Auburn Opelika Parents January 2017 by KeepSharing

January2017

Volume 7 Number 11

32 34 Columns

Publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note Kendra Sumner

Living With Children

Help for Disorganized Growing Up Online Tips for minimizing the health Students hazards from all the technology Three strategies to improve grades.

in your home.

John Rosemond

Kids Health Watch

sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

Is It Time to Hire a Tutor?

Ten signs that a little help may help.

Why Private School? Learn the top 4 reasons you should consider private education for your child.

On The Cover Emma Claire Davis is a freshman at Lee Scott Academy in Auburn. She is the daughter of Jeffery and Amber Davis and has one older brother, Paul. Emma Claire participates in the Auburn Opelika Young Life Association and enjoys going to church with her family. She recently attended Sharptop Cove, a Young Life camp, in Jasper, Georgia. Emma Claire is also a member of the Anchor Club and attends Fellowship of Christian Athlete meetings at school. In her spare time, she likes tumbling, shopping, and spending time with her friends and family.

Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces 10

School Bits 42

Family Calendar 48

Movie Reviews

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Publisher’sNote Happy New Year 2017! Bringing in the new year is a very exciting time, where families make resolutions and set goals, hoping that this upcoming year will be filled with happiness and success. What are your resolutions for the year? Fitness, spending more time with family, reducing cyber surfing time, finishing that looming project or adding volunteer work to your monthly schedule? There are many activities and ideas that can be included on your 2017 plan. The new year sparks thoughts of a new you, new adventure and new goals. It’s that time of year where families map out the new year in all areas such as health, travel, home improvements and career goals. It’s also a good time to look ahead and consider educational goals and the upcoming fall school year. Whether you have a toddler or a teen, your school plans can be similar. What type of learning environment is needed for your child to be successful? What features of a school are most important? Are there specific learning needs to consider? Are we ready for a preschool program or will we need some extra tutoring in math this year? These are just a few questions parents ask themselves when researching where to send their student this fall. This month, we have included three helpful feature articles that give insight into deciding which school to choose, when to reach out and ask for help or tutoring and ways in which parents can help organize their student throughout the school year. Also featured are great local private schools and education-focused businesses whose goals are to help students learn and succeed. Check out their ads and then find them online to get a greater grasp of what each strives to offer Lee County families. Take a moment to read the articles for some helpful tips. For example, in Is it Time to Hire a Tutor?, the author provides ten signs to look for that might lead you to consider getting help with some subjects. One sure fire way to know, is if your child’s teacher suggests that extra help might be beneficial. Another sign, that I have personally experienced with my own children, is test anxiety. Unfortunately for my kids, they inherited this trait from their mom. The very idea of a test makes me breakout into a panicked state. My children also get really nervous preparing for a test and then stress the day of. After consulting with the teachers, many anxiety reducing strategies have been learned and applied regularly throughout the school year. Are you thinking that a preschool or private school may be the direction to go this fall, but not sure where to start? Lucky you! You have come to the right place. Many local private schools are included this month. Each school has unique features and offers award-winning programs. According to the author of The Private School Advantage, you should write down your main reasons for wanting to send your child to a private school. Then, you can ask those questions as you research, talk to admissions and tour the facilities. As for preschools, it is best to start planning and to register early in the year. Many preschools in our area enroll in January and February and they fill up quickly. You don’t want to find yourself on a wait list, so make a list and compare the preschool programs in our area. I’m sure you will find the perfect fit for your little ones. 2017 is going to be another fantastic year for your family and mine! I’m hoping for a great start with tons of exciting possibilities. One of my resolutions is to bring a bigger and better line up of Auburn Opelika Parents magazines into your hands and home each month! The goal is to continue to be your family’s go-to resource for everything happening in our area!

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2017

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 Laura Handey Carolyn Jabs Robert Kennedy Dave Ramsey Michele Ranard, M.Ed. John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Katie Wolter, M.D. Cover Photography Candy Avera www.pictureperfectbycandy.com

President Jason Watson Director of Sales Justin Sumner (334) 209-0552 Ad Design Tim Welch

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Visit us online at www.auburnopelikaparents.com Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: 1204 Owens Road Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 209-0552 and fax is (334) 826-7303. Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2016 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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Auburn Classical Academy teaching children how to think... not what to think

Christian ACA teaches and upholds traditional Christian morality and the Holy Scriptures as the divinely inspired word of God and cannot be separated from history, literature, mathematics, science, or any other academic discipline. Rather, every subject is taught as part of an integrated whole. In these subjects we discern the order and structure of the world that point to God as our Creator. This does not mean, however, that we will only study Christian viewpoints, thereby narrowing our students’ education. On the contrary, our tools of learning and our faith in Jesus Christ help us to confidently seek truth wherever it is found. For we know that all truth ultimately comes to us from God; therefore, we wholeheartedly seek a complete liberal arts education.

Auburn Classical Academy began in 2007 as a small group of like-minded home-schooling families, meeting in a home one day a week for Latin and Grammar. As these classes grew and friendships blossomed, ACA expanded, adding more classes. In 2012 ACA was chosen to partner with Highlands Latin School in Louisville, KY, one of the nation’s top schools. ACA believes in a curriculum that inspires students to appreciate and understand the intellectual tradition of Christendom and the ancient world, and to see the acquisition of knowledge and wisdom as components of a lively Christian Faith. Students are carefully taught to think logically and express themselves well. The school has achieved academic success while providing a four-day school week and reasonable levels of homework to allow families more time together in this hectic world. Their genuine dedication to this mission of forming well-educated students of sound character is appar- Family ent at every level of their work. We believe the family is a The true culture of Auburn Classical Academy is best experienced by seeing its students in their active learning environment. The ACA head of school and teachers will gladly answer questions as you observe classrooms. 2017 Open House Dates February 15th, 8 am to 11 am February 23rd, 6 pm to 8 pm March 7th, 8 am to 11 am

cherished institution given us by God. We offer a shortened school week, helping to slow down the hectic pace of modern life and leaving time for quality family life. We believe it is the parents’ privilege to train their children at home, to teach them their beliefs, and that our school is a partnership.

Traditional We believe the classical model perfectly suits modern children, with the unique challenges and distractions they face. Our goal is to provide a knowledgeable, enthusiastic teacher who carefully leads students into an understanding of each subject. Lessons are incremental, content is age-appropriate, and students learn the important skill of quality written work completed in a timely manner. Homework is moderate and is for the purpose of practicing or preparing for a lesson. We do not believe in busywork. Classical An ACA education aims at far more than practical benefits. We are classical, meaning that we employ the timetested method of the Trivium, providing students the tools for life-long learning. This philosophy of education is the tradition passed down to us from the ancient scholars of Greece and Rome to the monasteries of the Middle Ages and to the American schools that shaped the founding fathers.The Trivium works through a child’s natural stages of development. It consists of the first three of the seven great Liberal Arts, Grammar, Logic and Rhetoric.

information.aca@gmail.com www.auburnclassicalacademy.com

1901-B Waverly Parkway Opelika AL 36801 334.821.7081 3

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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond

The Secret to Happy Children I recently enjoyed the privilege of seeing and hearing radio talk-show host Dennis Prager speak on the topic of happiness. He only spoke for 20 minutes, but said more in that short span than most talk-show people are able to say in two hours. He was talking to an audience about how to be a happy person and have a happy marriage. His message, in a nutshell, was that no one makes you happy. You make yourself happy and if you don’t accept full responsibility for that, you’re going to be miserable a lot. Nearly everything Prager said was relevant to proper parenting. For example, as I have said for years, the attempt by parents to make a child happy robs the child of the fundamental right to learn to pursue happiness on his or her own. Once upon a time, it was called, simply, “standing on your own two feet.” Almost invariably, people who don’t understand that happiness is a decision, the act of taking full responsibility for one’s own emotional condition, end up characterizing themselves as victims of social, cultural,

Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2017

financial, familial, and biological forces beyond their control. They tend to view life as a drama, a soap opera in which they are casualties (or always on the edge of casualty). In that regard, it is relevant to note that many of today’s youth seem to embrace that worldview. It is also relevant to note that most parents, when I ask them what their parenting goals are, say, “I want my child to be happy” as either goal one or goal two, which is proof that good intentions do not proper parenting make. Prager also talked about feelings, which have been a mainstay of our cultural conversation since psychology became our dominant philosophy in the 1960s. He had the strength of conviction to say that when all is said and done, it does not matter how someone feels; what matters is how that individual treats other people. That’s a bingo, and dovetails with what I tell parents as often as the opportunity presents itself: Proper parenting is an act of love for one’s neighbor. It is the act of training a child such that the child will treat other people properly and make America a better

place. Phooey on an accumulation of athletic trophies, high self-esteem, academic accolades, getting accepted by the “right” college, going to medical school, becoming a mover-and-shaker within the Beltway and other equally materialistic parenting purposes. In the final analysis, the only thing that matters is that a child grows up to be a good citizen, which is comprised of 1/3 selfresponsibility, 1/3 compassion, and 1/3 the willingness to serve others. The formula for raising said child is rather simple: Give to the child conservatively (gratefulness and unselfishness are inversely proportional to material acquisition). Assign the child household responsibilities, insist that they be done properly, and do not pay for said contributions (it’s called being a responsible family member as opposed to being an entitled family member). Love the child unconditionally and model love for others (the former without the latter turns the child into an idol). Discipline the child unequivocally (so that he learns selfdiscipline and can eventually appreciate the inestimable value of personal liberty). Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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First Day Hike & Bike at Chewacla State Park

Home Depot Kids Workshop “Crate Toolbox”

Start your year on the right trail and make a resolution to get outside more. Whether you want to hike or bike, Chewacla is the place. On January 1st, come outside and enjoy the fresh start to a new year. C.A.M.P. members will be out in the park mountain biking and there will be a guided hike at 10 a.m. This hike will leave from the Beach Pavilion, travel around the lake to the waterfall, and follow the creek back around through the CCC to the Beach Pavilion for a total length of about 2 miles. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring some water!

Join our hands-on workshop and you and your child can get to work on a wood toolbox they can use for keeping anything from art supplies to toys neat and portable. Once the toolbox is built, your child can paint it in their favorite color. The Home Depot offers FREE handson 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. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin. Kids Workshop activities are scheduled on a first come/first served basis. January 7, Opelika. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. www.homedepot.com.

Auburn Gymnastics vs. Oregon State

The Auburn gymnastics team is set to face a tough 2017 slate that features five meets against 2016 NCAA Championship competitors, head coach Jeff Graba announced. “Our schedule is set to be the toughest in recent memory,” Graba said. “I believe you can only get better when you test yourself against the very best. This is reflected in the 2017 schedule and for the third-consecutive year, we will most likely have the toughest schedule in the country. January 6, 7:00 p.m.

“The Lightning Thief” at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts

Adapted from the bestselling book by Rick Riordan comes “The Lightning Thief”. Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school…again. And that’s the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy’s Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he’s angered a few of them! January 13, 7:00 p.m. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. www.rivercenter.org.

Benefit Concert Against Domestic Violence, "STRONGER THAN BEFORE"

This Benefit concert is for ALL ages! Get ready for a night to remember! We will have Jock McKissic, actor, producer, writer, and former Clemson Tiger Football Player (Tackle), as our guest speaker. Featured Artist: Kady Rain, kadyrainmusic.com. Saturday, January 14, 6:00 p.m. The Bottling Plant Event Center, 614 North Railroad Ave., Opelika. $10 admission, $15 at the door, 334-663-5650.

Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2017

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Wild Kratts Live!

Animated Kratt Brothers, Martin and Chris, “come to real life” in a classically Wild Kratts story. Wild Kratts LIVE! is created for the stage by the imaginative minds of Martin Kratt and Chris Kratt from “Zooboomafoo”, “Kratt’s Creatures” and “Be the Creature”. Wild Kratts was created and developed by real life brothers and zoologists Martin and Chris Kratt (both nominated for Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing in a Children’s Animated Series). Wild Kratts features the brothers on incredible expeditions to meet wild creatures from the far corners of the earth. Diving into the habitats of these unusual animals with the use of futuristic technology and Creature Powers Suits that allow the brothers to take their funny and exciting adventures to where they’ve never gone before. January 26, RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. 6:30 p.m. www.rivercenter.org.

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Literary Classics Club: “The Scarlet Letter”

The Auburn Public Library is pleased to announce a book discussion group for you to divulge your inner literati! Teens, grades 8-12, can join us for hot beverages and lively discussion as we dissect some of the most influential pieces of western literature. Following the discussion, participants are invited to create projects to supplement what they gained from their experience. Craft supplies are provided and participation is voluntary. All selected works for the winter season are located on public domain. Auburn Public Library, January 9, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Grades 8-12. www. auburnalabama.org/library.

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

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

Fever Facts Fever is one of the most common complaints I see in the office as a pediatrician. It can be scary for your child to have a fever and the uncertainty regarding the illness can cause you to worry or panic. As with most situations, knowing what causes a fever and how to relieve it can minimize the stress and anxiety that many times accompanies a febrile illness. Normal body temperature is around 98.6 degrees F, plus or minus one degree. The definition of a fever is a temperature of 100.4 degrees F or greater taken with a thermometer. For an infant 3 months or younger, the temperature should be taken rectally for the most accurate result. Oral route is recommended for children age 4 and up while axillary route can be useful for screening. When your child’s body detects an illness, the brain responds by raising the temperature to help battle the illness. It is usually a sign that the immune system is working effectively and fighting off the illness. In an infant 3 months and younger, it is important that you seek medical attention for a fever. A fever in the first 28 days of life is a medical emergency. Both viruses and bacteria can cause fever and the degree of fever does

Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2017

not accurately determine whether your child’s infection is viral or bacterial. After determining that your child has a fever, it is important to keep him/her well hydrated and comfortable. The body uses more fluids when febrile, therefore hydration is very important. Giving small, frequent sips of liquid should serve to maintain adequate hydration. It is not necessary to use fever reducers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen but they will help to comfort your child. Please ask your doctor for the correct dose of fever reducer before administering to your child. It is not always necessary to seek medical attention for fever in children over 4 months of age. Some warning signs that would indicate the need to seek medical attention are as follows: • Overly fussy or appears extremely ill even after bringing the fever down with fever reducer • Was recently in an overly hot place, such as playing sports in the summer or in a car ·• Has a stiff neck, very sore throat, ear pain, repetitive vomiting and diarrhea or an unexplained rash

• Appears dehydrated-dry mouth, sunken soft spot, sunken eyes, not urinating well or unable to consume liquids • Has known chronic medical conditions that compromise the immune system such as sickle cell disease, cancer or diabetes • Had a seizure associated with the fever • Has a fever for 4-5 days ·• Appears to be getting worse Again, if your infant 3 months of age or younger has a temperature of 100.4 degrees F rectally, you should always seek medical attention. Never hesitate to call your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns or just for peace of mind. You know your child best so if you are concerned, give us a call! Dr. Katie Wolter is board certified in Pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Lee County Medical Society, Medical Association of the State of Alabama, and the American Medical Association. She is passionate about breastfeeding medicine and is currently working on becoming an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). She is also a member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Dr. Wolter is married to her husband, Jeremy, and has four sons. She loves to spend her free time outdoors with her family and friends.

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Autauga County Schools

Cary Woods Receives Grant for Music Instruments

Ebenezer Scrooge Visits Opelika Middle School

Cary Woods Elementary received a Logan's Music in Schools grant for $1,532 to purchase drums and other percussion instruments. Dr. Rob Lyda, CWES music teacher (pictured far left in tie), wrote the grant explaining that CWES has a diverse student population and music is something all cultures have in common. Each culture represented at CWES has a history of singing, dancing, and playing percussion instruments. The new instruments will be used to supplement the music curriculum. CWES was one of only 20 schools in the nation to receive this grant.

Ebenezer Scrooge (Mike Morehouse) visited students at Opelika Middle School in December to remind them to think of others and be generous during the Christmas Season.

Wacoochee Scholars Place 2nd in Competition

The Scholars Bowl team at Wacoochee Elementary went to a competition on November 19 in Decatur, Alabama. There were a total of sixteen teams competing against each other and Wacoochee students came in 2nd place! The team consists of fourth through sixth grade students.

Hal Moore Students Volunteer at Toys for Tots Race

Members of Hal Moore Leadership Academy volunteered their time at Wrights Mill Road Elementary School for the Toys for Tots race. The Toys for Tots race encourages participants to donate a toy as part of their entry to the race, and the toys will be given to children in the area. The race is sponsored by the Auburn Opelika Track Association (AORTA).

Lee County Special Olympics Athletes

The Lee County Tigers played Vestavia Hills Rebels in Jordan Hare Stadium for the State Championship of the Unified Games. Congratulations to the Lee County Special Olympics athletes and thanks to Vestavia Hills for a fantastic game!

Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2017

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Auburn Jr. High Choir Performs at Woman’s Club

The Auburn Junior High Elites (choir) were invited to perform for the Woman’s Club of Auburn on Thursday, December 1, at their “Annual Christmas Tea.” The program consisted of both sacred and secular holiday music as well as a favorite song from their ACS Fall Choral Concert.

Wrights Mill Road Teacher Receives Grant Presented by Senator

Senator Tom Whatley awarded $1,000 to Lori Grubbs and the Wrights Mill Road Venture Program Coral Reef Studies. Senator Whatley learned about the school’s coral reef tanks after meeting 3rd grader Lily who was selling lemonade at an AU football game. She shared about the special reef tanks and Senator Whatley surprised Mrs. Grubbs with the award at WMR. Thank Lily and Senator Whatley!

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

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Autauga County Schools

Red Ribbon Week Fun at Wrights Mill Road

Left photo, Students at Wrights Mill Road celebrate their “bright” futures during Red Ribbon Week. Right photo, Wrights Mill Road students enjoyed pajama day and chasing their “sweet dreams” with healthy lifestyle choices during Red Ribbon Week.

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Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2017

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Smith T Receives 2016 Brandon Burlsworth Character Award

Congratulations to Henry Smith T, recipient of the 2016 Brandon Burlsworth Character Award. Henry was recognized for having outstanding character and sportsmanship during the 2016 football season. The award honors the player who may or may not be a top athletic performer, but who represents the ideals and values that Brandon Burlsworth had: to give 100 percent on the field and to stand as a moral example to his team.

Jeter Primary Students Learn About Electricity Kindergarten students at Jeter Primary have been studying electricity. Mrs. Cody Warren from Alabama Power came to demonstrate how to be safe around electricity.

Spirit of the South Performs at Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game

Congratulations to the Opelika High School Spirit of the South Marching Band for being selected to play at the 30th Annual Alabama Mississippi All-Star football game at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery on December 10.

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Autauga County Schools

Kindergarten Thanksgiving Program at Trinity Christian School

On November 18th, Trinity’s kindergartners joined family and friends for a Thanksgiving celebration and feast. The students sang a song and shared some scripture, and then they joined their families for a meal. (left)

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

Thanksgiving at Cary Woods Elementary

Mrs. Handley's first grade class at Cary Woods Elementary School celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday with a feast that consisted of items from the very first Thanksgiving meal of the Pilgrims and Native Americans. Students feasted on corn, beef, fruit and bread.

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

Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2017

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Opelika High School Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Kathryn Madzar on being named the Teacher of the Year at Opelika High School!

Jeter Primary School Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Melissa Lancaster on being named the Teacher of the Year at Jeter Primary School!

and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.

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HE ONCE BEAT HIS DAD FOUR STRAIGHT GAMES IN CHESS. AFTERWARD, HE CELEBRATED WITH SOME ORANGE SLICES AND A BOOK ABOUT WIZARDS.

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Morris Avenue Intermediate School Teacher of the Year

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Congratulations to Valerie Lawler on being named Teacher of the Year at Morris Avenue Intermediate School! 15

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Autauga County Schools

Chambers Selected to Play in All-Star Football Game Opelika High School Senior RaKavius Chambers was selected to play in the 2016 Alabama Mississippi AllStar Football Game at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery on December 10. Chambers is pictured with Coach Brian Blackmon. Congratulations RaKavius!

6th Graders at Trinity Christian School Create Mars Ecosystems

The Mars Ecosystem Projects were designed to be replicas of a community where people would live on Mars. The 6th grade had to take into consideration the freezing temperatures, lack of water, oxygen, and food, and the danger of meteor showers. It was really fun trying to create a safe place for humans to live. There was also a lot of glitter involved!

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Dr. Keri Miller Most major insurance accepted including BCBS and Southland. 742 N. Dean Road, Auburn, AL 36830 (334) 321-0780 www.gatorgrins.com Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2017

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Autauga County Schools

AHS Nate Pudner Signs to Run Cross Country at University of South Alabama

Pictured are: (seated) sisters Susanna and Betsy Pudner, Nate Pudner, mother Kalynne Pudner. (Standing) friend Evan Klugh, Coach Dan Norton, Principal Dr. Shannon Pignato, Athletic Director Clay McCall.

AHS Susanna Pudner Signs Letter of Intent to Compete in Track & Field at the University of South Alabama

Susanna Pudner has also been a part of the AHSAA Class 7A State Champion AHS Girls Swimming and Diving Team (three titles in a row as of last year). (Seated L to R) Coach Tony Benitez, Susanna Pudner, Coach LaDextric Oliver. (Standing L to R) brother Nate Pudner, mother Kalynne Pudner, father John Pudner, Athletic Director Clay McCall.

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

Creating healthy smiles for confident tomorrows Call us today to schedule your complimentary evaluation! 334-501-7000

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Autauga County Schools

Christmas at Wrights Mill Road

Yarbrough Elementary Teacher of the Year

Wrights Mill Road celebrated the holidays at the 1950’s Candy Cane Café around the Jinglebell Jukebox for their annual holiday program. Students performed songs, drama, and dances to holiday songs from a variety of cultures and celebrations. Our favorite PE teachers made an appearance as Santa and Mrs. Clause. A special thank you to Mrs. Brinkley and Mrs. Curry for a wonderful production. It put everyone in the holiday spirit!

Katie Lindsey (5th Grade) has been named Teacher of the Year at Yarbrough Elementary School!

Auburn Schools Express Gratitude at Celebrations for Veterans

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Auburn schools expressed gratitude to the men and women who protect our freedoms here in the United States of America. A simple "thank you for your service" means more than you think. Here are sights from Veterans Day Celebrations in Auburn City Schools.

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

Trinity’s Rhetoric School Takes Field Trip to D.C.

The Rhetoric School (10th-12th graders) at Trinity Christian School spent a week in Washington, D.C. in November. They visited several places including Mt. Vernon, The Library of Congress, and all of the monuments. Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2017

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Southview Primary School Teacher of the Year

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Congratulations to Lekishia Richardson on being named Teacher of the Year at Southview Primary School!

Cary Woods Elementary Teacher of the Year

Dr. Rob Lyda (Music) has been named Teacher of the Year at Cary Woods Elementary School! One of Rob's favorite quotes is from William Butler Yeats, "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."

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Carver Primary School Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Teresa Manley on being named the Teacher of the Year at Carver Primary School!

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

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Auburn Jr. HS Science Fair

Auburn HS Band Performs in City Christmas Parade

Ms. Sharman's 8th grade Physical Science classes at Auburn Junior High School participated in a science fair where students were judged by Auburn University's COSAM STEM-IQ professors and faculty members. The winners of this fair will go on to participate in the Greater East Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair (GEARSEF) held at Auburn University in March.

Auburn High School band performed in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City of Auburn Christmas Parade.

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Teacher of the Year at Dean Road Elementary

Congratulations! Ginger Key (music education) has been named Teacher of the Year at Dean Road Elementary School!

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West Forest I.S. Teacher of the Year Congratulations to Lindy Tapley on being named Teacher of the Year at West Forest Intermediate School!

Auburn High School Class of 2017

Presenting the Auburn High School Class of 2017! 21

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Autauga County Schools

4th Grade Biographies at Trinity Christian School

Mrs. Rickles’ class at Trinity read biographies and did short presentations on their famous person. We heard from people such as Sally Ride, Walt Disney, King Tut, and Abraham Lincoln!

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Wrights Mill Road Choir Performs Handbells on iPads

The Wrights Mill Road Honor Choir played digital handbells on iPads to delight the crowd with a tech- inspired version of “Jingley”

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

Auburn HS Swim Teams Win Central Sectional Championships

Both of the Auburn High School Boys and Girls Swimming Teams won 2016 Central Sectional Championships in Birmingham!

Farm To School at Auburn City Schools

Auburn City Schools enjoyed satsumas from Hartzog Farms in Southeast Alabama. Thank you for this delicious Alabama grown product! Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2017

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Auburn HS Students Educate Auburn Early Education Center Students on Field Trip

Auburn Early Education Center (AEEC) kindergarten classes took a field to Town Creek Park in Auburn for the "Turtle and Fish Diversity in Alabama" outdoor program. AEEC's Camp Day was made possible through the partnership of the Auburn High School Aquaculture Students, the City of Auburn, the AU Raptor Center and parent/teacher involvement. These young kindergartners learned about surviving in the wild in addition to studying the variety of animals in this area. AHS students brought species that are native to Alabama from the Aquarium at Auburn High to display and share about with the kids. Opportunities like this count for 1/3 of the high school students' curriculum as it pertains to outreach and development. Just this semester alone Stan Arington's students at AHS have directly worked with more than 1,000 students in Lee County teaching them all about aquaculture and biodiversity.

Wrights Mill Road Spelling Bee Winners

Congratulations to the Wrights Mill Road Spelling Bee Winner, 5th grader Truitt! Pictured left to right: Back, Dr. Ley, announcer, Karen Mason, principal, Tracey Streetman, assistant principal, Dr, Marcia Webb enrichment teacher. Front: Truitt, spelling bee champion, and Ben, spelling bee runner up.

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Autauga County Schools Auburn Jr. HS Students Donate Canned Goods as Entry into Student-Faculty Basketball Game Hal Moore Leadership Academy students Caden Parker, Luker Davidson, and Joseph McCauley helped Beat Bama in the recent #BBFD by developing and implementing a proposal to collect food donations for the Food Bank of East Alabama. The students collected canned food donations by hosting a student-faculty basketball game at a recent Auburn Junior High School pep rally. Students from AJHS were asked to bring a canned food item to donate to the Beat Bama Drive as an entry donation to the game, and all canned food items will be donated to the Food Bank.

Opelika High School Choir Christmas Concert

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The Opelika High School Choirs performed a Christmas Concert on December 6. Groups performing included the Chamber Mixed Choir, Chamber Women's Choir, Impressions, Ovations and Women's Select Choir.

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Opelika High School Competes at South's BEST Robotics Competition

Congratulations to the Opelika High School Robotics Team on competing at the South's BEST Robotics Competition at Auburn University in December. The team advanced from the War Eagle BEST Competition in October. Pictured are members of the Robotics team with the OHS cheerleaders and mascot who came to support the team during the competition.

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

First Graders are Thankful at Trinity Christian School

On November 16th, Mrs. Battles's class at Trinity dressed up at Pilgrims and shared a Thanksgiving program with family and friends. In addition to sharing the Thanksgiving story, the students sang several songs and recited scripture they've been learning this year.

Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2017

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Opelika Middle School Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Patricia Skelton on being named Teacher of the Year at Opelika Middle School!

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Northside Intermediate School Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Laura Dunlap on being named Teacher of the Year at Northside Intermediate School!

Wrights Mill Road Teacher of the Year

Wrights Mill Road proudly announces Mrs. Amber Goolsby (math/reading) as their 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Goolsby was surprised by her family, colleagues, and students with a special announcement on the school broadcast and a spirit walk. Congratulations, Mrs. Goolsby!

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Autauga County Schools

Alabama All-State Choir Performers Selected from Auburn Schools

Auburn City Schools is proud of all of the students who auditioned for the Alabama All-State Choirs last month! Here are the 25 who were selected. Auburn High/High School SSAA All-State Choir 2017: Carson Barnes; Shelton Griffith; Malia Holstick. Auburn Junior High/ Middle School SATB AllState Choir 2017: Colt Bass; Alex Kelsey; Jane Lee; Rusty McKinnell; McKinley Newsom; Taeyang Oh; Kaitlyn Powell; Emma Skipworth; Jackson Stoker. Students from Drake Middle School: Middle School SATB All-State Choir 2017: Nathan McGrath. Middle School SSA All-State Choir 2017: Wesley Anne Barnes; Erin Blount; Rylee Coffman; Cece Conway; Natasha Gutierrez; Connor Haynes; Posie Hooks; Macy Johnson; Anja Jones; Marissa Lazenby; Miranda Mabrey; Vicki Wang.

Auburn Students Pledge Not to Text and Drive

Auburn won the "It Can Wait" pledge not to text and drive challenge earning the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lee County $1,000! Pictured in photo (L to R): Ty Fondren with AT&T, Scott Goolsby with Auburn High School and Wanda Lewis with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County.

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Auburn HS Student Wins Best Paper Award in Engineering at Research Conference

AHS senior, Rahul Lall, presented and won the best paper award in Engineering at the 2016 Sigma Xi Student Research Conference. Lall is one of the captains of the Science Bowl and Science Olympiad teams at Auburn High School. He has represented Auburn High School and the State of Alabama at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair the last three years and won third place in Engineering Mechanics. There were numerous high school, undergraduate and graduate students that attended the 2016 Sigma Xi Student Research Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The Student Research Conference is an opportunity for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students to meet and network with professional scientists and engineers. Students were invited to present a research poster relating to science or engineering that was judged by professional researchers, with the top-ranked presenters in each discipline winning a medal, $130 to celebrate Sigma Xi's 130th anniversary and a nomination to join the Society.

Opelika High Theatre Society Wins Best in Show at State Trumbauer Competition

Congratulations to the Opelika High Theatre Society cast of “Children of Eden” (One-Act) on winning Best in Show at the State Trumbauer Theatre Competition in Florence, AL in December. The cast of “Children of Eden” will represent the state of Alabama and compete at the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Lexington, KY in March 2017. In addition to the

One-Act win, Abbey Burns was named Best Actress and Abby Miller was selected to the All-Star Cast. Abby Miller also placed second in the state in the Varsity Female Dramatic Solo category. 27

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Autauga County Schools

AHS Rowdy Jordan and Trey Woodham Both Sign Letter of Intent

AHS Josh Escoe Signs to Run Cross Country at Auburn University of Montgomery

Jordan will play baseball at Mississippi State and Woodham will play baseball at Mercer University. Jordan quickly became the key bat for the Tigers this past season as he emerged as one of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top players in his first year of varsity ball. In 38 games, he scored 44 runs and hit for a .445 average while batting leadoff. He hit 16 doubles, eight home runs and three triples. He drove in 33 runs and only struck out 15 times. Jordan was voted to the Class 7A All-State first team this year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Woodham played 22 games last season with a batting average of .208, on base percentage of .345, 5 hits, 2 RBIs and 6 runs.

Pictured are: (seated) sister Anna Escoe, mother Mandy Escoe, Josh Escoe, father Jody Escoe. (Standing) Coach Dan Norton, grandmother Wanda Keller, grandfather James Escoe, Principal Dr. Shannon Pignato, Athletic Director Clay McCall.

AHS Deonte Tolbert Signs with Track & Field at Clemson University

Pictured are: (seated) mother Lakisha Tolbert, Kayden Tolbert, father Garland Trimble, Deonte Tolbert, grandmother Ethel Brock, grandfather Llewellyn Tolbert Sr. (Standing) Coaches Dan Norton and Willie Hutchinson, friends Dominic Williams, Kegan Van Ginkel, Ajay Viswaprakash, Gunwoo Lee, Principal Dr. Shannon Pignato, Athletic Director Clay McC.

AHS Jack Rogers Signs to Run Cross Country at Auburn University

Pictured are: (seated) brother Evan Rogers, sister Samantha Rogers, Jack Rogers, mother Angela Rogers, father Brian Rogers. (Standing) Coach Dan Norton, Principal Dr. Shannon Pignato, Athletic Director Clay McCall.

Please send school news and photos to: Kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com. Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2017

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A Page in a Book The Trouble with Toys From early childhood, toys are a central fixture in most kids’ lives. Playthings are the first thing children turn their thoughts to upon waking, the items that demand their attention throughout the day, and often the objects of comfort that join them in bed as they fall asleep. But like any constant companion, toys can also have their moments when they become vexing. Toys get lost, sometimes they break, they collect underfoot (see: Lego™) making us unhappy for a little while. The following titles touch on both the moments when toy frustration peaks, as well as solutions that bring our beloved toys back into the fold.

Too Many Toys

by Heidi Deedman (Candlewick) Lulu was gifted with a very special toy when she was just a baby, her one-and-only teddy bear Jupiter, whom she loved very much. But as more birthdays and holidays arrived, so did more toys. By the time Lulu is five-years-old, toys are overflowing her shelves, crowding her at bath time and making it impossible to actually play with every one of them. After discarding several creative ideas, Lulu crafts a plan that will relocate her toys and give her more time with her one-and-only, Jupiter. One solution solves the problems of both a child with a surplus of toys and a host of children who may have a deficit of playthings. A delightful exploration of generosity from both ends, Too Many Toys highlights the importance of balance between too much and just enough.

by Elizabeth Pulford, Illustrated by Kate Wilkinson (Candlewick) Michael’s bedtime is on approach, but his constant companion Monkey Moon is missing. As he and his dad turn the house upside down searching, Michael’s worries for this lost friend begin to amplify. Father and son retrace their steps through a darkening park on their mission to find Monkey Moon. The park at night reveals new sights, but no sighting of Micheal’s missing friend. When the discouraged pair turn toward home the last bit of light glints upon something hidden in the bushes, something that could be a sight for sore eyes. A testament to teamwork and tenacity when an important friend goes missing, Finding Monkey Moon is a hopeful and uplifting journey from lost to found.

Stuck

by Oliver Jeffers (Philomel / Penguin) Floyd’s simple plan to fly his kite barely gets off the ground when his kite gets stuck in a tree. Throwing his favorite shoe at the stranded kite doesn’t knock it down, but instead it gets stuck with the kite in the branches. His second favorite shoe soon joins the group aloft. Maddened with frustration, Floyd begins launching anything he can find up into the tree to get his kite unstuck. A ladder, a can of paint, a cat, the milkman, and an orangutan join an increasingly more ridiculous progression of things – all hurled into the tree to knock the previous (now stuck) items from the high branches. But when Floyd approaches the tree with one final thing – it may be just the ticket to getting his kite released. Readers will appreciate Jeffers’ sublimely absurd illustration of a boy’s escalating mission to retrieve his special kite. Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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My daughter is in her first year of college. Recently, her math instructor walked students through the process of getting a credit card and building credit. We’ve always followed your plan and taught her to do the same. When she asked the instructor if no credit score was as good as a high credit score, the instructor said no. He told the class the only way to buy a home without a high credit rating is by having a huge amount of assets or savings. I think I know your answer, but how do I explain this to an 18-year-old?

Well, the first thing you explain is that college instructors — even tenured college professors — can be absolutely wrong sometimes. A few years ago my daughter took a personal finance class in college, and on the first day the instructor went on a rant saying Dave Ramsey is stupid. He didn’t know I was her dad, but she went through the entire class and never said a word. When she called home and asked what she should do,

we told her to take the class and give him the answers he wants on the tests. We reminded her that she’s just taking a class, and that doesn’t mean she has to form her life opinions around what that guy thinks. Sit down with your daughter and gently explain in this instance her instructor doesn’t have a clue what he’s talking about. Explain to her you can get a home loan even if you have no credit score. People do it all the time. There are places like Churchill Mortgage that would be happy to give her an example of this process. It’s called manual underwriting. All you have to do is make a reasonable down payment, have two years at the same job, and provide two years of tax returns.

Q. I’m 38 years old, and I’ve got $12,000 in student loans still hanging over my head. It’s the only debt I have. I make $30,000 a year, and I’ve managed to save $12,000, but I’m also driving a junky, old car that will have to be replaced soon. Should I split the money

I’ve saved and buy a $6,000 car while paying off $6,000 of the student loan?

A. If I’m in your shoes, I want that student

loan out of my life as quickly as possible. At the same time, I don’t want you living life without some money in the bank. If you’ve followed me for very long, you know I teach the Baby Steps when it comes to getting out of debt and saving money. Baby Step 1 is to save a beginner emergency fund of $1,000. Baby Step 2 is to pay off all debt, except for your home, using the debt snowball method. The third Baby Step is to build a fully funded emergency fund of three to six months of expenses. You don’t have quite enough on hand for your idea and to have something left over. I recommend paying off $11,000 of the school loan now and then finishing it up as you go. It won’t take much more time. Limp along in the beater for a little while longer and then, when you have no student loan debt, finish your emergency fund and start a car fund. I talk to a lot of people your age who still have student loan debt. But you have the opportunity to punch its lights out in a hurry.

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“Just so you know, mom I’ve got a test on Friday that I’m gonna fail.” My sixth-grader is barely through the front door when this escapes his lips. Because he is an excellent student, my head is spinning. Forcing a smile, I remark, “What do you mean? You have three more days to study!” But he is already grinding his teeth, scowling as he announces “I can’t do it.” Remaining calm, I attempt to appeal to his reason with no luck. Within seconds, I am shouting, “FINE! GROUNDED FOR A MONTH!” Sound familiar? Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2017

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Disorganization and Success What my son was probably trying to convey after school that day was: “I feel distressed, Mom. I have no idea how to get organized for this test.” Unfortunately, like so many parents, I let myself grow overly emotional and failed to truly listen to his fear and concern. Organizing the Disorganized Child (2009) by Martin Kutscher and Marcella Moran provides a helpful guide for explaining in plain English how disorganized habits interfere with school success and create chaos within the home. The points below were addressed in the book and particularly helpful to me as a parent and professional academic tutor. They all aim to help students develop healthier habits and achieve more.

They offer these tips to get organized: 1. Write down assignments in a planner. 2. Ask the teacher or a buddy to doublecheck their planner to be sure it is correct. 3. Place all materials touched that day into a take-home section of a folder. 4. Mark a calendar with completion dates for step in preparing for a project. 5. Put completed work in a Take to School section of a folder. 6. Weekly purge the backpack and folders of papers no longer needed.

2) Teach Them to Question Everything

1) Understand Why They Procrastinate

The authors of this guide believe in addition to good note-taking and study skills, the key to your child’s education is questioning everything. Teaching your child to ask the following questions will enhance your child’s learning:

According to Kutscher and Mora, kids often adopt an “I’ll get to it later” habit and put off school projects or studying for several reasons. Sometimes they simply have a poor concept of time. Other kids have poor memory for ways procrastinating has failed them in the past. Still others are too easily sidetracked and unable to resist temptation to do something more appealing. The authors remind parents that most often these issues are “the fault of the undeveloped brain, not the child” and urge parents not to yell or punish. Instead, stay positive, offer support, and help them break larger tasks down into chunks.

1. What did the teacher just say? 2. What did I just read? 3. Why is that so? Is it true? 4. Where have I seen information like this before? 5. How is this different from material I have previously learned? 6. How can I summarize this in as few words as possible? 7. How can I visualize this in pictures or flowcharts? 8. What else do I need to learn about this? 9. What questions about this are likely to be on the test?

10. Why is this important to me and the rest of the world? 11. So what?

3) Test Taking Smarts All students can use a refresher for how to best manage time on a test, and the following strategies are recommended by Kutscher and Moran: 1. Turn over the sheet and jot down keywords, dates, formulas, and phrases you memorized. 2. Look over the entire test quickly to anticipate what’s coming up. 3. Read directions carefully. Underline keywords of the directions. 4. Answer easy questions first. 5. Place a question mark next to answers you guess on. 6. Sometimes the answer to one question is contained somewhere on the test. 7. Sometimes you may be able to get help or clues from the teacher i.e. “Can you rephrase the question.” 8. If you have leftover time, check your answers and scan for careless mistakes. Only change an answer when you’re certain the new response is correct. 9. If unsure, guess. In terms of helping your child become a more organized student, the authors remind parents, “We can’t completely fix everything overnight. We can, though, expect continued progress over a mountainous terrain toward an ultimately successful future.” AOP Michele Ranard has a husband, two children, and a master’s in counseling.

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Minimizing the Health Hazards of Technology Any adult who spends much time with technology knows that it can cause physical strains ranging from headaches to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Children who use computers, laptops, mobile devices and video games can also be vulnerable to these problems both because their bodies are developing and because they may not notice the twinges that signal overuse. Fortunately, parents can take relatively simple steps that will protect kids from the physical wear and tear associated with technology. Helping children establish good tech habits now makes it less likely that they will have problems later. Here are things to consider:

Hands. Repetitive stress injuries occur when the same motion is repeated over and over, something that’s hard to avoid when playing video games or using a cellphone. Encourage your child to develop a light, relaxed touch to minimize stress on fingers. To prevent wrist strain, rest devices on a pillow and position keyboards at elbow height. Arms should hang loosely at the sides rather than being outstretched. Back. You may feel self-conscious about telling your child to “sit up straight,” but slumping over a handheld device creates strain on a child’s back and neck. Whenever possible, encourage your child to do extended projects such as homework or even lengthy gaming sessions at a work station that is designed to encourage “neutral” posture. Feet should rest on the floor (or on a box for younger children). The chair should provide support for the lower back (a rolled up Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2017

towel may help). Screens should be at eye level (consider using a portable keyboards for laptops and tablets). Consider adding an inexpensive keyboard to a laptop or tablet so the monitor can be propped at eye level and your child won’t have to hunch over her work. Eyes. Computer Vision Syndrome won’t necessarily cause long-term damage to your child’s eyes but it can result in fatigue, blurry vision and headaches. Show your child how to increase font size so devices can be held comfortably about 20 inches from the face. Reduce glare by adjusting the position of screens and, if necessary, adding an anti-glare filter. Clean screens and, for that matter, eye glasses by wiping them gently with a soft, damp cloth. Because people in front of screens blink less often, their eyes may get dry and irritated. Encourage your child to look away every five or ten minutes and focus on something else. Ears. One in five American teens already has hearing loss caused by extended exposure to sound—especially music—that is too loud. Set the volume for devices that have headphones and tell young children that they need your permission to make it any louder. Instead of earbuds, get your child earphones that cover the ear so there’s less need to increase volume to block out environmental sound. To make children more aware of sound levels, try installing an app like Sound Meter for Apple products or Sound Level for Android. Brain. Even though the research is inconclusive, many experts recommend that parents err on the side of caution when exposing children to the electromagnetic waves created by mobile devices. Dr. Devra Davis, author of Disconnect: The Truth About Cell34

phone Radiation urges parents to discourage young children from using cellphones for any but very short conversations. Older children should get in the habit of using the speaker phone or a headset. Some kids will find it amusing to use an inexpensive retro handset, readily available at sites like Amazon. Most cellphone manufacturers recommend that phones not be pressed against the side of the head. Check the manual to find the ideal distance from phone to ear. To find out how much radiation a particular phone routinely emits, check its SARS level at https://www.sarchecker.com/. You may want to adopt other precautions to limit your child’s exposure to unnecessary radiation: Turn off WIFI whenever it’s not in use or set the phone to airplane mode so it doesn’t emit a wireless signal. Avoid using the phone in a moving vehicle or when reception is poor because the phone will emit more radiation in its effort to find a relay antenna. Keep phones and tablets out of the bedroom when your child is sleeping. If your child (or for that matter, you) use your cellphone a lot, consider investing in a case that redirects radiation like the available from Pongresearch.com. The best way to protect your child from the health issues associated with using technology is to encourage breaks—lots of them. Try installing a timer app or use an old-fashioned kitchen timer. Set it for 20 to 30 minutes. When the timer goes off, have everyone stop what they are doing and MOVE for at least five minutes. You may also want to help your child become aware of the aches and pains that indicate overuse. Teach your child simple stress reduction exercises like shoulder rolls and yoga stretches like downward dog. Have a squishy ball available for soothing cramped hand muscles. All of this advice is, of course, good for adults as well as kids. In the end, the very best way to get your kids to develop healthy habits with technology may be adopting them for yourself. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2017, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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Dandy Dads Dinner Dance A special night out for fathers and daughters of all ages.

Saturday, February 18 6:00-8:00 p.m. Opelika Sportsplex Admission is $ 30 per couple, $ 10 for each additional daughter Registration required by Feb. 12th. Includes meal, corsage, boutonniere, activities and entertainment Special entertainment by Ozz. If any tickets are available after the registration deadline registration will reopen, but the fee will increase to $ 50.

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A few years back, my firstgrader stepped off the school bus in tears. The words he squeaked out in between sobs cut me to the soul. He said, “My teacher hates my reading ‘cause I’m stupid.” It was the start of the school year, and he had been placed in a tutoring group of five students to receive specialized instruction with a reading specialist. Testing revealed that for reading, he ranked 19th in Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2017

his class of 21 (these rankings were obviously not shared with students). By the end of that school year, tutoring royally paid off as his rank soared to the second highest in the class! This journey with our son who through the primary grades wrestled with low self-esteem and achievement, led me into a career of professional tutoring where I have helped dozens of students to thrive. 36

I share the following advice not just as a seasoned educator but as a parent of a struggling student. I understand well how it feels when teachers appear hopeless about your child’s progress. I understand feeling consumed with worry and doubt your child will ever catch up. I understand willingness to do anything to spare your child the agony of repeated failure. www.auburnopelikaparents.com

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It May Be Time to Hire a Tutor If… 1. Your child’s teacher suggests it.

If your child is underachieving and her teacher thinks extra help will be beneficial, it may be time to seek help outside of the classroom. As a professional tutor, I love collaborating with teachers and mapping out a customized plan to optimally increase learning and achievement.

2. You suspect or have been told your child is lagging developmentally.

It can be frustrating when they are simply a little behind their peers, but don’t lose hope! Time really does heal a lot of wounds, and extra practice and encouragement from tutoring are healing too. If your child feels discouraged by a developmental delay, remind him of a skill he once could not master yet now does with ease (i.e. tying shoes or riding a twowheeler). He’ll get there eventually!

3. Your student is muddling through a rough patch. Sometimes life just happens and brings with it: hormones, moving, a new baby, unemployment, illness, etc. Since children are not immune to stress, they may fall behind in school work or be distracted in class. Tutoring can provide a safe haven to study and learn new strategies to navigate the rough patch.

4. You find yourself hiding under the bed during homework time. It can be emotionally traumatic for both parent and struggling student when school work is too confusing or difficult. An alternative to climbing into the dryer (I suppose there are other more comfy escapes) and hoping for the best is to contact an expert. Don’t feel guilty when a teacher demands parents be involved at home. Tutoring involves patient, mindful, and sensitive measures to empower your child without bribes, yelling, or guilt trips. Sometimes I will receive a desperate call from a parent at the height of a parentchild homework meltdown when actual wailing can be heard in the background. It’s okay and normal if what your child needs is anyone other than you to help.

5.Your student struggles with a teacher.

Like their students, teachers aren’t perfect, and not all student-teacher matches are made in heaven. My own son is oversensitive to whether a teacher likes him, and if he perceives dislike, he shuts down and misses instruction. Our other son struggled 37

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with a teacher who frequently raised her voice. Tutors may be able to reach students who are shut down by earning their trust in friendly, upbeat to sessions. It’s much easier to be funny, gentle, and attentive with just one student—far more challenging with 30 students in the room! Often teachers are stretched thin across a varied group of learners with multiple learning styles. Your student may benefit from a one-on-one arrangement where they feel joined and heard.

6. The classroom is overwhelming.

Not everyone learns best sitting at a desk indoors with a group of distracting peers. While some students come alive in a given environment, others may feel overstimulated or anxious. While it’s tough to control a classroom’s dynamics, some tutoring help may fill gaps where understanding breaks down due to distraction or disruption.

7. Your child says the issue is boredom. Boredom can affect learning, but students may attribute underachievement or failure to boredom when they are actually overlychallenged or behind. Since your child may not be able to diagnose or articulate why they are struggling, a tutor may be able to determine if extra support will help.

8. Your child has fallen behind due to absence.

If your child has missed school and is struggling to complete make-up work and learn new material, a tutor may keep him on task and teach missed lessons. The students I help in this capacity are often quite stressed about the accumulation of work to complete, and it truly helps to partner with someone with a plan to get back in the game.

9. You want to keep new skills anchored in memory over the summer.

Learning can be rewarding and fun during the summer when everyone is more relaxed without the pressure of grades. Enrichment can also give students an edge when school resumes, leading to a confident and robust start to the year.

10. Your child has test anxiety.

Tutoring encompasses more than flashcards and quizzing; it can be a valuable source of emotional coaching for students who feel anxious, defeated or discouraged. The right tutor will be able to advocate for your child, equip them to perform to their full potential on exams, and help them cope with worry. AOP Michele Ranard has a husband, two children, and a master’s in counseling. She is happy to report her son made great progress and has learned invaluable life lessons as a result of his academic struggles.

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1. You want your child to receive specialized instruction from well-qualified instructors. For example, perhaps she has special needs. You can certainly arrange for your local public school to develop an IEP or Individualized Education Program for your child. This is mandated by a federal law known as Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. While your child’s needs will certainly be identified and a program of instruction devised for her, you would be wise to explore the options a specialized private school offers. Why? When you send your child to private school for special needs, she will be taught by credentialled, highly skilled teachers and paraprofessionals throughout the school day. Class sizes are small. The schools can tailor programs to meet each student’s specific needs. When thinking about your older child, teens are incredibly sensitive and insecure. Having learning differences in a school where they might feel uncomfortable or ostracized is not going to help them at all in later life. Being surrounded by a community of teachers, staff and students who will support your child and show her how to meet the challenges is probably a better solution.

2. You want your child to be able to take academic courses or Advanced Placement courses which are not available in your local public schools.

Thinking about sending your child to private school? There are many reasons why you should consider this option. What is important as you begin this process is not to reinvent the wheel. Most of us parents have had the same concerns as you are having about your child’s education. We all want our children to receive the very best education possible so that they are positioned for success in later life. Start by writing down all the reasons which you can think of for wanting to give your child a private school education. Then compare them with my four top reasons for doing that. Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2017

Rigorous academic programs such as Advanced Placement courses are commonly found in private schools. Compare the AP courses offered in your local public high school with the courses offered at local private schools. There are some 34 AP courses. Most schools will offer between 10 and 20 AP courses to choose from. If you anticipate your child needing or wanting to take a not commonly offered AP course, a private school might be your best solution. AP courses are most effectively taught by trained teachers who are experienced in presenting their subject matter. Children achieve academic excellence by stretching themselves, by studying harder and doing more academic work than they ever thought they could do. Learning to do your very best in grade school and high school is excellent preparation for later life.

3. You want your child to be educated according to specific religious beliefs. This is frequently an important factor in deciding whether to send your child to private school. Religion is not part of a public school education by law. So, if bringing your child up with a strong religious education component is important to you, you will find many options available. Bear in mind that religious education varies from one private school to another. Some religious schools offer a heavy emphasis on education in their religious beliefs. Daily classes and worship will be a

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part of the routine and will be required. At the other end of the spectrum are schools which are affiliated with one religious sect or another. Many are even non-denominational. It is really up to you. Do you want your child to receive her religious education full strength, medium strength or light? Private schools offer a wide variety of options. Most schools which have a strong religious education component also have rigorous academic programs as well. But never assume that to be the case. Do your due diligence. Ask questions. Make sure that the school’s programs and teachings match with your needs and objectives.

4. You want your child to be part of a strong sports program. Regrettably athletic programs are being reduced or even eliminated in many public schools. These are tough economic times for most school districts. Sports and arts programs are usually areas where most districts feel they can cut expenses. On the other hand, private schools historically have made sports an integral part of their educational programs. Most private schools feel that sports are part of a balanced approach

to education. Indeed, at the high end of the scale there are several private schools which have athletic facilities and programs which far surpass those found at many colleges. But let’s be clear about what you are looking for. If you just need sports as an exercise component in your child’s education you will find that sports activity is available at just about every private school. But if it is a higher standard of play and performance which you seek, then you will want to examine individual athletic programs very carefully. If you yourself are not an expert in the sport your child is passionate about, then seek the professional advice and counsel of somebody who is an expert. Getting your child into a school which you

thought was the right one only to discover two weeks into the year that you have made a terrible mistake is not a good position to be in. Get that professional opinion before you commit to a school. These then are my four top reasons why you should send your child to private school. There are other reasons, of course, why you might be considering private school. Factor those into your thinking as well. AOP For more articles on the benefits of private school, visit www.privateschoolreview.com.

Celebrating 25 years!

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rk y for Caring for your children and laying a foundation for their growth and success has been our calling for the past 25 years. Our unique, caring approach is rooted in an understanding that each child is a gift and a responsibility. These precious little ones deserve our attention, security and love. Just like home. Today, our commitment to your children continues with caring and experienced teachers, a stimulating and secure environment and an atmosphere of living, loving and learning you’ll only find at Growing Room.

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334-501-2044 | 644 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL M-F 6:30am - 6:30pm | Ages 6 weeks – 12 years

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Family Calendar Monday, December 26

Military Monday Georgia Aquarium. Offering free, general admission to active and former military members. We recognize the extraordinary sacrifices our military personnel, veterans and their loved ones have made while serving this great country. Military Monday is our way to say thank you for your service. www.georgiaaquarium.org.

Tuesday, December 27

Baby Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Totally Sports Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Sports, sports and more sports! Come enjoy flag football, basketball and more! $25. Ages 5 - 12 years. 334-705-5560.

Wednesday, December 28 Toddler Time Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Thursday, December 29

Preschool Storytime Auburn Public Library. Two times to choose from, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Kids Day Out Camp Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Structured fun in the gym includes relays and games! $25. Ages 6-10 years. 334-705-5560.

Friday, December 30 Kids Day Out Camp See Dec. 29 for details.

Saturday, December 31

Fantasy and Fireworks Callaway Gardens, Ga. 8 million lights. 15 dazzling scenes. 1 magical night. Fantasy In Lights® is not only the South’s most spectacular holiday light and sound show, it is one of the world’s “Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights” as named by National Geographic Traveler. www.callawaygardens.com. Market Days on Broadway Uptown Columbus. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Grab your recyclable grocery bag and head down to Broadway to pick up locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, artwork, flowers, plants and handcrafted items! There is something for the whole family Saturday mornings in Uptown Columbus. www.uptowncolumbusga.com. Young Eagles Day Columbus Airport, 3250 W. Britt David Road, Columbus, Ga. 8:30-11:30 a.m. (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. Peach Drop 2017 Underground Atlanta. Ring in the New Year with the 2017 Peach Drop! Scheduled for New Year’s Eve at Underground Atlanta, the 2017 Peach Drop promises family fun entertainment, food, street performers, and more. Be sure to check their website for up-to-date information on the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in the Southeast. Happy New Year! www.atlanta.net. Dancing with the Stars: Live! America’s favorite dance show is going back on the

Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2017

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road this winter with Dancing with the Stars: Live! We Came to Dance, giving fans the opportunity to see the best dancers in the business perform live in Atlanta. This all-new production showcases every type of ballroom and modern dance seen on ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars. This dazzling performance travels to the Fox Theatre for a New Year’s Eve show at 7 p.m. featuring the hottest cast in dance. Fox Theatre, Atlanta. www.foxtheatre.org. Looking for fun on New Year’s Eve? On December 31, we’re offering the opportunity to enjoy Fantasy In Lights. Then, join us at Robin Lake Beach for some New Year’s Eve festivities! Two great bands will entertain the crowd. Football games and New York’s New Year’s Eve Countdown will be on big screen at midnight! www.callawaygardens.com.

Sunday, January 1

Resolution Run Toe the first start line of 2017 with Atlanta Track Club at the Resolution Run. This event features a 4 Miler, One Mile and 50m Dash, and is a great way to get the entire family moving. With a start/finish line conveniently located at the Brookhaven MARTA station, this event is easy to access. The Resolution Run is the best way to get your 2017 off to a healthy start! Brookhaven MARTA Station, Atl. www.atlantatrackclub.org. First Day Hike & Bike at Chewacla State Park Start your year on the right trail and make a resolution to get outside more. Whether you want to hike or bike Chewacla is the place. On January 1st, come outside and enjoy the fresh start to a new year. C.A.M.P. members will be out in the park mountain biking and there will be a guided hike at 10 a.m. This hike will leave from the Beach Pavilion, travel around the lake to the waterfall, and follow the creek back around through the CCC to the Beach Pavilion for a total length of about 2 miles. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring some water! Happy New Year! First Day Hike 2017 at FDR State Park, Pine Mountain, Ga. Kick Off New Year in Georgia. Meet your guide at the Dowdell’s Knob trailhead for a winter 4.3 mile, moderate loop hike on Pine Mountain Ridge. Geared towards ages 8 & up. Bring water and a snack and dress for conditions. www.gastateparks.org/ FDRoosevelt. 5K & Family Polar Bear Dip Party and costume contest. Ring in the New Year by taking a dip into the Gulf of Mexico at high noon. Dippers and other participants dress up or simply show up for this special day. The Flora-Bama provides the traditional feast of black-eyed peas, cornbread, ham, and more for those who take the plunge. Gulf Shores. 11 a.m. www.florabama.com.

Tuesday, January 3 Baby Time See Dec. 27 for details.

Crazy 8s Math Club Auburn Public Library. Grades K-2 meet from 3:30-4:15 p.m. Join Bedtime Math’s® Crazy 8s Club®, where you’ll build stuff, run and jump, make music, and make a mess… it’s a totally new kind of math club! You’ll get to do mischief-making activities like Glow-in-the-Dark Geometry, Bouncy Dice and Toilet Paper Olympics, and you’ll get to take home some cool gadgets, too. Space is limited. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Wednesday, January 4 Toddler Time See Dec. 28 for details.

Thursday, January 5

Family Fun Day at Peachtree Mall We are wanting to reach stay at home parents of preschool aged children and any daycare that may want to come here on a field trip. FFD runs from 10:30 until noon. Come in early and let the children play in our play area inside of Macy’s court, or take a stroll through the mall and see everything new inside of Peachtree! Columbus, Ga. Free. www.facebook.com/ peachtreemall. Preschool Storytime See Dec. 29 for details. Gamers Society Auburn Public Library. For ages 10-18 years. 4:00 p.m. Minecraft, Wii/Xbox and Pokemon. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Friday, January 6

First Friday Opelika On the First Friday of each month, downtown Opelika shops will stay open until 8 p.m. so that diners of our downtown restaurants can shop before or after they eat. This is a great opportunity for those that work during retail hours to see what the Downtown shops have to offer. There will also be entertainment on street corners for everyone’s enjoyment. The specialty shops will be open until 8 p.m. with music and entertainment on the street corners, and several restaurants in the downtown area to make the evening a great way to relax and enjoy the atmosphere! WWE Raw Live Columbus Civic Center, Ga. See your favorite superstars on the road to Wrestlemania 33. Superstars include Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens, New Day, Charlotte, Bayley, Sasha Banks and more! www.columbusciviccenter.org.

Saturday, January 7

Eye Spy Scavenger Hunt at FDR State Park Pine Mountain, Ga. www.gastateparks.org/ FDRoosevelt. 4:00 p.m. Team up (1-6 people) and complete in our on-site scavenger hunt with your camera or phone. Pick up checklist/rules at the park office anytime. Pictures must be brought to office with checklist by 4 p.m.. Winners notified by phone that day to pick up prize. No charge. Parking fee: $5. Home Depot Kids Workshop “Crate Toolbox” Opelika. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. The Home Depot offers 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. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin. Kids Workshop activities are scheduled on a first come/first served basis. www. homedepot.com. Market Days on Broadway 2016 See Dec. 31 for details. Saturday STEM Auburn Public Library. For ages 4-7 years. 10:00 11:00 a.m. Preschoolers-2nd grade and their caregivers are invited to join us for a new storytime that is all about STEM…Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. This storytime will focus on these concepts in a fun, interactive, story-driven format. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Boyz II Men in Concert Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center. www.bjcc. org.

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Family Calendar Sunday, January 8

Garrison Keillor Garrison Keillor is a writer and humorist best know for his popular live radio variety show, A Prairie Home Companion, and offers insight and stories from his journey as one of America’s greatest storytellers. Come be captivated by his unique blend of comedy, charisma and wisdom! RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. www.rivercenter.org. 7:00 p.m.

Monday, January 9

Literary Classics Club: The Scarlet Letter Auburn Public Library. 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Grades 8-12. The Auburn Public Library is pleased to announce a book discussion group for you to divulge your inner literati! Teens, grades 8-12, can join us for hot beverages and lively discussion as we dissect some of the most influential pieces of western literature. Following the discussion, participants are invited to create projects to supplement what they gained from their experience. Craft supplies are provided and participation is voluntary. All selected works for the winter season are located on public domain. www.auburnalabama.org/library.

Tuesday, January 10

Cold Weather Treats Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Easy cooking fun for preschoolers! $10. 334-705-5560. Baby Time See Dec. 27 for details. Crazy 8s Math Club: Grades K-2nd See Jan. 3 for details. Crazy 8s Math Club: Grades 3rd-5th Auburn Public Library. 4:30-5:15 p.m. Join Bedtime Math’s® Crazy 8s Club®, where you’ll build stuff, run and jump, make music, and make a mess… it’s a totally new kind of math club! You’ll get to do mischief-making activities like Glow-in-the-Dark Geometry, Bouncy Dice and Toilet Paper Olympics, and you’ll get to take home some cool gadgets, too. Space is limited. www.auburnalabama.org/library LitWits Book Club: Nonfiction Auburn Public Library. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Bored of the

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same old chit-chat over required reading? Take charge of your reading experience! LitWits is a genre based book club. Read any book within that genre and bring it with you for group discussions and themed activities. Coffee and snacks are served at each meeting. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Shen Yun: Five-Thousand Years of Fashion RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. From emperors dressed in dragon robe regalia to celestial maidens in flowing sashes, Shen Yun’s costumes are truly a sight to behold. With hundreds of colorful, handmade garments spanning China’s regions, dynasties, and ethnicities, Shen Yun performances are now a must-see for top fashion designers around the world. There was a time when the world was full of magic and splendor, as if all on Earth existed in harmony with Heaven. You could see it in the arts, feel it in the air, and hear it in the beat of a drum. This was a land of heroes and sages, dragons and phoenixes, emperors and immortals. Known today as China, this place was once called “the Middle Kingdom” and “the Land of the Divine.” What if you could journey back and visit this lost world…? Now you can. Shen Yun invites you to experience this divine culture of the Middle Kingdom. Shen Yun brings the profound spirit of this lost civilization to life on stage with unrivaled artistic mastery. Every dance movement, every musical note, makes this a stunning visual and emotional experience you won’t find anywhere else. www. rivercenter.org.

Wednesday, January 11 Toddler Time See Dec. 28 for details.

Thursday, January 12

Therapeutic Community Fair Sponsored by Exceptional Outreach Organization 6:00-8:00 p.m. Harris Center, Auburn. Come see the different organizations in the Lee County area that provide services to those with intellectual and physical disabilities. There will be fun, refreshments and prize drawings throughout the evening. This is a great opportunity to meet new families and get your loved ones involved. FREE to the public. Contact: Dana Stewart • (334) 501-2950 • dstewart@auburnalabama. org.

Preschool Storytime See Dec. 29 for details. Gamers Society See Jan. 5 for details.

Friday, January 13

“The Lightning Thief” Adapted from the bestselling book by Rick Riordan. Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school…again. And that’s the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy’s Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he’s angered a few of them! RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. 7:00 p.m. www.rivercenter.org.

Saturday, January 14

Eye Spy Scavenger Hunt at FDR State Park See Jan. 7 for details. Second Saturday at Columbus Museum Drop by the art cart with your children and grandchildren 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. Free. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. www. columbusmuseum.com. Campground Chili Challenge at FDR State Park Campground Chili Challenge IV…Cooking, Tasting & Hot Pepper Eating! Chili set-up 12:30 p.m. and Tasting 1:00 p.m. Sign-Up to enter this amateur cooking contest or be a taster or hot pepper eater. Cooks must pre-register & pre-pay by Jan 13. Entry fee $10. Must cook at least 5 quarts of homemade chili with or without beans and bring it in a crock pot. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, third place. Tasters & hot pepper eaters are encouraged to pre-register & pre-pay, $5 each. Entry forms & registration available at Park Office. Held at enclosed Group Shelter below the dam in the campground. Admission: $5 Taster judges & Heat challengers $10 Chili cookers, Parking fee: $5. Pine Mountain, Ga. 12:30-2:00 p.m. www.gastateparks.org/FDRoosevelt

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Family Calendar Benefit Concert Against Domestic Violence, “STRONGER THAN BEFORE” 6:00 p.m. The Bottling Plant Event Center, Opelika. This Benefit concert is for ALL ages! Get ready for a night to remember! We will have Jock McKissic as our guest speaker. Actor, producer, writer, and former Clemson Tiger Football Player (Tackle). Featured Artist: Kady Rain, www.kadyrainmusic.com. $10, $15 at door. For ticket information, 334-663-5650. Market Days on Broadway See Dec. 31 for details. Saturday STEM See Jan. 7 for details. WWE Live! Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center. www.bjcc.org.

Sunday, January 15

Southern Bridal Show Wedding professionals will present the latest trends and ideas for weddings, including photography, catering, bridal gown and tuxedos, flowers and more. 12-5 p.m. BJCC, Birmingham. 800-532-8917. www.EliteEvents.com. Birmingham Feline Fanciers CFA Allbreed Cat Show Breeds from around the country will compete for titles, regional and national points. Feline art show, vendors, cats and kittens available for adoption. 205-919-8129. www.Birminghamfelinefanciers.com. Irondale, AL.

Monday, January 16

MLK Day Hick at FDR State Park Enjoy a holiday venture, 5.0 moderate miles along the Pine Mountain trail. Meet at the WJSP Radio Tower at the east end of the trail and end at Rocky Point Parking Lot. Transportation back to car provided. Geared towards ages 8 & up. Bring water and a snack and dress for conditions. Pine Mountain, Ga. 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. www.gastateparks.org/FDRoosevelt.

Tuesday, January 17 Baby Time See Dec. 27 for details.

Crazy 8s Math Club: Grades K-2nd See Jan. 3 for details. Crazy 8s Math Club: Grades 3rd-5th See Jan. 10 for details.

Wednesday, January 18 Toddler Time See Dec. 28 for details.

Thursday, January 19

David Wilcox in Concert at Sundilla David Wilcox has been one of the premier singersongwriters for a while now, and he was already considered one of the best when Sundilla started back in 1993. We’ve wanted to bring him here for a long time, but for many years it just wasn’t a realistic goal. And even now that we have achieved the kind of recognition it takes to attract a performer of David’s stature, it still wasn’t easy; there are only so many days in a year, and obviously David is in demand all over the country, all of the time. In fact, we have been working on this one for more than a year. Those familiar with Wilcox already know what to expect; David Wilcox is definitely the most asked-about performer, if the question is “Have you ever had…” or “When are you going to get…?” And those who are unfamiliar are in for a treat. Performing Songwriter

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Magazine says “For David Wilcox, music is a personal compass for finding his way home. Lining it up with something deep inside, his words become image-filled poetry that dance to an internal rhythm. Challenging situations, elusive ideas, and long-suppressed feelings are directed into inspiring metaphors of hope. Coupled with a seamless melody, it is all delivered in the language of his heart.” Wilcox is now 18 records into a career marked by personal revelation and wildly loyal fans. AUUF, 450 Thach Ave, Auburn. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available for $20 at Spicer’s Music, Blooming Colors, Music Town Records, and online at www.sundillamusic.com. Preschool Storytime See Dec. 29 for details.

Tuesday, January 24 Baby Time See Dec. 27 for details.

Crazy 8s Math Club: Grades K-2nd See Jan. 3 for details. Crazy 8s Math Club: Grades 3rd-5th See Jan. 10 for details.

Wednesday, January 25 Toddler Time See Dec. 28 for details.

Thursday, January 26

Gamers Society See Jan. 5 for details. Birmingham Boat Show Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center. www.bjcc.org. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center. www.bjcc.org.

Friday, January 20

Homeschool in the Park at FDR State Park Pine Mountain, Ga. Geared towards families who homeschool. Investigate mammals in the field, scat, tracks, and other signs. Check live traps and investigate study areas. Not stroller accessible. No restroom. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the park on your own afterwards. Meet at the Large Group Camp. 10:00-11:30am. www. gastateparks.org/FDRoosevelt. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus See Jan. 19 for details.

Saturday, January 21

Eye Spy Scavenger Hunt at FDR State Park See Jan. 7 for details. Market Days on Broadway 2016 See Dec. 31 for details. Super Saturdays at LaGrange Art Museum Free family art day! Spend the afternoon at the Museum. Families, neighbors, and friends can tour the current exhibit and explore an art activity. 112 Lafayette Pkwy, LaGrange, Ga. 1:00-4:00 p.m. www.lagrangeartmuseum.org.

Wild Kratts Live! Animated Kratt Brothers, Martin and Chris, “come to real life” in a classically Wild Kratts story. Off “To the Creature Rescue!” the Emmy nominated Kratt Brothers activate some fan favorite Creature Power Suits to confront a comic villain. The series is a coproduction of The Kratt Brothers Company and 9 Story Entertainment. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. 6:30 p.m. www.rivercenter.org.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus See Jan. 19 for details.

Sunday, January 22

K-12 Art Club Our ever-popular spring art club series continues for 2017! Grownups are asked to join in the fun and remain with their child for the project. Please register to guarantee a space and materials. Some topics may change slightly. Check back in the new year for registration instructions.K-12 Art Clubs are supported in part by a City of Auburn K-12 Education Grant. We’ll be making some cool sculptures based on the work of Jiha Moon. Materials include air-dry clay, popsicle sticks, wire, and textiles. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Auburn. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. 1:00 p.m. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus See Jan. 19 for details.

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Friday, January 27

After School Movie: “Nuhuani” 4:00 - 4:45 p.m. Join the Auburn Public Library and the Auburn University Department of Foreign Languages for a movie after school. This animation film tells one of the nicest and dream-like stories of the Kogui. They live in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia, the tallest mountain next to an ocean. They bring a message of protecting Mother Nature by keeping balance on earth. It gives homage to the original peoples of the Americas, what they call Abya Ayala: land in pure potential of living. The movie is in Spanish with English subtitles. www. auburnalabama.org/library. Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival Presented by We Piddle Around Theatre, Troy, Al. Three storytelling concerts on Friday and Saturday at the Trojan Center Theatre (Troy University) in Troy. The festival features some of the country’s top storytellers and includes pre-show music by popular old-time bands. Call 334-685-5524 to find out more.

Saturday, January 28

Saturday STEM See Jan. 7 for details.

Eye Spy Scavenger Hunt at FDR State Park See Jan. 7 for details. S’MORES (Saturday Mid-Day Orchestra Rehearsals) S’MORES are open dress rehearsals with an informal and all-inclusive atmosphere. The CSO is breaking the financial barrier by encouraging attendees to “pay what you want.” By allowing YOU to set the price, S’MORES eliminates hesitation and exposes people who have not had the capabilities to partake in the music that is being created here in Columbus. S’MORES begins at 12:30 p.m and lasts the duration of a rehearsal (no later than 3:30 p.m.). For more information call (706) 256-3640. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus. 12:30 p.m. www.rivercenter.org. Reese’s Senior Bowl 2017 The Senior Bowl, the nation’s unique football game and football’s premier pre-draft event, annually features the country’s best senior collegiate football stars and top

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Family Calendar NFL draft prospects on teams representing the North and South, which are coached by the entire coaching staffs from two National Football League teams. Contest will be nationally televised by NFL Network. Mobile, Al. www.seniorbowl.com. Market Days on Broadway 2016 See Dec. 31 for details. Young Eagles Day See Dec. 31 for details. Saturday STEM See Jan. 7 for details. Alabama Oyster Social The Red Barn, Agricultural Heritage Park, Auburn. Our 3rd Annual Alabama Oyster Social will be held at the Alfa Pavilion (The Red Barn) at Auburn University. 5th Annual Polar Plunge Samford Pool, Auburn. Lee County Special Olympics will host the 5th Annual Polar Plunge. Sign up, dive in, and brave the cold as we raise money to help support Lee County Special Olympics athletes at area, state, and national games. Registration forms are located below. Come brave the cold! www.auburnalabama.org. Pike Piddlers Storytelling Festival See Jan. 27 for details.

January 31

Crazy 8s Math Club: Grades K-2nd See Jan. 3 for details. Crazy 8s Math Club: Grades 3rd-5th See Jan. 10 for details.

February

Feb. 2 Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers: “Mango Dreams”, by John Upchurch JCSM brings in contemporary filmmakers to meet with students and museum guests for a special screening of their film. The Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers is a program of South Arts. Southern Circuit screenings are funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Auburn. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. 5:00 p.m. Feb. 6 Literary Classics Club: Romeo and Juliet Auburn Public Library. 1:00-2:30 p.m. Grades 8-12. The Auburn Public Library is pleased to announce a book discussion group for you to divulge your inner literati! Teens, grades 8-12, can join us for hot beverages and lively discussion as we dissect some of the most influential pieces of western literature. Following the discussion, participants are invited to create projects to supplement what they gained from their experience. Craft supplies are provided and participation is voluntary. All selected works for the winter season are located on public domain. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Feb. 8-11 28th Annual Daddy-Daughter Date Night is SOLD OUT, but if you are interested in adding your name to the Daddy Daughter Date Night 2017 Wait list, please submit your contact information to the specialeventsparks@auburnalabama.org address. This year’s Daddy-Daughter Date Night “Magical Masquerade” at the Clarion Inn & Suites on S. College St. Daughters, dads, granddads, and uncles are invited to dance the night away to music by DJ Ozz and enjoy refreshments, door prizes, dance contests, keepsake photos, and an evening of memories. Special guests will be in attendance as well! Ticket holders

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are reminded that tickets are only valid for the night they were purchased. Tickets are non-transferable and cannot be resold or given to another family. All ticket sales for the event are final. For more information, visit www.auburnalabama.org/parks or contact Auburn Parks and Recreation at 334-501-2930. Feb. 10-12 Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend Event features five running events including the full marathon, half marathon, 5K, Kids Marathon. Other weekend activities include a Health and Wellness Expo and a post race party. Linn Park, Birmingham. www. mercedesmarathon.com. Fee for participants only. Feb. 11 Animal Enrichment Day From zoo animals to our pets at home and even including us, we all need enrichment. A chance to smell a new scent. Taste a new favor. Play a new game or figure out a puzzle. Enrichment is an effort to tap into and stimulate our basic five senses: touch, sight, scent, taste and hear. The result is to stimulate behaviors resembling those for that species in a wild. It is a lot of trial and error, but it is always fun. The Montgomery Zoo. www.montgomeryzoo.com; 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Feb. 16-19 “Tokens of Affection”, a play by Topher Payne “Tokens of Affection” explores the empty nest syndrome, complications of long-term romance and general family dysfunction when a wife of 37 years announces she’s leaving her husband. Each partner seeks solace at the homes of their grown children, and hilarity ensues. Th/F/Sa @ 7:30 with optional, pre-show, seated dinner, and Sunday @ 2:30. (334) 738-8687 or conecuhpeople@knology.net Red Door Theatre & Historical Marker, Union Springs, Al. www.reddoortheatre.org. Feb. 17 Friday Night Drop-In Sweetheart Dance Girls ask that special guy! The king and his court will be presented. Entertainment by DJ Ozz. 6th-9th grade “Drop In” Members only. Opelika Sportsplex. 7:00 9:30 p.m. $5 for single/$8 couple. 334-705-5560. Feb. 18 Dandy Dads Dinner Dance A special night out for fathers and daughters of all ages. Join us for an evening of dining, dancing and fun! Admission is $30 per couple/$10 each additional daughter. Register by February 12. Includes meal, corsage, boutonniere, activities and entertainment by DJ Ozz. 334-705-5560. Opelika Sportsplex. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Mother Son Blue Jean Ball Sponsored by Opelika Parks and Rec, located at Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Mothers and sons of all ages, come have a fun and relaxing night! $20 per couple, $5 each additional son. Must pre-register by February 13 with Opelika Parks and Rec. 334-705-5560. Girls, Glitz and Glamour All things girly! Nails, makeup, hair and lunch! $15. Ages 5-13. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Covington Rec Center, Opelika. 334-705-5560. Feb. 21 Founders’ Day at Callaway Gardens Callaway Gardens honors its founders each year on November 6 (Cason J. Callaway’s birthday) and February 21 (Virginia Hand Callaway’s birthday). Special organ concerts are played these days from noon to 4 p.m. at the Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel. www.callawaygardens.com. Feb. 23 - Mar. 4 “The Drowsy Chaperone” Telfair Peet Theatre, Auburn University. Come join The

Man in the Chair, misanthrope, recluse, and world’s biggest musical theatre fan, as he takes us on a hilarious tour of the acclaimed (and totally fictional) 1920s musical. With its bad plots, stock characters, and ridiculous send-ups of 1920s musical numbers, Chaperone is a theatrically self-referential tour de force, earning five Tony Awards in 2006. www.auburn.theatre.edu. Feb. 24 Star Wars Imperial Gala Dress up in your favorite sci-fi costumes and bring the whole family to the Auburn Public Library to enjoy a variety of Star Wars activities! Our Imperial Gala will include: a costume contest, snacks, games, and crafts. The costume contest will have four categories including best group costume and three age brackets: 0-5, 6-11, and 12+. Auburn Public Library. 3:00-3:30 p.m. & 4:00-4:30 p.m. www.auburnalabama.org/library. Feb. 25 Empty Bowls Auburn Parks and Recreation’s Dean Road Ceramics Studio and Opelika Parks and Recreation’s Denson Drive Recreation Center will host the Annual Empty Bowls event at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. A minimum donation of $10/person to the Food Bank of East Alabama entitles each ticket holder to their choice of a handmade bowl created by studio potters and a selection of soup, chili, and bread donated by local restaurants. Advance ticket purchases are encouraged. Empty Bowls is a fundraiser created to raise awareness for hunger issues and help feed the hungry in our community. Potters from the Auburn and Opelika ceramics studios spend months creating hundreds of handcrafted bowls from which patrons can choose as a keepsake and a reminder of those who face hunger every day. 334-501-2930. Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn. www.auburnalabama.org/parks. 27th Annual Love Your Heart Run & 9th Annual Crank Your Heart Ride Join A.O.R.T.A., the Exceptional Outreach Organization and Auburn Parks and Recreation for the 27th Annual Love Your Heart Run benefiting individuals with special needs and supporting the Annual Therapeutic Summer Camp, Special Olympics of Lee County, Best Buddies of Auburn University and other therapeutic programs. 6:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Sponsored by A.O.R.T.A., Exceptional Outreach Organization and Auburn Parks and Recreation. K-12 Art Club Our ever-popular spring art club series continues for 2017! Continuing to relate to the Jiha Moon exhibition, we’ll be working on pop culture collages working in mixed-media (paper, pens, pencils, and markers, magazine images, stamps, woodblocks, etc.). Grownups are asked to join in the fun and remain with their child for the project. Please register to guarantee a space and materials. Some topics may change slightly. Check back in the new year for registration instructions. K-12 Art Clubs are supported in part by a City of Auburn K-12 Education Grant. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Auburn. 1:30 p.m. www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

Ongoing

A2Z Local Homeschooler’s Association For homeschooling families in the Auburn/Opelika Lee County area of Alabama. A2Z Loop is an allinclusive support group open to all homeschool families in the Auburn/Opelika area regardless of differences in beliefs, cultures, nationality, race, religion, or method of home schooling. For more information call 334-728-1162 or email: momofpnk@gmail.com.

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Family Calendar Alabama Mentor’s Foster Parent Training Classes Offered in the Opelika Auburn area. Call 334-705-8877 x 18 to register or email: Deanna.Hand@thementornetwork.com. 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. Chick-fil-A Family Night at Tigertown Every Thursday night. Discovery Hikes Explore the preserve and learn something new each month about plants, wildlife and nature with a trained naturalist who will offer your family fun opportunities for hands-on learning, exploration, and exercise! Discovery Hikes are offered the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. For families with children ages 5 to 12. Free admission. Donations welcomed. Cancelled in the event of rain. Forest Ecology Preserve & Nature Center is located at 2222 N. College Street, Auburn, and is just north of the AU Fisheries complex. 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. Jule Collins Smith Museum • “Camera Lucida”. Through Jan. 17, 2017. Popular culture has been molded by television and electronic graphic information since the mid-20th century. Whether appearing on a TV console, computer monitor, or smart device, video has become a comfortable, accessible, and preferred medium for both consumption and creation, especially to those among us under 30. Jule Collins Smith Museum, Auburn. www.jcsm.auburn.edu. Lee County Department of Human Resources Now recruiting foster/adoptive families. To learn more about fostering and adoption please call our office at 334-737-1100. Please join us in this endeavor to help our foster children. Lee County Parents of Chinese Children helps children understand, see and grow up with other families that look like their family (white parents/Asian child). The group is 100% free! We try to eat out at Asian establishments monthly and have playdates. Families that are waiting to adopt are welcome! We accept any families with adopted children from all Asian countries. Contact Melody at mmhilyer@bellsouth.net for more information. Meditation Garden and Labyrinth Come and Find the Quiet Center... in the Meditation Garden and Labyrinth, provided as a community service by Village Christian Church, 700 East University Drive, (across from Auburn Early Ed.). 334-887-5111. Try the practice of walking meditation or simply sit and enjoy the sights and sounds. The garden and labyrinth are always open and guests are always welcome. Miracle League To volunteer or for more information, www.miraclefield. org or eamiracleleague@gmail.com. Opelika-Auburn Newcomers Club A club for new women in town which offers fun social activities, meets for lunch on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Call Joan at 501-4974.

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Therapeutic Foster Care Program Foster a Child’s Future Today - Become a Therapeutic Foster Parent! Certification classes are free. Please call Joanna Fisher Champagne at Lee County Youth Development Center’s Therapeutic Foster Care Program. (334) 749-2996, Ext. 311 - You can make an eternal difference in a child’s life! XBAR Fitness For Youth For all fitness levels. Mondays 5:15 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. $65/6 weeks. Megan.Linge@gmail.com.

Parents Support & Moms Groups

Auburn Mommies, a fun group of moms in the Auburn/Opelika area that meet weekly for playgroups and Mommy and Me walking twice a week. We also have a Mommies Night Out once a month. Http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/auburnmommiesinalabama/. Auburn Mommy and Me Big Dog Running Co, Auburn. 10–11 a.m. Social time, story time, music/movement, arts & crafts. Ages 9 months–3 years. Free! 334-209-2580. Auburn MOPS 1st Wednesday of each month, September-May. 9–11:30 a.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, Opelika. Meetings open to moms with preschool children ages 5 years and under. $5 per meeting; childcare $5 per child. $25 yearly membership dues. Weekly playdates, monthly moms night out, resources, and more. www.facebook.com/ AuburnOpelikaMOPS; AUMOPS@yahoo.com. Breast Feeding class meets the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon on EAMC’s third floor. Call 528-1260 to register. La Leche League, a support group for nursing moms, meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. @ Cornerstone Family Chiropractic, Airport Plaza, 323 Airport Road Suite E, Auburn. For more information call LLL of Auburn/Opelika, Leader, Josie Ettinger (h)334257-3950 or (c)334-740-8780. Main Street Farmer’s Market June 14-October 25. Broad Street, Alexander City. 256-329-9227. MOMS Club of Auburn, a group of stay-at-home moms that meets about twice a week to provide support for each other and fun interaction for kids. New website is www.auburnmoms.com. Parent Educational Workshop - Autism 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika. Parent Support Group - Autism 1st Monday (unless national holiday), 9:00-11:00 a.m. Location varies so check www.leecountyautism.com for complete information. Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama Single Moms Outreach of East Alabama offers 2nd Saturdays, group classes, and more. Contact Penny Messer at 334-444-6827. Email smoea@bellsouth. net. Website www.smoea.vpweb.com or find us on facebook. Teen Moms (for moms under 20) is a ministry that connects trained adults with pregnant girls and teenage moms. Support meetings, classes, job preparation, devotions and games. Call Laura Fuller at laura@insideyfc.com or 334-501-5637. www.insideyfc.com.

Mom’s Morning Out

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

Support Groups

Caregiver Support Group Caring for a family member or friends can be rewarding, but it’s not easy. Whether you are the caregiver for your parents, spouse or a dependent child, this group is for you! Learn ways to cope with every day stresses of caring for someone you love. Gain tools and resources to help you on your journey. This program is supported by the Opelika Sportsplex, Lee-Russell Agency on Aging and HomeInstead Senior Care. This group is open to the public. Meets the last Monday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at Opelika Sportsplex AAC. Instructors are: Valeri White (Sportsplex), Bridgette Sager (Home Instead Senior Care), Lisa Askew (Lee-Russell Council of Gov). Food Allergy Support of East Alabama The Food Allergy Support of East Alabama group offers support through the sharing of information and resources. We are also working to increase awareness of food allergies in the state of Alabama. For more information, visit our website at www. foodallergysupporteastal.org or call Barbara at 334826-3082; bkg2007@bellsouth.net. GRACE - Post-Abortive Support Group Are you struggling with feelings of regret or sadness from having a pregnancy termination in your past? Do you feel like you can’t share these struggles with anyone? Would you like to find healing and forgiveness? You are not alone. Women’s Hope Medical Clinic wants to help you! You are invited to take part in our GRACE abortion recovery group. This confidential group gives you the opportunity to process the grief of your termination in a safe and non-judgmental setting. If you would like more information about the times, dates and location for this group, call or e-mail Sherry at Women’s Hope: 334.502.7000 or sherry@womenshope.org Don’t let the regret of the past rob you of the joy in the future. Call us today. We are here to help.

Sports

Auburn University Men’s Basketball Dec. 29. Jan 7, 18, 21, 31. Auburn University Women’s Basketball Dec. 28. Jan 5, 8, 19, 22. Auburn University Swim and Dive Jan. 7, 12-15. Auburn Gymnastics Jan. 6, 13. Feb. 3. Columbus Cottonmouths Dec. 23, 31. Jan. 14, 15, 27, 28.

Please send your calendar events to Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com! We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.

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Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

From the moment we hide behind our hands, and then drop them to reveal our smiling face to an infant, we have begun to introduce them to the delights of discovering what is hidden. There’s a certain satisfaction derived when we finally see something that has been shielded from our sight. Mirroring the anticipation that accompanies a curtain rising at the theater or the wrapping falling away from a gift, toys and kits that unmask new marvels can generate tremendous satisfaction. Satisfy your child’s instinct to reveal the hidden with the following items that make discovery child’s play.

by Gerry Paige Smith

T-Rex Skeleton Dino Excavation Kit

Rock Tumbler Science Kit

Taking a child’s fascination with dinosaurs one step further, the T-Rex Skeleton Dino Excavation Kit gives small hands the opportunity to dig into their own prehistoric discoveries. Featuring a complete disassembled skeleton locked inside a lightweight clay matrix, the kit comes with a guide and excavation tools to help young paleontologists start their own dig. A small hammer and chisel help to remove the clay, revealing sections of a T-Rex skeleton that can be reassembled into a cool display model (or glued together for dinosaur play). Excavation can create a dusty mess, but moving the project outdoors or to a porch adds to the sense of real dinosaur discovery for young scientists on their first big dig!

You’d never guess just by looking at most rocks and pebbles that they hide a captivating and colorful beauty just below the surface. The Rock Tumbler Science Kit speeds up the process of wearing away the dull outer covering from ½ pound of semi-precious pebbles through constant tumbling within its small waterproof drum. Inside the motorized drum, water and grit slowly grind away the dross over thirty days, revealing smooth colorful stones ready for mounting into jewelry or adding rich hues to any rock hound’s collection. Tips for finding your own rocks to tumble are included for more independent discovery. A true gem in the rough, this kit reveals a treasure trove of beauty hidden in the rocks and minerals around us.

Treasure Tracker Metal Detector Truck

Break Your Own Geodes

(National Geographic)

(Geoworld)

(Gem Center USA)

Half of the search is done with this kit that provides 12 geodes that are preselected for dazzling interior formations. Resulting from volcanic activity, stone geodes were created when bubbles in molten lava hardened creating a hollow environment for crystals to form over time. The color and kind of mineral crystals inside have remained an ancient mystery... until kids open them. A hammer and chisel reveal never before seen beautiful structures that can be identified using the included geode guide. Combining the thrill of the action with the mystery of hidden beauty, the Break Your Own Geodes kit provides both a fun learning experience and exciting natural treasures to keep and study for a lifetime.

(Matchbox)

The search for buried treasure gets high-tech with the Treasure Tracker Truck. This ruggedly appointed truck is equipped with a metal detector halo that activates when you push the antenna down. As it rolls across sand, loose dirt or similarly permeable surface, the signal changes and alerts the driver when it encounters metal just below the surface. Once ‘x’ marks the spot, treasure hunters can get to work with scoop and sifter to begin excavating their site to find what’s buried just below the surface. Battery-operated and easy to maneuver, this vehicle gets the hunt for buried surprises rolling in style.

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

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Collateral Beauty

La La Land MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: AViolence: B Sexual Content: BLanguage: CAlcohol / Drug Use: C+ The MPAA has rated La La Land PG-13 for some language. Borrowing from Beauty and the Beast, this is a tale as old as time -- or at least as old as Tinsel Town. Mia (Emma Stone) has arrived in Los Angeles with the dream of being an actress. And while she’s waiting for her big break, life ain’t that bad. She drives a Prius, shares a hip retro apartment with three equally budding roommates and has nabbed a barista job at a coffee shop on a major motion picture studio lot. But for all the auditions she’s attended, no one has seen the potential within her. Cut to Sebastian (Ryan Gosling). His big goal is to explore his obsession for all things jazz, with the grand desire of owning a club one day. In the meantime, he drives a 1980’s convertible that’s seen better days, lives in a rundown flat and plays a piano for uninterested diners. His boss (J.K. Simmons) provides immediate feedback when Sebastian’s fingers start improvising on the keys, and insists he stick to the preselected set. These two first lay eyes on one another while Mia is stuck in traffic. She’s so busy studying her audition script that she doesn’t realize the cars around her are beginning to move. With a loud honk from him and an upended finger from her, Sebastian drives past. It’s love at first sight -- LA style. After a few more “meet cutes”, their disdain for one another segues into full on affection. Soon the couple is sharing an apartment, while each of them continues to chase their artistic vision. Yet their growing love for one another begins to compete with their inner hopes for success. This conflict is depicted in surprisingly poignant scenes as both Mia and Sebastian reassess their priorities and talent, and try to balance their dreams with reality. With the many dual-working couples in society, this script is a relevant exploration into the difficult choice of whose career is the most important and whether the heart should overrule the wallet. On first viewing these deeper plot points may be difficult to notice, thanks to the movie’s distracting scenery and catchy tunes. Offering a strange retro feel, the production pulls cues from the Gene Kelly days (with Stone and Gosling doing some impressive dancing), yet brings them into a modern-day context. Old music combines with new. Classic costumes merge with trendy styles. Characters occasionally break into song, and Sebastian’s love of tickling the ivories insures there are frequent musical interludes. While your ears softshoe to the notes, your eyes will be mesmerized with the saturated colors. Even better, this sensory treat is relatively clear of content concerns. It is obviously implied that Mia and Sebastian are living together (we see them in bed a couple of times), but sexual depictions are limited to kisses and hugs. As much of a love story for the city in which it is set as it is a romance for the leading couple, La La Land provides iconic Hollywood stuff in a fun package that might just explain to your older kids why the musical genre continues to live even after its “Golden Era” is long gone.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: BSexual Content: B Profanity: CAlcohol / Drug Use: AThe MPAA has rated Collateral Beauty PG-13 for thematic elements and brief strong language. Three years ago, Howard (Wil Smith) was the head of a prosperous advertising agency in New York City. The secret of his success was connecting with people. He was particularly interested in the universal motivations of longing for love, wishing for more time and fearing death. Then his daughter died… Unable to come to terms with the loss, the once gregarious entrepreneur now isolates himself from his coworkers, rides his bike like a man with a suicide wish, and finds no reason why he should carry on. Although they sympathize with his sorrow, his business partner Whit (Edward Norton) and head executives Claire and Simon (Kate Winslet and Michael Peña) are becoming increasingly alarmed. Not only is Howard hurting himself, but his disengagement with work is threatening the company’s survival and the economic prospects of its many employees. Although all three know something needs to be done, it is Whit who comes up with the plan. Stumbling upon a group of actors in need of financial support, the money-minded man offers to pay them to pretend to be Love (Keira Knightley), Time (Jacob Latimore) and Death (Helen Mirren), the three abstractions that seem to be all that preoccupies Howard’s mind. After some persuasive negotiation, Claire and Simon agree to the idea, hoping it will help Howard’s mental health. And the thespians sign on for the what appears to be the greatest improvisational and characterization opportunity of their performance careers. In the same sort of spirit as It’s a Wonderful Life that features the angelin-training Clarence, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future in A Christmas Carol, this story gives Howard the chance to confront this trio of beings, that personify mankind’s greatest hopes and worries. The experience also stretches the actors as they are forced to find words of wisdom beyond their own, especially when they discover it isn’t Howard alone who is grappling with these concerns. It is obvious the ambitious movie desires to shed some light on these issues for viewers too. While the script is not particularly religious, it does imply there are forces at work in the cosmos beyond human comprehension. Including the efforts of a grief counselor (Naomie Harris) and the selfish and selfless intentions of friends, the film explores these deep emotions and attempts to give the characters and the audience hope and a reason to get up and try life again. Even though it is set in the holiday season, this overcoming-your-trials tale likely won’t be first choice on the list of festive activities. However, the reminder to look for beauty even in the ugliest situations is a message worth celebrating.

What Parents need to know about Collateral Beauty... Violence: The death of a child and dealing with grief are the main themes of this film. Depression and mental illness are depicted. A character cycles recklessly and with disregard for his life. Verbal arguments occur. Characters conspire against a co-worker for reasons both selfish and caring. A sick character vomits and some blood is shown. Sexual Content: Infidelity is mentioned, along with a resulting divorce. Some mild sexual remarks and banter. Woman wears cleavage baring dress. Profanity: A sexual expletive is used once, as well as another word that sounds like it. The script also includes infrequent mild and moderate profanity, scatological slang and terms of deity. Alcohol / Drug Use: Illegal drug use is depicted in a TV show watched by a character, as well as joked about by a young man.

What Parents need to know about La La Land... Violence: Heated discussions occur between cohabitating man and woman. A driver makes a crude finger gesture to another driver. Some other scenes depict verbal conflict over business and work issues. Sexual Content: A man and woman live together. We see them embrace and kiss. At a pool party women are seen in bikinis and men without shirts. Language: A single sexual expletive, two crude finger gestures, a couple scatological terms and a few other mild profanities are heard. Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters consume alcohol in bars and restaurants. One character turns to alcohol when feeling discouraged. Auburn Opelika Parents I January 2017

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ASMS

The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science Change your life forever! Find out how the Alabama School of Math and Science can lead you on a path to success. ASMS is our state’s only fully public, residential high school for highly motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in math, science, and the humanities. Applying to ASMS is FREE – and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted! Start your free online application at www.asms.net. Application deadline is February 3, 2017.

Many people ask, “Do I have to be a ‘genius’ to be accepted to ASMS?” Answer: Absolutely NOT! ASMS is made up of students who are intelligent and work hard for academic success. In 2016, the 72 ASMS grads earned $11.5 million in merit-based scholarships with an ACT composite class average of 29.0. Current Alabama 9th or 10th graders can apply. Questions? Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.3250.

ASMS Class of 2016 ACT Comparison 2016 ACT COMPARISON

31.5 30.7

30.7

29.3

29.5

29.0

28.3 27.5

25.5

23.5

21.5

21.3 20.8

20.6

20.8

20.1 19.7 19.5

19.1 18.7

19.1

18.3

17.5 English National

Math State

Reading

Sci. Reasoning

ASMS

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

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Provides caring, quality services that affect all communities and every person in the state â&#x20AC;&#x201D; not just those who walk through health department doors.

Increases access to health care for eligible, uninsured children ages birth through 18 with the ALL Kids Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Insurance Program. In 2013, ALL Kids served nearly 85,000 Alabama children.

Provides nutrition assessment, education, and nutritious foods at no cost to a monthly average of 139,000 limitedincome pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 at nutritional risk through WIC.

Investigates disease outbreaks, maintains surveillance of notifiable diseases, and answers queries about disease control and other health-related events including communicable disease outbreaks and rabies case investigations.

Protects patients/ residents of health care facilities from abuse and neglect. Works to ensure facilities provide a level of care that complies with state and federal standards. Requires corrective action when surveys find facilities are noncompliant.

Protects the public from foodborne illnesses and the spread of disease by ensuring standards in environmental health, regulates onsite sewage disposal systems, and oversees treatment and disposal of septage and other permitted wastes.

Offers home care services that include skilled nursing, physical therapy, medical social work, and personal care services through Medicare-certified home health agencies.

Provides health education to modify behavior to prevent and manage chronic diseases such as arthritis, asthma, cancer, heart disease, and overweight/obesity.

Offers a tobacco Quitline.Thirty-nine percent of tobacco users who complete the telephone or online program stop using tobacco.

Issues certified copies of all Alabama birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates in every county health department on a while-you-wait basis regardless of where in the state the event occurred.

Provides a wide range of confidential and professional family planning services, regardless of income, to prevent unintended pregnancies and abortion through education and contraceptive services.

Administers the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program to provide screening to uninsured and underinsured women age 40-64, and ensures treatment is provided.

Screens newborns for genetic or metabolic conditions, thereby reducing morbidity, premature death, intellectual and other developmental disabilities through early detection and follow-up.

Provides clinical nursing services such as immunizations, and STD and TB screening and treatment. Administers the Alabama Drug Assistance Program for HIV medication assistance.

Assists rural and medically underserved areas by working with health care providers and organizations to prepare grants and provide workforce development.

Assures that emergency medical services meet or exceed established standards.