that

can be overcome. “It’s okay for parents to look at a school even if they don’t think they can afford it,” says Ernsberger. “Most have financial aid based on need, so it’s no big deal to ask about it.” As for commute, Barber suggests a ride as far as 30 minutes may be worth it if the school has an environment where your child will be happy and thrive. “Parents may be able to find someone to carpool with,” she says. “Or they may use that distance to let their child study or spend quality time together.” Next, arrange to visit those schools that meet your initial criteria. This will give you a feel for the school’s educational and developmental philosophy. Note, however, that even schools which adhere to like-minded philosophies can be tremendously different. “A school that seemed to be the perfect fit on paper or over the phone may prove otherwise once parents have visited,” adds Ernsberger. “And the school they weren’t initially drawn to may be the ‘one.’ That’s why it’s important that you go. Test it. Feel it. See what it is like.” While visiting, spend a few minutes talking with the principal or school administrator. Discuss your child’s needs and ask if the school can meet those needs.

If possible, sit in on classes and observe the teachers and students. Record obvious facts such as school and class size, ambiance as a whole and within individual classrooms, absence or presence of a dress code and general demeanor of the students and teachers. Also record the students’ reactions. Did they feel comfortable and relaxed, or anxious and uptight? Ask for names of several parents whose children attend the school and would be willing to talk with you. Find out what they do and don’t like about the school. If you can, obtain a few names of parents who were not happy with the school and enrolled their children elsewhere. All schools have success stories, but no school works for every child. Get a balanced perspective. Once your have visited several schools and narrowed your selection, return with your child. Have him meet the teacher, and if possible, spend time in the classroom with the other students. What was his reaction? Did he seem comfortable with the school? The teacher? Other students? Finally, and most importantly, follow your intuition. You know your child better than anyone else. If you have done your homework, you’ll know if it’s the right school for your child. “Sometimes it’s not necessarily a specific program or academic feature that lets parents know it’s a good match,” explains Ernsberger. “It’s that intangible feeling – that visceral reaction. They know this is a place where their child can grow and academically succeed.” Denise Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and six grandchildren.

www.disl.org 251-861-2141

101 Bienville Blvd. Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528 birminghamparent.com | 15

Private School Issue

Steps to Locating Child Care Whether it is public or private, finding quality affordable child care is often a challenge.

ADVENT EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Childcare Resources, a non-profit 501(c)(3) child care resource and referral agency based in Birmingham, Alabama, is a great place to start when searching for quality child care in the area. The mission of Childcare Resources is to make quality care and education of children happen by providing information, education and assistance to families, providers of child care and the communities of Blount, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker counties.

EDUCATING BIRMINGHAM'S BRIGHTEST STUDENTS PREKINDERGARTEN THROUGH 8TH GRADE SINCE 1950.

Join us for our 50th Anniversary Service of Lessons & Carols Thursday, December 6 Noon Cathedral Church of the Advent 2019 6TH AVENUE NORTH | WWW.ADVENTEPISCOPALSCHOOL.ORG | 205.252.2535

Childcare Resources offers these tips for finding child care. • Start Early! Finding the right child care option for your family can take time. • Visit child care programs and ask questions.. - What is your staff to child ratio? - What is your classroom or group size? - What is your caregiver education and turnover? - How do you make sure you’re addressing the children’s health and safety? - Is your program accredited? - How much family involvement do you allow? • Make an Informed Choice. Be sure to visit and tour the program. • Stay Involved! Your child care provider and you are partners, and you should participate in your child’s program regularly. Checklist and Questions to Ask Documents You Should See Posted: • Most recent DHR license, if licensed • Most recent licensing evaluation form, if licensed

• Most recent deficiency report, if applicable • Corrective or adverse action notices, if applicable • Most recent fire inspection report • Most recent health department inspection report and food permit or written permission from health department to cater food • Menu for meals and snacks • Emergency names and numbers for fire department, law enforcement, medical assistance, poison control center and substitute help • Emergency procedures

Caregivers and Teachers: • Do the caregivers seem to really like children? • Do the caregivers get down on each child’s level to speak with the child? • Are children’s needs quickly met even when things are busy? • Are caregivers trained in CPR, first aid and early childhood development? • Are parents’ ideas welcomed? • Are there ways for you to get involved? • Are caregivers trained and experienced?

General Questions to Ask: • Are you licensed or exempt from licensure? • Is your program Nationally Accredited? • Are background checks required for all staff members? • How long has the program been in operation? • What is the staff to child ratio? • How many children will be in my child’s group? • What is your discipline policy? • How do you handle medical, fire and weather emergencies? • May I drop in and visit at any time?

Environment: • Is the atmosphere bright and pleasant? • Is the outside play area fenced and does it have safe and age-appropriate equipment? • Is the environment clean and orderly? Activities • Are children involved in a variety of activities with a balance of quiet and busy time? • Is a daily schedule or a lesson plan posted? • Are there plenty of age-appropriate, clean, safe toys, books and materials? • Are toys within reach of the children?

Tweet Streaming

“My daughter has been a student here for just a month, but we are already in love with this place and this staff! Master Scarsella knows kids and he gives so much energy and encouragement in each class. I am impressed that he is present and teaching every single class we've had. I love that He knows every single students name and highlights their growth in class. The other teachers are also incredible and they are always plenty of them in class to provide extra tips, or correct things the kids might be doing wrong. They always have a smile and uplifting word. The overall attitude, feeling, and impression we get every time we come in this door is ‘We care about your child, we know they can succeed, and we will help them get there.’ Can't say enough good things....So THANK YOU!!!!!” - PARENT OF A 6 YEAR OLD GIRL

Selfie Search Results Connected FIND A PARK OR FOREST NEAR YOU AT

Courtesy of Childcare Resources, 205-945-0018, ext. 317. Visit www.ccr-bhm.org for a FREE customized listing of child care options. 16 | birminghamparent |

november 2018

birminghamparent.com | 17

Private School Issue

PRE - K - 8 TH GRADE ALTAR SERVERS • ART • ATHLETICS • BAND • CHEERLEADING CHOIR • DEBATE • PERFORMING ARTS SCIENCE OLYMPIAD • SPANISH • TECHNOLOGY

How to Make the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences

AC ADEM I C EXC ELLEN C E • PO SI TI V E M O R AL DEV ELO PM EN T • C O M M U N I T Y SERV I C E

At Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School our mission is to provide an environment in which God’s children become self-directed, lifelong learners. Schedule a visit today and discover why for more than 30 years parents have partnered with OLV to give their children a faith-filled future.

(and when to ask for another one)

Voted Best Private School in Shelby County

205.991.5963 olvbir mingh am.com • 5510 D ouble O ak L ane, Bir mingh am, AL 35242

By Jan Pierce, M.Ed.

Whether it’s your first parent-teacher conference or the twentieth, you probably get sweaty palms upon entering the classroom at your assigned timeslot. After all you’re on the teacher’s turf and you’re about to hear news about your own flesh and blood’s progress or lack thereof. The language used routinely in school settings might not “compute” and you may have real concerns about any number of issues related to your child’s placement and daily life at school. If it helps at all, I know from personal experience that teachers also get a bit stressed at conference time. From their perspective they have a ton of data from each subject area to put into a format that can be conveyed and discussed in about eighteen minutes time. It’s a tall order and has to be done in back to back sessions. Teachers have been known to call the child by the wrong name after nine or ten conferences when they’re exhausted and just longing to go home and put their feet up. But back to you, the parent. You need information. You want to know how your child is doing in relation to the rest of the class. You want to know if there are problems on the horizon and whether or not your child is working up to his or her ability. And, you deserve that information. It’s important that you understand the purpose of parent conferences. In general the fall conference held several months after the beginning of the term is a broad overview of the child’s standing. In this initial conference you’ll hear 18 | birminghamparent |

november 2018

about progress in each subject area and maybe a few of the highlights of your child’s performance. You’ll probably be given work samples that give evidence of success levels or areas of need. You may get some test scores that serve to set goals for the rest of the year. If all systems are “go” you may not need further time with the teacher, you’ll just await the next report card. But, there may be significant problem areas. Your child may be unhappy in school or frustrated by one of the subject areas. The teacher may indicate he is behind in reading or she is struggling with math. There isn’t time in that 15 or 20 minutes to design a plan to address the problems. And your child’s success is worth the time it takes to make a workable plan and then follow through toward a clear goal. So go ahead and schedule another conference in the near future. Set a time when the teacher can meet only with you to begin a separate goal-setting, problem-solving session. Scheduling another conference gives the teacher time to gather further information and ensures that you’ll be given an open-ended time slot rather than having to rush through information to make way for the next set of nervous parents. It’s vital that you understand the best way to approach these conference times is as members of the same team. Nothing is gained by confrontational conversations. It’s tempting to want to place blame for poor behavior or poor performance on other people or circumstances, but the best result for your child will happen when everyone

works together to make a solid plan. While you await the next conference session, write down your questions and concerns. Document what you see at home in relation to homework assignments, grades on specific assignments, your child’s attitudes and complaints—anything that will help clarify the issues at that next meeting. Your second conference, set up to address specific problems or issues, might include some of the support staff at your school. There may be specialists in reading or math, school social workers, speech therapists or specialist teachers in music or art. These support persons may have additional information and perspective that will bring new light to your child’s needs. You are your child’s best advocate. It’s important you get the best information available to help your child succeed in school. Come to parent-teacher conferences ready to gather information, take a few notes, ask questions and then determine whether or not another conference would be beneficial. Good things happen when parents and teachers work together to benefit your child’s success in school.

Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher and freelance writer living in the Pacific Northwest. She has been on both ends of the parent-teacher conference experience. Find her at www. janpierce.net.

Join us for an Open House! altamontschool.org 205-445-1232

birminghamparent.com | 19

Birmingham/Central Alabama Private School Issue November 2018

The Altamont School

Odyssey Early Schools

Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy

The mission of The Altamont School is to improve the fabric of society by graduating compassionate, well-educated individuals capable of independent thinking and innovative ideas. To this end, the school attracts, nurtures, and challenges students whose commitment to truth, knowledge, and honor will prepare them not only for the most rigorous college programs, but also for productive lives. Altamont is a small family of approximately 370 students in grades 5-12 with socio-economic, ethnic, and religious diversity. Altamont is a good choice for students excelling in their present schools who want greater breadth and challenge in all areas of school life. We combine an intensive, college preparatory academic program with a personalized college search program. There are many opportunities for students to develop multiple talents by participating in arts, world languages, community service, clubs, class projects, and athletics. Students also benefit from a 1-to-1 laptop program, an advanced computer science curriculum, and unparalleled service leadership opportunities through Altamont’s C. Kyser Miree Ethical Leadership Center. Altamont is located five minutes from downtown Birmingham on the crest of Red Mountain. Our campus features CabanissKaul Center for the Arts, Pharo Art Studio, Lacey-Day Photography Studio, newly renovated athletics spaces, two science wings, a study garden, a 14,000-volume library, and much more. Experience all that Altamont offers by attending an Open House or scheduling a campus tour. Visit www.altamontschool.org.

Odyssey was created by educators who dreamed of opening an early learning center where children could be nurtured and taught by a highly trained and loving staff. That dream was realized when our Inverness school opened in 1995, and then again in 2001, with the opening of our second school in Trace Crossings. Odyssey’s goal is to create a life-long love of learning. We have developed our own age-appropriate curriculum, specifically designed to introduce each age grouping to language, reading, math, science and more, so that your child will possess a strong foundation for Kindergarten and beyond. Additionally, we guarantee teachers with four-year education degrees in all preschool classrooms and offer exceptional child-to-teacher ratios. At our schools, you can watch your child’s entire day in live, streaming, HD video over the Internet, through an individual, secure connection linked directly to your child’s classroom. We want our parents to know what happens during their child’s day, and Odyssey is the only Over-theMountain daycare to offer this service. Our team works tirelessly to earn its reputation as the best childcare option for Birmingham parents, and we invite you to visit today to witness for yourself what so many other families have known since 1995! Visit www.odysseyearlyschool.com for more info.

Our educational practices are built around the belief that children are born with the strong need to discover and learn. We treat their curiosity and creativity with great care, allowing them to explore their interests from an early age. We provide lessons, even the most challenging ones, that make learning exciting and stimulate the desire to know more. Lessons are given to small groups and individually, so that they can understand the concepts presented. Our students are our first priority, and we take time to listen and help them find answers. Older students learn through seminars, laboratory experiments, and hands-on projects. Reading, research, and discussion are important parts of our curriculum. At Bruno Montessori Academy, students are encouraged to develop independence,

Dauphin Island Sea Lab

Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab blends all levels of education onto one campus. Everyone can find something new in their adventures to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab whether visiting with a school group, for summer programs, a professional workshop, or to visit the public aquarium, the Estuarium. “Our message is how valuable the ocean is to the citizens of the state of Alabama,” Executive Director Dr. John Valentine explained. “And when I say valuable, I’m talking about cultural history, economic future, quality of life. All of this is tied to a clean environment, and a clean Gulf of Mexico.” Located at the foot of the Mobile Bay estuary, researchers, students, and educators can access both fresh and saltwater environments helping to broaden scientific knowledge. “Our education philosophy is one of ‘do’,” Dr. TinaMiller-Way of Discovery Hall Programs said. “Giving our visitors a true hands-on experience in field, the salt marsh, on the boat, collecting and analyzing data. It’s these experiences that give all of our visitors a better understanding of our ocean.” Plan your adventure to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab at disl.org today.

An education at Holy Family Cristo Rey combines a high quality college preparatory academic curriculum with the real world experience of the Corporate Work Study Program. However, it also combines the hard work of students, their families, our faculty and staff, corporate partners from across Birmingham, and benefactors from around our city, region, and nation. Through our mutual work and collaboration unprecedented successes are formed and young people grow up prepared to transform their lives and that of their communities. Birmingham has hosted the Cristo Rey brand of education for more than ten years. There is no more important place in this country to demonstrate the transformative power of education than here in the post-industrial heart of the American South. We invite students and families to learn more about the opportunities we afford as well as partners and benefactors who seek to join in this improbable work of grace.

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Our faith instills hope. Our academics prepare life-long learners. Our Corporate Work Study Program shares the culture of success. Our community builds gumption. www.hfcristorey.org

responsibility, resourcefulness, and organizational skills. In the Lower Elementary, students use individual work plans listing their goals for the week. Visitors will see our students working individually and cooperatively to get their work done, enjoying the total learning experience. The enthusiasm must be seen to be believed. Children learn the importance of respect for one another and for their classroom environment. We have high expectations for our students, and they learn to set higher and higher standards for themselves. Accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and The American Montessori Society To schedule a tour of our school, call 205-995-8709 or visit jbma.education

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School reputation for excellence in academics, athletics and fine arts. It has twice been named a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education and most recently was named Best Private School in Shelby County by Shelby Living magazine.

Students thrive at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School From the moment we become parents, doing the best for our children becomes paramount. And choosing the right learning environment that will allow our children to thrive becomes one of the most important decisions we can make. At Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School, we offer an environment steeped in Christian values and high academic goals that helps students rise above and beyond expectations. The small private pre-k-through-eighth-grade school, located in Indian Springs Village, has a stellar

School highlights include: • The OLV Science Olympiad program is consistently among the top three in the state. • The OLV drama department is one of only nine schools in Alabama that holds a Junior Troupe membership in the International Thespian Society and the only one to regularly compete on a national level. • OLV students are consistently recipients of honors in academic competitions such as the Spelling and Geography Bee and Science Fair. • A high percentage of OLV seventh-graders qualify each year for the Duke Talent Identification Program based on their standardized test results. In addition to strong academic excellence, OLV offers dozens of clubs, organizations and athletics for students

ALTAR SERVERS • ART to explore their SCIENC options and find their niche, including soccer, basketball and volleyball teams; chess and debate teams; AC A D EM I C EXC EL L EN C E • P O SI T I V E M O R A L D EV ELO P M choir, band and individual piano and At Our Lady the Valley Catholic School our mission is to provide voice lessons; Spanish Club; andof cheerenvironment in which God’s children become self-directed, lifelong lear leading. Students begin each day with Schedule a visit today and discover why for more than 30 years paren prayer, attend weekly Mass and with regularly partnered OLV to give their children a faith-filled future. participate in community service. Voted Our Lady of the Valley is fully ac205.991.5963 credited by AdvancEd/SACS o l v b i r m i n g(Southern h a m . c o m • 5 5 1 0 D o u bl e O a k L a n e, B i r m i n g h a m Association of Colleges and Schools), an important indicator of a school’s quality. We begin enrolling students at 3 years old, where they participate in specialty classes including Spanish, music, art and computer lab. After school care is available to all students in 3K through eighth grade. See what OLV has to offer and whether it is a good fit for your child. Call 205-9915963 or visit www.olvbirmingham.com to learn more or schedule a tour.

birminghamparent.com | 21

Birmingham/Central Alabama PRIVATE SCHOOL DIRECTORY 2018 AREA PRIVATE SCHOOLS Advent Episcopal School 2019 Sixth Ave. N. Birmingham, AL 35203 205-252-2535 sfawal@ adventepiscopalschool.org www.adventepiscopalschool.org Advent Episcopal School, located in downtown Birmingham, offers a highly accelerated curriculum for bright students in prekindergarten through 8th grade. Before-school and after-school care is available. The Altamont School 4801 Altamont Rd. S. Birmingham, AL 35222 205-445-1232 tgoldsmith@altamontschool.org www.altamontschool.org The Mission of the Altamont School is to improve the fabric of society by graduating compassionate, welleducated students capable of independent thinking and innovative ideas. Briarwood Christian School • Lower School (Grades K4-6) 2204 Briarwood Way Birmingham, AL 35243-2900 • Upper School (Grades 7-12) 6255 Cahaba Valley Rd. Birmingham, AL 35242 205-776-5812 Kmooney@bcsk12.org www.BriarwoodChristianSchool.org Providing excellence in education in a Christ-centered environment through impactoriented leadership that will challenge and inspire the whole student. Accredited by AdvancEd/ Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Cornerstone Schools of Alabama • 118 55th St. N., Birmingham, AL 35212 and • 959 Huffman Rd., Birmingham, AL 35215 205-591-7600 info@csalabama.org www.educatebirmingham.org A Christ-centered school in the inner-city that provides school choice for families in the Woodlawn and Roebuck communities. Students receive 22 | birminghamparent |

an affordable education in a learning community that is committed to excellence in faith, academics and character. Evangel Classical Christian School 423 Thompson Rd. Alabaster, AL 35007 205-216-0149 rharrington@evangelclassical.org www.evangelclassical.com ECCS seeks to educate children to spiritual maturity through the classical model and Biblical training using the Christian worldview as our foundation for all learning. Heritage Christian Academy 2290 Old Tyler Rd. Hoover, AL 35226 205-978-6001 admissions@hcachristian.org www.hcachristian.org Heritage Christian Academy offers a challenging academic curriculum in a Christ centered environment. Enrollment opportunities for K3 through 12th grade. Eight Varsity Sports. College Prep Honors diploma tracks. Before and after school care available. The Hillsboro School 73 Elvira Rd. Helena, AL 35080 205-864-7330 admissions@ thehillsboroschool.org www.thehillsboroschool.org Nestled on 30 acres, Hillsboro provides a strong experiential, inquiry-based education to prepare our students for purposeful life in the 21st century. Visit the classroom, reimagined: Community Open House, Tuesday, November 27th 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Hilltop Montessori School 6 Abbott Square Birmingham, AL 35242 205-437-9343 hms@hilltopmontessori.com www.hilltopmontessori.com AdvancED, SAIS, NCPSA and AMS accredited. Serving students with a love of learning from 18 months through 8th grade. Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School 2001 19th St. Ensley Birmingham, AL 35218 205-263-0133

november 2018

admissions@hfcristorey.org www.hfcristorey.org Combining academic rigor and a corporate work-study program to empower students from economically challenged families to graduate high school prepared to persist in college and flourish in life. Transforming Birmingham, One Student At A Time. Hoover Christian School 2113 Old Rocky Ridge Rd. Hoover, AL 35126 205-987-3376 office@hooverchristianschool.org www.hooverchristianschool.org Hoover Christian School believes in educating the whole child-- the mental, physical, and spiritual/ emotional domains. HCS supports a low student/teacher ratio in their multi-grade classrooms. Integrity Christian Academy 216 Roebuck Dr. Birmingham, AL 35215 205-833-4416 secretary@ integritychristianacademy.org www.integritychristianacademy.org Preschool, kindergarten and elementary classes. ABEKA academic, Bible curriculum and training. Character development and discipline. After school care available. Indian Springs School 190 Woodward Dr. Indian Springs, AL 35124 205-988-3350 admission@indiansprings.org www.IndianSprings.org Guided by our motto, Learning through Living, Springs fosters a love of learning and creativity, a sense of integrity and moral courage, and an ethic of participatory citizenship with respect for individuality and independent thought. Joseph Bruno Montessori Academy 5509 Timber Hill Rd. Birmingham, AL 35242 205-995-8709 www.jbma.org JBMA provides children & families with an education according to the Montessori philosophy. At JBMA, we treat

each child as individuals, building on their strengths to become lifelong global learners. Enrolling toddlers 8th grade. N.E. Miles Jewish Day School 4000 Montclair Rd. Birmingham, AL 35213 205-879-1068 RWeinberger@nemjds.org www.nemjds.org The NEMJDS is a community which integrates Judaic and General studies, empowering students to impact the world with courage and compassion. Odyssey Early Schools • INVERNESS CAMPUS 104 Heatherbrooke Park Dr. Birmingham, AL 35242 205-991-0039 • TRACE CROSSINGS CAMPUS 401 Emery Dr. Hoover, AL 35244 205-988-8829 www.odysseyearlyschool.com Created by educators featuring state-of-the-art facilities, nurturing teachers with Education degrees, and comprehensive curriculum that provides Your child with age appropriate exploration into the world of learning. Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School 1720 Oxmoor Rd. Homewood, AL 35209 205-879-3237 www.olsschool.com Fostering a Christ-centered environment that includes strong academics, technology, and enrichment opportunities. Educating young minds in K3-8th grades. AdvancED accredited. Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School 5514 Double Oak Ln. Birmingham, AL 35242 205-991-5488 olv@olvsch.com www.olvbirmingham.com Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School is Christ-centered learning community that fosters academic excellence, positive moral development, and community service. We encourage students to reach their full potential in a creative and nurturing environment that promotes Gospel values.

LEARNING CENTERS The Tutoring Center 2804 John Hawkins Pkwy. Suite 100 Hoover, AL 35244 (near Academy Sports) 205-987-9577 isaaczeidan@ tutoringcenter.com www.hoover.tutorcenter.com One-to-one tutoring designed to help your child develop stronger academic skills, earn better grades, score higher on standardized tests, while gaining confidence, motivation and focus.

FIELD TRIPS AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES Birmingham Museum of Art 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. Birmingham, AL 35203 205-254-2565 www.artsbma.org Bart's ArtVenture combines high tech art-making tools with hands-on creation stations to let kids and families develop their art education in a creative, communal environment. Children’s Hands-on Museum 2213 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 205-349-4235 www.chomonline.org CURIOSITY! CREATIVITY! DISCOVERY! Best Field Trip Ever. Highly qualified educators, two floors of hands-on exhibit, classroom level and demonstration area mean students participate in learning experiences not available in a traditional classroom setting! Dauphin Island Sea Lab 101 Bienville Blvd. Dauphin Island, AL 36528 251-861-2141 www.disl.org The Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s (DISL) mission encompasses the pursuit of excellence in marine science education, marine

research, coastal zone management policy and educating the general public through the Estuarium, our public aquarium. DeSoto Caverns 5181 DeSoto Caverns Pkwy. Childersburg, AL35044 256-378-7252 info@desotocavernspark.com www.desotocavernspark.com Regular tours every hour allow guests to learn about caverns and their history. More than 20 attractions on the land above, making DeSoto Caverns fun for those seeking adventure, the great outdoors, and fun with family or friends. McWane Science Center 200 19th St. N. Birmingham, AL 35203 205-714-8414 info@mcwaane.org www.mcwane.org Fun and learning never end at McWane, a nonprofit, hands-on museum with aquarium and IMAX® Dome Theater. Four floors of interactive exhibits celebrate science and wonder. Vulcan Park and Museum 1701 Valley View Dr. Birmingham, AL 35209 205-933-1409 www.visitvulcan.com Birmingham's beloved icon, Vulcan, is the world's largest cast iron statue. Featuring breathtaking views of the city, an interactive history museum and a beautiful public park. World Class Taekwondo 268 Inverness Center Dr. Birmingham, AL, 35242 205-981-9636 info@worldclasstkd.com www.alabamatkd.com Our Kids Martial Arts Classes are designed to help students of all ages and abilities find success. Using a foundation of traditional martial arts training, these classes can help your child stay active, develop confidence and take on vital social skills that will serve them for years to come! birminghamparent.com | 23

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nation, right here in Birmingham! We also give thanks for our many blessings on Thanksgiving Day, November 22. Take a look at all the wonderful events happening this month.

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12 NATIONAL VETERANS DAY PARADE 1:30pm, downtown Birmingham. New route: The parade will begin at Rainbow Bridge at 2nd Avenue S. It will proceed South to 3rd Avenue where it will turn west to 14th Street. It will then turn north to 2nd Avenue where it will turn east and will end at 20th Street. Remember, the parade is on Monday, Nov. 12 this year! Honoring our veterans, celebrating the freedom that their dedication and sacrifice afford us each day. For more information on the parade and other related events, go to nationalveteransday.org or check the group’s Facebook page.

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november 2018

2pm, The American Village, Montevallo. Service in the Colonial Chapel at 2 p.m., followed by a wreath laying at the National Veterans Shrine. The American Village will lay a poppy wreath in honor of all veterans, and the public is invited to place a poppy in remembrance of a loved one. Gates open at 1 p.m. Free event.

Birmingham Museum of Art

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Folk Art from the Cargo Collection

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BEST

the state, including the oldest Veterans Day parade in the

PHOTO COURTESY THE AMERICAN VILLAGE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Original Makers: Folk Art from the Cargo Collection has been made possible by grants from the Henry Luce Foundation, Alabama State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Alabama Power Foundation, and The Lydia Eustis Rogers Fund. We also extend our gratitude to the City of Birmingham for their sustained support for the Museum and its mission. Angel Choir with Director (detail), 1983–1987, painted wood; Collection of the Art Fund, Inc. at the Birmingham Museum of Art; Robert Cargo Folk Art Collection; Gift of Caroline Cargo, AFI.239.2013.1–.3a–g

birminghamparent.com | 41

calendar 17

Sponsored by

Trussville Fall Carnival 1-5pm, Holy Cross Episcopal Church grounds, see November 1.

ASYO FALL CONCERT 2pm, Alys Stephens Center, UAB. The Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra performs works by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Grieg. All ages! FREE.

5 Monday Free Tutoring Help 3:30-4:30pm, Homewood Library. Get help in K-12 subjects from Homewood High School Peer Helpers and surprise guests from the Greater Birmingham Humane Society! Knight Chess Tournament 5:30-7pm, Homewood Library. K-12 graders can have fun and learn strategy! UAB Percussion Ensemble in Concert 7pm, Alys Stephens Center, UAB. Led by Gene Fambrough. www.uab.edu/cas/music. FREE.

6 Tuesday

ELECTION DAY PHOTO COURTESY ALABAMA SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA

1 Thursday Trussville Fall Carnival 5-9pm, Holy Cross Episcopal Church grounds. Rides and activities for all ages, fun foods and more. Four-day event. Sponsored by Amari & Gray Legal Consulting. Information, www.trussvillechamber.com.

2 Friday Trussville Fall Carnival 6-10pm, Holy Cross Episcopal Church grounds, see November 1. Food for the Soul 7pm, DJD Theater at Alabama School of Fine Arts. Featuring ASFA’s orchestra, ladies’ vocal ensemble, choir and jazz ensemble. Tickets $10 adults, $5 students. Steve Vai with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra 8pm, Alys Stephens Center, UAB. Vai, guitarist, composer and producer who consistently lands among the best in various lists

42 | birminghamparent |

of the top guitarists of all time, performs. Tickets, 205-975-2787, alabamasymphony.org.

3 Saturday The Market at Pepper Place 7am-noon, Pepper Place, 29th St. S. Rain or shine! www.pepperplacemarket.com. BTC Vulcan Run 10k 8am, new location TBD. The 44th year of one of the most popular road races in the Southeast. Information, www.birminghamtrackclub.com. Southeastern Outings Dayhike 8:45am, Cloudland Canyon State Park, Trenton, GA. Fall color! Hiking, waterfalls and more. Bring picnic lunch, water and $5 per vehicle park entry fee. Optional dinner afterwards. Meet 8:45am at Applebee’s Trussville. Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age 10-up welcome. Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680, seoutings@bellsouth.net.

november 2018

13th Eco-Creative Festival – Moss Rock Festival Noon-5pm, The Preserve, Hoover. Original art and design festival attracts more than 10,000 annually! Live music, market, kids’ activities and more. www.mossrockfestival.com. Trussville Fall Carnival 1-5pm, 6-10pm, Holy Cross Episcopal Church grounds, see November 1.

4 Sunday

Tutus, Blues & Brews 3-5pm, Red Hills Brewing Company, Homewood. A family-friendly event to benefit The Dance Foundation. Live music by Automatic Slim Blues Band, food by Taco Mama and Edgewood Creamery. Free admission; tokens may be purchased at the event for food and chances to win prizes! Come dressed in your best tutu or cape, and join a parade at the event. The Dance Foundation is a non-profit organization. Information, thedancefoundation.org. 13th Eco-Creative Festival – Moss Rock Festival 10am-4pm, The Preserve, Hoover, see October 3.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS

Out of the Darkness Walk 1-4pm, Veterans Park, Hoover. Join the effort as an individual or as a team to raise awareness and funds that allow the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to invest in new research, educational programs, survivor

UAB Student Recital 12:20pm, Mary Culp Hulsey Recital Hall. Featuring advanced music department students. Chris Steele, pianist. www.uab. edu/cas/music. FREE.

8 Thursday Young People’s Concerts: Out of this World! 10am, Samford University’s Wright Center, see November 7. UAB Music Jazz Faculty Concert Noon, UAB Hospital Atrium. FREE. Homeschool Hour: Dissection Day 2-3pm, Homewood Library. Discover science in a whole new light. All supplies provided. Register online at www. homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

BOOTHS & SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE CALL 205-624-2405 OR INFO@BIRMINGHAM PARENT.COM SPONSORED BY

9 Friday

Holy Family Cristo Rey School Info Session 6pm, Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School library, 2001 19th St., Ensley. Learn all about the school and what it offers students. 205-263-0133, www.hfcrisorey.org or email admissions@hfcristorey.org.

Fall Repertory 7pm, DJD Theater at Alabama School of Fine Arts. ASFA’s professionally trained dancers perform classical ballet and contemporary choreography. Tickets, $10, $5 students.

Sensory Storytime 10:30am, Homewood Library. Books, songs and activities that stimulate the senses and promote learning in a sensory-inclusive atmosphere. Preschool ages.

LAKESHORE FOUNDATION IN HOMEWOOD . 10AM-2PM PRESENTED BY

Tween Camp Half-Blood 4pm, Homewood Library. Calling all Percy Jackson fans! See if you and your demigod friends can survive the legendary Camp Half-Blood. Register, www. homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Young People’s Concert: Out of this World! 10am, Samford University’s Wright Center. Geared towards 3rd-6th grade and featuring music from Holst’s The Planets performed by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Tickets $8. 205-314-6936.

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2019

Family Yoga 6-6:45pm, Homewood Library. Children, parents and caregivers can practice yoga and have fun!

Lego League 4-4:45pm, Albert L. Scott Library, Alabaster. All ages! Kids 6-younger must be with an adult.

7 Wednesday

2019

support and more. All ages event. Register at walk or online at www.afsp.org/Birmingham. Free to participate.

10 Saturday The Market at Pepper Place 7am-noon, Pepper Place, 29th St. S. Rain or shine! www.pepperplacemarket.com. Southeastern Outings Hike 8:45am, Flagg Mountain, Coosa County. Moderately strenuous loop hike of about 4-6 miles. Meet at 8:45am at Publix, The Village at Lee Branch in Greystone. More information, Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680, seouting@bellsouth.net. Fall Repertory 7pm, DJD Theater at Alabama School of Fine Arts, see November 9.

HUNTSVILLE 2019

HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2019 THE JAYCEE COMMUNITY BUILDING ON AIRPORT ROAD FROM 10AM- 3PM

Sponsored by

hike. Well-behaved, properly supervised children 7-up welcome. Optional dinner after hike. Meet 8:45am at Leeds Highway 78 gravel parking lot. Information, Francis Rushton, 205-290-5557, ferushton@gmail.com.

Family Night of Wonder 6-6:45pm, Homewood Library. All ages. Crafts and activities centered around the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio.

Indian Springs School Open House 9am, Indian Springs School. Boarding and day school, grades 8-12. RSVP, admission@indiansprings.org.

PJ Storytime 6:30-7:15pm, Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest. Wear your

Sponsored by

1631 Fourth Ave. N., Birmingham. 205-254-2731, www.jazzhall.com

n Alabama School of Fine Arts 1800 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd., www.asfa.k12.al.us

n Alabama Sports Hall of Fame

n American Village Highway 119, Montevallo. 205-665-3535, www.americanvillage.org

n Barber Motorsports Park 6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Leeds. 205-298-9040, www.barbermotorsports.com

n Birmingham Botanical Gardens www.bbgardens.org/documents/ treasuremapforweb.pdf 2612 Lane Park Road, Birmingham. 205-414-3900, www. bbgardens.org

n Birmingham Children’s Theatre 1001 19th St. North, Birmingham, AL, 35203, 205-458-8181, www.bct123.org

n Birmingham Civil Rights Institute 16th St. N., Birmingham. 205-328-9696, www.bcri.org

n Birmingham Museum of Art Bart’s Art Cart! Free drop-in art program for kids and families features a different theme from galleries and art activity each month. Saturdays from 11am-1pm. Bart’s Books. A storytelling program for children ages 4-7. 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham. 205-254-2565, www.artsbma.org

n Birmingham Public Libraries Find a library near you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment! www.bplonline.org

n Jefferson County Library Cooperative Find a library close to you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment! www.jclc.org

n McWane Science Center • Throwback Prices! On the 20th of every month this year, McWane will offer admission at the same price as it was when it opened 20 years ago! • Home School Day! On the first Monday of each month, home school students and their families can come for special programs, live science demonstrations, giveaways and a discounted ticket price. October’s theme: Earth and Beyond. FREE for home school parents, $7 kids, $6 for accompanying adults. • Member Mondays. Every Monday, McWane Science Center members receive extra perks while visiting! Includes a special gift for kids when checking in, 30 percent discount on gift shop purchases, $1 small popcorn at IMAX concession stand and a free members-only evening event each month. Also, on the second Monday of each month, McWane opens its doors from 5-8pm for its members. • Blue Star Museums Military Discount. Blue Star Museums offers FREE admission to active duty military, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard and Reserve members, with up to five family members. To learn

Kelly Ingram Park in front of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. more visit bluestarfam.org. Offer does not include IMAX movies or parking. IMAX Movies: • 2001: A Space Odyssey. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 masterpiece. November 9-15. • Oceans. New ocean science and technology has allowed us to go further into the unknown than we ever thought possible. Discover a spectacular world of life beneath the waves. • Pandas. This film follows a researcher at Chengdu Panda Base in China, where scientists are dedicated to protecting the species by breeding adult Giant Pandas in order to introduce cubs into the wild. 200 19th St. N., Birmingham. 205-714-8300, www.mcwane.org.

n Moss Rock Preserve Preserve Parkway, Hoover. 205-739-7141, www.hooveral.org.

n Ruffner Mountain Nature Center 1214 81st St. S., Birmingham. 205-833-8264, www.ruffnermountain.org.

n Shelby County Public Libraries Find a library near you for all kinds of fun events and enrichment! www.shelbycounty-al.org

n Southern Museum of Flight 4343 73rd St. N., Birmingham. 205-833-8226, www.southernmuseumofflight.org

n Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park 12632 Confederate Parkway, McCalla. 205-477-5711, www.tannehill.org

n Vulcan Park 1701 Valley View Drive, Birmingham. 205-933-1409, www.vulcanpark.org

n Oak Mountain State Park 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham. 205-620-2520, www.alapark.com. birminghamparent.com | 45

PO ET RY PARTY

DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR KIDS WANT TO DO NEXT SUMMER?

By Charles Ghigna

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019 10-3 MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER

2019