Auburn-Opelika Parents Magazine May 2020 Issue by KeepSharing

May2020

Volume 11 Number 3

Columns 4

Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

Kids Health Watch

Therapeutic Parenting Helping your child navigate difficult emotions during chaotic times.

Common Sense Media Adjusting rules on screen time during Coronavirus.

sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

20 Parenting, Media &

Everything in Between Common Sense Media

Dave Says Dave Ramsey

A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Finish the School Year Virtually

Ten ways to help your kids finish this unique school year strong.

Life Skills for High School Graduates

What they should know before heading to college.

Get This!

Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 6

Bits and Pieces

On The Cover Cam Sykes (10) is a 4th grader and Cooper Sykes (9) is a 3rd grader at Glenwood School. Their parents are Colton and Paula Sykes. Both boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hobbies are video games, sports, hunting, fishing, and playing outside.

School Bits 34

Family Calendar 36

Movie Reviews

Park is their pet cow. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a mini high-park (Scottish Highland/white park mix) and he is one year old.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Publisher’sNote Boy, did I need to read this month’s feature article! In the midst of our family being quarantined and navigating virtual learning for my four children, I have recently hit the proverbial chalkboard wall. I’m fairly certain that most families might be feeling the same way. As I sit at my farmhouse dining table, now turned into a school desk and my office, I am grateful that we can gather together to learn and support each other as we finish this school year. In this newly embraced space, our family has discussed things from multiplying fractions to identifying quadrilaterals and how to correctly spell homophones and to site web articles as research sources. Whew! Math and I are not friends. However, my 9th grader is a whiz and thankfully he steps up to guide the group during math lessons. It’s been a long learning curve with adjustments along the way. Once we found our groove and a sense of structure to our school week, the learning became a positive to our new normal. However, the newness and fun has started to wain and the students are asking how much longer until school is out for summer vacation. Last week, I had a couple of tardy students, one that wanted to check out and one that has started skipping school (LOL)! While contemplating turning in my letter of resignation in to my principal, I have found a new sense of excitement and am planning ways to help my kids regroup and refocus the last few weeks of the school year. In this month’s feature article, Finishing the School Year Virtually: 10 Ways to Help Your Child Stay Strong, the author gives some brilliant ideas that might be helpful for your students too. One suggestion is to help younger kids see the finish line. Make a countdown to summer that they can create from everyday items found in your crafting drawer. Cut strips out of construction paper that can be linked like a chain. Each morning, your students can cut one loop off the chain link, leaving behind how many days left until your ‘End of the Year Celebration’. Another tip to help your children, as they focus on finishing this school year strong, is to consider their emotional need to tell their real teachers thank you and goodbye. Maybe a nice handmade card mailed to them or video a virtual good-bye to her email. As for my farmhouse classroom, we needed to spice things up while in our rut. Next week, to discourage tardiness and tendencies to skip school, we are having a Home School Spirit Week. The goal is to get them excited about coming to school, and what better way to do that than to get creative and make it fun. Between Disney Day Dress Up and Dress Like Your Favorite Season Day, the planning and preparing costumes will surely rejuvenate them through the week. I can’t wait to see how their online Zoom classmates and teachers react to seeing my 9th grader dressed as Goofy! One of the hardest effects of virtually learning this year has to be on the high school and college seniors. With proms and formals planned and graduation caps and gowns pressed, hung and ready, these seniors have had to miss out on a lot of milestones. Our hope is that these events will not be cancelled, but postponed to a later date. In the meantime, reach out to local seniors and their families to congratulate them for all their hard work. We see you and we want you to know that you are being supported as you head toward your future goals in life. This month’s magazine is dedicated to the Class of 2020! From one parent to another, let’s congratulate them on finishing strong!

Kendra

kendra@auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2020

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 Janeen Lewis Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Dave Ramsey Ellen Royal, MD Gerry Paige Smith Kimberley Spivey Cover Photography Simple Joy Photography www.simplejoyphoto.com

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

Visit us online at www.auburnopelikaparents.com Auburn-Opelika Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: 475 Bennington Ct, Auburn, Alabama, 36830. The phone number is (334) 209-0552 and fax is (334) 826-7303. Auburn-Opelika Parents is copyrighted 2020 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.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

on rse, nity. nity ss.

com

ly by Ct,

in d. zine t the ment

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

Help Kids Navigate Emotions in Chaotic Times Any quick glance at social media in recent weeks will provide you with all manner of advice on how to best navigate this historic time of uncertainty – especially as it relates to parenting. Make a schedule for your kids, they need the structure. Don’t make a schedule for your kids, they need a sense of peace and calm and to be allowed to go at their pace. Enforce standard rules and discipline just like always – it communicates a sense of normality. Give grace, be present with your kids – forgo any non-essential rules in the home and just be with your kids. I think a lot of us in the parenting trenches tend to develop a strategy that lies somewhere in the middle of the road. And that’s good. We are all trying to find our footing and walk that line of grace + guidance. Of rules + respect. Of love + leadership. And that is noble and right and worthy of your time because despite the best efforts of all of the advice-givers out there – there is no one size fits all answer to figuring this out. Every family is different. Every home is different. Every kid within that family within that home

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2020

is different. So instead of getting caught up in adopting one particular model that promises success – lean in to discerning and understanding and being plugged into your particular child’s cues, behaviors and responses. But, in doing so, remember a few key principles 1. Remember that sad often looks like mad. 2. Remember that fear often looks like mad. 3. Remember that anxious often looks like mad. Remember that your child likely does not have the capacity and maturity to come to you calmly and say, “Mother, I am feeling a bit wobbly these days. Everything is different. I don’t really understand. I am so worried and afraid. May we please discuss all of my emotions and concerns over dinner this evening so that you can bring clarity to the situation and I can then regulate my emotions?” As incredible as that would be – it is obviously wholly unrealistic. So remember - kids don’t have words, they have behaviors. When presented with a 5-year-old who is constantly throw-

ing tantrums and is just completely upside down – instead of reflexively punishing that negative behavior - take a minute and see if you can use your parental super power of deduction and assess what might really be the cause of the meltdown and meet your child there. Give voice to their feelings – “I wonder if you are having such a hard time tonight because you are worried about daddy’s job.” Start to help them begin to make sense of their own emotions and help narrate that for them. By doing so, you are starting to help them correlate their behavior with their emotions. You are their anchor. You are their guidepost. You are the one who has the capacity and ability to make sense of the nonsense. So though you may not have all of the answers, you have great ability to bring your calming presence in the midst of the chaotic present. Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to mitigate negative behaviors. She is the Director of Central Alabama for Lifeline Children’s Services and is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of which were internationally adopted and she is a foster parent.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

of e

râ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s n he

tor

and

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Farmers Virtual Field Trips

June 6 at Ogletree Village Tickets are now available for the 2nd annual Auburn Food and Wine Festival benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County on Saturday, June 6 from 5 – 9 p.m. General admission tickets include all samples of food and wine. Food-only tickets are also available. www.auburnfoodandwinefestival.com

How do peanuts grow? When do Alabama farmers grow different fruits and vegetables? What’s the difference between a cow, a bull and a calf? Alabama farmers will answer all those questions and much more during Virtual Field Trips every Friday at 10 a.m. through May 22. Viewers can ask questions through the comment section, and each video will include links to educational activities. Scheduled topics for the month of May, subject to change, are: ● May 1 - Catfish ● May 8 Greenhouse and nursery products ● May 15 - Forestry ● May 22 - Cotton and other row crops. For more information or to join the virtual field trip visit the Alabama Farmers Federation Facebook page and click on Events. Or visit https://www.facebook.com/watch/ live/?v=599696553951000

June 12: SummerNight Downtown Art Walk

City Market

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2020

u su S op

Downtown Auburn. The SummerNight Downtown Art Walk is a FREE arts festival that transforms downtown Auburn into its very own arts district, featuring the work of local and regional artists, live musicians, street performers, great food and children's activities. Each year, the Auburn Arts Association, City of Auburn, Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (JDCAC) and Auburn Downtown Merchants Association host this event to highlight the many talented artists in our community in addition to promoting our unique downtown area. The SummerNight Downtown Art Walk will be from 6 - 10 p.m. along with the Starting Line Party and Strawberry Strut Parade which will be at 5 p.m. at Pebble Hill. Entertainment will kick off at 6:15 p.m. at Toomer's Corner with Tony Brook!

May 16, 30, June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. City Market is back for the summer season. Auburn Parks and Recreation invites the community, growers and consumers alike, to join us Saturdays from May to August. City Market will be held at Town Creek Park select Saturdays May through August from 8 – 11 a.m. The market will host local farmers, growers, and artists to sell their produce and products. Farmers, growers, and artists who are interested in participating in the City Market must complete an application and submit their Grower’s Permit to the Market Coordinator. Materials may be submitted in person at the Harris Center (425 Perry Street) or via email to the Market Coordinator. For more information visit www.auburnalabama.org/citymarket. Follow us on our Facebook page @CityMarketAuburnAL for updates and announcements.

wil

Mother’s Day: May 10th

This year’s Mother’s Day will look a lot different than years before. Just because we can’t dress up and take mom to a Mother’s Day brunch doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate mom in other special ways. Your family could gather flowers from the yard and present her with a beautiful bouquet as beautiful as she is. Or, make her a card with a sweet poem and a coupon book to trade in for help with chores around the house. Another fun Mother’s Day activity could be as sweet as she is! Gather the family and have a DIY sundae bar. Turn your kitchen into an ice cream parlor (and promise her you'll clean up after!). Pick your favorite toppings, like sprinkles, cherries, candy and hot fudge, and place them in a row. Everyone can go down the line and make the perfect ice cream sundae. www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Science On Saturdays

The Southeastern Raptor Center will be bringing its incredible birds to the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center for Science On Saturday, June 13, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Don't miss this world-class presentation where you'll get to see these remarkable birds of prey up close and learn all about amazing lives and astonishing senses. At this program, representatives from Auburn University’s Southeastern Raptor Center will visit the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center to show you some of these incredible birds, up-close and in-person. The program will include a variety of live raptors, most native to Alabama, and you learn all about their habitat, natural history, and the challenges facing these majestic creatures. Children’s activities will be available. This is a one-hour, lecture-style program that will provide the opportunity to see and interact with live animals. Admission is $5 ($4 for members); children 3 and under are free. Canceled in the event of rain. This program will be held at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center unless otherwise noted. The nature center is located at 2222 N. College Street near the AU Fisheries and Hwy 280. For more information, visit auburn.edu/preserve, email preserve@auburn.edu, or call 334-844-8091.

Metropolitan Opera’s Free Student Streams!

Samford Pool Opening Day Grab your swimsuit, sunblock and giant unicorn float! It’s time to open the pool for summer! Join us for the first day of the 2020 Samford Pool Season! Samford Pool will be open to the public at 10 AM on May 23. www. auburnalabama.org/parks

If you're an avid theater-goer, you may be missing a regular dose of culture while self-isolating and social distancing. But fear not — you don't have to settle for box-set bingeing in the upcoming weeks. You can actually stream a whole host of opera shows for the whole family. Welcome to the Metropolitan Opera’s Free Student Streams! Each week, we’ll be offering one opera specially selected for our young audience members around the globe, along with opportunities to learn more about the production and hear from some of the amazing artists who helped make it happen! Designed to support teachers, students, and families working and learning remotely during the Covid-19 crisis, this program offers daily live events between Monday and Wednesday that are aimed at deepening your understanding of the opera and helping you work it into your curriculum. Then, between Wednesday and Friday, you can tune in to view the opera—and apply everything you’ve learned! www.metopera.org/discover/education/free-student-streams/home/

e he k n

e r ,

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Pediatric Associates of Auburn

Caring for Your Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic We are all feeling the loss of being separated from each other during this historic pandemic. Your pediatrician misses you too! Though elective visits have been postponed, it is important to continue to get your child’s immunizations and wellness visits during this time. Of course, sick visits must continue during this time as well. Here’s how pediatric offices are striving to provide the best care for patients in the safest way possible. Our American Academy of Pediatrics has provided guidelines for pediatric care during the pandemic. First: Wellness visits for the youngest patients must continue in the office. From Newborn to 2 years of age, patients are brought to the office for their growth assessments, developmental screenings and immunizations. Most offices have elected to have a designated well check time during the morning. Only well patients

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2020

plus one caregiver can be brought to the office during that time. Waiting rooms are either closed or patients are being spread out by more than 6 feet while they wait for assessment. It is vitally important that babies and young children continue to get their immunizations on time. Second: For sick visits or care for chronic conditions, telehealth has been approved by AAP, CDC and is now being covered by most health insurance plans. Parents call the office as usual when they have a sick child or needs an appointment for follow up on a chronic condition. The nurse takes the initial history and then the doctor completes the visit over the phone or through video conference with the patient and parent. Third: If an “in person” visit is needed, these are scheduled with the office during

the designated “sick visit” time. When the patient arrives, with their one caregiver, a mask is placed over the patient and caregiver and they are brought directly back to the patient room. Rooms are cleaned between every visit and care is taken by the office staff, nurses and doctors to use appropriate PPE during the visit and during any testing that may be needed. As with everything these days, we are learning to do things differently in the pediatric office to help keep patients safe. Our priority as pediatricians is to continue to provide high quality healthcare for our young patients during this time of COVID 19. My hope is that things will start to return to our “new normal” soon and I pray that you and your family are staying safe and healthy!

Dr. Ellen Royal attended the University of South Alabama College of Medicine for her medical degree and graduated in 1994. She returned to Alabama the summer of 1998 to join the pediatric practice of Dr. Richard M. Freeman. Dr. Royal is a member of the Lee County Medical Society, Medical Association of the State of Alabama, American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is board certified in Pediatrics. Dr. Royal is married to Dr. Kevin Royal who practices Internal Medicine in Opelika and they have three children.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

e a e-

e -

e e. e

a tion

n ces

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

N D AU Coach Speaks at Creekside Dad’s League

Ap so th

Autauga County Schools

A huge thank you to Butch Thompson, Auburn University baseball coach, for coming to speak at Dad’s League at Creekside Elementary! He shared a great message of perseverance and aiming high to achieve goals leaving us all with great encouragement to impact this generation.

Pick Elementary Students Perform Frozen, Jr. Pick Elementary School performed Disney's Frozen Jr., featuring all of the memorable songs from the animated film, Anna, Elsa and Olaf in action at Pick. Mr. Caleb Doster along with all the PES students and teachers would like to thank everyone that attended, as well as their Parent-Teacher Organization for their support of this program.

ASMS Students Win BIG at Regional Science Fair!

V M

St.

ASMS Students experienced GREAT success at the Regional Science & Engineering Fair at the University of South Alabama! There were 170 senior division contestants. Gabby Taylor, Akanksha Rawat, Marie Naylor, Gregory Li and Cary Xiao all won first place in their categories. Anushka Sikdar won second place. Prior to COVID-19, they all became eligible for state! Cary, Gabby, Akanksha, and Marie were chosen as part of the 9 to compete for best in fair. Students won 1st (Cary), second (Akanksha), and 3rd (Gabby)! Prior to COVID-19, all 3 were awarded an all-paid expenses trip to ISEF in Anaheim, CA. 1st and 2nd received full 4 year tuition to South Alabama.

FACES Awards Mini-Grants to Auburn City Schools Teachers

The Foundation for Auburn's Continuing Enrichment in Schools (FACES) celebrated awarding more than 60 mini-grants, up to $600, to Auburn City Schools teachers to promote classroom enrichment through creative programs! The top two grant recipients were both awarded at Auburn Junior High with the Carol Pittard Award going to Laura Crowe, Mark Jones, Nathan Baker, Lauren Howell, and Summer Jarosz for their grant titled "Keep Calm and Solar On!" and the Dianne Wilson Award going to Kristen Ferrell for her grant titled "Every Drop Counts." FACES also celebrated all 13 Teachers of the Year as well as FACES Mentors at each campus! Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2020

Reading Fun at Cary Woods Elementary

Cary Woods Elementary Explorers wore pajamas to school so they could cozy up with a good book in the Seuss Cafe! Second graders read to kindergartners and all across the school friends read together. “I know it is wet and the sun is not sunny, but we can have lots of good fun that is funny!”

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

ada #a f De

National Student Athlete Day at Lee-Scott Academy

T r i n i T y

April 6 is National Student Athlete Day! We are so proud of our students who excel not only in the classroom but in individual and team sports at Lee-Scott. Thank you, Warriors!

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

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

eir

ol zy ook e! ead s e ad it un t s is

A Classical and Christian Academy

Virtual Spirit Week at St. Michael Catholic PreK/K

745-2464

www.tcsopelika.org

St. Michael Catholic Preschool and Kindergarten held a Virtual Spirit Week to stay connected without students. Each day students sent in pictures of how they were celebrating. We had a superhero day, sports, reading, school shirt, and a pajama day. Here are two of our students dressed up as the real super heroes, our first responders.

Dean Road Grateful for Future Tigers Program

Thanks @ adamwinegarden and #auburnhighfootball for giving back to Dean Road through the AHS Future Tigers Program!

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools

AHS Coach/Debate Teacher Receives Coach of the Year Award

Opelika HS Seniors Earn Athletic Scholarships

Donna Yeager, Auburn High Debate teacher and Coach, was named the Alabama Speech and Debate Association Coach of the Year! AHS Debate also took Second Place overall at the Alabama Speech and Debate Tournament! Other individual/team winners: • Big Questions Debate Semi Finalist: Gabe Au • Novice Lincoln-Douglas Debate State Champion: Soojin Park • Novice Public Forum Debate State Quarter Finalist: Ellie Shumate & Ryan Tice • Varsity Lincoln-Douglas Debate State Champion: Michael Fain • Varsity Lincoln-Douglas Debate Semi- Finalist: Alma Sorek • Varsity Public Forum Debate Quarter Finalist: Nandini Reddy & Emma Tillis.

Congratulations to OHS Senior Tykell Jones for signing a soccer scholarship to Andrew College!

Congratulations to OHS Senior Andrew Parr for signing a baseball scholarship to Andrew College!

W co se

1204 OGLETREE VILLAGE LANE AUBURN, AL 36830 • (334) 887-0099

Congratulations to the Liles Smiles no cavity winners!

A`JAYLA WOODS A`MYRA HARRIS AAGAM JAROLI AALIYAH JOHNSON ABIGAIL RICHARDS ACE BURSON ACTON TREADWELL ADALADE CREECH ADDISON CLANTON ADDISON FISHER ADDYSON KIMBRELL AHNESTI WRIGHT AIDEN HAHN AINSLEY KING AIRYANA BELCHER ALESSA MOORE ALEX BODY ALEX MITCHELL ALEXANDER CULP ALEXANDER GRIMES ALEXANDRUA COLLINS ALEXIS CORE ALEXIS HUNT ALFRED AZIZ ALIE BETH RABURN ALIMAMI BAMBA ALISON MARTIN ALLAN BROWN III ALLEN OWEN V ALLISON CRAVEN AMAR`E SWAIN AMBER WILSON AMBERLYN CHRISTIAN AMELIA CREECH AMERICA EVANS AMILLIEON CANADA AMIRA GREENE ANALYSSA MCCLELLAND ANDERSON WINE ANDERSON YOUNG ANDREW ELLSWORTH ANDREW LEE ANDREW OWEN ANGELINA JONES ANNA ELMORE ANNA MIAO ANNA WARD ANNE CALDWELL ANNE REAVES ANNE YORK NIMS ANTHONY BRYANT

ANTHONY MCCALL ANTHONY UPSHAW ARDEN BALLARD ARI BROGDON ARI`YANA HARVEY ARIANA STORY ARIANNA HEMMATI ARIE QUINN ARMIAH CHILDS ASHLAN DRAKE ASHTON TORBERT ASIAH CORE AUBREE SHAVERS AUBREE STORY AUBREY VOYNICH-WARREN AUBRY MCCARLEY AUDREY BLERSCH AUDREY NOWLAND AUDREY SEGREST AUDREY TIIMOB AUTUMN FLORENCE AUTUMN DOWNING AUTUMN HOWARD AVA ALLEN AVA BATTS AVA CORE AVA MACHEN AVA MCGOUGH AVA PERRY AVA WILLIAMS AVERY FISHER AVERY GATES AVERY MCCARLEY AVERY PARMER AVERY WARE AVERY WILLIAMS AXEL EILAND AYCE COURTNEY AYDEN BODY AZARIA MILFORD BANKS BERRY BAYLOR ANGLIN BECKETT BERRY BELLA GRACE KIMBRELL BENJAMIN AZIZ BENJAMIN BARNES BENJAMIN WILSON BENJAMIN HEARD BENNETT GREEN BERKLEY PETERS BERNARD CRENSHAW

BETHANY BERDEAUX BIANCA COLE BLAIR PELHAM BLAKE KELLY BONNIE RANGE BOYD CALDWELL BRADEN MCDANIEL BRADLEY INABINET BRADLEY WILSON BRADY REEDER BRAIDEN BETHEA BRANSON RAY BRANTLEE KALTREIDER BRANTLEY MASON BRANTLEY DOWNING BRAXTON ALVAREZ-RIOS BRAYLEE HADAWAY BRAYLEN SWEET BRENNAN HARRISON BRENNAN SKIPPER BRENTLEY ROBINSON BRETT BOWERMAN BRIAN CASH BRICE WALKER BRIEN BERDEAUX BRIGGS MANN BRODIE ARNETT BRODY SANDERS BROOKLYN BERRY BROOKLYN BRACKNELL BROOKLYN FLURRY BROOKLYN TOSTI BROOKS ANGLIN BRUNO GARCIA BRYCE JOHNSON BRYSON MCGLYNN BRYSON MILLER BRYSTAL CULLIGAN CADE EDWARDS CADE WHITE CADENCE HALL CAILYN HUTCHINSON CAITLYN BECKON CALEB KENT CALEB THORNTON CALI MCCLENDON CALI PHILLIPS CALI RAIFORD CAMAURI RUSSELL CAMDEN BASS CAMDEN DUNSON

CAMERON PARRISH CAMERON SANDERS CAMYAH CORE CARA GRIFFITH CAROLINE HICKS CAROLINE VOCINO CAROLYON LAMBERT CARRIE BANKS CARSON FISHER CARSON HUNT CARSON MCCLENDON CARTER BURNEY CARTER GOODEN CARTER OLIVER CARTER WILLIAMS CARTER YOUNG CASEN ANDREWS CASH REIF CATARINA SEBASTIANFRANCISCO CATHRYN SIMS CAYLEE ADAMS CHADWICK BURNS CHANCE MILLAR CHARLEIGH DRIVER CHARLES HALL III CHARLES HAM CHARLES SANDA CHARLES SNODDY III CHARLES STONE CHARLES PLACEK CHASE CAIN CHASE EDWARDS CHASE MORGAN CHELSEA TINSLEY CHINA WHITE CHLOE ARNETT CHLOE GROSS CHRISTIAN AZIZ CHRISTIAN DUGGER CHRISTIAN MCCLENDON CHRISTIAN ROWSER CHRISTINA DUGGER CHRISTOPHER MASON CLAUDIA LAZZARINI CLAYTON FLURRY CLAYTON RENNER CLAYTON BURNS CODY THAGGARD COLE RENNER COLIN ROBINSON

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2020

CONNOR CARDWELL-KITT CONNOR REEDER CONTEH WARREN JR COOPER BARBER COOPER MIMS COOPER TAYLOR CORDE` ASKEW CORDERO CORE COURTNEY POWELL CRISTIAN FERNANDEZ DAKARI JOHNSON DALLAS DAVIS DANIEL WILDER DANIELLA VEGA DAVIAUNA HODGES DAVID FLANNAGAN DAVID MACKEY DAVID MILLER DAVION LAMB-LEONARD DAVIS FISCHER DAVIS INABINET DAVIS JACKSON DAXON DYE DAXTON STONE DAYLEN MILLS DE`ANDRE ARNOLD DEONTAVIOUS WRIGHT DERRICK STURKIE DESTINY HAMILTON DIEGO VEGA DONOVAN AZIZ DYLAN GROSS DYLAN MCCLELLAND DYLAN WHITE EDEN REECE EDITH CHISM EDWARD AKINS EILAND JOHNSON ELI SEALES ELIJAH BROWN ELIJAH FOSTER ELIZA TAPLEY ELIZABETH COTTRELL ELLA ESPARZA ELLA HENNIGAR ELOISE KELLY EMBERLEE HARPER EMERSON ARTHUR EMILIA TAN EMILY CAMPBELL EMMA BARBER

EMMA BLERSCH EMMA BROWDY EMMA CHILDS EMMA CHISM EMMA MANN EMMA VOSS EMMA CLAIRE HUNT EMMALYN LEE EMMELISE AONO EMORIE CAUDLE EMORY ALLEN ENRIQUE MONTIEL EPHRAIM THORNTON ERIC WILLIAMS ERICA BULLOCK ERICA NORMAN ESMERALDA PEREZ ESTES GOLDEN EZRA GARTRELL FINNEGAN COLLINS FORD BARBER FRANCES TAPLEY FRED GRIFFIN III FULLER LAWLER GABRIEL FORTE GABRIEL GARCIA GABRIEL HARRIS GABRIEL WHITE GABRIELLA JACKSON GABRIELLAH BOZEMAN GAEUN JANG (ERIN) GAVIN HUDNALL GAVIN LEE GAVIN WHITE GENESIS ARNOLD GENTRY CRAFT GEORGE ESPARZA GRACIE DAVIS GRAHAM HANKINS GRANT PERRY GRANT YOST GRAYSON MICHAUD GRAYSON THROWER GREYSON HILL GUNNER BRYAN GWYN YOST HADLEY WAITES HALEY DORN HALEY MONTOYA HALEY YARBROUGH HAMED ALMAGHRABI HANNAH COTTRELL HANNAH HILL HANS TUJUAN HARPER THROWER HAYDEN HICKS HAYDEN LEDBETTER HAYDEN NIGGEMEIER HAYDEN PRICKETT HAYNES WILSON HEAVEN NELMS HENLEY BOOS HENRY BEVARD

HENRY COCHRAN HENRY KINGSTON HENRY TURNER HOWARD ANDRADE HUDSON LEE HUDSON MCLAUGHLIN HUDSON WALLS HUDSON HILL HUNTER SIMS HYATT NICHOLS IAN FOREMAN IAN TREADWELL IMAAD ASIF INDIAH WILLIAMS ISABELLA MACK ISABELLA VALLEZ ISAIAH CHUNG ISAIAH DAVIS ISRAEL TIIMOB ITZEL TUJUAN JA`KYRIAH SEAWRIGHT JA`MYA MADDEN JA`NAVIA PENDLETON JA`NOAH SLAUGHTER JABRIA TAYLOR JACK CONRADSON JACK DUNNIGAN JACKSON BRYAN JACKSON FULLER JACKSON GREEN JACKSON HILL JACKSON MELTON JACOB CLANTON JACOB MACHEN JACOB PARKER JACQUELYN LUGO JACUELINE GODINEZ JADA PETERS JADERRIOUS AVERY JAGGER WILLIAMSON JAHZELL WHITE JAKE MORIN JAKIAH WILSON JALUNEE MUONGKHOT JALYRICA MURPH JAMES BRAND JAMES MOORE JAMES OMASTIAK JAMES TAN JAMES GRANT JAMETRIUS JOHNSON JAMIE FULLER JAMIE WILKERSON JAMISYN MASSEY JAQUAVIOUS ADAMS JARA MUNOZ JASON HUNT JASON JACKSON JASON MCMANUS JASON STROUD JATAVION WHEELER JAVON JONES JAXON MARTIN

JAXON WHITCOMB JAYCE DUNN JAYDEN DERAMUS JAYDEN PHILLIPS JAYDEN SHAVERS JAYDON HARTIN JAYLAN PETERS JAYLEN CARLTON JENERAL GRINER JENNA KENNEDY JEREMIAH COLEMAN JEREMIAH POORE JEREMIAH RAY JEREMIAS DIEGO JEREMY FOXX JERICUSE COLEMAN JESSE PARK JESSEY FULLER JIWOO JUN JOCELYNN MERRITT JOHN BOSWELL JOHN COOPER JOHN EDWARDS JOHN FREEZE JOHN HARRIS JOHN MARTIN JOHN MCDONALD JOHN NIMMO JOHN WALTERS JOHN HOWARD JR JOHN BERRY UPTON JOHN EVERETT SPRINGER JOHNATHAN COOPER JORDAN PETERS JORDAN JOHNSON JOSEPH KO JOSEPH LEE JOSEPH SIZEMORE JOSHUA CLARDY JOSHUA PAREDES JOSHUA PERRY JOSHUA RUDD JOSIAH SHIVER JOSLYN STEELE JOURNEE JONES JUDE TATUM JULIA JOHNSTON JULIANA MILLER JUSTICE JOHNSON JUSTIN PARK KA`RIYAH WILLIAMS KADEN BOWEN KADEN WARE KADON HALL KAI DRAKE KAIDAN GRIFFEN- BEATTY KAITLYN BECKLEY KAITLYN DEWBERRY KALEB MILLER KALLAN THORNE KALLIE LEMONS KALON FOSTER KALYN LE

KAMDEN KIRBY KAMDYN WYCKOFF KAMERYN MAYTON KAMRI FLOWERS KAMRYN WASHINGTON KARLIE BARNES KASHTON HEARD KATELYN FRAZIER KATELYN MENEFEE KATELYNN HARRIS KATERINA MAUMAOTEGA KATHERINE JACKSON KATHERYN BARNES KATHRYN STEEN KATIE FAHRINGER KAYDEN QUINN KAYLAN DOWDELL KAYLEB HARRIS KAYLEE STROUD KAYLEE TISDALE KAYLEIGH HOBBS KELLER THROWER KENDRICK PETERSON KENNADY MARSHALL KENNEDY CRANDALL KENNETH BOWERSOCK KENNETH JONES KENYION STEPHENS KENZLIE DAY KEVIN FLANNAGAN KEYMONIE FIELDS KIMANI CALLOWAY KIMBER ERDMANIS KINGSTON WHITLOCK KINZLEE FOSTER KLEE FIELDS KODIE SIMMONS KOLTON KIRBY KOLTON WARE KYLE WILSON KYLEE POGUE KYLENE NIMMO KYLIN MAPLES KYNLEE MASON KYNSLEIGH CAMPBELL KYNZLEY AVERY LA-BRINA HARDNETT LAKELYN LANDRETH LAMERIYAH HARRIS LANDON GOLDMAN LANDON RILEY LANE WEBB LANEY SLAGLEY LATRELL WILLIAMS JR. LAUREN CREWS LAWRENCE BETTS JR LAWRENCE HOWELL LAYONNIE HOWELL LEDGER WILLIAMSON LEIGHTON MOSS LEILA TATUM LESLIE SMITH LEVI KYLES

LILAH STRICKLAND LILEIGH RHODES LILLY HEWITT LILY BODINE LILY BRADY LILY ALLEN LINCOLN WINE LITZY MONTOYA LONDON KELLARD LORELEI HAGLER LOUISE HAYNIE LUCAS BALDWIN LUCILLE LAZZARINI LUCY RECKTENWALD LUKE BUTTS LUKE MITCHELL LUKE PERRY LYLA HODGES LYLA PATTERSON LYNDSEY JOHNSON MACILEIGH WEBB MACK KARKOSKA MACKENZIE DAVIS MADALYNN TALLY MADELYN HIXON MADISON GRAVES MADISON GULSBY MADISON MCCLELLAND MADISON MCCULLOUGH MADISON VOCINO MAGGIE BEVARD MAGGIE GRACE GULSBY MAHOMAD DOUMBIA MAKILAH PENDLETON MAKIYA RANDOLPH MALACHI HARRIS MALONI MCCALL MARELY VEGA MARGIE GRACE WILDER MARLEE ANDREWS MARLEE EDWARDS MARLEE TISDALE MARLEY GOLDEN MARTIN WILDER MARY VICKERS MARY KENSLEY NIMMO MARY RACHEL RUDD MARY RYAN MANN MARYAM ESFANDIARY MASON BAILEY MASON SMITH MATSON STONE MATTHEW DAVIS MATTHEW POWELL MATTHEW PETERSON MATTHIAS POUNCEY MCQUEEN MURFEE III MEGAN WILSON MEMPHIS MARTIN MESHAAL ALMAGHRABI MICHAEL DUBOSE MICHAEL GARCIA MICHAEL MCDONALD

MILES FOREMAN MILES NORMAN MILLER REED MISHA MCCULLOUGH MOLLIE SIMS MOLLYANN SASSER MORGAN GULSBY MORGAN HARRISON MORGAN MCCURDY MORGAN MILLER MORIAH ARNOLD MORIAH CULLIGAN MOSES PENDLETON MUKHTAR DARAWAD NAKYNLEE COVINGTON NANCY KELLY NATALIE JOHNSON NATALIE WILSON NATALIE ELLIOTT NATHAN ROBINSON NATHAN SCOTT NICOLE CHEN NIKOLAI KITCHENS NOA STROUD NOAH APLIN NOAH BUTTS NOAH HUNT NOAH PONCE NOAH TAPLEY NOAH WILDER NOELLE BULGER NOLAN ROBERTS NOLAN TOSTI NORA MCBRIDE NYASIA REEVES OLIVER GOLDEN OLIVIA ROBINSON OMARION JACKSON OMAURI THOMAS ORLIYAH STOKES OWEN HOLLOMAN PAIZLEY WOODY PARKER KEESHAN PARKER PERRY PATRICK ALLEN PATRICK SALATTO PAXTON NORRIS PAYDEN HALL PEDRO PRADO PENELOPE FREEZE PEYTON BRANNON PEYTON NORRIS PRATHER REAVES PRESLEY BRANNON QUINZAVION JOHNSON RAELAN WHALEY RAELYNN MINIX RAYVON JOHNSON REBECCA CARBAJAL RENLEE MILLER REYNOLDS BALLARD RHETT RAVILLE RHODES HAND

RIA KANG RILEY WILBANKS RIPTAVIOUS JOHNSON ROBERT EVANS ROBERT PACK ROBIN WYATT ROXIE RICHARDSON RUSSELL WILSON KELLY RUT DIAZ RYAN BIRCHFIELD RYAN CALDWELL RYAN MOORE RYELEE MOSS RYLAN KELLEY RYLEIGH CANNON SADIE BODINE SADIE DAWSON SAMIYA FLOYD SAMUEL TOWNLEY SANIYA BULGER SARA CHURCH SARAH SCHNUELLE SARAH BARNES SARAH MURFEE SAVANNAH GEIGER SAVANNAH PRITCHETT SAWYER ARTHUR SAWYER JACKS SAWYER KATE DEASON SEBASTIAN JONES SEDERIEN CARTER SEDRIEN CARTER SERENITY MILBOURN SERENITY O`FIELD SHAKEIRA SMART SHAMIYA OLIVER SHANIYA VANN SHELBY THOMPSON SHILOH CULPEPPER SILAS HYPPOLITE SIMONE BEASLEY SINDI COLLEY SKYLAR BASS SKYLENN HOLLEY SOFIA OEDING SOPHIA HENNIGAR SOPHIA SIMS SOPHIE LEE STACEY MATTHEWS STELLA RAVILLE STIRLING WILSON STORM REIF TALLIE BETHEA TALLULAH ADAMS TANNER RUSHING TATUM DYE TAYLOR CHUNG TAYLOR STEEN TERRANCE WHITE THOMAS FOSTER THOMAS HILL THOMAS RHODES THOMAS STEEN

TIMOTHY DUNNIGAN III TRAVIS JOHNSON TRAVON MATTHEWS TRENT REED TRENTON CLAYTON TRESHUN PHILLIPS TRIPP SPRINGER TROY POWELL TUCKER MCLAUGHLIN TUCKER WEBB TURNER SMITH TYJAH SMITH-OWENS TYLER BECKON TYLER MACHEN TYQUAVIAN WILKES TYRA PITTS TYRESE PITTS VALERIA REYES VANESSA FLYNN VANESSA LOA VICTORIA PORTER VIRGINA HEFELFINGER VIRGINIA GRANT VIVIANNE PAYNE VIVIENNE MATTHEIS WALKER MELTON WALTER NIMS WAYLON BARNETT WELLER ROLLING WESTON SANDERS WESTON MATHIS WHITMAN HAWKINS WILLIAM BRYAN WILLIAM GREEN WILLIAM JACKSON WILLIAM MCCARLEY WILLIAM NEIGHBORS WILLIAM PACK WILLIAM RAFFERTY WILLIAM ROBINSON WILLIAM TUCKER WILLIAM MADDOX WILLIS GOLDEN WILLOW HYPPOLITE WILLOW MESSER XAVIER MICHAUD XZYIAH WHITE YANRU XUAN ZACHARY EVANS ZANIYAH BAILEY ZARIAH RANDOLPH ZAYVIAN JAMES ZIAH RAY ZIYEASHA RAY ZOE AKINS ZOEY RICHARDSON ZOEY TOLBERT ZOYA AYDAROVA-ROUE ZYDARRIEN JACKSON ZYLIE HODGES

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Auburn Classical Academy Wins 3rd Place in Science Olympiad

Trinity Christian Students Participate in All-State Choir

Congratulations! Auburn Classical Academy won 3rd place overall in the Wiregrass Science Olympiad!

Congratulations to the 16 Trinity students who participated in Alabama All-State Choir!

be ice e ty m

Auburn City Schools Serves the Community

With hearts full of gratitude for the courage of our students, the commitment of our families and the creativity of our teachers, we send much respect from our homes to yours! ACS is proud to serve and support this very special community!

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

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

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

A “Celebrate Your Assistant Principal Week” at Pick Elementary

Autauga County Schools

Lee-Scott Academy Zoom!

Face Time Fridays, virtual scavenger hunt in 5th grade, outside activities, and lots of smiling faces! Pet rocks, hissing cockroaches with Mr. I, PK4 Zoom with a belated singing of Happy Birthday, color sheets, math, outside activities, and bring your pet to school day! Spring art pictures, fishing, horses, zebras, puzzles, counting, building with Lego’s and blocks, siblings helping each other with schoolwork, reading, art, Easter cookies, alcohol stoves, FaceTime on the trampoline, perimeters, volcanoes, zebras, Mr. Z in the pool! Thank you, Warriors for sending your photos to us each day. They are so good for our souls to see you! You are loved and we miss you!

Pick Elementary celebrated Mrs. Debbie Reetz during Celebrate Your Assistant Principal Week. We thank her for all she does to support our leaders every single day! Thank you Mrs. Reetz!

Ch Ki

L Co

ho set an he C

s CA S as w ser w

C se

a aca 3.

En A Co p de p i

c s as fine nom Jo

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Chambers Academy Announces Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Chambers Academy is pleased to announce that Kinsley Gregory will serve as the valedictorian for the senior class of 2020 and Joann Landrum will serve as the class Salutatorian. Congratulations to both of these students on all of their accomplishments. Kinsley Gregory is the daughter of Michael and Ramona Gregory of LaFayette. Kinsely maintained an impressive 4.0 overall GPA and a 97.16 numeric GPA while completing a challenging advanced diploma academic track. Additionally, she earned a Presidential Scholarship to Southern Union State Community College to further her studies in hopes of pursuing a degree in nursing. Kinsely set the bar high working hard in both academics and extracurricular activities without sacrificing her academics. She served as the treasurer for CA’s Student Government Association as well as being an important team member of the school’s annual staff. Kinsely also served on CA’s BETA Club as the chapter’s Vice-President. She has been active in CA’s Fine Arts program assisting with the theatre productions for both winter and spring shows. Additionally, Kinsley served as the Class of 2020’s Vice-President and was selected by the student body as CA’s 2019 Homecoming Queen. Kinsley has attended CA since returning to begin high school in the seventh grade after having attended CA for her K-1st grade years. Joann Landrum is the daughter of Steven and Laura Landrum also from LaFayette. Joann also completed a rigorous advanced diploma academic track while maintaining an outstanding 3.9809 GPA and a 96.0 numeric GPA. She also earned a 28 composite on her ACT College Entrance Exam as well as a scholarship to both Auburn University and Southern Union State Community College. She plans to continue her postsecondary studies in hopes of pursuing a degree in teaching. In addition to her scholastic pursuits, she accomplished much more as an integral part of the school’s varsity scholar’s bowl team. For the last four years she has competed as a leading team member on our school’s academic team. She has also served as a member of the school’s BETA Club and the fine arts club. Additionally, she too was a recent nominee for the AISA’s All State Academic Team. Joann has attended Chambers Academy since starting school at CA in Kindergarten.

We work tirelessly to help kids get well because the world needs to see what Natalie dreams up. WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools

Trinity Prepared for Week 4 of Home Instruction

Trinity Christian School is ready for week 4 of school-directed home instruction! Our teachers, students, and families havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t missed a beat! @ Trinity Christian School

ACS Students and Families Receive Snacks and Food for Home

The Partnership with the Auburn Dream Center is underway as ACS students and their families are now receiving ready-to-eat snacks and food items to be prepared at home. Our principals and teachers were so happy to see their students! A special thank you to the partnership of our Child Nutrition Program and Foundation partners to make this happen.

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Pic y wa his ha

Pick Elementary Geography Bee Winner

Fourth grader Paul Bennett won the Pick Elementary School Geography Bee earlier this year before going onto the next level where he was required to take a test that further evaluated his knowledge of geography. His score on that test has qualified him to move on to the next level to try to earn his spot as the state Geography Bee winner!

ASMS Junior Creates Laboratory Online Amid COVID-19

Earlier this year, Alabama School of Mathematics and Science (ASMS) junior, Emma Joly, was working towards her Girl Scout Gold Award. She wanted to do a STEM Day for students at a local middle school. She was initially planning to organize the day for this spring of 2020, but her plans changed due to COVID-19. "I was disappointed not to be able to host STEM Day, but I decided that I was not going to let social distancing stop me. It was not about the award. This was something I really wanted to do." Joly came up with an alternative, innovative idea to create Laboratory Online -- a YouTube channel where Joly posts STEM videos for students to watch at home. Her primary audience is middle school grades through tenth grade because most of the topics are basic chemistry, physics, and math. She covers some topics she wanted to use for her demonstration on STEM Day and also plans to choose interesting topics from her AP chemistry, physics, and mathematics courses. She even plans to cover fun math topics she has learned through problem solving or origami club at ASMS. When asked what she hopes viewers will gain from her videos, Joly shared, "I hope they will learn a little about whatever topic I am covering that week. Above all, I hope they learn that science can be fun and interesting, and social distancing should not stop them from learning about things they are passionate about." Joly expressed that she enjoys making the videos because she enjoys sharing her love for science and math with others. Joly herself has been learning new things during social distancing through basic research online of topics areas that interest her. "I hope that I can share the feeling of learning in a fun environment with others," says Joly.

t u o b a l l a s ’ It

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

ard-winning, w a n a n o t u o s Don’t mis for your p m ca d re te n ce tChris mmer! daughter this Su On Top of Lookout Mountain in Historic Mentone, Alabama

Best of Parenting WINNER 10

yea

rs i n

a ro w

Susan & Larry Hooks, Owners & Directors Donna Bares, Assistant Director

800-882-0722 www.riverviewcamp.com 17

• Beach Volleyball • Tennis • Canoeing • Golf • Archery • Gymnastics • Cheerleading • Dance • Chorus • Drama • Arts & Crafts • CIT Program • Campfires every night • Optional trips & more!

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Autauga County Schools

Opelika City Schools Celebrate Read Across America Week

Thank you to all of the community leaders and readers that joined the Opelika City Schools to celebrate Read Across America Week!

a fun a Le

in s as in

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

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Trinity Christian School By Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grace, it is so good to see classmates and continue learning together! Thank you Trinity teachers, students, and parents!

Auburn HS Community Partners

Professional Women in Building joined forces with Auburn High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Building Construction students and their teacher Jessica Bowlin to collaborate on a fundraiser to construct a playhouse that was sold through a raffle system this past holiday season. PWB and the Lee County Home Builders Association presented Bowlin a check for $2,300 from the fundraiser to put back into the program at Auburn High School to assist with securing needed materials, and a portion to being set aside for a scholarship to be awarded to an AHS student interested in pursuing a career in the construction field.

Auburn Classical Academy

Thriving in Off Campus learning at Auburn Classical Academy! We started online teaching the first day after Spring Break.

AHS National Honor Society Induction

Auburn High School hosted the 2020 Sigma Lambda Chi Chapter induction of the National Honor Society with approximately 224 new members! The National Honor Society (NHS) is an organization dedicated to recognizing and encouraging outstanding high school students in grades 11 and 12 with a GPA of 3.75 or better.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Screen Time in the Age of Coronovirus

Don’t feel guilty. We are living through a massive cultural shock. Families have enough stress to deal with, and counting screen minutes should be very low on the list of concerns for any of us. Not all screens are created equal. Worried that the online classroom is adding to your kid’s screen time? Don’t be. Screen activities shouldn’t be lumped together. Some are educational; some are just for fun. Some are high-quality; some are a guilty pleasure. What we do on screens and how we do it is more important than time spent.

For parents like me (I have a 5-year-old and a 7-year-old)— who are suddenly assuming multiple roles as caregivers, teachers, and playmates—the same questions are on repeat: What in the world am I going to do with my kids all day from now until who knows when? And … how many movies is it OK for them to watch in one day? Parents tend to think of screen use guidelines as a daily maximum amount that’s acceptable. But if you look closely at popular recommendations, such as the ones from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the message—even before the coronavirus pandemic— is much more nuanced, and much less focused on time. For a while now, media researchers have been advocating for a shift from screen quantity to content quality. If kids are engaged with high-quality content that stokes curiosity and fuels imagination, who’s to say that should end when they’ve hit their screen limit? Research has also uncovered the importance of kids’ experience with media, based on who uses media with kids (siblings? parents?), the purpose of the content (school? entertainment?), and who’s talking with kids about what they’re watching (Daniel Tiger and Tiger King both make for great mealtime conversation). In other words: Context matters, too. Key to this nuance is understanding that all screens are not equal. We shouldn’t act as though one hour of old DuckTales cartoons is the same as one hour of Zooming with a family member, or one hour of playing Fortnite with a friend, or one hour of drawing tutorials on YouTube. What a kid gets out of each is totally different, and satisfies different needs—and that’s OK. One of the things the current crisis has really brought home is how unbelievably social kids are, and want to be. In some ways, our adaptations to staying at home have made us use technology in ways that are great for children: in service of relationships. Kids may be watching more Netflix and playing more video games than usual. But they’re also video-chatting more, playing games with schoolmates, and even enjoying online playdates. Though nothing will ever replace in-person interaction for children, using tech to strengthen relationships is more important than ever. With that in mind, here are some recommendations when it comes to using screens during this time: Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2020

Good content is key. Choose age-appropriate, highquality media and tech for your kids. Use our reviews to find good content. Get creative. Let kids use your phone to shoot photos and videos and then go to town with stickers, slo-mo, and other editing tools. Give them a prompt like, “Take ten pictures of something round, and then write a story connecting each thing.” Have them make their own memes, record a song, choreograph a dance video—anything that gets them using screens to fulfill their imaginations. Use tech to bond. Relationships are critical to kids’ healthy development. Tech can and should help kids connect to friends and family, collaborate with each other, play, and share stories, pictures, and videos. Talk about it. We’re in a unique position where kids are likely using screens more, and we may have more opportunities to join them—or at least engage with them about what they’re watching and playing. Ask questions about their favorite games, shows, and characters. Discuss ideas and issues they read about or learn about through a TV show or a game. This is an opportunity for learning about each other and sharing your values. Balance still matters. We should aim for a balance throughout the week. So, more screens? Fine. But also find time to be outside, to be active (indoors or outdoors, with or without screens), eat well, and talk to friends and family (on the phone, on social media, or on video chat). The time at home with kids presents an opportunity to bond with them, even over media. This is not the time to try to deprive kids of something they enjoy and something that research has shown to have positive effects when used appropriately. There’s a ton of great high-quality content out there—let your kids use it, use it with them, and don’t guilt yourself over something that can still be part of a healthy, balanced childhood—especially during these times of heightened stress. 20

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

up ca fut

tak run rus de an ne

Do Ye tax an

Ar As co the

ma , ve

cal d e

The New Federal Income Tax Deadline is July 15: What You Need to Know It feels like the world has been turned upside down recently. Our plans have been cancelled or delayed for the foreseeable future—even our taxes! The Federal government is trying to take some pressure off Americans who are running short on cash during the coronavirus crisis, so they’ve pushed back the tax deadline from April 15 to July 15. I want to answer some important questions about the new deadline. Does this extension apply to everyone? Yes. The government has delayed income taxes for individuals, small businesses, trusts and estates, and corporations. Are state income taxes due on July 15? As of early April, most of the 42 states that collect income taxes have also extended the deadline to July 15—but there are a few

exceptions. Check your state’s guidelines to find out more. What about quarterly taxes? If you pay quarterly taxes on self-employment income, this extension applies only to the first quarter (January 1 to March 31). The other deadlines for quarterly taxes remain the same. In fact, second-quarter payments are due June 15—a month before first-quarter payments! Should I wait to file my taxes? No. Unless you’re in a full-blown crisis situation, you should go ahead and file your taxes now. If you’re expecting a refund, you can use the extra money to take care of basic needs, or you can sweep it into your emergency fund. If you’re expecting to owe taxes, then it’s best to find out how much as soon as possible so you can budget and save for the payment.

Bottom line: Whether you face them now or in three months, your taxes aren’t going anywhere. Don’t put them off. Tackle them head on so you remain in control and know where you stand with your money! Contributed by guest writer Chris Hogan, a #1 national best-selling author, dynamic speaker and host of The Chris Hogan Show. For more than a decade, Hogan has served at Ramsey Solutions, equipping and challenging people to take control of their money and reach their financial goals.

SAFER AT HOME

o , n

SUMMER CAMP We are working hard to develop unique take-home art projects with virtual instruction from local artists and educators for your child. Whether your child already has a love of art or is just getting started, everyone will enjoy art-camping.

We look forward to sharing details soon, learn more at mmfa.org/camp. Support for Safer at Home: Summer Camp is by Susan and Bob Runkle.

a e

One Museum Drive, Montgomery, AL Open Tuesday–Sunday; Free Admission

What if I still can’t pay my taxes by July 15? If you’re still in a tight spot by July 15, the first thing to do is pay as much as you can by the deadline—even if it’s a fraction of what you owe. Then, contact the IRS directly to let them know about your situation. They should work with you to set up a payment plan. But keep in mind that you need to attack that debt with every extra dollar you have until it’s gone.

mmfa.org | @MontgomeryMFA

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

1. sc

is the tog sig the sc lib lea

the of all tho rew ice bo

wh tou tim ac sc be

ers wo an ca yo

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an unusual ending to the school year. Instead of year book signings, field days and end-of- the-year parties, kids are at home waiting to catch glimpses of their friends on Zoom. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a tough time for kids, and keeping them motivated to finish the school year strong is tough for parents. Here are 10 tips to keep your child on the path to the finish line.

ch it t do pro ca rea an go ho pro wh sc

6. co

the Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

AOsummerADparentsHalfV.qxp_Layout 1 4/6/20 1:49 PM Page 1

1. Send the message that school is a priority. Communicate to children that school is important, even if it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t occurring at the school building. Continue to read together, check in with them on their assignments, and take an interest in what they are learning. Research one of their school topics or check out your local library digitally to find online access to learning tools and books.

2. Set a goal. Help your child set an academic goal they can achieve during the last weeks of school. Maybe they want to learn all their multiplication tables or read a thousand pages. If they meet their goal, reward them with something simple like ice cream or a new school supply or book.

3. Stay on Schedule. Kids crave structure like to know what to expect, especially when times are tough. Try to keep routines like homework time, dinner time, and bed time. Make a conscious effort to keep the same schedule you had before virtual schooling began.

4. Replace supplies. By now your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s notebooks, folders, pencils and crayons probably look worn out. Replacing these inexpensively and having them delivered to your house can be a quick pick-me-up that motivates your child.

5. Set up an outdoor classroom. Sometimes changing location gives a child that second wind they need to make it to the finish line. Let children have outdoor class time on the patio. When math problems are completed correctly, they can take a walk or ride bikes. Let them read in a hammock, in a lawn chair or in an outside tent. When they reach their goal, they can pass the football or shoot hoops. Plant a family garden as a science project and let the kids make observations when they are taking a break from their school work.

6. Hold an end of the year countdown.

There are many ways to count down the days until the end of the school year. 23

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Mark off days on a calendar or put popsicle sticks or marbles in a jar and remove one each day, or share a special treat. For each child in your house, fill a container with Hershey’s kisses that match the number of days left. “Kiss” the last days of school goodbye with one countdown chocolate each day when kids finish their school work.

7. Thank the teacher virtually.

Teachers work hard, even when they are teaching virtually. Make a video or a take a picture of your child holding a sign with a message for his or her teacher. Then email it or use the teacher’s digital platform to send it to him or her. Your child could also decorate a card and write an encouraging note and give it to the teacher when school resumes in the fall.

8. Plan a virtual recess. Kids crave social time with their friends, so this is the hardest part of them being out of school. Schedule a structured social time each day or week for your child to Face Time, Zoom, Skype or email a friend they miss.

9. Make virtual sports or arts part of school. An important part of school is physical activity and the arts. Is your baseball player down because he misses throwing his curve ball? Maybe your martial arts lover is itching to practice her kicks. Why not sign up for virtual lessons? If you don’t have the right equipment it can easily be purchased online, and many instructors are setting up virtual venues for lessons. There are many virtual art classes, and lots of “how to draw” lessons free on YouTube.

by Wi to Ja lish the the ing an

10. Celebrate. Have a dance party in the den, a luau in the living room or arrange a Zoom party to celebrate the last day of school. If you’re in doubt about what to do, ask the kids. Even when they have to find a virtual way to have a party, kids are clever and will find a creative way to celebrate! AOP

Janeen Lewis is a freelance journalist, teacher and mom to Andrew and Gracie. She loves to finish the school year strong with her students and family.

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

Fin

A Page in a Book

Two For One Reading: Bilingual Books

For young children, collecting language is an active part of their brain chemistry. Children are built to absorb information; their minds subconsciously gathering words and meanings, constantly in a state of passive learning. While we can all learn a new language, research shows it is easier for young children to acquire a second language, boosting multiple cognitive and social benefits for the child. The read-aloud age is an ideal time to introduce a new language to kids. With meaningful stories and paired reading, kids and adults can pick up words and phrases that may spur further bilingual exploration. Featuring simple words and phrases in two languages, the following titles offer two-for-one learning folded into one story time.

e in

m ed ild

y n’t e

ds o

Palo y Piedra / Stick and Stone

by Beth Ferry, Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Stick stands alone on a beach staring at the empty line of the horizon, while round Stone gazes at the moon. Stick is solitario (lonely) and Stone is sola (alone). Both lament their solitude as they make their separate ways to the playground. When Stone gets teased by Pinecone, Stick charges in with just the right word to send the bully on his way. As they discover the languages of friendship, these very different characters find their individual strengths multiply when they work together. Combining very brief bilingual text (English and Spanish), some clever puns, and expressive illustrations, this title is a sweet introduction friendship that transcends language.

Let’s Learn Japanese: First Words for Everyone

by Aurora Cacciapuoti (Chronicle Books) Wildly divergent from English in both sound and symbol, Japanese language can be a challenge to explore. Let’s Learn Japanese offers simple translations for common objects punctuated with Japanese flair. Filled with pictures and items from everyday life, each object has a caption in English followed by its kanji (ideographic symbol), its kana (sound symbols) and its romaji (essentially the pronunciation in English).The illustrations are clear, clean and grouped in themes, allowing for the extra text information to be more easily digested. Ideal for sampling Japanese words and testing the water for more in-depth language learning, this title is an excellent primer for children with an interest in Japanese culture. Picking up Japanese words is as easy as ichi-ni-san!

Penguins Love Colors

by Sarah Aspinall (Scholastic) Even though they live in a very snowy, very white environment, these six penguin siblings love color. Named after brightly colored botanicals, Tulip, Tiger Lily, Dandelion, Broccoli, Bluebell and Violet want to create something special for their Mama. And what better gift for her than to make something that features their own colorful namesakes. Each penguin embraces their own hue as they enthusiastically (and messily) craft gifts that only a mother can truly appreciate. The bilingual text asks the reader questions to more fully engage them in the penguins’ story. With its sweet and simple message, Penguins Love Colors delivers twice the tale in both English and Spanish.

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

se livi ha so wa vo co

wh Do wit wo pla

berley

by Kim

Spivey Carter

Th be stu co ex ca

be ab ke ing Sta or pla sm big lon

sib so ad no ad the ac list the res stu

La Being a high school graduate and preparing for college is a stellar achievement. It’s a time to get young adults ready for the life ahead with some practical and essential life skills. If you’ve been a parent who has managed most things for your soon-to-be college freshman, some core competencies are sometimes unintentionally neglected. However, by taking the time and necessary actions to teach them some foundational skills in advance, you can relieve any anxiety or uncertainty, making their transition into the next phase of their life much easier. For them to become acclimated in the world of “adulting” here are some skills needed.

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

ing the Gu the an us to

Gr co

stu gro tea sh

Waking up on time. This may seem simple, but it may have been easy living at home. Unfortunately, if they haven’t been waking up to the dreaded sound of an alarm clock, rather than waking up to the pleasant sound of your voice, they’ll no longer have that luxury in college. Studying. Your student figuring out what works for them is the key to success. Do they study better alone, in a group, or with a tutor? They should discover what works best for them now and develop a plan. Communicate with professors. Though this may seem intimidating to do, believe it or not, professors want their students to succeed. Creating lines of communication with professors will be extremely helpful throughout their college career.

Money management. This might be one of your biggest fears when thinking about sending your child off to college. To keep it simple for them, discuss monitoring small expenditures like a latte from Starbucks, ordering a movie on demand, or eating out that can add up quickly. Explaining financial responsibility regarding smaller purchases will help them see the bigger picture of managing their finances long term. Time management. The responsibility to maintain their schedule now solely falls on them, which can be a huge adjustment and rude awakening if they are not prepared. An easy way to help them adjust to this change is by introducing them to time management tools, such as a calendar on their smartphone or a to-do list in their class planner. This will help them organize their day by planning to rest, leaving extra time in their day, limiting study breaks and setting deadlines. Laundry. If your child hasn’t been tak-

ing on this task, now is the ideal time for them to practice and master their skills. Guide them on which temperatures to use, the difference between bleach, detergent, and fabric softer—and the proper way to use them. Help them understand how not to turn their favorite red shirt pink.

Grocery shopping and cooking. Typically, with a high school

student, chances are you’re doing the grocery shopping and cooking. Start with teaching the basics...how to create a shopping list and compare prices and pro27

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

viding them with affordable recipes that are easy and quick to prepare.

Car maintenance. If your

child owns a car now, it’s the perfect time to help them develop good car maintenance habits. Some things to consider are when and where to change their oil, how to check tire pressure, change windshield wipers, and how to change a tire.

Attend class. The days of a class roster are over. And, attending a college course is often not a requirement like in high school. However, their attendance is a reflection of their achievements; therefore, it’s crucial to attend class. Public transportation. Al-

though you may be sending your child off to college with a car, car issues and repairs do occur. And they need to understand how public transportation works such as a transit bus, Uber, or taxi.

Keep your priorities intact.

More Skills to Consider: 1) They should know how to find their polling place and vote. 2) They should know their social security number by heart. They will need it-often. 3) They should know that Tupperware is NOT disposable, it is reusable. 4) They should have a copy of their insurance card and carry it with them at all times. 5) They should know that if they park in a tow zone, there is a possibility that their car will be towed. 6) They should know the basics of over-thecounter medications. Advil, Tylenol and Motrin are analgesics. None of them should be mixed with alcohol. 7) Utilities can be expensive so pick a reasonable temperature for winter and summer and don’t leave all the lights on. From GrownandFlown.com.

This is another important life skill to keep in sight. If kids outline their priorities for being

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2020

in college, this will help them stay focused and stay on track. Creating a list of responsibilities at the beginning will ensure they will not stray too far from their goals.

Disconnect from distractions.

There are a lot of distractions in college, and one of the biggest ones could potentially be having a social life and hanging out with friends. Every student needs a healthy outlet; however, they need to learn how to balance unnecessary distractions.

Be open to change. Going to

college is a huge change for any high school graduate. Chances are, there will be things that make them uncomfortable and force them out of their comfort zone. But it’s their time to explore the world that awaits them and embrace the journey ahead. Transitioning to college is quite a change. Every life skill is incredibly valuable to your soon-to-be college student’s success. If you start teaching them now, it will make their transition so much more enjoyable for them and you...and you’ll feel more comfortable with them starting the next chapter of their life. AOP

Kimberley Carter Spivey is an Alabama-born freelance writer, author, blogger, and editor. Founder of Girl, You Write, her work appears in numerous publications across Alabama.

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

s.Â

. t

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2020

www.auburnopelikaparents.com

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

FamilyCalendar Saturday, May 16 28th Annual Fishing Rodeo Lake at Auburn Technology Park South, 7:00-11:00 AM. The first 175 children will receive a FREE rod and reel courtesy of Evans Realty and Auburn Parks and Recreation will supply the bait. Door prizes will be given out to lucky participants and prizes will be awarded to the biggest and smallest fish caught in each age category. We will also give out an award for the most fish caught overall. This event is a great chance to bring kids and their parents together with America’s favorite pastime...FISHING! The cost is $5 per child and can be paid at the event in the form of cash or check. Checks can be made payable to COA. There is a take home limit of five fish per child and parents must stay with their child at all times. www.auburnalabama.org/parks 46th Annual East Alabama Old Car Club Car Show and Swap Meet USA Town Center, Opelika. This year we are honoring our military. We encourage vehicle enthusiasts representing vintage, classics, modified, custom, modern, wild, stock, rat rods, sports cars, motorcycles, and tractors to participate. Come see these motoring marvels or come buy one. For more about the event email David Pascoe at pascoedd@ gmail.com or call 334-703-5528. City Market Also May 23, 30 Town Creek Park, Auburn. City Market is back for the summer season. Auburn Parks and Recreation invites the community, growers and consumers alike, to join us Saturdays from May to August. City Market will be held at Town Creek Park select Saturdays May through August from 8 – 11 a.m. The market will host local farmers, growers, and artists to sell their produce and products. Farmers, growers, and artists who are interested in participating in the City Market must complete an application and submit their Grower’s Permit to the Market Coordinator. Materials may be submitted in person at the Harris Center (425 Perry Street) or via email to the Market Coordinator. www.auburnalabama.org/citymarket.

Friday, May 22 RXR Fest Also May 23 Beginning on Friday, May 22, you are invited to bring your cooler, your lawn chair, your pup (On A LEASH PLEASE) your friends, family, or come alone and make new friends to Russell Crossroads for the RXR Fest. It’s FREE and you’ll hear great music from local musicians, regional musicians and some national acts may happen along too! Join us on the Town Green at Russell Crossroads, you don’t want to miss out! www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com

Saturday, May 23 Samford Pool Opening Day Join us for the first day of the 2020 Samford Pool Season! Samford Pool will be open to the public at 10 AM. www.auburnalabama.org/parks Art on the Lake Also May 24 More than 40 artists from across the Southeast will be on hand to display and sell their beautiful artwork. Canvas art, pottery, jewelry, rock work and more. Come by land or by boat. Kids activities. Music and concessions. 20% of artists’ sales go to benefit Children’s Harbor. Event occurs annually on Memorial Day weekend. Located on the serene grounds of Children’s Harbor Chapel and Hank’s Cabin - against the lapping waves of Lake Martin,

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2020

this year we celebrate the Art on the Lake’s 11th festival year! Last year, 47 artisans presented fine arts and handmade crafts to a crowd of more than 5,000 people. It’s free to attend, though a portion of your art purchases help support Children’s Harbor in continuing its mission to provide camp, counseling and support services to seriously ill children and their families. www.childrensharbor.com

Saturday, May 30

many treasures in store for you. Chuck’s Marina presents the 18th Annual Lil’ Calypso Art Festival and one of the largest on Lake Martin. The treasures you will find are Glass Art, Metal Art & Signs, Handcrafted Jewelry, Pottery, Handcrafted Furniture, Folk Art and Canvas Art. Artists set their tents along the shoreline of Lake Martin. Music Entertainment is playing on the deck from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The aroma of Chuckwalla’s Pizzeria will surely draw you in and satisfy your appetite. Facebook

***At press time, many local events were still being cancelled, postponed or rescheduled due to COVID-19. Before making plans to attend one of these listed events, please use the contact information provided to confirm that the scheduled event is still taking place. ***

Burger Wars 2020 Downtown Opelika. The 6th Annual Burger Wars, a hamburger grilling competition sponsored by Opelika Rotary and Happy Hour Rotary Club, takes place on the same day as Touch-a-Truck! www.opelikarotaryclub. com/burger-wars

Waters Wonders F. D. Roosevelt State Park, Pine Mountain, Ga. Take a net to dip in and see what inhabitants live in our lakes. Look for fish, frogs and lots of insects. We provide the nets, viewing scopes, and lots of interesting discoveries. Children must be accompanied by adults. Meet next to the Boathouse on Lake Delanor in the campground. Correct change only, or pay at the park office and bring receipt. $4 plus $5 parking. 706-663-4858.

Touch-A-Truck Vehicles of all types will line the street of downtown Opelika at this fun family event. Kids of all ages can come and explore military vehicles, race cars, dump trucks, and more. Admission is free, and visitors are encouraged to touch and go inside the vehicles. Auburn University’s mascot, Aubie, will even be there to hang out and take pictures. For more info, visit www.facebook.com/TouchTruck.

Sunday, May 31 ARTiculate The Columbus Museum. K-12 youth on the Autism Spectrum and their caregivers are invited to experience the Museum through guided tours, hands-on gallery activities, and open-ended artmaking with a sensory-friendly focus. ARTiculate is the perfect way to explore the Museum’s collections and exhibitions in a low-stress environment before the Museum opens for regular hours. Kennan Ducey, Community Outreach Coordinator, kducey@ columbusmuseum.com

June June 4-13: The Alexander City Sun Festival Sun Festival is a week-long community event of 40+ individual events offering something for every age including children and senior activities, art, exercise, a scavenger hunt and more, all culminating in Jazz Fest weekend. Visit www.alexandercitychamber.com or follow us on Facebook at Sun Festival Alexander City for up to the minute information. June 6: Lil Calypso Art Festival on Lake Martin Come by land or by lake, Lil’ Calypso Art Fest has

June 6: Auburn Food and Wine Festival Ogletree Village. 5:009:00 p.m. Tickets are now available for the 2nd annual Auburn Food and Wine Festival benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County on Saturday, June 6 from 5 – 9 p.m. General admission tickets include all samples of food and wine. Foodonly tickets are also available. www. auburnfoodandwinefestival. com.

June 12: SummerNight Downtown Art Walk Downtown Auburn. Join us for a creative evening in downtown Auburn. The SummerNight Downtown Art Walk is a FREE arts festival that transforms downtown Auburn into its very own arts district, featuring the work of local and regional artists, live musicians, street performers, great food and children’s activities. The SummerNight Downtown Art Walk will be from 6 - 10 p.m. along with the Starting Line Party and Strawberry Strut Parade which will be at 5 p.m. at Pebble Hill. Entertainment will kickoff at 6:15 p.m. at Toomer’s Corner with Tony Brook! June 12-13: Alex City Jazz Fest Friday night will take place in Downtown Alexander City at Strand Park. Saturday Night moves to The Amp on Lake Martin. June 13: Science on Saturday at Kreher Preserve & Nature Center Presented by Southeastern Raptor Center. 10:0011:30 a.m. Don’t miss this world-class presentation where you’ll get to see these remarkable birds of prey up close and learn all about amazing lives and astonishing senses. Children’s activities will be available. The Southeastern Raptor Center rehabilitates hundreds of injured, ill, and orphaned raptors annually. This is a one-hour, lecture-style program that will provide the opportunity to see and interact with live animals. Admission is $5 ($4 for members); children 3 and under are free. Canceled in the event of rain. This program will be held at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center unless otherwise noted. The nature center is located at 2222 N. College Street near the AU Fisheries and Hwy 280. For more information, visit auburn.edu/preserve, email preserve@auburn.edu, or call 334-844-8091.

Please send your calendar events to Kendra@ auburnopelikaparents.com! www.auburnopelikaparents.com

for an we sc tra the is t Cr as ed ba wil Kit fam

W S

ma tur du co ere Lig sem it fo of mo sta for bu

Playing with the Wonder of Wind

res

re, ng is The u

nd d g of

5– on es -

val.

n g he n

d he

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Whether the wind is rifling their hair or they’re blowing out candles, kids experience the movement of air with joy and curiosity. And while they can’t see the wind, they can feel its passage and observe its effects on the world around them. The trembling of leaves on trees, clouds billowing across the sky, and flags waving from a pole, all these point to something moving unseen through their world. From sailboats to windmills, humans throughout history have harnessed the winds that stirred their youthful imaginations. Giving kids the opportunity to explore one of nature’s most mysterious forces, the following toys breathe new life into the uplifting wonder of wind and its power to move the world.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Nylon Diamond Kite

Airzooka

In addition to being a rite of passage for children worldwide, kite-flying is also an interactive way for kids to explore weather, physics, gravity and other scientific concepts through play. With its traditional shape and simple assembly, the Nylon Diamond Kite from Chipmunkk is the simplest introduction to kite-flying. Crafted from super strong, rip-resistant nylon, these kites are as tough as they are beautiful. The kit includes everything you need to get started (string, reel, support struts),conveniently packaged in a reusable bag. Encouraging kids to watch the weather forecast for windy days will help ensure their first kite lofts are successful. The Nylon Diamond Kite is just one of a colorful variety of kite-styles from Chipmunkk that families can try out as they learn to harness the power of the wind.

Take the power of the wind in hand with the Airzooka air-launching system. Lightweight with slick design, this cannon delivers a blast of wind across a room by trapping air and then firing it forward. The operation is easy, a simple pull of the elastic launcher draws air into the barrel, releasing the elastic propels an ‘air bomb’ toward its target. It never runs out of ammo, and has no small pieces to lose along the way. Airzooka also features a pop-up site for improved accuracy. Whether you’re puffing your parent’s hair from across the room, blowing up a game of air tag with friends, or honing your air blast skills with some indoor target practice, Airzooka offers endless opportunities to wield the wind at will!

(Chipmunkk)

(Squirrel Products)

Wind Power Strandbeest

Bubble Gun Blaster (BamGo)

Blowing bubbles is one of the coolest (and cleanest) ways for very young children to observe air and wind in action. Featuring a soft, foam fan rotor that’s safe for little fingers, this bubble gun is also lightweight for easy aim. A simple press of the trigger generates air into four rotating hoops, producing a multitude of iridescent bubble in an instant. The gasket sealed battery slot helps prevent corrosion of battery contacts as kids dip and blow bubbles. The bubble gun comes with an initial supply of soap solution as well as a “How To” guide on making kid-friendly bubbles with safe products from around the house. Ideal for backyards or balconies, parks or pools, the Bubble Gun Blaster blows in with clear, clean fun!

(Bo-Toys)

Inspired by artist Theo Jansen’s marvelous kinetic wind-powered sculptures that ramble across windswept dunes, the Wind Power Strandbeest combines the mechanics of wind-powered engineering with table top scale. Lightweight plastic pieces easily assemble into a working model, with a propeller-like turbine that will power it forward. While the model is somewhat fragile, it only takes the slightest of wind to breathe life into the creation. Reminiscent of the fluttering leg movements of millipedes, a breath of air or the blow from a hairdryer will start the hypnotic perambulations of the Strandbeest’s limbs as it moves forward. Guaranteed to captivate observers and stir the imagination of builders, this little model makes the most of wind and wonder.

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

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

The Willoughbys

The Main Event

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: C Violence: C+ Sexual Content: B+ Profanity: B Alcohol / Drug Use: B Whether or not you will enjoy The Willoughbys depends entirely on your enjoyment of very dark humor. I have always enjoyed quirky films but this one goes too far for me. Frankly, I just can’t laugh at a movie that is centered around the abuse and neglect of children. Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby (voiced by Martin Short and Jane Krakowski) are wrapped up in one another, kissing and gazing at each other constantly. When Mrs. Willoughby gives birth to Tim (voiced by Will Forte), the couple are appalled. The new father dumps his infant son in the hallway, berates him for his birth and tells him, “If you need love, I beg of you, find it elsewhere.” Their attitude does not change with the birth of three more children – a musical daughter named Jane (Alessia Cara) and inventive twins, both named Barnaby (Seán Cullen). The children are ignored, starved, and thrown into the coal bin whenever they disturb the adults’ romantic idyll. Not surprisingly, the children decide they would be better off without parents and figure out a plan to “craft a murderous adventure” so they can “orphan themselves”. If the plot doesn’t give parents cause for concern, there are plenty of events in the movie that will. It is difficult to overstate the cruelty with which the Willoughby parents treat their children. Despite the toxic parents, there are a very few positive elements in the film. The Willoughby siblings love each other and have close, nurturing bonds. Their love and unity makes it all the more painful when the children are separated by “Orphan Services”. This is a movie that makes viewers appreciate the need all children have for stable, loving families.

MPAA Rating: TV-G Overall: AViolence: B Sexual Content: A Profanity: B Alcohol / Drug Use: A Eleven-year-old Leo (Seth Carr) is obsessed with the WWE. While hiding from some bullies, he discovers a magical wrestling mask that grants him super strength. Knowing his family needs the money, he secretly enters a wrestling competition. With the help of his supportive grandmother (Tichina Arnold) and friends, Leo will discover what true strength is. I’m just gonna come right out the gate and say it - I really enjoyed this movie. I know very little about wrestling (what I do know I learned from Nacho Libre), but you don’t need to understand the sport to appreciate what The Main Event is doing. The themes are really what set it apart from most family fare, with the main message being that mental and emotional strength are more important than physical strength. The movie also encourages kids to step out of their comfort zones and try things that scare them. And as an added bonus, there is a subplot that revolves around Leo’s family in which both Leo and his father (Adam Pally) learn how to open up and trust each other. I have to give a shout out to the single dad representation. It’s hard to find media aimed at children that depicts single fathers, but this film does a great job. In terms of content, if you’ve ever watched professional wrestling, you’ll be relieved to know that this is the toned-down version of the theatrically violent sport. The fighting is so over-the-top that even a young viewer will be able to see that it is outside the realm of reality. The Main Event is sweet and heartfelt without straying into sappy territory, and it’s a great choice for family viewing.

Trolls World Tour

Tigertail

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: B Sexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A Trolls World Tour is a day-glo musical fantasy for kids. Eye-poppingly colorful, relentlessly cheerful, and filled with music-video-style montages, it will have young viewers happily bopping along to the tunes. Is it a great movie? No. But it could be a useful one. The story, such as it is, is based on a piece of Troll history. All of the six Troll tribes used to live in harmony until conflict over music led to a sundering of the groups. But now, Queen Barb (voiced by Rachel Bloom) of the Hard Rock Trolls is determined to seize all the magical music strings, play one power chord on her guitar, and forcibly unite all trolls under rock. As the kingdoms fall before her sonic blasts, only Queen Poppy (Anna Kendrick) and her faithful friend, Branch (Justin Timberlake) are willing to resist. The real reason to watch this film is for the messages it repeatedly imparts to children. As she begins her quest to save music, Poppy is filled with sunny optimism – she will find Barb, convince her that trolls are all the same, and become her best friend. But as Poppy travels through the troll lands and meets country trolls, and funk trolls and K-pop trolls, she realizes that trolls aren’t all the same. If you’re trying to teach your children to truly value diversity instead of papering over differences, this is the movie for you. Whether it’s worth coughing up the $20 for the video-on-demand early release is up to you. Frankly, I’d wait until the price drops but I’m not sheltering in place with hyper, quarreling kids so your priorities may well differ from mine.

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: AViolence: A Sexual Content: B Profanity: BAlcohol / Drug Use: B Pin-Jui (Hong-Chi Lee, played in older age by Tzi Ma) dreams of leaving Taiwan and going to America. Growing up working, either on his grandmother’s rice farm or in a factory with his mother (Yang Kuei-mei), Pin-Jui wants a better life. His opportunity to go to the US finally comes, but with a terrible choice: he would have to abandon Yuan (Yo-Hsing Fang and Joan Chen), the young woman he loves, and marry Zhenzhen (Kunjue Li and Fiona Fu), whose father will pay for the move. Years later, with his mother dead and his family crumbling, Pin-Jui starts to realize the magnitude of his decisions. These intergenerational dramas present an interesting perspective on the long-term effects of early life choices. I don’t think people, especially in highly individualistic Western societies, really think about the effects our choices have on future generations. Movies like this make those echoes far more apparent. But this isn’t a movie for everyone. The long, slow drama means that there are a lot of shots of characters sitting silently while somber music plays. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but it makes for a very sedate viewing experience. Add to that the fact that much of the movie is in Mandarin or Taiwanese (with English subtitles) and this isn’t a movie for those seeking fast-paced action and adventure. This is thoughtful and complex, and unlikely to leave you with a nice warm feeling. On the other hand, there are almost no content concerns. As far as thoughtful drama goes, this is about as family-friendly as it gets.

(Streaming on Netflix)

(Video On Demand)

Auburn Opelika Parents I May 2020

(Streaming on Netflix)