Auburn Opelika Parents January 2016 by KeepSharing

January2016

Volume 6 Number 11

28 Columns 2

Publisher’s Note Kendra Sumner

Living With Children John Rosemond

The “Sassiness” Cure The Private School John Rosemond shares his Advantage

proven cure for taming the sassy Discover three important tongue in your house. benefits specific to the student.

Kids Health Watch

sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

A Page in a Book

Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

33 Help Your Child Do Well in School Success prescriptions for elementary and beyond.

Growing Up Online

Discover nine apps that will help your kids get moving in 2016!

Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey

On The Cover Carla and Mark Ingram and the children of Robert and Kim Ingram. The twins attend Lee-Scott Academy where they are both members of the Junior National Honor Society. Carla is also a JV cheerleader, plays guard on the JV basketball team, runs track, and hopes to play softball this spring. Mark runs track and hopes to play baseball. He also enjoys being outdoors and working on the farm with his dad and his grandfather, Tom Ingram.

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 9

School Bits 38

Family Calendar 44

Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Publisher’sNote Happy New Year and welcome to 2016! Another year has flown by and a new year is before us with promises of new beginnings and resolutions to fulfill. In looking back, it has been another great year for Auburn Opelika Parents magazine. From month to month, the magazine has brought parenting resources with topics ranging from newborns to teens. In doing so, we have hoped to provide invaluable information that all parents can relate to in some stage of the parenting life cycle. Among our reader favorites are the annual Summer Camp edition and the Back-to-School issue. Parents were given a list of summer camps ranging from local, state and national locations to every interest imaginable, such as horseback riding, band, and educational enrichment camps. As for the Back-to-School issue, it became the one-stop resource for students in the Lee County area to find important school dates, registration information, afterschool care and extracurricular activities. Of course, the October Fall Fun & Festivals edition is eagerly welcomed by readers to help plan for all that autumn has to offer. Pumpkin patches, hayrides, trunk-or-treats and costume shopping can be an exciting addition to family calendars. Whew, what a busy, yet fantastic year! Looking toward 2016, we have another year planned that will increase the awareness of resources right here in our community, plus events to feature in our calendar, and more school bits, where school and student successes are highlighted. To start the year off right, January’s focus is a new and exciting addition to our monthly lineup. The month spotlights Educational Resources that will supplement the August Back-to-School magazine. Included this month are two great feature articles. In the first, The Private School Advantage: Benefits Specific to the Student, the author speaks to questions parents may have when considering private school, such as student/teacher ratio and sports/extracurricular components. In Help Your Child Do Well in School, the elementary, middle and high school age groups are broken down by the milestones that are common, and suggestions offered on how to help a student in each stage of development-academically, emotionally and physically. Also, look for advertisements throughout this issue highlighting private school options and tutoring programs, plus special needs support and services. This January, while planning for 2016, take us along with you. Make Auburn Opelika Parents magazine your go-to-guide for academic and childcare planning, family fun throughout all the seasons, parenting advice and tips, and finding local businesses and their advertised service, which help us bring this resource to the community each month. In doing so, this year will be the best yet! Here’s to a Happy New Year 2016, from the Auburn Opelika Parents magazine family to yours!

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2016

Auburn Opelika Lee County’s Foremost Parenting Source

Auburn Opelika Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Auburn Opelika Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Publisher Kendra Sumner kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@auburnopelikaparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Sandra Gordon Laura Handey Carolyn Jabs Dave Ramsey Michele Ranard, M. Ed. John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Katie Wolter, M.D. Cover Photography Candy Avera www.pictureperfectbycandy.com

President Jason Watson Director of Sales Justin Sumner justin@auburnopelikaparents.com (334) 209-0552 Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us online at www.auburnopelikaparents.com Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: 1204 Owens Road Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 209-0552 and fax is (334) 826-7303. Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2014 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

The “Sassiness” Cure Q: The “sassiness” that I have heard so

much about from my friends started a few months ago with my 5-year-old daughter. She will say things to me that I actually find myself tongue-tied on how or what to say to correct her. Sometimes, she apologizes, which tells me she knows she’s talking disrespectfully to me. What do you think about ten minutes of time out for this sort of thing? Also, on a recent vacation with another family in which there are two other girls around the same age, my daughter became very competitive. She constantly wanted to “race” to see who would be first, for example. Is this normal for this age?

A: I take it your friends think sassiness is normal for this age child. That may be true today, but sassiness was far from the norm two-plus generations ago. Furthermore,

Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2016

there are still a considerable number of kids this age who are very respectful of adults. It is certainly true that television and electronics in general have altered the behavior of children. Too many of today’s kids, from relatively early on, pick up a very inappropriate manner of talking to adults from characters on television sitcoms. After all, this sassy manner of addressing and responding to adults is almost always followed by the laugh track. This is one of several reasons why I am completely and unequivocally opposed to allowing young children any exposure to television outside of educational programs on channels like Discovery and History. But even without the toxicity of supposedly family fare on television, young kids often pick up sassiness from friends. When she was 8, my daughter had a friend in the neighborhood who talked to her mother like she was a servant or a peer. Amy would sometimes come home from said friend’s house using the same

tone with us. When this happened—and without giving her a warning—we would confine Amy to her room for the rest of the day. That curtailed her loose tongue rather quickly. In that regard, I seriously doubt that ten minutes of time out is going to do the trick. If you want this to stop, and you certainly should, then you need to make an impression on your daughter. Time out for an offense of this sort is an example of what I call “trying to stop a charging elephant with a fly swatter.” I recommend the “Amy cure.” As for the competition thing, I strongly encourage you not to give it a second thought. Kids work these sorts of things out among themselves. In fact, intervention on the part of well-intentioned (albeit anxious) adults can prevent children from going through the trial-and-error of certain social processes. Besides, it’s good to know that the natural drive to compete will survive efforts on the part of many schools to squash it by doing absolutely silly things like banning dodgeball. Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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January 18: Free Fee Day at Tuskegee National Forest

The National Forests in Alabama offer a “Free Fee” day. Any fees necessitated for either camping, fishing, trail riding, shooting, or horse-back riding will be waived. The sites involved in the free fee day are publicized in advance. Each national forest and ranger district highlights one free fee recreation site. Annually the free fee day has been set aside in honor of our veterans, members of the U.S. armed forces and their family members. This honorary time has been established to encourage veterans and active military personnel to spend their holiday enjoying the outdoors and recreational activities in one of Alabama’s national forests. www.fs.usda.gov/goto/alabama/districts/tuskegeeRD.

Auburn Area Community Theatre Teen Show Auditions for “Peter Pan”

Love tiny fairies, lost boys pirates, and adventures? Come audition for the musical, January 4-5, at Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn. Please prepare 30 seconds of a song to sing acapella and a monologue up to 1 minute long. Also be prepared to improv, and learn brief stage combat series. Being that this is AACT’s teen show, auditions are only open to ages 12-18. “Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure” features music and lyrics by the award-winning duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. We join Peter and the Darling family as they are whisked away to the famous land full of colorful characters including the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily and, of course, the dastardly Captain Hook. With a spectacular mix of swashbuckling adventure, jaw dropping flying and an infectious score, “Peter Pan” is guaranteed to bring forth one’s inner child, and send you reeling “Just Beyond the Stars.” (334) 332-0881.

Now Hiring for 2016 Pool Season

Beginning Jan. 4, 2016, Auburn Parks and Recreation will accept applications for the 2016 Auburn City Pools season for the following positions: Pool Manager, Assistant Pool Manager, Aquatics Program Specialist, Senior Lifeguard, Lifeguard and Cashier. To apply, log on to auburnalabama. org/jobs and complete an online application. The City of Auburn is an equal opportunity employer. For more information on Auburn City Pools, please visit auburnalabama.org/pools or contact Auburn Parks and Recreation at (334) 501-2930.

“Cinderella” at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival

An enchanting play based on the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale. “Cinderella” is a must see for young audiences! Experience this classic tale presented by The Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Montgomery, January 23-February 14. Tickets ranging from $20-$30. www.asf.net.

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar”

RiverCenter for the Performing Arts presents “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” by awardwinning children’s book illustrator and writer, Eric Carle, retold on stage in black light, January 30 at 2:30 p.m. The tale follows the wonderful adventures of a very tiny and very hungry caterpillar that progresses through an amazing variety of foods towards his metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly. Children will delight in the antics of Little Cloud. High up in a beautiful sky, Little Cloud slips away from the rest and transforms itself into various shapes-a sheep, an airplane, a shark and more. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus, Ga. www.rivercenter.org.

Fractured Fairytale “Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs”

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“Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs” is a new take on the fairy-tale classic “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”, so funny and so original—it could only come from the brilliant mind of Mo Willems. Once upon a time, there were three hungry Dinosaurs: Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur . . . and a Dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway. One day—for no particular reason—they decided to tidy up their house, make the beds, and prepare pudding of varying temperatures. And then—for no particular reason—they decided to go . . . someplace else. They were definitely not setting a trap for some succulent, unsupervised little girl. Definitely not! January 6, 3:30 p.m. at the Auburn Public Library. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2016

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“The Journey Continues...Tim Tebow” at Montgomery Performing Arts Centre

Tim Tebow is returning to Montgomery, January 16, at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, for a meaningful cause. The 2007 Heisman Trophy winner will be the featured speaker for the Cancer Wellness Foundation of Central Alabama at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center. “He came in 2012 to speak for our spring fundraiser,” said Lucile G. Waller, executive director for the non-profit wellness foundation. “He was very sincere and generous to our audience and foundation.” Tickets range from $60 to $175 and can be purchased by calling MPAC at 334-4815100 or ordering online at mpaconline.org or ticketmaster.com. The January 16 event begins at 6 p.m. with a VIP reception followed by Tebow sharing his life experiences since the 2012 event. Sponsorship opportunities with reserved seating and benefits such as a meet-and-greet with Tebow are still available. Contact Waller at (334) 273-2279, or by email at lwaller@montgomerycancer.com for more information. Silent and live auctions will take place as well for items autographed by Tebow, a connoisseur wine collection, vacations, original paintings and trips. The wellness foundation helps assist local patients diagnosed with cancer. It offers medications at little or no costs and assistance with transportation through gas vouchers, public or private transportation. www.mpaconline.com.

Home Depot Kids Workshop “Kung Fu Panda 3” Spinning Box

Bring the kids for a FREE workshop on January 2, 9:00 a.m. at the Home Depot in Opelika. Join our hands-on workshop and build a “Kung Fu Panda 3” Spinning Box. Then, decorate your finished box with stickers featuring characters from the upcoming Dreamworks movie “Kung Fu Panda 3”. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a free certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin. www.homedepot.com.

K-12 Art Club at Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art

Join JCSM on January 31, and “Install a Wall”. Come check out the new exhibition of work by Auburn University faculty, and create your own miniature curated exhibition. During the late winter/spring, art clubs at JCSM are held on Sundays, from 1:30–3 p.m.. Parents and guardians are asked to stay with their child as they work on the project. Registration will be open shortly to reserve your space. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

Resolutions Are for Kids, Too! With the New Year upon us, many of us have made New Year’s resolutions. These resolutions typically focus on health, structure, security, decreasing stress and increasing joy in our lives. Although it is common for adults to come up with these resolutions, our children are rarely encouraged to take part in this tradition. Children thrive when given goals and expectations, therefore I believe they would benefit from building a list of New Year’s resolutions as well. The AAP has a list of recommended resolutions tailored to specific age groups in order to give you a place to start. These are by no means all-encompassing but I do think they serve as great examples you can provide to your children while attempting to help them create their own list of resolutions.

Preschoolers

• I will clean up my toys. • I will brush my teeth and wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating. • I will avoid being bitten by keeping my fingers and face away from pets’ mouths. • I will talk with my parent or a trusted adult when I need help, or when I’m scared. • I will be nice to other kids who need a friend.

Kids, 5 to 12 years old

• I will drink reduced-fat milk and water every day.

Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2016

• I will put on sunscreen before I go outdoors. I will try to wear a hat and sunglasses. • I will try to find a sport or an activity that I like and do it at least three times a week! • I will wear a helmet when riding a bike. • I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car. I’ll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat until I am tall enough to use a lap/shoulder seat belt. • I’ll be friendly to kids who may have a hard time making friends. • I will never encourage or even watch bullying, and will tell bullies to stop. • I’ll never give out private information on the Internet, including pictures, without asking my parent if it is okay. • I will try to talk with my parent or a trusted adult when I have a problem or feel stressed.

Kids, 13 years old and older

• I will eat healthy foods and exercise. • I will choose non-violent shows and video games, and I will spend only one to two hours each day, maximum, on these activities. • I will help out in my community. • When I feel stressed out, I will find helpful ways to deal with the stress, such as exercising, reading, writing in a journal or talking about my problem with a parent or friend. • When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk about my choices with a trustworthy adult.

When I notice my friends are struggling, I will talk with a trusted adult and attempt to find a way that I can help them. • I will be careful about whom I choose to date, and always treat the other person with respect. I will expect to be treated the same way in return. • I will resist peer pressure to try drugs or alcohol. • I agree not to use a cellphone or text message while driving and always use a seat belt. Let’s come together in this New Year and encourage our kids to dream big and create goals that allow them to exceed our and their expectations. * See more at: https://www.aap.org/en-us/ about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-andsafety-tips/Pages/Healthy-New-Year-Resolutionsfor-Kids.aspx#sthash.u0A0SlGB.dpuf Dr. Katie Wolter is board certified in Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Lee County Medical Society, Medical Association of the State of Alabama, and the American Medical Association. She is passionate about breastfeeding medicine and is currently working on becoming an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). She is also a member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Dr. Wolter is married to her husband, Jeremy, and has four sons. She loves to spend her free time outdoors with her family and friends.

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Autauga County Schools

Lee-Scott Academy Holds Grandparent’s Day Program

Lee-Scott Academy held its annual Grandparent's Day Program on Friday, December 11, in the LSA gymnasium. There were two performances, with the Pre-K through 3rd grades at 8:30 a.m. and the 4th through 6th grades at 10:00 a.m. The gym was packed with grandparents, parents and friends as LSA's elementary students sang, danced and played instruments to a variety of Christmas arrangements. The program was directed by LSA's Elementary Music Teacher, Mrs. Fara Flick.

Hour of Code at Auburn JHS

Auburn Junior High Automation and Robotics students learn programming with a multiplayer live coding strategy game. They became the hero and wrote code to defeat villains and capture treasure through a site called Code Combat! https://codecombat.com.

Please send school news and photos to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

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Local Teens Record Christmas Album

Local teens provide Christmas spirit to the Auburn-Opelika community with self-recorded Christmas album, “Advent”. The album includes the musical talents of Abby Miracle, Judith Fuller, Isaac Hayes of Pepperspice, Marleigh Jones of StreetParty in Liverpool and Cooper Prater, Cullen Marquis and Caleb Etris of C Squared + C.

Auburn Teacher Performs in “The Nutcracker” Mr. Joe Dyer, AHS Art teacher, is Drosselmeyer in “The Nutcracker” by Auburn Variations.

AHS Students Sing Holiday Carols in Foreign Languages The AHS Foreign Language teachers and classes visited the Auburn High School Library and classrooms to sing traditional holiday carols in French, German and Spanish!

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Autauga County Schools

Auburn HS IB Seniors Choose Ivy League Schools

Congrats to these AHS IB seniors on their Early Decision Ivy League college placements: Stephanie Choi (Columbia), Sahar Omer (Harvard), and Mona Robbins (UPenn). Pictured L-R: AHS College Coordinator & IB Counselor Mr. James Tindell, Stephanie Choi, Sahar Omer, Mona Robbins, and IB Program Coordinator & Instructor Mr. Davis Thompson.

AJHS Elites Perform at ACS Central Office

"The Elites" choral group from Auburn Junior High School led by Teresa Rhyne made a special trip to the ACS Central Office to spread holiday cheer by singing a handful of Christmas Carols including "Silent Night" and "We wish you a Merry Christmas!"

Breakfast with Dad at Cary Woods Elementary

Cary Woods Elementary School hosted Allie Davison, a Rivals. com sportswriter and Auburn University Senior in Journalism who covers AU athletics. Davison spoke about her relationship with her father and the importance of being in your children's lives as much as possible as a positive role model. This event does just that, offering the opportunity to dads in our school system to spend quality time with their kids over breakfast.

Auburn Early Education Center Participates in Hour of Code

Some of our second grade students at AEEC joined tens of millions of students and 180 plus countries by participating in the Hour of Code global movement. The Hour of Code is where students participate in one hour tutorials that introduce and teach students about computer programming.

Local Students Sign to Play Baseball

These young men signed with their choice of college where they will attend and play baseball next year. Drew McNay to South Alabama, Ryan Watson to Auburn University, Andrew Naismith to Alabama State, Tyler Rabren to Columbus State, and Keegan Fairley to Shorter College in Rome, Ga. Congratulations to these guys as they prepare for the upcoming 2016 season with Coach Cimo and the next step in their lives.

Northside Students' Poems Selected for Publication in Poetry Book

Last year Emily Grace, a 4th grade teacher at Northside Intermediate School, entered a poem from each student in her class in the American Library Poem Contest. Five of those studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Bianca Cole, Trent Henderson, Ally Kinser, AlliAnne Blythe, and Andre Smiley) poems were chosen to be published in a book of poetry for kids. The book is titled "Eloquence 2015 Poetry Collection". Congratulations! Pictured with Ms. Emily Grace (l-r): Trent Henderson, Andre Smiley, Ally Kinser, Bianca Cole and AlliAnne Blythe. Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2016

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Drake Middle School Students Take Broadcast Media Field Trip Dr. Silvia Scaife's broadcast journalism students from Drake Middle School made a field trip to meet and work with Mrs. Beth Antoine and her Tiger TV students at Auburn High School as a part of an all-day workshop. Tiger TV students collaborated with the DMS students to create and film segments that ran on AHS Today in December. This was a great opportunity that required teamwork and mentorship while also aligning the curriculum of both programs.

Trinityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast

On Friday, November 20, Trinityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kindergarten class hosted the annual Thanksgiving Feast in the Fellowship Hall. The children recited several Bible verses and performed a song. They joined their families at beautifully decorated tables to enjoy a large Thanksgiving feast.

THIS IS COMMUNITY. THIS IS YOUR MUSEUM. THIS IS AUBURN. JCSM.AUBURN.EDU 11

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Autauga County Schools

White Christmas at Lee-Scott Academy

Lee-Scott Academy's Annual White Christmas program took place on Tuesday, December 1. Students in grades Pre-K through 12 were entertained by LSA's Dance Team, Jazz Band, Concert Choir and special songs from Resource Officer, Josh Adams. Dr. Don Roberts shared an inspirational message, "The Real Meaning of Christmas - To Share His Love." What a great way to kick off the Christmas season!

Auburn HS Accepts Historic Newspaper Collection Donation

Mrs. Pat O’Neall and Mr. Tim Simpson visited AHS to make a donation of her historic newspaper collection to our school. Mr. York, AHS Government teacher, accepted the gift on behalf of the school. Mrs. O’Neall offers the use of her land in Russell County to AU’s College of Veterinary Medicine for the training of their detection dogs. This past spring is when Mrs. O’Neall showed the AU personnel the collection of newspapers that her husband, John O’Neall had kept. AU reached out to Mr. York and he was excited to accept the gift for AHS.

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Veterans Day Program at Auburn HS

The U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors performed at AHS recently! AHS JROTC members began the show, AHS Band members performed with the band, and the AHS Ambassadors greeted and seated the guests. Our two Army AllAmerican Bowl students Seth Almond and Caleb Williams along with Jin Kwon played in concert with the United States Army Jazz Ambassadors as well.

Pick Elementary Teacher Named Alabama History Teacher of the Year

Harrow Strickland was named “Alabama History Teacher of the Year." Strickland, who has spent her entire 21-year teaching career at Auburn City Schools (currently teaches 5th grade at Pick Elementary), was recently named the 2015 Alabama History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Following a nomination by Dr. Blake Busbin, AP History teacher at Auburn High School, in March, Strickland submitted copies of student work, a lesson plan, her teaching philosophy and her resume to a panel for consideration. She was officially recognized by the Alabama State Department of Education this past October. As the 2015 Alabama History Teacher of the Year, she received: A $1000 award, Certificate of Recognition, an archive of books and historical resources presented in her name to the school library, and an invitation to attend a 2016 Gilder Lehrman Teacher Seminar. Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2016

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Opelika Senior Signs Basketball Scholarship

OHS Senior Jaylen Snipes signed a basketball scholarship to Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL on Friday, November 20. Joining Snipes were front row (lr): Lillian Snipes-mother, Snipes, and Jasper Snipes-father. Back row (l-r): Dr. Farrell Seymore-OHS Principal, JaMarcus Snipes-brother, LeQuin Snipes-brother, Kwamane Snipes-brother, Tim Marshalltravel team coach and Devin BoothOHS Head Girls Basketball Coach. Not pictured: Mattie and Henrietta Snipes, grandmothers and Julie Huddleston-Lynn University Head Coach.

Please send your school news to:

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Students at Southview Primary dressed up to enjoy the Colonial Fall Festival. Students learned traditional skills used in the Pioneer Days. They enjoyed a feast, a hayride, and sack races.

Give your child an academic advantage! Schedule a Parent Orientation today! Kumon Math & Reading Center of Auburn - Opelika 1550 Opelika Road #9, Auburn, AL 36830 334.501.8586 • kumon.com/auburn-opelika-al 13

Southview Primary School’s Colonial Fall Festival

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Autauga County Schools

AEEC Gives Back to the Community

ACS is so proud of the students and staff at Auburn Early Education Center for contributing 2,935 pounds of food to the East Alabama Food Bank!

Auburn HS Senior Wins Wendyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heisman Award

Auburn High Senior, Katie Jackson, won the Alabama Wendyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heisman award. Jackson earned this honor by maintaining a GPA of 3.0 (B average) or better and being a proven leader within Auburn High School and the Auburn community.

Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2016

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Sports Education at PES

Fourth and Fifth graders at PES completed a hockey unit in PE. Students divided into 6 world area teams. Students were required to do research about their country and then worked to compete against other teams for the championship. This is all part of the sport education units implemented by Coach Chuck Cooper. Students earn points for sportsmanship and scored team points as well. It was a great day for PE at PES!

PGZ Youth Recognize Veterans Day

During the November PGZ Youth meeting and in observance of Military Appreciation Week, members of the youth auxiliary presented a Veterans Day Poem entitled “I Bet You Didn’t Know” to a local veteran. The poem was written on behalf of PGZ Youth by local Authoress and Amicette mother, Sidra S. Johnson. PGZ Youth supports Veterans Day which honors ALL American veterans, both living and dead for their dedicated and loyal service to their country.

Please send your school news and photos by the 20th of each month to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

Celebrating 25 years! Li v i ng. Lovin g. Lear n in g.

Caring for your children and laying a foundation for their growth and success has been our calling for the past 25 years. Our unique, caring approach is rooted in an understanding that each child is a gift and a responsibility. These precious little ones deserve our attention, security and love. Just like home. Today, our commitment to your children continues with caring and experienced teachers, a stimulating and secure environment and an atmosphere of living, loving and learning you’ll only find at Growing Room. 334-501-2044 | 644 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL M-F 6:30am - 6:30pm | Ages 6 weeks – 12 years

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Autauga County Schools New High School Progress

Basketball Season at Trinity!

Trinity Christian School’s Varsity and Junior Varsity basketball season is underway.

Construction on the Auburn City Schools new high school, which will have a main entrance off Samford Avenue, began in mid-October. Two months into construction, the campus's three buildings and extracurricular practice and competition fields are beginning to take shape.

Please send school news and photos to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

2320 MOORES MILL ROAD, SUITE. 250 AUBURN, AL 36830 • (334) 887-0099

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Traynia Turner Kaden Zimdahl Jamie Collins Jr. Cameron Pitts Brittani Thrift Tekyra Thomas Terez Thomas Kaylin Lee Braden Lee Emeri Roberts Lauren Crews Stephanie Millan Christopher Johns Piper Nelson Zayden Harris Emma hale Kira Hale Henry Villatoro Daniel Villatoro Kamiyah Byrd Chance Meadows JaVen Dowdell Candice Paschal India Floyd A.G. Henry Maggie Henry Andrew Jones Savannah Jones Christopher Cannon Boyd Caldwell

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Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2016

Brandy Jenkins Wes Jenkins Graham Jenkins Skyla Kinsella Keelan Kinsella Royzell Drake Jr. Kaitlyn Kinney John Kinney Jabari Dove-El Jayden Bissonnette Jaxon Rogers Jasper Rogers Alex Mendoza Anet Mendoza Aaden Watts Jakhiiaya Bank Myliani Giles Daylen Walton Davian Walton Makenzie Foster Emon Owen Anna McCormick Aniah Britt Tianna Britt Mason Tillery Tanner Kirby Cashton Clark Devin McPherson Maliyha Levett Bradford Dennis

Raylan Drake Ryan Drake Penelope Freeze Michaela Malik Slade Cox Harmoni Groce Aniyah Cunningham Hunter Meadows Jillian Meadows Skyler Weldon KaMiyah Wynn Cynthia Alcantar Fernando Alcantar Demetrius Harrington Michael Burgess Dylan Burgess Jayden Clayberger Layla Flinn Diamond Flinn Madison Mahone Isabella Peeler Jack Johnson Mattie Johnson Kenadi Martin Katelyn Simmons Matthew Roberts Lane Smith Jackson Mathis Peyton Mathis Sawyer Mathis Lucy Hillyer Roberto Diaz Rojao Agustim Diaz Rojao Dylan Johnson Jamiya alford Roxie Richardson Troy Richardson Ailayah Clark Joslyn Steele

Chapman Marlow Brock Taylor Garron Endicott Alayna Endicott Ashlyn Endicott Alyssa Endicott Emma Childs Ella Kate Childs Yumi Stokes Koji Stokes Layla Cook Hannah Rowe Devhin Wilson Mason Whitaker Avery Baker Hayes Baker Caleb Ames Riley Stadler Madison Stadler Mason Yates Jacob Wade Hamby Victoria Allard Sloane Wilson Chase Wilson Danarius Todd Cordarius Heard Montaveus Buchannon Brayden Smith Ke’Marion Holmes Justin Baker Jaxon Baker Emmerson Paster Ezra Lockhart Ryan Moore Landon Farmer Abigail Farmer Ian Mallard LaNolan Billingsley Cory Tucker

Brian Gonzalez Ja’Braveous Pendleton Randy Ingersoll Jaiden Ingersoll Ty’Rica Giles Dakiyah Banks Bryli Smith Lauren Pearson Zy’Keria Bowser Kamryn Bowser Joshua Grow Jayce Grow Maurice Payne Jr Tniah Dubose Grayson McQueen Robert Bravo Ethan Robinson Emilia May Billy Carter Breyona Kick Brayden Kick Maddie Tally Kaylin Haga Chloe Jacksland Ethan Jacksland Taylor Harsha Carlos Hernandez Yahir Hernandez Trent Fields Taylor Fields Montrevious Poole Destiny Aikens Kaitlyn Raines Wilson Foster Jackson Milner Mykira Reese Gaige Perdue Jayda Coleman Jericuse Coleman

Ke’Qwantavous Shaw Ke’Ireon Shaw Lorenzo Pollard Raigan Webb Ashley Alcantara Steve Alcantara Hiliana Rodriguez AnBeyada Latimore Anthony Miles Adyan Patterson Haynes Wilson BB Wilson Stirling Wilson Judson Phillips Lila Calhoun Marshall Porter Carter Porter Rylan Lowery Ryder Lowery Maggie Bevard Emma Walls Sophie Walls Taylor Baldwin LaVarious Fergerson Peyton Cason Ta’Mia Henry Melinda Hughes Grace Hildebrand Noel Montgomery Phelonie Gaither Swahili Thomas Aleisia Boyd Nevaeh Maddox Leland Bell Alan Lopez Jayda Duffey Makya Boyd ZaQuan Boyd Jacob Guthrie

Samuel Shope Knox Heisler Madelyn tarvin Cole Tarvin Matthew Grayson Moore Evelyn McClain Palmer Parker Palmer Haven Bonner Cash Bonner Addison Garnett Ava Dawson Bella Grace Kimbrell Xavier Brown Kameron Young Kaden Young Tatum Lehmkuhl Mason Lehmkuhl Austin Zhan Jaylen Edwards Lucy Zuniga Arron Standridge Brynn Standridge Bentley Standridge Emeri Roland Brooks Anglin Savannah Cox Kennedy McCard Kaysyn McCard Kollin McCard Jakiah Wilson Jarvae Wilson Ivey Frazier Viviana Tate Austin Spencer James Scott Austin Scott

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Lee-Scott Academy Presents "The Lion King, Jr."

Lee-Scott Academy’s drama department presented its largest elementary production to date, “The Lion King Jr,” on November 11, 13 and 15. According to Tricia Oliver, LSA's Drama Director, the 47-member cast is comprised of third through seventh graders and marks the largest all-elementary cast Oliver has hosted. The production was a huge success, with sold out crowds all three nights.

Students Recognized for Outstanding Achievement

The ACS Career Tech department recognized the following students as outstanding in their curriculum for going above and beyond what is expected of them in the classroom: Maritta Baker (JROTC) Overall Winner; Lily Gregson (Aquaculture); Gibeom Lee (Advertising Design); Allyson Ferguson (Health Science); MiKayla Carter (BMA); Kathryn West (Finance); Andrew Bowling (Engineering); Parker Amos (Agriscience); Jayden Valderrama. These students were nominated by their teachers then voted on by a committee made up of Laura Bailey, ACS Career Technical Education Director, Laura Anglin, Career Coach for ACS, Carey Holland, Alabama Power Engineer and Vice Chairman of the ACS Advisory Committee and Daniel Chesser, ACS Public Relations Specialist.

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Autauga County Schools AHS Boys Cross-Country Wins Third Straight State Championship

The AHS boys cross country team captured the State Championship title behind several impressive times, including the winner of two other top 10 finishers, November 14, 205 in Class 7A at Oakville Indian Mounds Park. Auburn senior Paul Barlow led the way for Tigers winning the 5,000 meters race with the fastest time of the day. Barlow also won last year. He sprinted past the leader with less than 200 meters to go. Barlow won Class 7A boys individual title in 15:30.52, beating Oak Mountain junior Cole Stidfole by 2 seconds. Auburn junior Jack Rogers finished third in 15:37.79, and Joshua Escoe was 10th with a time of 15:58.58. Nate Pudner and Carson Chambliss finished 15th and 26th, respectively, for the tigers.

AHS Boys Lacrosse Club has Undefeated Regular Season (7-0)

The Auburn High School Lacrosse Club finished its fall regular season undefeated before going 2-1 in the Third Coast Classic in Foley, Alabama in Nov. 2015. Players that represented Auburn in Foley: Trey Moncrief, Phil Dietrich, Mason Kelly, Jackson Davis, Jake Evans, Coley Blythe, Chase Gunter, Hunter Hines, Mark Hanna, LG Dietrich, Finn Price, Connor Sullivan, Will Blackmon, Hayden Pitcock, Reid Watson, Bradley Collins, Rett Waggoner and Rob Richey. AHS went undefeated in Copperhead League play this fall (7-0) and finished 9-1 overall outscoring it opponents 105-24 this season. The Tigers will compete in the Greater Birmingham Youth Lacrosse Association this spring.

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Space Still Available for Rising 5th - 8th grade students!

Space in the 2015 Academy is still available for students in rising grades 5 8. Four different science-themed weeks remain for students in rising grades 5 - 6 and two special courses offered through the Biodiversity Learning Center are available for rising 7th and 8th graders. All programs operate between 8am - 4pm daily. Prices range from $180 $230 per week/child. Multiple week discounts are available. Courses fill on a first-come-first-serve basis, so be sure to register today!

www.auburn.edu/cosam/sciencematters

For more information or to download a registration form visit our website or contact Kristen Bond at kristen.bond@auburn.edu or by phone at 334-844-5769. Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2016

2015 Dates

Science Matters is a summer enrichment program sponsored by the College of Sciences and Mathematics at Auburn University for students in rising grades 1 - 8. The program offers youngsters a supercharged science experience. Kids will explore the world of science through real experiments, technology and art projects, and hands-on activities. Kids that show a high interest or aptitude in science, math, or technology-related subjects will be right at home as they design and build, dabble in the art of chemistry, â&#x20AC;&#x153;become a flight specialistâ&#x20AC;?, see amazing critters and more!

June 1-5

June 15-19*

June 22-26

July 6-10

July 13-17*

July 27-31

* 7th7 8th grade course is offered www.auburnopelikaparents.com

OPEN FEBRUARY!

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Results for 22nd Annual @ AUFoodDrive

Auburn University 211,625 pounds vs University of Alabama 116,370 pounds! In total, 327,995 pounds were donated to feed the needy in Alabama and Auburn City Schools is proud to have 100 percent participation at all campuses in this year's effort.

Please send your school news and photos each month to: kendra@ auburnopelika parents.com.

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PHONE: 334.239.2587

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Fire Batons

Local baton students marched with their fire batons in this year’s Alexander City Christmas Parade.

5544 ATLANTA HWY • MONTGOMERY

MONTGOMERY.ROCKINJUMP.COM 19

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Autauga County Schools

Trinity Cross-Country Members Compete at State

Several members of the Trinity Cross-Country team qualified to compete at the Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association (GICAA) State Meet held on October 31. Three of our girls placed in the top 10! Cameron W. 5th in Varsity Girls; Breckin G. 8th in Middle School Girls; Georgia D. 9th in Middle School Girls. Congratulations!

OHTS Wins Best in Show at State Theatre Competition in Troy

Congratulations to the Opelika High Theatre Society cast of “Drowsy Chaperone” for winning "Best in Show" at State Trumbauer! Congratulations also to Best Supporting Actor Scot Carpenter, All-Star Cast Members Abigail Miller and Rachel Bailey,1st Place Duet Musical Comedic NoviceJT Strickland and Owen Meadows, and 3rd Place Duet Pantomime Novice - Brighton Gregory and Martlynn Grouby! The Opelika High Theatre Society is under the direction of Mr. Revel Gholston.

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New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?

Riverview Reﬁnement, Program, Campﬁres night,Recognized optional trips and more! We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16... Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also! Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified. Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...

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first I had campfires every night. Icamps felt close to God. giggled a lot is with friends and counselors. time flew by! thehorse. Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness... I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,

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We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.

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• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T O WER • OUTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING •

Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2016

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AHS Student Kicks State Record 61-yard Field Goal

Sage Ledbetter kicked a 61-yard field goal, a new state record, on a “free kick” (a rule that exists in high school and the NFL) after the Tigers fielded a punt at the 50-yard line against Smiths Station, setting a new state record for the longest field goal. The Tigers won that game 31-7. Pelham’s Michael Proctor, set the AHSAA record in 1991 when he made the 60-yarder. Ledbetter, who plans to walk on at Auburn University, has plenty of leg. He made a 53-yarder earlier in the season against Enterprise and rarely misses for extra points.

Auburn High School Swimmers

Lee County Wins Unified Game in Tuscaloosa

The Auburn High School boys and girls swimmers won sectionals in Birmingham on Nov. 20.

Team members of Lee County state championship team are (from left): coach Dana Stewart, Brooks Alberdi (AHS varsity player/partner), Gideon Weigel, Eric Cha, Porter Caldwell, Michael Moore (AHS varsity player/partner), Matt Baker, Steven Hubbs, assistant coach Patrick Slaughter, Barret Rush (AHS varsity player/partner) and Steven Clark.

B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS

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Autauga County Schools

Dean Road Teacher Named Outstanding Reading Teacher

Congratulations to Tonya Nolen for being named an Outstanding Reading Teacher by the Alabama Reading Association. Tonya was recognized for her achievement in the Auburn Plainsman. We can't think of anyone more deserving. Tonya "gets" what intervention is, how to teach to the kids' needs, and how to combine high expectations with heartfelt care to help a child do their very best. Thank you Tonya for all you do to help our Dean Road students achieve success!

Grubbs and Brown Named Mr. and Miss OHS

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Opelika High School Seniors JArthur Grubbs and Anna Brown were named Mr. and Miss OHS during the pageant on November 15. Senior participants competed in categories including casual wear, formal wear, an interview and an on-stage question. Each student's grade point average also factored in to their total score. In addition to winning the title, scholarships were awarded to both Grubbs and Brown. Other winners included: Mr. OHS runner-up, J.T. Strickland, Miss OHS runner-up, Emma Royal, Best Dressed-Emme Levins, Miss Freshman Class-Bailey Carlisle, Miss Sophomore Class-Savannah Karl, and Miss Junior Class-Sarah Noon.

START HERE

Develop Your Skills

GO ANYWHERE auburn youth programs

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Become a Leader For a complete listing of camps and programs, go to auburn.edu/summercamps, call 334-844-5100, or email auyouth@auburn.edu. Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2016

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Trinity Church and School Hold Family Fun Run

On November 7, Trinity Presbyterian Church and Trinity Christian School held its 11th annual Trinity Opelika Road Race and Family Fun Run.

Opelika Dancers Bring Home Multiple Awards from Regional Competition

Last day at Southern Region Oireachtas! Well done to the Celtic Traditions, Opelika students. They had 36 qualifiers, 4 solo champions, 25 top 5, 3 ceili championships and 1 figure championship! Roll on Glasgow! Going to be a busy year in Leinster and the Southern Region USA!

Auburn HS Majorettes

Auburn High majorettes spread holiday cheer at Monarch Estates.

Seasonal Wraps Coat Drive

Lee County Youth Development Center Coat Drive "Seasonal Wraps", in conjunction with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., collected donations for the "The Big House".

Junior Advisory Board Makes Donation to Local Cancer Organization

Junior Advisory Board (JAB) of Lee County Youth Development Center (LCYDC) donating $422 to East Alabama Medical Center Cancer Foundation. LCYDC Junior Advisory Board has an Annual Breast Cancer Walk/Car Wash giving all proceeds to a local Cancer organization. We surpassed last year's goal of $300.

Northside Intermediate Students Raise Money for Big House

The Northside Intermediate School Student Council sponsored a Leaves of Love activity to raise money for The Big House. Students raised $277 which was used to purchase $10 gift cards from Books-a-Million and birthday cards for the Student Council to sign and present for the Big House Birthday Club. 23

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Colonial Times at Pick Elementary

The entire 5th grade class at Pick Elementary celebrated Colonial Day as a culminating unit to their American History studies. Students and staff were dressed in authentic attire and participated in activities throughout the day including the Virginia Wheel dance. This lesson plan not only taught students about the past, but also proper etiquette and manners as well as teamwork in a social setting.

Lee-Scott Academy Bell Ringers

Lee-Scott Academy SGA students rang bells outside the Tiger Town Kroger for the Salvation Army.

AHS Band

Auburn High School marching band rocked the Auburn Christmas Parade.

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A Page in a Book Feeling Right at Home in a Book Home means different things to everyone. Home can be a house, a town, or a country. Home can be defined by the presence of family, the company of friends or the sense of community. It can be a place of refuge, a place to rest, and a place for reunion. But in the best of circumstances, home is the place where we are most comfortable; the place where it is easiest for us to be ourselves. The following titles explore different homes, leaving home and coming home – with each tale connected by the common thread of appreciation for the things that make our homes so uniquely special to each of us.

Home

by Carson Ellis (Candlewick Press) The whimsical folk art style of Carson Ellis creates the perfect common thread that ties together the magnificent sampler of living spaces featured in “Home”. The reader is introduced early to a country home in a pastoral setting and an apartment in the heart of the city. But the tour of homes quickly takes a surprising and delightful turn as homes from history appear alongside modern abodes. Palaces of mythical beings take turns with cultural dwellings in this unpredictable parade of homes. While the wild swings between real and imagined houses could become silly, Ellis treats the sense of home for each occupant with dignity and beauty. Throughout the book, the occupants’ lifestyles anchor each abode, their personal signatures transforming every house into a home for those living inside.

by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers (Penguin / Philomel) In this hilarious follow-up to Daywalt and Jeffers’ colorful debut “The Day the Crayons Quit”, Duncan’s crayons are as disgruntled as ever. But this time they have been scattered, damaged, and lost, and they (mostly) just want to come home to their crayon box. Through a series of postcards (addressed to Duncan’s room), each wayward crayon has a tale of woe and a plea for Duncan’s help to get them back home. Semi-melted, partially digested, oversharpened, and under-appreciated crayons can only take so much adventure before they just want back in the box they call home. But with their new shapes and sticky additions, new and improved digs may be just the ticket for the crayons’ homecoming. Full of fun details cleverly tucked into the illustrations, this new ‘crayons’ book promises to be a favorite repeat read!

Audrey’s Tree House

by Jenny Hughes and Jonathan Bentley (Scholastic Press) Audrey is certain that she has grown too big for the small house she shares with her Dad. And after some scouting around the yard, she convinces him to build her a place of her own in a tall tree. Audrey insists that it needs a spiral staircase, a place to sip tea, and more features to make it her perfect new home. As her Dad builds the bigger place to her specifications, it appears that Audrey will soon have the ideal place to live. But when the last nail is pounded and Dad collects his tools to return to his small house, Audrey’s big space seems to come with big worries. When she completes her list of worries to her Dad, he reminds her that even though she has grown bigger, she always has a snug bed in a warm house with soup for two just beneath the tree. ‘Audrey’s Tree House’ is a loving testament to the idea that little houses can often be cozier with love filling them up. Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

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Q. The guy who has been my best friend

since grade school recently asked me to loan him $5,000. All I have in savings in $5,000, but I would be willing to give him $1,000. The problem is that while he’s a great friend with a good heart, he’s always getting himself into binds when it comes to money. Do you think I should give him $1,000?

A. If I were in your shoes, and I was going to give this guy a fifth of everything I had, I’d want to know it was going to save his life. From what you’ve said, it sounds like he’s just out of control with his money while you’re trying to save. That being the case, I’m not sure you’d really be helping him. If you want to gift your friend some money, then do it. But there’s no way I’d tell you to give him everything you’ve managed to save. And I certainly wouldn’t do it as a loan. Ask yourself if you believe deep down in your heart that giving this guy $1,000 would truly be a blessing to him or if, by doing it, you’d be acting as an enabler and basically just funding more of his stupidity with money. From what you’ve told me, I think there’s a good chance the answer is the latter. And if that’s the case, you can be a much better

friend by saying you love him enough to not ruin your friendship.

Q. After struggling with it for several years, I finally made the last payment on my Sallie Mae student loans this week. Do you think I should ask for a formal letter stating that it’s officially paid off? A. Congratulations on finally kicking that

old woman out of your house! It feels great, doesn’t it? Sure, it couldn’t hurt anything to write and request formal confirmation that the book on your loans is closed and everything is paid in full. You can do this through email so you’ll have a record of contact, or you can send a certified letter, return receipt requested, through the post office. That way, you’ll have a record they signed for it. Following up on paid-off debts is always a good idea. You don’t want the hassle of possibly having to deal with greedy or incompetent collectors sniffing around three or four years down the road and no way to prove you’re free and clear! Q. My wife and I are on Baby Step 3 of your plan. When we have standard car repairs, I

want to use the emergency fund. She says that kind of thing isn’t an emergency, and we should just put it off as long as possible while saving up to fix the problem. Who’s right?

A. Sorry, you’re both wrong. Cars break. And since no one will invent one that lasts forever and doesn’t break down, standard car repairs shouldn’t be viewed as an emergency. Maintenance and repair of your vehicles are an ongoing expense. It’s just part of owning them. That means you should have a category in your monthly budget for this sort of thing. Now, an engine blowing up or the transmission going out would be an emergency. Hopefully, you’re not talking about something of this magnitude. But you’ve got to rework your budget to where you have something designated each month for car maintenance and repair. That way, you won’t be dipping into your emergency fund just to cover the basic wear and tear that comes with owning a car. Take the next step today, and adequately fund this area so it doesn’t continually come back to bite you in the wallet and sabotage your emergency fund!

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will have a really good chance of getting to know almost everybody in the school community, especially his classmates. While your child may come from an entirely different background, perhaps even country, from her classmates, he will get to know everybody in the classroom as well as on the playing field and on the stage. With social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Instagram and LinkedIn providing instantaneous communications these days, it is fairly easy to keep that high school network of friends going after he graduates. This close-knit network of friends from school will help open doors for years after he graduates. The bonds of friendship developed in private school are an important advantage for a private school student as he begins his career. Private schools are able to build team spirit and school pride because everybody is on the same page. Remember: you chose the school and the school chose you. Both parties mutually agreed to this partnership. There’s no passive acceptance factor here. You didn’t have to send your child to a school simply because you lived within school district boundaries. You wanted your child to attend that specific private school. That school wanted him to attend. Implicit in that acceptance is that you bought into the school’s aims and objectives, philosophy and the general way things are done. Without constant distractions from parents who have other agendas, it really is possible to build community spirit and a sense of purpose within a school. That in turn builds strong bonds among the students as they progress through their high school years and then finally head off to college and their careers. An important constant - an anchor if you will - is that network of friends which he has built during her years at private school. It is a distinct advantage of attending private school.

Private schools offer several advantages specific to students of which you as a parent need to be aware. Here are three of them:

2. She will be stretched by the demands of rigorous academic studies combined with compulsory athletics and required extracurricular activities.

1. Your child will build a network of friends which he will have for life.

The amount of work involved in and intensity of private school academics are a game changer for most young people. They begin to ask themselves “Is it my best?” versus “I can get away with that.” The rigorous academics in most private schools expect greatness. Your child’s personal best. The teaching and the coursework is designed with that goal in mind. Children will rise to those

Some of you may wonder why I would put this benefit for students at the top of my list. That’s because I sincerely believe that networking is the key to success in just about everything these days. Because most private schools are fairly small communities - the typical private high school is about 350 students - your child Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2016

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expectations, too. Perhaps that is something a helicopter parent can’t understand. The reality is that if everybody in her class is working hard and doing their best, so will she. Peer pressure works in a classroom, too. Private schools typically set aside a weekday afternoon for sports. Everybody participates in something. Private schools believe in educating the whole child. Consequently physical activity is part of the regular program. More importantly participation in sports teaches your child how important exercise is for her well-being. Teaching her the value of regular exercise while she is young will foster a routine and rhythm to her daily and weekly activities which will enhance the quality of her adult life. Extracurricular activities are not ‘extra’ in most private schools. Nor is participation optional. Once again, everybody participates in some club or group. Your daughter may not be the next Renee Fleming, but she will always remember the thrill of the school’s glee club performing in some famous venue when they all went on a club trip. Teaching students that what they thought was impossible is in fact possible with some hard work and effort is an invaluable lesson. That’s what schools and teachers do. Academics, sports and extracurricular activities comprise the three parts to the ‘stretching’ process which will impact your child. All are beneficial both in her life as a young person and in later life. They embody the school’s mission to educate the whole child. She isn’t attending school just to learn physics and math. She’s there to exercise her body and learn how to work with her teammates to win the game. She’s there to sing in the glee club or play trumpet in the band. These three activities will produce a child who is well-rounded and ready for anything. All you have to do is offer your constant encouragement and approval.

3. She will build confidence in her own abilities as she accomplishes things she probably didn’t realize she could accomplish.

The ability of a skilled teacher to see the potential each of her students has is just part of the DNA teachers are born with. Your daughter may have no clue what the Fermat theorem is. She may even hate math. But watch the transformation which occurs as one day that “Eureka!” moment happens. She will ‘get it’ and suddenly realize how it works and that she can do it. Then on to the next challenge. Teaching children how to cope with challenges, how to think critically, how to synthesize information and how to solve problems is another tangible benefit of a private school education for your child. Small class size makes real teaching possible. Your child will not simply be a number. She will be one of a dozen or so students seated around a table with her teacher. Analysis, discussion and debate, opinion, research and presentation skills are all part of her learning experience. The advantage here is that a private school education can be a solid preparation for college work. With all the negative in the world today building confidence and a ‘can do’ attitude in our children is critically important. Private schools set personal growth as a goal for each student. Yes, it happens at different rates of speed. But three or four years after she enters the school, she will be a much more confident young person who can handle just about anything life will throw at her as a result of all the experiences which she has had at her private school. A final word to you as a parent: your child is probably not going to appreciate how these three benefits work together to produce the results you know are possible and very much want. Don’t dwell on that. She will look back in a few years and realize what a wonderful thing you did for her. Do I sound manipulative? Of course! But for the right reasons. AOP

Even though their judgment isn’t always amazing,

their healthcare is. Healthcare as amazing as their potential

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Article contributed by Robert Kennedy of www.privateschoolreview.com.

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You can start out with a precocious learner who is seemingly ahead of everyone else, for example, only to find out two years later that his classmates have caught up and they’re speeding ahead. Not to worry. It’s all just part of growing up. Still, “knowing where your child is at developmentally can help you understand and support him,” Dr. Seltzer says. Most kids don’t need a lot of assistance navigating the landscape, especially the older they get. But if you’re aware of where they’re at, you’ll know when to step in if you need to. Use our guide to help your child make the most of every age and stage, from kindergarten through high school.

Elementary School: Milestone Mania What’s happening now: From Kindergarten through fifth grade, kids make major strides, from initially learning how to transition to school and being comfortable with a classroom routine to learning how to read (Kindergarten and 1st grade) to reading to learn (the 3rd grade and beyond) in all subject areas. Emotionally, they begin to develop their academic self-esteem based on feedback from you and their teachers. By the 4th and 5th grade, they’re moving from concrete to abstract thinking. “When concrete thinkers see the Statute of Liberty, they see it as a lady with a torch. An abstract thinker also sees it as a symbol of freedom and democracy,” says Rebecca Branstetter, an educational and clinical psychologist. By the 5th grade, kids are also beginning to set goals, work independently, function better in groups, make more complex decisions and become organized with their school and homework.

From crawling, walking and babbling to the angst and rebellion of the tween and teen years, children constantly go through a predictable set of developmental stages physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially. “Along the way, any of these areas can be ahead or behind the others in their timing, then switch, which can be confusing for parents,” says Vivian Seltzer, Ph.D., professor of human development and behavior at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2016

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Success Rx Extend learning beyond school. Reinforce what your child is learning in school with activities at home. For example, let your second grader count change at the checkout and measure the ingredients while you’re baking cookies together (fractions). Have her tell time. Talk about numbers while you’re driving, such as how fast you’re going, the distance you’ll travel, and how long it will take to get there. Play board games together involving money, time, logic or vocabulary such as the family edition of Monopoly, Scrabble or Apples to Apples. On the weekends, take family outings to museums and zoos to visit exhibits that coincide with school subjects. “If your child is learning about Egypt, take a trip to a local museum with an Egyptian exhibit,” says Branstetter. “It reinforces curiosity, sends the subtle message that school is important and shows your child that school and home are connected.” Develop a homework habit. Make doing homework automatic by coming up with a routine that fits your child’s personality. Some kids like doing homework right after school. Others need to burn off steam by playing for half an hour first (set a timer) before getting down to business. Whatever you choose, stick to the schedule you establish for your kids as much as possible. To minimize distractions, keep the TV off during homework time. For younger kids, begin each homework session by asking your child to explain what she’s supposed to do then gauge if she can do it alone of if she needs your help. If you’re not around when your child does his homework, let him know you’ll look at it when you get home and be sure to follow through. “Praise him when he completes him homework by emphasizing the process, such as “You worked really hard to learn your math facts” rather than the product “Good job on learning your math facts.” “Praising the process teaches persistence, which is a skill kids need for school success,” Branstetter says.

T r i n i T y

D i s T i n c T i v e s

Respect Visitors to Trinity Christian School are impressed by the culture of mutual respect that permeates our school both in and out of the classroom.

Middle School: Hormone Havoc A Classical and Christian Academy

What’s happening now: In middle school—the 6th through 8th grade, kids are starting to go through puberty and the physical changes can make them feel like they’re not in control of their bodies.

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“It’s a complicated time physically, socially and emotionally,” says Vicki Panaccione, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and founder of the Better Parenting Institute. During this difficult age and stage, their sense of self is also developing. “There’s a lot of exclusion in middle school,” says Panaccione. Cliques can provide a safe haven as kids try to figure themselves out.

Success Rx Expect turmoil. The mood swings and over-reactions, such as total hysteria over whether a boy or girl looked at your child or not in the hallway, are a normal part of this phase of development. “Don’t take it personally. Just understand that your child is going through a lot,” says Panaccione. Be supportive but don’t minimize the problem or try to fix it either. “Middle schoolers don’t want you to solve anything,” Panaccione says. Instead, use phrases like: “I’m sorry you feel that way” or “Gosh, that must have been embarrassing for you,” rather than “Just ignore it” or “Just get over it. It’s not a big deal.” It is a big deal to your child. Placating doesn’t help and can be harmful. “This can push your child away because she’ll feel like you just don’t get it,” Panaccione says. Empathize academically. In middle school, the work load gets more difficult because kids have to meet the demands of up to seven different teachers instead of just one. “It’s a big challenge. The best thing you can do is allow your child to vent,” Panaccione says. If your child complains

that one of his teachers gives too much homework, for example, you might say, “Well, what do you think you might need to do, given that he gives lots of homework?” rather than “He’s only trying to teach you.” The idea is to help your child solve the problem, find his own way and keep the lines of communication open so your child will continue to feel comfortable talking to you about even bigger problems that might come along later.

High School: The Who-Am-I? Years What’s happening now: In high school, children forge their identity academically, socially, morally, sexually and spiritually while trying to figure out who they are apart from you. “High schoolers question everything and may even rebel against your opinions and beliefs,” says Panaccione. If you’re a Democrat, for example, your child might say he’s a Republican. If you’re a meat-and-potatoes family, she’ll become a Vegan. You get the idea.

Success Rx Keep talking. Allow your child to question your opinions and values and express himself. Ask questions such as, “Oh, why do you think so?” rather than lecturing or yelling. “It’s a great time to find out who your kids really are,” Panaccione says. Note dramatic changes. It’s normal for high schoolers to be just as moody as middle schoolers. But if your teen shows a drastic change in personality, behavior,

a significant drop in grades, study habits or attitude, or a dramatic shift in appearance, dress or grooming, or interests, goals or activities, know that something’s up. “Talk to your teen about your concerns,” says Panaccione. Start by saying something like: “I’m concerned that you’re spending time in bed when you used to be out with your friends.” Then listen to what your child has to say. If the behaviors are a sign of rebelling against a lack of freedom or privilege, be open to discussing and compromising. If you’re concerned your child may be suffering from depression or another mental health disorder, seek professional help. “Your child’s primary care provider or the school guidance counselor is a good resource for a referral to qualified child/teen psychologists in your area,” Panaccione says. Help your child deal with college pressure. By the 11th grade, college pressure comes on strong. But start talking college now only if your child is ready to. “Some kids are focused. But most have no idea what they want to do or major in,” Panaccione says. To reduce anxiety, Panaccione tells her high school patients that they don’t have to know what they want to do going into college. That’s where they’ll figure it out, which is something you could say at home, too. Also, listen to your child’s wishes for college rather than pushing your agenda. “To be successful, kids should end up going to a college that’s right for them,” she says. AOP Sandra Gordon is an award-winning freelance writer who delivers expert advice and the latest developments in health, nutrition, parenting and consumer issues.

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9 Apps That Keep Kids Moving Sixty minutes a day. That’s the minimum amount of physical activity recommended for children, 6-17, by the Centers for Disease Control. Some kids meet that goal effortlessly. They can’t wait to walk the dog, belong to a team that practices every afternoon or nag their parents to go on long hikes and bike rides. Other kids need a little encouragement to step away from their electronic devices so they can get active. Now that encouragement comes from the devices themselves. Some very innovative programmers have designed gadgets and apps that promise to make family fitness fun. Which one will be motivating in your household for 2016? Look for an app that intersects with things your family cares about. Here are some suggestions. Just the Facts. Eat-And-Move-O-Matic is a very simple app that answers one question: How many minutes of Activity X will burn the calories in Food Y. This colorful app is easy enough for elementary school kids to understand and use. (Free from the App Store) Move for Good. Charity Miles has arranged for up to a million dollars to be donated to good causes—if people use their app to exercise. Simply download the program, choose a charity, tuck your phone in your pocket and get going. The corporate sponsors kick in a dime for every mile of biking and a quarter for every mile of running. If you exercise together, every phone in the family

can donate to a different cause. (Free from the App Store and Google Play.) Tangible Rewards. Zamzee is a tiny accelerometer that records motion. When the device, which looks like a flash drive, is clipped onto shoes or slipped into a pocket, your child earns points for any physical activity-sweeping the floor, climbing stairs, jumping rope, dancing, etc. Plug Zamzee into a USB and kids can see graphic evidence of how active they’ve been. They also earn points that can be donated to charity or used to purchase virtual or real rewards including apps and games. ($29.95 from Zamzee. com) Batting Balls (or Bugs). Ballstrike and Buglylon turn I-pads and Windows 8 tablets into something that resembles a Kinect at a fraction of the price. Just set the tablet upright on a flat surface, step back and use your body to pop balls (or smash bugs). The app, which has six levels, tracks calories burned and allows your child to share photos of their best moves. (Free from the App Store and Windows) Run for Your Life. Zombies, Run! Isn’t for little kids, but teens who want to stay fit may find this immersive app very motivating. The user maps the course they plan to run, and then the program devises a story about finding supplies for a community besieged by the undead. Periodically, the app announces that zombies are in the vicinity and their noisy breathing makes most runners pick up the pace. The app includes 33 missions and young people can also incorporate their favorite music. ($3.99 at the App Store and GooglePlay) Walk for the World. The Walk is a better choice for teens (and adults) who don’t care to jog. The game, designed in the UK, starts with the premise that a bomb has exploded 33

in the London underground. The only way to save the world is to carry a package from one end of the British Isles to the other, encountering misadventures along the way. The game is intended to cover three months of walking, long enough for most people to get a good habit established. ($2.99 at the App Store and Google Play) Football Fanatics. NFL Play 60 encourages children to get their 60 minutes of activity by running, turning and jumping over virtual obstacles. Kids control the character in the game by holding a phone or table that detects their movements. As they progress, they collect hearts that make the character invincible from the American Heart Association and coins that buy virtual gear from the NFL. Both organizations cooperated to create the game which gives young football fans a fix without risking a concussion. (Free from the App Store and Google Play) Good Form for Athletes. IronKids was developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics to minimize the risk of injuries in young athletes. The 45-minute workout emphasizes the correct way to do exercises that build strength, balance and endurance, so it’s ideal for teens and pre-teens who want to be in good shape for team tryouts. ($3.99 from the App Store) Peer Encouragement—and Competition. Fitocracy makes it very easy to keep track of a fitness routine, especially if includes repetitive exercises such as weightlifting. Users set goals and earn points by achieving them. More important, Fitocracy taps into the power of social media, making it easy to find other people who enjoy the same kind of workout. Teens can learn from those who are more experienced, exchange encouraging words and even challenge others to friendly competition. (Basic level free from the App store and Google Play) Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online.com to read other columns. @ Copyright, 2015, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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Drawing Out a Child’s Inner Artist

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Every child is an artist. Some kids like to aim at drawing things they love in the world around them. Others translate through drawing and painting images that are completely born from their imaginations. It’s important to foster every child’s creativity with positive feedback on their drawings while also providing them with the tools and time to really get into the work. With increasing competition for kids’ attention in a world full of tablets, smart-phones and other gadgetry – the following drawing tools for kids have just the right amount of modern marvel to bridge the divide between traditional drawing and newer technologies.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Ingenio Smart Projector

My First Crayola Mess-Free Touch Lights

(Ingenio)

Tracing images is an ideal confidence builder for kids who want to write and draw, but may still lack the fine motor control to produce the images they want. The Ingenio Smart Projector uses a powerful LED light to project traceable images onto a drawing surface for small hands to follow with crayons or other marking mediums. The traceable image collection includes the alphabet, numbers, as well as 24 animal pictures with each named in Spanish and English. The projector can adjust the size of images as young hands hone their fine motor control. With sturdy image discs and simple controls, the Smart Projector allows little hands to operate and direct their drawing independently. It’s a bright tool for supporting the early skills of young artists and writers!

(Crayola)

The sensory experience of finger painting is carried over into Crayola’s Mess-Free Touch Lights. The tablet-style touch-screen is surfaced with a gellike material that mimics the sense of finger-painting without the mess. As kids doodle, their image lights up. The selector button at the bottom of the unit allows kids to choose their colors and select any sounds or music that they would like to include as they work. And when kids want to change to more controlled drawing, the included stylus features a three-sided shape that begins training little fingers on proper grip position for penmanship to come later. It’s portable, mess-free, and ideal for keeping little fingers busy as they create new masterworks at home or on the road.

Aquadoodle Travel ‘N Doodle

IDO3D Design Studio (IDO3D)

In the news more and more, 3D printing is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in engineering and technology. And the method behind the printing has already translated into a tool for the younger set to employ for their own artistic ideas. The IDO3D Design Studio includes five 3D pens, a 3D guidebook with templates, and two accessory shapes to get young designers started. The pens extrude a melted plastic which quickly cools into the shape as it was “drawn”. Using layers and connections, young artists quickly begin to develop the ability to draw in 3D, lifting their artistic visions off the flat page and building them into a whole new dimension. The studio includes enough material for up to 25 projects, and replacement pens are available for 3D artists who want to expand their body of work in this new frontier of drawing.

(SpinMaster)

The name is a big hint toward the basic premise of this portable drawing tablet. Instead of carrying around piles of paper and markers, the Aquadoodle Travel ‘N Doodle set includes a twosided drawing surface, a ‘pen’ and a carrying case. The pen is essentially a water marker (refillable with water that saturates the tip) that interacts with the drawing surfaces. One side of the tablet reacts to the pen tip in blue, the other side in red. No ink to spill, crayons to melt, pencils to sharpen, markers losing caps etc. Emptying the water from the pen, or sealing it in a plastic bag before transport, ensures that the surfaces stay dry and are instantly ready for art to happen. When a drawing is complete, simply allow the surface to dry and it will soon return to a white blank, ready for the next artistic pass.

Paige Smith is a freelance writer and syndicated columnist living in Alabama. More on GET THIS! at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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Signs a Tutor Might Be Necessary School is not always easy, and some students struggle as they transition from grade to grade. As students get older, some who may have experienced smooth sailing as youngsters may find they need some extra help grasping the material as coursework becomes more complicated. Those who need some extra clarification and reinforcement may first turn to their parents. But parents may not be familiar with certain subjects or capable of explaining certain concepts in terms kids can understand. In such situations, tutors can prove to be valuable resources to get kids back on the right academic track. One-on-one attention from a tutor can benefit all types of learners. Students who discover newfound success under the guidance of a tutor may have more self-confidence in the classroom. Parents wondering if a tutor can help their children may want to consider the following indicators that students may need tutors. Consistently falling grades: Tutors may be necessary for students whose

grades are gradually on the decline. First speak with your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teachers, who may recommend tutors that specialize in certain subjects. Confusion in and out of the classroom: Some kids struggle to grasp certain concepts, and such confusion can sometimes be remedied with the kind of intense study available in tutoring sessions. Low confidence: Some kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; confidence wanes when their grades suffer. Kids whose grades have been on the decline may feel a sense of defeat even before they take a test or work on an assignment. Tutors can help restore confidence by creating small victories that slowly build up to larger successes.

Indifference to coursework: No student will be captivated by every subject he or she studies, but there should be some subjects that students find engaging. Students battling indifference toward their coursework may benefit from a dynamic tutor who can present subject matter in new ways and revive studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interest. Students who are struggling in the classroom may need some extra help outside the classroom, and many tutors are adept at reviving interest in subjects kids are studying at school. Some teachers may recommend certain tutors, while others may do some tutoring work themselves.

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How to Help Distracted Students

Today’s students have more gadgets at their disposal than ever before. As technology like tablets and smartphones have become more prevalent in the lives of adults, such devices also have become more commonplace in the classroom. Some kids thrive when teachers utilize technology to enhance lesson plans, while others may be distracted by access to technology. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common childhood disorders. ADHD can make it difficult for kids to maintain focus in the classroom, and that focus may be enhanced or further compromised by technology that’s capable of serving many different functions. Kids who use the technology to their advantage

may find it improves their ability to grasp lessons, but some kids may be distracted by devices or even other items in the classroom

that make it difficult for them to absorb lessons. Parents concerned about their kids’ ability to cope with distractions in the classroom and at home can take the following steps in an effort to help youngsters improve their academic performance.

* Speak to your child’s teacher about seating assignments. Students who find it difficult to focus in the classroom may benefit from new seating assignments. Windows or high-traffic areas of the classroom, such as doorways, can compromise a student’s ability to focus. In addition, the back of the classroom is not the ideal spot for youngsters who find it difficult to focus on the teacher, as teachers may not notice kids in the back of the class as readily as they might with students sitting in the front of the room.

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* Encourage participation. Many teachers recognize the value of active participation in the classroom, but kids who are struggling to focus may shy away from participating because they are worried about embarrassing themselves in front of their classmates. Parents and teachers can work with students to encourage them to participate, reassuring them that they don’t need to be experts on a given subject to contribute to lessons. Even if students’ participation is limited to asking questions rather than answering them, encouraging kids to raise their hands and participate in class may help them focus more on the lessons being discussed. * Minimize distractions at home. Kids who have no trouble focusing in the classroom may find it’s a whole different ballgame when they arrive home to study or do their homework. Mom and Dad no doubt have their own gadgets around the house, and such devices as well as television may be too difficult for youngsters to ignore. At home, parents can create a safe haven from distraction by designating a room or area of the house for schoolwork. Such areas should be clear of distractions like television, telephones, video game consoles, and other gadgets that can compromise a student’s focus. Make such areas off limits to cellular phones and block social media websites from computers in such rooms so kids aren’t tempted to spend study time chatting with friends online. If a child’s study area is not in a separate room of the house, parents should avoid turning on the television until kids have finished their studies for the night. * Consider playing games designed to improve attention and focus. Games designed to improve attention can be a fun way for parents to help their youngsters conquer their concentration issues. For example, the creators behind Lumosity.com collaborated with researchers from universities around the world in an effort to design games to improve visual attention in people of various ages and backgrounds. Few kids are not enamored with games, and games to improve focus and attention may help kids without making them feel as though they are back in a classroom. Parents can speak with their child’s teacher to determine which games might be best suited for their youngsters. 37

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Family Calendar Ongoing:

A2Z Local Homeschooler’s Association For homeschooling families in the Auburn/Opelika Lee County area of Alabama. A2Z Loop is an all-inclusive support group open to all homeschool families in the Auburn/Opelika area regardless of differences in beliefs, cultures, nationality, race, religion, or method of home schooling. For more information call 334-7281162 or email: momofpnk@gmail.com. Alabama Dance Festival Jan. 9 - 31. Birmingham. www.alabamadancefestival.org. Alabama Mentor’s Foster Parent Training Classes Offered in the Opelika Auburn area. Call 334-705-8877 x 18 to register or email: Deanna.Hand@thementornetwork.com. Alabama Shakespeare Festival • “A Christmas Carol”. Through Dec. 25. • “Ain’t Misbehavin’”. Jan. 28 - Feb. 13. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net. Atlanta Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” Through Dec. 27. Fox Theatre. www.atlanta.net. Birmingham Children’s Theatre • “Tuxedo Junction”. Feb. 2 - 19. • “Jack and the Beanstalk”. Feb. 1 - April 22. Birmingham Children’s Theatre. www.bbc123.org. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute • American Boricua: Puerto Rican Life in the United States. Through Jan. 10, 2016. www.bcri.org. Bosom Buddies (a breast cancer support group) Meets at The Health Resource Center the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. (334) 528-1260. www.eamc.org. Callaway Gardens Fantasy In Lights. Through Jan. 3. www.callawaygardens.com. Candyland: Snow in South Alabama Through December 31. Andalusia. www.christmasincandyland.com. Center for Puppetry Arts www.atlanta.net. Chick-fil-A Family Night at Tigertown Every Thursday night. DeSoto Caverns Park • Christmas Laser Light, Sound & Water Show. Through January 1. • Valentine’s Day Water, Sound, Light and Laser Show. Feb. 1 - 14. www.DeSotoCavernsPark.com. Discovery Hikes Explore the preserve and learn something new each month about plants, wildlife and nature with a trained naturalist who will offer your family fun opportunities for hands-on learning, exploration, and exercise! Discovery Hikes are offered the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. For families with children ages 5 to 12. Free admission. Donations welcomed. Cancelled in the event of rain. Forest Ecology Preserve & Nature Center is located at 2222 N. College Street, Auburn, and is just north of the AU Fisheries complex. East Alabama Birth Village 3rd Monday of each month. Monarch Estates, Auburn. 6 p.m. www.birthvillageclass.com Expressions of a BraveHeart Program A fine arts program for teens and young adults with special needs (ages 11–21), sponsored by Opelika Parks and Recreation, utilizing Auburn University faculty and students, as well as community volunteers. Two 30-minute sessions of art, dance/creative movement and music will be offered and participants will select 2 of the 3 classes. Expressions meets every 2nd and 4th Monday twice a month for 1.5 hours. Opelika Sportsplex, 334.705.5560. www.opelikasportsplex.com. Festival of Trees Through Dec. 31. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts. Gadsden. www.culturearts.org. The Fox Theatre “The Book of Mormon”. Jan. 12 - 24. “Beauty and the Beast”. Feb. 2 - 7. www.foxtheatre.org. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts • Festival of Trees. Through December 31. Gadsden.

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www.culturalarts.org. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center • Art Gallery 2016: Photo Invitational. Jan. 1 - 29. • Art Gallery 2016: Winter Invitational Paint. Jan. 11 Feb. 26. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Auburn. www.auburnalabama.org/parks. Jewish Film Festival Jan. 26 - Feb. 18. Atlanta. www.atlanta.net. Jule Collins Smith Museum • Along the Eastern Road: Hiroshige’s Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido. Through Jan. 10, 2016. • 1072 Society Exhibition. Through January 24. • Auburn University Department of Art and Art History Studio Faculty Exhibition. Jan. 23 - Mar. 20. • Winter Denizens, The Sweet Birds Sing Selected Works from the Louise Hauss and David Brent Miller Au. Jan. 30 - May 15. Jule Collins Smith Museum, Auburn. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Lee County Department of Human Resources Now recruiting foster/adoptive families. To learn more about fostering and adoption please call our office at 334-737-1100. Please join us in this endeavor to help our foster children. Lee County Parents of Chinese Children helps children understand, see and grow up with other families that look like their family (white parents/Asian child). The group is 100% free! We try to eat out at Asian establishments monthly and have playdates. Families that are waiting to adopt are welcome! We accept any families with adopted children from all Asian countries. Contact Melody at mmhilyer@bellsouth.net for more information. McWane Science Center Winter Wonderland. Through Jan. 10. McWane Science Center, B’ham. www.mcwane.org. Meditation Garden and Labyrinth Come and Find the Quiet Center... in the Meditation Garden and Labyrinth, provided as a community service by Village Christian Church, 700 East University Drive, (across from Auburn Early Ed.). 334-887-5111. Try the practice of walking meditation or simply sit and enjoy the sights and sounds. The garden and labyrinth are always open and guests are always welcome. Miracle League Now recruiting for volunteer/buddies to help in this year’s season. To volunteer or for more information, www.miraclefield.org or eamiracleleague@gmail.com. Montgomery Zoo www.montgomeryzoo.com. Opelika-Auburn Newcomers Club A club for new women in town which offers fun social activities, meets for lunch on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Call Joan at 501-4974. Pioneer Museum Pioneer Museum, Troy. www.pioneer-museum.org. Riverside Theatre Riverside Theatre, Columbus State. www.theatre.columbusstate.edu/productions Springer Opera House “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Jan. 20 - 31. Virginia Samford Theatre Virginia Samford Theatre, Birmingham. www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org.

Parents Support & Moms Groups

Auburn Mommies, a fun group of moms in the Auburn/Opelika area that meet weekly for playgroups and Mommy and Me walking twice a week. We also have a Mommies Night Out once a month. Http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/auburnmommiesinalabama/. Auburn Mommy and Me Big Dog Running Co, Auburn. 10–11 a.m. Social time, story time, music/movement, arts & crafts. Ages 9 months–3 years. Free! 334-209-2580. Auburn MOPS 1st Wednesday of each month, September-May. 9–11:30

a.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, Opelika. Meetings open to moms with preschool children ages 5 years and under. $5 per meeting; childcare $5 per child. $25 yearly membership dues. Weekly playdates, monthly moms night out, resources, and more. www.facebook.com/ AuburnOpelikaMOPS; AUMOPS@yahoo.com. Breast Feeding class meets the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon on EAMC’s third floor. Call 528-1260 to register. La Leche League, a support group for nursing moms, meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. @ Cornerstone Family Chiropractic, Airport Plaza, 323 Airport Road Suite E, Auburn. For more information call LLL of Auburn/Opelika, Leader, Josie Ettinger (h)334257-3950 or (c)334-740-8780. Main Street Farmer’s Market June 14-October 25. Broad Street, Alexander City. 256-329-9227. MOMS Club of Auburn, a group of stay-at-home moms that meets about twice a week to provide support for each other and fun interaction for kids. New website is www.auburnmoms.com. Parent Educational Workshop - Autism 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika. Parent Support Group - Autism 1st Monday (unless national holiday), 9:00-11:00 a.m. Location varies so check www.leecountyautism.com for complete information. Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama offers 2nd Saturdays, group classes, and more. Contact Penny Messer at 334-444-6827. Email smoea@bellsouth. net. Website www.smoea.vpweb.com or find us on facebook. Teen Moms (for moms under 20) is a ministry that connects trained adults with pregnant girls and teenage moms. Support meetings, classes, job preparation, devotions and games. Call Laura Fuller at laura@insideyfc.com or 334-501-5637. www.insideyfc.com.

Mom’s Morning Out

Auburn United Methodist Church, Children’s Day Out Program, every Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.–12 noon. $10 per child for the entire morning, $2 each additional child. Attendance will be on a first come-first served basis. Contact Barbara Dawsey at 826-8800 for more information. Trinity United Methodist Church (Opelika) Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:45–12. $15 per child, $5 each additional.

Support Groups

Caregiver Support Group Caring for a family member or friends can be rewarding, but it’s not easy. Whether you are the caregiver for your parents, spouse or a dependent child, this group is for you! Learn ways to cope with every day stresses of caring for someone you love. Gain tools and resources to help you on your journey. This program is supported by the Opelika Sportsplex, Lee-Russell Agency on Aging and HomeInstead Senior Care. This group is open to the public. Meets the last Monday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at Opelika Sportsplex AAC. Instructors are: Valeri White (Sportsplex), Bridgette Sager (Home Instead Senior Care), Lisa Askew (Lee-Russell Council of Gov). Food Allergy Support of East Alabama The Food Allergy Support of East Alabama group offers support through the sharing of information and resources. We are also working to increase awareness of food allergies in the state of Alabama. For more information, visit our website at www. foodallergysupporteastal.org or call Barbara at 334826-3082; bkg2007@bellsouth.net. GRACE - Post-Abortive Support Group Are you struggling with feelings of regret or sadness from having a pregnancy termination in your past?

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Family Calendar Do you feel like you can’t share these struggles with anyone? Would you like to find healing and forgiveness? You are not alone. Women’s Hope Medical Clinic wants to help you! You are invited to take part in our GRACE abortion recovery group. This confidential group gives you the opportunity to process the grief of your termination in a safe and non-judgmental setting. If you would like more information about the times, dates and location for this group, call or e-mail Sherry at Women’s Hope: 334.502.7000 or sherry@ womenshope.org Don’t let the regret of the past rob you of the joy in the future. Call us today. We are here to help.

Sports

Auburn Baseball Feb. 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28. Auburn Softball Feb. 11-14. Auburn Tennis Jan. 5, 15, 30. Feb 6, 7, 13, 19, 20. Auburn Equestrian Jan. 30. Feb. 27. Auburn Gymnastics Jan. 15, 22. Feb. 12, 26. Auburn Basketball Jan. 2, 5, 16, 19, 30. Auburn Women’s Basketball Dec. 23. Jan. 3, 14, 21, 24. Auburn Swimming & Diving Jan. 15, 29. Columbus Cottonmouths Hockey Dec. 27. Jan. 9, 15, 22, 23.

Sunday, December 20

Be Our Guest Pre-Show Parties Springer Opera House, Columbus. www.springeroperahouse.org. “A Tuna Christmas” Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org. “Beauty and the Beast” Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org. Celtic Woman with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Atlanta Symphony Hall. www.ticketmaster.com. Christmas Lights Festival The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. The Polar Express 3D The National Infantry Museum, Columbus. www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org.

Monday, December 21

Governor’s Mansion Christmas Open House Tour www.alabama.travel. “A Tuna Christmas” Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org. “Cantus Christmas” RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter. org. Christmas Crafts Covington Rec. Opelika. 334-705-5560. The Rock Ranch Christmas Express The Rock, Ga. www.therockranch.com. Christmas Lights Festival The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Military Monday at Georgia Aquarium www.georgiaaquarium.org.

Tuesday, December 22 “A Tuna Christmas” Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org. Fun Time/Juice Party with Teddy Covington Rec. Opelika. The Rock Ranch Christmas Express The Rock, Ga. www.therockranch.com. Christmas Lights Festival The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. The Polar Express 3D

December2015/January2016

The National Infantry Museum, Columbus. www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org. Jr. Ranger Winter Discovery Camp FDR State Park, Pine Mountain, Ga. 706-663-4853.

Wednesday, December 23 17th Annual GoDaddy Bowl Mobile. www.godaddybowl.com. “A Tuna Christmas” Springer Opera House. www.springeroperahouse.org. The Rock Ranch Christmas Express The Rock, Ga. www.therockranch.com. Christmas Lights Festival The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. The Polar Express 3D The National Infantry Museum, Columbus. www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org.

Thursday, December 24 Christmas Lights Festival The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. The Polar Express 3D The National Infantry Museum, Columbus. www.nationalinfantrymuseum.org. Christmas Dinner The Hotel at Auburn University. 5 pm. 334-844-5140. S’mores and More The Hotel at Auburn University. 5 p.m. 334-844-5140.

Friday, December 25

Christmas Dinner The Hotel at Auburn University. 5 pm. 334-844-5140.

Saturday, December 26

Christmas Lights Festival The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Young Eagles Day–FREE Airplane Rides for Kids! Columbus Airport. Ages 8-17. 8:30 - 11:30 am (weather permitting). 706-324-2453. Market Days on Broadway Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Craft-a-palooza Auburn Public Library. www.auburnalabama.org/library. S’mores and More The Hotel at Auburn University. 5 p.m. 334-844-5140.

Sunday, December 27 Christmas Lights Festival The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com.

Monday, December 28 Christmas Lights Festival The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. “Straight No Chaser” RiverCenter for Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.com. Military Monday at Georgia Aquarium www.georgiaaquarium.org.

Thursday, December 31

City of Fairhope New Year’s Eve Celebration www.cofairhope.com. Widespread Panic Fox Theatre. www.foxtheatre.org. S’mores and More The Hotel at Auburn University. 5 p.m. 334-844-5140. Christmas Lights Festival The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. New Year’s Eve Cruise Riverboat/Riverfront, Montgomery. www. funinmontogmery.com. Gamers Society Auburn Public Library. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Dancing with the Stars Live! Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. www.atlanta.net. Holiday Camps McWane Science Center, Birmingham. www.mcwane.org. Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Georgia Dome. www.ticketmaster.com. New Year’s Eve Celebration The Hotel at Auburn University. 5:30 p.m. 334-844-5140.

Friday, January 1

Get Fit $10,000 Weight Loss Challenge and Fitness Expo Columbus Civic Center. Hank Williams 63rd Memorial The Hank Williams Museum, Montgomery. www.thehankwilliamsmuseum.net. First Fridays Downtown Opelika. 5-8 p.m. First Fridays ‘Satin Soul’ Event Center Downtown, Opelika. 7 p.m. www.eventcenterdowntown.com. First Friday Artwalk Uptown Columbus. 4:30 - 10 p.m. www.uptowncolumbusga.com.

Saturday, January 2

Legomania Auburn Public Library. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Home Depot Kids Workshop “Kung Fu Panda 3” Spinning Box 9 a.m. Opelika. www.homedepot.com. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: Home Alone with Movie Atlanta Symphony Hall, Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com.

Sunday, January 3

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: Home Alone with Movie Atlanta Symphony Hall, Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com.

Monday, January 4 Military Monday at Georgia Aquarium www.georgiaaquarium.org. Peter Pan Auditions Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center.

Tuesday, December 29 Tuesday, January 5 Christmas Lights Festival The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Totally Sports Covington Rec. Opelika. 334-705-5560. Widespread Panic Fox Theatre. www.foxtheatre.org.

Baby Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Peter Pan Auditions Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center

January 6 Wednesday, December 30 Wednesday, Toddler Time Birmingham Bowl Legion Field. www.birminghambowl.com. Christmas Lights Festival The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com. Widespread Panic Fox Theatre. www.foxtheatre.org.

Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Fractured Fairytale “Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs” 3:30 p.m. Auburn Library. auburnalabama.org/library.

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Family Calendar Thursday, January 7

Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Mozart & Friends Festival: Chamber Festival and Concert RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. Preschool Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Gamer’s Society Auburn Public Library. 4 p.m. Ages 10-18. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Saturday, January 9

Samford Honor Band Concert Samford University, B’ham. www.tickets.samford.edu. 4th Annual Polar Plunge Samford Pool, Auburn. www.auburnalabama.org. Second Saturday Space Safaris Jacksonville State University. www.jsu.edu/epic. Second Saturday Lee County Historical Society Museum. Loachapoka. www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org. 9th Annual Red Nose Half Marathon www.bigdogrunning.com. Second Saturdays Columbus Museum. 10 a.m. www.columbusmuseum.com. Legomania Auburn Public Library. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

December2015/January2016

Sunday, January 10

Master Printmasters Exhibition Opens Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum.com. Wedding Extravaganza Columbus Trade Center. www.uptowncolumbusga.com.

Monday, January 11 Military Monday at Georgia Aquarium www.georgiaaquarium.org.

Tuesday, January 12

Romantic Spirits Exhibition Opening Reception Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum.com. Mozart & Friends Festival: Chamber Festival and Concert RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. Baby Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. LitWits Auburn Public Library. 4:30 p.m. Ages 13-18 years. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Cold Weather Treats Covington Rec Center. 3:30 p.m. www.opelika-al.gov.

Wednesday, January 13 Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Thursday, January 14 Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Lunch & Lecture 12 p.m. Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum.com. Preschool Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Gamer’s Society Auburn Public Library. 4 p.m. Ages 10-18. www.auburnalabama.org/library. The Harlem Globetrotters Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery. www.ticketmaster.com. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: Valentine’s Romance Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com.

Friday, January 15

Jack Williams in concert at Sundilla AUUF on Thach Ave. 7:30 p.m. www.sundillamusic. com. Ron White Alabama Theatre, B’ham. www.ticketmaster.com. Morgan Academy Deer Hunt Selma. www.morganacademy.com/deer-hunt.

Saturday, January 16

Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents S’MORES for Kids RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. www. csoga.org. Gold Coast Coin & Currency Show Foley. www.foleycoinshows.com. Morgan Academy Deer Hunt Selma. www.morganacademy.com/deer-hunt. Mozart & Friends Festival: Chamber Festival and Concert RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www. rivercenter.org.

Saturday, January 23rd 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Event Center Downtown 614 N. Railroad Ave. Opelika, AL

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Featuring....

James Dean, "Pete the Cat" 8-10 a.m. "James Dean's art has sold in more than ninety galleries and shops across the United States. He has devoted his paintings to Pete the Cat for ten years and has turned his natural love for cats into his life's work. James published his first adult book, The Misadventures of Pete the Cat, a history of his artwork, in 2006. He illustrated his first self-published children's book, Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, in 2008, and the follow-up book, Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes, in 2011. James lives in Savannah, Georgia, with his wife, four cats, and one dog."

Jack Hartmann 10-12 p.m.

"Jack Hartmann has written and recorded over 950 songs for children on 45 albums. He has also written a wonderful sea-life counting picture book for children titled Over In The Ocean. His highly regarded educational songs are used by teachers and sung by children in schools all across the United States and around the world."

Please Join Us!

Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2016

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Legomania Auburn Public Library. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Tim Tebow: The Journey Continues Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www. mpaconline.com.

Sunday, January 17

Gold Coast Coin & Currency Show Foley. www.foleycoinshows.com. Morgan Academy Deer Hunt Selma. www.morganacademy.com/deer-hunt. Teen Third Sunday 2 p.m. Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum. com. Noah Stewart RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter. org.

Monday, January 18 Free Fee Day at Tuskegee National Forest www.fs.usda.gov. Military Monday at Georgia Aquarium www.georgiaaquarium.org.

Tuesday, January 19 Meet Me at the Museum 12:20 p.m. Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum.com. Baby Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. “Annie” RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org.

Wednesday, January 20 Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Madonna Rebel Heart Tour Phillips Arena, Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com.

Thursday, January 21

Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Big Read Lecture: Troublemakers and Trailblazers 6 p.m. Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum.com. Preschool Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Gamer’s Society Auburn Public Library. 4 p.m. Ages 10-18. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Third Thursday Poetry Series Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 6:30 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. K-12 Art Club Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 1:30 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Saturday, January 23

Family Resource Center presents James Dean, ‘Pete the Cat’ EventCenter Downtown, Opelika. 8 a.m. Prattville Mardi Gras Parade & Celebration www.prattvilleal.gov. Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org.

Legomania Auburn Public Library. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Boyz II Men Wind Creek Casino & Hotel, Wetumpka. www.ticketmaster.com. Exhibition Opens: AU Faculty Exhibition Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. www.jcsm. auburn.edu. “Cinderella” Alabama Shakespeare Festival. www.asf.net.

Sunday, January 24 Family Story Time Auburn Public Library. 4 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Monday, January 25 Military Monday at Georgia Aquarium www.georgiaaquarium.org.

Tuesday, January 26

An Evening with Art Garfunkel Samford University, B’ham. www.tickets.samford.edu. Intergalatic Nemesis: Target Earth: A Live Action Graphic Novel RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. Baby Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. LitWits Auburn Public Library. 4:30 p.m. Ages 13-18 years. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Wednesday, January 27 Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. A Little Art Talk Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 12 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

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Family Calendar Body Worlds Rx McWane Science Center, Birmingham. www.mcwane. org. Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com.

Thursday, January 28

Jazz! Food! Art! Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 5 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Keynote Address of the 2016 Georgia History Festival 6 p.m. Columbus Museum. www.columbusmuseum. com. Preschool Time Auburn Public Library. 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Gamer’s Society Auburn Public Library. 4 p.m. Ages 10-18. www.auburnalabama.org/library. “Peppa the Pig” Alabama Theatre, Birmingham. www.ticketmaster.com. Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com.

Friday, January 29

Chuck Brodsky in Concert at Sundilla AUUF on Thach Ave. 7:30 p.m. www.sundillamusic. com. Opening Lecture: Sue Coe Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. 6 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis The Fox Theatre, Atlanta. www.foxtheatre.org. Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com.

December2015/January2016

Saturday, January 30

Senior Bowl Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile. www.seniorbowl.com. Birmingham Feline Fanciers CFA AllBreed Cat Show Irondale. www.birminghamfelinefanciers.com. Millbrook Revelers Mardi Gras Festival and Parade www.millbrookrevelers.org. Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra with Midori Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. 7:30 p.m. www.eastalabamaarts.org. Exhibition Opening: Winter Denizens Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. www.jcsm. auburn.edu. Young Eagles Day–FREE Airplane Rides for Kids! Columbus Airport. Ages 8-17. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (weather permitting). 706-324-2453. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. Legomania Auburn Public Library. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com. Mardi Gras Madness 5K Columbus. www.bigdogrunning.com.

Sunday, January 31

Birmingham Feline Fanciers CFA AllBreed Cat Show Irondale. www.birminghamfelinefanciers.com. “Peter and the Wolf” Presented by Columbus Symphony Orchestra and The Columbus Ballet. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org. Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus BJCC. www.ticketmaster.com. Peppa Pig Live! Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com.

Coming in February... Feb. 2. Home School Science & History Days. Oxbow Meadows, Columbus. www.oxbow. columbusstate.edu. Feb. 6. Beaker Bash 2016: The Galactic Road Trip. McWane Science Center. Birmingham. www. mcwane.org. Feb. 6. The Great Backyard Bird Count. Chewacla State Park, Auburn. Feb. 10 – 15. Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Xtreme. Philips Arena, Atlanta. www.ticketmaster.com. Feb. 11 – 13. 27th Annual Daddy Daughter Date Night. Clarion Inn & Suites, Auburn. www.auburnalabama.org. Feb. 13. Empty Bowls Benefiting East Alabama Food Bank. Denson Rec Center and Dean Road Rec Center. Feb. 17. Patti Griffin with Sarah Watkins and Anais Mitchell. Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. www.eastalabamaarts.org. Feb. 18. Trivia Night. Marriott at Grand National. 6:30 p.m. 334-737-2187. Feb. 18 – 21. Disney On Ice presents “Treasure Trove”. www.ticketmaster.com. Feb. 20. 27th Annual Love Your Heart Run/9th Annual Crank Your Heart Ride. Chewacla State Park. www.auburnalabama.org. Feb. 20. Girls, Glitz and Glamour. Covington Rec Center. 10 a.m. www.opelika-al.gov. Feb. 20. Dandy Dads Dinner Dance. Opelika SportsPlex. www.opelika-al.gov. Feb. 23 – 24. AACT Auditions for “The Red Velvet Cake War”. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. www.auburnalabama.org. Feb. 25. “The Sleeping Beauty”. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. www.rivercenter.org.

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New Year, New You, New Style!

Now, that the hustle and bustle of the holidays is over, it’s time to focus on yourself for once. Yes, that’s what I said! With all of the time you’ve spent on your families, friends, work, planning parties or going to events, now it’s time to step back and embrace the new year with a new you. The simplest resolution would be to start off with your style. We all know that fashion is an ever changing industry with many new trends and styles to choose from every year, but personal style is something much more. It can be tempting to follow trends and not pay too much attention to our more individual preferences. How many of us have one or two of those go to items in our closet that we love? Let’s just say that those items have been hanging in our closets for at least a few years, and that’s okay, but let’s look into finding new items to add to those. I am not saying let’s jump right into the latest fads though. Defin-

ing your personal style does not mean that you have to pick out a particular category, such as “preppy,” “street style” or “vintage,” and rule out things from any other style. A large part of the process is realizing that nothing is off limits. I always tell my clients that with a little confidence...you can pull off any look that you want. I want to show you how to piece together new items and weed out the old. It’s fine to hang onto those items that may work well with your body, but at some point those items may need replacing.

1. Take inventory of what you currently have and clean out what you don’t want. A good rule of thumb is that if you haven’t worn it in a year, you likely won’t wear it again.

2. Make a list of basics that you are lacking. Often the most inspiring outfits are created when people style something basic in an interesting way.

3. Researching your style is very important. Read your favorite fashion blogs and magazines, visit your local department stores or consult a stylist for guidance on updating your style.

4. Slowly start introducing pieces of your new style into your wardrobe. It isn’t about a total overhaul, but

5. Make sure your shopping day is stress free. Why, you ask? When you have less distractions you tend to be calm and more open to new ideas.

6. Take pictures or take a fashion forward friend with you to shop. If you can’t find that perfect shopping buddy then take pictures of your outfits and send them to someone you can trust for styling opinions.

7. Dress your best when shopping. Wear appropriate undergarments, makeup and hair. Doing these simple things can really bring your style/outfit to life.

8. Don’t be afraid of your new style. Style is supposed to be a fun thing, a source of expression in your everyday life. What better way to commit to something after the holidays other than the normal New Year’s resolutions. Remember that having a personal style does not mean having a label. Wear what you like! Every outfit does not have to fit into a category or specific trend. The most important thing is that you find a style you enjoy wearing and that makes you feel like yourself. Happy New Year... and Happy New You!

Laura Handey is an independent clothing consultant in Pike Road, Alabama. You may reach her by email at laura@ centsiblysouthern.com or visit her website and read her blogs at www. centsiblysouthern.com.

rather building a foundation for the rest of your wardrobe. 43

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Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Alvin and the Chipmunks:

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: CSexual Content: A Language: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated The Force Awakens PG-13 for sci-fi action violence. Star Wars: Episode VII -- The Force Awakens is set on course to break box office records. But does it really deserve the buzz it’s receiving? Before I respond to that question, take a look the crew piloting this film. There’s J.J. Abrams, a man that may very well be the most bankable director the film industry has ever seen. He’s resurrected Mission Impossible and Star Trek to great acclaim, and now he’s been handed the next episode of one of the most recognizable brands in Hollywood. The director wastes no time setting the scene. Over the past decades the First Order has replaced the fallen Galactic Empire. While the name has changed, the song remains the same. Legions of Nazi-like Storm Troopers wait in formation for commands from their leader Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). Wearing a mask indicative of having trained at the Darth Vader School of Galactic Troublemakers, Ren takes his orders from Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis) -- a deity that only appears as an enlarged hologram. The mission these warlords are pursuing is to find the last remaining Jedi, and yes, their most-wanted man is none other than Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). The winding plot introduces us to resistance fighter Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), Storm Trooper defector Finn (John Boyega) and Rey (Daisy Ridley), a young woman who makes a living scavenging space junk on the desert planet Jakku. We also meet BB-8, a rolling droid that will be destined to become this generation’s R2-D2. Yet the main enjoyment of this film are the many surprises that are unveiled along its path. Parents should expect violent confrontations, with brief blood effects. Characters are sliced and diced with light sabers, countless others are shot with fantastical guns, and one individual is impaled with a light beam and sent to a harrowing death. Viewers should also be prepared to feel some emotional distress… and I’ll leave it at that. Bottom line: This is a movie that’s best suited for adults and teens. Walking in the door after my screening, my kids and their friends had one question. “Is it good?” Yes, it’s very good. Being the first installment of the next trio this movie is as much about introductions as it is about story. However, Abrams is careful not to let his own artistic priorities get in the way of delivering those somewhat sentimental moments fans are hoping to experience. Like long lost relatives showing up one-by-one at a family reunion, the director gives us a chance to have a warm embrace with each character prior to them getting back in the game.

The Road Trip MPAA Rating: PG Overall: BViolence: BSexual Content: ALanguage: AAlcohol / Drug Use: C+ The MPAA has rated Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip PG for some mild rude humor. Dave Seville (Jason Lee) wants to start a new chapter in his life. Worried about how much time his sons have spent on tour, the concerned Dad has decided to switch his career from writing music to producing it so the boys may lead a more normal childhood. This all sounds pretty sensible until you remember his kids are chipmunks! Unfortunately Alvin, Simon and Theodore (voices of Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler and Jesse McCartney) haven’t really changed their tune. The three are still up to their usual mischief making and are disappointed that they won’t be singing anymore. They are also feeling just a twinge of jealousy about the Chippettes’ continuing popularity and opportunities. But these worries are eclipsed when the trio finds an engagement ring amongst Dave’s belongings. Suddenly his desire to take a different life direction takes on a frightening meaning for the boys. It isn’t their welfare Dave is worried about -- it is his new girlfriend’s. And she comes with a son named Miles who likes to torment the chipmunks. The idea of combining their families is repulsive to both parties of dependents. So, for the first time, the little mammals and the human agree to work together to try and sabotage Dave’s proposal of marriage. But to do so, the foursome will have to travel to Miami where their respective parents have gone on a business trip. Like most of Alvin’s plans, this one does not come off without a hitch. Instead numerous silly antics follow. Borrowing credit cards and stowing away on an airplane ends up altering an angry air marshal, who then chases the characters throughout the rest of the movie. When the boy and chipmunks lose the right to fly, they are forced to find other transportation to get them to their destination. This gives the musical runaways a reason to busk in a Texas bar, a bus station and with a New Orleans street band. All these stops make their journey rather meandering and tedious – as is the plot of this film. Aimed at the youngest of audiences, parents should be aware that much of the movie’s humor comes from bullying behavior, potty jokes and slapstick action. This road trip also packs along a few mild profanities, terms of deity and rude slang. However, if you can put up with ample doses of kids-know-best intentions, high-pitched helium-sounding pop tunes and corny sentimentality, then you might be okay letting your offspring ride along with the crazy chipmunks on their fourth big screen adventure.

What Parents need to know...

Violence: Frequent scenes depict battles and countless characters being shot with various fantastical weapons -- many shootings take place on screen. Characters are injured with light sabers, and one is impaled with the weapon and killed. Most of the depictions of injuries and fatalities are quite sanitized, but one scene does depict blood. Grotesque monsters chase people, and the beasts devour a character. Various inhabited planets are destroyed -- we briefly see the people recognizing their fate and then see the world disintegrating. Sexual Content: A couple discuss their child -- it is unknown if they are married. Men and women embrace and kiss. Language: A mild profanity is used twice. Alcohol / Drug Use: A scene takes place in a pub/bar like setting. Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2016

Violence: Some of the characters find themselves in perilous situations, such as when they are trying to avoid capture by an air marshal. Characters borrow credit cards, and break the law when they stow away on an airplane. Bullying, teasing and uttered threats occur. A brawl breaks out at a bar. Characters fight with one another. A man’s face is stabbed with toothpicks. Property is damaged. Sexual Content: Crude bodily functions are portrayed in a comic way. Potty humor and flatulence jokes are used. A man is hit in the groin. A slang term is used for male body parts. Characters embrace and kiss. Language: Some mild profanities and terms of deity are heard. Name-calling occurs. Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters drink in a bar and during a street parade. One man becomes inebriated. 44

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ASMS

The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science Come find out if ASMS is right for you by visiting our our website at www.asms.net. Learn about a school that could change your life forever. ASMS is our state’s only fully public, residential high school for sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in math, science, and the humanities. Applying to ASMS is FREE – and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted! Start your application today at www.asms.net.

Current Alabama 9th or 10th graders can apply. Many people ask, “Do I have to be a ‘genius’ to be accepted to ASMS?” Answer: Absolutely NOT! ASMS is made up of students who are intelligent and work hard for academic success. In 2015, the 83 ASMS grads earned $12 million in merit-based scholarships with an ACT composite class average of 29.1. Questions? Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.3250.

2015 ACT Comparison 31.5

31.3

30.9

29.5

29.2

29.1

28.3 27.5

25.5

23.5

21.4

21.5

19.5

17.5

21.0

20.9

20.8

20.4

19.7 19.1

18.8

English National

19.1

18.4 Math State

Reading

Sci. Reasoning

ASMS

Alabama School of Mathematics and Science 1255 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 36604 251.441.2100 - www.asms.net admissions@asms.net

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