January 23 Private School and Education Guide

Did You Know that children younger than 5 are at higher risk of developing serious flu related complications? There’s still time to help protect children from flu by getting them a flu vaccine.

Don’t Get It

GET the flu shot.

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu shot, especially adults 65 and older, children 5 and younger, pregnant mothers, and people with certain medical conditions.

WASH your hands.

Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Don’t Spread It

COVER your cough.

Cover you mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.

STAY home.

Keep sick children at home. Teach them to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread easily this way.

Noel Pendleton (17), daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Andrew Pendleton and little sister to Tiffany Humphries and Justin Pendleton.

Noel is varsity cheer captain at West Florida Baptist Academy, senior class president, and has been on the A Honor Roll since first grade. After graduating she will be attending Pensacola Christian College to get her Secondary Education Degree. Noel likes to read, is active in her church and doing things with her friends.

Happy New Year! I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday season. Hopefully, you found time to celebrate with friends and family and rest and recharge for the new year. I cannot help but think about the new year and all it brings. I reflect on things I want to do differently and prepare for any upcoming changes that may be on the horizon in 2023. For many, 2023 may include preparations to send a child to “big” school for the first time or possibly prepare to send a child off to college.

If either of these scenarios sounds like something you will be dealing with this year, you will want to hold on to January’s “Education” Issue. This month, you will find what we hope are helpful resources for navigating your child’s education, including feature articles and our annual Greater Pensacola Parents Private School Directory. If you are looking for School Choice schools, that information is in our November 2022 issue at www.greaterpensacolaparents.com. You will also want to check out the School Bits to get a glimpse into some of the activities in our area schools.

As you will see in the School Bits and directory, the area is blessed to have some excellent schools, both public and private. Many of you may find that the school you are zoned to is a perfect fit for your family. You may love the curriculum, class size, athletic opportunities, and clubs offered. If so, that is ideal! Easy choice! However, some families may feel their zoned school could better fit their child. For example, they may want a school with a particular religious affiliation or smaller class sizes. They may even be looking for a specific type of curriculum, career focus, or learning environment. In that case, they are researching their options, and we are here to help with that research. A good place to start your research is this month’s feature, 3 Steps to Choosing the Best School for Your Child, by Heidi Smith Luedtke.

You may have a student on the home stretch of high school and looking into the college application process. I can tell you from experience, it can be challenging, stressful, and full of surprises. From researching schools to unexpected fees, there is a lot to prepare yourself for when the time comes. Fortunately, Charline Barger has supplied us with helpful information in her feature College Admissions 101: What You Don’t Know About the College Application Process.

Choosing schools and thoughts of our babies leaving the nest, even if just for the school day, can be overwhelming, so make sure you make time for a bit of family fun. In this month’s family calendar, you will find some great activities to help you take a break. With Mardi Gras on the horizon, you will also find some Mardi Gras parades on the calendar.

Even if you have settled school decisions and college feels a lifetime away, we hope you will enjoy all the other great resources in this month’s issue. From community news to movie reviews, there is something for every age and every stage in our January issue.

Wishing everyone good health and happiness in 2023.

Lynnlynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com

Greater Pensacola

Greater Pensacola’s Foremost Parenting Source

Greater Pensacola Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Greater Pensacola Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Publisher

Lynn Knighton lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com

Editor DeAnne Watson editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com

Research Editor

Lucy Green

Contributing Writers

Charline Barger

Kristi Bush, LSW

Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D. Dave Ramsey

Cover Photography

Naomi McIntosh Photography Facebook.com/NaomiMcIntoshPhotography @naomimcintoshphotography

President

Jason Watson

Advertising Sales

Lynn Knighton

ads@greaterpensacolaparents.com (850) 426-6222

Ad Design

Tim Welch

Visit us at www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

Greater Pensacola Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: PO Box 6241 Pensacola, FL 32503. The phone number for voice and fax is (850) 426-6222.

Greater Pensacola Parents is copyrighted 2023 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Opinions expressed in Greater Pensacola 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.greaterpensacolaparents.com

by Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

One of the reasons I am so passionate about my job is that I want to help other parents not make all the mistakes I made. Unfortunately, one of my greatest blunders is that I did not embrace and appreciate the differences between my oldest child and me.

I am an extreme extrovert. I love being around people, listening to people, and watching people. I enjoy humans so much that I built a career around them. I have been genuinely interested in others for as long as I can remember. I have never been afraid of strangers. My parents never had to pay for Girl Scout Camp because I always sold more than enough cookies to go for free.

My oldest child is an extreme introvert. People and social gatherings have always exhausted him. When he was a toddler, he played for hours on his own. He never wastes time on small talk. He is now 21 and

has had the same best friend since he was 8 (even though we moved 15 hours away when he was 11).

Because I value people and relationships so much, I viewed his introversion and quietness as a problem. I feared he would never be successful because he would not be able to connect with others. I started to make expectations on the number of people he spoke with at church and school. I required him to schedule social outings with friends. I have no regrets about pushing him in areas that were uncomfortable for him, and he is very thankful that I did. What I do regret is not appreciating our differences and respecting him more.

As he matured into an adult, he recognized that he needed to learn to be comfortable around others. He became a barista, a tutor, and a leader in clubs at his college, and he forced himself into situations that helped him grow in areas that he began to recognize as shortcomings. My

oldest was the first person to teach me that we grow and learn when we feel supported, not when we are forced to do so. He also taught me that we all develop in our own time. What do I know now that I wish I had known then?

1. Move at their pace. My husband made our children shake hands with and thank every service member or police officer we saw in public. He modeled this for them, practiced this with them at home, and then always did it first to break the ice. It was very uncomfortable for our children, but they always followed his lead because he moved at their speed and skill level. Over their time in our home, they learned how to do this confidently, and by the time they were teenagers, they could shake hands with and talk to anyone.

2. Recognize the difference between a lack of skill and a personality preference. We all need to know how to talk to people, but we do not all need to talk to everyone everywhere.

Your number one goal as a parent should be to meet your children where they are and encourage necessary growth. All of us have unique gifts, talents, and purposes. When you are blind to those in your own children because of your biases, you limit their potential and harm your relationship.

Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com.

Pensacola Beach Run Half Marathon

January 7, 2023 * 7:30am * Casino Beach Parking Lot

The Pensacola Beach Run Half Marathon & 10k, a Pensacola Runners Association event, features a half marathon and 10k! Run along a fast and flat race route along the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico here along the Gulf Islands National Seashore in the Florida panhandle area, the Pensacola Beach Run Half Marathon is open to both runners and walkers and takes participants along this city’s scenic waterfront along paved roads between the Gulf of Mexico and the Santa Rosa Sound. The race starts and finishes in the Casino Beach Parking Lot. Visit https://pensacolarunners.com/pra-events/pbrhalf1052/ to register.

The Black Jacket Symphony’s

Fleetwood Mac “Rumours”

February 2, 2023 * Saenger

Theatre

The Black Jacket Symphony recreates Fleetwood Mac’s conic album Rumours live in its entirety—note-for-note, sound-for-sound—plus a full set of Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits. Over the past ten years, the Black Jacket Symphony has performed over 40 classic rock albums, bringing an incredible night of entertainment to over a million music lovers across the US. The group of hand-picked musicians changes based upon the album being performed—and no sonic detail is overlooked, with the musicians doing whatever it takes to reproduce the album. It’s a full night of rock and roll magic—plus a visual experience unlike any other. Fans across the country flock to their shows—and once you see one, you won’t miss another. Please visit https://www.pensacolasaenger.com/events/black-jacket-symphonyfleetwood-macs-rumours/.

Double Bridge Run

February 4, 2023 * 15K-7:00AM (Maritime Park) * 5K- 8:30AM (Daniel Dr., Gulf Breeze – Adjacent to the Football Stadium)

The Pensacola Double Bridge Run is BACK! One of the premier 15K races in the country, the course carries runners over two bridges, across Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound. It will run from downtown Pensacola with a tour that includes the historic district, and picturesque Bayfront Parkway, a run through Gulf Breeze, and onto Pensacola Beach. The 5K invites both runners and walkers to travel from Gulf Breeze to beautiful Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island and the Gulf Islands Seashore. Please visit https://pensacolasports.org/ doublebridgerun/ to register.

Cordova Mall Ball

January 28, 2023 * Cordova Mall

Join us on Saturday, January 28, 2023, for the 27th Annual Cordova Mall Ball, presented by Sandy Sansing Dealerships. We will be live and in-person again with music, food tastings from area restaurants, a silent auction, French Market and more! Proceeds from the event benefit the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart. Please visit www.cordovamallball.com for information.

Pensacola Opera - La bohème

January 20 & 22, 2023 * Saenger Theatre

One of opera’s most romantic stories makes a long-anticipated return to the Saenger stage. La bohème follows Mimì and Rodolfo from their first meeting to their final devastating moments, capturing their impassioned relationship through the lens of Giacomo Puccini’s masterful, lush orchestrations. From Musetta’s famous waltz, “Quando m’en vo,” to the rousing second act outside the Café Momus—featuring our wonderful Pensacola Opera Chorus—this beloved work features some of opera’s most hummable melodies. Please visit https://pensacolaopera. com/ for more information.

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra

Beethoven & Blue Jeans

January 14, 2023 * 7:30 PM * Saenger Theatre

Whether you dress up or dress down, join us for this annual celebration of Beethoven, anchored by the composer’s Seventh Symphony. With themes of adversity and ultimate triumph, the symphony is a notable example of Beethoven’s ebullient side. Please visit https://pensacolasymphony.com/ for more information.

Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras’ Krewe of Kids Sign Up Meeting

January 14, 2023 * 2:00 PM

The Beach Church, Pensacola

The Krewe of Kids is a Mardi Gras krewe for elementary school aged and younger. Pres-schoolers must have an adult partner. Dues, $10. Meeting is from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Pensacola Beach Community Church Fellowship Hall. (920 Panferio Drive, near corner of Avenida 18 and Via de Luna). The Krewe hosts a Royal Doughnut Breakfast January 28 (open to krewe members only, so be sure to sign up!) The Krewe of Kids marches in the Kids and Kritters Parade on February 11. Please visit pensacolabeachmardigras.com.

The Big Gala - Come Fly with Me Presented by the Pensacola Ice Flyers

January 14, 2023 * 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM * Hilton Pensacola Beach

The 2023 Big Gala-Come Fly with Me, presented by the Pensacola Ice Flyers, is set for Saturday, January 14th at Hilton Pensacola Beach. The Big Gala is our biggest black-tie event of the year and will include many of our fun, signature elements. Guests will enjoy delicious signature cocktails, a gourmet seated dinner, live entertainment, chances to win, live and silent auctions, a presentation, and testimonials and more. This year’s theme, “Come Fly with Me” will celebrate Northwest Florida’s rich history in aviation. Proceeds benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. Please visit http://www.bbbsnwfl.org/ events/big-gala/ for more information.

2023 Pensacola’s Mardi Gras Kick-Off Celebration

January 7, 2023 * Downtown Pensacola

The 2023 Mardi Gras season marks the 12th year for the Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick-Off Celebration. Come join us and celebrate the 2023 Mardi Gras season along with the Krewes, their King and Queens for the upcoming season, King Cake and more. Please visit https://pensacolamardigras.com/kickoff-celebration/ for more information.

Autauga County Schools

Alethia Christian Academy Spirit Week

Alethia Christian Academy student body participated in Spirit Week, a full week of events and dress up days leading up to our basketball season opener. Spirit Week ended with a Glow-Fight-Win school-wide pep rally. This exciting week was planned and carried out by our student leaders in the Student Government Asso ciation. Our third graders learned how to square dance and ate chili after the cul mination of their wild west unit in history. Our sixth graders went back in time after studying Ancient Greece to participate in their very own Greek Olympics. Finally, our Seniors re-enacted The Canterbury Tales with costumes and a delicious feast. No matter what is happening around the halls of Aletheia one thing is for sure, the

Grade 6 History Fair at CLA!

Creative Learning Academy’s History Fair took place this past December as it was an awesome display of academia! All of our 6th grade students participated in the fair by contributing as a group or with individual projects. The theme this year is “Frontiers in History”. Students’ research showed evidence of a frontier in history that they have an interest in. The students chose to present their research in exhibit form, with a total of 8 exhibits being entered into the contest. The top three group and individual exhibits will be invited to participate in the Escambia County History Fair in February of 2023. If CLA students place at the county history fair, they will be eligible to participate in Florida’s History Day in Tallahassee in May of 2023, and perhaps even move on to the National History Day for 2023. The vast scope of the projects showed that CLA students are truly young historians!

Sadie Hawkins at East Hill

The Student Government Association hosted their annual Sadie Hawkins Dance for our high school students. This year’s event was a western theme and included a night full of dancing, games, Mr. Roper’s famous Eagleccinos, and a fall bonfire. Thank you to all our students, faculty, and parents who made this night possible!

PCHS Christmas Assembly

with Partners-in-Education Pensacola Catholic High School once again shared their annual Christmas Assembly with both of their Partner-in-Education Schools, Global Learning Academy and Oakcrest Elementary. Students and Administrators from all three schools look forward to this special event every year! On December 2 CHS students were delighted to assemble in the school Gym to welcome their visitors. Students, Administrators, and Music Directors from Oakcrest Elementary and Global Learning Academy (GLA) came to sing for the CHS student body and the CHS Band also performed. There was even a brief visit by Santa and some of his elves as they took a break from their activities in the North Pole to stop by to wish the students a “Merry Christmas”! Pensacola Catholic High School has a special bond with Oakcrest and GLA as they are both ‘partner-ineducation’ schools. Catholic High works together with both elementary schools throughout the school year on mutually enjoyable and helpful projects and activities.

West Florida Baptist Academy Seniors Serve the Community

Members of the WFBA Senior Class recently volunteered to be a blessing to local community members by distributing food for Thanksgiving at the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with other local organizations and ministries.

Sonata Strings Concert at

St. Paul

St. Paul Catholic School has a thriving strings program! Students gave wonderful violin, viola, cello, and piano performances to family and friends at the Sonata Strings Concert in November. It was an evening of beautiful music performed by both SPCS students and students of the studio of Leanne Beaumont, who is trained and registered with the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Shop Local at MSP

Montessori School of Pensacola was so excited to bring back their annual Holiday Bazaar. This event is also known as the Student Shopping Days. It is a time when students, parents, and friends get to shop for gifts. The joy and delight the children show when they are able to secretly shop for their loved ones is wonderful to see. The vendors are local artists, parents/grandparents, staff, and even students.

Alethia Christian Student Selected for Pensacola Youth Council

Alethia Christian Academy is proud to recognize Vivian McGee who was selected to participate in the Pensacola Youth Council.

ECPS Announces Top 10 Teacher

of the Year Finalists

Escambia County Public Schools has released its top 10 finalists for 2024 Teacher of the Year. In alphabetical order, the top 10 finalists for Teacher of the Year are as follows:

Audrey Brown - Brentwood Elementary

Nikki Gill - J.M. Tate High School

Anna Harageones - A. K. Suter Elementary

Gary Horne - Booker T. Washington High

Melanie Johnson - Kingsfield Elementary

Angela McFarland - West Florida High

Christopher Norris - Ransom Middle

Linda Patti - Escambia Virtual Academy

Allison Roberts - Success Academy

Sara Smith - Beulah Elementary School

“These outstanding educators reflect the skill, knowledge and compassion that our students benefit from each and every day. They represent ten of the finest examples of instructors who make sacrifices each day in order for our students to accomplish their educational goals,” stated ECPS Superintendent Timothy Smith. “We look forward to celebrating these top ten finalists, as well as all of our outstanding Teacher of the Year nominees, and our hard-working teachers throughout the district.”

The ECPS Teacher of the Year top 10 finalists will ultimately be pared down to five finalists, who will be announced December 12, 2022. The 2024 Teacher of the Year for Escambia County Public Schools will be announced in late January, and honored, along with all district teachers of the year, at a special event in the spring.

East Hill Fifth Graders Visit USS Alabama

Fifth graders had the chance to go to the USS Alabama Battleship

Pensacola Catholic High Poetry Winners

Send School News each month to: editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com.

Pensacola Catholic High School started a tradition of sending Birthday cards to all alumni for whom a mailing address was available. The first cards were mailed out approximately 5 years ago. Recently, CHS switched to customcreated postcards to convey this message. This year, in preparation for printing the postcards for 2023, Advancement Director, Mrs. Rita Lay, collaborated with the CHS English Department to involve students in writing the postcard sentiments. Teachers were asked to involve students in the creation of the “Birthday Card Greeting.” Student entries were written, submitted and then reviewed and judged independently by a panel. Two poems were selected worthy for inclusion as the birthday sentiment, both from Mrs. Coral Anderson’s English II College Prep Class. Judas Salazar’s poem will be featured on the 2023 postcard and Ramon Hearn’s poem will be included in 2024. Congratulations to both Lucas & Ramon on their winning poem submissions! Pictured: Ramon Hearn ’25, Mrs. Coral Anderson, and Judas Salazar ’25

Autauga County Schools

Tate High School FFA Volunteers at Farm to

City

Tate High School FFA members were busy during the Thanksgiving Holiday break volunteering at the Farm to City two-day community event. Over 30 Tate FFA members volunteered at the West Florida Research Education Center in Jay to harvest vegetables for the Farm to City event. FFA members harvested collard greens, bagged sweet potatoes and cabbage then loaded trucks and trailers with the fresh veggies to be delivered to the city for distribution. One thousand Thanksgiving meals were distributed on day two to Escambia and Santa Rosa county residents. The meals were distributed at the Waterfront Mission in Pensacola in conjunction with Feeding the Gulf Coast. Meals included a ham or turkey, bread, apples, dessert, fresh produce including collards, cabbage, zucchini, and sweet potatoes. The Tate FFA Chapter is always modeling the motto of “Living to Serve” within their community. Currently, the chapter is now preparing and raising money for their next community service project “Meals of Hope Challenge”. In 2022, FFA members packaged over 60,000 macaroni and cheese meals that were distributed through Feeding the Gulf Coast. The FFA chapter has been packing meals for over 5 years. This project has impacted

and growing each year in number of meals packaged. The Meals of Hope

Escambia County Public Schools Podcast Among Top 125 Podcasts in the Country

Voices United in Education was launched by Escambia County Public Schools (ECPS) in September and is the 121st ranked “education how-to” podcast in the country on Apple Podcast. “We are driven to set the standard for communitycentered education by building an education system of the future: inclusive, equitable, innovative, and extraordinarily imaginative,” explains Superintendent Dr. Tim Smith. “This is a wonderful example of that commitment and why by sharing our voices and the stories, not just in our classroom but beyond, is uniting us as a community.” The promise of public education in Escambia County is to move our community forward by empowering and enabling children of all ages and backgrounds to realize their innate talents and achieve not only their dreams, but their fullest potential. “As a community, we must work together toward this singular goal. These podcast episodes share the ways we’re all in.” The Voices United in Education podcast can be found on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify and Amazon Music. Hosted by local podcaster Meredith Edwards, each episode focuses on positive and uplifting stories in education. Every week, listeners get to hear from teachers, parents, students, staff, mentors, administrators and others about what is happening in Escambia County Public Schools and the community to help every student succeed. It’s a forum for the entire community, especially parents and teachers who want the absolute best for our children. Listeners are encouraged to submit podcast topics and recommend guests for future episodes. For more information and access to all the recorded podcasts, visit www.VoicesUnitedinEducation.com.

will

Annual Food Drive

at

Pensacola Catholic High School

The Catholic High School Family has once again made the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive a tremendous success! Over 26,000 nonperishable food items and $1,800 in donations were collected from November 1-17 by students, with the assistance of their parents, faculty, and staff. The Student Council, moderated by English Teacher Julie Remke, spearheaded the Food Drive working closely with all faculty members. Students were reminded that ‘Feeding the Hungry’ is one of the Corporal Works of Mercy and another way that we can extend ourselves as being ‘The Body of Christ.’ Items collected were given to the St. Vincent DePaul food pantry, Holy Spirit Catholic Church Food Pantry, St. Ann Parish Food Pantry, St. Joseph Food Pantry, and the Alfred-Washburn Center. This project is also in line with all of Catholic High’s Core Values, and these donations will no doubt make a big difference in the lives of families all across our community!

our community significantly starting with 10,000 meals

Challenge

take place in early 2023.

Amazing Performance by St. Paul Students

St. Paul Catholic School Musical Theater elective students worked hard for months on their production of Isaiah and the Seekers of the Lost Christmas Treasure. Students not only sang and performed on stage, but also ran the lights, worked the curtains, ran the backstage and created costumes and sets.

Tate High School FFA Forestry Team

Wins Big at Competition

The Tate FFA Forestry is cruising; that is timber; once again. Forestry members traveled with FFA advisors Melissa Gibbs (Coach) and Chip Coleman to Ponce de Leon to compete at the District 1 Forestry Contest. Team “A” members were Synoma Perea, Isabella Owens, Ryan Grace, and Lawson Theisen. Team “B” members Reagan McGallagher, Lily McArthur, Christian Hollingsworth and Jordan Pitman. Forestry Team Assistant was Ellen Rigby. The Purpose of The National FFA Forestry Career Development Event is designed to stimulate student interest and to promote the forestry industry as a career choice. It also provides recognition for those who have demonstrated skills and competencies resulting from forestry instruction in the agricultural education classroom. FFA members competed in 6 different practicums required at the event. Tate placed “Blue” in all areas of the competition. Winners were as follows: General knowledge: Isabella Owens Equipment Identification: Isabella Owens Tree Identification (Dendrology): Synoma Perea

Autauga County Schools

History Fair at East Hill

At East Hill, we are committed to creating a learning environment that is loving, supportive and reflects the highest standards of scholarship. We saw this displayed this month through this year’s National History Day Fair. This year’s theme was Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas. Our middle and high school students presented outstanding History Fair projects that displayed their hard work and enthusiasm for their chosen topic. Congratulations to this year’s winners, who will represent EHCS at the Escambia County District History Fair in early 2023.

ECPS Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year

Congratulations to Navy Point Elementary School Principal Dr. Monica Ford-Harris and Ernest Ward Middle School Assistant Principal Tyvanna Boulanger for being named ECPS Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year. Your schools, your district, and your community are so proud of you.

Send School News each month to: editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com.

Alethia Christian Academy’s Bella Shields Recognized as a Commended Scholar

Congratulations to Alethia Christian Academy student Bella Shields who was recognized for her outstanding performance on the PSAT test and the National Merit Scholar organization.

Food Fun for a Good Cause at MSP

Throughout the school year, Montessori School of Pensacola has themed Fun Days. Students and staff are invited to dress up in a fun/funny way. In conjunction with the theme, a different charitable giving project is planned. In November, students dressed as food and there was a collection of food for Manna Food Pantries. Outfits included vegetables, fruits, snacks, and more!

Autauga County Schools

Pensacola Catholic Students are Santa’s Helpers

Pensacola Catholic High School once again held one of their favorite student activities of the year. During the first week of December, under the beloved name of “Operation Saint Nicholas”, students are asked to bring in at least one Christmas stocking, filled with items like small puzzles, baby dolls, cars, action figures, Barbies, coloring books, crayons, bouncing balls, small stuffed animals, toothbrushes and toothpaste, etc. Stockings are collected in Religion classes and then during the Annual Christmas Mass the students process to the altar to deposit the stockings during the Offertory, the time during the Mass when our gifts are brought to the Lord to be blessed. This year’s collection brought in over 1450 stockings that will be donated first to Catholic High’s ‘partners-in-education’ schools, Oakcrest Elementary and Global Learning Academy, to ensure every child has a stocking. The remaining stockings will go to other local agencies that will ensure they are given to children in need including, Ronald McDonald House, Catholic Charities, The Village Hands, Gulf Coast Kids’ House, Sacred Heart Childrens’ Hospital, and the Children’s Home Society. This year’s event was spearheaded by Campus Minister Rebecca Carter with the help of all Religion teachers. A BIG “Thank you” goes out to all the students/parents, faculty, and staff at Catholic High School who made this year’s collection another great one that will help spread the love and magic of Christmas across the community!

Ernest Ward Goat Serves as Honorary Navy Member

On November 16th, 2022, one of the resident goats of the Ernest Ward Middle School FFA program got to serve as an honorary member of the Navy and promote the upcoming watch party for the Navy - Army football game. Captain Terrence Shashasty, Commanding Officer, Pensacola NAS, was accompanied by “Bettie” (the Ernest Ward Middle School goat) and Billy (the Navy football mascot) as they toured the base .Mr. Steven Har rell, Director of Workforce Education for Escambia County Public Schools, said, “Several sailors told me that seeing Ernest Ward’s goat made them feel like they were back home. Bettie loved the attention she received, and she helped cheer, “Go Navy....Beat Army!”

December Pep Rally at St. Paul

In November, St. Paul Catholic School cheerleaders held their first Cheer Clinic for elementary school students! The middle school girls taught the younger Spartans a special routine that they performed in front of the whole school and their families at a pep rally in December.

Little Flower Catholic School/ EDS Jaguars Win Championship

Little Flower Catholic School/EDS Jaguars won the championship game on Saturday, December 10th. Congratulations to our football team! We are so proud of our Jaguars! Little Flower Catholic School had a pep rally to celebrate our Jaguars football team’s advancement into the championship! Our new band, along with Band Director, Mary Lambeth, put on a fantastic show to go along with our cheerleader’s performance. We are so proud of our band members, cheerleaders, and football players!

Campus Expansion at West Florida Baptist Academy

WFBA had a record enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year with more than 650 students. As a result, 14 new classrooms were opened, including new permanent and portable locations. WFBA also renovated its parking lot and drop-off loop, enhanced campus security, and is scheduled to open a new campus entrance in 2023.

West Florida Baptist

Adds New Technology

This year, WFBA added new technology to improve learning in all grades. All 3rd through 12th-grade students received access to Chromebooks, including access to digital textbooks and Google Workspace for Education. Students in K3 through 2nd grade received iPads with various learning apps. Smartboard technology was added to multiple elementary and secondary classrooms, along with access to new learning software for class, home, and the school library. Additionally, the school added new digital communication tools and plans to launch a new digital visitor management and carline dismissal system in January.

Autauga County Schools

The 47th Annual Sandy Sansing Spelling Bee

The 47th Annual Sandy Sansing Spelling Bee was held on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 and the winners are as follows:

1st Place: Evan Henderson, Ransom Middle School, Teacher: Lori Johnson 2nd Place: Ian Ramos, Beulah Middle School, Teacher: Brandee Burke 3rd Place: Brennan Keenan Bratt Elementary School, Teacher: Mandi Carter The word that distinguished first and second places in the final round was “egocentricity”. The word “mortgage” was the last word of the bee to secure the winner’s position in first place.Thanks to Mr. Sansing’s generosity, prizes were as follows: 1st Place $300, 2nd Place $200, and 3rd Place $150. Tracie Carollo, English Language Arts, organized the Spelling Bee. Mr. Sansing and Dr. Smith addressed students and families. Dr. Nicole Everette was Emcee. Volunteers from the Escambia Retired Educator Association assisted at the registration and judging tables.

Pictured (left to right): Dr. Nicole Everette, English Language Arts Specialist; Evan Henderson, Ransom Middle School; Ian Ramos, Beulah Middle School; Brennan Keenan, Bratt Elementary; Jacquie Gray, Director of Sandy Sansing Human Resources; Dr. Tim Smith, Superintendent of Escambia County Public Schools.

Veterans Appreciation Mass

at St. Paul Catholic School

St. Paul Catholic School staff, faculty & students are grateful for our veterans’ service to our country. Thank you! On the Wednesday before Veterans’ Day, following school Mass, SPCS Student Council presented a special program for our veterans. We were honored to have Lt. Col. Steven Broussard, father of one of our students, speak about his service to our country.

World-Renowned Montessori Educator Visited MSP

Tim Seldin from the Montessori Foundation visited Montessori School of Pensacola. Tim has more than forty years of experience in Montessori educa tion and is the President of the Montessori Foun dation and Chair of the International Montessori Council. He is a co-founder of the Center for Guided Montessori Studies and Co-Director of its Montes sori School Leadership Certification Program. He presented a free talk for the community on “How Montessori Builds a Better Brain”. His visit also included meetings with parents, staff, and visits to the MSP classrooms.

West Florida Baptist Academy Annual Kindergarten Carnival

In October, WFBA held its annual Kindergarten Carnival for students in K3 through Kindergarten. Boys and girls enjoyed interacting with local first responders and observing a helicopter landing from the UF ShandsCair Critical Care Transport unit. With the help of family volunteers, they also experienced bounce houses, face painting, and delicious ice cream from Taste Buds.

As a parent, I knew of the many milestones my children would face, from learning to walk and talk to navigating relationships and exams. One I was not prepared for was applying for college. The days when getting into college were a breeze are long gone; the applicant pool is far more competitive. Schools that admitted students with less than a B average years ago now often seek an average GPA above 4.0. Because of these higher stakes, many experts recommend applying to five to eight colleges. That makes for a lot of paperwork!

Unfortunately, many colleges utilize the Common App so that information can be entered only once. Research which colleges use this method and talk to admissions officers; some prefer students use the school’s application. The Common App opens on August 1, so your senior should be ready to apply at this time. If admitted early, they will have first dibs on housing, and scholarship offers will roll in to help you decide which

What can you do to help your child through this next

First, arm them with the knowledge of what to expect to see on a college application and how to make them -

Grades

GPA: Colleges typically remove elective grades and add half a point to honors/full point to AP courses.

Honors/AP/IB Courses: Colleges love to see students who challenge themselves, even if grades are slightly lower.

Self-Reported Student Academic Record (SSAR): Most schools require this to enter courses and grades for recalculation; it can be completed once.

Test Scores

To Submit or Not to Submit? Many schools have dropped the testing requirement. If the score is high, submit. If not, consider leaving it out.

Which test? Take the SAT and ACT. Some excel in only one. The science covered in the ACT really tests reading comprehension, so strong readers may prefer it.

Test early! Test when geometry is completed, even if in middle school. These skills may be forgotten if you wait! Retest in junior year, so the reading score is at its best.

Register early! Sites fill quickly, and late fees are applied.

Study! Experts recommend starting 2-3 months before the test, 10-20 hours a week. Test multiple times. Scores tend to improve after the first attempt, especially if students

are studying. Complete testing by the end of junior year.

Superscore me! Best subject area scores are accepted by most schools.

Activities

Types: School clubs, internships, jobs, volunteering, babysitting, etc.

Number: Try for ten. It is wonderful to have an athlete or musician, but that one activity takes up one of the ten lines on the Common App. It’s not too late! Even if it is junior year, encourage your student to get involved, especially with activities related to their intended major.

Volunteering: List multiple volunteer experiences. Go beyond the number of required hours!

Honors

Types: Local/national awards, honor societies, and other memberships

Number: Shoot for five.

Essays

Topic: Choose one of seven essay prompts on the Common App.

Optional Covid Question: Share the effects of the pandemic on grades, etc.

Supplementals: Additional writing is required by some schools. Personalize for each

school; research and use observations from visits.

Time to Shine: Below average stats? Numbers do not give a full picture; personality, perseverance, and passion come through here. Make it Personal: Lower GPA due to medical conditions or difficulties at home? Low scores because of anxiety? Schools know each student’s experience is unique; they will pay attention, so be sure to share.

The Cost of Applying

Test Registration: $55-60 for each attempt

Test Prep: Online $100-$2,800, in-person $800-$3,600, private tutors $1,600-$8,000. Tips: Watch for free testing days at your child’s school. See if you qualify for a fee waiver. A book and index cards are not to be frowned upon! Search for free online resources (see below).

Application Costs: Average fee is $50, up to $100. Tips: Request fee waivers on the application or through the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). Watch for schools without fees and free registration weeks. Start filling out an application and wait; you may receive a fee waiver by email!

The Waiting Game

How long until we find out? Anywhere from days to months, the average wait time for rolling admissions is 4-6 weeks. Look for early action/decision deadlines to speed up the process (usually early Nov. or Dec.)

Don’t worry!

If your child doesn’t have top credentials, don’t be discouraged. There is a school for everyone, and a college’s average GPA is just that, an average. Utilize the school’s counselor for resources and advice. Speak with admissions officers in person if possible. Some will tell you activities aren’t as important to them as grades; some value the essay

above all else. If your student isn’t aiming for a top-tier school, they don’t necessarily need to apply to several. Submit early, so there is time to apply to more if needed, but one may be enough if your child knows what they want and are aware of a college’s expectations.

Once your student has clicked that submit button, sit back, attempt to relax, and know you have done your job. Your not-solittle kiddo will reach that milestone and soon be ready to face the next one on their own.

Resources

Admissions Calculator/School Rankings: www.usnews.com www.niche.com www.prepscholar.com

GPA Calculator: https://gpacalculator.net/

Free/Inexpensive Test Prep: www.khanacademy.com www.act.org www.ixl.com

Charline Barger is a freelance writer who teaches high school English and Creative Writing. She also serves on the board of Emerald Coast Writers as Secretary and Youth Writers Contest Director. She lives in Pace, FL with her boyfriend, three children and a host of animals.

GPP

We have a Podcast!

Listen and learn about the resources that support you and the education of your children — four-year FREE college scholarship, career training, mentoring, Parent University and more. Hear about stories of student, parent and teacher impact in Escambia County as well as how to add your voice.

Is Your Child Talking to a

Stranger Online (Part One)

We all remember when our parents warned us “not to talk to strangers.”

For those of us north of 35, that mostly meant we were not to talk to someone in person we did not know. Or do not talk to someone who approaches you that your parents do not know. Today this takes on a whole different meaning. Do not talk to strangers now applies more to the “online space” than the “in-person” space. But what are the odds that your kid will talk to someone online they do not know? And how early is this happening?

Every parent worries about online predators at some point, and we must be cautious. While it is rare for our kids to be contacted by a predator, it does happen, and it is best to be prepared. While the incidence of these unwanted contacts seemed to be declining between 2005-2010, the numbers surged back up post-pandemic. This is due to many of us being isolated and on our devices more than ever, giving predators a perfect opportunity to take advantage of and manipulate new online users.

Today’s article will be the first of a two-part series. First, we will discuss how these dangerous interactions can come to be in the first place and the risks associated. Then, next month, we will discuss how to prevent it from happening and how to talk with your child specifically.

A recent survey in 2019 of almost 4000 children found that 43 percent, ages 8-13, are talking to people they do not know online. They chat either via social media or gaming platforms. Some research indicates kids as young as five are chatting with strangers. This typically happens when they get access to gaming devices. It is equally terrifying that more than half of these kids are providing their addresses and phone numbers. We will also be remiss to think these conversations happen only among young children. Teens are just as guilty, and the incidence of meeting these strangers in person rises once young kids become teenagers. Many of these meet-ups result in a teen being taken. So chatting with a stranger can have many consequences, ranging from inappropriate conversations to grooming, soliciting of pictures, and even sex trafficking.

In reality, anyone can create a fake profile and pretend they are someone else. These predators can “groom” your child into thinking they are your child’s best friend or, for older kids, someone with whom they can have a romantic relationship. Research shows that predators will wait days, months, or even years to establish a strong relationship with your child or teen before they act on any plans they have for your child. It is incredibly easy for hackers to glean information from young children and then use it to access their parents’ accounts.

With older teens, we see a disturb ing trend of predators using information to blackmail teenagers. For instance, if inappropriate pictures have been shared, the next step may be to ask for videos. If those are shared, then the predator may ask for more videos. If the teen refuses, this is when harassment and blackmail begin. This becomes a viscous, exhaust ing, and terrifying cycle that most teens feel they cannot escape.

Let me stop here for a second and mention that many times instead of an unknown predator asking for pictures or information, the “predator” is someone your child DOES know. More often, I see kids and teens pressuring one another for inappropriate information and pictures than I see predator activity.

As parents, we want to lead from confidence and knowledge rather than fear. Next month we will discuss what to look for specifically on your child’s devices and what conversations to have. In the meantime, your best defense is your open dialogue with your child and random device checks. It will be your absolute best way of discovering what your child is doing online.

Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate.

She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience.

She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.

CLA graduates experience challenging academic content and have the knowledge to be successful in an ever-changing world.

CLA graduates engage beyond the classroom walls with creative ideas, bold new plans, and a vision for excellence.

CLA graduates are responsible citizens of the greater community understanding that they are an integral part of the success of the world around them.

Comparing schools is challenging because each institution offers unique programs in a unique environment. One may present a specialized science curriculum geared toward a future in engineering, while another focuses on developing cooperation and compassion through active community service. The comparisons parents must make are apples-to-oranges at best. Faced with so much detailed information about so many exciting opportunities, it’s hard to stay focused on the end goal: finding the best educational option for your student.

Approach the school-selection process with this three-step strategy to make sure your kids’ needs come first.

Step 1: Assess your Values

Start your school-selection process at home. “Ask yourself what you expect of a school and what you expect of your child, in terms of attitude, behavior, motivation and achievement,” says educational psychologist Jennifer Little, Ph.D., founder of Parents Teach Kids. You may want a school that has high cultural or ethnic diversity, or whose students and staff have religious values similar to those of your family. Clarifying your values will help you put schools’ marketing materials in context.

Acknowledge practical matters as well. Determine how far you’re willing to drive and how much tuition you can afford. Be honest with yourself about the level of involvement you will have in your child’s school. Many schools require parents to volunteer a specified number of hours. Create a personal checklist of your requirements and limitations so you don’t overlook important factors.

Step 2: Seek Info

For each potential school, collect information on curriculum, student-teacher ratio and academic outcomes. Study data that show how students scored on placement tests for math, English and foreign languages, and pay particular attention to how many students graduate and what schools they attend next. Also, pay attention to accreditation. The National Association of Independent Schools and similar state associations require member schools to uphold rigorous standards and to undergo periodic review. This makes school officials accountable to other educators who are in touch with national standards and teaching trends.

choice. You want your child to have a firm foundation in primary subjects and a choice among interesting electives. Kids are motivated to learn when they can pursue subjects they select. Learn about the availability of special programs that interest your child, such as language immersion or music instruction.

Visit schools on your short list to evaluate the academic workload and environment. Ask students how much homework they do each night and attend classes to see how teachers affect learning. Do they use readings, lectures or group discussion? Do students do projects, community service or internships at local businesses or uni versities? A school’s instructional strategy should match up with its educational objec tives and your child’s learning style, Little says. Highly competi tive classes can undermine learning for some students. Others might be frustrated by a collaborative approach.

Keep in mind a school is more than its academic programs. It is a community of learners. Observe social dynamics among students and ask how teachers encourage cooperation and manage behavior problems. Kids can’t learn when they’re struggling with classroom chaos or feel left out of exclusive cliques.

Look at how adults are involved in the school. A strong parent-teacher association ensures that ideas and information flow both ways. Involvement from alumni suggests a strong sense of pride in the institution. Find out how long teachers have been at the school and whether they receive regular

professional development. High turnover may reflect bad management. It can also create a poor climate for learning.

Step 3: Focus on Fit

“Ideally, you want to match the school to the learner,” says Faya Hoffman, founder of the Washington, DC, learning concierge service, My Learning Springboard. “A school with a phenomenal reputation may not be the right fit for your child.” Be honest about whether an institution’s approach fits with your student’s interests and temperament.

If your child has an Individualized Educational Plan due to learning (or other) disabilities, find out what services are available to meet his needs. Smaller schools may not have fulltime staff to provide speech or occupational therapy or counseling services. Speak directly with staff members who provide services your child needs, so you understand how your child will get help. Knowing what to expect sets everyone up for success.

Although it may be inconvenient, Hoffman says siblings may need different educational approaches – and different schools – to learn and thrive. Focus on each student as an individual to make the best educational

Chesterton Academy of The Florida Martyrs

We are excited to announce the opening of a new classical high school, rooted in the Catholic Faith, serving the Pensacola area. Chesterton Academy of The Florida Martyrs will welcome students in August of 2023 to its new location at St. Thomas More Parish.

Chesterton Academy will offer an integrated classical curriculum, robust spiritual and personal formation, and a strong emphasis on the fine arts. The academic program will help students to learn the skills of logical thought in both the arts and sciences, critical analysis of great works of literature, a deeper knowledge of faith, and clear and creative expression in writing and the arts. Students will experience the joy of Christ, grow in character, learn true leadership and develop critical thinking skills. The integrated classical curriculum will prepare students for college – and for life.

Chesterton Academy will offer

an integrated classical curriculum, daily Mass as part of each school day, robust spiritual and personal formation, a strong emphasis on the fine arts.

chestertonpensacola.org

Chesterton Academy of The Florida Martyrs is not affiliated

the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.

Chesterton Academy of The Florida Martyrs does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin.

Pensacola

Chesterton

Academy

of the Florida Martyrs

ad on page 10, 28

3295 Barrancas Ave, Pensacola, 32507

Mission: Our mission is to prepare our students to triumph over the materialism and despair that pervade our culture and to accept our Lord’s offer to have life and have it abundantly. Our classical curriculum combines a broad, liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on the development of Christian virtues and an appreciation of beauty. Through our Three Pillars Model, we form our students in Intellect, Character, and Spirituality.

Grades: 8th - 12th grade Extra Curricular: Drama, Sports, and more. Contact for more details. Additional Info: Member of the Chesterton Schools Network, see chestertonschoolsnetwork.org for more details. info@chestertonpensacola.org http://chestertonpensacola.org/

Creative Learning Academy

ad on page 25, 29

3151 Hyde Park Road, Pensacola, 32503

Mission: Preparing students to learn, lead, and become the creative problem solvers of the future.

Grades: 3 years - 8th grade

Extra Curricular: CLA is currently celebrating its 50th year of offering opportunities for a variety of academic, athletic, and artistic enrichment. Athletic offerings include volleyball, flag football, basketball, track and field, soccer and independent programs for tennis and swimming. Middle school students participate in elective courses that include rock band, ethics, musical theatre, Mock Trial, 3D art, coding, and more. Additional Info: CLA encourages creative learning opportunities, the practice of integrity and honesty, the development of intercultural awareness and respect, and the support of a caring community. The students are encouraged to think beyond the classroom walls, explore creative ideas, and take intellectual risks. A supportive and experienced faculty help students engage in effective communication and develop collaboration skills in order to become innovative problem solvers. Service learning, leadership, and character education are at the center of student life at CLA. In addition to the core subjects, all students participate in enrichment classes including Spanish, art, music, physical education, and technology. Spanish, physical education, and recess occur on a daily basis. Students also participate in a variety of off-campus opportunities including trips to St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Dauphin Island, Montgomery, and Washington D.C. For close to 40 years, CLA 8th grade students have been the only middle school class in the United States invited to participate in a 9-day Outward Bound experience. In addition to after school clubs, CLA also has Before School and After School Care programs available. (850) 432-1768 admissions@creativelearningacademy.org www.creativelearningacademy.org

East Hill Christian School

ad on page 19, 30

1301 East Gonzalez Street (3rd grade through 12th grade campus) 1301 East Gadsden Street (VPK- 2nd grade), Pensacola Mission: The Mission of EHCS is to educate students morally, intellectually, and physically, based on the WORD of GOD, in a loving, Christian environment. Grades: VPK - 12th grade

Extra Curricular: Spelling Bee, Science Fair, History Fair, Accelerated Reader Program, Math Counts, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council, Student Government Association, Student Leadership Institute, Chick-fil-a Leadership Academy, Eagle Ambassadors, Student Mentoring Program, Service Projects, Yearbook, ACT Prep, Field Trips, Cross Country, Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, Cheerleading, Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Golf, Pep Squad, Developmental League Basketball. Additional Info: EHCS is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and partners with the home in an education for the whole child. Parents are involved through Parent-Teacher Fellowship (PTF), Booster Club, classroom volunteers, and field trips. (850) 438-7746 info@ehcseagles.com www.ehcs.org

Episcopal Day School

ad on page 14, 31

223 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, 32502

Mission: Episcopal Day School prepares students for a life of learning and meaningful service in a diverse and global world, by providing academic excellence and character formation inclusive of all of God’s children and grounded in the Episcopal tradition.

Grades: PreK2 - 8th grade Extra Curricular: Our faculty and staff members work hard to provide programs that support our families and educate the whole child. All enrolled families have access to extended care programs throughout the year. EDS is a member of the Catholic Youth Sports League. Our athletes compete in a variety of sports including basketball, football (tackle and flag), and volleyball. Any students in the Pensacola community are welcome to attend our Summer

Camp programs in June and July. Additional Info: Please contact Lisee Sherrill at lsherrill@edscc.org to schedule a tour today! We are now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year. (850) 434-6474 info@edscc.org www.edscc.org

Little

Flower Catholic School

ad on page 16, 34

6495 Lillian Highway, Pensacola, 32506

Mission: In the spirit of our patroness, St. Therese, Little Flower Catholic School cultivates learners and disciples committed to academic, spiritual, and personal growth in an environment that nurtures our commitment to “do small things with great love.”

Grades: PreK - 8th grade Extra Curricular: Tackle Football, Flag Football, Soccer, Track, Basketball, Cheer, Volleyball, Student Council, Safety Patrol, Choir, Concert Band, Yearbook Additional Info: At Little Flower Catholic School, we take pride in helping our students know the value of hard work, appreciate how they grow and mature as they are challenged to learn, and celebrate the determination and grit that it takes to become successful. We offer a rigorous curriculum in a supportive environment and we are ever mindful that each child is unique, bringing special talents and interests to our school. Our highly qualified faculty works diligently to create meaningful learning experiences within a student-centered environment motivating children to actively participate in their own education. We recognize the imperative need for students to understand how their classroom work translates to the world in which they live. Little Flower Catholic School is a community that is born from the Communion that Christ has established here on earth, the Church. We strive to live with the awareness that Christ is in our midst and has given Himself to each one us through each other. We hope to share the love that we have received with our neighbors, our community, and especially those we meet who are in need. We are committed to making Catholic Education affordable!

(850) 455-4851 info@ptlittleflower.org

Marcus Pointe Christian School

ad on page 3, 32 6205 North “W” Street , Pensacola, 32505

Mission: Marcus Pointe Christian School exists to assist parents in the education of their children by equipping students with an academically excellent foundation and a biblical worldview.

Grades: K4 - 5th grade Extra Curricular: Music, PE, Computer, Library, Art, Running Club, Chapel, After School Program.

Additional Info: At MPCS we challenge our students to examine and embrace the Christian walk through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We encourage our students to be academically articulate, knowledgeable, accountable, and to live with purpose to affect a difference in our community for the glory of God.

(850) 479-1605 www.marcuspointechristian.org

Pensacola Christian Academy

ad on page 17, 33

10 Brent Lane, Pensacola, 32503

Mission: At every level from kindergarten to high school, enrollment at PCA means a solid academic education, a firm foundation for lifelong learning. In an always changing world, students at PCA learn from a basis of unchanging principles that reinforce Christian character and patriotism.

Grades: K4 - 12th grade

Extra Curricular: Athletics: Track, Cross Country, Volleyball, Basketball, Cheer, Baseball,. Students can choose from Chess, Debate, Engineering & Robotics, Young Patriotic Americans, Craft & Cooking, and more.

(850) 478-8483 enrollments@pensacolachristianacademy.com www.pensacolachristianacademy.com

Potential Christian Academy

ad on page 9

3351 Creighton Road, Pensacola, 32504

Mission: Partnering with students to reach their God potential.

Grades: K2 - 5th grade

Extra Curricular: Sports and additional afterschool activities

Additional Info: Christ-centered education in a fun and loving environment with qualified educators.

(954) 434-1550 pensacola@ilovepca.com www.ilovepca.com/pensacola

St. Paul Catholic School

ad on page 15, 35

3121 Hyde Park Road, Pensacola, 32503

Mission: St. Paul Catholic School is a Christcentered learning community, nourished by the Eucharist and inspired by the Trinity, that promotes lifelong growth of mind, body, and spirit.

Grades: PreK3 - 8th grade

Extra Curricular: Athletic opportunities are available through the Diocesan sponsored Catholic Youth Sports League (CYSL) and include flag football, tackle football, cheer, volleyball, basketball, track and soccer. Additional clubs such as art club, chess club, running club as well as a Lego Robotics Team are available as well.

Additional Info: The curriculum is based on the guidelines put forth by the Diocese of Pensacola -Tallahassee and has extensive elective courses that include the fine arts such as sculpture, musical theater program, and chamber orchestra. St. Paul Catholic School is recognized by the Florida Catholic Conference as fully accredited with an additional STREAM certification. Before school care and extended day care are available each day. (850) 436-6435 school@stpaulcatholic.net www.stpaulcatholicschool.net

Aletheia Christian Academy

1700 Woodchuck Avenue, Pensacola, 32504

Mission: The mission and purpose of Aletheia Christian Academy is to provide a Christ-centered education to children of Christian families, equipping them spiritually, academically, and physically for today and eternity.

Grades: VPK - 12th grade Extra Curricular: Cheerleading, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Softball (850) 969-0088 www.acalions.org

Blessed Star Montessori Christian 9151 North Davis Highway , Pensacola, 32514

Mission: To provide all children with a safe, nurturing, fun, God-centered learning environment. We strive for a solid foundation in intellectual growth, goodwill, Christian belief, and peace.

Grades: PreK - 12th grade Extra Curricular: Foreign Language: Japanese , Chinese, Guitar, Piano, Music Production , soccer Additional Info: Home school enrichment opportunities available. (850) 476-9208 admin@blessedstar.com www.blessedstar.com

Carden Christian Academy 3290 Bauer Road, Pensacola, 32506

Mission: Allowing the Holy Spirit to use us to equip our students with the tools necessary for life-long learning. Grades: PreK3 - 12th grade Extra Curricular: Private music lessons available Additional Info: Hours: Monday-Friday 6:45am - 5:00pm (850) 492-4873 cardenpensacola@gmail.com www.cardenchristianacademy.com

Children’s Place Academy 67 Nightingale Drive, Pensacola, 32561

Mission: Jesus Christ calls each of us to reach out with God’s Love, Hospitality, Hope, and Healing so that all may experience and share the Joy of belonging to Him.

Extra Curricular: Music, PE, Art and themed learning days

Additional Info: Now Accepting Step Up Scholarships (850) 932-1647 mwelch@gbumc.org www.gbumc.org

Christian Institute of Arts and Sciences 2007 North 61st Avenue, Pensacola, 32506

Mission: Christian Institute of Arts and Sciences is a private school with an Umbrella School for home schooling families in the local area and beyond, as well as a Campus School serving the local community as a full-time private Christian school, combining the full services of a private school administration office with the individualized advantages, personal assistance, and accountability needed to make our students’ educational experiences a success and to meet the spiritual, academic, physical, social, and emotional needs of our students and their families. Grades: K - 12th grade

Extra Curricular: CIAS provides a wide variety of classes (academic, fine arts, physical education), tutoring lessons, group activities, field trips, differentiated schooling & educational therapy for students with special needs.

Additional Info: Christian Institute of Arts and Sciences offers a Campus School, as well as a Home-Based School, to the Pensacola and Florida panhandle community.

(850) 457-4058 nogratrjoy@christianinstitute.com www.christianinstitute.com

Dixon School of Arts and Sciences 1201 North H Street, Pensacola, 32505

Mission: Our mission is to promote a life-long love of learning for all of our students. Dixon School of Arts and Sciences is a private, K-8 school offering a dynamic Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) curriculum. We prioritize small class sizes with more teachers in the classroom to ensure individualized, differentiated instruction. We emphasize off-site excursions and community partnerships to drive the academic experience. Income-based scholarships cover 100% of tuition, meals, and transportation costs.

Grades: K - 8th grade Extra Curricular: We utilize performing and visual

www.greaterpensacolaparents.com

arts as a means of propelling the learning during the school day and as a major feature of our distinguished after school program.

Additional Info: We are a small school (approximately 250 students) with very high expectations of our staff and students. Scholarship funds are given on a first-come, first serve basis. Contact us today for enrollment details and to schedule a tour.

(850) 435-0511 kovacsk@dixonschoolota.org https://dixonschoolota.org/

East Hill Academy

635 West Garden Street, Pensacola, 32502

Mission: The mission of the school is to provide each child with the best individualized education program that will improve their skills and abilities, so they may successfully re-enter mainstream education.

Grades: K - 12th grade

Additional Info: East Hill Academy is dedicated to students with learning disorders that make it impractical to place them in a regular school setting. It is our purpose to develop these children’s educational and social abilities while improving their self-esteem. Our goal is to help our students reach their maximum potential. We offer open enrollment. (850) 437-5560 learn@easthillacademy.com www.easthillacademy.org

Escambia Christian School

3311 West Moreno Street, Pensacola, 32505

Mission: Our mission is to partner with parents in the development of their children in soul, mind, and body. We provide a Christian environment that prepares students for a lifetime of learning and service, and for an eternity with God in heaven.

Grades: PreK3 - 8th grade

Additional Info: Escambia Christian is a licensed Voluntary Pre-K 4 Provider. (850) 433-8476 ecs@escambiachristian.org www.escambiachristian.org

Jacqueline Harris Preparatory Academy

8190 Pensacola Boulevard, Pensacola, 32534

Mission: The Administration and Staff of JHPA believe that it is the duty of the School, with the Support and Cooperation of the Home and Community, to develop the Academic, Social, Emotional and Physical Capabilities of each student.

Grades: PreK - 5th grade

Extra Curricular: Performing Arts to include Poetry, Dance and Choir

Additional Info: Free Transportation, Breakfast & Lunch (850) 432-2273 pdixon1@jhpacademy.org http://www.jhpacademy.org/

Jubilee Christian Academy

5910 North “W” Street, Pensacola, 32505

Mission: To prepare young people intellectually, spiritually, and physically to be successful leaders in both Christian and non-Christian environments. We seek to produce leaders who are equipped with the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Jubilee Christian Academy inspires students to think critically; To work independently and in partnership with others; and to develop a global, Christ-centered perspective for their lives.

Grades: PreK2 - 9th grade

Extra Curricular: Music, Art, and Theater. (850) 494-2477 info@jcakids.org www.jcakids.org

Lighthouse Private Christian Academy

904 East Jackson Street, Pensacola, 32501

Mission: The Mission of Lighthouse Private Christian Academy is to inspire students to have a love and joy for learning, for a lifetime, by providing a transformational, Christ-centered education.

Grades: K - 8th grade

Extra Curricular: Extra curricular sports include football, basketball, cheerleading, softball, baseball, and volleyball. (850) 542-7914 www.lighthousepca.com

Lighthouse Private Christian Academy

625 North 9th Avenue, Pensacola, 32501

Mission: The Mission of Lighthouse Private Christian Academy is to inspire students to have a love and joy for learning, for a lifetime, by providing a transformational, Christ-centered education.

Grades: 9th - 12th grade (plus dual enrollment)

Extra Curricular: Extra curricular sports include golf, football, basketball, cheerleading, softball, baseball, and volleyball. (850) 542-7828 www.lighthousepca.com

Montessori School of Pensacola 1010 North 12th Avenue (Suite 138), Pensacola, 32501

Mission: MSP is committed to providing a Montessori education that inspires academic excellence and fosters respect, integrity, independence, and critical thinking in a caring community.

Grades: 18 months - Kindergarten

Additional Info: Spanish instruction begins at 18 months. Please visit our website for registration opening in February. (850) 469-8138 admissions@montessoripensacola.com montessoripensacola.com

Montessori School of Pensacola

4100 Montessori Drive, Pensacola, 32504

Mission: MSP is committed to providing a Montessori education that inspires academic excellence and fosters respect, integrity, independence, and critical thinking in a caring community.

Grades: PreK, Elementary & Middle School

Extra Curricular: Band, Boy and Girl Scouts, Tennis Instruction, and More. Additional Info: Spanish instruction begins at 18 months. Please visit our website for registration opening in February. (850) 469-8138 admissions@montessoripensacola.com montessoripensacola.com

Pensacola Catholic High School

3043 West Scott Street, Pensacola, 32505

Mission: Our Mission is to develop responsible Christian individuals by providing the finest in Catholic education. Pensacola Catholic High School is a vibrant Christian community offering quality education while emphasizing the teachings of the Gospel, the intrinsic value of the individual and commitment to service.

Grades: 9th - 12th grade Extra Curricular: National Honor Society, Student Council, Football, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Dance Team, Golf, Volleyball, Swimming, Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field, Lacrosse, Weightlifting, Student Ambassadors, Music Ministry, CHS Pep Band, Mu Alpha Theta. (850) 436-6400 nblay@pensacolachs.org www.pensacolachs.org

Pensacola Junior Academy

8751 University Parkway, Pensacola, 32514

Mission: The Pensacola Junior Academy exists to show children Jesus, nurture their love for Him and others, teach them to think, and empower them to serve. Grades: K4 - 8th grade Extra Curricular: Tumbling, Lego Robotics (850) 478-8838 admissions@pjacademy.org www.pjacademy.org

Pensacola Private School of Liberal Arts 301 East Gadsden Street, Pensacola, 32501

Mission: To foster an inclusive community of lifelong learners dedicated to developing self-knowledge, social awareness, critical thinking and integrity. Grades: 8th - 12th grade Extra Curricular: Offering courses in units: blockstyle. Additional Info: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 2:00pm. Class Session

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 1:00pm. (850) 434-2294 Info@PensacolaSoLA.org www.thepensacolasola.com

Redeemer Lutheran School

333 Commerce Street, Pensacola, 32507

Mission: The mission of Redeemer Lutheran School is to prepare a child for a responsible role in the community through intellectual, moral, physical, and spiritual development in a caring, ethical, Christ-centered environment, which is supportive of both the child and his family.

Grades: Pre-K (VPK) - 8th grade Extra Curricular: Accelerated Reading Program, Basketball, Cheerleading, Football, Volleyball, Track, Flag Football and Soccer. Additional Info: Redeemer offers Spanish Classes for All Ages, Educational Field Trips, STEM/STEAM, Chromebooks/Google Classroom, Art, Music and PE Programs, Chapel and Religion Classes, Before and After School Care. (850) 455-0330 rls@redeemerschoolpensacola.org redeemerschoolpensacola.org

Sacred Heart Cathedral School 1603 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola, 32503

Mission: Guided by the Sacred Traditions of the Catholic Church, our mission is to educate hearts and minds for God. Living as disciples of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we strive for academic excellence and humble service to all.

Grades: PreK - 8th grade Extra Curricular: Macbooks in Middle School, CYSL sports, Student-led conferences, Fine Arts program (including choir and Sacred Heart Strings), ESE accommodations in Morning Star, French, Many Clubs, Field Trips, Daily prayer, Weekly Mass.

Additional Info: Contact our admissions team: admissions@shcs.ptdiocese. org to schedule a tour. (850) 436-6440 info@shcs.ptdiocese.org www.shcs.ptdiocese.org

S.L. Jones Christian Academy

100 Boeing Street, Pensacola, 32507

Mission: Our mission is to work with parents and guardians to educate their children with a superior, quality education God’s Way. Our goal is to develop students with a strong Christian character, cultivate productive citizens, provide applicable life skills and graduate a well rounded student prepared for college and will be a benefit to our community and nation.

Grades: K5 - 12th grade

Extra Curricular: Basketball, Cheerleading, Choir, Dance team, Weight lifting. (850) 456-2249 https://sljcainc.com/

St. John the Evangelist Catholic School

325 South Navy Boulevard, Pensacola, 32507

Mission: St. John the Evangelist Catholic School pursues spiritual and academic excellence in a Catholic, Eucharistic community of virtue and joy.

Grades: PreK3 - 8th grade Extra Curricular: Student Council, National Junior Honor Society, 4-H Club, Choir, Fine Arts, Basketball, Football, Flag Football, Cheerleading, Volleyball, Track, Soccer.

Additional Info: Founded in 1874, Seven generations of families have called

us “home”! Authentic Catholic education. Education in virtue, military-supportive community, traditional literature, cursive, and grammar. Cutting-edge, virtual gifted program and mathematics test preparation with Ray Dass, Morning Star Program for students with special needs, comprehensive intervention program, summer academic camp and VBS, before and after school care. (850) 456-5218 schooloffice@sjsw.ptdiocese.org https://www.stjohnpensacola.com/

Trinitas Christian School

3301 East Johnson Avenue, Pensacola, 32514

Mission: By God’s grace we endeavor to assist Christian families in the education of their children by providing a stimulating academic program in a distinctly Christ-centered environment expressly designed to equip students to a life of moral and spiritual integrity, personal and social responsibility, and a zeal to know and serve a Holy God.

Grades: PreK - 12th grade

Extra Curricular: Drama Club, National Honor Society, Classic Film Society, Mock Trial, Yearbook, Student Government, Volleyball, Soccer, Baseball, Aesthetics trips, performance choirs, select quartets, a variety of private music lessons (instrumental and voice), and community service opportunities.

Additional Info: Trinitas is a fully-accredited member of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools. - National Merit Scholars Program: 9% of graduates earned commended status or higher. Trinitas alums have pursued undergraduate and graduate degrees both in Pensacola and across the country. We have alumni working in fields ranging from nuclear engineering to healthcare, education, business, and auto mechanics. Trinitas Christian School was established in the fall of 1999 as a private Christian school committed to providing a classical and biblically-based education to Christian families in Northwest Florida. (850) 484-3515 trinitas@trinitaschristian.org www.trinitaschristian.org

Gulf Breeze

Children’s Place Preschool at Gulf Breeze UMC 67 Nightingale Drive, Gulf Breeze, 32561

Mission: Jesus Christ calls each of us to reach out with God’s Love, Hospitality, Hope, and Healing so that all may experience and share the Joy of belonging to Him.

Grades: Infants - VPK (850) 932-1647 mwelch@gbumc.org www.gbumc.org/childrens-place

Coastline Christian Academy 1122 Oriole Beach Road, Gulf Breeze, 32563

Mission: Our mission is to partner with families in a Christ-centered environment that is reaching for academic excellence. Our goals are loving God, connecting with His people and living on mission in our world.

Grades: 3 years - 5th grade

Extra Curricular: We offer music, art, pe and Chapel weekly. (850) 565-5118 info@coastlinechristian.com www.coastlinechristian.com

Good Shepherd Lutheran School 4257 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, 32563

Mission: Good Shepherd Lutheran School, as a mission outreach of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, commits itself to: Provide Christ centered quality education. Develop individual gifts & worth. Promote Christian living and service. Nurture a partnership between church, school and family that all may know God’s love and grow in faith.

Grades: PreK - 5th grade

Extra Curricular: Chapel, Spanish, S.T.E.M. and P.E. (850) 932-9127 goodshepherdlutheranschool.1@gmail.com

Lighthouse Private Christian Academy

1530 New Hope Road, Gulf Breeze, 32563

Mission: The Mission of Lighthouse Private Christian Academy is to inspire students to have a love and joy for learning, for a lifetime, by providing a transformational, Christ-centered education.

Grades: K - 12th grade

Extra Curricular: Extra curricular sports include golf, football, basketball, cheerleading, softball, baseball, and volleyball. (850) 733-1017 www.lighthousepca.com

Jay

Faith Christian Academy

13050 Highway 89, Jay, 32565

Mission: Faith Christian Academy is a loving community that spiritually and academically equips, challenges, and inspires students to impact their world for Christ.

Grades: Preschool – 12th grade (ages 2 and up)

Additional Info: Students at Faith Christian Academy will be grounded in God’s word and challenged to achieve academic excellence as they prepare to use their gifts and abilities effectively to follow God’s plan for their lives. (850) 675-0227 contactus@fcawarriors.com https://fcawarriors.com/

Mary Esther

Lighthouse Private Christian Academy

102 Church Street, Mary Esther, 32569

Mission: The Mission of Lighthouse Private Christian Academy is to inspire students to have a love and joy for learning, for a lifetime, by providing a transformational, Christ-centered education.

Grades: K - 8th Grade

Extra Curricular: Extra curricular sports include golf, football, basketball, cheerleading, softball, baseball, and volleyball. (850) 934-0180 www.lighthousepca.com

Milton West Florida Baptist Academy

ad on page 4, 36 5621 Highway 90, Milton, 32583

Mission: WFBA seeks to provide an excellent educational experience which supports spiritual, moral, intellectual, social, and cultural development in a distinctively Christian environment.

Grades: PreK3 - 12th grade

Extra Curricular: Voice, Piano, Art, Drama, Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Softball, Volleyball. (850) 623-9306 www.wfbacademy.org

East Hill Academy at Avalon 4401 Avalon Boulevard, Milton, 32583

Mission: The mission of the school is to provide each child with the best individualized education program that will improve their skills and abilities, so they may successfully re-enter mainstream education. Grades: K - 12th grade

Additional Info: East Hill Academy is dedicated to students with learning disorders that make it impractical to place them in a regular school setting. It is our purpose to develop these children’s educational and social abilities while improving their self-esteem. Our goal is to help our students reach their maximum potential. We offer open enrollment. (850) 437-5560 learn@easthillacademy.com www.easthillacademy.org

Santa Rosa Christian School

6331 Chestnut Street, Milton, 32570

Mission: Santa Rosa Christian School is dedicated to the spiritual, moral, mental, and social development of youth through Bible-based education.

Grades: PreK2 - 12th grade

Extra Curricular: Athletics and Eagle Days programs.

(850) 623-4671 school@santarosachristianschool.com www.santarosachristianschool.com

Pace

L.E.A.D. Academy

7121 Chumuckla Highway, Pace, 32571

Mission: L.E.A.D. Academy will provide families a learning environment and support system that enables their student to grow spiritually, mentally, and physically into an adult with a Christian worldview.

Grades: K4 - 12th grade

Extra Curricular: Extended Day Care, Piano, FFA, Chorus, Music and Voice Lessons, Basketball, Yearbook Club, Drama Club, Spring baseball & softball, Cross Country Team, Track & Field, Volleyball, Chess Club.

Additional Info: Open enrollment for 2023 school year begins in February.

(850) 889-7080 www.leadacademylions.com GPP

Hope Is a Good Thing

Q. What is the main difference between people who follow your plan, stick with it and succeed, and those who fall off along the way?

A. I’ve walked with thousands of families through financial problems. Some of them were just speedbumps that needed to be smoothed out, while others seemed like mountains. The biggest factor I’ve noticed separating those who stick with it and gain control of their finances, from those who give up and go back to their old ways, can be boiled down to one simple word—hope.

Hope is stolen when we misunderstand failure and believe lies. One of the biggest lies that robs people of hope is the one that says failure is permanent. The moment we start seeing failures of the past as predictors of our futures, it extin-

pens to all of us at times. It’s natural, and it is normal. The way to reach your goals, though, is to keep failure in its cage. And failure is caged when we begin to understand it isn’t permanent. Winston Churchill once said, “Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”

If we believe failure is here to stay, we lose enthusiasm. And that leads to an inability to re-focus on success. People often make dumb, short-term decisions when they’re in financial difficulty. If you talk yourself into believing you’ll never be able to save

lose hope and borrow the money. Debt not only robs you of the ability to build wealth, but it’s also usually the result of losing hope.

Have you done something stupid or wrong in the past that you are still reliv ing daily? Is that memory haunting you, and stealing your hope? Remember, the past only has power over you if you let it have that power. Don’t get me wrong. The past can hurt, and it can be disappointing. But you can either give in to it and let it control you, or you can learn from it and make a conscious decision to keep moving forward.

FamilyCalendar

Sunday January 1

Free Yoga in the Park

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM, Bayview Park, 2001 East Lloyd Street Pensacola, FL, 32503 Free one-hour yoga classes will be held in Bayview Park on the first Sunday of each month at 9:30 a.m. Classes are open to all ages and levels of experience. Certified instructors from Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center will provide instruction. The class is free, but you will need to BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat) and any other accessories you would like to use.

www.cityofpensacola.com

Polar Bear Dip

Flora Bama, 17401 Perdido Key Drive Pensacola, FL, 32507 Wear a crazy costume, bring the whole family and take a New Year plunge into the Gulf of Mexico! No registration is required. Event is from 12pm - 3pm. www.florabama.com/annual-events

Polar Bear Plunge

Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via De Luna Drive Pensacola, FL, 32502 Ring in 2023 with our Polar Bear Plunge! Head to Pensacola Beach at 2 p.m. and plunge into the Santa Rosa Sound at the annual Polar Bear Plunge. This year’s event takes place at our signature spot, Paradise Bar & Grill. www.pensacolabeachchamber.com/polar-bear-plunge/

Tuesday January 3

Play Pensacola Winter Break & Holiday Camp

Various locations, Pensacola, FL Holiday themed activities, sports, arts & crafts and more. Camp runs 7am - 6pm for children ages 5-12 years. Registration in person or online at webtrac.cityofpensacoola.com. www.playpensacola.com

Wednesday January 4

Play Pensacola Winter Break & Holiday Camp

Various locations, Pensacola, FL Holiday themed activities, sports, arts & crafts and more. Camp runs 7am - 6pm for children ages 5-12 years. Registration in person or online at webtrac.cityofpensacoola.com. www.playpensacola.com

Thursday January 5

Radio Live ($10)

5:00 PM Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St Pensacola, FL, 32501 Join us on Thursday, January 5, 2023, with music from Del Suggs, Nicholas Edward Williams, and The New 76ers https://www.wuwf.org/radiolive

Saturday January 7

Pensacola Beach Run

Half Marathon

7:30 AM Casino Beach Parking Lot, Pensacola, FL One of the premier destination road races in the Southeast, the Pensacola Beach Run Half Marathon & 10k is the perfect way to kick off your New Year Resolution! www.pensacolarunners.com/pra-events/pbrhalf1052

Preschool Art and Story Time

Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 South Jefferson St Pensacola, FL, 32502 A librarian will read selections of similarly themed books and encourage movement and participation. Afterward, an art educator will lead parents and preschoolers in a craft related to the reading selections. For ages 2-5 years old. Capacity is limited to 10 pairs – one parent/guardian and one child. Pre-registration is highly recommended. www.pensacolamuseum.org

Sunday January 8

Beautiful Beginnings Bridal Expo

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E Gregory St Pensacola, FL, 32502 Please join us for the annual “Beautiful Beginnings” Bridal Expo www.pensacolabaycenter.com

Tuesday January 10

Meet & Mingle with the Women of IMPACT 100 4:30 PM Grand Marlin, 400 Pensacola Beach Blvd Pensacola, FL, 32561 Bring your friends and help us tell them about IMPACT 100’s 18 years of funding transformative projects in our community, and the rewarding experience that membership brings. We hope to see you there. https://impact100pensacola.org/

Friday January 13

Bootleg Ball: Molls and Mugshots

7:00 PM Museum of Commerce, 201 East Zaragoza Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 This year we celebrate the troublemakers of the 20s-gangsters, mobsters, and molls-as we kick off the new year! Dress your best as a 1920s gangster, moll, copper or gumshoe. Have your mugshot taken as you enjoy a night of heavy hors d’oeuvres and even heavier libations. There will be music and dancing the night away. https://historicpensacola.org/plan-your-visit/calendarof-events/

Saturday January 14

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra presents Beethoven & Blue Jeans

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 Palafox Pl Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join us for this annual celebration of Beethoven, anchored by the composer’s Seventh Symphony. www.pensacolasymphony.com

Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras’ Krewe of Kids Sign Up Meeting

2:00 PM The Beach Church, 920 Panferio Dr Pensacola, FL, 32561 The Krewe of Kids is a Mardi Gras krewe for elementary school aged and younger. Pre-schoolers must have an adult partner. Dues, $10. Meeting is from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Pensacola Beach Community Church Fellowship Hall. (920 Panferio Drive, near corner of Avenida 18 and Via de Luna). The Krewe hosts a Royal Doughnut Breakfast January 28 (open to krewe members only, so be sure to sign up!) The Krewe of Kids marches in the Kids and Kritters Parade on February 11.

Sunday January 15

Free Pilates in the Park

10:30 AM Community Maritime Park, 301 W Main St Pensacola, FL, 32501 Free one-hour pilates classes will be held in Community Maritime Park. www.cityofpensacola.com

Monday January 16

Auditions for The Addams Family Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 https://www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/auditions

Tuesday January 17

Auditions for The Addams Family Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 https://www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/auditions

Wednesday January 18

Table Talks at the Trust

12:00 PM Voices of Pensacola Multicultural, 117 E. Government Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join us for a monthly lunch and learn series! Program is free--just bring your lunch and enjoy a casual opportunity to learn about a variety of topics. January 18, 2023: Jess Cragg & Mike Thomin, Archaeology of Piracy www.historicpensacola.org/plan-your-visit/calendarof-events

Auditions for The Addams Family

Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 https://www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/auditions

Friday January 20

Pensacola Opera presents La Bohème

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 Palafox Pl Pensacola, FL, 32502 From Musetta’s famous waltz, “Quando m’en vo,” to the rousing second act outside the Café Momus—featuring our wonderful Pensacola Opera Chorus—this beloved work features some of opera’s most hummable melodies.

www.pensacolaopera.com

Pensacola Opera - Meet The Artists Reception (Tickets: $50 (20% discount with a subscription!))

10:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 Palafox Pl Pensacola, FL, 32502 Directly after opening night, join us in the Saenger event room for a special reception including a meal, drinks, desserts, and a chance to mix and mingle with the stars of the show!

www.pensacolaopera.com

Saturday January 21

The Bremen Town Musicians

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM, Downtown Branch Library, 239 N. Spring St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Set to music of Verdi, Offenbach, and more, The Bremen Town Musicians celebrates the idea that friendship, cooperation, and respect for others is far better than facing problems alone. This interactive, 40-minute production is sung in English and features full sets, costumes, four professional opera singers, and a pianist. There are also opportunities for a few helpful student volunteers—and one brave teacher or adult—to be a part of the action!

www.pensacolaopera.com/event/the-bremen-townmusicians-mainbranch/

Sunday January 22

Pensacola Opera - Director’s Champagne

Brunch (Tickets: $50)

11:45 AM Saenger Theatre, 118 Palafox Pl Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join us at Jackson’s Steakhouse for a delicious brunch before our matinee performance of La bohème. Enjoy unlimited mimosas, a gourmet meal, and a lively show introduction by a member of the Pensacola Opera artistic staff.

www.pensacolaopera.com

Pensacola Opera presents La Bohème

2:00 PM Details on January 20.

Thursday January 26

TobyMac at the Pensacola Bay Center

7:00 PM Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E Gregory St Pensacola, FL, 32502 TobyMac at the Pensacola Bay Center

www.pensacolabaycenter.com

Friday January 27

Pensacola Little Theatre presents Mindgame

7:30 PM Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Mindgame is a puzzle box of a play. A dazzling thriller and a jet-black comedy that twists its way toward a shocking conclusion www.www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/shows-andevents/mindgame

Saturday January 28

The Bremen Town Musicians

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM, Molino Branch Library , 6450-A Hwy 95A N Molino, FL, 32577 Details on January 21.

Sip & Science: Mardi Gras ($20 for Science Center members, $25 nonmembers) 6:00 PM Emerald Coast Science Center, 31 Memorial Parkway SW Ft Walton Beach , FL, 32548 Bring your friends, grab a drink, and let the good times roll. We’re bringing Mardi Gras magic to this Sip & Science, and you don’t want to miss this night at the museum. (850) 664-1261 http://ecscience.org/events

Steinway/Bosendorfer Piano Celebration

7:30 PM Rolfs Music Hall, 11000 University Parkway Pensacola, FL, 32514 Steinway/Bosendorfer Piano Celebration www.uwf.edu/cassh/departments/theatre/box-office/ current-season/

Pensacola Little Theatre presents Mindgame

7:30 PM Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Mindgame is a puzzle box of a play. A dazzling thriller and a jet-black comedy that twists its way toward a shocking conclusion www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/shows-and-events/ mindgame

Thursday February 2

Radio Live ($10)

5:00 PM Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St Pensacola, FL, 32501 Join us on for music from The Whispering Tree, Ben Bedford, The Sea The Sea https://www.wuwf.org/radiolive

Black Jacket Symphony - Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours”

8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 Palafox Pl Pensacola, FL, 32502 https://www.pensacolasaenger.com/events/blackjacket-symphony-fleetwood-macs-rumours/

Saturday February 4

Pensacola Double Bridge Run

7:00 AM Maritime Park, Pensacola, FL One of the premier 15K races in the country, the course carries runners over two bridges, across Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound. It will run from downtown Pensacola with a tour that includes the historic district, and picturesque Bayfront Parkway, a run through Gulf Breeze, and onto Pensacola Beach. The 5K invites both runners and walkers to travel from Gulf Breeze to beautiful Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island and the Gulf Islands Seashore. https://pensacolasports.org/doublebridgerun/

The Bremen Town Musicians

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM, Tryon Branch Library, 1200 Lang ley Ave Pensacola, FL, 32504 Details on January 21. www.pensacolaopera.com

Milton Mardi Gras Parade 4:00 PM Milton, FL https://www.kreweofairshippirates.com/

Mozart Madness

7:30 PM First United Methodist Church, 6 East Wright Street Pensacola, FL, 32501 This chamber orchestra concert features the composer’s Oboe Concerto with the PSO’s own Matt Fossa as soloist. https://pensacolasymphony.com/product/mozartmadness-2023/

Thursday February 9

Communi-Tee Cup

Every spring, we host our annual Communi-Tee Cup mini golf tournament and fundraiser. The 18-hole event benefits Our Corner’s education programs, including classroom visits and demonstrations materials for the upcoming year.

https://www.ourcornerescambia.org/communi-teecup-event

Friday February 10

Ballet Pensacola presents Military Appreciation Gala

The Center, 400 S. Jefferson St Pensacola, FL, 32502 https://www.balletpensacola.org/performances

Saturday February 11

Flora-Bama Super Chili Bowl Cook-Off

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Flora-Bama , 17401 Perdido Key Drive Pensacola, FL, 32507 A Fundraiser for Relay For Life and The American Cancer Society https://www.facebook.com/ events/5222745347847840/

Navarre Beach Mardi Gras Parade

1:00 PM Navarre, FL

https://www.navarrechamber.com/events/details/ navarre-beach-mardi-gras-parade-22718

Kids and Kritters Parade

2:00 PM Casino Beach Parking Lot, Pensacola, FL The twelfth annual Kids and Kritters Parade is set for Saturday, February 19 at 2 p.m. in the Casino Beach parking lot across from Sidelines on Pensacola Beach.

https://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-calendar/

Cirque Spectacular

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 Palafox Pl Pensacola, FL, 32502 Enjoy the magic of orchestral music and the breathtaking skill of cirque-style acrobats and contortionists. https://pensacolasymphony.com/

Market and more! Proceeds from the event goes toward the Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart. www.cordovamallball.com

Sunday January 29

Pensacola Little Theatre presents Mindgame

2:30 PM Pensacola Little Theatre, 400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Mindgame is a puzzle box of a play. A dazzling thriller and a jet-black comedy that twists its way toward a shocking conclusion www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/shows-and-events/ mindgame

Tedeschi Trucks Band

7:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 Palafox Pl Pensacola, FL, 32502 www.pensacolasaenger.com

Tuesday January 31

Brown Bag Opera (Free)

12:00 PM - 12:45 PM, 75 S Tarragona St Pensacola, FL, 32502 Take a lunch break with the opera, and pair your sandwich with an aria! Grab a sack lunch—or just yourself—and join us downtown for Brown Bag Opera, a free, monthly performance featuring our Jan Miller Studio Artists. www.pensacolaopera.com

Eddie B.’s Teachers Only Comedy Tour ‘23

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 Palafox Pl Pensacola, FL, 32502 Eddie B.’s Teachers Only Comedy Tour ‘23 https://www.pensacolasaenger.com/events/eddie-b.steachers-only-comedy-tour-23/

Sunday February 5

Free Yoga in the Park

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM, Bayview Park, 2001 East Lloyd Street Pensacola, FL, 32503 Free one-hour yoga classes will be held in Bayview Park or Community Maritime Park on the first Sunday of each month at 9:30 a.m. Classes are open to all ages and levels of experience. Certified instructors from Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center will provide instruction. The class is free, but you will need to BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat) and any other accessories you would like to use. www.cityofpensacola.com

Clint Black featuring Lisa Hartman Black with Lily Pearl Black

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 Palafox Pl Pensacola, FL, 32502 Clint Black featuring Lisa Hartman Black with Lily Pearl Black https://www.pensacolasaenger.com/events/clintblack-featuring-lisa-hartman-black-with-lily-pearlblack/

Ballet Pensacola presents Military Appreciation Gala

The Center, 400 S. Jefferson St Pensacola, FL, 32502 https://www.balletpensacola.org/performances

Sunday February 12

Ballet Pensacola presents Military Appreciation Gala

The Center, 400 S. Jefferson St Pensacola, FL, 32502 https://www.balletpensacola.org/performances

Tuesday February 14

Mania - The Abba Tribute

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 Palafox Pl Pensacola, FL, 32502 https://www.pensacolasaenger. com/events/mania-the-abba-tribute/

Wednesday February 15

Table Talks at the Trust

12:00 PM Voices of Pensacola Multicultural, 117 E. Government Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join us for a monthly lunch and learn series! Program is free--just bring your lunch and enjoy a casual opportunity to learn about a variety of topics. February 15, 2023: Carter Quina, Architecture and Historic Preservation in Pensacola www.historicpensacola.org/plan-your-visit/calendarof-events

www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents

Sunday February 19

Free Pilates in the Park

10:30 AM Community Maritime Park, 301 W Main St Pensacola, FL, 32501 Free one-hour pilates classes will be held in Community Maritime Park on the third Sunday of each month www.cityofpensacola.com

Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras Parade

2:00 PM Via de Luna and Avenida 10 to the Gulfside Pavilion, Pensacola, FL The parade rolls at 2 p.m. from Via de Luna and Avenida 10 to the Gulfside Pavilion. The Krewe of Wrecks parade features approximately 50 units, oversized floats with generous riders, marching units and Wrecks royalty. https://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/whatshappening-calendar/

Tuesday February 21

Brown Bag Opera (Free)

12:00 PM - 12:45 PM, 75 S Tarragona St Pensacola, FL, 32502 Take a lunch break with the opera, and pair your sandwich with an aria! Grab a sack lunch—or just yourself—and join us downtown for Brown Bag Opera, a free, monthly performance featuring our Jan Miller Studio Artists. www.pensacolaopera.com

Thursday February 23

Planetarium Special Feature: Stars & Stories of Africa ($8-12)

6:00 PM Emerald Coast Science Center, 31 Memorial Parkway SW Ft Walton Beach , FL, 32548 Celebrate Black History Month with a special planetarium event! We’ll travel the cosmos to learn more about the ancient Kush people, exactly what the Kenyan Borana Star Calendar was, and identify the Swahili names for the planets. You’ll get to hear African folklore stories and even discover how enslaved African Americans were able to follow the stars to freedom in the north. (850) 664-1261 http://ecscience.org/events

Saturday February 25

I Pink I Can 4 Mile Run/Walk

9:00 AM Flora-Bama, 17401 Perdido Key Drive Pensacola, FL, 32507 The unique annual I Pink I Can Run 4-Mile Run/Walk for breast cancer will take place Feb. 25 at 9 a.m. from the Flora-Bama in Orange Beach, Alabama. runsignup.com/Race/FL/Pensacola/IPinkICanRun

The Bremen Town Musicians

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM, Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Hwy Pensacola, FL, 32526 Details on January 21. www.pensacolaopera.com

Verdi Requiem Dress Rehearsal ($5)

1:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 Palafox Pl Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join us for a working dress rehearsal of Verdi’s Requiem. https://pensacolasymphony.com/

choral works of all time. In a special artistic collaboration, the orchestra will join forces with four celebrated soloists and more than 120 voices from The Hattiesburg Choral Union for Verdi’s Requiem Mass, a monumental masterpiece of joy, hope, and passion. https://pensacolasymphony.com/

I Pink I Can Run Race

17401 Perdido Key Dr Pensacola, FL, 32507 All proceeds from this event benefit The Keeping Abreast Foundations’ mammography and breast health programs. runsignup.com/Race/FL/Pensacola/IPinkICanRun

Pensacola Habitat Food Truck Festival

Community Maritime Park, 301 W Main St Pensacola, FL, 32501 This event features a diverse mix of food trucks featuring their signature dishes, live entertainment, a Food Truck Tasting Competition, and more! All ticket proceeds from this event directly benefits Pensacola Habitat for Humanity and the families and individuals they serve in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.

https://pensacolahabitatfoodtruckfest.org/

Sunday February 26

Pensacola Habitat Food Truck Festival Community Maritime Park, 301 W Main St Pensacola, FL, 32501 This event features a diverse mix of food trucks featuring their signature dishes, live entertainment, a Food Truck Tasting Competition, and more!

All ticket proceeds from this event directly benefits Pensacola Habitat for Humanity and the families and individuals they serve in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.

https://pensacolahabitatfoodtruckfest.org/

Every Tuesday

Story Sprouts @Ever’man Co-op (Free) 10:00 AM Ever’man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe, 315 W Garden St Pensacola, FL, 32502 Children ages 3-5 are invited to do arts & crafts, make a snack and have story time. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ story-sprouts-tickets-36630082563 www.everman.org

Every third Thursday

What’s Cooking with Baptist 12:00 PM Ever’man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe, 315 W Garden St Pensacola, FL, 32502 What’s Cooking with Baptist will be held every third Thursday. www.everman.org

Every other Friday

Art Academy for Autism - Ages 16+ 4:00 PM Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 South Jefferson St Pensacola, FL, 32502 Art Academy for Autism is an arts education initiative designed for children and young adults on the autism spectrum. Ages 16+ -Alternating Fridays from 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. www.pensacolamuseum.org

Children’s Storytime in the Lighthouse

11:00 AM Bodacious Bookstore & Cafe, 110 E. Intendencia St. Pensacola, FL, 32502 Join us every Saturday at 11 AM for our Children’s Storytime in the Lighthouse at Bodacious Bookstore & Cafe. We look forward to reading some lovely stories with you and your little ones.

www.bodaciousbookstore.com/cafe/

Every first Saturday

Body, Mind, Spirit Market

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Ever’man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe, 315 W Garden St Pensacola, FL, 32502 Local vendors, artisans, holistic practitioners, speakers, children’s activities and more.This is an inside and outside event for the entire family www.everman.org

Every first and third Saturday

Hwy 87 Market

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Sand Dollar Plaza, 1900 Hwy 87 Navarre, FL, 32566 Enjoy a wide variety of booths, offering food items, art, decor, and so much more. 850-368-9500 www.facebook.com/sanddollar saturdays

Every other Saturday

Art Academy for Autism 1:30 PM Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 South Jefferson St Pensacola, FL, 32502 Art Academy for Autism is an arts education initiative designed for children and young adults on the autism spectrum. Ages 5-9-Alternating Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Ages 10-15-Alternat ing Saturdays from 1:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. www.pensacolamuseum.org

Last Saturday of the month

Trash-Bash

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM, Sand Crab Pavilion, Navarre, FL, 32566 The Trash-Bash is a citizen-science program for community members of all ages held the last Saturday of every month from 8:00-10:00 am. Sign in at the Sand Crab Pavilion (look for the “Giving Sea Turtles More Tomorrows” banner). There will be a limited supply of gloves, buckets and pickers-you are welcome to bring your own!

www.navarrebeachseaturtles.org

Every Sunday

Sunday Market on Palafox

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, N Palafox St between Chase and Gregory Streets Pensacola, FL, 32502 Outdoor & Fresh Air Shopping. Local artists, crafters, makers, cottage bakers and farmers in Downtown Pensacola. www.facebook.com/palafoxmarkets

50th

Anniversary Celebration of the Navarre Chamber

6:00 PM St Sylvester Catholic Church, 6464 Gulf Breeze Parkway Navarre, FL We would be honored for you to make plans to join us on Saturday, February 25, 2023 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. https://www.navarrechamber.com/events/ details/50th-anniversary-celebration-of-the-navarrechamber-23188

Verdi Requiem

7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 118 Palafox Pl Pensacola, FL, 32502 With soaring moments of joy and dramatic fanfare, Verdi’s Requiem is one of the most treasured

Every third Fridays

Gallery Night

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Downtown Pensacola, Pensacola, FL, 32502 Gallery Night is an all-ages community arts and culture event which happens on the third Friday of each month from 5-9 p.m. www.gallerynightpensacola.org

Every Saturday

Palafox Market

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 100 N Palafox Street Pensacola, FL, 32502 Shop for farm-fresh produce, plants, baked goods and more at the event that’s consistently voted “Best Farmers Market” and “Best Free Thing to Do.” www.palafoxmarket.com

Various Dates

Ice Flyers

7:05 PM 201 E. Gregory St. Pensacola, FL, 32501 Visit our website for more information. www.iceflyers.com

Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Digital Rentals, and Theatrical Releases

Strange World

Theaters

Rating Overall Violence Sex Profanity Alcohol/Drugs PG B+ B A A A

Determined to save their mountain -encircled home, Jaeger and his son Searcher went on an expedition. Searcher found a plant that provides electricity but twentyfive years later, the plant is suffering from an unknown illness. Now Searcher and his son Ethan head off to find a cure, only to cross paths with Jaeger once again. This isn’t one of Disney’s strongest films – the plot lacks focus and the jokes are often flat – but the voice cast is stellar and the visual design is distinctive. Photo ©Walt Disney Motion Pictures Studios

Disenchanted Disney+

Rating Overall Violence Sex Profanity Alcohol/Drugs PG B+ B- A A- A

Exhausted by the reality of raising a sarcastic teenager and a baby in a crowded apartment, Giselle persuades Robert to move to a fixer-upper villa in the suburbs. When that doesn’t solve her problems, Giselle casts a magical spell, exposing her new home and the animated kingdom of Andalasia to unexpected, dangerous consequences. The first act of this film is painfully dull but once magic comes into play, the story rediscovers the screwball vibe that made the first film so much fun.

Photo ©Disney+

Devastated by the death of his son, the carpenter Gepetto sinks into despair. One night, in a drunken outburst, he hacks a boy out of wood, which is brought to life by the Wood Sprite. This is a very distinctive take on the familiar tale, darkly told and set in the early days of fascism in Italy. The stop -motion animation is nothing short of brilliant and the visual aesthetic is impressive. This is not a movie for young or sensitive viewers as it contains some scary violence and very disturbing themes.

Photo ©Netflix

childhood, Darby gained the ability to see dead people, a gift she uses to help the dead complete unfinished business and pass on to the afterlife. When her ex-friend, a cheerleader named Capri, dies in a freak accident, she appears to Darby with an unusual set of demands – and threats. This film comes with a quirky premise, capable actors, and some decent life lessons about accepting yourself and others. Sadly, it also features teen drinking and unnecessary cussing. Photo ©Hulu

It’s 2011 and sisters Sara and Yusra Mardini are championship swimmers who face a terrible choice: remain in Syria and risk death in the civil war or undertake the dangerous trek to Germany in search of asylum. Based on a true story, this is a riveting film that imparts powerful lessons about courage, loyalty, persistence, grit, and family ties. There is some fact -based negative content, but overall this is an excellent film to help teens (and adults) develp empathy for those caught up in the currents of history. Photo ©Netflix

Detailed reviews available at www.pare ntpreviews.com

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio