Auburn Opelika Parents August 2019 by KeepSharing

August2019

Columns

Volume 10 Number 6

Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

Keeping Your Middle Schooler Organized

Set them up for success while growing their independence.

Stressful Back to School Mornings?

Try these ideas to keep the morning chaos at bay.

Kids Health Watch sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

28 Parenting, Media &

Everything in Between Common Sense Media

Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says

After School Activities Local after school enrichment plus registration dates.

Parenting Teens

Learn to shift your parenting style as your child matures.

Dave Ramsey

Parenting Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Teens Mark Gregston

On The Cover Hawley Marshall is a rising senior at Auburn High School. Hawley was born in New York and moved to Auburn in 2008. She is going into her second year as a drum major for the Auburn High School Marching Band and also plays the trumpet in other ensembles in the Auburn Band Program. Hawley is a Teenage Volunteer at East Alabama Medical Center, and is preparing for an internship there in the spring of 2020. Her plans following graduation include attending college to begin pursuing a nursing degree, as well as serving a full-time mission for her church.

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 12

School Bits 50

Family Calendar 56

Movie Reviews 1

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Publisher’sNote Just when your family has settled into a summer time routine, you realize there are only a few more days left of fun in the sun. It seems like high schoolers just finished finals, middle schoolers cleaned out their lockers and elementary kids enjoyed their last class party and said goodbye to classmates. Now it’s that time again to prepare for another school year. You have school supplies to buy, backpacks to pack and lunches to prep. And, of course, the least favorite part…those homework and study spots to organize for long evenings of vocabulary words and math problems to solve. Back-to-School is here, and ready or not, it’s time to get our students geared up for another year of learning and growing. This year, I will have two high schoolers, a 7th grader and a 4th grader. All of them will be going into four different locations in the Auburn community. So, needless to say, along with the excitement for what this year has in store for them, there is also a looming stress for how I am going to make the back-toschool transition successful. Not only are there supplies, clothing and new shoes on my to-do list, but also brainstorming ways to make my mornings run smoothly. Half the back-to-school battle is won by 7 am on a school morning. Will this year’s mornings be filled by a snoozing alarm clock, followed by a rush to shower and dress, and then a flustered family having a chaotic day because of how the morning tone was started? Or, will your family’s morning be structured and organized with students starting their day positively and ready to learn. This month’s feature article, Taking the Stress Out of Back to School Mornings, offers great tips like prepping yourself the night before and setting an early bedtime just to name a couple. One of the best tips for school survival for me has been to start the home’s structure with myself. I love to sleep, and I’m the worst morning person you will ever meet. So, for me, I have found that if I give myself my own morning time, I am able to focus on my kids’ mornings more successfully. Getting up even 30 minutes before I wake them can alleviate the feeling of rushing around. A few minutes to enjoy a cup of coffee, fix their lunches and make sure all their backpacks and shoes are lined up starts the day smoothly. Maybe give yourself some morning time this year and see if this is a strategy worth adding to your back-to-school routine. On the other hand, nothing makes for a crazy start to a school day more than a bedtime not being met. Whether the night before ended with late study sessions or an after school activity running over time, those few extra minutes past bedtime are hard to make up for. My older kids always ask for a later ‘light’s out’ time, but the mom in me knows that keeping the schedule consistent will benefit them in the long run. They will be rested for the school day and healthier throughout the year. Ready or not, it’s time to send them back into the classrooms for another year of equations, choir practices and conjugating verbs. From one parent to another, we’ve got this! Bring on the 2019-20 school year!

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2019

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 Associate Editor Kelly Watson Contributing Writers Rian Anglin, MD, FAAP Mark Gregston Christa Melnyk Hines Sarah Lyons Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Dave Ramsey Gerry Paige Smith Cover Photography Lauren Beesley Photography www.lbeesleyphoto.com

President Jason Watson Director of Sales Justin Sumner (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: 475 Bennington Ct, Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 209-0552 and fax is (334) 826-7303. Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2019 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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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

Let Us Be Ducks...and Move On! I am currently caring for a precious little one who is in foster care...who is teething. Which pretty much means we all do whatever on earth she wants to do in an effort to endure the eruption of two front teeth. Our current survival strategy involves many, many golf cart rides – which is by far her favorite activity. I’ve made some interesting observations from circling the block over and over again, day after day. Every night at dusk, our little neighborhood duck family can typically be found ravenously foraging in the grass for what I can only assume is their nightly dose of mosquitoes? Gnats? Cheeseburgers? I’m not sure what exactly they are eating since I majored in social work in college and not duck sciences, but nonetheless let me just tell ya – they are on it. There is much excitement and chaos as they all try and get their fair share of dinner. It is in the frenzy of the nighttime feeding where it can often be observed that a duck will “fuss” at another for encroaching on its space. They make a valiant attempt to squawk loudly and chase the duck for a quick moment to retain dominion over their six inch square of prime grass real estate, and they let the offending duck know that he was out of line. Every night, same story.

All of that makes for great theater, but what I find interesting is what happens after their little tussle…which is this: Nothing. Nothing happens. They just all jump right back into their natural symbiotic relationship and move on as if nothing happened. As parents, I think we can take a lesson from the duck family and that is this: Move on. When your child screws it up, when they lose their patience and lash out, when they slam the door in anger, let us address the issue – and then move on. Unfortunately, what I find is that in our own humanity, in our own ideals of what we think parenting should be, we tend not to just deal with it and move on. But instead we tend to keep reminding them of their mistakes, we tend to keep holding it over their heads like a guillotine waiting to deploy, and we certainly impute their mistakes on any requests for privileges or permission to go to the baseball game with friends. So I guess my question is why? If we make a mistake at work, and we work diligently to correct said mistake, would we value an employer who pops their head in every now and then and reminds us? “Hey, just wanted to let you know the staff meeting has been moved to 11, I received

your quarterly report, and, by the way, don’t you think for a minute I have forgotten what you did.” Would we feel cared for when our request to take a day off is denied because, “Clearly you can’t be trusted, I remember what you did.” Would that not breed a spirit of disdain and frustration within us? I would argue that this is exactly what we are doing to our kids. Do they need to learn from their mistakes? Yep. But that process involves making the mistake right again (teaching), fixing it (training), apologizing (love & learn), and then, good gracious, move on. Our model is teach, train, love and learn; not berate, plant a seed of bitterness, exercise power and hope your kid grows into a productive human being. Just some food for thought today...let us be ducks. Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior, and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to help mitigate negative behaviors. She travels the state speaking at various conferences on behavior and parenting and is a therapist for Kids To Love Foundation. Sonia is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of whom were internationally adopted, and is also a foster parent.

DAY. EXPLORE TO DISCOVER . TOMORROW Make new friends? Discover new passions? She’ll do all that and more at Girl Scouts! Whether she’s exploring the outdoors, expressing herself through art or music, designing robots, or helping her community through service projects, she’ll have a blast. Troops are forming now!

Be A Girl Scout.

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42ft — A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels by Cirque Mechanics Wednesday, October 30

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Back-to-School Bash at Samford Pool

Let the Aquatics Staff at Samford Pool send you back to school in style! Join us, August 3, 9 AM-6 PM, for all-day games, music and fun at the pool! Admission is $2 per person or FREE with school supply donations. Each person must donate one of the school supplies listed below in order to get in for FREE. The donations will go towards to the United Way Stuff the Bus Campaign. Acceptable School Supply Donations: 1 Bottle of Glue, 1 box of Kleenex, 1 box of 24 Crayons, 24 pencils, 1 book bag, Pencil box, 1 pair of socks, 1 hand sanitizer, 2 pocket folders, 2 spiral notebooks, 1 pack of highlighters, Backpack, Lunchbox. Pool Staff • (334) 501 – 2957 • www.auburnalabama.org/pools

Come Home to the Corner

Come home to Downtown Auburn, September 6, 6-9 PM. Live Music, Food & Drink, Shopping, Nightlife, Suitable for All Ages, Free to attend, and Tailgating. Football, fall, Friday... what’s not to love? Come home to the corner in downtown Auburn and enjoy live music and more during this entertainment district event each home football game Friday! www. downtownauburnonline.com

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Author Talk: Alabama Author, Irene Latham

Auburn Football Fan Day

Join the Auburn Public Library on August 27 to meet Author, Irene Latham. She is the author of many books, including two novels for children, “Leaving Gee’s Bend” and “Don’t Feed the Boy”. Winner of the 2016 ILA Lee Bennett Hopkins Promising Poet Award, her poetry books for children include “Dear Wandering Wildebeest”, “When the Sun Shines on Antarctica”, “Fresh Delicious” and “Can I Touch Your Hair?” (with Charles Waters), which was named a Charlotte Huck Honor book and a Kirkus Best Book of 2018. Irene lives on a lake in Alabama where she does her best to “live her poem” every single day by laughing, playing the cello, and bird watching.

The annual Auburn Fan Day will take place Saturday, August 10 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. CT, behind the Auburn Athletics Complex in the Indoor Practice Facility and Watson Field House. Fan Day is presented by Golden Flake, Auburn Athletics’ oldest corporate partner and the “Official Salted Snack Food of the Auburn Tigers.”

Back 2 School Bash

Sponsored by Cornerstone Family Chiropractic and The Big House Foundation Bring your friends and family out to enjoy an outdoor carnival held at Airport Plaza in Auburn on August 17, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM! Enjoy FREE food, games, entertainment, shopping and Aubie the Tiger! Proceeds go to the Big House Foundation charity. 334.246.2252. Located in Airport Plaza/Mikata parking lot, across from Lakeview Baptist Church.

7th Annual Sustainability Picnic at the Davis Arboretum

Come learn about sustainability, while enjoying free, vegetarian-friendly food, live music, games, and door prizes, on August 21, 4:30-6:30 PM. Find us at the Donald E. Davis Arboretum near the Old Rotation. This no-waste event will feature delicious and healthy food catered by Tiger Dining and live music. This is your chance to visit with local farmers that provide food to campus, connect with student groups, programs, and opportunities that make a difference, and meet official Picnic sponsors: Academic Sustainability Programs, the Natural Resources Management Major, Office of Sustainability, Tiger Dining, the Arboretum, and the Waste Reduction and Recycling Department. 334.844.7777. Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2019

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AACT Fall Jr. Show “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Jr.” Auditions

Take a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. Based on the record-breaking West-End production and the beloved film, and featuring an unforgettable score by the Sherman Brothers, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Jr.” is one blockbuster that audiences will find “Truly Scrumptious.” Auburn Area Community Theatre announcing open auditions for the Fall Jr. Performers Musical, August 12-13, at the Jan Dempsey Community Art Center. Please come prepared with 30 seconds only of an acapella song. Be prepared to present short lines (sides) for one character. There will also be a short dance and movement portion of the audition. www.auburnact.org. Melanie Brown,(334) 332-6834, supersugarmel@gmail.com.

Itty Bitty Auburn Scavenger Hunt

August 1- 30. Happy 200th Birthday, Alabama! It’s time to break out the thinking caps and magnifying glasses for the third and final year of the Alabama Bicentennial Celebration. Beginning Thursday, August 1, participants can pick up a worksheet for the scavenger hunt at any Parks and Recreation facility or find it on the City of Auburn website, printed in select newspapers and on Facebook. The worksheet features 25 itty-bitty sites in various historic locations around Auburn, along with four bonus sites. Participants will find these sites and write the location on the worksheets. Completed worksheets must be turned in to the Harris Center by Friday, August 30 at 5 p.m. to be eligible for prizes. As part of the Alabama Bicentennial celebration, 2019 has been designated as the year of “Telling our Stories.” We are celebrating our game-changers, history-makers, boundary-breakers, and the storytellers who enrapture generations. For more information about the Alabama Bicentennial celebration, visit alabama200. com. To stay up-to date on the Itty Bitty Auburn scavenger hunt, join the Facebook event group at facebook.com/CityofAuburnAL. Hints regarding each of the sites will be published to the City’s Facebook event group and on the City of Auburn’s Instagram page (@cityofauburnal).

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Hot Air Balloon Festival, Labor Day Weekend

August 30-September 1, let your Labor Day take flight! See hot air balloons soar, or take a tethered ride yourself in our picture-perfect farewell to Summer. The magic begins with the extraordinary Friday Night Balloon Glow, where balloons illuminate the night, and the festivities continue all weekend long. Spend your holiday engaging in a variety of familyfriendly events, including live music, beach activities, a Classic Car Show and a Kids Zone, or escape for a quiet hike or bike along miles of winding trails within the Gardens. And photography buffs can get a crash course in evening shoots with our “Mastering Night Photography.” www.callawaygardens.com

Super Saturdays @ LaGrange Art Museum

Every third Saturday of the month, you are invited to spend enlightening afternoons at the Museum. Groups of two, three, four and even more come to LAM for Super Saturdays. Families, neighbors and friends—groups of all kinds—can join us for a tour of the current exhibit and then explore their creative side with an activity in the Center for Creative Learning classrooms. Spend the afternoon or just drop in and experience the arts at a comfortable pace for you and your family. The program is designed to educate families about the current exhibitions and acquaint them with the world of visual art. August 17, anytime from 1:00 – 4:00 PM. www.lagrangeartmuseum.org

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

Back to School Tips for Good Sleep As summer winds down, getting kiddos back on schedule to prepare for the school year is really important. With sports, vacation, and summer play dates, having a set schedule can be difficult to maintain in summer. As we approach the start of the new school year, establishing a strong sleep routine before bed and proper length of sleep can make a big difference in starting the school year off strong. Children ages 3-5 have a goal of 10-13 hours of sleep a night, while children ages 6-12 should get 9-12 hours of sleep a night. Having good sleep hygiene can improve your child’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Good sleep hygiene can involve the following habits: Daily Exercise. A minimum of 60 minutes of exercise a day is recommended for school-aged children. Exercise is wonderful for heart health, muscle strength, and bones. It also has a great impact on positive sleep behaviors.

Avoid sugary drinks. Drinks with sugar can lead to difficulty in sleeping through the night. Limit TV/tablet time before bed. Highly stimulating activities before bed can disturb their ability to relax, so avoiding these types of activities one hour before bed can help improve sleep. Set a bedtime routine. A nightly routine can vary from child to child. The content of the routine is not what matters; it is the act of doing the same routine every night that helps children prepare for bed. From taking a shower/bath, putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, to reading a story, a bedtime routine can play a major role in improving your child’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Keep the same bedtime and awakening time every day of the week. Alternating bed times and waking times

can disturb a child’s sleep schedule and lead to them need more sleep on subsequent days. Only use the bed for sleeping. Associating the bed with sleep, and only sleep, is important for children to fall asleep and stay asleep. Limit bedtime check ups. Although tempting to check on your child while they are asleep, bedtime check ups can disrupt sleep. Limiting the number of checkups and their lengths can increase your child’s ability to sleep through the night. A strong, energetic, and healthy child needs a good night’s sleep and using the tips and tricks above can set you in the right direction.

Contributed by Marina A. Tipold, VCOM-Auburn OMS 4 and Rian Anglin, MD FAAP. Dr. Rian Anglin, a board certified pediatrician, was raised nearby in Valley, AL. She attended Auburn University were she graduated summa cum laude with a BS in Molecular Biology. Despite her strong allegiance to Auburn, Dr. Anglin graduated from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 2007 with her MD. Her passions in practice include promoting early childhood literacy, reducing toxic stress in childhood, and improving the practice of pediatric medicine through office based research. She resides in Auburn with her husband and their two sons.

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For more information, visit By testing for lead at an early age, lead exposure can be identified and lead poisoning alabamapublichealth.gov/aclppp prevented through simple at-home strategies. or call 1-833-667-1495. This ad is 100% funded with federal dollars through a cooperative agreement with the 11 Centers for Disease Control andwww.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents Prevention.

A Back-to-School Welcome LetterAutauga from Opelika City School s Superintendent Dr. Mark D. Neighbors County Schools

Letter from Opelika City Schools Superintendent You’ve heard it before, but THANK YOU again for your support in voting to approve the tax renewal in February 2019. The funding is vital to our schools and helps us to provide our students and teachers with many opportunities. The support that the Opelika City Schools receives from our city leaders and community members is what makes us special. We are partners in making Opelika a great place to live and raise a family. In an effort to expand that partnership, the Opelika City Schools and the City of Opelika are working to secure grant funding to establish a Pre-K program for students in Opelika. One of the long term strategies for the schools and the city is to establish this program to benefit families with young children. Plans are in place to apply to receive grant funding for the Alabama First Class Pre-K Program classrooms. Our goal would be to have at least three classrooms in the fall of 2020 and then apply for additional classes in the future. The Opelika City Schools will manage the classrooms in partnership with the City of Opelika. As we prepare to start the new school year, I would like to remind all parents, grandparents, and families how important it is that your children are at school every day and that they arrive on time. It is critical that our students are in the classroom early in the day and are not tardy or absent. The majority of reading and math is taught early in the day and when students miss that instruction, it is hard for them to catch up. Having your child in school every day and on time helps to ensure academic success. We take our responsibility seriously of safely educating your children and being an important part of their lives and our community. Thank you for being a part of the Opelika City Schools. I look forward to a great school year!

Sincerely, Mark Neighbors

Enroll them in Kumon today! Enrolling your kids at a Kumon Center allows them to gain the full benefits of the Kumon Math and Reading Program, including having an instructor there to guide, motivate, and encourage them.

Start giving your kids all the advantages of Kumon. To learn more, we invite you to schedule a Parent Orientation and FREE PLACEMENT TEST today.

Kumon Math & Reading Center of Auburn - Opelika

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A Back-to-School Welcome Letter from Auburn City School s Superintendent Dr. Cristen Herring Autauga County Schools

Letter from Auburn City Schools Superintendent Welcome Back To School! It is with great enthusiasm that the staff of Auburn City Schools looks forward to this exciting time of year. After a busy summer preparing and as finishing touches are being completed in our schools, a terrific team of dedicated teachers eagerly anticipates the opportunity to welcome our students back to class on Thursday, August 8th. It is my hope that your summer has provided some time for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether you have enjoyed the adventure of travel or the comforts of home, I trust that you found time to read a good book and spend time with the important people in your life. The beginning of a new school year is such a good time to set personal goals and establish new routines. For all of us, the busy schedule of school, homework, after school activities and earlier bedtimes will require us to be well planned. While each family will navigate the change of pace a bit differently, I share my sincere thanks for the effort you will make to support our students. Student success in school requires a shared commitment of parents, guardians, and teachers and we are grateful for the commitment you have made. The 2019-2020 school year promises to be our best yet and I look forward to the continued level of excellence that this community is accustomed to and deserves. Celebrating our countless academic and athletic accomplishments as well as the many fine arts offerings, Auburn is amazing place to live, work, and go to school. We welcome you to consider serving in a volunteer role in a school, donating supplies to The United Way’s “Stuff the Bus” campaign or attending our ACS sporting or performance events. It is with heartfelt thanks that I share my gratitude for your commitment to the children of this community and for your continued support of Auburn City Schools.

Respectfully, Dr. Cristen Herring

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Last Day at AEEC

Check out some of our last day moments from the 2018-19 school year at Auburn Early Education Center! We enjoyed a school-wide assembly and shared lots of hugs, laughs, and tears. A special thank you to Chef David Bancroft of Acre and Bow & Arrow and his wife Christin for the lunch for our students and families!

Autauga County Schools

Drake Middle School Summer School Group Visits DeSoto Caverns

Summer school at Drake Middle School wrapped up with a trip to DeSoto Caverns funded by Southern Disability Foundation and a DMS Pro Grant! Amy Stucky, Angela Babb, and Beverly Helm did a crosscurricular unit and then went for a hands-on explore day in Alabama’s Big Cave.

Oaks School Welcomes New Teacher

Lee-Scott Students Attend Thespian Festival

Four Lee-Scott Academy students went to Lincoln, NE for the International Thespian Festival. Three competed in individual events and earned Excellent scores - Erin Kim for Monologue; Sam Kinsaul for Solo Musical; and Ashleigh Oliver for Costume Design. Matt Oliver attended as a State Officer. We are so proud of these students and their dedication to the arts!

The Oaks School is excited to introduce our new 1st grade teacher, Cathy Wiggins! Cathy has taught for the last 25 years in both Russell County Schools and Lee County Schools. She is a graduate of Beauregard High School, received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University at Montgomery.

Seniors’ Last Week at Chambers Academy 2019

The Class of 2019’s last week of school started off right with their kinderbabies bringing them breakfast to celebrate each other. They all enjoyed a great morning and were glad to have one last function together! Good Luck to Chambers Academy graduating seniors!

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Auburn JHS Student Competes at National Track Meet Auburn Junior High’s Carson Yancy competed in 9th grader Freshman Boys 100m race at the 2019 New Balance National Track Meet on Thursday, June 13.

Auburn Student Places 2nd in U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) proudly announces that Noel Lange, a student at Auburn High School, is a runner-up in the 2019 U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP), the nation’s most prestigious youth competition for water-related research. Lange and students from 45 states and Puerto Rico competed in the national finals June 13-16 at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Lange was one of two runners-up and received $1,000 for her project, which aimed to reduce microplastic release into the environment. She noted that millions of microplastic fibers are released and discharged into wastewater when laundry is washed. The Stockholm Junior Water Prize aims to increase students’ interest in water issues, research, and careers, as well as to raise awareness about global water challenges. The competition is open to projects focused on improving water quality, water resource management, water protection, and drinking water and wastewater treatment. 15

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Autauga County Schools

Chambers Academy Announces New Math Teacher

Chambers Academy is excited to announce the addition of a new secondary math teacher for our upper school students. Mrs. Regenia Barninger of nearby Fredonia has accepted a math teaching position with CA for the 2019-20 school year. Mrs. Barninger was formerly Regenia Blair and graduated from CA in 1981 having attending Chambers Academy dating back to second grade in 1970. Mrs. Barninger earned her B.S. degree in secondary math from Auburn University in 1986 prior to earning her M.S. degree from Pensacola Christian College in 1999. From 1989 to 1994, Mrs. Barninger previously taught secondary math classes at CA. In addition to previous teaching experience at CA, Mrs. Barninger also taught previously over her thirty plus year career at LaFayette Christian Academy in LaGrange, Oak Mountain Academy, Glenwood School and at LaGrange Academy. Mrs. Barninger also has postsecondary mathematics teaching experience earned at both Central Texas College and at West Georgia Technical College. Her son, Harrison is a 2007 graduate of CA and is married to wife Sarah. They have two children, Lexi and Kylie. Lexi will be in CA’s first grade class this fall on campus with her grandmother and CA’s newest math teacher, Mrs. Regenia Barninger. Regenia is the daughter of the late B.E. Blair, Jr. and Kate Blair who currently resides in Fredonia. Mrs. Barninger will be teaching pre-calculus, algebra II with trigonometry, geometry and algebra I for student’s on CA’s advanced diploma. CA is thrilled to welcome back one of their alumnae to teach on our staff with Mrs. Regenia Barninger joining the Chambers Academy faculty.

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Leadership Lee County Welcomes New Executive Director

The organization partners with Auburn University’s Office of Professional and Continuing Education; application now available for the class of 2019-2020. Leadership Lee County, a leadership program sponsored by the Auburn and Opelika Chambers of Commerce, welcomes Alan Spencer as the new Executive Director. Spencer is a program developer with the Outreach Department Office of Professional and Continuing Education at Auburn University. With years of experience coordinating leadership-focused conferences and events, he and his staff at OPCE will take on the responsibility of providing a rich, educational experience in leadership for class members as well as alumni of the organization. As a program that honors, educates and develops Lee County citizens, the classes al-ways have the potential to provide the leadership needed to solve problems of community and statewide significance.

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Philanthropy 101 Class Donates $12,700 to Local Non-Profit Agencies

This summer, Opelika High School and Auburn High School joined forces to benefit non-profit agencies in Lee County. The Philanthropy 101 Class has been taught at OHS since 2015 and this year the students were joined by students from Auburn High School. The program is sponsored by the W. James Samford, Jr. Foundation and Ms. Lucinda S. Cannon. During the class, students spend the first few weeks of their summer visiting and researching local non-profit agencies, learning about the princi-ples of philanthropy, and attending etiquette classes. Following three weeks of class, the eighteen students hosted a luncheon for non-profit agencies, their parents, and community leaders. At the conclusion of the luncheon, each student presented a monetary donation (funded by the W. James Samford, Jr. Foundation) to the non-profit of their choice. In total, the class donated $12,700 total to the following agencies: Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Grows, BigHouse Foundation, Community Market, Exodus Ranch, Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama, Jean Dean RIF, Storybook Farm, and Miracle League of East Alabama. Pictured front row (l-r): Deasia Simmons, Ame Morgan, Katie Salinas, Skyla Edwards, Pilar McGuire, Marshall Meyers, Nakia Stinson, Aaliyah Mason, Ms. Lucinda Cannon, and Shanecia Harvey. Pictured back row (l-r): Dakaiya Ware, Raeden Gagliano, Tori Slottke, Julia Bush, Takhia Mims, Jonathan Woods, Gavin Williams, and Gabrielle Whack. The 2019 Philanthropy 101 instructors were: Dr. Rebecca Brown-AHS, Mrs. Hannah Holladay-OHS, Mrs. Lillian Worley-AHS, and Mr. Don Shirley-OHS.

Auburn City Schools Abroad

Check out Rebecca Wall (RES), Katy Hall (CWES), Lisa Jones (ESS), and Tiffany Croley (OES) as they traveled to Seoul, South Korea for 10 days to learn all about Korean culture, including visits to schools, exploring the city, and enjoying the local cuisine. For the past several years, Korean students have been one of the fastest growing populations within Auburn City Schools; this is just one of the many ways our educators go above and beyond to educate young people.

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Autauga County Schools

Chambers Academy Tech Team Members Place at AISA Tech Fair

Congratulations to Chambers Academy Tech team who competed at the AISA Tech Fair in Montgomery. Peyton Lamb placed 2nd in senior high Web Design. Easton Janowiecki and Kent Nelson placed 3rd in elementary Computer Graphics.

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Auburn City Schools Superintendent Retires

Auburn City Schools celebrated the retirement of Dr. Karen Teague DeLano following her seven-year tenure in Auburn as Superintendent. In her 46-year career, DeLano garnered many accolades including serving as the principal of Shades Cahaba Elementary at the time of nomination and selection for the U.S. Department of Education 1994 Elementary Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Program as well as being named the 2010 Curriculum Leader of the Year by the Alabama Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. DeLano earned her all three of her degrees from Auburn University and has served as an elementary teacher, principal, and an assistant superintendent in several school districts along the way, providing her with a wealth of knowledge and experience. During her tenure at ACS, enrollment has grown from 7,100 to 8,845 with three additional campuses opening under her leadership including Pick Elementary in 2013, Auburn High School in 2017 and Creekside Elementary in 2018; in addition to having witnessed countless AHSAA State Cham-pions and more than $135 Million in scholarship money offered to Auburn High School graduates since 2012. Because we knew you we have been changed for good. June 26, 2019 is now officially known as Karen DeLano Day in Auburn, Alabama!

MEMBERSHIPS ON SALE NOW! BENEFITS •

Welcome pack

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Birthday card from Aubie

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Free admission to volleyball, equestrian, soccer, non-conference baseball and softball, and gymnastics

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Discounted admission to one football game

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Early admission to Fan Day (must be

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Trinity Letter Olympics!

Great job at the Kindergarten Letter Olympics and Math Marathon! @ Trinity Christian School

OHS Cheerleaders Excel at Cheer Camp

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Congratulations to the Opelika High School Varsity and JV cheerleaders! Opelika varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders recently attended UCA camp on the campus of Ole Miss. Throughout the week, both squads received all superior ribbons and a spirit stick each night. Danielle Nichols from varsity and Susannah Couey from JV were presented with the â&#x20AC;&#x153;pin it forwardâ&#x20AC;? award for demonstrating great character and leadership. Susannah Couey also won the jump off in the junior high division. The entire group from Opelika also took home the Tradition Award which is voted on by all of the camp staff. It is presented to the one team at camp that demonstrates leadership on and off the field. On the final day of competition, varsity took home 1st place in sideline and the superior squad trophy, which earned them the opportunity to cheer at the Citrus Bowl. Varsity had all five seniors (India Brooks, Jailyn Dixon, Lily Kucik, Danielle Nichols, and Hannah Wilson) make the All-American team. UCA also invited India, Danielle, and Jailyn to try out for staff next spring. The junior varsity took home 1st place in cheer,

2nd place in sideline, and the overall game day trophy. They also had three cheerleaders (Emma Childs, Leah Bales, and McKay Yountz) make the All-American team.

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Autauga County Schools

Chambers Announces New Assistant Headmaster

Chambers Academy is very pleased to announce the hiring Mr. Jon Owens as CA’s new Assistant Headmaster. Mr. Owens will serve students in grades K5-12 as a new member of Chambers administrative team. Mr. Jon Owens is a native of LaFayette and an alumnus of CA having graduated in 1988. He is the son of Robert (deceased) and Barbara Owens of LaFayette. He recently retired from public education with the state of Alabama where he served as assistant principal at Stephens Elementary in the Alexander City School System. Mr. Owens earned his B.S. degree in social studies education at Auburn University in 1993. He went on to earn his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Auburn University in Montgomery in 2008. Jon served as a long time administrator, educator and coach with two separate tenures as an assistant principal at Wadley High School in Randolph County and Stephens Elementary School in Alexander City. Additionally, during a lengthy career in the classroom he had teaching stints at both Benjamin Russell High School and Alexander City Middle School. His vast experience included work with his school’s continuous improvement plan, overseeing the emergency operations plans, serving as a building test coordinator, conducting teacher observations and day to day operations to ensure quality instruction. Jon also served in an athletic coaching capacity while at Benjamin Russell High School where he worked with both the football and varsity baseball teams. Jon enjoyed success with the baseball program at BRHS over a twenty-two year period. Multiple baseball players went on to continue their careers at the collegiate level with another seven former players advancing to the professional level. The baseball coaching experience during this period resulted in multiple area titles as well as playoff appearances. Jon will be utilizing this experience at CA to carry over as the new Head Girls Varsity Softball Coach succeeding former coach Brandi Fuller who stepped away for family reasons. The Lady Rebels Varsity Soft-ball team advanced to the AISA’s Elite Eight in the 1A state tournament last spring losing out to the de-fending champion Marengo Academy. The team returns a veteran squad with only one senior lost to graduation. Current CA Headmaster David Owen stated that he is equally excited to have Jon Owens joining their administrative team at CA noting that Jon has an extensive background utilizing computer software to highlight the use of technology in the classroom. Jon helped initiate the implementation of a Google Classroom initiative with his staff while serving at Stephenson Elementary for the 3rd and 4th grades there. David Owen further added that “Mr. Jon Owens will be a big asset to CA with our continued enrollment growth projected to reach a twenty year high for the 2019-20 school year!” Jon is married to Alice (Mahan) Owens and their family currently resides in Alexander City. Alice is also a long time educator who currently serves as an English Secondary Language teacher at Jim Pearson Elementary School in Alexander City. They have three children, Luke (18), Audrey (15) and Jake (14) that all currently attend Benjamin Russell High School.

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2019

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Auburn City Council Recognizes AHS Track and Golf Athletes

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Mayor Ron Anders and the Auburn City Council recognized some of our recent State Champion student-athletes from Auburn High! First up was the Back-to-Back State Champion Girl's Golf team coached by Adam Byrd. The AHS Girls Golf team was defending State Champion through the 2019 season. The team, coming off a great season from last year, had a lot of high hopes but also knew that, after losing a pivotal senior from last year, they needed to work especially hard to defend their title. For the season, Elisabeth Preus and Morgan Jones both finished as 1st place individuals in a few tournaments. Elisabeth, a senior, won the 2019 Auburn Invitational, Vestavia's Hike the Hills, AL vs. GA Battle of the Border tournament, won low medalist at Sub-Sate, and won the individual State Championship title. Morgan Jones, a sophomore, won the Yellow Jacket Invitational and won low medalist at sectionals this year, and won State runnerup title for second time in a row. As a team for the regular season, they placed runner up at Hike the Hills. The team is graduating senior Elisabeth Preus (middle) as she moves on to the Women's Golf team for Troy University. Next was Coach LaDextric Oliver and his State Champion Track and Field athletes, two of which are Back-to-Back State Champions as well. Samantha Rogers: Won 3 gold medals at the State Meet. 1600m (4:57.90), 3200m (10:37.67) New 7A State Record, and she was a member of the State Champion 4x800m Relay. Other Relay Members: Sara Pacer, Harper McGowan and Sangie Lincoln-Velez (middle). Their time of 9:24.43 is a School Record. "The Javelin competition was the most epic thing I have ever seen in my life," said Coach Oliver. Shaniya Holley is the Back to Back 7A State Champion in Javelin. She broke the old State Record previously held by Ashley Carter of AHS early in the competition. On the last throws of the competition one of her competitors broke that record and dropped Shaniya to 2nd. On her last throw of her high school career she tossed ANOTHER State record throw and clinched the title! The new state and school record is 139ft-11in. Brandon Crum (not pictured) is the Back to Back 7A State Champion in the Javelin. Last season Brandon won the title on his last throw of competition. On his last throw of competition he threw 189ft-6in. The last two throwers could not out do him on that day and he walked away with the title. The girls track team finished 2nd at state and the boys were 4th overall. Pictured, (right) Mayor Ron Anders with Coach LaDextric Oliver, Samantha Rogers, Sangie Lincoln-Velez, Shaniya Holley, Coach Olivia Tofani and Coach Tony Benitez.

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Autauga County Schools

SummerNight

Thanks to everyone who came out for another great SummerNight! We loved the amazing â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moanaâ&#x20AC;? performance by Variations Dance Studio, and we are so delighted by the wonderful strawberry dishes created at the Strawberry Showdown Culinary Contest! A huge thanks to the Downtown Merchants for all their help, and the vendors who made this the best SummerNight yet!

Friday Night Splash at Samford Pool

We had so much fun at the Samford Pool for Friday Night Splash! There were so many games to play, and the music was great! Thanks to everyone who came out to make this the best Friday Night Splash yet!

Opelika Parks & Recreation

The Monkey Park Dancers were back on the stage this year during another GREAT performance by Route 66.

Growing Room Auburn - 334-501-2044 644 N Dean Rd, Auburn, AL 36830

Growing Room Opelika - 334-748-9020 1755 Thomason Dr, Opelika, AL 36801

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2019

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Day in Clay at Dean Road Ceramics Studio

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Dean Road Ceramics Studio for Day in Clay! We hope you had a great time learning new techniques and having fun with family and friends!

First Baptist Church Summer Camp

A group of Lee Scott Academy students attended First Baptist Church of Opelika Summer Camp 2019 at Ocoee Ridge Camp in Tennessee! Happy and safe summer trip!

Lee-Scott Teacher Hosts Art Camp

Lee-Scott Academy’s art teacher, Laurin Beard, hosted a camp for students! Children created paper mache’ snakes, fish, and owls. They used a variety of mediums to create watercolor cityscapes, and small painted canvases. We love to see our students create!

Sportsplex Camp Week 1

Pictured left, Sportsplex Camp Session ONE is DONE! It was a great start to the summer.

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Lee-Scott Cheerleaders Attend AISA Cheer Camp

Autauga County Schools

Another great day of AISA Cheer Camp for our junior varsity and varsity squads at Troy University! This day’s camp theme was “Circus” and we think our Warriors look amazing!

Trinity Summer Camp

A great first day of grammar school summer camp! @ Trinity Christian School

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Growing Room Camp

Growing Room Auburn/Opelika campers had such a fun week celebrating America! Happy 4th of July from Growing Room!

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Trinity Teachers Speak at National Conference

We are so proud of Trinity teachers Ellen Battles and Christian Tillman for speaking recently, instructing teachers from around the country, at the ACCS national conference! @ Trinity Christian School

Please send your school news to: kendra@auburn opelikaparents.com.

Auburn City Schools Curriculum Events for Fall 2020

August 12 – DRES Curriculum Night August 13 – DRES Curriculum Night ESS Curriculum Night 5:15-7:00 OES ALL Curriculum Nights 7:00 August 14 – DRES Curriculum Night ESS Curriculum Night 5:15-7:00 August 15 – CWES 2nd Grade Curriculum Night with PTO 5:30-7:00 August 19 – WMR 3rd and 5th Curriculum Night with PTO YES All Curriculum Nights August 20 – CWES 1st Grade Curriculum Night with PTO 5:30-7:00 WMR 4th Curriculum Night and PTO CES ALL Curriculum Nights August 22 – RES ALL Curriculum Nights AEEC ALL Curriculum Nights August 26 – DMS (3 Teams) Curriculum Nights August 27 – PES ALL Curriculum Nights AJHS – Curriculum Night 6:00 August 29 – DMS (2 Teams) Curriculum Night Sept. 4 – CWES Kindergarten Curriculum Night with PTO 5:30-7:00 25

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Autauga County Schools

Opelika City Schools Back to School Information Meal Prices Primary, Intermediate and OMS: Breakfast $1.00, Lunch $ 1.75 High School: Breakfast $1.00, Lunch $2.00 Visitors (all schools): Breakfast $1.75, Lunch $3.25

Students enrolling in the Opelika City Schools system may register any time between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Who can register: To be enrolled in kindergarten this fall, a child must be five years old on or before September 2 of the year the child will be entering school. To be enrolled in first grade, a child must be six years old on or before September 2 of the year the child will be entering school. All children who attend Opelika City Schools must live within the city limits of Opelika.

Bus schedules will be available at each school and can be picked up on the first day of classes. School Day Hours Primary Schools Intermediate Schools Opelika Middle School Opelika High School Opelika Learning Center Board of Education Offices

Student transfers: Students transferring to the Opelika City Schools from other school systems need to first officially withdraw from their prior school system and request that transcripts be sent to the Opelika City Schools system, or bring an official withdrawal form from the prior school and we will send for transcripts.

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Opelika High School Delayed Start For the 2019-20 school year, OHS will have delayed start times on the following dates: 9/23/19 and 3/9/20. Buses will run at normal times for those students needing transportation. Otherwise, students may report to school at 10:00 a.m. on the above dates. The call-in bell will be at 9:55 a.m.

Students Who Are Transferring Within the Opelika City Schools System Students transferring from one elementary school zone to another within the Opelika City Schools jurisdiction must first withdraw from the school he or she is leaving before enrolling in the new school. All fees and paperwork must be completed and cleared before any records can be transferred from one school to another within the system.

Communication The Opelika City Schools will communicate information regarding school activities and announcements regarding inclement weather on the website www.opelikaschools.org, the Facebook page, Twitter, the OCS app and through the local media. School delays and/or cancellations will also be communicated through School Messenger, an automated messaging system. If your contact information changes during the year, please make sure to update the contact information at your child’s school.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO REGISTER: Birth Certificate; State of Alabama Blue Certificate of Immunization; Child’s Social Security Card; Two current proofs of residency (gas, water, and electric bills accepted); Photo identification of parent or legal guardian (driver’s license, non-driver id, military id, etc.) to determine custodial relationship of child; Custodial Documentation (if applicable); Proof of Grade.

Please send your school news to: kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com.

2019 OCS Open House Dates Opelika High School August 12, 6:00 p.m. Morris Avenue Intermediate School August 13, 5:30 p.m. (3rd grade only) August 15, 5:30 p.m. (4th and 5th grade) Opelika Middle School August 20, 6:00 p.m. Jeter Primary School August 22, 5:30 p.m.-Kindergarten 6:00 p.m.-1st grade; 6:30 p.m.-2nd grade Opelika Learning Center August 22, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Southview Primary School August 27, 5:30 p.m.-Kindergarten 6:00 p.m.-1st grade 6:30 p.m.-2nd grade Carver Primary School August 29, 6:00 p.m. West Forest Intermediate School September 12, 6:00 p.m. Northside Intermediate School September 16, 6:00 p.m. Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2019

First Day of School is August 6, 2019 (Full Day) Meet Your Teacher Day is August 2, 2019 (K through 5th grade) 7:30-10:00 a.m. and 1:00-2:00 p.m. OMS Schedule pick up is August 2, 2019 10:00 a.m. for 6th graders (Orientation and Schedule Pick-Up) and 1:00 p.m. for 7th and 8th graders (Schedule Pick-Up) OHS Freshman Orientation is July 31, 2019

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Lee-Scott Student Named Most Outstanding Flagline Participant

Kristin Bailey, a junior at Lee-Scott Academy, attended the Auburn University Summer Auxiliary Camp. She was selected as the Most Outstanding Flagline participant because of her work ethic and charisma that made her stand out in such a positive light to the other campers. Way to go!

Opelika City Schools 2019-20 School Calendar August 2, 2019 Meet Your Teacher (grades K-5) August 6 First Day of School (full day) September 2 Labor Day Holiday October 14-15 Fall Break October 16 Professional Day (students do not attend) November 11 Veteran’s Day Holiday November 25-29 Thanksgiving Holidays December 20 1/2 day for students Dec. 23, 2019-Jan. 2, 2020 Christmas and New Year’s Holidays January 3 Professional Day (students do not attend) January 6 Students return January 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday February 17 President’s Day Holiday March 16-20 Spring Break (School dismisses March 13 and reopens March 23) April 3 Professional Day (students do not attend) May 21 Last Day of School (1/2 day for students) May 22 Opelika High School Graduation

Allen Orthodontics is pleased to be moving to Moores Mill in Spring 2019. is move will improve our patient experience by accommodating our expanding orthodontic services and technology, greatly increasing space for treatment and allowing easy parking and access to our oﬃce for all of our patients. Allen Orthodontics is thrilled to be joining a great mix of signature businesses that will be steps away from our new location.

*If a school day is missed due to bad weather, students will attend school February 17 or April 3. Opelika High School Delayed Start For the 2019-20 school year, OHS will have delayed start times on the following dates: 9/23/19 and 3/9/20. Buses will run at normal times for those students needing transportation. Otherwise, students may report to school at 10:00 a.m. on the above dates. The call-in bell will be at 9:55 a.m. 27

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School Year Screen-Time Rules From a Teacher

fits-all thing. What works for some kids will not work for others. Finding what is best for your family can involve a bit of trial and error. These are the strategies that worked for many of my parents last year and that I’m sure I will be trying with my middle schooler this year:

Last year Fortnite invaded my middle school classroom -- as I believe it did to middle school classrooms across the country. Students who were usually on task and high-performing were nodding off and “forgetting” to do their homework. The morning conversations about how late they stayed up or who was the last man standing became part of our early morning check-ins. Then the phone calls with parents started. Over several months, I had numerous telephone and after-school meetings with parents concerned about their kids’ performance. When I brought up screen time, there were a range of reactions. Some parents seemed oblivious as to what their children were doing after hours, some didn’t know how to rein in screen time, and some thought they had it all under control -- but clearly did not. I get it. I’m not just a teacher: I’m a mom who struggles with screen time, too. I spent last summer trying to keep my own middle school daughter unplugged in the rural English countryside. After the first week, when the iPad started appearing little by little, I tried to use my own advice -- “However much you read is how much screen time you get” -- and reasoning, “Make sure you balance your learning games with your other games.” But then I’d hear my daughter yelling at a friend who’d just left her online game, and I’d feel like I’d lost the battle. The thing is, I’m not anti-screen. I’ve seen technology bring some amazing teaching moments to my classroom -- and to my own life. One student, whom I could never get to write a complete sentence on paper, wrote the most heartfelt poem about how he “nearly won” in Fortnite. It became his breakthrough, and he hasn’t stopped writing since. Other kids made parallels to the dystopian books they were reading and wrote very poignant compare-and-contrast papers to prove their points. And, far away from her friends in the United States, my daughter was able to stay in touch with her friends online, keep herself occupied with Roblox, and feel a part of pop culture by watching every Miranda Sings video ever made. Those breakthrough moments of connection, creativity, and critical thinking are what I strive for as a teacher and a mother. What it tells me is that however parents handle the management of their kids’ screen time, it really does have to be a balance. And knowing middle school kids as well as I do, I know that they aren’t always able to shut down Fortnite or YouTube without the guidance and support of their parents. I’ve also discovered that tech is never going to be a one-size-

Be present. Know what your child is playing and when. That seems simple, but it is so important. So many of my parents last year had no idea that their child was staying up until all hours in the morning playing games. I heard more than once, “I have never had to worry about their screen use. They have been so good up until now.” I remind them that this is middle school, they are not bad kids, and they are just testing the boundaries -- so set them!

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2019

Control the Wi-Fi. I touched base with some of my parents after their children made improvements in class, and I found that they had put in place simple household internet controls. The kids had passwords to access the internet, and the parents put a time limit on when the password could be used. Please note that a few of my tech-savvy kids confided that they were able to “override” this function. Remove the temptation. Some families took all screens out of the children’s bedrooms and stored cellphones in a locked charging box until morning. This might seem extreme, but I know for at least one of my students this worked. He was struggling socially and trying so hard to fit in with a certain crowd. He later acknowledged that he needed help -- beyond the gaming community. Parental-control apps. I’ve had students tell their parents that they have online homework to do and then end up playing a game instead. Parental-control apps can help, but it takes some research to find the right one for your needs. Making the homework space at the dining room table or another central location can make it easier to keep an eye on kids, too. Balance. Kids need downtime. I have these hormonal, opinionated, stressed-out middle schoolers for two hours a day, and I push them. I know that the other teachers at my school also carry high expectations. Finding time to completely unplug is important. One parent told me today that they have a hard rule of no screen time except for homework on weekdays, and the way to lose weekend play time is by breaking that rule. I personally allow weekday screen time, but I reserve the right to change my mind. Rebecca Young is a middle school teacher in Lafayette, California. Her teaching practices have evolved from chalk and blackboards to Google Classroom and smartboards. In the past few years, she has discovered that integrating technology into her classroom not only engages the younger generation, but it also provides an interactive and collaborative environment among students. At home, Rebecca’s sixth-grade daughter keeps things real by demanding screen-free family time and ultimate slime competitions (which she always wins!).

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When Rachel Phefferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter Brock starts middle school this fall, teachers will expect her and her classmates to manage homework, school supplies and activities without the same oversight they experienced in elementary school. Set your tween up for success in a way that supports her growing independence. Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2019

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“This is the time to let go and hope that I’ve taught her how to stay organized,” says Pheffer, a creative business owner. Of course, she’ll still offer guidance as Brock chooses organizational systems and colorful supplies that motivate her--all while staying on budget. “The dollar store is my favorite place. They have tons of bins and organizational things that you can buy and not bust your bank,” Pheffer says. Why get organized? Organization is a learned and essential life skill. Mismanaged materials result in needless stress, timewasted tracking down lost items and poor grades. “When kids get into the habit of organizing, they’re developing valuable planning and critical-thinking skills that will help them become better problem solvers and creative thinkers,” says professional organizer Shawna Childers.

Remember homework. Writing to-do lists and filling out assignment pads helps kids keep track of homework. If teachers permit, your tween might also snap photos of assignments posted on the board with her phone. Mikita Burton, a mom of three, lifestyle blogger and professional organizer, took advantage of technology to help her son remember homework materials. “Most teachers now have ‘web backpacks’ where parents can also see the assignment. I used the technology that our kids are now accustomed to and added assignments to his cell phone,” she says. “I set reminders and they would ping five minutes after the dismissal bell in hopes that by the time he got to his locker, he’d be reminded of the assignment and bring the correct book home.” Accessorize their locker. Prevent a locker from becoming a jumble of books, smashed papers and supplies. “A locker shelf should be your first purchase,” Burton advises. Discount stores sell baskets that can be flipped on the side to create an inexpensive locker shelf or purchase a shelf at area office supply stores. Hang magnetic baskets on the locker’s inside door to house extra pens and pencils. Kids generally love choosing personalized accessories to customize their temporary space. “Fun decorations on the inside encourage kids to keep it clean,” Burton says. Choose a calendar. Between school, extracurricular activities and a budding social life, busy middle schoolers can get overwhelmed. Select a cool calendar with your tween that she can fill out each week to help her visualize and prioritize her time. 31

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T r i n i T y

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

Free Digital Organization Apps MyHomework - Digital student planner (iOS or Android)

TradiTion

inClass (iOS) or Studious (Android) multimedia note-taking, file-sharing, to-do list management and s chedule planner Freedom (PC or Mac) - blocks distracting websites, mail servers, social media during homework time

For over thirty-five years, Trinity has been committed to a biblical Christian world-view, and its classical educational philosophy has been proven through thousands of years of learning experience.

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Manage backpacks. Simplify filing and retrieving of materials stashed in backpacks with color-coordinated folders and notebooks for each school subject. Get your child in the habit of cleaning out his backpack weekly to manage the balled-up papers, broken pencils and other trash that inevitably collect.

Toss clutter. “A great way to stay organized for the entire school year is to do a quarterly re-organize of their binders, notebooks and folders,” Childers says. “It works well to do this ‘clean out and refresh’ after each report card.”

www.tcsopelika.org

Create a homework station. Together, design and organize a functional, distraction-free homework space and stock it with necessary supplies. “Every kid should have what I call a landing station--a place in their room or common area to land all of their stuff,” Burton says. Each afternoon, Burton’s son stows his backpack in a large round plastic tub on the floor. He files paperwork that needs to be signed or reviewed by his mom in a hanging file folder box positioned above the tub. A small night stand holds his school-issued laptop and serves as a charging station.

Encourage independence. As long as her daughter completes his work and earns good grades, Pheffer says she’s comfortable with whatever kind of organization system she implements. Late assignments and poor grades will mean more oversight from mom, which typically doesn’t excite an independence-driven middle schooler. “Letting your child fail a bit is hard, but I’ve found sometimes that’s what we need to do to help them learn,” she says. AOP Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two sons, including a soon-to-be middle schooler who is working on getting organized. Christa is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2019

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Stacking Toys From the Ground Up

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Given only two cubes, the absolute first thing a child will do is stack them, one on top of the other. Perhaps it’s in our nature to instinctively build upward, to reach for new heights. For children, the practice of stacking objects serves their development on many important levels. With their various components, stacking toys cultivate motor control as kids practice their grip and release. Basic physics are introduced and children’s cognitive skills are nurtured as they ponder and plan the various outcomes of stacking diverse objects. The following items offer unique features that really stack up as kids build their skills through exploration and play.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Skoolzy Pegboard Stacking Toy

Jar Melo Stacking Cubes

Stacking gets a sturdy start on the Skoolzy Pegboard. With 36 pegs in 12 colors, building upward gets a sound foundation with the orange pegboard base. The pegs feature their own hollowed tops to allow continued stacking toward all new heights. With plenty of pieces, this set encourages shared play and team building as well. This Skoolzy stacking toy is a favorite among Montessori teachers as well as physical therapists for its stable foundation and nesting elements that minimize frustration while rewarding ambitious stacking. The variety of colored pegs also introduce counting, sorting and patterning to support early math learning. An ideal footprint for stacking games, the Skoolzy Pegboard offers a solid start from the ground up.

Farm living takes on a whole new shape with the Jar Melo Stacking Cubes. Featuring six graduated boxes, plus six farm animals (sheep, dog, horse, chicken, cat and cow), each cube offers visual cues to its traditional inhabitant. The graphic designs and shapes also introduce opportunities to explore counting, grouping and spatial order. Distinctive open doorways in each cube and colorful vinyl characters encourage creative scenarios for pretend play. Crafted from sturdy cardboard, this set is lightweight, portable and easily stored when nested together. Whether this community grows from the ground up or side-byside, Jar Melo Stacking Cubes offer versatile building blocks for a whole farm full of fun.

(Skoolzy)

(Jar Melo)

SpinAgain

Baby Plush Stacking Rings

(Fat Brain Toys) Offering a new twist on stacking, Fat Brain Toys’ SpinAgain adds captivating movement to the formerly static stack. Six textured discs, graduated in both color and size, rotate as they descend down a corkscrew pole. No matter the order or direction, each disc spins into place for a stable stacking assembly that can take any shape. Simply lifting the corkscrew center pole up from the reversible wobble base lets all the discs spin down and off into a pile that’s ready to turn around into a whole new stack. Adding kinetic movement to traditional stacking rings gives the SpinAgain an exciting twist that winds up (and down) in a whole new experience.

(iPlay)

It’s never too early to introduce stacking toys to the toddler set. The Baby Plush Stacking Rings combines a stimulating softsided experience with a stacking exploration that’s perfect for the littlest hands. Featuring multiplied sensory benefits, each colorful ring has its own individual appeal. The duck ring squeaks and the windmill jingles, while other rings feature teething tabs and other tactile delights. The gentle graduation of ring size ensures that there is no wrong way to stack them on the soft fabric post. Ideal for small fingers to explore and arrange, iPlay’s Baby Plush Stacking Rings lands softly at the top of tiny tot toys.

Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2019

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Saving for College Q. I’ve got a couple of friends who were advised by their financial planners not to open college savings accounts for their kids. Their planners told them this would count against their children’s ability to receive financial aid and assistance when it’s time for college. Apparently, these planners told them to put the money into their own retirement accounts. It’s my understanding, however, that both the child’s and the parent’s financial situations are looked into when determining financial aid. Can you please shed some light on this? A. So, if a financial planner told you not to get a job because then you can apply for welfare, are you going to listen to that person? What kind of moron gives financial

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2019

advice like this? You don’t tell people not to save money for something, just so they can pretend they’re poor! Save whatever money you can, and send your kid to school. Why is that such a difficult concept to grasp? People need to stop looking for tricks and shortcuts, because there aren’t any that will be beneficial in the long run. I’m not going to pose as broke—fraudulently—to get financial aid for my kid. That’s ridiculous!

Hold Off on Contributions? Q. Should I still contribute up to the match to my 401(k) at work, like you recommend, if I’m in the process of trying to get out of debt? A. Some people disagree with this stance, but my answer is no. I understand how important it is to take the match in

a situation like that, but one of the things I’ve learned over the years is that personal finance is 80 percent behavior and only 20 percent head knowledge. In the short term, the power of focusing on changing your behavior and working hard to pay off debt will supersede the mathematics involved where your company match is concerned. In other words, if you stop saving temporarily, for just a year or so—and wipe out all your consumer debt—you’ll gain a tremendous amount of financial power. And this will be more beneficial to you than one or two years of your company match. I’d never tell anyone to stop investing, or taking advantage of a company match, for several years. However, if you put it on hold for just a little while and clean up your debt mess—then go back to investing for retirement—you’ll reap many more rewards down the road. You’ll permanently change your financial behavior, and you’ll be able to invest even more for retirement and other things.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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belongings, and get to school on time. Here are some ideas for families to lower the stress and create a smoother school morning. Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2019

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Lunch solution

Packing a healthy school lunch (or multiple lunches) can take up a lot of time in the morning. Get a head start on lunch preparations by starting the evening before. “If my kitchen is clean, I feel like I am ahead of the game. Every night before going to bed I prep lunches for the next day, put away clean dishes, and reload the dishwasher.” says Kim Burnette, mother of two. By getting a head start the night before, you eliminate a big step, leaving you time for other things in the morning.

Backpack solution

After the kids have completed their homework, have them pack their backpacks up. Parents can sign permission slips, go through school papers, and gather any supplies needed for school the next day and pack them up. Does your child have their gym uniform and band instrument? When everything is ready the night before, there is less to do on school mornings.

Wardrobe solution

Check the weather the evening before school so that kids can lay out their clothing and outerwear for the next day. With the jeans, jackets and shoes laid out there is less scramble to find everything the next morning. Also try laying out the entire week’s clothing on Sunday. “We have a small plastic set of drawers with 5 drawers that can be purchased in the storage section at Target. We put an outfit for both of the kids in each on Sunday.” says Alicia Dafferner, mother of two.

Prep yourself

Many parents find that if they can wake up before the kids, they feel more refreshed and prepared for a productive morning. This gives them the time to take few minutes to wake up, enjoy a cup of coffee, or grab a quick shower. Mother of three, Jessi Cole, says, “I find that it helps if I get up early and get myself ready before my kids get up. That way, I only have to worry about them.”

Breakfast solution

Help make breakfast healthier and quicker by planning ahead. Sherry Hoffman, mom of two boys, says, “I make several breakfast options that are freezer and toaster oven friendly on the weekends that we can choose throughout the week.” Ideas for freezer-friendly breakfast items include breakfast burritos, waffles, french toast or muffins. There are also easy to make options like whole grain cereal, yogurt with fruit and granola, or a breakfast smoothie. Many

of these items can be prepared the night before to help morning go smoother.

Early to bed, early to rise

“I have noticed that it makes our mornings much smoother if my kids get enough sleep, so early bedtimes are a must,” says Hoffman. Kids who have a consistent early bedtime are more rested for an early wake up. Rested kids are in better moods and stay on task on school mornings, causing less stress and conflict in the morning.

Eliminate electronics

With limited time to be prepared for school, it is best to eliminate electronic 39

distractions. Parents and kids need to focus on the goal, which is getting to school on time. Distractions like television, handheld devices, and video games only slow down the process. Remind kids that there will be time for electronics after school, when their chores and homework are complete. Adjusting to a new school schedule can take awhile, but if parents do their best to prepare the night before and teach kids to do the same, the mornings will run much smoother. AOP Sarah Lyons has the task of getting her six children to school in the morning. Planning and preparation help her household run smoothly.

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Auburn Parks & Recreation

1102 Denson Drive Opelika, 36801 Kids Pottery Classes: Ages 9 and up; Tuesdays and Thursdays for 8 weeks.

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ad on page 17

222 East Drake Avenue Auburn, 36830 Act I: Acting classes for beginner and advanced students inspires imagination and creativity, teaches teamwork, and builds confidence. Act II: Students will be exposed to theater fundamentals through scene works, improv activities and more. Act III: Through this class, you will gain new acting skills involving expression, spontaneity, team work, stage presence, and so much more. Creative Kids: The young artist will be introduced to basic drawing and painting with a fun subject while developing learning and creative skills. Kids Can Draw: Manga is a Japanese style of comics; one popular aspect of manga is the chibis which are tiny, and often cute. Full of personality, style, and pizzazz we will learn how to draw chibi creatures, popularly known as “pocket monsters”. Mommy and Me: Holiday Fun! The activities range from sensory process art, printmaking, watercolor, sculpture, ceramics and painting – all rooted in educational purpose. Each week has a theme that revolves around the holidays. Mommy and Me: Fall Adventures! The activities range from sensory process art, printmaking, watercolor, sculpture, ceramics and painting – all rooted in educational purpose. Each week has a theme that revolves around fall. Arts and Crafts for Kids: Paper Quilling and Origami: Paper Quilling is the art of rolling narrow strips of paper into scrolls and arranging them to form elegant art. Students learn how to roll the scrolls and shape them into decorative patterns. Kids Can Paint: In this class, students will explore the artwork of six famous expressionists, and then use their works as a springboard to explore creativity. Each artist will have an “inspiration” piece based on their style, use of color, etc. Private & Semi-Private Art Lessons: Watercolors, drawing, mixed media and more. Sketching with Pencils and Watercolors: Students will learn how to draw, shade and create gradation with pencils. Learn about watercolor and acrylic painting. Chinese Watercolor Painting: Chinese painting attempts to capture the essence of an object, person, animal or landscape. It is the art of using suggestion and simplicity to imply reality. Chinese Fine Brush Painting: A traditional Chinese watercolor technique that uses a waterresistant rice paper to create highly detailed and delicate images. ‘Leaf It To Me”: We will make Leaf Wall Pockets, Leaf Shakers, and Leaf Fairies. Bobble-Head Quickie Clay Handbuilding Class: During the first two class meetings we will learn or further develop clay handbuilding techniques to create first the head, and then the body of a bobble-head figure. 334-501-2944

www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2019

334-705-5560

www.opelikasportsplex.com

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts

901 South College Street Auburn, 36830 August 8: Artist, Greg Brown will hold a papier-mâché demonstration at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, 5–6 p.m. The artist will detail his creative process in the versatile and inexpensive papiermâché medium for sculpting fantastic, large-scale figures similar to those he currently exhibits in “Creative Cadences: Works by Roger and Greg Brown.” 334-844-1484

www.jcsm.auburn.edu

Auburn City Schools

332 East Samford Avenue Auburn, 36830 Extended day offers children the opportunity to have individualized tutoring, participation in creative activities, and interaction with peers. Tuition prices are on a sliding scale based on lunch status. For more information, please contact your child’s school. 334-887-2100

www.auburnschools.org

Auburn Day Care Center

410 Boykin Street, Room 14 Auburn, 36830 Afterschool pickup and care. 334-821-4060.

The Art Studio

118 North Ross Street, Suite 2 Auburn, 36830 After school Art Classes for preschoolers, kids and teens. 334-332-5275

ricular programs include JumpBunch, Dance, Big Green Bus, & Spanish. We also prove before and after school care to most Opelika City Schools.

www.theartstudioauburn.com

Before & After School Care

Auburn United Methodist Church Discovery Club After-School Program

137 South Gay Street Auburn, 36830 Students can be picked up at their schools and transported to the church for homework, snacks, crafts, cooking, recreational activities, devotionals and mission projects. 334-826-8800

Child Care Network

128 East Glenn Avenue Auburn, 36830 Open 7:00am - 5:30pm. Transportation from schools available. Children engage in many developmentally appropriate, hands-on activities that promote learning in language, fine & large motor skills, the arts, math, science, and socialemotional skills. Nationally Accredited through NAC and Licensed through Alabama Department of Human Resources.

Core After School Center

Bonnie’s Kids

334-887-5730 kidscreative7@gmail.com www.creativediscoverycdc.com

334-821-8125. www.auburnfbc.org/wordpress_20150529/ministries

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2314 Enterprise Drive Opelika, 36801 Pick up from school for Beauregard, Opelika & Auburn for after school programs. 334-745-6248

www.bonnieskidschildcare.com

Growing Room Child Development Center ad on page 22

644 North Dean Road Auburn, 36830 334-501-2044

www.growingroomusa.com/auburn

1755 Thomason Drive Opelika, 36801

334-748-9020 www.growingroomusa.com/locations/growing-room-opelika

We believe Learning Can Take You Everywhere! We offer a language based curriculum focusing on math, science & self-help skills, Character Education programs, A Beka Phonics, extracur-

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702 Second Avenue Opelika, 36801 Before and after school pick up for most Opelika City Schools 334-749-9631 1311 A Opelika Road Auburn, 36830 Offering school drop off, after school pickup, after school care and tutoring and remediation. 334-521-5252 coreafterschool@att.net www.coreafterschoolcenter.com

Creative Discovery Child Dev. Center

1675 Shug Jordan Parkway Auburn, 36830 “Where Discovery Leads to Learning!” After school pick up at Auburn City Schools, Lee Scott, and Indian Pines

Health Plus Fitness Center

1171 Gatewood Drive Auburn, 36830 Afterschool Rules! The place to be for homework, fitness, and fun. Pick up from Auburn Early Ed Center, Cary Woods, Yarbrough, Lee-Scott and Drake Middle School. 334-887-5666

www.healthplusfitness.com

Milestones Learning Center

1811 East Glenn Ave Auburn, 36830 Children learn through direct, hands-on experiences with people, objects, events, and ideas. Kindermusik, ABC Music and Me, Premier Tumbling, The Big Green Bus, and more! Fall registration going on now! Afterschool care and transportation available. 334-887-4391

www.milestoneslc.com

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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1901 Corporate Drive Opelika, 36801

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1745 East University Drive Auburn, 36830

Auburn Parks and Recreation

Miss Deanna’s Childcare 334-745-7139 334-821-0066

After school transportation and care for Auburn City Schools.

Opelika City Schools Extended Day

CARES offers tutors, homework assistance, recreation, school clubs, special activities, field trips, and other areas of enrichment for children who attend elementary schools in Opelika. 334-745-9700

www.opelika-al.gov

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County 400-B Boykin Street Auburn, 36830 334-821-6020

pharrison@bgcleeco.org

334-745-2582

ybatts@bgcleeco.org

1610 Toomer Street Opelika, 36801

An after school Youth Development program that serves youth Greater Lee County. Afternoons begin with a healthy snack followed by Power Hour: Making Every Minute Count in which club members spend time reading, receiving homework assistance and tutoring. The evening is filled with fun programming in five core areas including character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills; the arts, and sports, fitness, and recreation.

University Daycare Child Care Center

2900 Waverly Parkway Opelika, 36801 Before and after school care and pickup available. During the school year, our school age children have a set schedule that provides a snack, active play inside or outside and quiet time for homework and relaxing. 334-203-1234

www.udcauburn.com

Intermediate (I) and Advanced (A) Baton. Batons can be ordered the first two night of class and cost $17 each. All batons must be paid for before they are ordered. All classes will perform in the Opelika Christmas Parade on 12/7.

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334-705-5560

425 Perry Street Auburn, 36830 Auburn DanceWorks Pre-School Ballet: Students are encouraged to express themselves creatively while learning and practicing left/right orientation and simple movement skills that are the basis for ballet techniques taught in a formal ballet class (bending, stretching, jumping, turning, leaping, galloping and skipping). Auburn DanceWorks Pre-Ballet: Introduces students to formal ballet terminology and technique, encouraging the use of proper terms. Students will engage in traditional barre exercises and age appropriate movement. 334-501-2930

www.opelikasportsplex.com

Tiger Twirlers ad on page 16

189 East University Drive Auburn, 36830 Taught by Gail Hammitt, Former Auburn High School and Auburn University Majorette. Lessons held inside Max Fitness. Special baton performance at Auburn University Events. 601-630-6994

Variations Dance

www.auburnalabama.org/parks

ad on page 19

323 Airport Road, Suite E Auburn, 36830 Variations Dance Studio offers a comprehensive, fun, and educational experience for dancers of all ages, including children, teens, college students, and adults. From classical ballet to jazz to fitness barre, our professionally trained instructors choreograph excitement while setting physical goals. Courses offered in all levels of dance including Preballet, Ballet, Pointe, Hip Hop, Jazz, Musical Theatre/Broadway, Lyrical, Contemporary, Stretch, Company, Tumbling, Acro and Competition Teams.

Ballet Academy ad on page 23

1703 Westend Court Opelika, 36801 The Ballet Academy specializes in classical dance training which includes Ballet Technique, Pointe, Variations, and Pas de Deux (partnering), as well as instruction in Modern, Contemporary, and Tap. Ballet Academy also offers an Adult/College Ballet Class, Acro, Pointe Conditioning, Pilates, and Core Conditioning which consist of strengthening the core abdominal and back muscles utilizing exercises from the Pilates and Yoga curriculum.

334-275-5013

www.variationsauburn.com

Celtic Traditions School of Irish Dance

334-737-5551 balletacademyopelika@gmail.com www.myballetacademy.net

2705 Fredrick Road, #3 Opelika, 36801 We spread the joy of Irish dancing through classes and performances. Classes include intricate footwork, musical timing and tune recognition, proper Irish dance technique, stage presence, flexibility, teamwork, rhythm, importance of working towards goals, and much more!

Opelika Parks and Recreation ad on page 35

1001 Andrews Road Opelika, 36801 Baton: Classes will be split into Beginner (B),

334-705-0303

www.celtic-traditions.net

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motivation to learn on their own. Whether your child is seeking enrichment, needs help catching up or is just beginning his or her academic career, Kumon is designed to help him or her develop a love of learning. Kumon has become the most successful after-school math and reading program. Kumon helps accelerate your child’s learning - from as young as 3 all the way through high school. Free placement tests are administered by appointment.

334-501-8586 robertcox@ikumon.com www.kumon.com/auburn-opelika-al

Snapology Auburn ad on page 13

Make Your Move Performing Arts Studio

1220 Fox Run Pkwy, Suite 212 Opelika, 36801 Dance classes for boys and girls of all ages including Baton, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Acrobats, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Combination classes and more. Offering recreational and competition classes. 334-705-0205

www.makeyourmovedance.com

Nix Dance Studios

850 Stage Road Auburn, 36830 We offer classes for ages 3 and up. Choose from Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary, Hip Hop, Baton, Pointe, and Company. Our state of the art facilities are in a freestanding building designed specifically for dance. 334-887-7250

www.nixdancestudios.com

Rising Starz

2140 East University Drive Auburn, 36830 Offering ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, tumbling, baton, musical theatre and acting. 334-209-1464

www.risingstarzstudios.com

Educational Auburn Parks and Recreation ad on page 17

425 Perry Street Auburn, 36830 IAMBK After School Enrichment: IAMBK is a 501 community organization that provides afterschool enrichment programs for youth and families, grades k-12, in partnership with Auburn City Schools. Classes are offered by certified and specialized instructors in a variety of areas. Limited space available. Class themes include group therapy, tutoring, art, band, dance STEM and more! The Knight School Chess Academy: The Knight School is a nationwide chess party that coaches over 2500 kids every week! This class includes pizza every week and welcomes beginners and experienced players alike. It is loads of fun! Learn Computer Programming: An easy to use style. This program was designed with a beginner in mind and is very easy to use for those with little or no experience. Please bring a laptop with Wi-Fi capability to each class. 334-501-2930 iambk@ymail.com and samuel. focht@gmail.com www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Kumon Math and Reading Center of Auburn/Opelika ad on page 12

1550 Opelika Road, Suite 36 Auburn, 36830 For more than 60 years, Kumon’s after-school academic enrichment program has helped children achieve success worldwide. We strive to instill in children the desire to achieve and the Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2019

At Snapology we believe that children are meant to learn through play. When children are engaged in interactive, hands-on learning activities, their creativity flourishes and they show an increased interest in school. Snapology engages children ages 1-14 using LEGO® bricks, K’Nex and technology. Snapology is the premier partner for STEAM programs, offering year-round programs in schools, community facilities, homes and in our Discovery Center. Kids have so much fun in our programs that they don’t even realize they’re learning! 334-425-3735 auburn@snapology.com www.snapology.com/location/auburn

AU Multilingual After School Program

351 West Thach Concourse (Haley Center) Auburn University, 36849 The program is to prepare the students for successful careers in the global economy by developing their language skills and cultural awareness. 334-559-9023 auafterschool@auburn.edu www.synchroeducation.com

Mathnasium

1345 Opelika Road, #6 Auburn, 36830 Learning center for math; We help kids in grades K-12 understand math by teaching the way that makes sense to them. 334-329-7225

www.mathnasium.com/auburn

Fitness HealthPlus Fitness Center

1171 Gatewood Drive Auburn, 36830 Kid’s Gym- A safe, friendly environment for your child to explore health and fitness through supervised play. Infant Swimming Resource- a nationally recognized survival swimming program which teaches infants and toddlers ages 6 months to 6 years using the ISR Self-Rescue™ method. Water Babies and Swim Lessons- swim lessons offered throughout the year. Youth Swim for Fitness12 session water fitness program; ages 7-17. 334-887-5666

www.healthplusfitness.com

My Gym Auburn

300 North Dean Road, #6 Auburn, 36830 Tiny Tykes, Gymsters, Cardio Kids, All Star Sports, Zumba and more! Offering structured, age-appropriate, weekly classes that incorporate music, dance, relays, games, special rides, gymnastics, sports and more. 334-246-0987

www.mygym.com/auburn

pate in helping child. Max of 5 per class; ages 2-3yrs Tumble Tots: 4yrs Level 1 Tumbling: Learn basic tumbling skills and improve balance & coordination. 5yrs and up Level 2 Tumbling: Handstand forward roll, roundoff and power hurdle roundoff required. Must have coach’s recommendation. Level 3 Tumbling: Roundoff backhandspring on the floor and series backhandsprings on the tumble track required. Cheer Prep Tumbling: For middle school & high schoolers wanting to learn backhandsprings & other higher level skills. Boys Trampoline: Ages 5 and up; Learn basic trampoline skills. Teen Tumbling Class: Ages 13 and up; Learn basic tumbling skills.

334-705-5547

Auburn Gymnastics Academy

703 West Samford Ave Auburn, 36849 Gymnastics lessons, teams, beginners, intermediate and advanced 334-844-9098

Premier Spirit Academy

923 B Stage Road Auburn, 36830 Offering Preschool Mighty Movers to Advanced Tumbling lessons; also tumbling for fitness and cheer basic classes. 334-821-7300

Opelika Parks and Recreation Power Tumbling & Trampoline ad on page 35

1102 Denson Drive Opelika, 36801 Parent and Me Tumbling: Parents must partici-

www.premierspiritacademy.com

Xtreme Athletics

3732 Pepperell Parkway Opelika, 36801 Gymnastics and cheer programs 334-759-7030

www.xtremeathleticsauburn.com

Homeschool Auburn Parks and Recreation ad on page 17

425 Perry Street Auburn, 36830 Art for Homeschoolers: These classes, under the sponsorship and support of the Auburn Arts Association, are divided into two age groups to allow for age appropriate art experiences. Fees cover instruction and all supplies and materials. Please register in advance of the first day of classes. Group 1 | Art Explorers: Join us in learning about artists and art techniques as you explore a variety of art media and develop your own artistic style. Classes are organized around themes that highlight the basic elements of art. In the past, some of these themes have been, “Fins and Feathers,” “Patterns in Art” and “Art from Odds and Ends.” Group 2 | Art Adventures: This class is designed for the young artist ready to meet art challenges at the intermediate level. Come have fun with photography and explore the core principles involved in capturing a creative photo. Creative Writing: A class focusing on the foundation of writing fiction and creative nonfiction, this fun class will include some short fun readings and weekly writing prompts, group work share, and one on one feedback and editing from the instructor. 334-501-2390

Gymnastics/Cheer/ Tumbling

www.opelikasportsplex.com

www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Opelika Parks and Recreation ad on page 35

Homeschool Tennis: Private/Group Lessons/ Family Lessons: Learn the basics of tennis through fun tennis and coordination games. Lessons are once a week. Ages 3-4 need a 19 in. jr. racket. Ages 5-6 need a 21 in. jr. racket. Ages 7-8 need a 23 in. jr. racket. Ages 9-10 need a 25 in. jr. racket. Ages 12-18 need an adult racket. www.opelikasportsplex.com

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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Horseback Riding H & G Horse Quarters

943 Lee Road 57 Auburn, 36830 Our lesson program consists of competitive riders, beginner children and adults, and a strong college group. 334-887-0026

www.hghorsequarters.com

Hunter’s Ridge Farm

8182 Wire Road Auburn, 36832 Offering riding and showing lessons for beginners through advanced. 334-728-1004

www.huntersridgefarm.net

Silver Lining Equestrian Center

5067 Birmingham Hwy Auburn, 36830 Specializing in Eventing and Hunter/Jumpers; we offer lessons to a wide range of ages and abilities. 334-703-0870

www.silverliningequestriancenter.com

Martial Arts Auburn Parks and Recreation ad on page 17

425 Perry Street Auburn, 36830 Yoshukai Karate – Beginner Children’s Class: Karate is a martial art that emphasizes selfconfidence, self-discipline, respect, and physical fitness. This class teaches basic strikes, blocks, and kicks. Tournament sparring and self-defense fighting are in a controlled environment. Yoshukai Karate – Advanced Children’s Class: Karate is a martial art that emphasizes self-confidence, self-discipline, respect, and physical fitness. This class teaches basic strikes, blocks, and kicks. As students progress, we

teach advanced strikes, blocks, kicks, selfdefense, and traditional weapons use. Tournament sparring and self-defense fighting are in a controlled environment. Yoshukai Karate – Teens: Karate is a martial art that emphasizes self-confidence, self-discipline, respect, and physical fitness. This class teaches basic strikes, blocks, and kicks. As students’ progress, we teach advanced strikes, blocks, kicks, self-defense, and traditional weapons use. Tournament sparring and self-defense fighting are in a controlled environment. Aikido: martial art used to defend against and escape from attacks such as grabs, punches, chokes. Weapons, “take-away” are also emphasized. A defensive martial art used to disarm and subdue attackers. 334-501-2930

www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Opelika Parks and Recreation ad on page 35

1001 Andrews Road Opelika, 36801 Karate: Begin as a new student or advance your martial arts skills in traditional Japanese Karate style taught by certified Black Belt level instructors. Traits of self-discipline, self-control and respect for self and others are woven into each Japanese International Karate Center (JIKC) training session. 334-705-5560

www.opelikasportsplex.com

fun while learning basic kicking and punching techniques, as well as, self-defense. 334-737-5617 wctauburn@gmail.com www.martialartsauburn.com

Auburn Academy of Martial Arts

323 Airport Road Auburn, 36830 Kinder Kick, Beginner, Advanced, Adults, and Homeschoolers. 334-502-7221

www.auburnacademy.com

Auburn Jiu Jitsu

758 East Glenn Avenue Auburn, 36830 Brazilian/Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport which focuses on grappling or groundfighting. 334-329-5218

/www.auburn-jiujitsu.com

Auburn Mixed Martial Arts

2515 East Glenn Ave Auburn, 36830 Technique taught in the martial arts of: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Judo, Kickboxing and Submission Grappling. 334-887-0818

www.auburnmma.com

Premier Spirit Academy

923 B Stage Road Auburn, 36830 Ninja Academy: learn flexibility, strength, tumbling, and obstacle maneuvers. 334-821-7300

www.premierspiritacademy.com

World Championship Taekwondo

Music

2701 Fredrick Road, Suite 308 Opelika, 36801 Prepare Your Child for Success in the Classroom! A Korean form of martial arts that focuses on discipline, concentration, respect, balance and coordination. Students should expect to have

ad on page 17

ad on page 27

Auburn Parks and Recreation 425 Perry Street Auburn, 36830 Joy’s Music Studio: Piano Lessons: Joy’s music studio offers private/group lessons for children and adults. The piano sessions are

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basic strumming patterns. Students will learn to transpose songs in different keys. 334-501-2930

www.auburnalabama.org/parks

First Baptist Church Youth Program: Children’s Choir ad on page 20

128 East Glenn Avenue Auburn, 36830 Preschool Choir introduces the children to all aspects of music and includes beginning theory and activities that involve listening, moving, singing, and using rhythm instruments. The activities are geared to the children’s attention span and their need to be active. Younger Children’s Choir concentrates on helping each child develop a singing voice, a sense of steady beat, and fundamental music reading skills. These concepts are taught through music games, movement, and the use of a variety of instruments. Large and small group activities are planned as well as activities that give each child individual attention. Older Children’s Choir offers a variety of musical experiences: singing, playing instruments, drama, and movement. Older Children’s Choir participates in worship leadership several times during the school year. We also participate in the week-long Older Children’s Music Day Camp during the summer. This camp combines musical experiences with field trips and social activities.

primarily designed for beginners with a focus on keyboard familiarity, basic skills, music reading and repertoire. Joy’s Music Studio: Voice Lessons: Joy’s music studio offers private/group lessons for children and adults. Mommy and Me: Music Class: Be ready to sing, dance, play instruments, move around and have fun! This interactive class for babies and young children uses the research-based “The Music Class” (Music Pups) curriculum. AU University Music Project- Beginner and Intermediate Strings: Aims to provide private and beginner group lessons on orchestral string instruments to local students as well as practical hands-on training for Auburn University music education undergraduates. Rhythm Guitar Lessons: Have fun as you learn to play Rhythm Guitar! Lessons are formatted to teach basic chord patterns, chord transitions, and

334-887-8506

www.auburnfbc.org

First Baptist Opelika Fine Arts Academy ad on page 3

301 South 8th Street Opelika, 36801 Providing private music lessons in Opelika/ Auburn where Christ is honored and students are challenged and inspired to develop their God-

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given talents for the glory and service of God. Lessons are offered in the areas of piano, voice, guitar, strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion. Our experienced instructors are highly qualified in their individual areas.

334-745-5715 academy

www.fbcopelika.com/fine-arts-

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Spicer’s Music

2140 East University Drive Auburn, 36830 Lessons, including but not limited to: guitar, bass guitar, upright bass, keyboard/piano, voice, harp, drums, ukulele, banjo, fiddle, violin, cello, harmonica, tin whistle, oboe, didgeridoo, mandolin, dulcimer, clarinet, saxophone, flute, trumpet, French horn and more. Our lessons are taught in sound-proof custom-built lesson studios, equipped with a glass door and a camera that records 24/7 for parents to see the lesson live. Parents have a waiting area with comfy couches and free Wi-Fi!

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ad on page 23

334-329-PLAY

www.spicersmusic.com

Kindermusik at AUMC

137 South Gay Street Auburn, 36830 Music-and-movement classes for children. 334-826-8800 michelles@aumc.net www.aumc.net

Play and Fun CyberZone ad on page 39

107 North 9th Street Opelika, 36801 Interactive Entertainment Center in Downtown Opelika featuring one of the largest arcades in Alabama, Extreme 36-player laser tag, Atomic Rush, Replay Zone with retro arcades and pin-

• Riding - English, Western, and Jumping • Swimming • Heated Pool • Ropes Course • Climbing Tower • Outdoor Nature Skills • Sports • Soccer • Basketball

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800-882-0722 www.riverviewcamp.com

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ball, multiple private party areas, awesome pizza with an expanding lunch & menu, and more. Perfect for family fun, date night, birthday parties, celebrations, and group and corporate events of all sizes. Check our website for updated specials, and to book your upcoming birthday parties! 334-737-5000

www.cyberzone334.com

Gogue Performing Arts Center

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00-11:30AM

ad on page 5

130 Village View Lane Auburn University, 36849 Grand Opening Festival, August 22-25, featuring musical entertainment, outdoor activities, food trucks and live music by regional and local artists. Subscribe for the 2019-20 season with artists ranging from Broadway performances, concerts, chamber arts, dance performances, global stage, jazz ensembles, family theatre and more. 334-844-4722

Ages: 1-4 Years Old www.farmvillefirststeps.org

(334)-329-5439

www.goguecenter.auburn.edu

Krehler Preserve and Nature Center

Enroll now for Fall Classes!!!

ad on page 8

2222 North College Street Auburn, 36830 The mission is to provide programs, experiences, nature trails and natural habitats for education, study and relaxation for students and citizens of all ages while creating an atmosphere of discovery and stewardship toward our natural world. Offering programs for all ages: discovery hikes, nature walks, school programming, youth camps and workshops. AUsome Amphibians and Reptiles: Sept 9. 27 & Nov 1. Join the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center staff for a one-hour presentation on the AUsome amphibians and reptiles found in our state and beyond. Children and adults will enjoy this entertaining hands-on program with live animals. Admission is $5/person. Children 3 and under are free. Pre-registration is not required. Proceeds benefit the nature center. Sponsored by Auburn Opelika Tourism Bureau Fall Forest Friends: This award-winning program is a unique educational experience for pre-school children and their parents that incorporates hands-on activities with nature and environmental awareness. This six-week session begins 9/20 from 9:30 - 11 a.m. Session fee is $45 per child. Membership with the Kreher Preserve at the Magnolia level ($35) or above is required. Fall Camp: Oct 14 & Nov 11. Campers. grade 1-6, will join the KPNC naturalists outside, exploring our natural world and wildlife communities and discovering new adventures all around us. 334-502-4553

www.auburn.edu/preserve

Auburn Escape Zones

1234 Commerce Drive Auburn, 36830 Work together as a team to solve puzzles, uncover clues and unlock locks in order to solve the problem or â&#x20AC;&#x153;escape the roomâ&#x20AC;?. 334-329-7088

www.auburnescapezones.com

Auburn Lanes

719 Opelika Road Auburn, 36830 Offers traditional bowling on 24 lanes. 334-887-6573

www.amf.com/auburnlanesal

Good Times

750 East Glenn Avenue Auburn, 36830 Bowing lanes, 30+ Arcade Games, 2 Escape Rooms and 2 Party Rooms 334-539-3131

www.goodtimesbowling.com

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art

901 South College Street Auburn, 36830 Educational programming which strives to meet the needs for our community through diverse offerings. Programs include Art Clubs, Tours, Exhibits, Talks, Films and Jazz, and more! 334-844-1484

www.jcsm.auburn.edu

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

strong sense of self, display positive values, and seek challenges. 334-272-9164

www.girlscoutssa.org

Boy Scouts of America: Chattahoochee Council

1237 1st Avenue Columbus, 31901 Provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. 706-327-2634

www.chattahoochee-bsa.org

Shopping Fringe Kids & Fringe Consignment ad on page 20 Surge Trampoline Park

2506 Pepperell Parkway Opelika, 36801 Entertainment, fitness and sports facility featuring an indoor trampoline gym. 334-737-5599

www.surgeopelika.com

125 South 8th Street Opelika, 36801 Back-to-School Shopping? Start at Fringe Kids! We carry infant through children’s size 14/16. Popular brands, as well as boutique and designer brands. Now accepting fall and winter consignment. Also, teen shopping just across the street! 334-745-4497

Scouting

Fun & Fancy

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama

334-745-2237 tore

ad on page 4

145 Coliseum Blvd Montgomery, 36109 Daisies, Brownies and Girl Scouts. Girls discover who they are, where their talents lie, and what they care the most about. And they take action to change the world. Through our program, the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, girls develop a

www.fringeofopelika.com

1345 Opelika Road, Suite D Opelika, 36801 Clothing and shoes for baby and beyond.

www.facebook.com/funandfancys-

Kids Clothes Connection

804 Columbus Parkway Opelika, 36801 New and gently used baby, children, teen and maternity clothing. backpacks, sports gear, dance apparel and much more! 334-524-0606

www.kidsclothesconnection.com

Sports Auburn Parks and Recreation ad on page 17

425 Perry Road Auburn, 36830 Cheerleading: Girls will be instructed by staff in basic cheerleading skills and placed on squads to cheer for the Auburn Youth Football Association football games. Auburn Youth Tackle Football: Join this full contact tackle sport. Players must provide their own equipment, which must meet NOCSAE standards. Flag Football: A modified version of football; the league will play once a week and practice a maximum of twice a week. Academy of Starz Basketball Training: Fundamental to Elite basketball training by teaching, reading and reacting principles. Excel in defense, shooting, dribbling, jumping and more. Baller, Inc. Training: Basketball training and development. Baller, Inc. Training is individualized and breaks down your child’s strengths, as well as, identifies the areas needing improvement. Youth Community Basketball League: Youth basketball is for young people from ages 9-17. Great games with a 6 game season and playoff system with referee. Youth Free-Play Basketball: Children, grab your friends and join us at the Dean Road Recreation Center gym. Now, you have a place to improve your game or join in a pick-up game with your peers for a little competition. Children MUST be accompanied by an adult (age 19 & older) during participation. Fall Baseball – Youth: This fall baseball league is the time to work on specific baseball fundamentals or a new position. No scoreboard, no all-stars, no tryouts. Registration is limited to the first 66 players in each age group.

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Girls Fall Softball: No All Stars and no league standings. Ideal for players moving up to obtain experience for spring. Season will focus on fundamentals. Tots Tennis and Fitness: An introduction to tennis for young children. This clinic will provide various tennis and movement activities that will focus on eye-hand and eye-foot coordination. Munchkins Tennis: Open clinic for young children that are ready to learn the game of tennis. This clinic will focus on learning tennis skills that are needed to play the game of tennis. Half Volleys Tennis: Open clinic for young children that are ready to learn the game of tennis and an introduction to competitive point play. This clinic will focus on learning the tennis skills that are needed for point play. Junior Team Tennis: boys and girls, ages 7 to 18, to play singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Junior Team Tennis is a competitive, level based environment that provides individual growth, social growth, and life skills. Master Tennis: This clinic will introduce young players to the yellow balls and will focus on learning and improving on the basic tennis skills (forehand, backhand, volleys, & serve), court positions, tennis strategies (singles and doubles), and keeping score. Youth Recreational Soccer Leagues: Auburn Soccer Association’s Youth Recreational Leagues are designed to teach the basic skills of soccer and foster a love of the game within a format of fun. Youth and High School Lacrosse League: Auburn Youth Lacrosse Club offers its Youth and High School Fall season designed to learn and master the basic skills of lacrosse and practice fundamentals in order to properly learn the game and for players to be prepared for the Spring season.

PHYSICIANS TO CHILDREN

welcomes

DR. MALISSA HOY

334-501-2930 hmanning@auburnalabama.org www.auburnalabama.org/parks

Now accepting new patients ages newborn to 18 years

Opelika Parks and Recreation ad on page 35

1001 Andrews Road Opelika, 36801 Totally Sports: Sports, sports and more sports! Come enjoy flag football, basketball and more! Tennis for Fun Kids: A free tennis clinic for athletes with special needs that provides those athletes with an opportunity to have fun playing tennis, to learn basic skills and to socialize with each other. Awesome Goals Soccer: Designed to give children with physical or mental limitations soccer experience. AGS will focus on learning soccer skills in a safe and accepting atmosphere. Fall Swim Lessons: Class limited to 15 swimmers per session. Opelika SeaDawgs Fall Swim Team: Swim practice for serious swimmers who want to stay sharp. This is a competive program. Children must be able to swim. Will compete in optional meets. Opelika USA Swim Team: A year round competitive swim team offering swimmers the opportunity to improve swimming skills and compete in meets across the Southeast. All coaches are members of United State Swimming. Private Swim Lessons: Lessons are concentrated, intensive, one-on-one swim training experiences. Fall Soccer: Recreation level play for girls and boys. Experience team sports in a fun, non-competitive environment. JR Basketball and Girls JR Basketball: Intro to basketball. Players will be placed on teams by age. All games and practices will be on Saturday mornings.

P H YS ICIA N S TO C H IL D R E N Taylor Medical Complex 470 Taylor Rd, Suite 210 Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 293-5033 P

P H YS I C I A N S TO C H I L D R E N C h i l d re n s A L . o rg / p hys i c i a n s - t o - c h i l d re n

Youth Basketball and Girls Youth Basketball: Recreation basketball. Players will be placed on teams based on age and skill level. High School Basketball: Players may not be a member of the OMS or OHS team. Youth Wrestling: Player will compete based on age. Practices will be held at the OHS Wrestling Complex. Meets will be on weeknights at various school locations in Lee County. Flag Football League: Learn the game of football and enjoy playing without the hard hitting! Midget and Bulldog Youth Football: Birth certificate required. OPR leagues are weight restricted. Weight limits are strictly enforced. Midget and Youth Bulldog Cheerleaders: Uniform Sizing Date: August 10 from 9:00am12:00pm at Covington Rec Center. Beginner Red, Orange and Green Ball Tennis: Learn basics of tennis through fun eye-hand coordination, agility, balance and tennis based drills

and games. Red foam balls used for class.

334-705-5560

www.opelikasportsplex.com

Auburn Fencing

229 S 8th Street Opelika, 36801 Super Youth Program: The youth class focuses on the development of common skills required for any sport, with the added teaching of fencing basics. Beginner/Intermediate/Competitive Youth: This class includes the training and development of young aspiring fencing from beginner level through advanced and competitive students. 334-203-1989

ww.auburnfencing.com

Sports Academy

3765 Pepperell Parkway Opelika, 36801 Fall Instructional Baseball League: A two week training session to prepare players for the normal fall parks and recreation league. 334-749-4040 www.sportsacademyauburn.com AOP

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

ParentingToday’sTeens

3 3 F

by Mark Gregston

Learning to Shift Your Parenting Style Do you allow your teenager to make mistakes? Or do you protect him from that? Think about it — if you hadn’t learned from your own mistakes, how would you know what it means to make one? And if you prevent your teen from making mistakes, how else will he grow into maturity? By lecturing him? By rescuing him every time? Based on what I’ve learned from 30 years of working with troubled teens, that mode of parenting simply isn’t helpful to children in their teenage years.

As Children Enter Adolescence, Parents Need to Shift Gears — from Lecturing and Protecting to Mentoring and Coaching. Perhaps you recall the Biosphere II experiment 20 or so years ago? Several scientists were sealed in a huge glass bio-dome in the Arizona desert to see if life could be sustained in a similar facility in outer space. There was one unexpected result from that experiment. As trees were grown in this seemingly “perfect” environment, with sun and water and good soil, they all eventually died. You see, as trees normally grow in nature, winds continuously bend them back and forth, making microscopic tears in their bark. The tree responds by filling the tiny breaks with protective sap that hardens and forms a sturdy outer core, making the tree trunk strong enough to stand upright. So, without the buffeting of wind in the protected dome of Biosphere II, the trees there simply flopped over and broke after reaching a certain height.

I hope the analogy to parenting is obvious. Are you overly protective of a teenager in your own “dome”? Can you see how that could become detrimental, or at the very least not be very helpful to them, when in a few short years they will take on life all on their own? After years of being in protector mode, we need to get out of the way and allow our children to gradually bend in the winds of life a little more. Through that gentle buffeting they’ll gain strength and wisdom to stand upright and flourish in their later years. Without it, they will simply fall over at some point. The shift also encompasses moving from telling and providing to listening and guiding. In other words, avoid fixing everything for the little darlings but be there for them to cry on your shoulder when they make a mistake. Encourage them to make as many of their own decisions as possible, as long as they aren’t life threatening. The teenager may not get it quite right at first but eventually, through natural consequences, they will learn to make better decisions. Begin early, and keep working at it. This is an ongoing process, and one you should consider a critical stepping-stone to maturity. Parents of teenagers who really understand the “shifting gears” principle become really good coaches and listeners. They allow their children to learn from small mistakes along life’s road to prepare them to handle bigger decisions later on. They remain in the game, enforc-

ing the boundaries without wavering, but they avoid anger when boundaries are broken. They allow consequences to speak for themselves, for it is through consequences that we all learn. And they express true empathy and inspirational support during their teen’s struggles, even when they make really stupid mistakes. If you have a teenager in your home, perhaps it is time to shift your style of parenting. While it is hard to step back and watch as inevitable mistakes are made, it is essential for parents to allow the buffeting winds of life to blow. And give your teen some credit. You’ll be surprised how quickly he or she will mature once the training wheels are taken off and it is up to them to either steer straight, or crash. Like the beam on a child’s face after his first unassisted bike ride, your teen will grow in confidence and self-esteem with each new decision he makes. Give it a shot. Stop teaching and start training. You’ve done a great job giving your child input throughout the years. Now, start helping your daughter apply those truths to her life. That usually doesn’t happen in one conversation; it happens with many conversations. And start the process of helping your son become independent and take control of his life. It’s what HE wants. And you know it’s what YOU want. There’s a difference between teaching and training. Which one are you spending most of your time doing with your teen?

Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

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FamilyCalendar Thursday, July 25 Auburn Area Community Theatre presents AACT-OUT! Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. 6 PM. This FREE event will include refreshments, recognition of our sponsors and volunteers, information on how to get involved, live previews of our season titles, and the option to buy season tickets, or Flex Passes! Collegiate Hotel Rooftop Party July 25. Every Thursday during the summer, The Collegiate Hotel will host live music, artists and DJs on the rooftop bar. Amazing views and drink specials every Thursday through July. Contact the hotel at 334-821-2646 for more information about specific artists. Auburn. 7:30 PM. www.staycoho.com Alabama in Concert Also July 26. Columbus Civic Center. 7:30 PM. www.civiccenter.columbusga.gov

Friday, July 26 Back To School Bash Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 10 AM - 1 PM. Come enjoy one last day of summer with food and fun! Limited number of school supplies will be given away. www.opelikaparks.com Movie under the Stars at Wind Creek State Park Lake Martin. 7:30 PM or dusk – Join us as we watch a popular children’s movie on our large screen. Bring your chairs or blankets. Popcorn and Drinks will be available for purchase-Campground Playground. www.alapark.com/park-eventsnews Summer Movie Series Monkey Park, Opelika. 6:30 PM - Yard games and train rides. 8:30 PM - Movie. www.opelikaparks.com July 26: “Hook” Alabama Columbus Civic Center. 7:30 PM. www.civiccenter.columbusga.gov

Saturday, July 27 Auburn Wing Fest Greystone Mansion. 4-9 PM. www.aotourism.com Opelika Main Street On Tap 11 AM-4 PM. This is a food and drink festival in downtown Opelika. The event will feature over 25 craft beer distributors and numerous food trucks on site. 12th Annual Waverly Tomato Showdown Downtown Waverly. 11 AM-5 PM. Wickles Pickles presents the Waverly Tomato Showdown-a regional tomato growing contest where locals enter their best homegrown tomatoes. Revelers enjoy our Famous BLT Bar while listening to live music in historic downtown Waverly. Art Vendors, Yard Games, and a Cake Walk are also all part of the scene. Proceeds benefit the beautification of the Town of Waverly. Music begins at 11:30 a.m. Judging at High Noon. Young Eagles Day Also Aug. 31. Columbus Airport, 3250 W. Britt David Road, Columbus, Ga. 8:30-11:30 AM (weather permitting). All kids ages 8-17 are invited to take a Free airplane ride over Columbus! Most flights last 20

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2019

minutes. The goal is to provide a fun and educational aviation experience. 706-324-2453.

Lunchbox. Samford Pool Contact: Pool Staff • (334) 501 – 2957 • www.auburnalabama.org/pools

Wild World Weekend Also July 28. Explore the world with Zoo Atlanta! Travel from Africa to the Americas, from Europe to Asia and the Pacific via special entertainment, crafts and activities for the entire family. www.zooatlanta.org

End of Summer Movie Duck Samford Park, Auburn. 8 PM. Join us for the G rated showing of “Bugsy Malone” at Duck Samford Park Field 10. Gates open at 7 PM. Bring your lawn chair, blanket, kick back and enjoy the movie. Food concessions will be on site for purchase. FREE ADMISSION. Contact: Jarrett Jones • (334) 501-2941 •Jyjones@auburnalabama.org

Sunday, July 28 Wild World Weekend See July 27 for details.

Tuesday, July 30 Juggling Class with Todd Key July 30. Auburn Public Library. 4 PM. Juggling is a skill that takes a lot of practice, but can be mastered with the right instruction and persistence. Learn to juggle in a class with professional juggler Todd Key. This class is limited to 12 students. Please register by emailinglibraryevents@auburnalabama.org or calling 334-501-3296. Back to School Ice Cream Social Covington Rec Center. Cool off from the heat with ice cream sundaes you decorate while meeting new kids right before school starts! 1:00 PM. dscott@opelika-al.gov Summer Swing Concerts in the Park Monkey Park, Opelika. 7 PM. Free train rides and concession sales begin at 6:15 PM. July 30: Back to School Bash

Wednesday, July 31 Adventure Day Covington Rec Center, Opelika. Spend your afternoon on a scavenger hunt! 1:00 PM. www.opelikasportsplex.com Bark in the Park Dog Hike Wind Creek State Park, Lake Martin. 9 AM. Bring your non-aggressive dog and hike the Campfire Trail. Don’t forget your leash and “doggie bag” to clean up behind your pooch. www.alapark.com/park-eventsnews

Friday, August 2 Charlie Daniels Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.centremontgomery.org

Saturday, August 3 SportPlex Tri for Kids 7:30 AM. Kids’ triathlon benefitting the American Cancer Society. Participants will compete based on their age as of 12/31/18. www.sportsplextriforkids.com Back to School Bash at Samford Pool 9 AM - 6 PM. Join us for all-day games, music and fun at the pool! Admission is $2 per person or FREE with school supply donations. You must donate one of the school supplies listed below in order to get in for FREE. 1 Bottle of Glue, 1 box of Kleenex, 1 box of 24 Crayons, 24 pencils, 1 book bag, Pencil box, 1 pair of socks, 1 hand sanitizer, 2 pocket folders, 2 spiral notebooks, 1 pack of highlighters, Backpack,

Clay County Yellow Meated Watermelon Festival The day will begin with the Watermelon Small Vehicle Parade and Pet Parade. Food, music, vendors, arts and crafts, Watermelon Olympic games, kiddie land, Courthouse Cruise in, historical tours and exhibits are all included within the festival. www.facebook.com/ Clay-County-Alabama-Yellow-Meated-WatermelonFestival-2059154030992138/

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James Gregory Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.centremontgomery.org

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AU Leadership Presents Allison Blankenship Auburn University Student Center. 8 AM. This interactive program gives you hands-on tools to motivate and persuade others to buy-in. Discover how to grab your listener’s attention with a message that is targeted and persuasive in just 3 simple steps. Increase your client compliance up to 93% by busing one single word. And, you can create immediate buy-in and motivation by answering the one question every person asks. To find out more information, call (334) 844-5100.

Saturday, August 10 Auburn Football Fan Day Indoor Practice Facility and Watson Field House. 3:30-5:30 PM. Fan Day is presented by Golden Flake, Auburn Athletics’ oldest corporate partner and the “Official Salted Snack Food of the Auburn Tigers.” Futral Artifacts Show Village Event Center. There will be display cases, pipes, bowls, spears, arrowheads, clothing, jewelry, books, educational displays, etc. Pre Columbian, Civil War relics, Fossils, & related Artifacts. There will be a Flint Knapping Demo during the show. There will also be a raffle & refreshments. 8 AM - 3 PM. Admission: $2.00 Donation, Children under 12 are free. Magical Creatures @ The Montgomery Zoo 10 AM-12 noon, Meet some of the magical animals that are featured in the movies like “Harry Potter” and “The Hobbit”. You will get a chance to meet animals up close, learn about them in their habitats, and take home some special prizes for yourself. Make new discoveries and new friends. Geared for boys and girls, aged 4-10 years old. Advanced reservations are required. www.montgomeryzoo.com Haha Davis Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.centremontgomery.org

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FamilyCalendar Sunday, August 11

Thursday, August 15

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.centremontgomery.org

16th Annual Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee This event raises funds to assist with developing new programs, expanding and improving existing programs and training new tutor volunteers to help adult learners to read and write at a level necessary to succeed and thrive in society. Join us for an evening that promises lots of fun for a great cause. Consider sponsoring a team; promoting your business with a program advertisement or door prize; or simply coming out and enjoying the festivities. 5-9 PM at Auburn Alumni Center. www.leecountyliteracy.org

Monday, August 12 AACT Fall Jr. Show “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Jr.“ Auditions Jan Dempsey Community Art Show. Announcing open auditions for the Fall Jr. Performers Musical. Please come prepared with 30 seconds only of an acapella song. Be prepared to present short lines (sides) for one character. There will also be a short dance and movement portion of the audition. www.auburnact.org. supersugarmel@gmail.com

Columbus Kids Market Aug. 14-17. Central Baptist Church Columbus. www.columbuskidsmarket.com

Friday, August 16

Tuesday, August 13

2019 Buckmasters Expo Aug. 16-18. Area’s biggest hunting show with more than 300 exhibitors, Buckmasters Top Bow Indoor Championship, Young Bucks activities, Deer Scoring, Hunter Education course, and Dock Dogs event. Concert event on Saturday night. www.buckmasters.com

AACT Fall Jr. Show “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Jr.“ Auditions See August 12 for details.

Columbus Kids Market Aug. 14-17. Central Baptist Church Columbus. www.columbuskidsmarket.com

Wednesday, August 14

Saturday, August 17

Columbus Kids Market Aug. 14-17. Central Baptist Church Columbus. www.columbuskidsmarket.com

Tri Auburn Off Road Triathlon 2019 Join Tri Auburn for the Tri Auburn Off Road Triathlon at Chewacla State Park. www.triauburnal.com

Big Donkey Festival Dreamfield Farms. Enjoy a day filled with all of our pumpkin patch favorites such as the farm critters petting zoo, cow train, play areas and concessions. Add in the tasty concessions, various vendors and live music to make it an event for fun lovers of all ages! Plenty of shady seating for those who prefer a more laid back outing. http://www.dreamfieldfarms.com USS Alabama Living History Crew Drill Gulf Coast. WWII historical reactors board the battleship USS ALABAMA and submarine USS DRUM. Learn what life was like on these naval vessels during wartime. Be on the deck of the USS ALABAMA at 1 PM for the “call to battle stations” as vintage airplanes dive bomb the ship. Watch the men defend the Lucky A with guns blazing! Visit the compartments and learn about the jobs the sailors performed. www.ussalabama.com Back 2 School Bash Sponsored by Cornerstone Family Chiropractic and The Big House Foundation. Located in Airport Plaza/ Mikata. 9am-1pm. Bring your friends and family out to enjoy an outdoor carnival held at Airport Plaza in Auburn on August 17! Enjoy FREE food, games, entertainment, shopping and Aubie the Tiger! Proceeds go to the Big House Foundation charity. 334.246.2252 Sip and Paint Workshop LaGrange Museum. Join us in the CCL for an

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FamilyCalendar evening of creativity and fun! Local artists will walk you through the painting process to create your own masterpiece. No experience necessary! All art materials are provided (canvas, paints, brushes, aprons, etc.) Bring a bottle of wine, a snack, a date, a friend or make a new one! 7:00 PM--Please arrive at 6:30 to park, check-in, unwind, uncork, & get smocked! Price for the class is $30. www. lagrangeartmuseum.org 2019 Buckmasters Expo See Aug. 16 for details.

Sunday, August 18 Tri Auburn Sprint/Olympic Triathlon 2019 Join Tri Auburn for the Tri Auburn Sprint/Olympic Triathlon at Chewacla State Park. www.triauburnal.com 2019 Buckmasters Expo See Aug. 16 for details.

Wednesday, August 21 7th Annual Sustainability Picnic Davis Arboretum. 4:30-6:30 PM. 334.844.7777. Come learn about sustainability, while enjoying free, vegetarian-friendly food, live music, games, and door prizes! Find us at the Donald E. Davis Arboretum near the Old Rotation. This no-waste event will feature delicious and healthy food catered by Tiger Dining and live music.

Friday, August 23 Jason Isbell at Gogue Performing Arts Center Grand Opening Festival. The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University will present Grammy Award winners Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit as the headlining artists for a concert at the Amphitheater at the City of Auburn Lawn and Porch, at 8 p.m. The outdoor concert, is part of a four-day Grand Opening Festival (Aug. 22–Aug. 25) celebrating the Gogue Center’s inaugural season. Tickets are $20 and available at 334.844.TIXS and online at goguecentertickets.auburn.edu. The Mavericks Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.centremontgomery.org

Saturday, August 24 Annual Lion Tamers Day Covington Rec Center. A day filled with food, fun and free swim! 10 AM - 1 PM. dscott@opelika-al.gov

Tuesday, August 27 Author Talk: Alabama author Irene Latham Auburn Public Library. Irene Latham is the author of many books, including two novels for children, “Leaving Gee’s Bend” and “Don’t Feed the Boy”. She also won the 2016 ILA Lee Bennett Hopkins Promising Poet Award. Irene lives on a lake in Alabama where she does her best to “live her poem” every single day by laughing, playing the cello, and birdwatching.

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2019

Thursday, August 29 Sawyer Brown Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.centremontgomery.org

Friday, August 30 Hot Air Balloon Festival Aug. 30-Sept. 1, Labor Day Weekend. Callaway Gardens, Ga. See hot air balloons soar, or take a tethered ride yourself in our picture-perfect farewell to Summer. Spend your holiday engaging in a variety of familyfriendly events, including live music, beach activities, a Classic Car Show and a Kids Zone. www.callawaygardens.com

Saturday, August 31 10th Anniversary Celebration of The Opelika SportPlex 9:00 AM-12:00 noon. Join us for free donuts, fruit and pizza. First 2 months membership FREE for all new members. Scavenger hunt, kids inflatable bounce house, free group fitness classes and fitness assessments. Hot Air Balloon Festival See Aug. 30 for details. Labor Day Weekend Stone Mountain Aug. 31-Sept. 2. Stone Mountain Park honors and appreciates everyday working heroes during our Labor Day Weekend Celebration! Enjoy a day of adventure on our family-friendly attractions plus take in some special live entertainment only here during Labor Day Weekend! Complete your evening with the Lasershow Spectacular followed by EPIC fireworks all three nights! www.stonemountianpark.com Young Eagles Day Aug. 31. Columbus Airport, 3250 W. Britt David Road, Columbus, Ga. 8:30-11:30 AM (weather permitting). All kids ages 8-17 are invited to take a Free airplane ride over Columbus! Most flights last 20 minutes. The goal is to provide a fun and educational aviation experience. 706-324-2453.

September Sept. 1: Labor Day Weekend Stone Mountain See Aug. 31 for details. Sept 2: End of Summer Party Samford Pool. Come celebrate the last day of the pool season with the Aquatics Staff! Join us all-day for games, music and fun at the pool! Admission is FREE and our hours will be extended. 8 AM - 6 PM. auburnalabama.org/aquatics Sept. 6: AUsome Amphibians & Reptiles Show 4:30-5:30 PM. Join the KPNC educators for a onehour presentation on the AUsome amphibians and reptiles found in our state and beyond! Children and adults will enjoy this entertaining, hands-on program with live animals. Admission is $5/ person - children 3 and under are free. Pre-registration is not required. Sept. 6, 13 and 27: Come Home to the Corner Downtown Auburn. 6-9 PM. Live Music, Food & Drink, Shopping, Nightlife, Suitable for All Ages, Free to attend, and Tailgating. www.downtownauburnonline.com.

Sept. 6, 13 and 27: Football, Fans and Feathers Southeastern Raptor Center. www.auburn.edu/ raptor. 4-5 PM. Shows will be held the Friday before Auburn home games. Tickets are $5 per person and purchased upon entry or in advance by clicking visitingauburn.edu/raptor. No charge for children age three and under. The hour-long program begins at the center’s the 350-seat Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater, located at 1350 Pratt-Carden Drive off Shug Jordan Parkway. During the show, hawks, falcons, eagles and other birds of prey are freeflown from towers and around the amphitheater, enabling visitors to see these raptors flying close. This educational presentation is appropriate for all ages. Sept. 7: Johnny Ray Century Bicycle Ride 2019 The Opelika Bicycle Advisory Committee ‘s Johnny Ray Century Ride for Parkinson’s Disease is presented by the East Alabama Cycling Club and benefits the Davis Phinney Foundation. JRC riders will tour the true backroads of rural Lee, Chambers, and Randolph Counties of East Alabama. Adventurous gravel cyclists will be treated to some beautiful world-class gravel Chambers County dirt roads. 334.787.7679 Sept. 8-Oct. 11: The September Show Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. An eclectic collection of works based on the question: Is it Art? Sept. 10: Family Discovery Hikes: Pond Life Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. 3:30 PM. Hikes are monthly guided hikes through the Kreher forest. Family Discovery Hikes offer excellent opportunities for the entire family to learn about nature and see wildlife up close, while enjoying fresh air and exercise in our beautiful outdoors. Free – donations are welcomed. Rescheduled in the event of rain. www. auburn.edu/preserve Sept. 12: Zoobilation The Montgomery Zoo. 6-10 PM. Dance to the groove, delight in drinks and food samplings from the finest eateries in the River Region, try your luck at the vast collection of auction items and rub elbows with the area’s finest animal lovers. Zoobilation is a fundraiser geared for adults only. Tickets are $50 per person (all guests must be at least 21 years old to attend). www.montgomeryzoo.com Sept. 13: Auburn University Homecoming Parade Downtown Auburn. 6 PM. Sponsored by AU Student Government Association. www.auburn.edu Sept. 14: Black Jacket Symphony: The Eagles’ Hotel California Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. www.centremontgomery.org Sept. 14: Dino Dig Education Program The Montgomery Zoo. 10 AM-noon. Our junior explorers get to experience an archaeological dig, discover bones from the past and have a great time while learning about creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago. Dino Dig is an educational program with hands-on experience and fun. It is geared for boys and girls aged 4-10 years old. www.montgomeryzoo.com Sept. 20: Ballet and the Beasts The Montgomery Zoo. 6-10 PM. Enjoy the Montgomery Ballet in a FREE performance under the stars at the Montgomery Zoo. Fun for all ages, boys and girls. Admission is FREE, picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers are welcome. Side show performers will be

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FamilyCalendar performing prior to the main show. Also, there will be a live animal presentation held during intermission. Animal presentation will be presented by the Zoo’s Education Department’s docents and zooteens. FREE. www.montgomeryzoo.com Sept. 21: Hummingbird Banding with Fred Bassett 8-11 AM. World-renowned hummingbird expert, Fred Bassett, will be at the KPNC to band hummingbirds. Participants in this workshop will help catch and band live hummingbirds and you may even have the opportunity to hold one before it is released back into the wild. Admission is $10/person – children 3 and under are free. Tickets available on our website. Proceeds benefit the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center and Hummingbird Research (http://www. hummingbirdresearch.net/).preserve@auburn.edu Sept. 24: Renee Fleming at the Gogue Performing Arts Center Auburn. Grammy Award winner Renée Fleming is a world-renowned touring soprano who has performed for momentous occasions from the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony to the Diamond Jubilee Concert for Queen Elizabeth II. She has recorded everything from opera to indie rock, jazz and the soundtrack of “The Lord of the Rings.” www.gogeecenter.auburn.edu

Recurring/Multiple Dates Alabama Restaurant Week Aug. 16-25. Restaurants around the state, including many featured in the popular “100 Dishes To Eat in Alabama Before You Die” brochure, invite diners to experience the wonderful culinary scene of Sweet Home Alabama. Participating restaurants will offer specials throughout the week. Itty Bitty Auburn Scavenger Hunt Aug. 1-30. Happy Birthday Alabama! It’s time to break out the thinking caps and magnifying glasses for the third and final year of the Alabama Bicentennial Celebration. Alabama is turning 200 this year, and we are bringing back Itty Bitty Auburn to celebrate. Beginning Thursday, August 1, participants can pick up a worksheet for the scavenger hunt at any Parks and Recreation facility or find it on the City of Auburn website. The worksheet features 25 itty-bitty sites in various historic locations around Auburn, along with four bonus sites. Participants will find these sites and write the location on the worksheets. Completed worksheets must be turned in to the Harris Center by Friday, August 30 at 5 p.m. to be eligible for prizes, and the worksheet must have correct answers for ALL itty bitty sites. Those who complete all 25 sites correctly and answer the four bonus questions correctly on the worksheet will be entered into the Grand Prize drawing. Winners will be announced and contacted on Thursday, September 5. For more information about the Alabama Bicentennial celebration, visit alabama200.com. Friday on the Green July 26, Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Sept. 6, 13. Alexander City. Bring the kids and watch them swing or play corn hole, draw on the sidewalks, and just run around. Bring your pup on a leash. It is one of the best free summertime events around. So grab your cooler and come listen to come great music and have a great time. www.russellcrossroads.com APRD Monthly Market August 27. Auburn Parks and Recreation partners with our local growers on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Visit the Harris Center from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. to find the best produce, jams, jellies and bounty

of Lee County! Vendors will be set up in the lobby and Activity Room during warmer months to prevent products from becoming overheated and the Market may move outdoors in cooler months for space. If you are a local farmer or vendor and are interested in participating in the Monthly Market, please contact Whitney Morris at wmorris@auburnalabama.org for an application or visit auburnalabama.org/ parks. This event is FREE and open to the public. wmorris@ auburnalabama.org O Grows Farmers Market July 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20. 1103 Glenn Street. Held every Tuesday, May 14-August 27, from 3-6 PM. www.facebook.com/opelikagrows Main Street Farmer’s Market Through Oct. 26. Alexander City. 7-11 AM. Main Street Alexander City brings you the Farmer’s Market for 2019, showcasing the best that area growers have to offer, including fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, cheeses, breads and the occasional craft item. Rain or shine at the fountain on Broad Street. www.alexandercitychamber.com Columbus’ Market Days on Broadway July 27, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. Columbus. 9:00 AM - noon. Every Saturday morning, year-round in the 1000 & 1100 blocks of Broadway. Many local and organic farmers sell produce, along with soap vendors, home goods, jewelry vendors and baked goods. Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ MarketDaysOnBroadway/ Michael’s Kids Club Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. Saturdays, they craft, you shop! Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event. Kids 3 and up. Home Depot Kids Workshop Aug. 3. First Saturday of every Month 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. FREE hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 – 12. All children get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. www.homedepot.com The Summer Show: “WOODLANDS” July 2 - 31. Jan Dempsey Community Art Center. New works by members of Studio 222.

Saturday at Pioneer Park August 10 and Sept. 14. Loachapoka. On the second Saturday of every month, a group of history re-enactors gather at the LCHS Museum in period attire to demonstrate their arts and crafts. www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org Second Saturday at Columbus Museum August 10 and Sept. 14. 1251 Wynnton Road, Columbus. 10 AM - noon. Free Admission. Drop by the art cart with the kids each month to explore various mediums of art, enjoy art related stories, and participate in gallery hunts at the Museum. Children of all ages are welcome and encouraged to participate. www.columbusmuseum.com Summer Concert: Rabbitfoot Aug. 22. 6 PM. Columbus Museum. Come for the music and stay for the fun! Enjoy live music from a different regional band each month, as well as art making and a guided tour of the Museum. Bring your own picnic supper or purchase one from an onsite food truck. Free. www.columbusmuseum.com Look! @ Lunchtime Aug. 13 & Sept. 10. Columbus Museum. 12:15 PM. A collaborative viewing exercise and dialogue centered on works of art from the Museum’s permanent collection. Jonathan Frederick Walz, Ph.D., Director of Curatorial Affairs & Curator of American Art, will facilitate LOOK! discussions every second Tuesday. Each month a new object will be explored. Free. www.columbusmuseum.com Sunday Snapshot Aug. 11. Columbus Museum. 2 PM. The theme for August is People & Portraits. Drop into the Museum one Sunday afternoon each month, meet your docent tour guide in the Lobby, and get a themed tour exploring either our permanent collection or temporary exhibitions. These tours are appropriate for visitors of all ages and a new theme will be explored each month. www.columbusmuseum.com Fantastic Fridays July 26. Columbus Museum. Capitol City Opera “A Seussome Twosome”. Let Gertrude McFuzz and Sam-IAm show you the importance of loving yourself just as you are and of keeping an open mind–even towards green food! Free. www.columbusmuseum.com

Florence Neal: Works On Paper Through Oct. 20. Jule Collins Museum of Fine Arts. Auburn University alumna (1976) and New York based artist Florence Neal is the director and co-founder of Kentler International Drawing Space, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing to the public contemporary drawings and works on paper by emerging and under-recognized local, national and international artists, and to providing the opportunity to experiment, explore and expand the definition of art in society. She will work on site at the museum to produce a set of mokuhanga prints stemming from selected tree rubbing drawings made at the Donald E. Davis Arboretum. www.jcsm.auburn.edu

Super Saturdays Aug. 17. LaGrange Art Museum. Drop in anytime from 1:00 – 4:00 PM. Every third Saturday of the month, you are invited to spend enlightening afternoons at the Museum. Families, neighbors and friends—groups of all kinds—can join us for a tour of the current exhibit and then explore their creative side with an activity in the Center for Creative Learning classrooms. www.lagrangeartmuseum.org

Summer Flower Show Aug. 2-31. Jasmine Hill Gardens, Wetumpka. Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum, just north of Montgomery off U. S. Hwy 231 at 3001 Jasmine Hill Road -- Bring a picnic to enjoy the bright colors of summer annuals which thrive in this 20-acre Classical Southern Garden. This garden is filled with statuary, fountains, temple reproductions and pools. Stroll native stone walks and get a view of Alabama’s Astrobleme where a meteorite struck over 85,000,000 years ago, leaving a 3-mile-wide crater. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM, and Sundays from noon to 5 PM.

Summer Movie Series on the Beach Join us every Friday & Saturday night at Robin Lake Beach for a movie under the stars! Movies begin at Dusk, typically around 8:30 p.m. Friday night movies are considered our “classic” lineup & Saturday night movies are our “family fun” movies! Be sure to bring portable chairs, blankets, or any movie viewing necessities. www.callawaygardens.com July 26-27: “Top Hat” & “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms”

Megabugs Through November. Stone Mountain Park. Some colossal crawlers are taking over Stone Mountain Park! Featuring more than 70 new exhibits of largerthan-life insects, MEGABUGS! is an immersive and interactive area for ‘bugologists’ of any age to explore. These exhibits spotlight special features including the individual sounds and movements that make these insects unique members of the animal kingdom. www.stonemountainpark.com

Critters & Creek Walks at FDR State Park July 27. 9:30 AM. Join a ranger to investigate the

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FamilyCalendar summer woodlands and Mountain Creek. Wear tennis shoes that can get wet. Discover wildflowers, lichens, and water inhabitants on this ½ mile trek. Pay correct change at the site. Meet at picnic shelter below dam in campground. Not stroller accessible. gastateparks. org/FDRoosevelt Eye Spy Camera Scavenger Hunt at FDR State Park July 28. 9 AM - 4 PM. Team up for our on-site scavenger hunt with your camera or phone. Pick up checklist/rules at the park office any time. Pictures must be brought to park office with checklist by 4 PM Sat. Winners will be called to pick up prize. Hunt changes all the time so you can participate all throughout the year. gastateparks.org/FDRoosevelt Target Archery at FDR State Park July 28, 9-11 AM. This stationary target shooting adventure is for ages 10 to adult. We provide basic instruction equipment and unique shooting opportunities. Not geared towards large groups. Groups can contact us for a special time. $12 plus $5 parking; pay and pre-register at Park Office. Meet at fishing dock. gastateparks.org/FDRoosevelt Butterfly Bonanza at FDR State Park Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Pine Mountain, Ga. Investigate eggs, caterpillars and adult butterflies in our garden. Short walk and brief talk on basics of attracting important pollinators to your yard. Handouts. Meet at park office. Free event, $5 parking fee. Chick-fil-A Family Night at Tigertown Every Thursday night. 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. 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.

Library Events Board Game Hangout July 29, Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26. Opelika Public Library. From Monopoly to Betrayal at the House on the Hill to Sushi Go, Monday is for board games. BYOB (that’s Bring Your Own Board game) or play one of ours. Board Game Hangout is geared towards ages 16 and up. 5:00-7:00 PM. www.opelika.al/gov Baby Time July 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27. Auburn Public Library. Babies and their favorite adults enjoy 20 minutes of stories, songs, bounces, and tickles during Baby Time. Stay afterwards to socialize and play! Ages birth-24 months. Tuesdays, 9:30-10:00 AM, 10:00-10:30 AM or 1:00-1:30 PM. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2019

Toddler Time July 24, 31, Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28. Auburn Public Library. Toddlers and their favorite adults enjoy 30 minutes of interactive stories, songs, movement rhymes, and a fun craft during Toddler Time. Stay afterwards to socialize and play! Ages 18 months-3 years. 9:30-10:00 AM or 10:30-11:00 AM or 1:00-1:30 PM. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Preschool Time July 25, Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. Preschoolers and their favorite adults enjoy 30 minutes of interactive stories, songs, movement rhymes, and a fun craft during Preschool Time. Stay afterwards to socialize and play! 3 – 5 years. Wednesdays, 9:30-10:00 AM, 10:30-11:00 AM or 1:00-1:30 PM. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Story Time July 26, 29. Opelika Public Library. Join us for an interactive and engaging preschool program that is sure to delight and entertain. They won’t even know they are learning! Meets Mondays and Fridays. library@opelika-al.gov. Summer Story Time July 26, Aug. 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30. Opelika Public Library. The story time you know and love but expanded for Summer! Every Friday in June and July we will have story times for little ones and interactive story games for school age children from Kindergarten through completed 3rd grade. Ages 0-3rd grade. This engaging program is part of our Summer Reading Program schedule and is sure to delight and entertain. 10:00 AM. library@opelika-al.gov Gamers Society Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. Auburn Public Library. 4:00 PM. It’s Game On at the Auburn Public Library The Programming Room will be open for Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon, and video games. Gamers must bring their own materials The library will provide materials for video game play. Games must be rated E, E10, or T; no rated M games. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Monday Movies Auburn Public Library. Cool off at the library this summer with an air-conditioned movie! Join us each Monday in June and July for TWO showings of some great movies. Popcorn and water! This program is free and open to the public! July 29: “The Nuttiest Nutcracker” (10 AM) and “Nutcracker and the Four Realms” (2 PM and 6 PM). Summer Movie Madness July 29. Opelika Public Library. library@opelika-al.gov. Every Monday, join Cooper Library Children’s Staff for a free movie matinee. Movie Schedule available on Cooper Library calendar at www. cooperlibrary.com. Popcorn and lemonade provided. Saturday STEM Storytime July 27, Aug. 2, 10, 17, 24, 31. Auburn Public Library. Preschoolers - 2nd grade children and their caregivers are invited to join us for a storytime on Saturday mornings that is all about STEM. 10:0011:00 AM. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math This storytime will focus on these concepts in a fun, interactive, story-driven format Please note: Some activities may involve messy fun! (334) 501-3296. Brick Builders Club July 27, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. Opelika Public Library. If you love creating with Lego bricks, then this is the place to be! Open to all ages, but geared towards school-aged children, your creativity will take the spotlight as you build whatever you can imagine. Lego bricks provided. library@opelika-al.gov.

Code Club July 25, Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. Opelika Public Library. Code Club at the Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library is going to teach your kids how to make website, apps, and games in a fun environment. Bring your own laptop if you have one, but it is not required. Thursdays. Code Club, Jr. July 24, 31, Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28. Opelika Public Library. Code Club at the Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library is going to teach your kids how to make website, apps, and games in a fun environment. Wednesdays, 3:30 PM. library@opelika-al.gov Imagination Lab July 25, Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. Opelika Public Library. The Imagination Lab is for young minds to explore and create. From magnetic circuits making sound to programming a small robot, the lab is waiting for BRAIN power to create a spark! Thursdays, 3:00-4:00 PM. library@opelika-al.gov

Performances “Dixie Swim Club” July 25-28. Red Door Theatre, Union Springs. Five Southern women, whose friendships began many years ago on their college swim team, set aside a long weekend every August to recharge those relationships. Free from husbands, kids and jobs, they meet at the same beach cottage to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other’s lives. www. reddoortheatre.org “Rent” August 3. Join us as the 20th Anniversary production of “RENT” launches its national tour from the RiverCenter stage! This rock musical, based on the opera La Boheme, follows a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive in New York’s East Village. Single tickets are on sale now! www. rivercenter.org “Charlotte’s Web” Sept. 5-8. Riverside Theatre, Columbus. Based on EB. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. www.theatre.columbusstate.edu/ productions.php “Buzz” Sept. 4-15. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Charismatic director Mary Ann “Buzz” Goodbody was one of only five women directing in the UK in the 1970s. In 1975, she famously directed Ben Kingsley in the title role of “Hamlet”. Four days later, she was gone. www.asf.net “Hamlet” Sept. 5-Oct. 6. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. NYC’s Bedlam Theatre in residence at ASF creates Shakespeare’s Hamlet with a company of four actors, in a production hailed as “invigorating,” “lively and brisk,” and “masterful” by critics. www.asf.net “Saint Joan” Sept. 12-Oct. 5. Alabama Shakespeare Festival. The epic story of a young farm girl who led an army and transformed a nation; staged brilliantly by four actors from Bedlam Theatre. www.asf.net

Support & Parenting Groups 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

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FamilyCalendar beliefs, cultures, nationality, race, religion, or method of home schooling. For more information call 334728-1162 or email: momofpnk@gmail.com. Alabama Mentor’s Foster Parent Training Classes Offered in the Opelika Auburn area. Call 334-7058877 x 18 to register or email: Deanna.Hand@thementornetwork.com. Auburn UMC 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. Auburn United Methodist Church. 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.

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GRACE - Post-Abortive Support Group Are you struggling with feelings of regret or sadness from having a pregnancy termination in your past? 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. Grandparents and Non-Parent Relatives or Friends Raising Children Support Group For grandparents or any non-parent involved in raising younger children. Meetings first Monday of every month @ Auburn United Methodist Church Annex, Room D134, 6 - 7 p.m. Various speakers and lots of support from others in your same situation. Childcare is provided. Phone Lisa @ 334-421-7163 or Debra @ 334-332-9703. 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)334-257-3950 or (c)334-740-8780.

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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.

Auburn/Opelika MOPS & MOMSnext We meet the first and third Thursdays of the month at Trinity United Methodist Church in Opelika. We offer fellowship and fun for moms of kiddos from infancy through age 15. We offer play dates, moms nights out, and special events! For more information check us out on Facebook at Facebook.com/AuburnOpelikaMOPS or email us at auburnopelikamops@gmail.com. Bible Study Fellowship Held at Parkway Baptist Church, Thursdays at 10 a.m., (334) 546-1386. 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. 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. 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

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. Miracle League To volunteer or for more information, www. miraclefield.org or eamiracleleague@gmail.com. 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. MOPS of Auburn We meet the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at Auburn United Methodist Church from 9:30 - 11:30. Childcare is provided, although we ask that you make reservations if possible. Meetings are open to mothers with children ages 5 and under. www.facebook.com/ mopsofauburn mopsofauburn@gmail.com.

the 1st Monday (unless national holiday), 9:00-11:00 a.m. and the next evening (Tuesday) from 6-7:30 p.m. Visit www.leecountyautism.com for complete information. Email info@leecountyautism.com or call 334-740-0716. 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. Therapeutic Foster Care Program Foster a Child’s Future Today - Become a Therapeutic Foster Parent! Certification classes are free. Please call Ms. Shanquetta France at Lee County Youth Development Center’s Therapeutic Foster Care Program. (334) 749-2296, Ext. 1812 - You can make an eternal difference in a child’s life! Trinity UMC (Opelika) Mom’s Morning Out Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:45–12. $15 per child, $5 each additional. Trinity United Methodist Church.

Sports Auburn Soccer Aug. 16, 30, Sept. 1, 5, 8, 13, 15, 26. www.auburntigers.com Auburn Football Sept. 7, 14, 28. www.auburntigers.com Auburn Tennis Aug. 24, 25, Sept. 16, 21. www.auburntigers.com Muscogee Roller Girls August 3 Montgomery Biscuits Baseball July 27-31, August 1-5, 18-22, 29-31. Columbus Lions July 27. www.columbuslions.net

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. Parent Educational Workshop - Autism Lee County Autism Resource and Advocacy. 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika. Parent Support Group - Autism Lee County Autism Resource and Advocacy meets

Please send your calendar events to Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com! www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Spider-Man: Far From Home

Toy Story 4 MPAA Rating: G Overall: A Violence: B Sexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A When I saw the trailer for Toy Story 4, I was afraid that Pixar was making an unnecessary sequel in pursuit of the almighty dollar. But as the movie played out across the screen, I fell under its spell. Toy Story 4 is an enchanting movie, filled with humor, pathos, charm, and gentle wisdom. Beginning where the third film left off, Andy’s toys have all adjusted to life with Bonnie (voiced by Madeleine McGraw) – except for Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks). No longer the favorite toy, Woody is often left in the closet to gather dust. But when an apprehensive Bonnie has to go to kindergarten orientation, Woody sees a role for himself and hides in her backpack. He’s instrumental in helping Bonnie on her first day at school and she comes home proudly carrying Forky, a spork she has turned into a toy. The introduction of Forky, hilariously voiced by Tony Hale, is where this movie takes off. Toy Story 4 rides high on a tide of laughter, buoyed up by comic action sequences, plenty of funny dialogue, and the usual collection of oddball characters. Buzz Lightyear, still voiced by the inimitable Tim Allen, decides that the buttons on his chest that provide pre-recorded phrases are the source of his “inner voice” and decides to follow whatever directions they provide – with predictably hilarious results. Best of all, the strong positive messages and wonderful comic scenes come with little negative content, aside from some moments of peril and minor violent content which are necessary to drive the plot. Moviegoers will marvel at how a motley collection of animated toys manage to climb out of their toybox and into their hearts.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: B+ Profanity: BAlcohol / Drug Use: B After the events of Avengers: Endgame, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) finds himself busier than ever before. With the loss of so many Avengers in the battle against Thanos, Spider-Man has to step up to battle emerging threats. Peter sees an upcoming class trip to Europe as a welcome excuse to unwind and hang up the suit for a little while. Unfortunately for him, his arrival in Europe coincides with a new problem: huge monsters called Elementals which could destroy everything. With the help of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and the mysterious Quentin Beck (Jake Gyllenhaal), Peter will have to find time for his own plans while saving the world. This film does a surprisingly good job balancing the emotionally heavy consequences of Endgame with the typically lighthearted tone of previous Spider-Man films. The content concerns are exactly what you’d expect from a superhero flick – lots of action violence - but this film feels a lot milder than some others. Much like its titular character, Spider-Man: Far from Home was handed a difficult bill after Endgame, and much like Peter Parker, the film did a good job of staying true to its own style while incorporating the larger themes of its predecessor. In my opinion, Tom Holland is the best live action Spider-Man we’ve seen yet, and he keeps bringing the kind, considerate, and concerned kid that Peter Parker needs to be to the screen in a big way.

The Lion King

Breakthrough (on DVD)

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: C Sexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A It’s not that the new Lion King is a bad movie. In fact, it’s an astounding technical achievement - a photorealistic computer animated production so stunning it will be the frontrunner for this year’s Oscar. To watch the movie is to marvel at the skill of the animators and the power of their computers. The brilliance of the computer animation does have one big downside: the lions have been meticulously crafted, with accurate facial musculature, making it impossible for them to display human emotions. While animators can anthropomorphize hand-drawn lions to express feelings, a realistic lion doesn’t look envious, sad, joyful, or any of the other emotions integral to this film’s plot. The stiff looking animal faces in this movie make the human touch particularly critical and that’s where the movie’s stellar voice cast comes to the fore. John Oliver, Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner bring comic brilliance to their roles as Zazu the bird, Timon the meerkat and Pumbaa the farting warthog. But the real star here is Chiwetel Ejiofor whose villainous Scar drips with envy, hatred, and barely contained menace. He jacks up the fear factor in a movie that will easily frighten small children with its multiple scenes of animals attacking one another with tooth and claw. Parents of sensitive children should note that there are multiple violent episodes in this movie. The 1994 film had charm and originality. This remake obviously can’t aim for originality – it’s a do over, after all. As for charm, I didn’t feel it. And I can’t precisely put my finger on the reason for its absence. Somehow, I just couldn’t “feel the love tonight”. And that’s too bad.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: B+ Sexual Content: A Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: A “You have a purpose. You are loved.” So Joyce Smith (Chrissy Metz) repeatedly tells her moody 14-year-old son, John (Marcel Ruiz). Joyce is concerned about her increasingly uncommunicative teen and then the unthinkable happens – he falls through the lake ice and drowns. John is declared dead, Joyce prays, and John’s pulse miraculously returns. But he is hanging to life by a thread which may snap at any minute. Can John’s family, church, and wider community exercise their faith and call down a miracle from heaven? Breakthrough has an earnest, multiracial cast, who, despite the fact that they sometimes seem to be reciting lines rather than living them, do so with real sincerity. The movie also takes on the joys and trials of being part of a church congregation and portrays the petty conflicts that can arise when wellmeaning people irritate each other as well as the wonderful acts of kindness and support that a faith community can provide. And the film is almost entirely free of objectionable content. Unfortunately, Breakthrough also has some significant near misses. Watching Joyce, viewers may be driven to wonder where the line is between steadfast faith and delusional determination. Is Joyce faith-filled or irrational? Is her faith based in God’s will or her preferred outcome? And it’s a real disappointment that the script doesn’t go deeper here. Criticisms aside, Christians (or non-believers) who are grappling with feelings of divine abandonment, loss or doubt may feel that the movie isn’t able to break through their pain to provide the inspiration and comfort they seek.

Auburn Opelika Parents I August 2019

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ADMISSIONS

OPEN

“Alabama’s High School ”

SEPTEMBER 1

Alabama 9th & 10th Graders Can Apply Free at www.asms.net

FREE

TUITION, ROOM, AND BOARD

ASMS is a public residential high school for academically talented sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in mathematics, science, and humanities.

• Early College Experience • Dedicated Instructors • Diverse Community • Leadership Opportunities • Experiential Learning

Find out how the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science can lead you on a path to success. Applying to ASMS is FREE – and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted! Start your online application September 1, 2019 at www.asms.net. ASMS students have access to hands-on, experiential learning focused on research and collaboration. Students take a variety of college-level courses in Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, History, English, Communication, Physical Education, and Fine Arts.

ADVANCED ACCREDITED

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. Current Alabama 9th or 10th graders can apply. Questions? Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.2100.

1255 DAUPHIN STREET I

OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS AND OUTREACH MOBILE, AL 36604 I 251.441.2100 I ADMISSIONS@ASMS.NET I

WWW.ASMS.NET

SEAT BELT LAW

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This project was supported by Subgrant #19-OP-M1-007 awarded by the Law Enforcement/Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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