Parent 2 PAR E NT Parent Valley
Editor/Publisher
July is winding down and families are getting into backto-school mode. Amongst the flurry of sourcing school supplies, backpacks and uniforms there’s normally a growing sense of excitement and anxiousness in equal measure for parents and children alike. It’s a big change and a big deal for everyone.
First day nerves are natural. While some children will hit the ground running to get back into the classroom that is not the same for everyone. While worrying is a natural response to life changes what if it’s more than worry. If you have concerns about your children and excess worry our regular columnist, Dr. Britney Farmer breaks down the eleven different types of anxiety disorders and their characteristics to help you decide if you need to seek a diagnosis. We hope our article on Overcoming Back To School Nerves will help you to navigate the buildup to the new school year for your child. Our Book Nook has an array of book suggestions for everyone from grades K-3 through middle school.
Our interview with this year’s Muscogee County School District Teacher of the Year, Christie Akers will go a long way to reassure families that teacher’s keep their students top of mind during their summer break and when they’re preparing for the new school year. Christie was selected from 55 nominees and applauded by 1,000 of her colleagues in the field of education at the Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation signature award event. Educators and administrators in both public and private school are gearing up for the 2024-25 school year as we send this issue off to print. Thank you, Christie and all those working in the various school systems in the Chattahoochee Valley for all that you do for the students in our region.
Ready to get his school year underway is our cover model and Fresh Faces winners, Hudson Begly. He was fun to work with when he joined us for his photoshoot, and we wish him, his sister Amelia and all students the very best for a wonderful school year!
Jodi Saunders Editor & Publisher
JODI SAUNDERS
jodi@columbusandthevalley.com
Advertising Sales
BECKY KENIMER becky@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
JAN PIERCE, M.Ed
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 owned by Jodi and Gerald Saunders and 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 ©2024 by Valley Life Ventures, LLC trading as COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE. Subscriptions for VALLEY PARENT MAGAZINE 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.
Columbus and the Valley Magazine
WORRIED About Your Child’s WORRY?
Worry can be a normal part of the human experience, but how do you know if your child’s worry is excessive? Evolutionarily, humans need worry to create a sense of urgency or to protect us from potentially dangerous events. However, when worry is in overdrive, false alarms can be sent from your brain to your body creating a chain reaction of fear and paralysis. This overdrive or excessive worry is what a lot of people call “anxiety.” Anxiety can feel like excessive worry about events, people or a pending sense of dread. It can be disabling for people to feel this throughout the day and/or without warning. There are 11 different types of anxiety, and each one has different characteristics and symptoms. When patients present to mental health professionals, they ask lots of questions to determine what type of anxiety exists and recommend the best treatment.
Listed below are brief descriptions of those 11 types of anxiety acknowledged by the DSM-5:
Separation Anxiety Disorder:
A marked fear of separating from home or being away from an attachment figure (usually a caregiver). It can be organic or come from a traumatic event during childhood.
Specific Phobia:
A fear of a specific object or thing that does not pose an imminent threat. The most common categorical fear is of animals followed by fear of heights.
Selective Mutism:
A disorder described by not talking or communicating in public. It usually occurs in preschool or in childhood and must last consistently for one month.
Anxiety Disorder Due to a Medical Condition: Happens when worry is directly caused by medical condition (i.e. thyroid disorder).
Social Phobia:
A fear of social situations due to fear of judgment or embarrassing yourself in front of others. This can lead to extreme isolation and loneliness due to avoidance of social settings.
Agoraphobia:
A fear of places where a person may feel trapped or helpless. It can be difficult for patients with this disorder to enjoy a sporting event, ride an elevator or dine in a restaurant.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder:
Excessive worry of everyday occurrences (i.e. being on time, weather, health and safety). It is an out of proportion response or reaction to the daily stressors.
Substance/Medication Induced Anxiety:
A side effect of anxiety caused by the use of illicit substances (methamphetamines), prescription medication (ADHD stimulants) or over the counter items (caffeine). It only happens when taking the substance and only lasts as long as the substance is in your body.
Unspecified Anxiety Disorder:
Used if anxiety is present and significant but there is more information needed to classify the disorder. It can be assigned by your doctor while more data if gathered.
Panic Disorder:
Experienced by reoccurring panic attacks (a physical reaction to anxiety) that are unprovoked and short lived. The physical reaction can be shortness of breath, dizziness, tunnel vision and more.
Other Specified Anxiety Disorder:
If anxiety is present and significant but does not fit the criteria for one of the above anxiety disorders due to not meeting all the criteria.
by Dr. Britney Farmer
DID YOU KNOW?
Of the 11 anxiety disorders in the DSM-5, approximately 7.3% of individuals in the world live with one of these disorders. (Thibaut, 207)
According to the Practice Parameters published by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), the most common anxiety disorder in children is Specific Phobia followed by Social Phobia. When the condition causes impairment at home, school or work, it is time to seek medical attention.
All of the above anxiety conditions are treatable, and some are even curable. The treatment for an anxiety condition depends on which one is diagnosed. Some common treatments are psychotherapy (i.e. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and medication management. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a talkbased therapy with the idea of overlaying logical and rational thought processes to severely emotionally provoking occurrences. This type of therapy is most helpful for children that can read and write and have the attention span to actively participate. Medication management for children is reserved for moderate to severe cases and is recommended in combination with therapy. The recommended medications increase the amount of serotonin in the brain to promote less anxiety symptoms. The medications are taken for six months to one year with anticipated relief of symptoms within the year. vp
Dr. Britney Farmer is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist originally from California currently living in Columbus, Georgia. Practicing for St. Francis Hospital Partners at the Bradley Center Campus. Dr. Farmer has a passion for children with mental health disorders, learning disabilities and autism.
photos by Ritchie White Photography
H ow I Spent M y SUMMER BREAK
by
Reflections from 2024 Teacher of the Year, CHRISTIE AKERS
Christie Akers, a Muscogee County educator since 2006, learned she was the 2024 Teacher of the Year at a May 9th gala held in the Columbus Convention and Trade Center. More than 1,000 attendees, including most of this year’s 55 nominees, cheered as the Northside High School English teacher stepped to the podium and accepted the award. Presented by Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation Chair, Josh Reynolds, and Muscogee County School District Superintendent, David Lewis, it represented years of hard work and experience.
Soon, after an end-of-year crush of tests, ceremonies and farewells, the school year concluded, and teachers, administrators and students settled into summer mode. Christie’s schedule was far from routine, though. The seasoned educator always keeps an eye toward the future—her own and her students’—and uses the summer months for not only rest and relaxation but for prepping for the next school year, all while maintaining a balance of fun and work.
Janet Burden • Classroom photos by Darrell Roaden
As the 24-25 school year begins, she reflects on how summer activities can ignite learning—and how a little downtime is good for the soul.
June
June found Christie and her husband, Scott, cruising Alaskan waters. Aweinspiring whale sightings and shore excursions to such locales as Glacier Bay, Juneau and Ketchikan allowed the couple to absorb local color and brisk temperatures before disembarking in Seattle at tour’s end.
Tramping through the Pacific Northwest’s Olympic National Park served as a reminder of Christie’s commitment to teaching. The area abounds with fallen spruce, hemlock, cedar and Douglas fir— called nurse logs—that host new life by delivering just the right environment and ingredients, much like an educator. She and Scott appreciated the parallels the nurse
Pre-Cotillion of East Alabama and Greater Columbus current 1st-3rd graders Columbus Junior Cotillion and High School Cotillion current 4th-11th graders SCAN BELOW TO REGISTER NOW Columbus Junior Cotillion and Pre-Cotillion teach manners and etiquette classes for students in grades 2nd-12th.
logs provide to teaching. “Education is like a rainforest,” Christie says. “And just as nurse logs offer seedlings shade, nutrients, water and protection, teachers nurture the next generation.”
July
Having returned to Columbus at the end of June, she carved out time to take a closer look at the many attractions the city offers. The area is rich in must-see destinations that include the Columbus Museum, the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, Coca-Cola Space Science Center, National Civil War Naval Museum, Gertrude Ma Rainey House and Blues Museum, Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center, Bo Bartlett Center and Pasaquan, among others.
As valuable as those sites are, though, a lesser-known local asset truly resonates with Christie. With an English language and literature undergraduate degree and secondary education for English language arts master’s, both from Columbus State University, she recommends history and literary buffs alike explore one of her favorite Columbus resources. Writer Carson McCullers’ childhood home, the Smith-McCullers House, is just a few streets from Columbus High School, where Christie received her high school education. It serves as residence for CSU’s Carson McCullers Center for Writers and Musicians and is an invaluable
Education is like a rainforest, and just as nurse logs offer seedlings shade, nutrients, water and protection, teachers nurture the next generation.”
asset to Christie and her peers. Teachers, students and Columbus residents attend lectures and workshops led by world-renowned artists. “Students work alongside and talk to professionals in an atmosphere of learning and creativity,” Christie says
“Additionally, the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries rank alongside the writing center in importance,” Christie continues. “A library card is the key to the universe, and visiting the library builds a habit of reading, especially when students witness the adults in their life reading.” For those times when patrons want eBooks, music, movies and TV episodes a cut above standard streaming selections, “hoopla” is available online for library cardholders. Her advice to “read like no one is watching” is backed by research that suggests doing so can improve cognitive performance, language development and academic achievement. Christie also spent much of July honing new skills by
Global Stars. Close to Home.
9 :30 & 11:30 AM
completing the certificate required to teach advanced placement research. The challenging class requires students to analyze and source information, leading to skills needed to discern fact from fiction and unbiased factual reporting from media hype. She points out that while technology opens doors to new ways of gathering and processing information it also poses risks. “With today’s fast-paced technology, tomorrow’s decision-makers must be able to dig for and find the truth,” Christie says.
August
The arrival of August means Muscogee County teachers report onsite for planning sessions and prep. Every component of Christie’s summer break helped her formulate a game plan for the August 8 semester start date, but a few activities were intentionally unstructured. She recommends that students and families “occasionally, do nothing. Read for pleasure. Remember to take a break.”
Even with so many enticing local attractions, Christie recommends some “me time.” She moved to the Columbus area from Stockbridge with her family when she was in the 6th grade and her childhood here is a testament to the benefits of being able to relax and reenergize during the summer break. “We spent many afternoons just playing ball in the cul-de-sac of our North Columbus neighborhood,” Christie says. “And the backyard pool was everyone’s favorite.”
Other advice to clear the mind and de-stress for both adults and students is to “do things you enjoy. Everyone benefits from having unstructured free time. Have lunch with friends or read a book for pleasure,” she says. She suggests grabbing that “beach read” and hunkering down with it. “Don’t worry that the book isn’t lofty or on an AP list. Find something that restores your balance.”
Her tip for anyone guiding a student through their teen years and preparing them for the future? Take a deep breath, hang on and enjoy the ride! Sometimes the best strategy is to unleash the student’s inner child—and yours. vp
The Perfect P A R T Y G U I D E
OVERCOMING BACK TO SCHOOL NERVES
by Jan Pierce, M.Ed,
The first day of school is a landmark day at any age, but especially if it’s the day he enters first grade, or she enters middle school. It’s normal to have questions, doubts and even a few fears related to those big days. “What will my teacher be like? Will I get lost? Will I make a friend?” These are just a few of the questions your child may be asking and worrying about.
What can you do to help your child manage these normal, but a bit scary feelings? Here are five tips to help you navigate your child’s nerves this school year.
Get into a routine early
A week or two before school begins, change your schedule back to your family’s normal school day routine. Go to bed earlier and get up earlier. Practice being ready to be out the door at the normal school time. Up the reading schedule each day and do a little review of basic learning skills such as handwriting and math facts. Get into school mode and that first day won’t come as such a shock.
A Great Day!
Do a trial run at the school
Get permission to tour the building if it’s new or just visit the playground and spend a little time. You may have the opportunity to actually meet the new teacher in person or say hello to office staff. Just seeing the facility may help to calm fears of the unknown.
Talk about first day fears
2 4 3 5
Let your child know that teachers are a bit nervous and excited on the first day of school, too. Read a book about back to school such as First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg or Brand-new Pencils, Brand-new Books by Diane deGroat. Voicing fears and talking about them is a way to diffuse the tension and turn fears into a positive “looking forward to” kind of feeling.
Display confidence in your child’s ability & coping skills
Kids are quick to pick up on parents’ fears for their safety or success. Show your child you are fully confident that they’ll be fine and that the school year will be a great one. You’re not worried.
Let go
Easy to say, but hard to do. Each new school year is an exercise in growth and independence. A few rough patches in the road won’t overcome all the love and support you’ve given your child over the years. He’ll be fine. She’ll be fine. Just breathe. vp
Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher and freelance writer. She is the author of Homegrown Readers and Homegrown Family Fun. Find Jan at JanPierce.net.
Back to School BOOK NOOK
by Jan Pierce, M.Ed,
Book suggestions to help your kids get rid of back
to school nerves
K- 3 - FIRST GRADE
First Day of School BY MARGARET MCNAMARA
First Day, Hooray! BY NANCY POYDAR
Emily’s First 100 Days of School BY ROSEMARY WELLS
Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School BY HERMAN PARISH
OLDER KIDS
Too Old for This; Too Young for That! Your Survival Guide for the Middle School Years BY HARRIET MOSATCHE
The Night Before First Grade BY NATASHA WING
First Grade, Here I Come BY NANCY CARLSON
First Grade Jitters BY JULIE DANNEBERG
Brand-new Pencils, Brand-new Books BY DIANE DEGROAT
How Not to Start Third Grade BY CATHY HAPKA
The Top 10 Ways to Ruin the First Day of School BY KEN DERBY
How to Survive in Middle School BY DONNA GEPHART
Middle School: The Stuff Nobody Tells You About BY HALEY MOSS
A Smart Girl’s Guide to Starting Middle School BY JULIE WILLIAMS
Middle School: My Brother is a Big, Fat Liar BY JAMES PATTERSON
Word Scramble FUN PAGE
School Subject
Can you unscramble these school subjects?
Classroom
Find these words:
ENCSIEC ——————— YSIHOTR
PENCIL DESK
The largest school in the world is the City Montessori School in Lucknow, India with a whopping 56,000 students!
Why did the teacher wear sunglasses to class?
Because her students were so bright
What did one math book say to the other math book?
“I’ve got problems.”
What is a snake’s favorite subject?
Hissssstory
Academy Dance Center
Acute Care Express
All About Kids Learning Center
Devica Alappan, MD
Angel Academy
Aranas & Stitt, OBGYN
Bareware Pottery
Basilio Pediatrics
Behavioral Health Partners
Bluebelle Artist Market
The Blushing Brunette Boutique
Carver Heights Presbyterian
Child Development Ctr.
Central Pharmacy
Central Christian Church
Central OBGYN
Chambers OBGYN
Ritu Chandra, MD
AUGUST
9
Simple Steps Storytime at Columbus Public Library
Info: Cvl.libnet.info/event/10524771
10
Princess for a Day at Columbus Convention and Trade Center
Info: eventbrite.com/e/princess-for-a-daytickets-920874629807
16
Avatar: The Last Airbender Live In Concert at RiverCenter
Info: Rivercenter.org
23-25
Big Book Sale at Columbus Public Library
Info: CVLGA.org
31
Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse at RiverCenter
Info: Rivercenter.org
31
Labor Day Weekend at Callaway Gardens
Info: CallawayGardens.com
Childcare Network (Hamilton Rd)
Clement Arts
Columbus Children’s Dentistry
Columbus Clinic
Columbus Museum
Columbus Pediatrics
Columbus Public Library
Columbus Regional Midtown
Columbus Roberts Center
CSU Elizabeth Bradley Turner Ctr.
Dinglewood Pharmacy
Divine Childcare Learning Ctr.
Columbus Specialty Hospital
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 Moore Housing Services
Fountain City Coffee
Generations Knowledge & Care Ctr.
Great Beginnings Child Care
Greystone Falls
Greystone of Columbus Park
SEPTEMBER
2
Labor Day Camp at the National Infantry Museum
Info: NationalInfantryMuseum.org/nim-kids 6, 13, 20, 27
Uptown Friday Night Concert Series
Info: AlwaysUptown.com
14-November 2
Pumpkins at Callaway Gardens
Info: Rivercenter.org 14
Columbus Symphony Orchestra Open Rehearsal
Info: CSOGA.org/open-rehearsals
26
The Very Hungry Caterpillar at RiverCenter
Info: Rivercenter.org
28
WWE Supershow
Info: ColumbusGA.gov/civiccenter-2
See more local happenings at ValleyParent.com
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
Mark Lawrence, DDS
Little Angels Child Development Ctr.
Little Paws Preschool
Thomas Malone, MD
Mathnasium
Mickayla’s Place
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
Pastoral Institute
Pediatrics at Brookstone Ctr.
Phenix City-Russell County Library
Pierce Chapel Methodist Preschool
Polka-Dots Early Childhood Development. Ctr. Preppy Pets
Puddle Jumpers Child Enrichment Ctr.
Rivertown Pediatrics
Russell County DHR
Second Avenue Animal Hospital
Jeffrey Serff, DMD
Smile Doctors
Smith Station Baptist Church
Smith Station Pharmacy
St. John AME Church
St. Luke Early Learning Ctr.
St. Mark UMC Child Dev. Ctr.
Lisa Alexander Strickland, DMD
Summerville Baptist Church
Sylvan Learning Center
Nora Tan-Ngo, MD
Toni’s Dancing Studio
TSYS Childcare Center
Uptown Pediatrics
Richard A. Valentine, MD
Wynnton Methodist Preschool
ZÖe Pediatrics
Valley Smiles
Send your photos and captions to ContactUs@ValleyParent.com.
Congratulations to the winners of The Food Mill’s gardeninspired art contest. Winners were Abigail Greene (above with her family), Giada Warren (right with Food Mill Director, Olivia Amos) and Ja’Kirah Snipes (not pictured).
Thea Brocato, age 9, Lane Brocato, age 5, and Etta Broccato, age 3, set up a lemonade stand at Lakebottom Park
Adriti Shrivastava had a fun summer vacation in Panama City Beach.
