August/September 2023 Valley Parent

Valley BACK TO SCHOOL

Motivate Your Child for School

5 FREE Apps for Students

MCSD Teacher of the Year

TASHA MORMAN

Body Hygiene for Preteens

Parent 2 PAR E NT Parent Valley

Welcome to our back-to-school issue. The early days of the school year in the south remain hot and humid, and recess has children heading back into their classroom sweaty, but happy. The summer holidays are long, and friends were missed.

We had a great time photographing Cruz Castaño for our cover. Cruz is one of our Fresh Faces Cover Contest winners, and he was a natural in front of the camera. We headed outside for his photo session, and he was sporting his backpack to get that back-to-school look. Wishing Cruz all the very best as he heads into the new school year.

We hope our article on motivating your child helps everyone in your household to get organized and out of the door as you transition back to a school day schedule. Tune into your child’s techincal language with five great back to school apps to help your child win their school year. They’re free, so download and go!

For those children entering the preteen stage, Dr. Britney Farmer’s article on body hygiene is a must read and will help your children move into their pre-pubescent years with self-awareness and a sense of autonomy to take care of their body. We’re delighted that Dr. Farmer reached out to share this information with our readers.

Teachers will be gearing up, and what better perspective than that of the Teacher of the Year, Tasha Morman, who shares her motivation and philosophy on why she chose to enter the field of education. Her new students at St Mary’s Road Magnet Academy are destined for a year spent with a truly dedicated teacher.

So, no denying it: the race to get out of the door will soon be upon us. Take a leaf out of the tortoise’s book in the upcoming performance of The Tortoise and the Hare – The Next Generation—slow and steady wins the race. Enter our giveaway to win tickets for the performance in October which is a part of the 2023-2024 RiverCenter’s family series. A well-known fable with a twist!

Here at Columbus and the Valley and Valley Parent magazines, we’re sending students, parents, educators and administrators best wishes for a fun, fruitful and game-changing school year!

Jodi Saunders Editor & Publisher

Valley Parent Magazine @ValleyParentMag

Publishers

JODI & GERALD SAUNDERS

Editor

JODI SAUNDERS

jodi@columbusandthevalley.com

Advertising Sales

KATHLEEN MITCHELL kathleen@columbusandthevalley.com

MARGIE RICHARDSON margie@columbusandthevalley.com

JULIE JERNIGAN, sales assistant salesassistant@columbusandthevalley.com

Graphic Design

SIXTY TWO GRAPHIC STUDIO

Contributing Writers

JANET BURDEN

DR. BRITNEY FARMER

TANNI HAAS, PH.D.

SARAH LYONS

Photography RITCHIE WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

P. O. Box 229 Columbus, GA 31902 706-324-6214 • fax 706-324-6216 www.valleyparent.com

VALLEY PARENT MAGAZINE is published monthly by Valley Life Ventures, LLC, dba COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE, P. O. Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902. The cover and contents are fully protected and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited inquiries, manuscripts, photographs or other materials. They will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. Editorial contributions and letters should be addressed to VALLEY PARENT MAGAZINE, Post Office Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902. Copyright ©2023 by Valley Life Ventures, LLC trading as COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE. Subscriptions are available by mail for $25 per year. Call 706-324-6214 to subscribe. Postmaster: Please send address corrections to: Post Office Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902.

C.L .E.A .N. HYGIENE

Within my outpatient clinic, I am asked all the time about the spectrum of normal versus abnormal prepubescent hygiene. From parents asking why their children don’t like to shower regularly all the way to odors that linger despite regular hygiene routines. With this being a common question, I would like to share some “deskside doc hacks” that I regularly recommend in my clinic. I hope they can help you and your preteen/teen stay C.L.E.A.N.!

Communicate the Importance

I am often surprised by the number of preteens in my practice that just don’t know the dangers of poor hygiene. It is important to educate our children on acne, cavities, skin infections (virus, bacteria and fungus) and head lice that can happen if they are not keeping their bodies clean. Sit down with your preteen and infuse some internet searches/pictures to make this time of education interactive and engaging. This time with your preteen should not be a scare tactic but should be informational in nature to close the knowledge gap between what we know as parents and what they know as teens.

Load Up on Supplies

How can one refuse a shower … if it’s FUN! Take your preteen to the store to choose two or three hygiene items of their choice (i.e. body wash, shampoo, loofa, bath bombs, cologne or deodorant). Next outfit them with a shower caddy in their favorite color to store and tote all their new items. Explain to your child that each hygiene item should be used every time they are showering or getting ready in the morning. They will enjoy the experience of smelling, testing and choosing their own products that work best for their body.

Employ a Routine

Children thrive on routine. If they know what is expected of them in a predictable fashion, you are likely to receive the desired outcome as a parent. Work with your teen to make a written visual list of hygiene related tasks that should be accomplished in order when they are in the bathroom (i.e. brush teeth, wash hair, wash body, apply deodorant). This list should then be laminated and posted inside the bathroom. Daily, the teen should go through and check off each item after its complete. Parents can then visually check the list to see what items were complete and what is outstanding. This visual aide cuts down on the verbal battle that can occur if you are questioning your teen daily about their hygiene. If an item wasn’t complete, then the prompt your preteen to “please check your shower sheet,” rather than pointing out short comings such as, “Did you brush teeth? Did you apply deodorant? Did you wash your hair?”

Advanced Planning

Plan with your preteen the outfits that will be worn for the school week and lay them out on the couch or a dining chair. This planning process avoids your teen wearing the same smelly sweatshirt daily and allows the morning clothing routine to be less chaotic and unpredictable. For example, Sunday night your teen should plan five complete outfits with socks and undergarments and lay them layered in the common area. Monday morning your teen removes the first outfit, Tuesday the second outfit in the pile and so on. This also can cut down on the morning arguments that start with … “You’re wearing THAT to school?” Parents are able to ensure that all five school outfits are age appropriate, wearable and most of all C.L.E.A.N.!

Never Forget to Praise

Finally, praise your preteen—even the smallest step in the right direction. If they have brushed their teeth using the list, really lay it on thick with how impressed you are and how you love not having to nag them about brushing. Please avoid sarcasm or backhanded compliments in this step. Speaking to your teen in this manner can lead to resentment and rebellion rather than trying to meet their hygiene goals. If you cannot find a specific item to praise them on, thank them for trying to improve their hygiene, ask then what you can do to assist and continue to encourage them to keep working towards their hygiene goals.

Stay encouraged, parents! As I mentioned many of my teenage clients have difficulties in the same area. Just like anything else, hygiene or lack thereof can be a developmental phase. Due to the introduction of puberty and emerging social awareness, many preteens and teens need your guidance in this area to be ultimately successful. vp

Dr. Britney Farmer is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist originally from California currently living in Columbus. Practicing at Martin Army Community Hospital, she takes care of Department of Defense soldiers and their families. Farmer has a passion for children with mental health disorders, learning disabilities and autism.

HOW MUSCOGEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT’S 2023 TEACHER OF THE YEAR SHIFTS ATTITUDES

Tasha Morman Challenges Students to Prove Others Wrong A

sk Tasha Morman what makes a good teacher and she’ll likely name a few traits the Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation members look for during their selection of the Muscogee County School District Teacher of the Year. She might use phrases like knowledge of content, collaboration with colleagues and disposition toward teaching.

But then the 2023 Teacher of the Year would add another—and very personal— trait: Proving the naysayers wrong.

Yesterday

When told during what she described as a rough childhood she “would never be anything” she transformed toxic words into resolve to prove others wrong. Rather than allow cruel words and adversity to crush her spirit, she channeled negative energy into something positive that was within her reach: education. With a background that includes a grandmother, one of 16 children, who

became the first in her family to obtain a high school diploma, it’s no wonder Morman realized that education was her key to a better life. Encouraged by her teachers, she became the first in her extended family to not only earn a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s.

Today

Initially, Morman applied her education to social services, a career she found rewarding. So, what made this married mother of three leave a steady job, one she had worked so hard to attain, and go into teaching?

Although her work as a social worker, case manager, client support worker and substance abuse counselor put her desire to help others to good use, she felt something was missing.

Lessons Learned

MCSD Teachers of the Year (L-R) Stefan Lawrence (2016), Vanessa Ellis (2022), Tasha Morman (2023), Christine Hull (2009), Sheryl Green (2015) and Dacia Sheffield (2019-20) at the annual MCSD Teacher of the Year Gala held in May.

“I still felt as though there was more I could do,” Morman said. That component turned out to be teaching. “A man in one of the group counseling sessions I conducted brought his daughter occasionally, and I would help her with schoolwork. When he graduated from the program, he told me how much my efforts meant to both his daughter and to him. He was inspired to get his life together.”

Encouraged, Morman realized she could help children rise above less-than-perfect family circumstances through teaching. She felt if she could reach them as children, they would make better decisions

as adults.

“I wanted to sow a seed that would shift children’s mindsets and prevent them from making the same mistakes the people I counseled had made.”

In 2019, she attended a Muscogee County teachers job fair with Tamika Freeman, academic dean at Downtown Elementary, who steered her to the St. Mary’s table. There, she met Zara Williams, St. Mary’s assistant principal at the time,

“

I’m trained to provide them with the tools they need to live, contribute to the community and avoid becoming a statistic. Why not also impart to them grace and love, as well?

”

-Tasha Morman

and the epiphany was complete.

“After that, it was a wrap,” she said. “I’ve been at St. Mary’s ever since.”

Today, she infuses determination to rise above struggles into every lesson and encounter she has with her St. Mary’s Magnet Academy fifth-grade science and social studies students. From

personal experience, she identifies with the Title I students in her classroom and knows that often they come to school with issues that she must counterbalance. She goes a step beyond, though, to “challenge the stereotypes of the term ‘disadvantaged’” by empathizing and showing compassion.

“I’m trained to provide them with the tools they need to live,

“In five years, a teacher’s most important teaching tool will still be their heart.”

-Tasha Morman

contribute to the community and avoid becoming a statistic,” she said. “Why not also impart to them grace and love, as well?”

Tomorrow

With an eye on the future, Morman began work on her specialist in education certification at Columbus State University in August. In a field that stresses the importance of STEM classes and is driven by technology innovation, she continues to also cultivate the human element. “In five years, a teacher’s most important teaching tool will still be their heart.”

A heart Tasha Morman has given to her students. vp

Meet MEEF

Since 1996, just as students begin to dream of a summer break and well-deserved downtime, you’ll find members of the Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation still at their desks and steadfast to their goal of strengthening Columbus' public schools. An important component is their mission to award academic success by selecting the Muscogee County School District Teacher of the Year.

This year, as the field of 55 honorees narrowed to 10, to three, and then one, the MEEF Teacher of the Year selection committee zeroed in on core qualities good teachers possess. Members also focused on teachers’ ability to explain and demonstrate concepts in a variety of ways for a variety of different learners and learning styles and then modify their teaching accordingly.

That 2023’s recipient, Tasha Morman, bubbled up through a pool of highly qualified

and resolute educators representing every Muscogee County school was impressive. To help assess qualifications during the nomination, evaluation and announcement process, committee members applied the same passion candidates exhibit in their classrooms. Morman’s ability to adjust to the needs of students and make material accessible to them while motivating them was evident to committee members during the classroom observation, an integral part of the selection process.

Selection committee members included board chair Josh Reynolds, Rita Ellis, Mandy Flynn, Sheryl Green (2015 MCSD TOTY), Marquette McKnight, Lisa Seegar (2021 MCSD TOTY), Dacia Sheffield (2019 MCSD TOTY), Gina Smith and Ty Webb.

Learn more about MEEF and how it advocates excellence in public education in Columbus at meefofcolumbus.org.

The Perfect P A R T Y G U I D E

by Sarah Lyons

HOW TO MOTIVATE KIDS for Back- to - School

The long summer days of sunshine, pool time, travel and enjoying a leisurely schedule are coming to a close as a new school year quickly approaches. Some kids enjoy all of the excitement and promise of a new school year, but others may find the thought of waking up early, completing nightly homework and the stress that goes along with maintaining good grades something to dread rather than look forward to. Parents can help get kids excited for the new school year so they don’t lose their motivation before the school year even starts.

Set a good example.

For busy parents, it can be easy to get down about the thought of getting up early, packing lunches, helping with homework, shopping for school supplies and prodding the kids out the door every morning. Our kids feed off of our attitude and if we are dreading the back-to-school routine, chances are they will too. On the other hand, if a parent focuses on the positives of a new school year such as having a fresh start with a new teacher, making new friends, and the fun of being challenged and learning new things, our kids will feed off of this excitement and start to look forward to a new school year also.

Use what they love.

A great way to motivate a child is to use something they are already looking forward to. If you have a social child, then remind them they will have daily time with friends. If they love sports, remind them they will have the opportunity to participate in P.E. class, play at recess or participate in school sports. If they have a favorite subject, focus on the opportunity to learn more throughout the school year. Encourage your child to get involved in clubs and activities that include things that they love and are interested in. For some kids, buying a new backpack and school supplies will be a great motivator for them. Consider what will motivate your child and focus on the positive aspects that are related to school and what your child loves about it.

Be realistic.

One way to motivate your kids is to be honest with them about the importance of a good education. School is necessary and important for your child to build their skills in reading, math, science and understand the world around them. It’s also important to do well in school if they would like to continue on to college. For younger kids, college may seem like the distant future. Parents can explain that they use reading and math skills every day. The teamwork and social skills they learn in school will also help them learn to work with others in sports and play.

Create healthy habits.

Encourage your child to get a good night’s rest, eat a healthy breakfast and focus on good study habits. An after school routine to complete homework and chores will help your child adjust to the back-to-school routine. Set aside time for free time as well. Host a playdate, have a movie night, go to the park and schedule time for fun and relaxation so kids don’t get too bored with their routine.

Share your expectations.

It’s important to let your child know you have high expectations for the upcoming school year. Work with your child to set goals for success and reward them for meeting their goals. Some kids may need an academic goal, while others need goals such as no tardies for the quarter or turning all assignments in on time. It may help to communicate with your child’s teacher to come up with some beneficial goals for your child. Rewards could include a special outing as a family, going out for ice cream, picking out a special toy or extra screen time.

As your family kicks off a new school year, try to stay positive and use things that already motivate your child to get them excited about the new school year ahead. vp

5 GREAT

BACK TO SCHOOL APPS

by Tanni Haas, Ph.D.

PHOTOMATH

Some students find math easy, others very difficult. They’d all find Photomath a great study tool. All they need to do is take a picture of a math problem with their phones, and the app will automatically show stepby-step instructions on how to solve the problem. The app has a built-in calculator and can even understand hand-written math problems. Obviously, they should try to solve the problems themselves first and then check their answers against the app.

DICTIONARY.COM

If there’s one thing all kids need for their schoolwork, it’s a dictionary. Gone are the days of the paper-bound tomb, so you’ll have a much easier time teaching them the joys of looking up and learning new words by having them download Dictionary.com—the largest dictionary app in English with more than two million definitions and synonyms. It has other useful features like voice search, if they don’t know the correct spelling of a word, and audio pronunciations, which can teach them the proper pronunciation of words.

DUOLINGO

Most schools across the country require students to learn a language other than

Here are 5 great apps that can support your kids’ learning from elementary to high school. They’re all free, so encourage your kids to download as many of them as possible as they’re heading back to school.

English. Duolingo is a great supplement to the foreign language instruction your kids receive at school. The app, which offers lessons in more than 30 major languages, teaches them how to speak, read, and write another language. The lessons are divided into modules that practice specific skills, and they can assess how much they’ve learned as they go along or when they’ve completed a module.

reminders so they don’t end up submitting their assignments late.

The Chattahoochee Valley Libraries also offer free homework help online at cvlga.org/resources/brainfuse

FLASHCARDS WITH CRAM

THE HOMEWORK APP

Homework! The thing kids dread the most after a long day at school. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The award-winning Homework App makes it easy for them to stay on top of all of their homework assignments. They can view their assignments by day, month and year, color code different subjects, take photos of assignments and break them down into many sub-tasks, and set

When your kids sit down to study, one of the best study tools is flashcards. Flashcards with Cram lets them access more than eight million flashcards on all the major school subjects. They can also create their own flashcards, using both text and images, and share those flashcards with study partners. They can go through entire sets of flashcards when they study for a test or exam, or hide flashcards they already know for more effective studying. They can also have the flashcard read out loud to them, which is useful if they’re auditory learners. vp

See more local events at ValleyParent.com

AUGUST

12 Princess for a Day

Bring your kids to the Columbus Convention and Trade Center to experience a magical time from meeting one of their favorite princesses, crafting royal artwork, having their make-up professionally done and much more. Dressing up like royalty is encouraged!

Cost: $25 children, $15 adults Info: ColumbusTradeCenter.com

19 Pollinator Palooza

Come to Columbus Botanical Garden to check out all the pollinators' buzzing and whirring around the pollinator garden. Take a walk down JoAnn Holt Walking trail to learn all about banding birds and how scientists study them. Then head to the terrace gardens to learn about how monarchs are tagged and traced for thousands of miles as they migrate. Kids can also enjoy bird and bee themed crafts.

Cost: Free for members, $10 adults, $5 ages 4-17

Info: ColumbusBotanicalGarden.org

26 Spider-Man Into The Spider-Verse in Concert

Get to RiverCenter to experience Spider-Man: Into The SpiderVerse in Concert pairs a screening of the Academy Award®winning animated film with live musicians and turntables featuring a DJ scratcher live on stage. Emmy® winner Daniel Pemberton composed a sprawling score of boundary-pushing original music that is complimented with song contributions by Post Malone, Lil Wayne, Jaden Smith and Nicki Minaj.

Cost: $41-51 Info: RiverCenter.org

SEPTEMBER

1-3 Light Up Your Labor Day at Callaway Gardens

This annual three-day celebration is celebrating 25 years of Hot Air Balloon Glows. Stay and play all day with garden and beach access, waterfront activities like putt-putt and endless entertainment including the Birds of Prey show. Spend sun-kissed days splashing at Robin Lake Beach and playing on the floating obstacle course of Aqua Island. Stay after sundown to watch the beach transform with the light of gigantic Hot Air Balloons glowing under fireworkfilled skies.

Cost: $26.95 per person Info: CallawayGardens.com

4 Labor Day Mini Camp

The National Infantry Museum is offering a one day mini-camp open to ages 5-11. Camp takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cost: $10 per camper

Info: NationalInfantryMuseum.org/nim-kids

9 Teddy Bear Clinic

Kids can bring their favorite stuffed animal to Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown Campus Conference Center where they will learn medical treatments and healthy habits in a fun way! They will learn all about The Children's Hospital and visit checkup stations including: teddy x-rays, casting clinic, vaccinations and more! Crafts and snacks while supplies last.

Cost: FREE Info: Piedmont.org

30-Oct. 11 The Itsy Bitsy Spider

This play at Springer Opera House is about a determined little critter who climbs and climbs, only to be washed down the spout whenever the rain comes down. With the help of her friends, Bitsy learns that patience is the most important tool in overcoming frustration. Teaching audience members about resilience, teamwork and positivity.

Cost: $13-$18 Info: SpringerOperaHouse.org

Pick up your copy of the latest Valley Parent at one of these convenient locations:

Clement Arts

Columbus Children’s Dentistry

Columbus Clinic

Columbus Museum

Columbus Pediatrics

Great Beginnings Child Care

Greystone Falls

Greystone at Columbus Park

Greystone Inverness

Growing Room

Growing Room Too

Hollywood Connection

Imagination Station

Imagination Station Too

International Friendship Ministries

Joyful Journeys Childcare

Just for Kids

Kool Smiles

Pastoral Institute

Pediatric Rehab

Pediatrics at Brookstone Ctr.

Phenix City-Russell County Library

Pierce Chapel Methodist Preschool

Polka-Dots Early Childhood Dev. Ctr.

Preppy Pets

Project Launch

Puddle Jumpers Child Enrichment Ctr.

Rising Star Child Development Ctr.

Rivertown Pediatrics

Russell County DHR

Second Avenue Animal Hospital

Academy Dance Center

Acute Care Express

All About Kids Learning Center

Devica Alappan, MD

Angel Academy

Aranas & Stitt, OB/GYN

Bare Ware Pottery

Basilio Pediatrics

Behavioral Health Partners

Bluebelle Artist Market

The Blushing Brunette Boutique

Julie Braddy-Roberts, MD

Regina Carpenter, MD

Center Pharmacy

Central Christian Church

Central OBGYN

Chambers OB/GYN

Ritu Chandra, MD

Chick-fil-a Bradley Park

Childcare Network (Hamilton Rd)

Columbus Public Library

Columbus Regional Family Practice

Columbus Roberts Center

CSU Elizabeth Bradley Turner Ctr.

Curves for Women (Phenix City)

Curves for Women (Veterans)

Dinglewood Pharmacy

Divine Childcare Learning Ctr.

James Dorchak, MD

Easter Seals

Miranda Y. Edwards, MD

Fairview Baptist Preschool

The Family Center

Family Physicians of Columbus

First Baptist Church Child Dev./PC

Foot & Ankle of West Ga.

Fort Benning Housing Services

Fountain City Coffee

Generations Knowledge & Care Ctr.

Goo Goo Car Wash (Manchester Exp)

Mark Lawrence, DDS

La Bella Party and Tea

Lil’ Rascals Resale & Boutique

Little Angels Child Dev. Ctr.

Little Paws Preschool

James Lopez, DMD

Thomas Malone, MD

Mathnasium

Mica’s Child Development Ctr.

Mickayla’s Place

Midtown Medical Center

Midtown OBGYN

Mildred L. Terry Library

My Gym

Necco Foster Care

North Columbus Library

Northside Recreation Center

OBGYN Associates

Lirio E. Palmos, MD

Panvelkar & Panvelkar, MD

Jeffrey Serff, DMD

Smile Doctors

Smiths Station Baptist Church

Smiths Station Pharmacy

St. Francis Gift Shop

St. John AME Church

St. Luke Early Learning Ctr.

St. Mark UMC Child Dev. Ctr.

Lisa Alexander Strickland, DMD

Summerville Baptist Preschool

Sylvan Learning Center

Nora Tan-Ngo, MD

Toni’s Dancing Studio

TSYS Childcare Center

Uptown Pediatrics

West Georgia Pediatrics

Wynnton UMC Pre-school

ZÖe Pediatrics

Valley Smiles

Send your photos and captions to ContactUs@ValleyParent.com.

Emory and Archer Johnson had fun playing in the sprinklers on Independence Day.

Emily, Lylian, Sara and Lydia Brooks explore uptown Columbus with a stop at Rocket Fizz for some sweet treats.

Adriti Shrivastava at the Taj Mahal during her first visit to India.

Coleman Warren and Wynn Wilson have fun in the water at their grandmother's house.

Graves Dillon celebrates his 4th birthday at Chuck-E-Cheese.

Safe Kids Columbus hosted its annual River Savvy Kids event during RiverFest—giving away 500 life jackets to children and providing water safety education to parents and kids.