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AT M O R E • D A P H N E • B AY M I N E T T E 251.626.7770 | G L ASSO RT H O. COM Eastern Shore Parents I May 2020
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May2020
Volume 12 Number 12
32 Columns
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6 Publisher’s Note Lynn Knighton
Therapeutic Parenting Helping your child navigate difficult emotions during chaotic times.
8 Therapeutic Parenting
Finish the School Year Virtually
Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP
Ten ways to help your kids finish this unique school year strong.
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14 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics
30 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between Common Sense Media
Life Skills for High School Graduates
What they should know before heading to college.
Ready or Not... Here Comes Summer Tips for creating a more relaxing and spontaneous summer!
39 Dave Says Dave Ramsey
Departments 10
On The Cover Audrey Hudson (17), daughter of proud parents Jim and Heather DeLapp and Scott Hudson. Big sister to Lucy (16), Luke (13), and Townes (13). Audrey is graduating with honors from Bayside Academy College Preparatory School where she was President of the National Honor Society, Varsity Basketball Cheer Captain, Peer Helper, Student Ambassador on the United Way Youth Board, and member of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership Program. Audrey also plays soccer for Bayside Academy and is an Aimee Reynolds Photography Senior Representative. Audrey plans to attend Southern Methodist University on the Pre-Med track pursuing a major in biological sciences.
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Bits and Pieces 15
School Bits 34
Book Reviews 48
Movie Reviews
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Publisher’sNote The Eastern Shore’s Foremost Parenting Source
I don’t know if the shock of everything that has happened over the last couple of months will ever fully go away, but like most of you, I am settling into it a little more. Brad and I already worked from home, so that was no change. However, working from home with all three girls home with us was a different story. Summers, we can handle. Activities, friends... lots of things to keep the girls active and occupied. This is different. Unlike summer, the girls still have school responsibilities and no social or extra-curricular activities. But like all parents, I had a plan. The experts say, stick to a schedule. Up and ready for breakfast by 8 am and begin schoolwork by 9 am. Finished by lunch. Perfect! But what sounds good on paper is not always reality, and certainly not how it all went down at my house. Many mornings I get up, get dressed (I am a firm believer in getting dressed and ready every morning) then get distracted with emails or phone calls, and the next thing I know the schedule is toast. Some days it makes me feel like a huge mom fail. But as all of this draws out longer and the stress and cabin fever grows, the schedule was honestly one of the things I just had to let go of, at least for now. After all, the girls have proven to be very responsible with their work, even without the schedule. So, at least for today, we are going with what works for us. We are all adjusting differently and we need to be mindful of our physical AND our mental health. If you have days that just don’t work like you want, it’s okay. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Find what works for you and your family. If you need some ideas for getting in a groove with academics, flip to page 32 where you will find Finish the School Year Virtually: 10 Ways to Help Your Child Stay Strong, by Janeen Lewis. She has some excellent advice for staying on track. Like many of you, we have found some extra time in our schedules, which has afforded us the ability to do more cooking. If you know me well, you know that cooking is definitely not one of my strengths. But, with more time and having the girls around, it has been a lot more fun! I think it is a great skill for them to be practicing at this age. Brad has joined in the fun and has been teaching the girls some house maintenance and repair skills. Before you know it, they will be on their own and glad they had these lessons. In fact, we have decided to start working on the list Kimberley Spivey compiled in her article, Life Skills Every High School Graduate Needs, on page 36. Check it out, especially if you have graduating seniors. They will thank you for it...at least one day. Speaking of graduates, it has been heartbreaking to see what these young people and their families are going through. They are missing their prom, graduation parties, and moments of savoring the last few carefree weeks between exams and graduation. So this month we want to give a big shout-out to the Class of 2020 and their families, and help celebrate their achievements as they move into the next chapter of their lives. This month (and in June) we have a Senior Spotlight section to celebrate some of these special graduates. Check it out beginning on page 40. To the grads, CONGRATULATIONS and warmest wishes as you move on to your next great adventure! To everyone, stay safe, be well, and savor the sweet moments.
Lynn
Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@easternshoreparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@easternshoreparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Christa Weinberg Contributing Writers Christa Melnyk Hines Janeen Lewis Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Dave Ramsey Robert L. Rux, M.D. Gerry Paige Smith Kimberley Carter Spivey
Cover Photography Aimee Reynolds Phogography www.aimeereynoldsphotography.com
President Jason Watson jason@easternshoreparents.com Advertising Opportunities Lynn Knighton ads@easternshoreparents.com (251) 929-2099 Accounts Manager Eleanor Williams Ad Design Tim Welch
Visit us online at www.easternshoreparents.com
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Eastern Shore Parents I May 2020
Eastern Shore Parents Magazine, is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant, role in our community. Eastern Shore Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.
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Eastern Shore Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 374, Montrose, Alabama, 36559. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 929-2099. Eastern Shore Parents is copyrighted 2017 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Eastern Shore Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP
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
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.
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PASSAGE USA
A post-secondary educational experience for students with intellectual disabilities aged 1825 focused on attaining individualized goals in employment and independent living.
CONTACT: Alexandra Chanto-Wetter (251)460-7558 | chantowetter@southalabama.edu
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THINK, COLLABORATE, AND PROBLEM-SOLVE TOGETHER 2020-2021 OPEN ENROLLMENT IN CLASSES WHERE SPACE IS AVAILABLE For details, please visit www.baysideacademy.org or call 251.338.6446.
303 Dryer Avenue | Daphne, AL 36526 | 251.338.6300 | www.baysideacademy.org
303 Dryer Avenue | Daphne, AL 36526 | 251.338.6300 | www.baysideacademy.org
Bayside Academy is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school offering a superior educational opportunity to students in grades PK-12. 9
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Birthday Shout-Out from Fairhope Volunteer Fire Dept
The Fairhope Volunteer Fire Department knew there would be kids in their community who may not understand why they have to stay at home, unable to play with friends and may be especially disappointed that their birthday parties had to be cancelled during the pandemic. The volunteer firefighters decided to bring a little cheer to kids within their jurisdiction who had to cancel their birthday party. Firefighters took a firetruck to their home, with lights and sirens blaring and gave a shout out to the birthday child. Once they let the community know via social media, calls and texts began pouring in at the fire department. "We were honored that so many families wanted the Fairhope Volunteer Fire Department to be a part of their child's special day. We have thoroughly enjoyed seeing their surprise and the huge smiles on their faces. I'm pretty sure we've had as much fun as the kids have had." said Chris Weinberg, Volunteer Firefighter. Due to COVID-19 concerns and social distancing rules, no one was allowed on the fire trucks and firefighters stayed inside the fire truck at all times. Family members were able to take pictures and videos of their child’s birthday surprise. The Miller family, pictured, were thrilled to surprise their son on his 8th birthday after their plans had to be cancelled.
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South Baldwin Literacy Council Holds Drive-Thru Book Giveaway
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The South Baldwin Literacy Council put books in the hands of kids and parents for free by holding a drive-thru book giveaway to help bring families closer while so many are being kept apart. In an age when screens get most of our attention, the literacy council wanted to put an actual book in the hands of children and encourage parents to read to and with their kids. Executive Director Mitchell Lee says they wanted to give back and help encourage families during a time when everyday life & activities are uncertain. Because of COVID-19 concerns, the council also had to pause their classes as well as their one-on-one tutoring services. For a few hours on 3 separate days, the folks at the literacy council gave away picture books, story books and offered a fun socially-distanced outing for parents and kids. The drive-thru book give away brought 151 families through the line. Each car had approximately two to three kids. By the end of the week, more than 400 children’s books were given out to the community. For more information about the South Baldwin Literacy Council, please visit us on Facebook or at www.southbaldwinliteracycouncil.com.
Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore (JAES) Distributes “Snack Packs” to Needy Children
With the help of the Rotary Youth Club (Fairhope) and the Universal African Church (Daphne), The Junior Auxiliary of the Eastern Shore had the privilege to hand out and distribute “snack packs” while schools were out. Using all of the safety protocols of the CDC & practicing “social distancing”, JAES members shopped, packaged and labeled snack packs for children in need throughout the community with minimal physical contact. The pre-packaged snack packs consisted of 5 days’ worth of breakfast items, snacks and some drinks in order to supplement meals for local schoolaged children who otherwise might go hungry. For some children, school is the only “food” they receive. Approximately 70 snack packs a week were distributed in an attempt to reach as many children and families during the pandemic. It is our hope to continue this program through the remainder of the school year (end of May). If resources continue to be available, JAES may offer this service even longer. For more information about how you can contribute to programs through JAES, visit www.jaesternshore.org. Eastern Shore Parents I May 2020
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Bay Minette Thanks Healthcare, First Responders The Bay Minette commUNITY showed up Thursday, April 1, to demonstrate its support of our healthcare workers and first responders that serve north Baldwin. Residents parked at North Baldwin Infirmary, police and fire stations and a local pharmacy to show its appreciation for their selfless service. A big thanks to Crossroads Church of God, 92.5FM and Clarissa Stewart for organizing this event. #superheroesworkhere
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Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Launches Initiative to Serve Youth During the COVID-19 Crisis
Even non-members can now access Girl Scout programming from home during these challenging times. Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) is excited to have officially launched resources to serve youth during this time of crisis and isolation. While the organization has suspended in-person activities and events, due to the spread of COVID-19, they can still participate in a collection of Virtual Programs, Girl Scouts at Home, and activities designed to keep them engaged. COVID-19 has schoolaged children across the state and country confined to their homes, limiting their activities and changing how they are learning. GSSA's new Virtual Programs give children access to exciting new content Monday-Friday and offer an array of options from getting outdoors to learning about life skills and STEM. In fact, they’ve even teamed up with the Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Forestry Association and NASA, to produce quality content for their viewers. Each activity allows children to engage in a new way and help them build critical skills all from the comfort of their home. “As the expert on girls, GSSA is uniquely poised to help girls and their families adapting to a new reality, says Karlyn Edmonds, GSSA CEO. “Our new Virtual Programs offer a onestop-shop format that lets both members and the public enjoy a variety of activities.” And to ensure our youth are getting the tools they need to become our world’s ambitious change-makers, the organization also launched Girl Scouts at Home, a national online platform where families—even non-members—can access free, self-guided activities. The age-specific activities for all grade levels are delivered through guided videos, textbased instructions, and downloadable information, making it seamless for families to incorporate into their daily lives. More program-based options will be added in the coming weeks, allowing girls to earn badges, tune in to live virtual events and connect online for troop meetings and projects.
Subway in Fairhope Donates Bagged Lunches to School Aged Children
Owners Matt and Sally Miller, owners of Subway in Fairhope, found an amazing way to serve the community during the COVID-19 crisis. The Millers worked with their team and began offering bagged lunches to school aged children affected by the Covid-19 crisis on scheduled Thursdays. While the first round of lunches was sponsored by the Fairhope Subway owners, others saw what they were doing and wanted to jump in and help also. Matt and Sally were contacted by the Kiwanis Club, Eastern Shore Presbyterian Church and another anonymous donor in honor of the Bayside Class of 2020. What a wonderful way to give back during this tough time. Thank you to all involved!
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The Original Oyster House Chelsea Garvin Scholarship Deadline Extended to May 22, 2020
The Original Oyster House will award two $1,000 Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarships to high school seniors in Baldwin County. In 2006 the Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarship was created in loving memory of Chelsea Garvin who was a 2004 graduate of Fairhope High School, a Fish River Fire Department Rescue Diver, an Original Oyster House employee and a talented artist. Tragically, Chelsea’s life was cut short in a boating accident in 2005. To qualify for the 15th Annual Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarships you must be a high school senior of Baldwin County in the 2019-2020 school year with a minimum 2.5 GPA, have participated in recent school or community art event and submit artwork that reflects the Original Oyster House brand in some way and can be displayed in the restaurant. Artwork mediums can include oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, pastel, charcoal, pen and ink, colored pencil, mixed media, ceramics or Sculptural media types. The winning artwork must be ready for display, completely dry and will become the property of the Original Oyster House for marketing or other purposes. Deadline for submission of art and application is May 22, 2020. Highest consideration will be for the most artistic and creative representation of the Original Oyster House. Please include the following identification on the back of artwork: Name of Artist, Title of Art, Medium, Teacher’s Name and Name of School. To submit your Chelsea Garvin Spirit Award Scholarship application and a photo of your artwork online please visit www. originaloysterhouse.com/scholarship. Pictured at Bayside Academy on awards day are from left: Bud Morris, general manager of the OOH Gulf Shores, the 2019 Scholarship awardees: Ashley Suchan and Maggie Davis, and Jim Harrison, general manager OOH Mobile Causeway.
Huntington Learning Center Daphne Launches Reading Adventure Program
An “Online” and “In Real Life” Learning Program for Students Huntington Learning Center, the nation’s leading tutoring and test prep provider, launched its annual Reading Adventure, a reading program designed to activate the love of reading and to engage students in stories and imagination outside the classroom. Huntington’s Reading Adventure has traditionally run during the summer months, but in response to the current pandemic, this year’s program began on Wednesday, April 22, with the first “Reading Live” segment on Huntington’s YouTube channel. Reading Adventure gives students the opportunity to read with our fun and interactive activities featuring a variety of online resources to enrich the adventure; and, for the first time, Huntington invites all students to participate -- whether or not the student is enrolled in a Huntington Learning Center program. This year’s Reading Adventure theme is “Anywhere You Want to Go!,” and invites participants to read books from extensive recommended reading lists that will expand their imaginations and help build a love of reading. Students will receive a “reading passport” to fill with stamps as they’re whisked away to outer space, around the world and to different time periods. Huntington of Daphne has expanded its Reading Adventure program to feature additional online resources including “Reading Live,” weekly 30-minute reading sessions targeted to specific age groups. Additionally, readers have the chance to win a gift card each week simply by following #HuntingtonReadingAdventure on social media and posting a quick recap of the book they’re reading. To join the Reading Adventure, contact Huntington of Daphne at 251-621-1055, or fill out the form at https://huntingtonhelps.com/reading-adventure and you will receive a “reading passport” to keep track of your travels. Eastern Shore Parents I May 2020
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Local• Goodness SUNDAY MAY 31 • 2020 To Go A FAMILY-STYLE TAKEOUT DINNER
Set for May 31
FOR INFORMATION AND TO PLACE YOUR ORDER: USAHEALTHSYSTEM.COM/LOCAL-GOODNESS
Plans for Local Goodness, a $150 farm-to-table fundraiser for USA Health Children’s & Women’s Y R E A DO ! Hospital’s TO G pediatric emergency BENEFITING: department, USA HEALTH CHILDREN’S & WOMEN’S HOSPITAL PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT have changed this year. Instead, Local Goodness To Go, a family-style takeout dinner event will be held on Sunday, May 31. Local Goodness is the signature annual fundraiser for the local hospital that features the region’s only pediatric emergency department. Participants can choose from two meal options provided by 1031, plus wine and dessert, that will be available for pick up that day. For more details, visit https://www.usahealthsystem. com/events/local-goodness Now more than ever, it’s so important to support our local healthcare heroes and the work they do to ensure the health and safety of our community’s children and women. & Eat Well For Do Good
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Farmers Virtual Field Trips
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
Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Seeking Nominations for Leading Ladies
Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) will host its Third Annual Leading Ladies event in June to celebrate women and organizations in southern Alabama that have distinguished themselves as outstanding members of the community through individual excellence and high levels of achievement. Nominations for Leading Ladies awards and the Leading Workplace for Women Award are open until May 20. Women selected for the Leading Ladies Award will exemplify quality leadership skills and outstanding community support, especially when they are directing those efforts to support the advancement of girls and women. Previous nominees include Kate Carver, Cathy Pope, Samantha Coppels, Ann Richardson, Carol Hunter, Monique Michele Rogers, Rhonda Lucas, Ashleigh Simon, Anne Laurie McClurkin, and Shellie Teague. The Leading Workplace for Women selected will be an organization that supports and encourages opportunities for women to develop leadership skills to further grow their careers. Equal opportunity in the workplace helps women reach their potential and allows the community to fully benefit. Previous nominees include Lifelines Counseling Services, Feeding the Gulf Coast, and Daphne Utilities. The nominees will be honored with a reception at Moe’s Original Bar B Que in downtown Mobile on June 25, 2020. For more information on how to nominate an employee or workplace, please contact Alicia Schneider at aschneider@girlscoutssa.org.
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KidsHealthWatch
Sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics
Is That Stick Moving? A few years ago, my family and I were camping at the Gulf State Park. My oldest son Adler was on a hike with his buddies near the camp site and was crossing a log over a small creek. He, of course, fell in and lost his shoes to the suction effect in the mud in the bottom of the creek. After climbing out, he wasn’t worried about the mud on his legs or the mud on his clothes, but was upset about losing his shoes. As a daddy, my job was to climb in the stagnant, wonderfully fragrant creek to dig out his shoes. The whole time I was reaching my hand in the water and moving sticks, debris and other unknown objects, I kept thinking back to my medical training in Birmingham and wondering how quick I could get to the ER if I got a snake bite. Luckily, snake bites are not very common; however, they potentially are a medical emergency. Today, we will address the common snakes in Alabama, how to tell if they are poisonous or not, and what to do (and what not to do) if you or your child gets bitten! First, let’s discuss the snakes we have here in the southern half of the state. In terms of the ones you need to really know, the poisonous ones are coral snakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and of course the various species of rattlesnakes. So, how do you know what the snake is, and if you were bitten, should you freak out?
Eastern Shore Parents I May 2020
First, the coral snake—it is black with red and yellow stripes and has the most toxic venom in North America. Luckily, they are fairly rare and non-aggressive. But, there is a non-venomous snake with a similar color pattern. Just remember “Red on yellow will kill a fellow, but red on black won’t hurt Jack.” However, I would just stay away. Next, we group the cottonmouths, copperheads, and rattlesnakes together because of their characteristic triangular or arrow shaped head, the cat-like pupil or eye slit, and a small opening between the eyes and nostrils called the pit. Now, if you are close enough to see these findings, you might as well be headed to the hospital. But, what happens if you get bitten and don’t see the culprit? Look at the bite itself. A poisonous bite typically has two single fang marks, while a non-poisonous bite has a semi-circle pattern that looks like a large smile. So, you were bitten. What next? As opposed to old Western movies and “what you heard from that dude,” it is not recommended to cut the bite and suck out the poison or take off your belt and apply a tourniquet around the limb. These things don’t remove or delay spread of poison. They only do one thing, and that is waste time while you should have been getting to the ER. So, stay calm, take a picture or
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remember what the snake looks like and go! There, the ER can give supportive care, fluids, medication and anti-venom if need be to help treat symptoms like low blood pressure and shock. Another issue is snake bites and pets. My nurse recently found their 3 year old healthy boxer dead outside. The only thing they found was a red swollen area near his upper lip. With all of the recent flooding and water everywhere, snakes have moved closer to your house. So keep an eye open for your kids and your pets. Did you know that most snake bites in kids occur when they try to handle a snake or pick one up that they think is dead! So, lesson one, don’t touch a snake. Lesson two, remember what poisonous snakes look like. Step three, stay calm and get to the nearest ER of you are bitten. Be sure to check resources at aap.org and jama.org; and in case you were wondering, I found both shoes! Robert L. Rux, M.D. is a Board Certified Pediatrician at Magnolia Springs Pediatrics. Originally from Mobile, he attended medical school at The University of Alabama School of Medicine (UAB) and completed residency at The Children’s Hospital of Alabama (UAB). He is married to Jaime and has three children, Adler, Walker and Mary McAtee.
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Autauga County Schools Teachers Prep for Online Learning
Local Student Performs in 10th Piano Guild Audition
Lydia Van Cleave, 15-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Van Cleave of Daphne, just completed her 10th piano Guild audition held at the Daphne Methodist Church on March 19. Sponsored by the International Guild of Piano Teachers with headquarters in Austin, Texas, auditions are held annually at various centers in the United States and abroad and allow students to be evaluated by professional adjudicators. Six Baldwin County piano teachers registered 8l students to participate in the auditions which were held in the Baldwin County Center on March 17-20. Lydia prepared an International Program which consisted of 15 pieces making it her 8th year to perform ten or more pieces. In two more years she will earn the coveted engraved gold Paderewski Medal. Lydia is a 9th grade home schooled student who has distinguished herself in various piano competitions and auditions. She has won three 1st place trophies, two 2nd place medallions and one 3rd place medallion in the Mobile Music Teachers Sonata Contest; 1st and 3rd place cash prizes in the Piano Virtuoso Competition; made Outstanding ratings in both the District and State auditions sponsored by the Alabama Music Teachers Association; and performed in many recitals as well as playing the piano every Sunday and Wednesday at her church. She is an avid reader, loves animals and enjoys all types of handicrafts.
During Spring Break
During Spring Break, W. J. Carroll teachers and staff geared up to guide their students through distance learning. Despite the distance, through the effort of Mrs. Erin Jones, one of the fifth grade teachers, everyone synergized their love of education and their students sending a message of support as everyone prepared for distance learning.
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Mobile County’s Board Certified Allergy Experts coastalallergyasthma.com
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Autauga County Schools
Orange Beach Elementary March Kiwanis Terrific Kids
Congratulations to these students for being recognized for being leaders at OBES! 3-6th grade students Left to right: Back row: Principal Ryan Moss, Dustin Opperud, Kimberlynn Kaiser, Lily Godwin, Makenzie Marshall, Kate Woerner, Jason Jackson; Front row: Reece Franco, Myles Payne, Ava Deane, Virginia Law, Gabby Meehan, Braxton Graves, Madden Payne. Prek-2nd grade students Left to right: Back row: principal Ryan Moss, Milo Walker, James Hawkins, Harrison Townley, Ivey Lemon, Elli Mae Harris, Lula Weaver, Mason Howes, Kennedy Simmons; Front row: Jack Galletta, John McInnis, Fuller Bowman, Tenley Ostrow, Bennett Belle Weihing, Michael Leighton, Ruth Carlisle Retherford.
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ASMS Students Win BIG at Regional Science Fair!
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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.
Read Across America at Silverhill
Silverhill Elementary held their annual Read Across America and Career Day on March 4, 2020. There were many guest readers who volunteered their time by reading Dr. Seuss books and sharing their career experiences.
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Autauga County Schools Rainbow Over Spanish Fort
Renaissance School Student Maintains School Garden Renaissance School of the Eastern Shore student Adam Stroecker works hard to maintain the school garden even during social distancing.
SFHS teacher and coach Rhett Tranchina captured this rainbow over Spanish Fort High School.
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Though school halls are empty and doors are closed, Foley Elementary School teachers meet to discuss ideas on virtual activities for their students. Wish we could all be together with our classes. Miss you Foley Lions.
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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.
Send School News and Photos to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com!
SFHS Talent Show Winners
Spanish Fort High School held their annual Talent Show and here are the winners: 1st place - Band: Roseland - Carson Dyer, Dillon Atwood, Tucker Wilson, Anders Bjorkner, Joel Hill; 2nd - Andrew Vance – (sing and piano); 3rd place - Kayla Johnston - (sing); Honorable Mention - Alexa Yanaz – (sing and guitar).
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St. Michael Student to Study Abroad for a Year in Indonesia
St. Michael encourages its students to stretch, but junior Connor Robitaille is taking it to the next level for his senior year. Connor was one of only sixty-five students chosen nationally to participate in the KennedyLugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad program. Connor will spend his senior year in Indonesia, living with a host family, attending a local high school, acquiring leadership skills, and engaging in activities to learn about Indonesia’s society and values. The program is 100% paid for by the U.S. government.
Eastern Shore Parents I May 2020
Autauga County Schools
CTKCS Annual Capitol Field Trip
Christ the King Catholic School 4th grade students were able to make the annual trip to Montgomery before Distance Learning began. They started the day at the Rosa Parks Museum then took a walk to the Capitol to check out the building and take class pictures on the stairs. The class also visited the Alabama State House of Representatives where the students were able to have a pretend vote on bills. After lunch in the park they finished the day at Old Alabama Town.
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Bayside Academy Sophomore Wins Best of Show in Visual Arts Achievement Program
Bayside Academy sophomore O’Melia Macpherson has won Best of Show in the Alabama State Council on the Arts’s Visual Arts Achievement Program for Photography. Her work, Reflection, placed as Best of Show out of 98 pieces juried into the prestigious statewide exhibit.
Christ the King Catholic School Distance Learning
Christ the King Catholic School Junior High Religion teacher, Mrs. Silvia Stroud, says it all in a message to our students about Distance Learning .
Distance Learning at Gulf Shores Middle
The Gulf Shores Middle School Principal, Robert Kyle McCartney, has been creating daily Distance Learning Broadcasts for his school as students and parents learn to navigate this new form of learning in this unprecedented time. His videos include important reminders about school resources as well as educational segments. He has had teachers conduct science experiments, teach students and parents new technology tools, and more! His videos are more than simply announcements – they are a connection to our school and community during this difficult time. They bring the school into your home and help parents prepare for school at home. Please check out the GSMS YouTube channel and these amazing videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1yGJWOTicHUO9vuwDG9g1Q
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Autauga County Schools
Bayside Academy Moves to Virtual Learning
Bayside Academy students began virtual learning in mid-March and will continue online classes for the rest of the school year. We are so proud of the preparedness and flexibility our staff and our students have shown as we have made the transition to virtual learning. This overhaul has required a joint effort from parents, students, teachers, and administrators to make the move as seamless as possible. Pictured left, Kindergartner Owen Halbert has a FaceTime session with his teacher, Hannah Etheredge. Pictured, right, Upper School math teacher Hillary Rolin with her 9th grade advanced geometry class.
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Bayshore French Class Wins First Place in National French Week Video Contest Join us in congratulating the French Class from Bayshore Christian School. They received first place for the National French Week Video Contest! This competition is part of the American Association of Teachers of French. There were 137 submissions, and Bayshore Christian School's French class placed first in the nation! The theme for this year was “Le français chez moi!, or French at Home! Check out their video on Youtube - Bayshore Christian School Le Francais Che Moi.
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Getting the Hang of Virtual Learning at Central Christian School
Several of the CCS first graders were trying to get the hang of their first virtual learning session. This is the new norm for our students and they have embraced this time with their teachers and classmates.
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W.J. Carroll Teacher Prepares for Zoom Classrooms
Mrs. Jessica Kemper from W. J. Carroll Intermediate School is one of the many teachers at her school and throughout the county that prepared for long distance learning. A fifthgrade teacher, Mrs. Kemper held a few Zoom meetings in her virtual classroom recently. This was part of their second meeting. They had eighteen students total participate who enjoyed catching up with each other. The students chose to set up two meetings for the following day doing a show and tell. All three meetings went very well as they learned better ways of how to make their online meetings run similar to their physical classroom.
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Autauga County Schools
St. Michael Peer Helpers Encourage other Students
Spanish Fort HS Science Department Misses its Students!
St. Michael Peer Helpers sent encouraging messages to their fellow St. Michael students to help with the transition into "Distance Learning". Pictured here is sophomore Eloise Arthur.
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SFHS Science Dept. practice social distancing while letting their students know they love and miss them.
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A Different Approach to Distance Learning Renaissance School
Renaissance School of the Eastern Shore launched their differentiated approach to distance learning with a multi-sensory flare on Thursday, March 19! Pictured is Gracie Hutto working with Mrs. Sherlie.
CTKCS 8th Graders Send Uplifting Messages to Peers
Christ the King Catholic School Guidance Counselor Mrs. Jan Quint, Katy Ford and the leadership team, along with 8th grade artists, created uplifting scripture messages to use as coping tools for the junior high students as they prepared to take ITBS testing. The photos were taken as the pages were made and before they were cut out to distribute to the students. As we are now in distance learning, these messages are being delivered to our students each week -via Facebook.
Bayside Academy Congratulates Winners of the “Be Kind to Animals” Art Contest
Bayside Academy congratulates its winners in the Baldwin County Humane Society’s “Be Kind to Animals” art contest. The contest was open to all schools in Baldwin County, and the winning work is on display at https://www.baldwinhumane.org/springartcontest. We are very proud of our talented students! • High School: Lillie Howell (11th grade), 3rd place • Middle School: Susan Pittman (8th grade), 2nd place • Farm Animal: Presley Putnam (7th grade), 3rd place • Nature: Genevieve Magli (8th grade), 2nd place. Pictured: Winning artwork by Bayside Academy students Lillie Howell, Susan Pittman, Presley Putnam, and Genevieve Magli.
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Autauga County Schools
Bayside Academy Holds Virtual Spirit Week
Bayside Academy held a virtual Spirit Week April 6–9 to build camaraderie while away from campus. On Monday, students dressed in Admirals blue and green. On Tuesday, they recorded teacher shout-outs. On Wednesday, it was hats off to heroes. And on Thursday, it was bring your pet to school day. It was a great week! Pictured, students in Upper School History Teacher Wade Long’s class brought their pets with them on April 9.
Art Class Online at Bayshore Christian School
Claire Breaux, kindergarten student at Bayshore Christian School, had a great time working on a pasta art project with her mom through Mrs. Dorsey’s Google Classroom.
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SFHS Teacher Spotlight
Shoutout to today's #ASIMspotlight teacher Crystal Menas at Spanish Fort HS in USA's Region 10. We love that you still love teaching and that you promote confidence, perseverance, and positivity in the classroom. You rock! #ALScienceInMotion AMSTI
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Robertsdale Elementary Teacher Receives Golden Apple Award
Central Christian Seniors Hold Mock Graduation Ceremony
When the seniors at Central Christian learned that school was closing due to the global pandemic and the plans for a graduation ceremony would be tentative, they took matters into their own hands. With a healthy dose of laughter the students began finding materials around the school to make impromptu caps and gowns. Everyone was in good spirits as they paraded through the school to “Pomp and Circumstance�, the traditional graduation song. As you can imagine, the school was filled with giant smiles and giggles as this creative group of kids turned an unfortunate turn of events into a hilarious memory with classmates they will remember forever. Go Saints and Congratulations class of 2020!
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August to May each year WKRG along with community partners honor teachers in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. In April, a Golden Apple presentation was made to Robertsdale Elementary School second grade teacher Ms. Kavanaugh, who was nominated by her Student Teacher, Ms. Younce. Congratulations Ms. Kavanaugh and congratulations to all Golden Apple recipients.
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Archbishop Teaches Class to St. Michael Students via Zoom
Autauga County Schools
Celebrating Bayshore Seniors with Yard Signs
Archbishop of Mobile, Thomas J. Rodi, traditionally teaches a class to each St. Michael student each semester. The coronavirus threatened to make that impossible this year, but with the help of Zoom conferencing, the lessons were not canceled! Pictured here, Archbishop Rodi is meeting with the senior class.
Bringing Birthday Joy to Renaissance Students
Renaissance School of the Eastern Shore brings birthday joy to their wonderful students! Just because we cannot be together physically does not mean we are completely apart.
Bayshore Christian School is celebrating their seniors with these great yard signs! Congratulations Class of 2020!
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Central Christian Students Send Chalk Message of Love to Coach and Family
Bayshore Softball Team Undefeated in March
While practicing social distancing 2 senior girls "chalked" the Turners. They were showing their love and appreciation for Coach Turner and his wife who is another amazing teacher at CCS.
The Bayshore Christian School Softball team went undefeated at the Chieftain Classic in March! Congratulations and Go Eagles!
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Please send us news and photos highlighting your virtual learning for our June School Bits! Email to lynn@easternshoreparents.com!
SFHS Student Scores Perfect ACT Exam
Congtratulations to Spanish Fort High’s Carolina Triboni for scoring a perfect 36 on her ACT! Such a wonderful young lady who has worked extremely hard to achieve such an accomplishment! Proud of you, Carolina!
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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: Eastern Shore 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. 30
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It’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. It’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.
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1. Send the message that school is a priority. Communicate to children that school is important, even if it isn’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 child’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.
8. Plan a virtual recess.
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.
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.
6. Hold an end of the year countdown. There are many ways to count down the days until the end of the school year. 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.
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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.
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! ESP
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.
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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.
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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 fig-
uring 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
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.
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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 taking on this task, now is the
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Keep your priorities intact.
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.
This is another important life skill to keep in sight. If kids outline their priorities for being 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.
Grocery shopping and cooking. Typically, with a high school student, chances
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.
are you’re doing the grocery shopping and cooking. Start with teaching the basics...how to create a shopping list and compare prices and providing them with affordable recipes that are easy and quick to prepare.
Car maintenance. If your child owns a car now, it’s
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.
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.
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. ESP
Public transportation. Although 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.
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.
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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.
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. 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.
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Ti This past spring may have been full of a sense of anxiety and apprehension about what would happen next as we all grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic. Are you dreaming about a summer that’s a little more carefree, creative and spontaneous?
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Hit pause.
Strike a balance. For some of us, envisioning long days
Tip:
without a plan causes our brain synapses to crackle and pop with alarm. Without structure, won’t our kids spend the next two and half months fighting or turning into houseplants playing video games? Of course, we also don’t want to spend the entire summer peeling our sweaty selves in and out of the car as we run our kids from one scheduled activity to another. “All too often we fall into the ‘too much/not enough’ trap,” Kinney-Duh says. “We end up filling our days with obligations and too many activities with this underlying feeling that if we don’t, we somehow aren’t doing enough for our kids. This cycle can easily leave us feeling tired, overwhelmed and depleted.” Decide what a happy medium looks like and what your priorities are, including your needs for self-care.
Rather than vault into summer, ease into it. Even if you’ve been stuck in the house over the past few months due to the Coronavirus, you’ve probably fallen into a day-to-day routine that keeps your kids relatively engaged. “Use the first few weeks of summer like a detox from routine activities,” says mom of three Shannon Kinney-Duh, holistic life and spiritual coach, A Free Spirit Life. Brainstorm a list of summer desires/activities together. Mindfully, answer questions like: What do I/we want summer to look like? More down time? More family connection? Less running around? And remember, free activities count too. Kinney-Duh’s sons enjoy making stop-motion movies, writing plays, painting at the park, water balloon fights and movie nights in the backyard.
Boredom is okay.
Kinney-Duh suggests we look at boredom as a creative opportunity. Boredom, she says “invites kids’ creativity to kick in, providing their deep need to play more with a space to flourish.” Multiple studies show that kids, who are given the time and space for creativity and personal expression without adult interference, turn out to be more flexible to change, stronger problem solvers and innovators. “Children need time to immerse themselves in creative activities, a place that feels safe to express ideas that are unconventional, and encouragement to explore the unknown so they can discover what they enjoy and unlock a universe of possibilities,” writes Helen Hadani, a researcher at the Center for Childhood Creativity, in her paper Inspiring a Generation to Create: Critical Components of Creativity in Children.
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Ask questions like: What types of skills would I like my kids to work on this summer? What are they interested in doing? Could a responsible sitter help run my kids around a few times a week? What are ways I can recharge and care for myself to ensure I show up feeling present, patient and engaged with my family?
Provide simple structure. While summer is meant to be more laid back, providing a framework around the days helps kids feel secure and grounded. A sense of structure is especially important for children with sensory, attention or impulse control issues. They “benefit greatly from monitoring and feedback during the summer to stay on track, maintain and improve communication skills,” says parent and life coach Sara Minges, M.S., Playful Awareness.
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Keep a space in your home that allows for freewheeling creative expression. Stock it with painting, drawing and craft supplies, inexpensive cameras, recycled objects, and building materials.
Plan weekday mornings for more structured activities and the afternoons for free play. Perhaps designate Sunday evenings as s’mores nights with friends or Fridays as pizza/ game nights.
SAFER AT HOME
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.
One Museum Drive, Montgomery, AL Open Tuesday–Sunday; Free Admission mmfa.org | @MontgomeryMFA
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Be realistic. When planning your
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.
family’s summer vacation, take into account each family member’s interests and build in time to relax and take breaks from each other. “Too many activities and not enough ‘chill time’ can push everyone’s last nerve,” Minges says. Instead of focusing on creating the perfect vacation, remain flexible. While you can plan for some variables, you can’t control the weather, a moody teenager, or your two-year-old’s inopportune meltdown while going through airport security. “Any personality, irritability or anxiety issues experienced during the year will still be there and may become more pronounced,”Minges says.
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Choose a vacation destination with activities that appeal to each member of your family. Remind your kids of the importance of flexibility. “They may not have the extras or comforts they are used to when traveling such as comfy pillows, TV, separate bathrooms and beds, favorite foods, or friends to play with,” Minges says.
Inspire creative connection.
Document the summer with photos and stories in a summer journal that your whole family can contribute to, including ups and downs. Chances are the moments when things went awry are those that you will recall with laughter later.
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Minges suggests creating a “wall of gratitude.” Using post-it notes or slips of paper and markers, each family member writes their favorite moments from their vacation and pins it to the wall. Encourage younger children to draw pictures of their favorite moments. Don’t forget to take a photo of your wall!
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
Savor summer.
Notice and embrace the unplanned moments when family connection unfurls. “Our kids grow up fast and the summer seems to be shorter and shorter every year,” Kinney-Duh says. “Slowing down and savoring the moment is really what summer is all about.” ESP
Christa Melnyk Hines is a nationally published freelance journalist, who resides with her husband and their two adolescent sons.
Eastern Shore Parents I May 2020
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Right on Target Toys
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As a child’s emerging ability to kick a ball, throw a toy, and loft a balloon evolves, the desire to hone their aim soon follows. In a
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world full of sensitive targets, offering children access to games and toys that present specific goals can save a lot of bruises, broken bowls and battered paint. Learning to hit targets through play has long been a part of kids’ growth, first as a means of
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teaching survival skills and later as a prelude to military training or recreational games. Acknowledged as an ideal form of play that supports hand-eye coordination, gross motor skills and an
Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids
understanding of strategy, the following games are recommended for kids who aim to win.
by Gerry Paige Smith
GoSports Ring Toss Set
Kubb Premium Tossing Game
With easy targets and flexible distance rules, GoSports Ring Toss Set is the ideal introduction to aiming games for children. Crafted from solid pine wood with colorful accents, the base features five scoring towers that assemble in seconds. Players can loft plastic or sturdy rope rings at the posts for varying point scores. This set fosters hand-eye coordination as well as introductory math skills for young scorekeepers. With its zip-up carrying case that conveniently holds all the game’s pieces for set-up indoors or outside, this Ring Toss set is the perfect take-along game for play-dates, camping, reunions and more. Whether it’s one player or four, everything you need for quick and easy target play is in the bag with the GoSports Ring Toss Set.
Kubb (pronounced “KOOB”) is a Swedish lawn game said to have been played all the way back in the Viking Ages. Over the centuries, Kubb has established a broad base of popularity, with competitive leagues worldwide for children and adults. Colloquially known as ‘Vikings chess’, kubb is a unique game involving strategy, skill and a bit of athleticism. Featuring ten kubb blocks, six tossing dowels, a king kubb and four corner stakes, the included rules brochure offers a quick primer for game play and the carrying case brings the fun to a variety of outdoor surfaces. Tossing the dowels underhand, the goal is to topple your opponents kubb blocks, before targeting the king. Ideal for cultivating physical effort awareness, this is a rewarding challenge that aims to educate through strategy and competitive fun!
(GoSports)
(Yard Games)
Lumber Jo Foam Axe Throwing Game
Air Storm Z-Tek Bow (Zing)
As one of humanity’s earliest representations of aiming at a target, the bow and arrow remain familiar tools in the aim-improvement toolbox. The Air Storm Z-Tek Bow is a kid-friendly design drawn from this ancient technology. The bow comes with one suction-cup arrow and two sonic whistling arrows that scream through the air when launched (Zing offers arrow refill packs as well). Featuring clip mounts for the soft-tipped arrows, the bow’s short bungees are ideal for quick reload and firing action. The projectiles’ light weight and design combine with the bow’s elastic resistance for arrow flights that can reach 100 feet! Ideal for developing hand-eye coordination as well as skills needed to improve targeting proficiency, the Z-Tek Bow from Air Storm encourages kids to aim high!
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Evolving from the traditional woodsman’s throwing game, with a dash of pub darts, Lumber Jo Foam Axe Throwing is a combined hit! Replacing the traditional lumberjack axe with foam replicas, this game is safe to play indoors and outdoors by both kids and adults. Each player takes turns throwing a foam axe at the simulated log stump target. Each irregular ring on the target is present its unique point value with the bulls-eye offering the highest value hit. The foam axe ‘blades’ are trimmed with hook-and-loop material that sticks to the target on contact. Experimenting with throwing styles (overhand, two-hand, underhand) will help players find the launch that works best for planting the axe on the target. As skills grow, new challenges can be introduced to keep the competition balanced on an axe’s edge.
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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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)
(Streaming on Netflix)
(Video On Demand)
Eastern Shore Parents I May 2020
(Streaming on Netflix)
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