SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT

At Glass Orthodontics, you’re more than just another faceyou’re a unique person and our team values that. With one dedicated doctor and a hands-on team, everyone will know your name! Consultations are always complimentary and we offer flexible appointments and interest free payment plans. With four locations to serve you, there is always something to

Sponsored by:

Cindy Hixson-Robles

Bayside Academy

“I like to give my students daily hands-on, sensory-rich experiences that give space to curiosity and wonder,” explains Cindy HixsonRobles, our Eastern Shore Parents Teacher of the Month. “I like children to do most of the talking in class. The peers of children are powerful teachers as well.”

Cindy is currently a STEAM Teacher at Bayside Academy in Daphne, AL. She has been teaching there exclusively for 23 years. Currently, she supports each of the six classroom teachers’ student-led investigations for PK-3, PK-4 and Kindergarten. In addition, she works alongside the teachers and students in researching topics of interest to the students.

Cindy believes children are natural-born artists and scientists. Daily, she is passionate about cultivating environments for her students to develop their own thoughts and reasons for how and why we do things.

“We have a mud kitchen where children play with dirt, real metal pots and pans, and cooking utensils. These experiences are essential elements for brain development, language, social development, and motor skills,” Cindy said. Another environment includes students playing with items like beads, feathers, shells, etc. She went on to share that since these ‘loose parts’ have no assigned purpose, they simply allow the children to make them into anything, allowing creativity to be cultivated.

Cindy has adopted and indeed implemented a child-led teaching method, called Reggio Emilia. She was initially introduced to and encouraged to consider this teaching method by one of the principals at Bayside Academy.

“The Reggio philosophy aligned with my core principles in education, and changed my entire professional life,” shared Cindy. “It is the gold standard in early childhood education. Reggio is student-centered, not teacher-centered in the traditional sense. It allows teachers to create learning experiences to support student thinking and the process of constructing knowledge.”

Cindy shared that her students have taught her everything of value in the world - love, compassion, patience, curiosity, and respect for one another. She hopes to leave her students with a few things beyond subject matter - like curiosity, creativity, and a passion for understanding the world.

“Children are brilliant in assimilating new experiences and constructing knowledge,” said Cindy. “Children are perfectly formed, and I am honored that I can be a part of unfolding the world around them.”

Autauga County Schools

Robertsdale Elementary STEAM Squad

Congratulations to the Robertsdalen Elementary School 6th grade STEAM Squad. These students will assist classroom teachers with various technology and robotics.

Volleyball Superbowl at Bay Minette Elementary

Students at Bay Minette Elementary School competed in a Volleyball Superbowl. The competition featured students in fourth, fifth and sixth grades. Coaches have been working with students this quarter on the fundamentals of the game during their Physical Education classes.

Foley Middle Peer Helpers Create Gratitude Graffiti Boards

Foley Middle School Peer Helpers enjoyed creating a Gratitude Graffiti bulletin board last quarter. They took a survey of everyone on campus to see what they were grateful for and added their thoughts to the board.

Fairhope West Virtual Everglades Field Trip

Off to the Everglades National Park for third grade students in Mrs. Arnold and Mrs. Cork’s classes at Fairhope West Elementary. Students participated in a virtual field trip where they were able to interact with park rangers while learning about animals habitats and adaptations.

Gulf Shores Middle Winners of the Lions Club Peace Poster Contest

Congratulations to the Gulf Shores Middle School winners of the Lions Club Peace Poster

Daphne Elementary School Welcomes Special Visitor

Trent Battle, son of DES principal Mrs. Benita Battle, visited Daphne Elementary School after returning from the TCU vs. Georgia Championship Game in Los Angeles, California. Students in Mrs. Riel’s class snapped a quick photo with him during his visit. Students are so proud that Trent exhibits Leader in Me Habit “Begin with the End in Mind” as a former DES student/athlete and now on his college football journey at Texas Christian University! Once a Trojan, Always a Trojan! Go TCU Horned Frogs!

Florence B Mathis Students Learn About Fossils

Mrs. Amerson’s 3rd graders are learning about fossils in Science. Today, they used dinosaur figurines and modeling clay to create their own fossils!

Autauga County Schools

Daphne East 2nd Quarter Crown of Character

Congratulations to Daphne East Elementary School 2nd quarter Crown of Character recipients!

Mrs. Wallace: Nicholas

Mrs. Waddle: Nevaeh

Mrs. Gamble: Ella