ScreaminMamas
August, 2013
Let’s Talk School
...
our kids, the system and the
...
Zero Effect with
Terry Preuss
Also in this Issue: A Melody of Short Stories Working with Children Big Encouragement for a Mother
A Publication of Harmoni Productions
Letter from the Editor Hello wonderful Moms. As we propel ourselves into another school year, we focus on our children, their many unique talents and our schools an issue that is very close to my heart. Our system is a mess. Kids are dropping out at alarming rates, teachers have lost focus, and one by one, schools are being set up for failure instead of acedemic success. Administrators treat both students and teachers as business entities rather than the leaders of tomorrow and those instructing them and our nation continues to become weaker and weaker with each failure. Terry Preuss, a devoted mother of two, longtime teacher, author, activist, and dedicated student advocate, reaches out to other teachers, parents and students in efforts to help change our system. Terry believes in teaching with LOVE, yes, LOVE, a value that seems to be waning in today’s ever-changing world. When we nurture, encourage and lift up those around us, especially our children, so very much is gained - and the ultimate paycheck for us all is a stronger nation, a caring society, a functional government, a healthy economy. We highly commend and applaud Terry for her courage to stand up, speak out and take action. We join her in her movement to teach with Love - whether as parents, teachers, employers, pastors, etc. - and we support her efforts to help fix our broken system. If this issue concerns you, please follow her, support her and don’t ever be afraid to raise your voice when it comes to the success of your children no matter how much resisitance you might meet. Also in this issue, we meet mother of two and longtime pre-school teacher, Janine Taranto, as she shares the marvelous work of her students; Megan X. Vaz, a very young published author; artistic, creative students Kayla Mecoli, Alyssa and Jonathan Livingston. We are also delighted to feature Grandmas Daydreams, by Sandra Lemire, and two very moving poems by Marcella Kumer and Rachael Rockwell. Enjoy, Mamas!
Darlene
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Psalms 127:3-4
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your
mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29
EDITORIAL STAFF Darlene Pistocchi - Editor In Chief Denise Weatherby - Postmaster/Keeper of the Books! Deanna Wolverton - Director of Operations/Georgia Division PHOTOGRAPHER/WRITER/BLOGGER Patricia Zollmann Kissinger a/k/a PZK Photography MARKETING EXECUTIVE/WRITER Corinne Thereza Ramos a/k/a Coco ILLUSTRATION/KISSINGER KID QUOTES Susan Kissinger a/k/a SKDS Chicago CONTRIBUTORS Terry Preuss, Marcella Kumer, Sandra Lemire Janine Taranto, Megan X. Vaz, Rachael Rockwell, Alyssa & Jonathan Livingston, Kayla Mecoli SUBMISSIONS COORDINATOR Lena Luiq a/k/a Lena
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 3 The Art of Learning Page 4 A Melody of Short Stories Page 5-6 Working with Children Page 7-8 The Zero Effect Page 9 Turning 15 Page 10-11 Spiral Page 12 Grandma’s Daydreams Page 13 Kissinger’s Kid Quotes Page 14 SKDS Art for All Page 15 Kayla Mecoli Page 16 Alyssa Livingston Page 17 ScreaminMamas at the Library! Page 18 National Left-Handed Day Page 19 Big Encouragement for a Mother Page 20 Our Son Michael Follow Us, Like Us, Join Us, Blog with Us, Visit us ScreaminMamas.com. Rock On, Mamas!
GRAPHICS/LAYOUT/DESIGN Darlene Pistocchi Cover Photo and School Photos by: Denise & Darlene Hollywood Central & Performing Arts Theatre
P d C y – i w t t d h M o e f p t a
Kayla Mecoli *a/k/a “Kobo”
Kayla Mecoli (aka “Kobo”) is just like many creative, comical, computer-loving eleven and a half year olds. Don’t they all love hobos, mustaches, and nawhals, “the unicorn of the sea?” And what budding artist wouldn’t fall in love with Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo de Rivera? This pose as Frida won Kayla 2nd Place in the Wacky Photo Contest at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, awarding her a partial scholarship to one of their fabulous arts programs.
Picture of the real “Frida” born Magdalena Carmen Frieda Kahlo y Calderón; July 6, 1907 – July 13, 1954. Wanting her birth to coincide with the beginning of the Mexican revolution, she gave her birth date as 1910. “Her work has been celebrated in Mexico as emblematic of national and indigenous tradition, and by feminists for its uncompromising depiction of the female experience and form.” - Wikipedia
It is quite evident that Kayla is very artistic with many mediums, including the drawing Apps on her iPhone & iPad. And always locating her mom’s hidden Mac, she’s an avid Minecraft player, building and exploring in the 3D generated world. Kayla’s been enjoying her summer, going to camp, hanging with friends, and visiting family in Texas. She’ll soon be a 6th grader at her A-rated Hollywood charter school, Ben Gamla. Courtesy: Lynda Schomer Mecoli
3
4
ScreaminMamas 1st event was a success!!! Thank you to the Broward County library!
From left to right: Marketing exec, Corinne, shares with Mamas, friends & students, Charlene, Maria, Blair
Corinne & Terry talking kids and school
Adult Programs in August
Thursdays - English Cafe. Conversation practice for beginning and intermediate learners of English 6:30-7:30pm
Terry shares her passion about teaching and her students
Dania Beach Paul DeMaio Library 954-357-7073 Thank You For Having Us!
Darlene & Terry join forces to share their visions & help make a difference
Children & Teen Programs
Tuesdays - Storytime! Join us for stories, songs and activities! 10:30-11:00am
Thursday - August 1, 8 & 15 - Art classes with artist Frances Tyler! Adults 3-4pm
Thursday, August 1, 8 & 15 - Arts & Crafts with artist Frances Tyler! Small children must be accompanied by an adult. 2-3pm
Saturday, August 10 - Imani Book Club, Join us for a discussion of “Bring on the Blessings” by Beverly Jenkins 3-5pm
Saturday, August 3 - End of Summer Reading Program Celebration! Come celebrate with our top readers 12-2pm
Monday, Augusut 26 - Master the IPad! Join us for a series of classes about learning how to use the iPad. This class is the first of 5classes. For more information, please call 954-357-7073. 6:30-7:P30pm
Saturday, August 3 & 17 - Movie! Stay cool while watching a family friendly feature film 2 to 4pm
Thursday, August 29 - Scrabble Club for teens and adults. Please join us for a friendly game of Scrabble!
Saturday August 10, 24, 31 - Movie! Stay cool while watching a family friendly feature film 1-3pm
For more information call Richard Logan at 954-357-7073. 6-7:30pm
Saturday August 17 - Wags’n’Tails. For children ages 5-12. Practice your reading skills in a fun and unique way with volunteer Linda Geer and her sweet dog, Bella! Sponsored by the Humane Society of Broward County 1-2pm.
From left to right: Corinne, our fab Marketing Exec/ Writer; Darlene, our founder & non-stop editor; Charlene & the sensational, Terry Preuss!
Terry, signing courtesy copies of her book, Voices in5 the Hall for ScreaminMamas, students & friends!
Working with Children
By: Janine Taranto
edy n n e K m a i L age 6
or
t I like
ool.
ch s t a un
Pene
lope H e age 5 ller
Isaac Kennedy age 3
I go to school at Janine’s house and I love to swim with my friends.
I lov outsi e to play de w i frien th my ds.
6
National Left-Handed Day with Jonathan Livingston
Were you always left-handed? I tried to use my right hand when I first learned to write, but it was easier with the left. Was it harder for you in school? Yes because all my teachers were right-handed, so they had a hard time trying to help me learn to write. Do you do any other things with your left hand? Yes, I played baseball as a left-hander, which wasn’t that hard. Do you do anything with your right hand? Yes, I eat with my right hand. Do you feel that your special to be a left-hander? Well, yeah, I guess so. Right-handers don’t have a national day like we do! Haha! Thank you, Jonathan!!! After reading through this issue several times, I would say we are all pretty blessed. KIDS ARE AMAZING!!!
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:7-10
7
Our Son Michael Today you would have been twenty five years old. Would you have been a college graduate? Would you have awards for trick roller blading or skate boarding? Would you have walked down the path of love?
Would you be holding a child of your own? I wonder every minute of the day about who you would be. Your sister thinks of you each day and loves you so, Your older brother is lost inside without you. Your younger brother thinks of you every day and Your dad’s heart breaks each day. We don’t wonder about where you are. You are in a place of wonder and grace. A place someday we all will see together. I believe you are an angel far above, Spreading your goodness for all who need, A guardian angel you are now. Watching over the ones you love each day; Keeping us all safe is your job to be. One day we will see the wonders of that faith, In God’s eyes we will walk together as family again.
screaminmamas.com
by: Marcella Kumer