THE ADVENTURES IN
Math & Science 2019 Summer Camp Sessions
HOSTED BY THE ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MATH AND SCIENCE MOBILE, AL
June 3-7, June 10-14, and June 17-21 | Grades 6-10 Register by April 1: $360 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $260 Day Camp (includes lunch) Register after April 1: $385 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $285 Day Camp (includes lunch) Cost to stay weekend between a session is an additional $185 (includes trip to water park)
Course Sampling
ACT Prep, Algebra Review, Exploring Inner Space, Marine Biology, CSI: Mobile, Phun Physics, Using Java, Robotics, Field Biology, Psychology, Math Puzzles, Labs of Doom, Rocketry, Origami, Speak Up, Light Metals and Enameling, Apps for Smart Devices, and many more. Applications, more information, and course descriptions are online at www.asms.net.
Deadline to register is May 1, 2019!
1255 DAUPHIN ST. • MOBILE, AL 36604 • 251.441.2100 • WWW.ASMS.NET • AIMS@ASMS.NET
February2019 32
36 Columns
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Volume 8 Number 11
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Mom of the Month 4
Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LMSW
Common Sense Media
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Middle Schoolers
New healthy media habits for young kids.
8 helpful truths you can share with your middle schooler.
Kids Health Watch
sponsored by Children’s Medical Group
32 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between
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Common Sense Media
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Dave Says Dave Ramsey
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Get This!
Gerry Paige Smith
Choosing a Daycare Advice for this all important decision of finding a safe, quality center for your child.
2019 Child Care Guide Our comprehensive listing of daycares, preschools, and MMO programs.
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Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston
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A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith
On The Cover Gobinder Kaur Dhaliwal (20 months), daughter of Ravinder Singh Dhaliwal and Jessica Kaur Bhathal, and little sister to brother, Kirit Singh (4). Her grandmothers are Jasmel Kaur & Harkamal Kaur. Her grandfather is Gurcharan Singh.
Departments 6
Bits and Pieces 10
School Bits
Gobinder loves riding her scooter, books being read to her, singing and dancing, playing outside with her brother and her dog, Sammie.
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Family Calendar 60
Movie Reviews 1
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FromthePublisher
Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source
One of the most anxious times in my life was how I felt when leaving my oldest at daycare for the very first time. I remember the feeling so well. I was terrified she was going to think I had abandoned her. Even though I had thoroughly researched the center, I still wondered if these highly qualified women, who had raised multiple children of their own and had years of professional child care experience, would know how to take care of my precious baby. The thought of leaving her needing me while I was at work sent me into a panic. I was a hot mess! Fortunately, our childcare center not only knew how to take excellent care of babies, but they also knew how to nurture scared new moms. These amazing ladies quickly became very dear to us, and I had the added bonus of making some great new friends with some of the other new moms whom I am still close with today. Finding the right fit for childcare is so important. Whether you are a new mom getting ready to go back to work or just deciding it is time for your child to experience a preschool setting, I encourage you to flip over to page 40 and read Choosing a Quality Daycare by Kimberly Blaker. Once you have finished reading Kimberly’s article, check out our Child Care Guide on page 42. Here you will find an extensive list of daycare centers, preschools and mother’s morning out programs in the area. While you are visiting centers, make sure you listen to your gut too. Just because a certain preschool/daycare is a good fit for your best friend does not necessarily mean it is the perfect fit for you. Every family has different needs and personalities, so make sure you find one that is a great fit for yours. Also, a big piece of advice. Do not wait until two weeks before you need care to start looking. Many centers have waiting lists and if you start the search the day you realize you will need childcare, the more options you will have. Many registrations are first come first serve so get there early. Also, visit the centers before registration to make sure you have everything you need to secure your spot. As the girls got older and more independent, and I gained a little more confidence as a parent, I assumed the harder parts of parenting would pass. I could not have been more wrong. Yes, it does get physically easier, but the emotional stress kicks in to high gear, especially in the middle school years. Kids become incredibly self aware, many feel awkward, hormones are all over the place and everyone is just trying to figure out where they fit in. I love how Kari Kampakis, author of 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know and Liked: Whose Approval Are You Living For, has put things in to perspective in her article 8 Truths Middle Schoolers Should Know. Her reassurance to this age group is important because despite what they may feel, middle schoolers really are amazing! So whether you are knee deep in diapers, spending time in carpool lines, or waiting up at night to make sure your driving teenager arrives safe, I hope you enjoy this month’s issue. And don’t forget to check out the Family Calendar! You’ll find some fun family events and, of course, some Mardi Gras parades!
Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@mobilebayparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@mobilebayparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Lucy Green Contributing Writers Jennifer Adair, M.D. Mark Gregston Christa Melnyk Hines Sonia Martin, LMSW Dave Ramsey Sandi Schwartz Gerry Paige Smith
Cover Photography Hannah Stinson www.hannahstinsonphotography.com
President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton ads@mobilebayparents.com (251) 304-1200 Account Manager Eleanor Williams Ad Design Tim Welch
Visit us at www.mobilebayparents.com
Lynn
Mobile Bay Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 81105, Mobile, Alabama, 36689. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 304-1200. Mobile Bay Parents is copyrighted 2018 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Mobile Bay 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.
lynn@mobilebayparents.com
Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
Mobile Bay Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Mobile Bay Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.
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Faith Academy
Quality Christian Education for 3K - 12th Grade
It is the mission of Faith Academy to offer a quality Christian education in a safe, clean and orderly environment, while assisting and encouraging our students to realize who they are in Christ.
Facilities
Spiritual n Interdenominational Christian education n Chapel every other week and daily Bible classes n Mission opportunities through clubs
Academic n Member of AHSAA n AdvancEd accredited/AISA Blue Ribbon School n College preparatory classes n Advancement placement classes n General education classes n Information technology curriculum n Before and after school program n Daily cafeteria program n Dual enrollment classes through University of Alabama n Average ACT of 27 for college prep seniors n 67% of 2018 graduates received college scholarships n Elementary computer classes, and free help classes
n 35 acre athletic complex n 6,000 square foot state-of-the-art weight training facility n Gated and secure 127 acre campus in west Mobile n Fenced and covered playgrounds n Separate elementary and kindergarten playgrounds
Extracurricular n Fine Arts and Drama Program n Award winning band and choir program n RamCorp (brass and percussion ensemble) that incorporates a dance team and color guard n Robotics program, 4-H Club n Student Government Association n BETA, NHS, Spanish Club n Competitive sports for grades 3 - 12 n Sports programs: Football, baseball, soccer, basketball, cheerleading, softball, golf, swimming, track/cross country, archery and volleyball
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faithacademy.us | 8650 Tanner Williams Road, Mobile, AL 36608 | 251.633.7267 We accept Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Funds. www.facebook.com/mobilebayparentsmagazine
TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LMSW
Say Goodbye to Food Battles Food battles...the enemy of parents everywhere. I’m hungry. I’m not hungry. I’m not going to eat that. You can’t make me eat that. And seven hours later your 9-year-old is still sitting at the table because she refuses to touch the pint size piece of squash you have insisted she try. This is the part of parenting that makes us question our very will to live. Though it may seem obvious, may I point out that food is foundational. Food is essential. Go to the mat and battle day after day over how much food, what food and when they get food, and you will find you have a child who is biologically a bit upside down... and it’s only 8 a.m. So, my encouragement to you, fellow food warrior, is this: do what you already know to do. Involve them in meal planning, have them be active participants in the shopping for the food, pull up a stool and let them help you prepare the food with no pressure to try it. Let them experience the textures, the smell and the process of dinner in a way that sets them up to be a bit more agreeable to eventually tasting said food. They may be 37 before they ever try a Brussels sprout, but it’s okay, we are patient people. Beyond those typical suggestions, I would also encourage the introduction of what is called a “Yes Bowl”. This is a bowl of all healthy foods that permanently resides on your dining
Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
room table. The bowl is stocked with things like bananas, almonds, apples and individual peanut butter servings, cherry tomatoes, mandarin oranges, grapes – you get the idea – all healthy food. Dinner is 30 minutes away and you have a whiny, hungry child on your hands and you don’t want them filling up with junk? Yes Bowl. Only ate three bites of dinner and now they are hungry an hour later? Yes Bowl. This is a game changer because it takes away so much of the stress, wailing, weeping and gnashing of teeth that can so easily occur during food battles, plus it provides your child with healthy food that in no way requires any extra steps from you. Secondarily, I would encourage you to take a step back and really look at what patterns you are noticing in the eating habits of your children. Quite a few years ago I made a significant change in my family’s dinner schedule. I was fighting the battle many of us face – my seven teenage sons would walk in the door from school positively famished. They would snack and snack and snack, and then 6 p.m. would roll around, dinner would be ready, and what do you know - no one was hungry. This, not surprisingly, made me absolutely nutty...and not the good kind of nutty people find adorable, but more like the kind of nutty where no one makes eye contact with mom. Once I realized the pattern, I completely inverted dinner time. The kids walked in the door from school and I had a full dinner ready and waiting for them.
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We would sit down, eat, talk, clean-up and get homework done and then head to whatever practices, games or performances were on tap for that evening. Once we returned home, they would then have a snack, or if I had made a dessert that day, they could have that. This completely changed their eating patterns and habits. Instead of filling up on snacks, they were satisfied with a meal and then a snack later. Game. Changer. This may take some pre-planning (or even pre-cooking on the weekends), but it might just be worth it. So, overall, play the long game. Your job right now is to expose your kids to different foods. Some kids just simply struggle with eating – there is a lot at play with different textures, smells and tastes. It’s a learning process, so give grace. And while you are at it, give yourself another helping of that delicious squash, since they say they won’t eat it anyway…yet. *Therapeutic parenting is parenting in a highly structured, highly nurturing way. This form of intensive parenting is often a key to progress in dealing with children who have trauma and attachment challenges, but has also proven beneficial with any child.
Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior, and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to help mitigate negative behaviors. She travels the state speaking at various conferences on behavior and parenting and is a therapist for Kids To Love Foundation. Sonia is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of whom were internationally adopted, and is also a foster parent.
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37th Annual Mobile Arc Mardi Gras Parade
Playhouse in the Park presents "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
William Shakespeare’s best loved play, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” features our condensed adaptation for student and adult audiences alike. The Playhouse version will be masterfully brought to life as magic, mystery, and love intertwine with the characters’ hidden agendas and the fairies’ trickery and mischief. The play will be held at Playhouse in the Park on February 15, 16, & 17, 2019. The Playhouse-in-the-Park is located at 4851 Museum Drive - Mobile, across from the Mobile Museum of Art in Langan Park. For tickets or more information visit www.playhouseinthepark.org or contact playhouseintheparkmobileal@gmail.com, (251) 6020630. Find us on Facebook!
11th Annual Mobile Chocolate Festival set for March 30
The Mobile Chocolate Festival, a celebration of all things chocolate, will be held at The Grounds on Saturday March 30, 10 AM - 4 PM, with all proceeds to benefit Penelope House. There will be vendors offering samples and selling chocolate-related products, chocolatethemed wares to succulent confections to jewelry to bath and body products. Also featured: Children’s Area, Project Yum Way where students and aspiring designers participate in a fashion display of chocolate inspired fashions made from chocolate candy wrappers, Cupcake Booth, Chocolate Martini tasting, Magic Memories Photo Booth, and much more. Admission is free for children 13 & under; General admission $3.00 in advance- available at Penelope’s Closet, Flour Girls, Bloomin’ Lollipops, and Three Georges; $5.00 day of the event. Parking is free. Call for more details (251-342-2809), like Mobile Chocolate Festival on facebook, and/or visit www.mobilechocolatefestival.com. Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
The 37th Annual Mobile Arc Mardi Gras parade will be Thursday, February 28 at 1 PM at 2424 Gordon Smith Drive. The parade will include over 20 floats carrying the Mobile Arc royal courts and participants from other local organizations. The theme is "Holidays." WKRG News 5 Anchors Mel Showers and Rose Ann Haven will once again lead the parade. WPMI NBC 15's Darwin Singleton will return as our "Reveling Cavalier." Murphy High School Band will kick off the parade and UMS-Wright band will march as well. Kraken Catering and Yellowhammer Coffee will also join us this year! Mobile Arc has been providing for the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community for over 60 years. The annual Mardi Gras parade gives the people we serve an opportunity to celebrate Mardi Gras along with the Mobile community.
Football and Flowers with Vince Dooley
"Football and Flowers," hosted by Mobile County Master Gardeners, is Monday, February 18, 2019, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Mobile Botanical Gardens. Guest Speaker will be legendary Georgia football coach Vince Dooley. The Mobile native will speak at Mobile Botanical Gardens, sharing his passion and experience with gardening-- growing camellias, hydrangeas, Japanese maples, roses and much more. The evening's schedule is as follows: 5:30 Heavy Hors oeuvres, Wine, Silent Auction; 6:30 Coach Dooley’s Presentation and 7:30 Dessert, book signing, Silent Auction. Cost - $40 Non-refundable advance reservations are required ($30 for Mobile County Master Gardeners.) Deadline to register is February 8, 2019. Send checks payable to MCMG to 2221 Dogwood Ct. N., Mobile, AL 36693. Please call 251-2096425 for credit card purchase. For more information, call 251-574-8445.
Maurice Sendak Memorial Exhibition
The Ben May Main Library will be hosting the Maurice Sendak Memorial Exhibition, a retrospective of original works sure to delight both children and adults alike. The author and illustrator of more than 50 children’s books, Sendak is best known for the 1963 children’s classic, “Where the Wild Things Are”. The Exhibit is comprised of 50 original works by Sendak from his earliest pencil drawings done while in high school to a bronze sculpture, presented to the author as a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Illustrators. In addition to housing the Exhibit, the Library will offer special programming in relation to the Exhibit for both children and adults. An illustrator workshop, themed story times, crafts, movies, and a custom built children’s area featuring Max’s boat from Where the Wild Things Are are on tap during the Exhibit’s display. This exhibit will be on display from February 10, 2019 – March 25, 2019. For more information, please call 251-208-7097 or visit our website at www.mobilepubliclibrary.org. 6
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25th Annual Women’s Conference at Christ United Methodist Church
Christ United Methodist Church will hold its Annual Women’s Conference, Find Joy in the Journey on Saturday, February 9, 2019. This conference will feature speaker, Cherie Nettles and worship leader, Sarah Johnson. Cherie Nettles’ many “titles” include comedienne, humorist, story-teller, Certified Laughter Leader, Bible teacher, writer and Christian speaker. She has written 2 books entitled “Growing My Divine Shrine” and “A Month of Miracles”. Her story is one of being a survivor and from her life struggles she quickly learned that sorrow brings sickness while joy brings healing. Our worship leader will be Sarah Johnson from Prattville, Alabama. Sarah has served in music ministry at Father Son and Holy Ghost Church, Prattville, as Worship Leader and choir director for many years. Her dream has been realized by traveling nationally and internationally through song from the smallest to the greatest platform that God allows. The Conference will be held from 9 AM – 12:30 PM at Christ UMC, located at 6101 Grelot Road in Mobile. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. The cost is $35 and includes refreshments at 8:00 and mid-morning. Free child care is available for children birth - 11 years old with prior registration. Child care registration is due by February 4. For more information and to register, visit christunited.com/wc2019 or call 251-342-0462.
Dekle, Mace and Battles Receive 2018 Gardberg Awards
Christmas arrived early for David Dekle, founder of the Original Oyster House restaurants, Cecilia Mace, marketing director, Original Oyster House restaurants and Robert Battles, Mobile County board of school commissioners, when they were presented the 2018 Gardberg Awards by Shearie Archer, executive director of Ozanam Pharmacy. The award recognizes members of the community who support Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy’s mission of providing medication to the poor and uninsured. The award was named after Jonathan Gardberg, an attorney who exemplified the spirit of the pharmacy’s namesake Frederick Ozanam. Like Ozanam, the founder of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul, Gardberg strongly supported the sick and disabled. “Jesus said, I come not to be served but to serve. Ozanam Pharmacy does just that,” said Dekle accepting the 2018 Gardberg. “You guys do so much for the community and live service. You are not looking for accolades. You are humble. Thank God for you.” In the 2017-2018 fiscal year, Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy served 1679 patients and provided over 31,100 prescriptions totaling over 2.8 million dollars in retail value. Photo Name: Pictured with members of the Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy Board of Directors are from left Gardberg recipient Cecilia Mace, Sister Marilyn Graf, RSM, Gardberg recipient David Dekle, Martha Allegri and Sherry Coker.
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K Joy of Life
Joy of Life on the Gulf Coast is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that was formed in 2013 to primarily benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis Tennessee. Our board consists of former patients of St. Jude, parents of St. Jude Patients, and people along the Gulf Coast who care and support the efforts of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. There are many patients at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN from the Mobile and Baldwin County area receiving treatment for cancer and other life threatening diseases. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for the care their child receives. The 6th Annual Wind Creek Hospitality "Joy of Life" Mardi Gras Ball benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will take place on Saturday, February 2, at the Daphne Civic Center. The gala includes the culinary skills of Mobile's most amazing chefs and restaurants, a live and silent auction, photobooths, as well as great musical entertainment. This year the Velcro Pygmies are joining us for some fun! Join Joy of Life on the Gulf Coast on Saturday, March 2, at noon for our 2nd Annual Mardi Gras Parade. The parade will be on Parade Route A in Downtown Mobile. Sponsorship packages are still available for both the Joy of Life Mardi Gras Ball and the Joy of Life Mardi Gras Parade. Tickets to the Mardi Gras Ball can be purchased up until the night before the event at https://joyoflifegulfcoast.org.
Mobile Boat Show
Mobile King Cake-off
Join us February 8-10, 2019 at the Mobile Convention Center for the Mobile Boat Show. In addition to a huge selection of boats and marine products, there are special events for the whole family to enjoy! The Fetch-n-Fish dog show returns with dog jumping, training tips and lots of fun for the kids; and the Talk 106.5 Guide’s Corner boasts a great line-up of local and regional fishing talent sharing their secrets and tips. New this year, “Kids Fishing 101.” This is a free event for children, which teaches them how to cast and use a rod and reel and water safety through a fun interactive program. The first 100 participants will receive a free fishing rod, tackle box and tackle courtesy of Plano, Pure Fishing Matrix Shad and Odd Ball Tackle. For more information, please visit gulfcoastshows.com/mobile/.
Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
Who has the best King Cake in Mobile? Join us February 16, 2019 at Azalea Manor from 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM for the Mobile King Cake-off. Get your taste buds ready for a day of traditional and non-traditional King Cake tastings, specialty cocktails, and food truck grub. This family-friendly event will have something for everyone - food, drinks, kid’s activities, live music, and a grand finale Secondliners walk to the 2:30 parade! A cash bar will be available during the event. A portion of event proceeds will go to benefit Fuse Project, a local organization that invests in initiatives promoting the health, fitness, education and social responsibility of our children. Cost - Adults $15 in advance $20 at the door, Children 12 and under FREE. Please visit www.eventbrite.com for more information.
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KidsHealthWatch
Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group
Infantile and Congenital Hemangiomas An infantile hemangioma is a collection of blood vessels on a person’s skin that can be small and flat or can grow to be raised and look like a soft, red cauliflower on top of the skin. Most people have had a child with a “strawberry birthmark” or have seen someone with this red mark. They can appear anywhere on the body and are always benign, but what else should you know about these marks? Five percent of children have a hemangioma, and it may be present until 13 years of age. An infantile hemangioma is not always visible when a child is born. The growth of a hemangioma is broken down into 3 phases. The first of these is the proliferation phase. This is when the hemangioma grows over the course of the first year with the most rapid growth occurring between 1-5 months old. After one year, the hemangioma begins the involution phase which lasts until about 7 years old. This is where the blood vessels start to disappear and the hemangioma gets softer, smaller, and lighter in color. The final
phase is the involuted phase in which the skin either returns back to a normal appearance by 13 years old or it leaves a mark- sometimes noticeable or sometimes subtle- where it was previously located. Hemangiomas are a type of congenital tumor that will never be cancerous nor will they be a risk factor for developing any type of cancer in the future. The majority of the time, these tumors never require any treatment. There are rare occasions in which your child’s doctor may prescribe a medicine in the first year to prevent a hemangioma from growing too large. If the hemangioma leaves some saggy skin or other marks after 7-13 years old then your pediatrician may send your child to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to remove any scar tissue. But again, this is rarely necessary. The second type of hemangioma is a congenital hemangioma. The primary difference between this and an infantile hemangioma is that the congenital hemangioma is noticeable at birth and will not grow any larger. These are
extremely rare and either 1) never start the involution phase and thus never disappear, 2) quickly start the involution phase before one year old, or 3) start the involution phase at one year old just like infantile hemangiomas. If you notice any birthmarks on your newborn or notice any skin changes that appear in the first year of life, have your pediatrician look at them during your baby’s check up. If it is a hemangioma, chances are your doctor will simply educate you on what to watch for and reassure you. Very rarely are ultrasounds or other tests needed when hemangiomas are found, but your doctor can discuss your child’s birthmarks specifically and counsel you further. Jennifer Adair, M.D., was born and raised in Mobile. She joined Children’s Medical Group in July 2013 and currently practices at their Airport office. Jennifer and her husband, Cory, reside in Mobile with their son, Finn, and their three dogs, Barkley, Fitz, and Roo.
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Autauga County Schools
Burns Band Performs at Government Plaza
Burns Middle school’s band director, Mr. Stephen Berry, enjoyed taking the band to Government Plaza to perform for Commissioner Connie Hudson.
Griggs Celebrates Alabama’s 200th Birthday!
Griggs received their Alabama Bicentennial Commendation from Governor Kay Ivey and a Bicentennial flag to kick off Alabama’s 200th year as a State. Schools around the state submitted how they celebrated “Alabama Day” to Alabama History
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Institute. Students sang songs, made Alabama Birthday cards, and even did some coding. Griggs was one of only five schools in the state chosen to receive a classroom set of PastPorts Books to use for the upcoming Bicentennial! Way to go Griggs Shining Stars!
Governor Ivey Visits E.R. Dickson Elementary School
E.R. Dickson Elementary School was honored Wednesday, January 9, 2019, to welcome Governor Kay Ivey. She read “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and visited with the Pre-K students. Governor Ivey is promoting childhood literacy as her inaugural issue, and she is a big supporter of Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program. E.R. Dickson is proud to house two of these Pre-K classes. E.R. Dickson was one of four schools that Governor Ivey visited during her statewide tour. Pictured with the Pre-K students of E.R. Dickson are (L-R) Jennifer Hayes, Raymonda Parker, Superintendent Chresal Threadgill, Governor Kay Ivey, Principal Katryna Kinn, Helen Morris, and Carole Hegwood.
National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony
Congratulations to the following students for being inducted into the National Junior Honor Society of Satsuma High School: Joshua A., Mariah A., Madison B., Mckenna B., Madison B., Claire B., Makenzie B., Brynleigh B., Raelyn C., Madison C., Isabella G., Nicole G., Carson G., Michael G., William G., Haylee H., Alexis I., Ian J., Samaria J., Jordan L., Peyton L., Matthew L., Catelyn M., Emily M., Rayce M., Presleigh M., Travis N., Ash-land R., Joseph R., Arabelle S., Brayden S., Baylor S., Christian S., Slade T., Caleigh T., Caleigh W.
Please send your school news and photos to: lynn@mobilebayparents.com.
Collier 4th Graders Achieve AR Goals
Jordan Jones is a 4th grade teacher at Collier Elementary. During 2nd Quarter, her ENTIRE homeroom earned their Accelerated Reading Goals! Between the 24 students, they read 49 book series and ALL of them scored 85% or higher on their AR tests! Mrs. Jones said, “I am so proud of these children! I truly feel they all achieved their goals because they found joy in celebrating each other, and it motivated them for success!” Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
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Bryant Hurricane Marching Band to Host Color Splash FUNDrun
The students of Bryant Hurricane Marching Band will host their second annual communitywide Color Splash FUNDrun by Get Active Fundraising on 03/30/19 at 8:00 AM at Bryant HS in Irvington to raise money for their band. Funds raised go towards the financial needs of the Hurricane Band including band uniforms, equipment, instruments and transportation costs. The Color Splash FUNDrun is an untimed 5K and One Mile fun run is for all ages and fitness abilities. Walk, jog, or run to the finish line! During the race, participants are doused with color at various color stations ending with one final color celebration at the finish line. Participants that register by 03/01/19 will receive a t-shirt, race bib, and individual color packet. You can sign up for the run by visiting secure. getactivefundraising.com and searching for your event or by completing a paper registration form obtained from a band member. Business sponsorship opportunities are also available. This is a great way to promote for any business and support your community. Please contact the event organizer for more information.
Lott Students “Earn” Donation Money for Alabama Food Bank
Thanks to the generosity and math skills of students at Lott Middle School, some needy families got a little help over the holiday season. Lott Middle and Imagine Learning presented a check for $500 to the Alabama Food Bank Association in December as a result of the students’ hard work in an educational and philanthropy program called Imagine Math. The program, developed by Imagine Learning, gives students “Think Points” for completion of various math lessons, and the students can then convert those points into a donation for a charity. Lott was the top point contributor in the state. “It feels amazing to know that you helped someone else by doing something like a math problem,” said Lott student Slaton Carter, one of the school’s top point producers in the program. Lott Principal Jason Golden, whose school has participated in the Imagine Math program for four years, said it not only provides extra incentive for students to do their math lessons, it helps improve their performance by providing individualized pathways that allow students to get extra help in areas in which they may be struggling. “It has helped our school-wide scores – the math scores go up each year – so the program works,” he said. “And we’re happy to give back to the local community.” The Alabama Food Bank Association represents all eight food banks in the state. Kim Lawkis, Director of Policy & Programs for the association, said the $500 would provide about 250 meals for needy children in the state.
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Autauga County Schools
Little Flower Welcomes Archbishop Rodi
Prichard Prep 5th Graders Achieve Accelerated Reader Goals
Archbishop Thomas Rodi made his annual visit to Little Flower Catholic School. After the celebration of Mass, he made the rounds and visited every classroom at the school. He was accompanied by Ms. Gwen Byrd, Superintendent of Schools. Shown standing from left are: Ms. Alesa Weiskopf, principal; Father Andrew Jones, parochial vicar at Little Flower Church; Archbishop Rodi; and Father John Lynes, pastor at Little Flower Church.
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Prichard Preparatory School students who achieved their quarterly Accelerated Reader goals earned the privilege of wearing their pajamas to school! This has become a tradition that the students look forward to and motivates them to work hard. Pictured are students in Ms. Lowe’s 5th grade class.
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St. Dominic Spelling Bee Winner
St. Dominic Catholic students in Grades 5 - 8 competed in the annual Spelling Bee. After many rounds of tough competition, not only spelling words but knowing their meanings, Grade 7 student Megan Trinh was named our school champion. She will represent us well at the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee to be held February 6.
UMS-Wright Alum Named as Senator Shelby’s Chief of Staff
UMS-Wright provides graduates with a foundation which prepares them to take full ad-vantage of future possibilities. Dayne Cuttrell ’06 is a perfect example. Recently, U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) selected him to serve as his new Chief of Staff. “Dayne is an experienced legislative strategist who has worked on issues that impact people all across our great state,” Shelby said. Before his promotion to Chief of Staff, Cuttrell served as the Staff Director for Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations. With this position, he managed the allocation of approximately $64 billion in total funding. That includes many line items important to Alabama: the Department of Commerce, which controls gulf fisheries issues through its NOAA agency; the Department of Justice and law en-for cement, which is building a massive new FBI complex in Huntsville; and NASA, which manages Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.
Phillips Raises Money for Breast Cancer Research
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Phillips students raised $1,100 to assist in Breast Cancer research. These funds were donated to USA Mitchell Cancer Institute.
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Autauga County Schools
Career Day at St. Luke's
In support of St. Luke's mission to prepare students for college and life, the school hosted career day for 9th-12th grade. More than 25 professionals from the community came to the upper campus to talk to the students about their careers. Students were allowed to pick 3 speakers that interested them. The speakers discussed coursework, testing, career paths, pros and cons of their careers, etc. In the future, students will pick another set of careers/speakers to expose them to as much information as possible in preparation for college and life.
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Clark-Shaw Serves as Alabama Bicentennial School
Great things are happening at Clark-Shaw Magnet School! With the release of school report cards from the Alabama Department of Education, Clark-Shaw scored a 99, up from 98 the year before. We are extremely proud of the efforts of our students and faculty to excel in both academic proficiency and measurable growth. This year we are also serving as an Alabama Bicentennial School. All students in grades 6-8 interviewed and recorded local oral histories as part of our school’s bicentennial project. These are being catalogued and uploaded to the school’s YouTube channel to be shared as part of the year-long celebration surrounding Alabama’s 200th year of statehood.
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Covenant Music Group at Nursing Home
Covenant Christian School’s Junior High music group, J-1:7, went on a field trip to perform at the Mobile Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Thank you, Anne Elise, Chloe, Haylie, and Nathan, for volunteering your time and talents to bless others. Special thanks to Mr. Marrero for being such a talented and patient music teacher!
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Davidson Students Utilize 3D Printing for Those in Need
The latest from Mr. Brewer's Engineering the Future class at Davidson: students Zoe Collier and Virginia Matthews created a prosthetic hand using a 3-D printer. The scope of the project came from enablingthefuture.org, an amazing group of individuals from all over the world who are using their 3D printers to create free 3D printed hands and arms for those in need of an upper limb assistive device.
SGA Hosts “Anything Warm Drive”
The SGA at Faith Academy hosted and "Anything Warm Drive" in January to gather winter attire for the individuals that attend One Meal. One Meal is a meal program for the homeless in downtown Mobile. Faith collected blankets, winter hats, coats, scarves, and gloves. Pictured is Senior, Kelsey Ball. 15
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The North Mobile Christian School Teacher versus Girls’ volleyball team game is a big accomplishment for the teachers to win because our girls’ volleyball team finished their season as undefeated champions! The teachers won 2 out of 3 matches!
UMS-Wright 7th Graders Serve the Community
In December, our 7th graders spent their Service Day cleaning up Municipal Park for the up-coming baseball season! At UMS-Wright, we believe being a servant leader is a vital part of developing students in mind, body and spirit. By volunteering in the community, our students have the opportunity to see first-hand that they can make positive impacts on society. It is important for us to instill a sense of volunteer ism so that they may understand that their acts of kindness have a lasting effect on those around them.
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Catering Service Volunteers at George Hall Christmas Program
Unbothered Catering Service graciously decorated and volunteered at Hall Elementary School’s Christmas program. They provided cookies, cupcakes, and hot chocolate to parents, staff and students. Pictured are Sandra Ankom, Tracey Fairley, Veronica Roberson, Kim Johnson, Oneida Davis, Felicia Collier and Maxine Likely.
The world could use a few more Saints. St. Paul’s Episcopal School is accepting applications for the 2019-2020 school year. Please contact our Admissions Office at 251.461.2131 or admissions@stpaulsmobile.net if you would like enrollment information or to schedule a campus tour!
Satsuma High School Selected as CLAS School Of Distinction George Washington Carver Elementary School, Macon County Schools; Satsuma High School, Satsuma City Schools; and Westside Elementary School, Demopolis City Schools have been selected as 2018 CLAS Schools of Distinction in State School Board District 5. Each school was nominated for this award by its respective superintendent. This award recognizes schools that serve as outstanding educational models for other schools in Alabama. These exemplary schools will be recognized at a luncheon February 25, 2019, in Prattville, Alabama at which time, the CLAS Banner School from State School Board District 5 will be announced. The CLAS Banner School program was created in 2001 to recognize schools in Alabama that showcase outstanding programs and service to students. 160 schools were nominated for this prestigious recognition. “Congratulations to these wonderful Alabama public schools. The CLAS Schools of Distinction provide excellent examples of the significant learning opportunities taking place in public education in Alabama. Further, the stakeholders at every School of Distinction are to be commended for striving for excellence daily,” comments Vic Wilson, Ed. D., executive director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS).
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Cottage Hill Christian Academy Student Named AL.com’s Coastal Alabama Offensive MVP Samario "Flip" Rudolph, a Cottage Hill Christian Academy senior was named to the Coastal Alabama All-Region Team and awarded Offensive MVP. Rudolph caught 81 passes for 1,667 yards and 24 touchdowns as the Warriors won the Class 2A, Region 1 title and made the playoffs for the first time since joining the AHSAA. Rudolph also had 10 kickoff returns for 517 yards and three touchdowns. Congratulations, Flip.
Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
Autauga County Schools Top 7 Finish for Cheerleaders in State Finals
This past fall while the varsity cheerleaders were boosting school spirit and leading pep rallies, they were busy with a new endeavor of their own. The St. Paul’s Varsity cheerleading team recently qualified for and competed in their first ever AHSAA State Final Cheerleading Competition at Wallace State of Hanceville. Saturday, December 15th, the cheerleaders competed in the Game Day division of competition. This three-minute routine consists of a band dance, offensive or defensive situational sideline, time out cheer, and fight song all incorporating tumbling, stunts, crowd leading props, and high energy crowd engagement. The Saints had a solid performance with zero deductions and placed 7th in the state in the 4A-5A category. The team scored a 92.9% perfection, only 2.5 points short of the 1st place position. These girls deserve a cheer all their own for such a solid routine and outstanding performance.
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Colonial Day at Corpus Christi Catholic School
Every year the 5th grade students at Corpus Christi Catholic School celebrate Colonial Day. The students come dressed in colonial-period attire and spend the day doing activities from this time period such as quilt making, stenciling, book making and games.
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St. Mary Library Cafe "Book Tasting"
The St. Mary 5th Grade Library Cafe was in full swing in Ms. Kyndel Edens' classroom as the class kicked off the second semester. Students were having a "book tasting" to help them decide which book they want to read for St. Mary's upcoming Book Clubs. Ms. Eden's room was transformed into a cafe, where the students were moving from table to table to review the different "menu items" and make their book selection.
MARCH 23rd & 24th
TICKETS STARTING AT $20. CALL TODAY! (251) 342-2241
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Autauga County Schools Mobile Christian Students Serve Mobile
During Spiritual Emphasis Week, our middle and high school students participate in Serve Mobile Day. This is a day dedicated to serving our community. Students, teachers and administration take the day to help others in the Mobile area. MCS students served in nursing homes, churches, food drives, animal shelters among many other places. One group prepared boxes for Operation Christmas Child and others hand delivered handmade Christmas door hangers to those unable to leave their home. It was a great day seeing our students serve their community.
St. Dominic Students Study DNA
St. Dominic Catholic School Grade 7 students are studying DNA. Under the guidance of Mr. John DiPlacido students conducted an experiment comparing their DNA to the DNA found in a strawberry.
Please email School News and Photos to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com.
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MCPSS Students Stuff the Bus with Toys
Two Mobile County Public Schools buses crossed the county over two days in December collecting donations in the system’s annual Stuff the Bus toy drive, and when it was over they delivered over 6,200 donated toys to WKRG’s Magical Christmas Toy Drive. The final count of donated toys was 6,254, which was up significantly over the past several years. “It’s all about kids to begin with and when you see these young people helping brighten the lives of other young children around this area, it’s heartwarming,” said WKRG meteorologist John Nodar. “It’s really sweet.” Forty-five schools participated in the drive, along with Central Office staff, Superintendent Chresal Thread-gill and the Mobile County Board of School Commissioners. Students from E.R. Dickson and members of MCPSS’ Transportation Department unloaded the buses at WKRG, which distributed the toys to needy families along the Gulf Coast through Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army. “They love seeing that big pile of toys under the tree in our school grow,” E.R. Dickson teacher Kelly Dunbar said of her students. “And it’s such a great lesson for them to see that giving right here, and how much Mobile County has impacted the community.”
District I High School and Middle School Principals of the Year
Murphy High School’s Joe Toomey and Scarborough Model Middle School’s Andrea Dennis have been named the District I high school and middle school Principals of the Year, respectively, by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals. Toomey is also the organization’s vice president and will assume the presidency next year. Dennis was named its vice president-elect. “I am honored and humbled to be chosen the High School principal of the year for district 1 in Alabama,” said Toomey, who has served as principal at Mary G. Montgomery High School and Clark-Shaw and Denton middle schools before coming to Murphy in 2017. “This a team award as I am blessed to have the best assistant principals and teachers in the county. I couldn’t be successful without my amazing faculty.” Dennis was named principal at Scarborough in 2016 after serving as an assistant principal at Theodore High, and oversaw Scarborough’s conversion to a Model Middle School. “While it is an honor to be recognized, it takes a community to establish a culture of learning and cultivate growth and achievement within a school,” Dennis said. “I am grateful to have a team committed to providing the quality instruction and building the support network that our students need to thrive. We will continue to provide an innovative learning environment that addresses the needs of our students and prepares them for future success.” Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
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Buddy Day at St. Ignatius
Buddy day is always a special day at St. Ignatius. During Buddy Day the older students get to spend some time playing games with their younger buddy. For our older students, it's a wonderful opportunity to get to know the younger students. For our younger Impalas, it's so much fun to spend the day with an upperclassman. Pictured here are buddies Meyer Levert, Emma O'Neill, Elizabeth King, Ella Porter, Frances Muscat and Megan Sophia Hilpert.
Davidson Students Build Projects for EPIC Expo Mrs. Wright’s 10th graders in the EPIC (Engineering Pathways and Integrated Curriculum) Academy, Computer Science track, recently built some hightech projects for their upcoming EPIC Expo! The projects included a self-watering irrigation system, a drought level sensor, and the beginnings of a mock wind turbine.
CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC SCHOOL Building the Body of Christ, One Student at a Time.
Now registering for the 2019-2020 school year! Established in 1958, Corpus Christi Catholic School provides students in K2 through eighth grade an outstanding education. The mission of Corpus Christi Catholic School is to nurture every child by providing opportunities to grow in faith, achieve academic success, and serve others as disciples of Jesus.
Causey Teacher of the Year
Causey Middle School congratulates David Civitelli on being selected Teacher of the Year for the 2018 – 2019 school year.
6300 McKenna Drive • Mobile, Alabama 36608 • school. corpuschristiparish.com
Questions? Please contact us: 251.342.5474 • school@corpuschristiparish.com
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LWCC Kingdom Academy Opens Mother Hall's Place
At LWCC Kingdom Academy, we value honor. We honor Legacy. For over 33 years, Mother Celestine K. Hall, the mother of our President & Founder, Dr. Levy H. Knox, has served LWCC and its Kingdom Academy’s food program faithfully. Upon her eternal transition in December 2018, in honor of her, the school’s cafeteria has been trans-formed and now the students enjoy their breakfast and lunch at Mother Hall’s Place!
Little Flower Catholic Praises Secretary
Little Flower Catholic School benefits daily from the presence of its secretary, Mrs. Loretta Daffin. School secretaries can help the school day run smoothly, and Mrs. Daffin says, "I want to know all the students and their families. Part of my job is to be there when a teacher or a student needs me." Mrs. Daffin has been a member of the Little Flower family for over 10 years and has served as secretary for 3 years. In recent weeks she has answered phones, greeted new families, helped in the cafeteria, acted as school nurse, notified teachers of students with early departures, decorated the school for Christmas, helped run a school raffle, and has generally been the smiling face that greets everyone entering the doors of the school.
Burns Service Club Thanks Prayer Shawl Ministry
Burns Middle School service club would like to thank the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Prayer Shawl Ministry for knitting scarves and washing clothes for them to take to the assisted living center. The residents loved them! Pictured are Mrs. Karen Goudie, Betty Watts, Virginia Midgette, and Sonia Stone.
CHCA Middle School Students Make First Night Bags Cottage Hill Christian Academy Middle School chapel small groups made first night backpacks for foster kids in the local area as their December mission project. Students donated money, shopped, packed, and prayed over the first night backpacks that will be given to children that enter foster care in the Mobile County area. Middle school students meet in small groups to study, pray, and learn to be the hands and feet of Jesus as they give back and serve others.
Recognizing Staff at E.R. Dickson Elementary
Congratulations to E.R. Dickson’s Staff member of the month for January – Ms. Angelia Moore, PE Paraprofessional and to Teacher of the Month for January – Ms. Emily Langan, 4th Grade Teacher!
Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
Prichard Students Share Their Dream Careers
Prichard Prep students were asked to share about why they love their school and how being a student here will help them achieve their dream job. Faculty, staff and board members feel it is extremely important for us to provide the academic foundation necessary to help them achieve their dreams. Pictured is Zoey Moore, a 5th grader in Ms. Lowe’s class, who dreams of becoming a “traveling nurse and RN”
St. Ignatius Geography Bee Winners
St. Ignatius is sending 6th grade student Jack O'Neil to the state Geography Bee competition. We would also like to congratulate Sam Hecker, Maggie Stuart and Aiden Holmes who placed in the Bee. 22
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Allentown Elementary School GATOR Kids for December
Pre-K – 2nd Grade, Front Row: Chandler Nicolaidis, RJ Miller, Jackson Singleton, Jase Cowart, Mad-die Garner, William Eldridge, James Edwards. Middle row: Huntleigh Combs, Jesus Manzo, Colt Robinson, Paisley Dixon, Melissa Fowler, Brooks Barnes, Grayson Arnett. Back Row: Anabelle Hutchinson, Mar’Kell Inge, Amya Robinson, Aiden Johnson, Anderson White, Jude Singleterry. 3rd – 5th Grade, Front Row: Kaleb Rushing, Kylie Rowell, Kennedi Sullivan, Isak Johnson, Robert Dunn, Keirsten Inman. Middle row: Braxton Carlisle, Javen Wynn, Marly Roberts, Rayne Trosclair, Coley Steadham, Kaitlyn Richardson. Back Row: Cooper Montgomery, Zaria Robinson, Douglas Dunnam, Ryleigh O’ Mary, Tanyjah Williams, Brayden Turner.
St Mary Catholic Encore Theater Productions
St. Mary Catholic Encore Theatre Productions just completed their fall performance of “A Very Merry Grinchmas”! including a Dessert Theatre Opening Performance. Under the direction of Mod era-tor, Tammy Nicholas, this group of middle school students puts on two productions each year, one in the fall semester and one in the spring. The students are gearing up for their spring performance, “Suessical!”
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Inspiring innovation starts with education. For 125 years, UMS-Wright has been sparking curiosity and creativity in students by expanding their minds in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. From K3 to twelfth grade, our students have the opportunity to explore our comprehensive STEM program. Upon graduation, the toughest problem to solve is college selection.
CLASS OF 2028 STEM Program Student
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St. Dominic Readers Share Learning with Youngsters
St. Dominic Catholic School Grade 5 students are showing that you don’t have to be an Eighth Grader to be a leader! Students in Grade 5 who reached their Accelerated Reader goal spent time reading to our PreK 4 students. Here Jonah Waits reads to Vikky Ely, Grayson York Adams and Major Wimberly.
St. Mary Catholic Spelling Bee Champ
Congratulations St. Mary 8th Grade spelling whiz, Maddie Sansbury, the St. Mary Catholic School Spelling Bee Winner! Maddie will move on to the Archdiocesan Competition to take place February 6 at St. Pius X.
Autauga County Schools St. Luke’s Annual Book Fair
St. Luke's recently finished the annual book fair for the lower school. The theme this year was "Enchanted Forrest", which was complete with books for everyone, accessories, trinkets, and photo props for fun! The new librarian, Karrie Tillman, did a
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PPS Ensemble Performs for Local Business Partners The Prichard Preparatory School Ensemble was invited to perform for the employees of AL.com, BBVA Compass and Hargrove Engineers. These businesses are school partners and the staff and students wanted to show appreciation for their support.
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Phillips Prep Offers IB Middle Years Programme
Phillips Preparatory is now officially the region’s only school to offer the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, and one of only seven schools in Alabama to be designated as an International Baccalaureate World School with Middle Years. With this designation, Phillips joins 1,266 schools in 108 countries offering the challenging curriculum that encourages students to think globally. The Middle Years Programme is a whole-school program with a flexible curriculum that promotes intercultural understanding, communication and holistic learning. Phillips’ faculty and students worked two and a half years to receive the designation, implementing IB standards in all classes. “We teach them about the world so they can make differences and be informed globally,” said Phillips eighth-grade language arts teacher Nicol Woodbury. “We don’t just teach our students the curriculum, we show them how to use it in their everyday lives so that when they see things going on in the world they will have a point of reference. “They’re not just listeners of the news or bystanders. They can do something.” The IB Middle Years Programme is designed to prepare students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme – which is offered at Davidson and Murphy high schools – for college and beyond. The Diploma Programme aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge – students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically. Students in the IB Diploma Programme take tests their senior year that allow them to earn college credit, and colleges seek out students who have completed the program. Council Traditional School, which feeds into Phillips, is one of only nine schools in Alabama that offers the IB Primary Years Programme. Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
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Phillips Receives New Lanterns
Special thanks to Mrs. Robin Whitney (retired) and the yearbook class of 2018 for their contribution of our decorative lanterns.
St. Paul’s Students Place in Alabama State Trumbauer Festival Three state theatrical St. Paul’s qualifiers competed against hundreds of other students from across this state in this year’s Alabama State Trumbauer Festival. Anna Holland earned a Superior rating for her Solo Varsity Pantomime. Isabella Brown earned a Superior rating for her Varsity Classical Monologue. Mary Elise Lane earned an Excellent rating in one of the toughest categories, Varsity Solo Musical Female Dramatic. Congratulations for your hard work and great results Saints!
Our K2-K4 program has full and part-time options. Starting in K2, students go to enrichment subjects: library, music, technology, P.E., foreign language, science lab. In August 2019, St. Luke's will add "MEDICAL" to our STEMM components starting in K2.
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Davidson Language Students Get Taste of France
Delicieux! Davidson French teacher Monsieur (Mr.) Edmonds treated with his French 2 class by making crepes. It’s going the extra mile that makes up the Davidson Difference!
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MCPSS Schools Improve on Alabama A-F Report Cards
Mobile County Public Schools showed marked improvement on the Alabama A-F Report Cards, which were released publicly in December. Thirty-one schools in Mobile County received As and Bs, up from 23 last year. And the number of schools receiving Ds and Fs decreased to 10 from 23. Two of the four Alabama schools that received perfect scores of 100 are Mobile County Public Schools – Council Traditional and EicholdMertz School of Math and Science. Meanwhile, five MCPSS schools improved two letter grades, including four that moved from Fs to Cs. “We’re going to celebrate the results for a second, and then we’re going to get back to work. We will not become complacent,” said MCPSS Superintendent Chresal Threadgill. “We will use these improvements as our motivation to work even harder. “This to me signifies that our students, faculty and staff can and WILL continue rising to my expectations.” The Alabama Report Card uses multiple indicators to assign number and letter grades to most public schools. All K-12 schools are graded on academic achievement, academic growth and chronic absenteeism. High school scores also take into account graduation rates and college and career readiness indicators. This is the second year for Alabama schools to receive A-F Report Card grades, which are required by an act of the Alabama Legislature.
Covenant Christian School Representative Nominees
During the recent Homecoming Week at Covenant Christian School, students and teachers selected several students from 6th-8th grade as Eagle Pride Representative Nominees. Nominees are chosen based on school spirit, extra-curricular participation, and demonstration of respect towards God and others. One overall Eagle Pride Representative is then selected from that group. Nominees included: Zoe, Jesse, Olivia (6th grade winner), Gavin, Reagan (7th grade winner), Luke, Lilly, Tatiana, Anne Elise, and Jonathan (8th grade winner). Congratulations students!
Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month.
Causey Teacher Delivers Donated Goods to Florida Hurricane-Damaged School
The students of Causey Middle School in west Mobile provided hurricane relief items to Lynn Haven Elementary School in Panama City, Fla., after it was damaged by Hurricane Michael in October. Causey sixth-grade teacher Lisa Counselman filled her sport-utility vehicle with the donations – including school supplies such as pencils, crayons and notebooks, as well as cleaning supplies – and delivered it all to the school in November. Causey also collected goods to help the community of Port St. Lucie, Fla.Lynn Haven Elementary was closed for several weeks following the Oct. 10 hurricane.
Cottage Hill Coach Named Coach of the Year
Congratulations to Cottage Hill Christian Academy’s Athletic Director and first year Head Foot-ball Coach, Chris Brazell, for being selected as the Call News 1A-5A Coach of the Year!
St. Mary Catholic Kindergarten Snow Day
Down in Mobile, It may have been a little warm on St. Mary’s “Kindergarten Snow Day” this January, but that did not stop St. Mary kindergarten classes from welcoming in St. Mary preschool students for a morning of fun! Dressed in “snow day” attire, our kindergarten students introduced the preschoolers to a morning in the life of a kindergarten student! Two snowman stories, snowman crafts, and a few cookies later, a great time was had by all! Thank you to Kindergarten teachers Karen Calametti, Ellen Marston, and Preschool Coordinator Mary Lou Ankersen for organizing this fun event! Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
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Covenant Christian School Art Competition Winners
Griggs Fall Stride Academy Winners! Congratulations to our Fall Break Stride Academy Challenge Winners! These students worked hard on lessons over the Fall Break and earned the most skill badges in their grade. Students celebrated their accomplishments with prizes and a hot chocolate party! Way to go Shining Stars!
Congratulations to our award-winning CCS Art students in this years’ “Love Our Gulf” Youth Art Competition. Our winning students in the Sculpture category: Emory (1st), Anne Elise (2nd), and Kimber (3rd). Our winning students in the Digital Art category: Chloe (1st), Avari (2nd), and Kathy (3rd).
Mobile Christian Middle School Drama
Mobile Christian’s Drama department will be putting on five plays this year! This semester the middle school class performed “Fairy Tale Misfits” about a girl who gets trapped in the land of rejected fairy tale characters.
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Autauga County Schools
E.R. Dickson 2nd Semester Safety Patrol
Congratulations to the 2018 – 2019 2nd Semester Safety Patrol at E.R. Dickson Elementary School! Back Row: Claire Nguyen, Timothy Dinkins, Dasianna Cole, Elijah Frazee, Shanta Rivers, Lexington Bush, Aundrea Pope, Ashley Peters, and Aniyah Bumpers. Middle Row: Madison Morrison, Maria Tecum, Trinity Collier, Cydney Garrett, Kaliyah Wilson, Autumn Harper, Carter Dunbar, Hope Hayes, Neshwan Arif, Britton Singleton. Front Row: Gabriella Jackson, Amoree Williams, Sebastien McRee, Josh Jones, Diana Dinh, Ava Flores, Michael Morrison, and Justin Tanner. Not Pictured: Kathryn McCrory, Katlyn Cone, London Riley, and Trey-vone Archie.
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UMS-Wright K3 Students Visit Middle School STEM Garden
Each year UMS-Wright 5th graders welcome their K3 schoolmates to the 5th grade STEM garden. 5th graders demonstrate how to plant, nurture, and harvest a variety of vegetables. The practice of allowing younger students to learn from older students who model appropriate behavior is a prominent part of UMS-Wright’s curricular and cocurricular programs. Regular cross-grade level interaction takes place in classrooms, choral rooms, theater labs and athletic facilities designed so that younger students will be influenced by positive role models in higher grades. The K3 students pictured above are learning the scientific process as introduced by their teachers and through interaction with 5th graders.
Griggs PTA Reflections Winners!
Congratulations to the following students that placed in the PTA Reflections con-test! Students submitted artwork in various categories and placed at the school level. The following students’ artwork will go on to the county level PTA Reflections competition! Primary Division (K-2): Garrett Bolton, Blake Sauce, Alexandra Lynch, Brooklyn Necaise. (Special Artist): Gary Lynch III. Intermediate (3-5): Kaitlyn Sauce, Lillian Strange, Daisy Taylor, Myah O’hear, Isabella Brown, Riley Courtney, Makayla Gates.
Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month.
MCPSS Graduation Dates for Class of 2019
Graduation dates have been set for the Class of 2019 in Mobile County Public Schools. The schedule, with ceremonies to be held at the Mitchell Center on the campus of the University of South Alabama, unless otherwise noted: Friday, May 10: Augusta Evans, 10 a.m. (school gymnasium); Citronelle, 7 p.m., (school football field). Monday, May 13: Bryant, 9:30 a.m.; LeFlore, 1:30 p.m.; Baker, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14: Vigor, 9:30 a.m.; Williamson, 1:30 p.m.; Davidson, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15: Theodore, 9:30 a.m.; B.C. Rain, 1:30 p.m.; Murphy, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16: Mary G. Montgomery, 9:30 a.m.; Blount, 1:30 p.m. Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
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MCPSS Honors our National Board-Certified Teachers
Mobile County Public Schools is proud its National Board-Certified Teachers. In honor of their hard work and dedication to MCPSS students, the system unveiled a tribute to them recently in the professional development center at Central Campus — their names in stars on the wall leading into Cypress Auditorium. Mobile County Public Schools teachers who have achieved National Board Certified Teacher status are: Susan Monday-Davis of Council; Dynette Ballard, Kelly Lomax, Debbie Turner and Deborah McLean of Central Office; Betsy Eagar of the Regional School; Donell Ederer of George Hall; Monica Bertolino of Kate Shepard; Kimberly Ingram, Staci Smith and Mandi Leonhardt of Pearl Haskew; Kelly O’Donnell of Old Shell Road; Kerrie Norris and Jessica Tomberlin of Griggs; Laurie Clark of Dawes Intermediate; Julie Neidhardt and Jan Hamilton of Hutchens; Angela Crawford of CLC; Nicol Woodbury, Angela Kennedy and Darlene Castelin of Phillips; Kerra Middleton of Tanner Williams; Janet Aube and Stacy Alawadi of Semmes Middle; Anna Mouton of ClarkShaw; Monica Douglas of Hollingers Island; Michelle Brown of Alba; Leslie Howard of Collier; Mary Knight of McDavid-Jones; Dana Sims of Maryvale; Samantha Gray of Theodore; Richard Dollison, Ginger Golson and William Edmonds of Davidson; Janet Patton of Citronelle; Alastair Stevenson of Griggs and John Will; Valerie Johnson of Semmes Elementary; and Sue Fairbanks of Dixon. National Board Certification was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. The certification process requires that teachers demonstrate standards-based evidence of the positive effect they have on student learning. They must exhibit a deep under-standing of their students, content knowledge, use of data and assessments and teaching practice. They must also show that they participate in learning communities and provide evidence of ongoing reflection and continuous learning. More than 118,000 teachers across the United States have achieved National Board certification.
Mobile Christian HS Drama Students Perform Interactive Murder Mystery
Mobile Christian’s high school drama department performed “Murders in the Heir”, an interactive murder mystery where anyone could be the killer. We are very excited to have a drama department at Mobile Christian this year.
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Autauga County Schools
Burns Builder’s Club and Yearbook Give Gift of Music
The Burns Middle School Builder’s Club and Yearbook went Christmas caroling at Elm Croft Assisted Living where they sang Christmas carols to the residents. They have been visiting this assisted living center for the past 10 years. We are thankful that the Activities director Ms. Ageing welcomes us back every year.
M A C Little Flower Spelling Bee Winners
Ten students from grades 5 through 8 participated in the annual Spelling Bee at Little Flower Catholic School. Grade winners were (front row, l to r): Grant Carney (8th grade), Karrington George (4th grade), Andy Vo (5th grade), Kourtney Tran (4th grade), and Andre Lang (5th grade); (back row, l to r): Savannah ConnerJackson (6th grade), Arianna Watson (7th grade), Victoria Tourne (8th grade), Adrianne Watson (7th grade), and Acari Jackson ( 6th grade). Victoria Tourne was the top speller, and Adrianne Watson, and Andy Vo were close behind. Victoria Tourne will represent the school at the archdiocesan spelling bee.
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private CVICU rooms, 16 private CCU rooms, 2 CV operating rooms and 2 cath labs
Learn how you can help. Visit www.ChildrensAL.org/heart. For Children’s Financial Assistance information, call 1.844.750.8950 or visit www.childrensal.org/financial-assistance
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MGM Science Teachers Achieve National Board Certification and State Award
Congratulations to MGM science teachers Dr. Karla McInnis and Mrs. Sonya Scott for recently becoming National Board-Certified Teachers. Dr. McInnis began the lengthy, intensive process because she desired to improve her teaching. Mrs. Scott joined her in this journey as she too was interested in improving her effectiveness in the classroom. The NBCT process requires teachers to interpret the guide-lines given and apply them to their classrooms while submitting videos of their teaching for others to judge. Throughout this experience, both learned to reflect on themselves, their teaching practices, and their students’ level of learning. This process has taught both to change their tactics for each grade level they teach and to take the time to learn more about what their students are doing outside the classroom in order to build better relationships and relate learning to real-life experiences. While the process of becoming a NBCT was daunting at times, both of these extraordinary teachers achieved this status through dedication and determination both to themselves and their students. In addition to becoming a NBCT, Mrs. Scott also recently received the Alabama Science Teacher Association Out-standing High School Teacher Award. Mrs. Scott was nominated by her peers for this award. She then submitted a resume, a statement about her teaching philosophy, a statement about how she incorporates inquiry in her classroom, and two letters of recommendation – one written by a former student. When asked what this award means to her, Mrs. Scott said, “It means a lot to be chosen from candidates not only from Mobile County, but all over the state of Alabama. It is such an honor to be recognized for the many hours I devote to my school and my students. Additionally, it brings recognition to Mary G. Montgomery, which is truly ‘The Best High School in the Mobile County Public School System,’ a fact many people do not know! I work with exceptional colleagues and wonderful students.” Pictured are Dr. McInnis and Mrs. Scott.
St. Luke’s Football Star
Congrats to St. Luke's senior, Jermaine Brown, for being named 1a through 5a offensive player on the year again.
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New Healthy Media Habits for Young Kids
match for your child’s age and developmental stage. Read product reviews from independent sources (like Common Sense Media). Say no if you’re not comfortable with it. And when you approve something, help your kids enjoy it along with their other activities. Don’t use screens right before bed, and keep them out of the bedroom overnight. Kids really need their sleep. Screens in the bedroom -- especially in the hour before bedtime -- interfere with the entire process of winding down, preparing for rest, and waking up refreshed and ready to tackle the day. If you’re unable to make the bedroom a screen-free zone (which is optimal but not always possible), keep TVs off for at least an hour before bedtime and set tablets or phones to night mode, turn off any notifications, and/or consider using Guided Access or another device setting to keep phones/tablets locked on a music or an alarm clock app. Turn off the TV if no one is watching it. A lot of parents of young kids keep the TV on for company. But so-called background TV has been shown to get in the way of parents talking and interacting with their kids -- which are key to helping kids learn language and communication. Background TV can also expose kids to age-inappropriate content. Seek out other forms of entertainment that you can listen to with your kid, such as music, kids’ podcasts, and audiobooks. Make time for enjoying media with your kids, especially reading. Reading to your kid is one of the best things you can do -- period. It’s great for bonding, but it also sets the stage for learning. While it’s nice to have a little library of books at home, you can read whatever’s available and it’ll be good for them. Product labels, signs, packaging copy -- anything with words is fine. If you’re raising your kid in a place where you don’t completely know the language, feel free to read books or articles to them in your native tongue. Or just make up stories -- it’s the rhythm, sounds, and communication that are important for kids to hear. Practice what you preach. Remember, your kids are watching you. When your kids are little, create a family media plan to help you balance media and tech (theirs and yours) with all of the other things that are important to you. This isn’t just for them; it’s for you, too. Schedule in downtime, chores, homework, outdoor fun, reading, meals, etc. And then figure out how much extra is available for TV shows, games, apps and other media activities. Don’t worry about counting up daily screen time minutes -- just aim for a balance throughout the week. Try to carve out times and locations that are “screen-free zones.” Hold yourself to them. Kids learn more from what we do than what we say, so make sure you’re role-modeling the right habits.
Despite pediatricians’ ongoing recommendations to curb kids’ screen use, the Common Sense Census: Media Use by Kids Age Zero to Eight 2017 found that families with young kids are buying up mobile devices, using screens before bed, and streaming tons of video. But plenty of parents think their own kids’ media use is perfectly fine, and most believe that on the whole, it’s good for kids. So what does it mean when the reality doesn’t match the recommendations? It’s time for new rules. Not no rules, just different ones -- you may be OK for now, but studies show that media use steadily increases as kids get older, and there are risks to overexposure. Changing your approach to screen management before the tween and teen years will increase the chances that the stuff they’re interacting with is (mostly) good for them. It also allows you to think more deeply about how, when, and why you want your family to be using technology, so it enhances and enriches your lives. Interestingly, the census found that even with all the new things kids are doing, their total daily amount of screen time hasn’t changed that much in six years. That’s good news because as long as you have basic limits, you can focus on choosing quality media and tech to make screen time really count. And with many parents reporting that media use benefits their kids’ learning and creativity, the new rules call for co-viewing and co-playing to boost those positive benefits (rather than screaming at your kids to turn off the computer). Some parents ask: Why restrict media at all? Because honestly, nothing takes the place of the things that are proven to be best for little kids’ bodies and minds, like talking, playing, growing bored, and learning how to do stuff -- especially in the crucial early years of a kid’s life. At the end of the day, it’s not your doctor you have to answer to -- it’s your kids. Media and tech are and will continue to be huge in their lives. Start now to create a balanced approach that keeps everyone healthy.
5 Tips for Parents of Young Kids Choose the good stuff (and not too much!). When your kids ask to see, play, or download something, don’t just take their word for it -- check up on it. A lot of the age recommendations on media products are the creators’ best guess and aren’t necessarily a Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
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You Need Words, Not Actions Q. My husband and I have about $20,000 in credit card debt, plus payments on a new truck. We also have a camper he bought before we got married that we’re still making payments on. I recently received a $50,000 inheritance, and I’d like to use that money to help get us out of debt and open a savings account. My husband says he is onboard, but he keeps buying things we don’t have the money for. What can I do? A. I want you guys to get control of your finances and have a better life, too. But until your husband is willing to get rid of the camper and the truck, I’d hang on to the inheritance money. Right now, you need more than his words—you need his actions. At this point, the real issue isn’t the debt or the idea of using the gift you received to pay off the
debt. The issue is you can’t see a future where your husband isn’t going to repeat the same financial stupidity. You need to have that future cleared up, and it isn’t going to be cleared up until he proves he has changed his heart and his ways. In his case, that means showing he has become a grown-up and isn’t buying toys he can’t afford anymore. I know where you are, and I know where he is right now. I’ve been there. Years ago, I was a “grown man” but I was still really a little boy buying things I couldn’t afford to impress people I didn’t even know. This guy likes stuff. It’s time he start putting you and your family first. Keep talking to him. Explain how important it is to you that you’re both on same page financially and in every other aspect of your marriage. Until he proves he’s ready to do that, though, I’d say just hold on to the inheritance money.
Changing jobs and retirement savings Q. What happens to my Roth 401(k) when I change jobs and go to a company that doesn’t offer this type of investment savings account? How should I proceed? A. Anytime you leave one company for another, you should always roll your 401(k) from your former employer into an IRA (Individual Retirement Account). If it’s a traditional IRA, you roll it to a traditional IRA. If it’s a Roth IRA, you roll it to a Roth IRA. You would choose your own mutual funds, and you would manage your own accounts, with the help of a financial advisor of your choosing. When it comes to choosing a financial advisor, my advice is to find someone with the heart of a teacher. A good financial advisor will help you make informed decisions about your money, and they will explain all aspects of your investments until you fully understand everything. Also, look for someone with the ability to assess your overall retirement picture.
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Tracking Top Train Toys
Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids
Ranking high among toys that inspire obsessive interest among children, trains are one of the most accessible fascinations for kids everywhere. Beyond encountering trains on daily commutes, there are a host of rail systems and railroadinspired toys that are ideal for supporting young interest in trains. With its variety of configurations, train set play can also foster spatial reasoning, understanding of systems and pattern recognition among young enthusiasts. Echoing the whistle and chimes, the rumble and clack of their real-life counterparts, children can bring the mechanical marvels of locomotive transport to life through pretend-play with trains.
by Gerry Paige Smith
Melissa & Doug Figure Eight Train Set
Thomas & Percy’s Trackmaster Railway Race Set
Durable, easily manipulated wooden train tracks and cars are ideal for starting a young railroad fan down the right track. The Figure Eight Train Set offers a continuous circuit to build with twenty interlocking track pieces. Crafted from lightweight solid wood with easily connected puzzle piece ends, small hands will have no trouble assembling the eight, or a track shape of their choice. The set also comes with a wooden engine and coal car that attach with magnets for minimal frustration. Working well with similar wooden train systems, the Melissa & Doug Figure Eight Train Set is just the beginning of an expanding enterprise for railroad engineers.
Ready for racing, two of Sodor’s most beloved trains pair up for a friendly competition that takes exciting twists and turns along the way. Motorized Thomas and Percy are primed at the starting line and when the braking track is released, these two racing engines surge forward in their steampowered contest. Parting ways at a breakaway bridge, each engine navigates a separate path as they course toward victory. Famous for their expressive faces, these racing models of Thomas and Percy are customized with especially determined features as they vie for the checkered flag finish. Fisher Price’s Trackmaster toys also offer connectible expansion packs for young Thomas tycoons who want to grow their track footprint in Sodor.
Little Tikes Tumble Train
V-Tech Sit-to-Stand Alphabet Train
Adding unpredictability to the journey, Little Tikes Tumble Train turns a ride on the rails into a twisting and turning tossup. With adult help recommended, the lightweight tracks connect into a colorful infinity bend. Once the three-dimensional track is assembled, the battery powered train engine is ready to move the tracks themselves as it navigates the twists and turns. The weight of the engine grounds each section of the track it travels, causing the track assembly itself to lift and tumble as it accommodates the train’s movement. Ideally enjoyed in a flat open space of floor, it’s both fun to follow or the perfect foil for a game of dodge. The train can also run off-rail as a separate play vehicle. For those who love surprising twists and tumbles in an otherwise predictable playspace, Little Tikes Tumble Train turns the railroad map on its ear!
Before they’re ready to assemble their own tracks, little railroad fans can get acquainted with trains through a host of activities offered by V-Tech’s Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train. With the overall profile of a locomotive and car, this train is packed with interactive learning opportunities and physical encouragement. Featuring components to manipulate alphabet blocks that feed into a responsive slots, kids get entertaining feedback through songs, sounds and phrases. For toddlers making their move from floor to feet, the train itself is designed to support riding as well as pull-up guidance. Once they’re walking, tots can load up the caboose and use it as a pull-along. Supporting positive engagement and development on every front, this train helps kids take their first step onboard.
(Fisher Price)
(Melissa & Doug)
(V-Tech)
(Little Tikes)
Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com
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they loved middle school. Even people with positive memories never tout it as the best years of their life. Simply put, it’s an awkward season. It’s a time of constant changes, social shakeups, and swinging emotions. If I’ve learned anything from my work with adolescent girls, it’s how hungry this age group is for comfort and reassurance. So, middle school kids, let me assure you that life picks up. There’s a bigger, more promising world beyond your current of passage. In the meantime, I have a few truths to center you. I hope they bring you peace and a little friendly guidance. Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
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Truth #8: Today’s most awkward moments will be tomorrow’s funniest memories. Keep a sense of humor. Those braces on your teeth that collect food? That acne on your face that miracle creams can’t cure? That giddy rush you get when your crush walks by, and you can’t think straight? One day these things will be really funny! They’ll be the memories you rehash over and over with your siblings and oldest friends. Eventually you’ll have a dazzling smile, clear skin, and someone to love. Your current problems will have closure. So stay mindful of the big picture, and remember that even your worst experiences will pass.
Truth #7: You don’t want to peak in middle school (or high school or college, for that matter). The worst goal you can have is popularity. What often makes adolescents popular – running with the fast crowd, dominating peers, living a superficial life-
style – eventually leads to problems. A successful person gets better with time. You go from being version 1.0 of yourself to version 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and so on. But when you chase popularity, you peak early. You stop growing because you’re stuck in instant gratification mode. Seek to peak later in life. Make good choices that set you up for a bright future. If you’re not a superstar now, that’s okay. This simply means there are better things ahead.
Truth #6: Technology makes it easier than ever to ruin relationships and reputations. We live in an age where people post everything online – feelings, emotions, and pictures. Technology used wisely is great, but too often, it’s used impulsively. Our fingers jump ahead of our brains, and within seconds, we can trigger pain and misunderstandings. So please, think twice before texting, emailing, or posting on social media. Cool off before giving someone a piece of your mind, reacting out of jealousy or anger, embarrassing someone, or sending an
inappropriate photo. Use the Internet for good, not as a dumping ground.
Truth #5: Surrounding yourself with good company is imperative. Yes, you’re called to love everyone, but not everyone deserves a place in your innermost circle. Some people you love up close and personal; others you love at arm’s length because inviting them into your life invites disaster. Sooner or later, a bad influence will rub off. You’ll either make choices against your better judgment or wind up in a bad predicament. Your closest friends should lift you up. They should have goals, values, and a genuine desire to see you reach your full potential.
Truth #4: It’s okay if you don’t have your life planned out. You probably know kids with immense talent and drive. They’ve trained for years and know exactly what they want in life. Deep down, you may fear you’re getting left behind. Why do they have their act together, and you don’t?
New Name. Same Doctors.
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interests. Just set goals for yourself, use your gifts, and head in a good direction. Set a positive trajectory so that when you do discover your “thing”, you’re ready to soar.
Truth #3: Applause can be misleading. Even a huge mistake can get you cheered on wildly.
But even the best plans will face curveballs. Even driven kids will wind up on different paths than they originally envisioned. So if your future isn’t mapped out by 9th grade, take heart! You’re young and have plenty of time to explore your
Through social media, popularity is quantifiable. You can gauge your performance by how many “likes”, comments, and shares you get. But remember, numbers alone can be misleading. To get the full picture, you must measure numbers against the truth. After all, Jesus Christ had 12 followers. Adolf Hitler had millions. These figures speak for themselves. Live for the quiet peace inside you. What makes you feel good about yourself? What helps you rest easy at night? You know the truth by how you feel deep down. And when you seek your applause from within, you don’t need the applause of public approval.
Truth #2: There’s a difference between helpful advice and hurtful criticism. Be careful who you listen to.
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Some people want you to succeed. Others don’t. Develop a strong filter for whose words you take to heart – and whose words you ignore.
Truth #1: You’re AWESOME. Truly, you are. And all these crazy changes are leading to something amazing. In the grand scheme of life middle school is just a blip, so keep it in check. Have fun, dream big, and make good choices. One day you’ll look back and laugh at the absurdities, and if you’re lucky, you’ll enjoy some humor in it now. MBP Kari Kampakis is a Birmingham mom of four girls, as well as an author, speaker, blogger, and columnist. Her books for teen girls, LIKED and 10 ULTIMATE TRUTHS GIRLS SHOULD KNOW, have been used widely across the country for small group studies. You can find Kari on Facebook and Instagram, visit her blog at karikampakis. com or contact her at kari@karikampakis.com.
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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston
The Teen “Spin Cycle” There is nothing worse than living with a teen spinning out of control, and no worse feeling than the hopelessness parents experience in the process. It is difficult to know what to do and how to react when your teen daily reaches new lows in disobedience, dishonesty, and disrespect, and chooses every wrong thing. Your teen is caught in what I call, “The Spin Cycle,” and he or she needs you to intervene. The downward spiral can have tremendous destructive potential with lifelong consequences, or even bring a young life to a quick end. When teens spin out of control, they need a responsible adult to respond, even if they do everything they can to keep you out of it. In fact, you must! You cannot ignore or overlook inappropriate behavior, or simply do nothing. If you’re caught in that cycle with your teen, then my advice is to act now. Don’t wait and don’t ignore the evidence that your teen is spinning out of control. Act today based on what you know is true – your faith, your own beliefs, and what you know is best for your child. And, by the way, I’d like to help you as well!
So, Where Do You Begin? You can start with a simple truth and consequences message, “Honey, we’re not going to live like this anymore.” Or, “I will no longer stand by and watch you destroy yourself, we’re going to address what’s going on, get some help, and get through this together.” Make the message clear, “The negative behavior we’re seeing will no longer be allowed or tolerated in our home, and if it doesn’t stop, you will not be able to live here.” The point is not to kick them out so you don’t have to worry about them anymore (neither can you if they are underage), but
you can use the threat of losing the comfort of your home as a tool to get them thinking about the consequences of continued inappropriate behavior. There are many programs and schools designed to deal with struggling teens and keep them safe, like our Heartlight residential program in Texas. If you need help with finding such a program, simply give me a call and I’ll help you find the right program. Fact is, just having a boarding school, boot camp, military school or wilderness therapy program materials on the counter for your teen to see may be enough to get them to sit up and take notice that you are serious about making a change. Don’t expect your teen to like the fact that you are calling a halt to their inappropriate behavior. They probably won’t appreciate your attempts to deal with their bad behavior. Their first response will most likely be anger or resentment. But the time your child may spend hating you is short, and compared to the entirety of a life, it’s just a blip on their radar. Secretly, he or she may feel relieved and thankful you cared enough to intervene, giving them a good excuse to say “No” to their peers when asked to participate in the wrong things. Usually, a teen figures out that life will be much easier if they change their behavior so they can stay at home and work things out with their parents, but not always and not always right away.
Then What? Once you start down the path of responsible parenting, don’t stop, and don’t be pulled down to their level with childish fighting. Stay calm and focused on what you want for them and deal with the heart of the issue. Give them permission to struggle with things knowing that your love for them will never change. But set the limits and boundaries you know he or she needs, and above all be firm. 39
DON’T Don’t – Act out of anger. Don’t – Get physical – if tempers flare and voices are raised, take a break, keep it cool. Don’t – Ignore what is happening in hopes it will just go away, it won’t. Don’t – Build monuments to your grief, or park yourself in the valley. Don’t – Give in when you know you should stand your ground.
DO Do – Act on the truth. Do – Seek help from qualified professionals and connect with support outside your family. Do – Handle yourself in a manner that keeps your relationship with your teen alive, as it may determine the kind of relationship you’ll have 10 years from now. Do – Change your own bad habits when it’s obviously your fault. There’s never a good time in our busy lives to be faced with a crisis like dealing with a teenager caught in the spin cycle. It can be very difficult, but keep in mind that more parents of teens are going through the same thing with their own teenager. Seek them out and find a place where you can share your feelings and gain strength and support from each other. The struggle may seem endless, and you may feel hopeless at times, but the time to act is now, and it may very well save your teen’s life. Doing nothing is not an option for a caring parent. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.
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Looking for daycare is one of the more stressful tasks parents of young children face. Not only do parents have to contend with the logistics, such as convenience of location and hours of operation, but of utmost concern is safety and development of their child. Although national statistics on abuse and neglect by daycare providers alone isn’t readily available, some experts estimate approximately 5% of child abuse and neglect cases occur at daycare homes and facilities. So parents should take extra precautions in finding suitable care for their children.
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There are several steps parents can take before sending their child to a new daycare to ensure their child’s safety and well-being. If possible, try to visit several daycare homes or facilities so you can make comparisons.
Is the Daycare Licensed?
The first thing to look for is whether a daycare facility or home is licensed. Licensing is required in most states if the caregiver isn’t a relative. Visit your state’s licensing and regulatory affairs department website to look up a daycare to ensure its license is current.
Is the Daycare in Compliance?
While you’re at the website, find out what your state’s requirements are for daycare homes and centers, so you know what to expect. You’ll want to keep this information handy when you tour the home or facility, so you know whether the daycare you’re considering complies.
The Daycare Tour
A tour of the daycare will tell you a lot. So don’t be shy about asking for a full tour. Think of it, however, as an inspection. Look for the following:
• Are all areas that are used by or accessible to children thoroughly childproofed? • Are there safety plugs in all electrical outlets? • Are stairways securely blocked off? • Do kitchen and bathroom cabinets have child locks? • Do exterior doors have safety locks up high? • Is there a pool or hot tub in the area? If so, it should be completely fenced off with a childproof gate. • Is there a fenced outdoor play area? • Is it tidy aside from toys children are playing with? • Do the bathroom and kitchen appear sanitary? • Is the heating or cooling set at a comfortable temperature? • Are there adequate toys and equipment for the number and ages of children? • Do cribs, playpens, and other baby equipment meet safety standards? • Is the number of children present within the capacity the daycare’s licensed for? Does the daycare meet the appropriate ratio of caregivers to children? • Does it smell clean? Or do you smell neglected diapers or cigarette smoke? • Are the children happy and content? • Is there ample space for the children to play? • How does the staff interact with the children?
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The Daycare Interview
This is another and equally important step to finding a quality loving environment for your child. Take this list of questions with you and add your own questions as well. • What is the maximum number of children you have in your care at any time? • What are the age ranges of the children you care for? • What types of activities do you do with the children? • Are meals and snacks provided? If so, of what do they consist? Also, what time do the children eat? • Can I drop in unannounced? • How do you handle discipline? • Do you ever take children in the car? If so, are there enough child seats and seat belts for each child? • Are there other members living in your home or outside staff who will care for the children? If so, who are they and what are their ages? • How are naps handled? • What is the experience or education of the daycare provider and staff? • What is your policy when a child is sick? • Can I talk to the parents of other children you care for? • Is video available so I can peek in at my child from my computer or phone? MBP Kimberly Blaker is the author of a kid’s STEM book, Horoscopes: Reality or Trickery? She also writes a blog, Modern FamilyStyle at www. modernfamilystyle.com.
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St Pr Corpus Christi Catholic School Preschool ad on page 21
6300 McKenna Drive, Mobile, 36608 Corpus Christi Catholic School’s preschool provides a warm, nurturing environment with age appropriate activities. An experienced, well trained staff and certified teachers are dedicated to providing the highest quality child care. This program provides children the opportunity to learn, play, and grow in a safe, developmentally appropriate learning environment. Our mission is to provide the building blocks for a life-long love of learning and academic success. We are a Christ-centered Catholic environment where children develop socially, physically and spiritually. Hours: Monday-Friday, Full day hours are 7:55am3:00pm, and half day hours are 7:55am-11:55am, Extended care before and after school is available. Ages: 2 years - K4 Contact: Mrs. Kristy Martin (251) 342-2424 school@corpuschristiparish.com school.corpuschristiparish.com
Covenant Christian School ad on page 21
7150 Hitt Road, Mobile, 36695 Kindergarten for 4-year-olds is provided either three or five mornings a week, from 8 – 12. Our 5-year-olds attend school five mornings a week, from 8 – 12. We are committed to introducing young minds and hearts to a successful first school experience. We feature a qualified Christian faculty, with a positive learning environment. Our program offers developmentally appropriate activities including daily Bible lessons, strong phonics, language, and reading instruction, a hands-on math program, small classes, physical education classes, field trips, along with music and art classes. After school care is available. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 12:00pm Ages: K4-8th (251) 633-8055 info@covenantschool.com www.covenantschool.com
Faith Academy Preschool ad on page 3
8650 Tanner Williams Rd, Mobile, 36608 Celebrating 43 Years of Excellence in Christian Education! Before and after school care available. Faith Academy School has PK3-12 grade. Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:50-3:05 Ages: K3 - K4 Contact: Dwan Kirby (251) 633-7267 www.faithacademy.us
Learn, Play, Grow Childcare ad on page 19
513 Georgian Dr, Mobile, 36609 Montessori and school readiness educational curricMobile Bay Parents I February 2019
ulum. This benefits social skills, strong foundations, concentration skills and enthusiasm for learning. Full-day & Scholl-day programs. Extracurricular enrichment is also available. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm Ages: Infant-6 years old (251) 342-5399 www.weinackersmontessori.com
Learning Tree – The Little Tree Preschool ad on page 15
1176 Azalea Road, Mobile, 36693 The Little Tree Preschool offers high quality preschool education for ALL children. Our small classes are taught by certified teachers with low student-teacher ratios. Our children are encouraged to grow as learners by building on individual strengths to establish a strong foundation for school success. The curriculum is comprehensive and encourages children to explore and discover answers, and we provide a social setting to promote healthy self-esteem and sensitivity to the needs of others. Ages: 2 ½ - 5 Contact: Christy McSpadden (251) 649-4420 ext. 1225/1226; (251) 288-8916 www.learning-tree.org
Mobile Christian School ad on page 14
5900 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, 36609 Mobile Christian School’s PreK3 Program provides a loving Christian atmosphere where children may grow in their knowledge of God, themselves and the world. The preschool curriculum is designed to provide children with a variety of enrichment and readiness experiences.The PreK4 Program at Mobile Christian is designed to provide an atmosphere that encourages, stimulates and challenges our students through a well-structured curriculum. Following a daily routine the child’s needs are met socially, emotionally, physically, academically, and spiritually. Elementary Students have the opportunity to participate in athletics beginning in K3. Students K3, K4 and K5 participate in weekly Spanish, Music, Computer, and Library classes. Students participate daily with SMART boards, PE, Handwriting without Tears, Saxon Phonics and other college preparatory curriculum offerings. Mobile Christian will have a brand new, state of the art Elementary Complex for the 2019-2020 School year. The new building will house K3-5th grades. Sharing a campus with the middle and high school provides a smooth transition for students that stay at Mobile Christian through graduation. Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:55am-2:50pm, Before and After School Care Available Ages: PK3 - PK5 Contact: Dr. Deborah Curry, Principal (251) 661-1613 info@mobilechristian.org www.mobilechristian.org
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Mobile Junior Academy ad on page 8
1900 Cody Road South, Mobile, 36695 The 4K/Kindergarten program is structured to provide a relaxed atmosphere in which each child has an opportunity to succeed, to be creative, and to develop at his/her own rate. The curriculum is Kendall Hunt’s Stepping Stones, which is part of the Pathways series. The Bible curriculum has a themed approach throughout the year to instill Christian values. The Biblical creation story is the basis of the science curriculum. Learning emphasis is placed on nature and the Scriptures, thus acquainting the child with a loving God. A variety of activities including stories, music, play, art, cooking, field trips, role-playing, games, videos, and computers provide each child with a program for total development. Stepping Stones prepares the student for first grade with learning experiences in reading readiness, math, handwriting, music, art, and social interaction. These are adapted to each child’s needs to make school an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:00am - 3:00pm. Friday hours are 8:00am - 2:00pm. Ages: PK4 - 8 Contact: (251) 633-8638 mobilejunioracademy.com
St. Luke’s Episcopal School ad on page 25
3975 Japonica Lane, Mobile, 36693 St. Luke’s Episcopal School is a college preparatory K2-12th grade school. Our Early Childhood Division is proud to offer 2-year old and 3-year-old kindergarten (3 and 5 half and full day options), 4-year-old kindergarten (full and half day options), and 5-year-old kindergarten (full and half day options). Children at St. Luke’s begin their educational journey in a nurturing, positive environment under the guidance of caring and committed teachers. We believe that a positive early childhood experience is vital to future academic success. We provide this experience through a supportive environment that allows every child to take on new challenges and experience success. Our academic skills are introduced and reinforced through creative age-appropriate games and unit activities involving reading, numbers, social studies, and science. The Early Childhood curriculum is based upon the premise that young children learn best when they are actively engaged in meaningful experiences. Students attend a weekly Early Childhood chapel service and enrichment classes that include music, art, computer, foreign language, Science lab, library, technology, and P.E. We have recently incorporated MEDICAL into our STEMM components beginning in our K2 classes. Our extra-curricular Kiddie Cats sports program (intramurals) provides
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spirited competition designed to develop self-discipline and self-confidence, promote physical fitness and learn good sportsmanship while teaching the basics of each sport. St. Luke’s has a full-time nurse on staff and provides early morning care beginning at 7:00, after school Stay and Play, after school enrichment classes, summer camp, and child care on many of the school holidays. Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-3:30pm Ages: K2 - K5 Contact: Hilary DeArmon (251) 666-2991 hdearmon@stlukesmobile.com www.stlukesmobile.com
St. Mary Catholic School Preschool Program ad on page 41
107 N. Lafayette Street, Mobile, 36604 St. Mary Catholic preschool curriculum provides a loving, safe, stimulating, and Christian environment that values and respects the individuality of each child. St. Mary believes in a developmentally appropriate curriculum for children three and four years of age. The focus of the preschool curriculum is to prepare children socially, emotionally and academically for the many challenges that elementary school brings. St. Mary Catholic is the oldest existing elementary school in the state of Alabama, offering education from preschool thru grade 8 partnering with McGill-Toolen Catholic High School. Hours: Monday-Friday, Half and full day options: 8:00am-12:00pm and 8:00am-3:00pm. After School Care is also available. Ages: 3 - 4 years Contact: Debbie Ollis, Principal (251) 433-9904 dollis@stmarymobile.org www.stmarymobile.org
St. Mary Parish Mom’s Day Out ad on page 41
1413 Old Shell Road, Mobile, 36604 St. Mary Mom’s Day Out is a ministry of St. Mary Parish. We are dedicated to provide a nurturing environment that meets the needs of our children. We provide care for children ages 6 weeks to Preschool readiness at age 3. Curriculum begins in each classroom starting at 12 months old till they are ready to go to preschool. The daily curriculum
includes circle time, literacy, art, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, music, and outside play. They will begin to learn their alphabet, colors, shapes, and numbers.The at St. Mary Mom’s Day out is to promote developmental skills in the emotional, social, creative, cognitive and physical areas. St. Mary Mom’s Day Out partners with St. Mary Catholic School. Hours: Monday- Friday, 7:15 a.m to 5:30 p.m. with full and part-time options. Ages: 6 weeks - age 3 Contact: Alex Stroecker (251) 432-8678 momsdayout@stmarymobile.org
Weinacker’s Montessori School ad on page 29
St. Paul’s Episcopal Early Education Center ad on page 17
4051 Old Shell Road, Mobile, 36608 The Early Education Center of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church serves families with 2 and 3 year old children in coordination with the academic calendar of St. Paul’s Episcopal School. The goal of The Early Education Center is to instill a love of God, of people and of learning in each child. Our cutting edge approach to early childhood includes an Outdoor Classroom, Promethean Board technology, a research based, hands on curriculum and passionate, certified teachers. The program includes half day and full day options. To apply online please visit www.stpaulsearlyedcenter.com. For further information, please contact Erin Schwant, Director of The Early Education Center, via email at erin@ stpaulseec.com or Kathryn Thompson, Admissions Director, via email at kathryn@stpaulseec.com. St. Paul’s Episcopal School has a 4K program-12th grade. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-2:30pm Ages: K2 K3 Contact: Erin Schwant (251) 725-0048 www.stpaulsearlyedcenter.com
UMS-Wright ad on page 23
by expert teachers who work hand-in-hand with every student to ensure they develop a love of learning while mastering essential skills and developing strong character. Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:20am-2:45pm with extended care available Ages: 3 - 4 years Contact: Dr. Patricia Boehm (251) 479-6551 astabler@ums-wright.org www.ums-wright.org
65 Mobile Street, North, Mobile, 36607 The Lower School at UMS-Wright gives students a strong foundation on which to build their future success. Our rigorous programs, extensive enrichment opportunities, and supportive environment allow students the opportunity to grow in mind, body and spirit – the mission of our school. Students are led
227 Hillcrest Road, Mobile, 36608 Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm Our mission we believe every child is born with unique potential. And in order for your child to reach their potential, it must first be revealed. That’s where our highly skilled teachers and unique approach come in. First and foremost, we at Weinacker’s Montessori School encourage the children to learn while playing and play while learning. Studies show that using a sensory approach to learning is the most effective way to learn and retain. So, at Weinacker’s Montessori School students get to move around and explore, allowing them to learn while using their five senses in a safe and engaging environment. This not only gives them the freedom to explore their natural abilities, it allows your child to have a unique, individualized learning experience. This helps instill self-confidence and a lifelong curiosity for knowledge. After all, we’re not just preparing your child for their education; we’re preparing them for life! Infant, Toddler, and Early Childhood programs. Certified Teachers, State Licensed, Montessori curriculum. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm Ages: Infant-6 years old Contact: (251) 344-8755 www.weinackersmontessori.com
Westminster Presbyterian Kids - Preschool and Mom’s Day Out ad on page 25
2921 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, 36606 Monday-Friday, 8:00am-1:00pm Westminster Presbyterian Church is home to one of Mobile’s oldest and most respected Early Childhood
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second generation of providing a loving and nurturing experience for children. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00am1:00pm, extended care available Ages: 3 months - 4 years Contact: (251) 478-6360 kshepnelson@apumc.com www.ashlandplacepreschool.com
2019
Azalea City Christian School & Child Development
3550 Schillinger Road North, Mobile, 36575 At Azalea City Christian School, infants and toddlers are special. Toddlers enjoy cheerful surroundings while learning to develop the motor coordination skills that are vital to their growth. Azalea City Christian School also offers a kindergarten program for three and four year olds. Day care is provided after the kindergarten program for parents who need this service. The kindergarten curriculum is designed to help children develop basic concepts in math, phonics, language arts, science, social studies, Bible, music and art. The Saxon programs are used in the classrooms. Part-time or full-time Daycare, 1/2 and whole day Preschool for K3-K4. Designed with the needs of working families in mind. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - K4 Contact: Hillary West (251) 649-5437 Azaleacitychristian.org
GUIDE programs. Westminster Preschool provides classes for ages 3 months to 2 years old ranging from 2 to 5 days a week. Our Preschool provides K3 and K4, with a unique Little Learners class for 2 ½ year olds who are toilet trained, ranging from 3 to 5 days a week. Learning activities are planned daily for every classroom and are designed to be age appropriate. We stress social skills, listening skills, and peer play, as well as language development, fine and gross motor skills, and school readiness. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-1:00pm Ages: 3 months - 4 years Contact: Cindy Fultz (251) 471-9995 westminsterpreschoolmobile@outlook.com
ABC Kindergarten
3618 Oak Tree Drive, Semmes, 36575 ABC Kindergarten is a private kindergarten. We focus on phonics and mathematics. We are a Christian based school, and our motto is “Choosing God’s Way”. We are a half day program, but we also offer after school care for those that need it. We are a school with a program of quality and excellence that has all the elements you equate with success- taught in a secure, warm, and loving environment. Hours: Monday-Friday from 8:30am-12:30pm. After School Care available. Ages: 3 - 5 years Contact: (251) 649-4844 or (251) 591-6177 www.abc-kindergarten.com
Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind – Mobile Regional Center
1050 Government Street, Mobile, 36604 The Kinderprep program prides itself in being familyfriendly and offering a wide range of educational choices. The classes are small and the teachers are certified professionals dedicated to the growth and development of the children. A wide range of services are available including early intervention, audiology, speech/language therapy, and parent education. These are incorporated into the preschool curriculum to provide each child with an individualized program that promotes development and growth. Most of our services are free to residents of Alabama who have a diagnosed vision loss of at least 25%. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-2:00pm Ages: 3-5 years Contact: (251) 433-1234 www.aidb.org
Ashland Place Preschool and Mother’s Day Out
15 Wisteria Avenue, Mobile, 36607 One of Mobile’s oldest preschools. Now in its Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
Cottage Hill Christian Academy Early Education Center and Preschool
4255 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, 36609 As part of our commitment to Faith, Family and Future, Cottage Hill Christian Academy (CHCA) offers two programs for children ages six weeks through five years. The CHCA Early Education Center specializes in caring for children that are 6 weeks to 24 months. CHCA offers quality child care year-round from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. for families in surrounding communities. The EEC program offers an environment of music and movement, reading, and play! In addition to the early education program, CHCA also offers a dynamic preschool program for students in K2, K3, K4, and K5 classes. The preschool experience provides a foundation for spiritual, intellectual, social and emotional growth. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 5 years Contact: (251) 660-2427 www.chcacademy.org
Cottage Hill Presbyterian Preschool
4201 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, 36609 At Cottage Hill Presbyterian Preschool we provide a safe, warm and nurturing environment. Our desire is to get to know each child individually and help them to reach their fullest potential socially, academically and spiritually. Mom’s Day Out: Ages 6 months - 2 years curriculum includes: Shapes, Colors, Letter Recognition, Bible Stories, Art, and Music. Preschool: 3K and 4K Curriculum includes: A Beka Reading and Numbers Program, Art, Music, Christian Values and Bible Stories. Mom’s Day Out and Preschool are available. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30-12:30, Extended care available Ages: 6 months - K4 Contact: Donna Latiolais (251) 666-0983 www.chpcmobile.org/PRESCHOOL.html
Azalea City Montessori Co-op
1260 Dauphin Street, Mobile, 36604 We are a parent-founded school whose mission is to promote and provide Montessori education and childcare in Mobile. Our primary and elementary programs serve children with an authentic Montessori education program and high-quality afterschool care. Summer Camp available. Hours: Monday - Friday; 8:00am-3:00pm with extended care from 7:00am-8:00am and 3:00pm to 6:00pm. Ages: 3 years - 12 years Contact: (251) 802-8762 montessorimobile@gmail.com www.azaleacitymontessori.org
Becks Day Care Center
1248 Anchor Drive, Mobile, 36693 Preschool and Summer Camp for school age children. Nurturing, caring staff serving the families of Mobile for over 45 years. State licensed. Hours: Monday - Friday; 6:00am - 6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks – 11 years Contact: (251) 661-4254 Find us on Facebook
Bright Beginnings Learning Center at Providence LLC
6803 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, 36608 Daycare, PK program and summer camp. Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00am-6:00pm Contact: (251) 776-5540 www.bright-beginnings-learning-center-atprovidence-llc.business.site
Carmen’s Childcare and Learning Center 1361 Spring Hill Avenue, Mobile, 36604 After School care and summer programs. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30am-5:30pm Ages: 6 weeks – 11 years Contact: (251) 432-9050
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Creative Learning Center
5880 Three Notch Road, Mobile, 36619 We are a childcare center eager to meet your needs. We provide breakfast until 8:00am, lunch, and snack. Our van picks up from Nan Gray Davis Elementary and Griggs Elementary. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years Contact: (251) 661-2992 Find us on Facebook
Dauphin Way Baptist Child Development Center
3661 Dauphin Street, Mobile, 36608 Dauphin Way Child Development Center “Quality Education in a Christian Environment” is located at Dauphin Way Baptist Church. Our mission is to provide a loving, nurturing and creative environment for each child. Our classrooms are arranged to offer challenging play and learning choices at a range of development levels. Several curriculums are used to have a well-rounded program with the main one being “Everyday Learning” from Kaplan Preschool Curriculum and language enrichment. For our older classes we offer Spanish, Sports, music, art, and culinary. The CDC provides a balanced hot lunch and two snacks a day. We also provide baby food for the children who are not on table food. During the summer, we offer a Day Camp for 5K through 5th grade. The days are filled with field trips, swimming, skating, sports combine, art, and games. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30am to 6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - K4 Contact: Sue Davison (251) 344-0909 Find us on Facebook
Dauphin Way United Methodist Church Child Development Center 1507 Dauphin Street, Mobile, 36604 The mission statement of the Center is to develop good moral character within each child, while offer-
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ing the highest possible age appropriate educational program. Our infant, toddler and preschool educators implement Pinnacle Curriculum, a faithbased curriculum used to guide children toward their potential. Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00am- 6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 4 years Contact: Debbie Outlaw (251) 473-1861 Debbie.outlaw@dauphinwayumc.org www.dauphinwayumc.org
Dearborn YMCA - Child Dev. Program
321 North Warren Street, Mobile, 36603 Full and part time options. All children are provided with: Age-appropriate activities for cognitive, social, physical, language, and emotional development, nutritious breakfasts, lunches and snacks, special guests and activities, a safe and nurturing environment, and indoor & outdoor recreational activities. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6:00pm with full and part-time options. Ages: 6 weeks - 4 years Contact: (251) 432-4768 www.dearbornymca.org
Early Head Start Community Partnership Child Care Centers
A primary goal of Early Head Start Mobile is to ensure that infants and toddlers receive the type of safe, healthy, emotionally secure and intellectually enriched early start in life that will serve as a solid foundation for future success in school and in life. Our educational practices are firmly based on established child development principles and widely recognized, research-based best practices for infants and toddlers. Ages: Infants - 3 years Contact: (251) 473-1060 www.grecs.org/early-head-start/about-early-headstart
First Baptist Church Satsuma - Mother’s Day Out Program/Daycare/Preschool - Satsuma Christian School 5600 Old Highway 43, Satsuma, 36572 A Christian environment for preschool children allowing mother’s a period of time for themselves. Children will be grouped according to age groups. Each class (except for bed babies) will have free play, a Bible story and an activity time. We offer a daycare program for ages 6 weeks-3 years. 2, 3 and 5 day options available. Satsuma Christian School is a ministry of First Baptist Church Satsuma offering classes for PK3 –3rd. We offer Accelerated Reading, Art, Computer, Library, Music and Spanish. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6:00pm, Mother’s Day Out hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30am-2:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 3 years, Satsuma Christian School is PK3-3rd Grade Contact: (251) 675-1295 www.fbcsatsuma.org; satsumachristianschool.com
First Baptist Mobile Child Development Center
806 Government Street, Mobile, 36602 FBC-CDC location is ideal for parents working in downtown or midtown. We use the WEE Learn curriculum and emphasize activities that are both age and developmentally appropriate for young children. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30am until 5:30pm Ages: 8 weeks - 4 years Contact: (251) 432-6513 www.fbcmobile.com/child-development-center.html
Fountain of Life Daycare at Evangel Christian 1277 Jubilee Drive, Saraland, 36571 The purpose of Fountain of Life Daycare is to provide a safe, Christian atmosphere for all chil-
dren, while providing basic Bible and educational teachings. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 3 years Contact: Marla Mauroner (251) 679-0975 marla@folc.tv www.fountainoflifechurch.net
Gan Shalom Preschool
705 Regents Way, Mobile, 36609 Gan Shalom is committed to providing a loving, safe and nurturing environment to preschool aged children. Smaller class sizes allow us to focus on and encourage students to understand, respect and share with others, enhancing the experience of the total child. Our success is reflected in stimulating early care activities and educational experiences that promote the child’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-1:00pm Ages: 2 years - 4 years Contact: (251) 343-6051 abbygrodnick@gmail.com Find us on Facebook
Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast Gordon Smith Child Development Center
2448 Gordon Smith Drive, Mobile, 36617 Gordon Smith Child Development Center-Preschool Program and Daycare: All classes except infants use the High Reach curriculum in the morning and theme-based instruction in the afternoons. We feature inclusive classrooms that allow children with disabilities to work side by side with their nondisabled peers in a way that provides maximum benefit for all children. Early Intervention Program: The early intervention program is a community based program that offers services to children with special needs from birth to 3 years of age. These services are provided in the home and the natural environment. The service
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is available for 3-12th. Ages: PK3 - Kindergarten Contact: (251) 649-7398 www.gbcacademy.com
2019
Head Start
MCA Head Start promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and comprehensive services to enrolled children and families. MCA Head Start goals are achieved through: High Quality Education, Individualized Curriculum, Family Case Management, Disability Services and Support, Mental Health Services for Children and Families, Nutritious Meals and Health Screenings (Dental, Vision and Hearing). Ages: 3 years - 5 years Contact: (251) 457-5700 www.mcamobile.org/locations/ head-start-centers
GUIDE coordinator works with the family and a team of qualified therapists to carry out services specified in the child’s individual service plan. Mobile County: (251) 375-9114. Ages: 6 weeks - school age Contact: (251) 471-1581 www.gesgc.org
Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast Springhill Child Development Center
10 Westminster Way, Mobile, 36608 Springhill Child Development Center PreschoolSpecialized educational services, and Pre-Kindergarten Standard goals, are provided year round in an inclusive preschool setting. The High Reach Curriculum in conjunction with the Creative Curriculum are utilized. We offer a small group setting in order to serve the individual needs of our children. We also offer morning and afternoon care for those children enrolled in our preschool program. Our staff communicates closely with families through daily reports, monthly consultations, and parent enrichment activities. Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm Ages: 2.5 - 5 years Contact: (251) 342-3122 www.gesgc.org
Government Street Baptist Child Development Center
3401 Government Boulevard, Mobile, 36693 The school serves as an extension of the home, seeking to educate the whole child – spiritually, cognitively, emotionally, socially, and physically. We offer small classes while using A Beka and High Reach Learning curriculum. Teachers use a hands-on approach when planning the curriculum and learning centers are an integral part of each day. Classroom instructions in all subject areas are based on God’s Word. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am – 6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 3K Contact: Deborah Eddie (251) 660-7444 www.governmentstreetcdc.org
Grace Baptist Academy
8780 Howells Ferry Road, Semmes, 36575 Grace Baptist Academy is a private Christian school making available an college preparatory education to families of like faith desiring to educate their children in a Christian environment. Our purpose is to develop the mind of Christ in the lives of our students as we train and equip them for success. Our K3-5th grades utilize the ABeka curriculum. PK3-12 dayschool and homeschool option Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
Joyland Daycare at Knollwood Church
1501 Knollwood Drive, Mobile, 36609 Joyland Daycare will provide your child with a loving and nurturing environment where they will receive the Word of God every day. We also provide a wholesome learning environment with many activities that your child will enjoy. We believe that every child is unique and will grow at his or her own pace. Our teachers spend time nurturing children’s strengths and encouraging them to reach new heights. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks-3 years Contact: Christina Johnson (251) 666-4996 www.joylanddaycare.com
Jubilee Child Care Center & Preschool
6631 Wall Street, Mobile, 36695 Jubilee Child Care offers Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Programs. Our center opens at 6:45am each morning and closes at 5:45pm. Jubilee toddler and infant programs are designed to meet the needs of children 12 weeks to 3 years old. Years of academic research have confirmed that young children learn best through play and hands on activities at these ages. As children move into our preschool program for 3and 4-year-olds we base our curriculum on the ABEKA program while incorporating a wide range of hands on activities designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Children enjoy activities such as writing, cutting, painting, working with letters and numbers. In addition, children are exposed to science, art, group games, and puzzles. Programs vary by center. Please contact a specific location for more information. Second location in Spanish Fort, AL (251) 625-1234. Hours: Monday - Friday, 6:45-5:45 Ages: 3 months - 5 years (251) 776-7022 (Pre-School), Contact: (251) 633-0018 (Infant) www.jubileechildcare.com
Kids Stuff Preschool
320 Hillcrest Road, Mobile, 36608 Children benefit from over 35 years of experience at our Alabama licensed DHR-inspected facility. Highly-qualified daycare teachers work in close contact with children and their families to ensure each child receives nurturing day care services and a quality education. We provide the child care services you require, including infant/toddler care, an enlightening preschool curriculum, before and
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after-school child care including on-site school pickups and educational summer services. Kids Stuff Preschool follows an A Beka Christian learning program. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years Contact: (251) 343-6611 www.kidsstuffpreschool.com
Kids Zone of Tillman’s Corner
4612 Bush Lane, Mobile, 36619 A Beka curriculum is taught in all Pre-K classes. Hot breakfast and lunch are provided along with an afternoon snack. Before and after school care offered with van service to and from Griggs Elementary. Our Summer Camp for school age children is amazing! Kids Zone is a family owned and operated child care facility, licensed by the state of Alabama. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 5th grade Contact: (251) 661-3280 Find us on Facebook
Kidz Crossing A Ministry of Christ United Methodist Church
6101 Grelot Road, Mobile, 36609 Kidz Crossing is committed to nurturing children and sharing the love of Jesus Christ. We offer Mom’s Day Out, Preschool and Extended Day Programs. Our goal is to assist children in developing into happy, healthy, self-confident individuals. Our Christ Café provides health meal options for the children. They have learning time, lunch, a nap and quality play time. The extended session program runs from August to July with only major holidays off. Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30-6:00 for extended day children and 9:00-1:00 for Mom’s Day out Ages: 8 weeks - 4K Contact: Christie Ford (251) 342-0462 christie.ford@christunited.com www.christunitedkids.com/kidzcrossing
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1650 Schillinger Road North, Semmes, 36575 Kimz Kidz Child Care Center of Semmes, AL offers quality and reliable child care services for infants, pre-kindergarten, preschool and elementary students. Our individualized programs include summer camps, before and after school activities, games, and more. At Kimz Kidz Child Care Center, your child’s mental and emotional development is our top priority. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm Ages: Infant - Preschool Contact: (251) 645-6451
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Kimz Kidz Child Care Center
5200 Perin Road, Mobile, 36693 KCLC is our little preschool that could! Who knew that learning could be so much fun. Mom’s Day Out and Preschool. Hours: Tuesdays-Thursdays, 9:00am-1:00pm Ages: 2 - K4 Contact: Angie McLaney (251) 6610420 www.kingswoodchurch.com/creativelearningcenter. htm
La Petite Academy
955 Hillcrest Road, Mobile, 36695 Offers exciting learning activities specifically designed to meet a child’s developmental needs and help he/she advance to the next level. Programs we offer: Infants, Toddlers, Twos & Early Preschool, Preschool, Pre-K, Before and After School and Enrichment Programs. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:30pm Ages: 6 weeks - K5, after school care Contact: (251) 639-9201 www.lapetite.com
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Legacy Child Life Learning & Dev. Center
1060 Government Street, Mobile, 36604 A Ministry of Living Word Christian Center. Legacy Child Life Learning & Development Center is committed to providing an excellent, loving, and secure Christian environment where our children can develop spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically. Curriculums include ACE (Accelerated Christian Education) and A Beka. Kingdom Academy, also a Ministry of Living Word Christian Center is a school that goes from K-8th. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30 am-6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 5 years Contact: (251) 441-1901 www.lwccim.com
years. Our dedicated faculty and staff continuously strive to meet the needs of the whole child. In addition, the small size of our school fosters a family atmosphere. Preschool – 3K-4K, also K5-8th grade. Ages: K3 - K4 Contact: (251) 479-5761 aweiskopf@littleflower.cc www.littleflower.cc
Melton’s Tots Tendercare Academy
2946 West Turner Road, Mobile, 36612 Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm Melton’s Tots Tendercare Academy will give your child the attention they deserve. We stand for healthy, educated, active, and happy children in the
greater depth, detail, and abstract understanding. Self-directed learning and fostering of a positive self-esteem are elements of Montessori World programs which impact the child’s future learning and adaptation to other educational environments. Secure, loving, and nurturing learning environment. Degreed instructors with Montessori training. ADA compliant (can meet various special needs). Licensed by Alabama DHR. Hours: Monday-Friday, Half-day (8:30-11:30), full-day (8:30-2:30) and extended-day (7:00-6:00). Open during the academic year. Ages: 2.5 - 6 years Contact: Katy Moore (251) 634-8211 www.montessori-world.org
Life Church Child Development Center
8701 Zeigler Boulevard, Mobile, 36608 Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm The mission of Life Church Child Development Center is to extend the ministry of and help accomplish the purpose of Life Church of Mobile by providing care, education, and development for each child enrolled, to his/her greatest potential. This includes the spiritual, mental, physical, emotional, and social development of the children. This is accomplished by providing developmentally appropriate activities and guidance based upon Christian principles and by providing a program of ministry and outreach to the families of the children enrolled. Before and After School care and Summer Camp are also available. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 3.5 years (251) 633-2679 www.lifechurchcdc.com
Lighthouse Academy of Excellence & Achievement
9930 Cody Driskell Road, Grand Bay, 36541 The Lighthouse Academy of Excellence & Achievement has been making a difference in the lives of children since 1993. Our mission is to improve the educational achievement of our children from the beginning of the early stages of child development by providing a nurturing environment, a rich curriculum, outstanding teachers, and setting a standard of high expectations. Programs: Infant & Toddler Childcare, Early Head Start. Preschool 2’s & 3’s, Alabama First Class Pre-Kindergarten, After School Program, Summer Camp and Parent Involvement Workshops. Before and, after care programs available for ages up to 12. Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30am-6:00pm Ages: Ages 6 weeks-4K with before, after care Contact: (251) 957-0641
Lighthouse Child Development Center
6905 Nan Gray David Road, Theodore, 36582 Lighthouse Baptist Child Development Center Parents with children ages 6 weeks through 2+ years old will have the opportunity to place their children with staff that will love and care for their children in an environment they can trust. Lighthouse Baptist Academy-Distinctively Christian. Academically excellent. Complete Kindergarten – Separate K3, K4, K5 classes. Experienced Teachers & Helpers, Foundational Reading & Math, Christian Character Training. Child Care Services: Before and After Care & Summer Day Camp. Lighthouse Baptist Academy educates Pre-K to 12th grade. Ages: Ages 6 weeks - 2+ Contact: (251) 653-6542 info@lbatheodore.com www.lbatheodore.com
Little Flower Catholic School
2103 Government Street, Mobile, 36606 Little Flower Catholic School has been providing quality education to this community for over eighty
community. It’s our job to uphold these standards for all children here at Melton’s Tots Tendercare Academy. As a parent we understand you want a clean, caring, and educated environment for your little angels. We at Melton’s Tots Tendercare Academy promise to give your child the attention they deserve. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm Ages: 5 weeks - 12 years Contact: (251) 457-6304 Find us on Facebook
Moffett Road Baptist Child Development Center
5555 Moffett Road, Mobile, 36618 Since 1984, Moffett Road Baptist Child Development Center has graduated thousands of precious children. Located in West Mobile on the campus of Moffett Road Baptist Church, the CDC offers the highest quality care for your little one in a safe, clean, secure, and stimulating environment. We offer Full Daycare for infants 6 weeks through 4 years old, Kindergarten classes for 3 and 4 year olds, and Before and After School Care, as well as Summer Camp, for children in K5 through fifth grade. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 5 years Contact: (251) 343-1568 www.mrbcdc.org
Montessori World Preschool & Kindergarten
2061 Leroy Stevens Road, Mobile, 36695 At Montessori World, we educate each student to acquire self-confidence, a positive attitude toward learning, and an abiding sense of curiosity. Primary class is taught by Montessori certified teachers. The children move through the major curricular themes from concrete presentations towards
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Most Pure Heart of Mary School
310 Sengstak Street, Mobile, 36603 Full Day Program. (School- K3 to Eighth grade). Before and after care. Ages: K3 - K4 Contact: (251) 432–5270 www.heartofmaryschoolmobile.org
Mount Hebron Christian Child Development Center
2531 Berkley Avenue, Mobile, 36617 Comprehensive Childcare services. Full Time: Full days Monday-through Friday (maximum 9 hours per day) Part Time: After School Program. The Mount Hebron Christian Child Development Center uses the A Beka curriculum as well as other useful academic and culturally age appropriate activities. We also have a summer program. It is the vision of Mount Hebron Christian Child Development Center to provide the care, education, and development necessary for each child enrolled to meet his/her greatest potential: spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially. Summer Camp available. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks-12 years Contact: (251) 456-8700 www.mthebroncm.org/Daycare-Ministries
Nazarene Day Care & Learning Center
669 Azalea Road, Mobile, 36609 Here at the Nazarene Learning Center it is our mission to ensure that our children grow in mind, skill, and faith by using creative play, developmentally appropriate curriculum, and instruction based principles. We believe young children are ready to learn about God’s love for them. Child development is supported in social, emotional, physical, and spiritual areas.
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Ages: Monday-Friday, 6 weeks-K4 Contact: (251) 675-2728 www.saralandumc.org/early-learning-center
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Semmes First Baptist Child Development Center
GUIDE We aspire to be a learning community where grace is foundational, truth is pursued, and holiness is a way of life. Christian daycare and preschool. A Beka Curriculum. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 4K Contact: (251) 666-0044 www.nazarenelearningcenter.com/
Nina Nicks Joseph Child Development Center
209 South Washington Avenue, Mobile, 36602 At the Nina Nicks Joseph Child Development Center, we encourage children’s learning through educational play using research based curriculum for every age group! Every day, children are engaged in a variety of hands-on educational activities in an environment that fosters a child’s positive self-esteem and a love of learning! Come by and visit. We are proud of our modern, inviting facility in the East Church Street Historic District in Downtown Mobile. A tradition for children since 1945, Nina Nicks Joseph Child Development Center is a community based non-profit center and United Way of Southwest Alabama Partner Agency. Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers, School-age. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30am to 6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years Contact: (251) 433-1310 www.childdaycare.org
Oak Park Child Care Center
3321 Sollie Road, Mobile, 36695 The Oak Park Child Care Center is dedicated to providing a warm, loving, Christ-centered environment for each child to develop socially, spiritually and academically. Our goal is to strive daily toward “Excellence for God!” through direction based in Christian principles. Quality child care and Christian principles with A Beka curriculum. Hours: Monday - Friday, 6:30am to 6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 4 years Contact: (251) 633-9386 www.opcmobile.church/preschool
Saraland United Methodist Church - Early Learning Center
415 McKeough Avenue, Saraland, 36571 Monday-Friday, 7:00am-5:30pm The Early Learning Center is a ministry of Saraland United Methodist Church. It is our desire to teach God’s love and exemplify Jesus in our daily interactions with children. We strive to provide a safe, nurturing environment coupled with quality, age-appropriate education for children six weeks old through K4. Regular Hours are 8:30am-2:00pm with early morning and extended care available. Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00am-5:30pm Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
4070 Wulff Rd E, Semmes, 36575 SFBCDC serves children 6 weeks – K4 and we have a before and after school service for Allentown, Wilmer Elementary and Semmes Elementary along with a Summer Camp program for children up to 5th grade. We have Full time, Part time, and Half Day options. Breakfast and Lunch are served daily and included in the cost of tuition. Our Center has formatted a curriculum that is based on Thematic Units for K2 and Letter of the Week Units for K3/K4. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 4K Contact: (251) 649-2712 www.semmesfirstbaptistcdc.com
Shiloh Christian Day Care
717 Cleveland Road, Saraland, 36571 With Daycare options through K4, Shiloh Daycare offers a variety of programs to meet each family’s needs. We utilize educational curriculum for our kids ages 3, 4, and 5. Our daycare staff works hard to make sure your child is loved and receives the best care. Come see why parents all over north Mobile County use Shiloh Daycare for their little ones. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am - 6:00pm Contact: (251) 675-2099 www.shilohsaraland.com
Snow Road FBC – Child Development Center
2370 Snow Rd N, Semmes, 36575 A Beka Curriculum. Experienced Teachers, Summer Day Camp, and Hot Lunches. Before and after-school care provided for children entering K-5 through 5th grade. Transportation to and from Allentown and Semmes Elementary is included. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am - 6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - K4 Contact: (251) 649-6096 www.srfbc.com/srfbc-ministries/child-developmentcenter
Spring Hill Mother’s Day Out and Week Day School
10 Westminster Way, Mobile, 36608 We have two preschool programs: Spring Hill Mother’s Day Out, and Week Day School. Both are fun, hands-on, learning environments for children. Mother’s Day Out fosters the development of children from the ages of 2 months to 2 years. The Week Day School is a preschool for 3 and 4 year olds. Summer program also available. Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 1:00pm with options for early drop off and after school activities. Ages: 2 months - 4 years Contact: (251) 344-2070 www.shpc.us/visitors/preschool-programs/
Springhill Baptist Child Development Center
2 S McGregor Ave, Mobile, 36608 Day Care, Mother’s Day Out- A safe, fun and educational environment for your children. The goal of the Weekday Early Education Program at Spring Hill Baptist Church is to provide for each child according to his/her ability in each area of physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual growth while meeting their individual needs. Our Weekday Early Education Program includes day care classes and Mom’s Day Out (8:30am-1:00pm) classes. Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00am-5:30pm Day Care, 8:30am-1:00pm Mom’s Day Out Contact: (251) 342-6044 https://shbc.cc/ministries/day-school/
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St. Dominic Catholic School
4160 Burma Drive, Mobile, 36693 Our preschool program provides a developmentally appropriate educational experience within a Catholic environment. We use a child centered curriculum based on the belief that children learn through play. Age appropriate lessons in reading readiness, writing, social studies, math, science, religion, music, movement, library and art are part of our daily schedule. An extended care, as well as, a summer program are available. Students in the preschool program continue to attend St. Dominic Catholic School, Kindergarten - Grade 8. Hours: Monday - Friday. 3-day or 5-day option with Full day (7:00am - 2:30pm) or Half day (7:00am 12:00pm) option available. Ages: 2 years - 4 years Contact: (251) 661-5226 www.stdominicmobile.org
St. Ignatius Catholic School Early Learning Center & Preschool
3650 Spring Hill Avenue, Mobile, 36608 The Early Learning Center at St. Ignatius Catholic School provides quality care for children ages 4-24 months in a safe and nurturing environment. Our dedicated and experienced staff work diligently to provide our children a happy, healthy, and active learning environment in which they play, grow, and develop their fine-motor and cognitive abilities. We offer five day full-day and half-day programs and have an extended care program until 6 PM daily as well. The St. Ignatius Preschool Program is a kindergarten readiness program that utilizes the Phonic’s First curriculum to prepare student to be ready for reading beginning in kindergarten. The preschool program also focuses on developing social skills, fine and gross motor skills, math readiness, and critical thinking skills. Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-3:00pm Ages: 4 months-4 years Contact: Principal: Tori Y. Miller (251) 342-5442 www.stignatiusmobile.org
St. Mark Early Learning Center
439 Azalea Road, Mobile, 36609 “Get your TLC at the ELC.” We have spacious rooms with computers, library, playground and a gym. Our Enrichment programs include music, art, science, chapel, cooking, sports & Spanish for our 2 1/2, 3, & 4 year olds. St. Mark ELC is definitely the place to be to receive TLC. Qualified, loving, Christian teachers nurture your child with lots of hands-on teaching. We are very busy each day learning and exploring. Hours: Monday-Friday, part time (8:15-2:15) or full time (7:00-5:45) 2, 3, or 5 days a week. Ages: Monday - Friday, 8 weeks - 4K Contact: Bethany Jolly (251) 232-2106 stmarkmobileelc@gmail.com www.stmarkmobile.com/elc
St. Pius X
217 South Sage Avenue, Mobile, 36606 St. Pius X Parish has a K3 and K4 program located on the main campus and operating in conjunction with Saint Pius X Catholic School. Acknowledging that we are a Christian, Catholic based program, and that God is the central focus of our lives, we strive to reinforce the basic and all-important values of our faith. Much love, attention, and affection is used as we strive to meet each child’s individual needs in the area of growth and development. We are committed to the higher standard of care for our children. St. Pius X offers a variety of day care programs: Early Morning Care, After School Care and Summer Camp. These programs orient children to play and learn and to interact with other children. St. Pius X Catholic School is a K3 through 8th grade school. Ages: K3 - K4 Contact: (251) 473-5004 www.stpiustenth.com
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St. Vincent de Paul Catholic
6651 Three Notch Road , Mobile, 36619 St. Vincent Daycare is available to any parent with a child 6 weeks old to 3 years old and is open weekdays from 6:00am-6:00pm. A loving environment for your child to learn and grow. Come be a part of our family! St. Vincent de Paul Preschool is housed at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School. There are classes for 3K-4K. The St. Vincent de Paul Preschool strives to enhance the social, emotional, spiritual, physical and creative skills of each child. We are dedicated to making these preschool years enjoyable and exciting so that each youngster will be prepared and eager to begin kindergarten. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School also serves K5 through 8th grade. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 3 Years Contact: (251) 666-4066 www.svsschool.org
Sunni Land Child Care Center
2901 Schillinger Road North, Semmes, 36575 Preparing your child to shine. Sunni Land provides an educational, loving and nurturing environment. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am - 12 midnight Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years Contact: (251) 645-3664 www.sunniland.wixsite.com/slcc
Training Wheels Childcare-Preschool
6159 Moffett Road, Mobile, 36618 TWCC is a fun place for children to learn and play. We offer a healthy balance of learning and developing socially, physically, and spiritually. Our teachers are part of the “Child Care Support Network” and receive credit for training time. We work hard to provide a clean, safe, and loving environment for your child. We offer computer training for K3- K4, the well-respected A Beka curriculum computer classes and music lessons! We also offer before & after school pick-up & care and summer camp. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm Ages: 6
weeks - K4 Contact: Jennifer Harris (251) 645-7507 www.trainingwheelscc.com
Trinity Kids Learning Center
309 Pinehill Drive, Mobile, 36606 Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6:00pm We believe in “Providing Quality Without Question!” Full day care with afterschool programs available for school aged children. PreK for over 10 years. Accepting applications for the 2018-2019 in February. Certified staff; High Reach curriculum. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6:00pm Ages: 4 weeks - 12 years Contact: (251) 476-1844 Find us on Facebook
Trinity Lutheran School and Child Development Center
2668 Berkley Avenue, Mobile, 36617 Trinity Evangelical Lutheran School and Child Development Center. The Child Development Center serves children from 6 weeks-3 years old. Trinity Lutheran School is PK-5TH Grade.The Mission is to know and serve God, to promote justice, and to render service to the community by offering parents a choice of school and providing a safe, caring, and productive environment in which children are equipped for responsible citizenship. After Care - All students preschool to 8th grade are welcome. Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-3:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - 3 years Contact: (251) 456-7960 www.trinitylutheransite.org/education/
Watermelon Patch Preschool
6417 Hillcrest Road, Mobile, 36695 Conveniently located in West Mobile, off Hillcrest Rd. 2, 3, and 5 day preschool programs available. Our highly experienced Preschool teachers encourage hands on learning that include Literacy, Math, Science, Sensory, Art, Reading, Writing, Spanish, Dramatic Play and more. It’s real simple ... we love children, and we are passionate about what we do.
We feel that preschool is a time for learning, exploring and having fun. Summer Camp also available. After school hours are available until 4:30 pm. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am-12:30pm Ages: 1 year (walking) - 4 years (251) 633-3288 www.watermelonpatchkids.com
West Mobile Baptist Child Development Center 7501 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, 36608 Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm West Mobile Baptist Child Development Center offers a Christian daycare/preschool program. A Beka curriculum. In addition to learning programs our K3 – K5 students participate in many extracurricular activities, library classes, and music classes as a part of our regular program for K3 children and older. We also offer before & after school care and a summer camp program for children 6-11 years old. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00am-6:00pm Ages: 6 weeks - K5 Contact: Stephanie Chapuis (251) 639-6868 www.wemochurch.org
World of Friends Daycare
2900 Dawes Road, Mobile, 36695 Monday-Friday 6:30am-5:30pm World of Friends Daycare offers a structured program that is conducive for early childhood development. WOF Daycare is registered with the Department of Human Resources in the State of Alabama, and our friendly staff is CPR certified. After-School care is available for children ages 4 to 12. Children are also provided with a snack and a drink during After-School Care. The Summer Program is limited to children ages 4 to 12. Daily activities are planned for the children as well as weekly field trips. Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30am-5:30pm Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years (251) 633-6533 www.livingwordmobile.com/world-of-friendsdaycare/ MBP
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A Page in a Book The Magnificent Power of Kindness Because they are small and young, our children move in a world that necessarily observes their vulnerability. Looking for opportunities to highlight their strengths is an important part of building kids’ self-confidence. One of their most powerful abilities is the practice of kindness. A child’s world is especially rich with pure moments that inspire them to express generosity, to demonstrate empathy, and to perform simple good deeds. Even though kids are served up shorter menus, smaller seating, and limited access to most avenues that adults navigate daily, their ability to affect great change is still firmly within their grasp. The following titles illustrate an antidote to feeling small and helpless, and celebrate the enormous power of kindness.
The Breaking News
by Sarah Lynne Reul (Roaring Brook Press / MacKids) When sad news arrives in their community, a young sister and brother have a front row seat to the emotional changes in their parents, teachers and their likewise bewildered classmates. While they may be too young to understand the news, the anxiety and sadness they see in those around them is real. The children’s first big efforts to cheer up their parents miss the mark. But when they discover smaller, subtler ways to express good feelings, the siblings experience their power to inspire recovery. Told from a child’s perspective, The Breaking News is a powerful exploration of those moments when tragic news touches a household, a community, or the world. With real examples rising from these pages, young readers will find the small ways they are empowered to support and heal those around them through their small acts of kindness.
Great Big Things
by Kate Hoefler, Illustrated by Noah Klocek (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Clutching a crumb to its chest, a small field mouse sets out on a mission into the wider world. While the destination is unclear to the reader, the path is uncompromising and long. Moving through settings that alternate between lush wilderness and desolate landscapes, the mouse is undaunted, committed to the journey’s end. Set against Klocek’s majestic renderings of towering mountains, bottomless seas, and vast purpling skies, the scope of a tiny creature’s mission to gift another is amplified to mythic proportions. Likewise amplified are many kindnesses received in our lives. While the effort may seem small to the giver, a kind gift’s effect on the receiver can be a great big thing.
Be Kind
by Zietlow Miller, Illustrated by Jen Hill (Roaring Brook Press / Macmillan) When a child witnesses a classmate spill purple paint on her clothes, they fight the instinct to laugh when they see her embarrassment. This moment of empathy spurs the child’s personal exploration of how they can help. Will an overture of sympathy be welcome? Or, will it amplify an event the child wants to forget? Should they spill paint on themselves in an act of solidarity? The desire to be kind is present, but the expression of it can sometimes be complex. Be Kind is especially remarkable for its gentle suggestions of specific opportunities for kids to make a positive difference in their world, every day. Small vignettes wordlessly illustrate moments that kindness can change and small actions that can produce big effects. This title moves beyond the standard encouragement toward kindness, and inspires a sincere and heightened awareness for diverse moments that can be beautifully served with thoughtful actions. Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.
Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
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FamilyCalendar Friday January 25
Chickasaw Civic Theatre Presents “Smoke on the Mountain” 7:30 AM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, AL, 36611 Chickasaw Civic Theatre Presents “Smoke on the Mountain”. 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com Mobile Project Homeless Connect 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM, The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North Mobile, AL, 36608 Mobile Project Homeless Connect is designed to provide necessary services for the homeless of Mobile and Baldwin Counties. The event will provide free transportation, legal assistance, employment resources, state ID’s, housing assistance, veteran resources, health and wellness, dental and vision screenings, and mainstream resources. This community other nonprofit agencies together to provide necessary services for the homeless in our community, at no cost to them. www.volunteer.uwswa.org Reese’s Senior Bowl Experience (Free) 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Before thousands of fans pose for pictures with players during the Coca Cola Meet the Players event, they can enjoy several interactive displays, special activities and one-of-a-kind entertainment. Run through drills just like the players on the indoor football field, check out all the interactive displays from Reese’s, adidas, the New Orleans Saints and AT&T, among others! 251-432-4109 www.seniorbowl.com Coca-Cola Meet the Players (Free) 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 One of the highlights of Senior Bowl week - for fans and players - is the Coca Cola Meet the Players event. Held each Friday of Senior Bowl week, fans get to interact, get an autograph and snap a picture with their favorite player at the Exhibit Hall of the Mobile Convention Center. 251-432-4109 www.seniorbowl.com Mardi Gras Ball 2019 Hosted by Satsuma Public Library Foundation ($20) 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Steele Creek Lodge, 368 Juniper Avenue Satsuma, AL, 36572 Music by The Excelsior Band and Charles “Bo” Grant (formerly of The Platters). Tickets are $20 per person and will be available at Satsuma Public Library 251-679-0700 www.cityofsatsuma.com/Library.html Joe Jefferson Players Present “Young Frankenstein” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players Present Young Frankenstein”. 251-471-1534 www.joejeffersonplayers.com Senior Bowl Leadership Summit 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Featuring world leading experts in team building, the inaugural Senior Bowl Summit aims to bring together today’s leaders in an effort to build better teams in the office, on the field, and in the classroom. The summit will provide its attendees with essential skills and lessons that they can implement in a practical manner. It is sure to be a “can’t miss” event for Senior Bowl week! www.seniorbowl.com
Saturday January 26
Chickasaw Civic Theatre Presents “Smoke on the Mountain” 7:30 AM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, AL, 36611 Chickasaw Civic Theatre Presents “Smoke on the Mountain”. 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com
Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
Battlefield Blitz 5K and Fun Run 8:00 AM Blakeley State Park, 34745 State Hwy 225 Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Be a part of the first-ever running of the “Battlefield Blitz 5K and Fun Run,” scheduled for Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Historic Blakeley State Park! Held on Alabama’s largest Civil War battlefield, the Blitz is a unique community event which will benefit the park’s many special programs and projects. www.blakeleypark.com/Events/AgentType/View/ PropertyID/117 Charity Chase 8:00 AM 564 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The Charity Chase 5K is Mobile’s premier joint-charity fundraising event. Race for your favorite, local charity and win additional donations for your favorite nonprofit by winning overall or placing in your age division. www.eventbrite.com Stranger Things Escape Room! (Free) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Can You Solve the Puzzles? Barb is still trapped in the Upside Down! If your family can solve all the puzzles in 20 minutes then you can help save her. Put your quick thinking, problem solving and teamwork to the test in this immersive puzzle experience. All groups that succeed will win a MPL keepsake to take home. Slots are limited, so please register in advance. For more information or to register, please call 208-7079. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Baumhower Tailgate Challenge 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Ladd-Peebles Stadium, 1621 Virginia Street Mobile, AL, 36604 Baumhower Tailgate Challenge is on Saturday, January 26th. This competition is to determine the Senior Bowl Tailgater of the Year. The Challenge is Free and open to anyone tailgating in the parking lot on game day. 251-432-4109 www.seniorbowl.com Maker Storytime (Free) 10:30 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Families with young children are invited for a time of exploring science, technology, engineering and math through stories and making projects together. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org The Piggly Wiggly Tailgate Party 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM, Ladd-Peebles Stadium, 1621 Virginia Street Mobile, AL, 36604 Passes for this party behind the East stands are limited to the first 3,500 fans who purchase a sideline seat to the game. To receive a free pass to the Piggly Wiggly Tailgate Party, fans must purchase a sideline seat to the Reese’s Senior Bowl. In addition to free food and drink, tailgate party goers will enjoy inflatable activities, face painters, clowns, interactive inflatables and the Coca-Cola Family Festival game trailer. 251-432-4109 www.seniorbowl.com Kids Studio ($5 or free for members) 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Kids Studio is a weekly program that encourages children ages 3-10 to explore contemporary art. Activities are designed to stimulate young minds while offering cross-curriculum learning opportunities with handson projects. Classes are taught by local artists and trained professional educators. Age 3-10 251-208-5671 www.alabamacontemporary.org
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Senior Bowl 2019 1:30 PM Ladd-Peebles Stadium, 1621 Virginia Street Mobile, AL, 36604 The 2019 Reese’s Senior Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, January 26th at 1:30pm at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. 251-432-4109 www.seniorbowl.com Crafternoon (Free) 2:30 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us for an hour devoted solely to the joys of crafting. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Tech Time (Free) 4:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Ages 8 and Up. Join us as we explore the world of technology through a variety of projects and resources. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Joe Jefferson Players Present “Young Frankenstein” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players Present Young Frankenstein”. 251-471-1534 www.joejeffersonplayers.com
Sunday January 27
Chickasaw Civic Theatre Presents “Smoke on the Mountain” 2:00 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, AL, 36611 Chickasaw Civic Theatre Presents “Smoke on the Mountain”. 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com
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Joe Jefferson Players Present “Young Frankenstein” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players Present Young Frankenstein”. 251-471-1534 www.joejeffersonplayers.com Fight Like A Mom 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Pathway Church, 7200 Moffett Road Mobile, AL, 36618 Fight Like A Mom is an inspirational evening for women of all ages. Food, fun, fellowship, and worship! Special Guest: Chrystal Evans Hurst and Diane Tagovailoa. www.eventbrite.com
Monday January 28
Mystery Monday (Free) 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM, Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Crafternoon. Explore your own creativity using a variety of art and craft supplies. Learn how to make snowglobes. Refreshments will be served. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org/locations/parkway.php Faculty & Friends - USA Chamber Winds Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Faculty & Friends USA Chamber Winds Concert www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html
Tuesday January 29
University of Mobile Piano Department Recital: All-Steinway School Celebration 7:00 PM University of Mobile, Moorer Auditorium, 5735 College Parkway Mobile, AL, 36613www. umobile.edu Cuisine for Kids Various Locations, Mobile, AL Area restaurants will participate by donating a portion of their proceeds to the CAC to help fund much needed services for
www.mobilebayparents.com
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FamilyCalendar children who have been sexually abused or severely physically abused. CAC Board Member, Austin Key is Chairman of the event. This day of food and fundraising offers local restaurants an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to fight child abuse in our community. 251-432-1101 www.cacmobile.org
Wednesday January 30
Little Discoveries (Included in General Admission for
non-members. Free for Exploreum Members)
10:00 AM Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, 65 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Little Discoveries takes place in the Wharf of Wonders and is for little scientists six years old and younger. Theme: Tree Science: Discover what we can learn from tree rings. 251-208-6893 www.exploreum.com What’s Up Wednesday (Free) 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM, Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Create your own jewelry, buttons and other unique items by using the Library’s Cricut machine, button maker and jewelry making supplies. Refreshments will be served. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org/locations/parkway.php Teen Hang Out (Free) 3:30 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us in the new Teen Space each week for gaming, journaling, maker projects and all kinds of cool activities! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Winter Wednesdays Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road Theodore , AL, 36582 Even during the cold season, Bellingrath Gardens is filled with blooms and beauty. Gulf Coast residents and visitors are invited to join us at our Winter Wednesdays series in January and February for sessions on gardening, history and more. The Winter Wednesdays sessions are held each week in the Magnolia Room through Feb. 27. Admission to the program is included in the regular Gardens admission, and guests are encouraged to tour the Gardens after the session. Registration is requested. January 30: Viewing the Winter Sky at Bellingrath Gardens – Do not miss this very special evening astronomy program, led by members of the University of South Alabama Department of Physics. Following a brief lecture, guests will view the night sky on the Great Lawn. Telescopes will be set up to view planets and constellations. Guests are asked to bring binoculars and flashlights. 251-973-2217 www.bellingrath.org
Friday February 1
Chickasaw Civic Theatre Presents “Smoke on the Mountain” 7:30 AM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, AL, 36611 Chickasaw Civic Theatre Presents “Smoke on the Mountain”. 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com Gowns ‘n More Sale 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Café Sienna, St. Catherine’s Church , 2605 Springhill Avenue Mobile, AL, 36607 The gowns are new and nearly new with some vintage and retro styles perfect for Mardi Gras, Prom and Mother of the Bride. The gowns are priced $35 and up. Also included will be winter clothing, shoes, jewelry, purses & suits/dresses & cocktail apparel. There is a nice selection in all sizes from petite to plus, all at thrifty prices. Proceeds will benefit the mission of Our Sisters’ Closet which is to provide free interview and workplace clothing to in-crisis women who are job seeking; and job search training & workplace advancement to women, men and teens. 251-423-2001 www.oursisterscloset.org Vintage Market Days of Mobile Area Spring 2019 Event 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North Mobile, AL, 36608 Vintage Market Days is an upscale vintage-inspired market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more. The Market is a three day event held several times a year in various communities. Each Vintage Market Days event is a unique opportunity for vendors to display their talents and passions in different venues. www.vintagemarketdays.com/market/mobile/index. php
Mobile Music Teachers Association Annual Sonata Contest. 9:00 AM University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, 36608 The Mobile Music Teachers Association will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of their annual Sonata Contest. Approximately 300 piano students ages 7 through college will compete by playing sonatas in various levels of difficulty. Trophies, medals and ribbons will be award to the winners in each category. A non-competitive adult level was created in recent years to accommodate piano students continuing study beyond college. The public is cordially invited to attend.
Joe Jefferson Players Present “Young Frankenstein” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players Present Young Frankenstein”. 251-471-1534 www.joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Theatre Guild Presents “Cotton Patch Gospel” 7:30 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, AL, 36604 This “Greatest Story Ever Retold” is based on the book The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and John by Clarence Jordan in which the Gospel is presented in a setting of rural Georgia with country music songs, the final and perhaps best work of Harry Chapin. www.mobiletheatreguild.org
Semmes Camellia Festival/Semmes Heritage Park/Museum Open House 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Semmes First Baptist, 4070 Wulff Road Semmes , AL, 36575 Celebrating Semmes Nursery History with Camellia Blooms Display, Camellia Tablescapes, Villeroy & Boch Camellia Plates Display and Guest Lectures at Semmes First Baptist Fellowship Hall. Semmes Heritage Park & Museum Open House includes the One Room School, Log Cabin and Malone Chapel at 3871 Wulff Road.
Brothers Osborne
8:00 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Brothers Osborne in concert. 251-208-5600
Little Discoveries (Included in General Admission for non-members. Free for Exploreum Members)
Robert Holm, Faculty Piano Recital 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Faculty & Friends USA Chamber Winds Concert www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html
Gowns ‘n More Sale 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Café Sienna, St. Catherine’s Church , 2605 Springhill Avenue Mobile, AL, 36607 Details February 1 listing. 251-423-2001 www.oursisterscloset.org
Stranger Things Escape Room! (Free) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Can You Solve the Puzzles? Barb is still trapped in the Upside Down! If your family can solve all the puzzles in 20 minutes then you can help save her. Put your quick thinking, problem solving and teamwork to the test in this immersive puzzle experience. All groups that succeed will win a MPL keepsake to take home. Slots are limited, so please register in advance. For more information or to register, please call 208-7079. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Thursday January 31
2:00 PM Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, 65 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Little Discoveries takes place in the Wharf of Wonders and is for little scientists six years old and younger. Theme: Tree Science: Discover what we can learn from tree rings. 251-208-6893 www.exploreum.com
36571 Certified 5K (AL11059JD) course through Saraland residential neighborhoods. Both races start and finish at Amelia Park. The courses are fairly flat; some gently inclines. Water provided along the course. Mail in registration, postmarked by January 22 or pre-register in person by 12 PM, January 31 at McCoy Outdoor, Run-N-Tri, or Fleet Feet in Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope, or register online at http:// moonpiemadness2019.eventbrite.com until 4 AM of February 1. Day of race registration will be from 6:30 AM to 7:45 AM in Amelia Park. moonpiemadness2019.eventbrite.com/
www.mobilesaenger.com
Saturday February 2
Chickasaw Civic Theatre Presents “Smoke on the Mountain” 7:30 AM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, AL, 36611 Chickasaw Civic Theatre Presents “Smoke on the Mountain”. 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com Moon Pie Madness - 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run 8:00 AM Amelia Park, 716 Mae Street Saraland, AL,
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Vintage Market Days of Mobile Area - Spring 2019 Event 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North Mobile, AL, 36608 Vintage Market Days is an upscale vintage-inspired market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more. The Market is a three day event held several times a year in various communities. Each Vintage Market Days event is a unique opportunity for vendors to display their talents and passions in different venues. www.vintagemarketdays.com/market/mobile/index. php Blues Tavern BBQ Cookoff benefiting Woody’s Song School 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 2818 Government Boulevard Mobile, AL, 36606 The Annual Blues Tavern BBQ Cookoff benefiting Woody’s Song School will feature a BBQ challenge, live music all day, $10 plate lunches, raffles and silent auction. 251-331-2633
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FamilyCalendar Kids Studio ($5 or free for members) 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Alabama Contemporary Art Center, 301 Conti Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Kids Studio is a weekly program that encourages children ages 3-10 to explore contemporary art. Activities are designed to stimulate young minds while offering cross-curriculum learning opportunities with handson projects. Classes are taught by local artists and trained professional educators. Age 3-10 251-208-5671 www.alabamacontemporary.org Krewe de la Dauphine (Free) 1:00 PM Dauphin Island, Dauphin Island, AL Krewe de la Dauphine parade at 1:00pm. townofdauphinisland.org The PACT: School of Rock Audition Workshop 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, The Pact, 3995 Cottage Hill Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Want to get ahead with auditions and callbacks? Come join The PACT and learn the choreography to the callback dance as well as what the callback material will be. We will also give feedback on audition songs! We will give you tips and tricks to auditions and how to be better prepared! No dance or show experience necessary. This workshop is not required to audition for the show, but it will give you a better idea of what to prepare! Grades 5 through 12 are able to take the workshop. 251-307-5056 6th Annual Joy of Life Mardi Gras Ball 7:00 PM Daphne Civic Center, 2603 US-98 Daphne, AL, 36526 The 2019 gala will present St. Jude patients as King and Queen. The “Joy of Life” Mardi Gras Ball will showcase the culinary skills of Mobile’s most amazing chefs and restaurants, a live and silent auction, as well as great musical entertainment all while raising funds for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. joyoflifegulfcoast.org Joe Jefferson Players Present “Young Frankenstein” 7:30 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players Present Young Frankenstein”. 251-471-1534 www.joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Theatre Guild Presents “Cotton Patch Gospel” 7:30 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, AL, 36604 This “Greatest Story Ever Retold” is based on the book The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and John by Clarence Jordan in which the Gospel is presented in a setting of rural Georgia with country music songs, the final and perhaps best work of Harry Chapin. www.mobiletheatreguild.org
Sunday February 3
Vintage Market Days of Mobile Area Spring 2019 Event
Details February 2.
www.vintagemarketdays.com/market/mobile/ index.php 5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet
(Free)
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. Join a member of our human educational staff and meet one of the
Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
local critter inhabitants from the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and beyond. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center Chickasaw Civic Theatre Presents “Smoke on the Mountain” 2:00 PM Chickasaw Civic Theatre, 801 Iroquois Street Mobile, AL, 36611 Chickasaw Civic Theatre Presents “Smoke on the Mountain”. 251-457-8887 www.cctshows.com Joe Jefferson Players Present “Young Frankenstein” 2:00 PM Joe Jefferson Playhouse, 11 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 Joe Jefferson Players Present Young Frankenstein”. 251-471-1534 www.joejeffersonplayers.com Mobile Theatre Guild Presents “Cotton Patch Gospel” 2:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, AL, 36604 This “Greatest Story Ever Retold” is based on the book The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and John by Clarence Jordan in which the Gospel is presented in a setting of rural Georgia with country music songs, the final and perhaps best work of Harry Chapin. www.mobiletheatreguild.org
Monday February 4
Mystery Monday (Free) 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM, Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Crafternoon. Explore your own creativity using a variety of art and craft supplies. Learn how to make snowglobes. Refreshments will be served. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org/locations/parkway.php The Pact’s School of Rock Auditions 4:30 PM The Pact, 3995 Cottage Hill Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Auditions for School of Rock. www.thepactmobile.com Disney’s DCappella 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 The tour features a contemporary production of new Deke Sharon arrangements of Disney classic and modern hits, bringing to life a truly unique a cappella experience. 251-208-5600 www.mobilesaenger.com
Tuesday February 5
5 Rivers StoryTime “Pout Pout Fish” (Free) 10:00 AM 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center Toddlers - Create! Play! Learn! (Free) 10:00 AM West Regional Branch , 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Children Ages 18 Months to 3 Years. Join us for some hands on fun and learning. Wear play clothes because things might get messy! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Preschoolers - Create! Play! Learn! (Free) 11:00 AM West Regional Branch , 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Children Ages 18 Months to 3 Years. Join us for some hands on fun and learning. Wear play clothes because things might get messy! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Teen Tuesday’s (Free) 4:00 PM West Regional Branch , 5555 Grelot Road
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Mobile, AL, 36609 Come make 3D art with our 3D pens. Supplies and snacks provided. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
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The Pact’s School of Rock Auditions 4:30 PM The Pact, 3995 Cottage Hill Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Auditions for School of Rock. www.thepactmobile.com
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Wednesday February 6 Winter Wednesdays Details on January 30 listing. 251-973-2217 www.bellingrath.org
What’s Up Wednesday (Free) 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM, Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Create your own jewelry, buttons and other unique items by using the Library’s Cricut machine, button maker and jewelry making supplies. Refreshments will be served. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org/locations/parkway.php Teen Hang Out (Free) 3:30 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us in the new Teen Space each week for gaming, journaling, maker projects and all kinds of cool activities! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Thursday February 7
Teen Art Scene at the Library (Free) 3:30 PM West Regional Branch , 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Express Yourself! Want to create and expand your artistic endeavors? Bring your ideas to the Teen Spot. Enjoy the time and space to be creative. Supplies and snacks provided. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Sing & Dance with Mr. Butch! (Free) 4:00 PM Moorer/Spring Hill Branch, 4 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL, 36608 Join Mr. Butch for an hour of singing, dancing and Karaoke too! Ages 6-12 www.mobilepubliclibrary.org An Ancient Canoe Canal in Gulf Shores (Free) 6:00 PM USA Archaeology Museum, 6052 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Please join us on Thursday, February 7 at 6pm for a free archaeology talk by Dr. Greg Waselkov, USA Professor Emeritus of Anthropology. The talk, entitled “An Ancient Canoe Canal in Gulf Shores, Alabama,” will be held at the USA Archaeology Museum and is open to the public. Krewes & Brews Mardi Gras Party 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, History Museum of Mobile, 111 South Royal Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us for a night of revelry as we kick off the 2019 Carnival Season at the History Museum of Mobile’s Krewes & Brews Mardi Gras Party! Enjoy the Mardi Gras: Parading Through Time Exhibition, live music from the Crowned Jewelz BAND, libations by Bottles Up Mobile, food trucks and more. Grab your beads and come dressed in your favorite Mardi Gras gear. Dress head to toe in purple, green and gold or, for all you seasoned revelers, wear your past costumes! www.historymuseumofmobile.com Jerry Alan Bush Piano Music of David Z. Durant 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Jerry Alan Bush Piano
www.mobilebayparents.com
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Friday February 8
Mobile Boat Show (Adult Tickets (Ages 13+) $8.00,
Kids 12 & under get in free with purchase of adult ticket)
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Mobile Convention Center, 1 South Water Street Mobile, AL, 36602 In addition to a huge selection of boats and marine products, there are special events for the whole family to enjoy! This year’s show will feature professional flyboarding demonstrations in the Mobile River. This exciting new sport is taking off around the Gulf Coast and is fun to watch! The Fetch-n-Fish dog show returns with dog jumping, training tips and lots of fun for the kids; and the Skeeter Experience seminar series boasts a great line-up of local and regional fishing talent sharing their secrets and tips. You can also register for giveaways in Skeeter room all weekend. gulfcoastshows.com/mobile LoDa Artwalk 6:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL, 36602 LoDa ArtWalk is a monthly event where in the community is invited to come downtown and enjoy local art, artists, galleries, and other great venues. ArtWalk takes place every second Friday of the month from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Lower Dauphin (LoDa) Arts District. mobilearts.org/art-walk/ Mobile Theatre Guild Presents “Cotton Patch Gospel” 7:30 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, AL, 36604 This “Greatest Story Ever Retold” is based on the book The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and John by Clarence Jordan in which the Gospel is presented in a setting of rural Georgia with country music songs, the final and perhaps best work of Harry Chapin. www.mobiletheatreguild.org
Saturday February 9
Find Joy in the Journey – Christ United 25th Annual Women’s Conference 9:00 AM Christ United Methodist Church, 6101 Grelot Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Christ United Methodist Church will hold its Annual Women’s Conference, Find Joy in the Journey on Saturday, February 9, 2019. This conference will feature speaker, Cherie Nettles and worship leader, Sarah Johnson. 251-599-3902 christunited.com Metro Mobile Literacy Council’s 2019 Young Authors’ Conference 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, West Regional Library, 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Students in grades 3-5 are invited to attend the conference! Hear from our panel of adult and children author’s as they share their writing expertise, participate in fun writing workshops, and share your writing with others. metromobilelit.weebly.com/events.html
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Kids 12 & under get in free with purchase of adult ticket)
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Maker Storytime (Free) 10:30 AM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Families with young
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Mobile Boat Show (Adult Tickets (Ages 13+) $8.00, 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Details February 8. gulfcoastshows.com/mobile
children are invited for a time of exploring science, technology, engineering and math through stories and making projects together. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
ents Straight From the Soundtrack 251-208-5600 www.mobilesaenger.com
Blakeley Park Book Talk and Signing for Freedom Spring 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, Blakeley State Park, 34745 State Highway 225 Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Alabama author Kurt Vetters will launch his second Civil War novel, Freedom Spring. The book chronicles the closing days of the Civil War from the perspective of a newly-freed slave in the battles around Spanish Fort and Fort Blakeley. 251-626-0798 www.blakeleypark.com
Mystery Monday (Free) 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM, Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Crafternoon. Explore your own creativity using a variety of art and craft supplies. Learn how to make snowglobes. Refreshments will be served. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org/locations/parkway.php
Dauphin Island People’s Parade (Free) 1:00 PM Dauphin Island, Dauphin Island, AL Dauphin Island People’s Parade. townofdauphinisland.org Mobile Symphony Orchestra Presents Straight From the Soundtrack 7:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Mobile Symphony Orchestra Presents Straight From the Soundtrack 251-208-5600 www.mobilesaenger.com Mobile Theatre Guild Presents “Cotton Patch Gospel” 7:30 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, AL, 36604 This “Greatest Story Ever Retold” is based on the book The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and John by Clarence Jordan in which the Gospel is presented in a setting of rural Georgia with country music songs, the final and perhaps best work of Harry Chapin. www.mobiletheatreguild.org Central Gulf Coast Harp Society Improvisation Workshop and Concert St. Lawrence Family Center, 370 South Section Street Fairhope, AL, 36532 Central Gulf Coast Harp Society presents Patrice Fisher and ARPA Improvisation Workshop and Concert. To register please call or visit out website. 251-928-2055 www.gulfcoastharps.com
Sunday February 10
Tuesday February 12
Love Your Heart Community Health Fair (Free) 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Springhill Baptist Activity Center, 2 South McGregor Avenue Mobile, AL, 36608 Blood pressure checks, heart healthy information, free giveaways and a luncheon featuring a presentation by Dr. Wail Hashimi of Cardiology Associates. 251-460-5440 All About Crocodilians (Free) 6:00 PM Environmental Center, 6101 Girby Road Mobile, AL, 36693 Tonight Marissa Donovan will share her experiences working with alligators, as well as other types of crocodilians, Humans have a fear/ fascination with alligators and crocodiles, including many misconceptions about them. Free to attend, family friendly, snacks and drinks provided but we welcome any snack contribution you want to bring! 251-221-5000
Wednesday February 13 Winter Wednesdays Details on January 30 listing. 251-973-2217 www.bellingrath.org
What’s Up Wednesday (Free) 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM, Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Create your own jewelry, buttons and other unique items by using the Library’s Cricut machine, button maker and jewelry making supplies. Refreshments will be served. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org/locations/parkway.php D.I.Y. Do It Yourself Day! (Free) 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Semmes Regional Library, 9150 Moffett Road Semmes , AL, 36575 Learn something new – hands on activities in Art, Gardening, Cooking and so much more! Ages 6-14. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Teen Hang Out (Free) 3:30 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us in the new Teen Space each week for gaming, journaling, maker projects and all kinds of cool activities! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Mobile Boat Show (Adult Tickets (Ages 13+) $8.00, Kids 12 & under get in free with purchase of adult ticket) Details February 8. gulfcoastshows.com/mobile
Market at the Pillars 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, The Pillars, 1757 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36604 Enjoy a fun afternoon of shopping local. Mobile Theatre Guild Presents “Cotton Patch Gospel” 2:00 PM Mobile Theatre Guild, 14 North Lafayette Street Mobile, AL, 36604 This “Greatest Story Ever Retold” is based on the book The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and John by Clarence Jordan in which the Gospel is presented in a setting of rural Georgia with country music songs, the final and perhaps best work of Harry Chapin. www.mobiletheatreguild.org Mobile Symphony Orchestra Presents Straight From the Soundtrack 2:30 PM Saenger Theatre, 6 South Joachim Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Mobile Symphony Orchestra Pres-
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Monday February 11
USA Flute Recital 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 USA Flute Studio Recital www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html
Thursday February 14
Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda, Africa 7PM - Living Word Christian Center International Ministries, 1401 Government St., Mobile, AL 36604 As children from the Watoto Children’s Choir will share their personal stories and present live worship music from Uganda, you’ll see firsthand the power of God’s love transforming lives around the world. Free admittance! 251-471-2334 www.lwccim.com
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FamilyCalendar Learn How to Paint Like Bob Ross (Free) 3:30 PM West Regional Branch , 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Want to create beautiful paintings but have no idea how to begin. Join us and learn how to paint like Bob Ross. Supplies and snacks provided. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Kids Studio (Free) 4:00 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Kids Studio at Ben May Main Library! Children, ages 3-10 are invited to explore contemporary art, music, and literature through hands-on and minds-on activities that stimulate and deepen their understanding of art. This class is free, open to the public and lead by professional art educators. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Friday February 15
Conde Cavalier (Mobile Route A) (Free) 6:30 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A - Beginning at Mobile Civic Center(Claiborne Street); Church Street; Royal Street; St. Francis Street; Conceptions Street; Government Street; Washington Street; Canal Street; Broad Street; Spring Hill Avenue; Washington Street; Government Street; Ending at Civic Center on Claiborne Street. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php
Saturday February 16
Mobile King Cake-off 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM, Azalea Manor, 751 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Who has the best King Cake in Mobile? You be the judge! Get your taste buds ready for a day of traditional and nontraditional King Cake tastings, specialty cocktails, and food truck grub. This family-friendly event will have something for everyone - food, drinks, kids activities, live music, and a grand finale Secondliners walk to the 2:30 parade! Children 12 and under are free. A cash bar will be available during the event. A portion of event proceeds will go to benefit Fuse Project,. Great Backyard Bird Count Talk & Walk (Free) 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Will meet in the Tensaw Theater. YOU can be a citizen scientist and join the Great Backyard Bird Count 2019! More than 160,000 people of all ages and walks of life worldwide join the four-day count each February to create an annual snapshot of the distribution and abundance of birds. Scientists use this information for many different research projects all over the world. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center Bayport Parading Society, DJ Riders (Free) 2:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Route A; Bayport was created for businesses that want to participate in a parade. DJ Riders Parade follows after and parade goers will hear plenty of music! Beginning at Mobile Civic Center(Claiborne Street); Church Street; Royal Street; St. Francis Street; Conceptions Street; Government Street; Washington Street; Canal Street; Broad Street; Spring Hill Avenue; Washington Street; Government Street; Ending at Civic Center on Claiborne Street. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php
Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
Order of the Rolling River (Free) 2:00 PM Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile, AL Order of the Rolling River - Starts on south Dauphin Island Parkway, just south of Fowl River Road, at American Legion Post 250; South on DIP to Baumhauer Road; West on Baumhauer to Pioneer Road; North on Pioneer to Fowl River Road; East on Fowl River to DIP; South on DIP to end back at Post 250.
USA Wind Ensemble Winter Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 USA Wind Ensemble Winter Concert www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html
Pharaohs, Order of Hebe, Conde Explorers
Winter Wednesdays Details on January 30 listing. 251-973-2217 www.bellingrath.org
(Free)
6:30 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Route A - Beginning at Mobile Civic Center(Claiborne Street); Church Street; Royal Street; St. Francis Street; Conceptions Street; Government Street; Washington Street; Canal Street; Broad Street; Spring Hill Avenue; Washington Street; Government Street; Ending at Civic Center on Claiborne Street. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php Mobile Opera’s Winter Gala Concert (Tickets are
$25 and $10 (student))
8:00 PM Murphy High School Auditorium, 100 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 The Secret of Susanna. Wolf-Ferrari’s one-Act opera about an innocent secret that is blown out of proportion by suspicion and jealousy. Another happy ending for this reprise of the first opera produced by Mobile Opera 72 years ago. www.mobileopera.org
Sunday February 17
5 Rivers Animal Ambassadors Meet and Greet
(Free)
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM, 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 Alabama has one of the highest plant and animal diversities in the United States. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center
Monday February 18
Mystery Monday (Free) 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM, Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Crafternoon. Explore your own creativity using a variety of art and craft supplies. Learn how to make snowglobes. Refreshments will be served. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org/locations/parkway.php Football and Flowers 5:30 PM Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 Please join Mobile County Master Gardeners as we host legendary Georgia football coach Vince Dooley. The Mobile native will speak at Mobile Botanical Gardens, sharing his passion and experience with gardening-- growing camellias, hydrangeas, Japanese maples, roses, and much more! www.mobilebotanicalgardens.org
Tuesday February 19
5 Rivers StoryTime “I Thought I Saw an Alligator” (Free) 10:00 AM 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is StoryTime at 5 Rivers. Children under the age of 6 are welcome to stop by for a free reading of a nature based story followed by arts and crafts. 251-625-0814 www.outdooralabama.com/ activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center Teen Tuesday’s (Free) 4:00 PM West Regional Branch , 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Come make 3D art with our 3D pens. Supplies and snacks provided. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
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Wednesday February 20
What’s Up Wednesday (Free) 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM, Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Create your own jewelry, buttons and other unique items by using the Library’s Cricut machine, button maker and jewelry making supplies. Refreshments will be served. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org/locations/parkway.php Teen Hang Out (Free) 3:30 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us in the new Teen Space each week for gaming, journaling, maker projects and all kinds of cool activities! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Thursday February 21
Teen Art Scene at the Library (Free) 3:30 PM West Regional Branch , 5555 Grelot Road Mobile, AL, 36609 Express Yourself! Want to create and expand your artistic endeavors? Bring your ideas to the Teen Spot. Enjoy the time and space to be creative. Supplies and snacks provided. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org Order of Polka Dots (Free) 6:30 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Route A - Beginning at Mobile Civic Center(Claiborne Street); Church Street; Royal Street; St. Francis Street; Conceptions Street; Government Street; Washington Street; Canal Street; Broad Street; Spring Hill Avenue; Washington Street; Government Street; Ending at Civic Center on Claiborne Street. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php Kirk Cameron LIVE!
7:00 PM Dauphin Way Baptist, 3661 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL, 36608 Kirk Cameron will be bringing the Cameron living room to churches across the country, and want you to join him for a heartfelt conversation about what matters most to us as husbands, wives and parents. Think of it as a “home-run date night” with Kirk and his wife, Chelsea and also our special music guest, Matt Hammitt. A time to get away with your spouse for 3 hours with them to laugh together, pray together, learn together, and worship together. www.ticketfly.com/event/1799376-living-room-resetkirk-mobile/
Friday February 22
Order of Inca Parade (Free) 6:30 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A - Beginning at Mobile Civic Center(Claiborne Street); Church Street; Royal Street; St. Francis Street; Conceptions Street; Government Street; Washington Street; Canal Street; Broad Street; Spring Hill Avenue; Washington Street; Government Street; Ending at Civic Center on Claiborne Street. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php
www.mobilebayparents.com
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FamilyCalendar University of Mobile Chamber Opera “The Consul - Gian Carlo Menotti” 7:00 PM Murphy High School, 100 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 When her family’s safety is put at risk, Magda Sorel must obtain visas for them to leave the country. Magda is pitted against a bureaucracy that is unrelenting and which has corrupt and manipulative secret police. Menotti’s first full-length opera is gripping and suspense-filled keeping you on the edge of your seat. umobile.edu
Saturday February 23
Living History Crew Drill 8:00 AM USS Battleship Parkway, 2703 Battleship Parkway Mobile, AL, 36602 Come see history come to life as our WWII historical reenactors board the USS ALABAMA and USS DRUM for their weekend of drills. Hear stories of the men who served and see what life aboard ship was like during the war. Be on deck of the USS ALABAMA at 1:00 p.m. for “call to battle stations” and watch the men defend the ship during an actual air attack, weather permitting. Ham radio operators broadcast live from the ship. WWII airplanes, the L-Birds, will be flying in and conducting aerial demonstrations. www.ussalabama.com Mobile Mystics, Mobile Mystical Revelers, Mobile Mystical Friends Parade (Free) 2:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A - Beginning at Mobile Civic Center(Claiborne Street); Church Street; Royal Street; St. Francis Street; Conceptions Street; Government Street; Washington Street; Canal Street; Broad Street; Spring Hill Avenue; Washington Street; Government Street; Ending at Civic Center on Claiborne Street. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php Maids of Mirth, Butterfly Maidens, Krewe of Marry Mates Parade (Free) 6:30 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A - Beginning at Mobile Civic Center(Claiborne Street); Church Street; Royal Street; St. Francis Street; Conceptions Street; Government Street; Washington Street; Canal Street; Broad Street; Spring Hill Avenue; Washington Street; Government Street; Ending at Civic Center on Claiborne Street. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php Masterclass with Broadway Star Heidi Blickenstaff The Pact, 3995 Cottage Hill Road Mobile, AL, 36609 We are SO excited about Heidi Blickenstaff coming to Mobile for a masterclass at The PACT! Tickets and more information will be coming soon! 251-307-5056 thepactmobile.com
Sunday February 24
University of Mobile Chamber Opera “The Consul - Gian Carlo Menotti” 2:00 PM Murphy High School, 100 South Carlen Street Mobile, AL, 36606 When her family’s safety is put at risk, Magda Sorel must obtain visas for them to leave the country. Magda is pitted against a bureaucracy that is unrelenting and which has corrupt and manipulative secret police. Menotti’s first full-length opera is gripping and suspense-filled keeping you on the edge of your seat. umobile.edu
Arc Mardi Gras Parade www.mobilearc.org
Sunday Matinee: “Fabulous Frogs” (Free) 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Boulevard Spanish Fort, AL, 36527 A PBS Nature film. Sir David Attenborough takes us on a journey through the weird and wonderful world of frogs. Movie will play throughout the day www.outdooralabama.com/activities/5-rivers-alabama-delta-resource-center
Monday February 25
Mystery Monday (Free) 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM, Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Crafternoon. Explore your own creativity using a variety of art and craft supplies. Learn how to make snowglobes. Refreshments will be served. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org/locations/parkway.php USA Concert Choir and University Chorale Winter Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608 USA Concert Choir and University Chorale Winter Concert. www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html
Tuesday February 26
University of Mobile - Night of the Classical Masters 7:00 PM Alabama School of Mathematics and Science, 1255 Dauphin Street Mobile, AL, 36604 The Alabama School of the Arts’ Orchestra and Chorale will be performing an evening of classical repertoire including Brahms’ A German Requiem, Op. 45 featuring soloists from The Alabama School of the Arts. umobile.edu Order of LaShe’s Parade (Free) 6:30PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php
Wednesday February 27 Winter Wednesdays Details on January 30 listing. 251-973-2217 www.bellingrath.org
What’s Up Wednesday (Free) 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM, Parkway Branch, 1924 Dauphin Island Pkwy B Mobile, AL, 36605 Create your own jewelry, buttons and other unique items by using the Library’s Cricut machine, button maker and jewelry making supplies. Refreshments will be served. www.mobilepubliclibrary.org/locations/parkway.php Teen Hang Out (Free) 3:30 PM Ben May Main Library, 701 Government Street Mobile, AL, 36602 Join us in the new Teen Space each week for gaming, journaling, maker projects and all kinds of cool activities! www.mobilepubliclibrary.org
Thursday February 28
57
USA Symphony Band Winter Concert 7:30 PM Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, 5751 USA South Drive Mobile, AL, 36608www.southalabama. edu/colleges/music/upcomingevents.html
Friday March 1
Crewe of Columbus Parade (Free) 6:30 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php
Saturday March 2
Floral Parade, Knights of Mobile, Joy of Life, Mobile Mystical Ladies, Order of Angels (Free) 12:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php Joy of Life Mardi Gras Parade 12:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL The parade will be on Parade Route A in Downtown Mobile. A Joy of Life King or Queen will be present on each float. Joy of Life on the Gulf Coast is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that was formed in 2013 to primarily benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. joyoflifegulfcoast.org Saraland Mardi Gras Association “Krewe of Sparta” Inaugural Mardi Gras Parade & Bicentennial Celebration 12:00 PM Route 43 (Saraland Boulevard South) Saraland, AL, 36572 Saraland Mardi Gras Association “Krewe of Sparta” Inaugural Mardi Gras Parade & Bicentennial Celebration Mystics of Time Parade (Free) 6:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php
Sunday March 3
37th Annual Arc Mardi Gras Parade 1:00 PM Gordon Smith Center, 2448 Gordon Smith Drive Mobile, AL, 36617 37th Annual
Neptune’s Daughters, OOI Parade (Free) 6:30PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A - Beginning at Mobile Civic Center(Claiborne Street); Church Street; Royal Street; St. Francis Street; Conceptions Street; Government Street; Washington Street; Canal Street; Broad Street; Spring Hill Avenue; Washington Street; Government Street; Ending at Civic Center on Claiborne Street. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php
Mystic Stripers Society Parade (Free) 6:30 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php
King Elexis I Motorcade Parade (Free) 2:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route E: Begins on Water Street and proceeds down Government Street, turning onto Broad and circling Texas, Washington and Canal. Parade then proceeds back down Broad Street, across Government Street to Spring Hill Avenue, Washington, St. Louis and ending on Warren Street. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php Joe Cain Parade (Free) 2:30 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile
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F
FamilyCalendar Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php Le Krewe de Bienville, Krewe de Secondline (Free)
5:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php
Monday March 4
King Felix III, Floral parade (Free) 12:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php MLK Business and Civic Organization, MLK Monday Mystics, Northside Merchants Parade
(Free)
3:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route D: Beginning on Warren Street, winding around ML King, Jr. Avenue, Lexington Avenue to St. Stephens Road, Spring Hill Avenue and ending on Washington Avenue. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php Infant Mystics, Order of Doves Parade (Free) 7:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route F: Begins on Dauphin Street winding down Spring Hill Avenue, Government Street, taking a turn onto Claiborne Street, to Church Street and Royal, circling Bienville Square to Conception Street, back down Government Street to end at Civic Center on Claiborne Street. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php
Tuesday March 5
Order of Athena Parade (Free) 10:30 AM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php Knights of Revelry, King Felix III, Comic Cowboys Parade (Free) 12:30 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route A: Beginning at the Mobile Civic Center winding down Church Street to Royal Street, around Bienville Square to government Street to Spring Hill Avenue and around Broad, Canal and Washington streets and end at the Mobile Civic Center. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association Parade Parade (Free) 2:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route B: Beginning on Broad Street down ML King, Jr. Avenue to Lexington, St. Stephens, continuing down Spring Hill Avenue. A short turn onto Washington to Government with another short turn onto Clairborne to Church Street to Royal and circling Bienville Square, turning onto Conception and Government Streets and ending on Washington Avenue. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php
Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
Order of Myths Parade (Free) 6:00 PM Downtown Mobile, Mobile, AL Mobile Parade Route C: Beginning at St. Anthony Street, down Royal to St. Francis Street, around Bienville Square down Conception to Government Street around Broad Street and Spring Hill Avenue and a short turn onto Washington Street. Then back up Government and winding again around Bienville Square on Conception and St. Francis Streets and ending at the starting point on St. Anthony Street. www.cityofmobile.org/mardigras.php
Classes/Meetings APAC - Mobile County Adoptive Family Group Meets the 4th Friday of each month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, 445 Azalea Road. Parent, Youth/Teen Group and Childcare Is Provided. Topic Discussions & ceu’s for foster families are offered. For more information please call 251-460-2727 * 1-800-489-1886 * or estokes@childrensaid.org. Autism Support Group in North Mobile We have a social play room for higher functioning children (4 and up) to engage and relate. The idea is to have a safe place for parents of Autistic children in our community to link up and network with other families. 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Saraland United Methodist Church, 415 McKeough Ave., Saraland. For more info or to RSVP contact Chris Gibson. Email Chrisgibson4149@gmail.com, or 251-281-7312. Breast Feeding Friendly Group (The BFF Group) A place where new moms can get one-on-one breastfeeding help. Get to know other moms within the same community and possibly become a mentor. Breastfeeding professionals are able to provide newborn weight checks before and after feeding to help you to know if your baby is getting enough to eat. Nurses and other medical personnel can answer general questions. All are welcome, even if you haven’t delivered yet. Spouses and other support partners are also welcome. Every Monday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. (Except major holidays). We meet at The Allen Cox Building Conference Room, 205 Lambert Avenue, Mobile. Bridge Support Group The Bridge support group is a place where parents with similar experiences come together to share stories, advice and love. These families have had babies who: were stillborn, born with a lethal anomaly (such as Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18, skeletal dysplasia, anencephaly) or had a baby that only lived in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Our families are from all over the Gulf Coast and all have beautiful stories to tell. 1st Tuesday of every month, 5:30pm-until. Dinner is served. Meets in 1st floor conference room of Strada Center, 1601 Center Street, Mobile. Contact information: Rene Sprague RN, MSN rgilstrapsprague@health. southalabama.edu 251-6105264. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. Circle Of Hope, Sexual Assault Support Group Group meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. Call Lifelines Counseling Services to schedule a 30 minute appointment before attending the group 251-431-5100. COH is a support group for victims of sexual violence to share in their struggles and learn ways to begin to cope with the pain and daily stressors that trigger the hurt. This group is free to attend. Call for times and locations.
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The Family Center The Family Center’s classes in Mobile and Daphne are free and offer free childcare WITH minimum 24HOUR RESERVATION. Night class includes supper and giftcards. All classes provide a certificate of completion. The Family Center of Mobile *Nurturing Parenting course teaches parenting skills such as teaching cooperation and peaceful bedtimes. Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12-week rotating series. Call 251-479-5700 to register. *The Responsible Fatherhood Program (RFP) classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., but REQUIRE ADVANCE INTAKE APPOINTMENT. See daily listings for class topics. *Mondays: Together We Can, a cooperative parenting course, 8 weeks. *Tuesdays: Quenching the Father Thirst, (Four things every dad needs to know), 12 weeks. *Thursdays: Chill Skills Stress/Anger Management training, 4 weeks.251-479-5700 for information on all Family Center classes. All held at 601 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 100, Mobile. www.familycentermobile.org or www. Facebook.com/FatherhoodMobile. La Leche League Mobile Bay Area Breastfeeding support meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. Meetings are free and open to all women with an interest in breastfeeding. Babies and children are welcome. For information or support contact a leader. 251-689-2085, amandaLLLmobile@yahoo.com, meghanLLL@yahoo. com, or michelleLLLmobile@yahoo.com. Facebook: La Leche League Mobile Bay Area. Survivors of Suicide Support Group Meets the 2nd & 4th Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lifelines Counseling Services, 705 Oak Circle Drive, Mobile. SOS is here to provide a supportive and judgement-free environment for you to express yourself and share your story. What can you expect? •A place to find support •A comfortable environment to express yourself •A judgement free environment •Resources for grieving Mobile Infirmary Hospital For complete information about class dates, times, and locations, or to schedule a tour of our maternity center, please call childbirth education office at (251)
435-2000. • Birthing Basics Class This course is for parents who either have already experienced childbirth or who prefer to attend just one class because of time constraints. The four-hour weekend session (with breaks) includes a tour and all birthing information. The fee is $30 for patients delivering at Mobile Infirmary. Pre-registration is required; call 435-2000. Every last Sunday of the month. 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
www.mobilebayparents.com
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FamilyCalendar • Cancer Support Group Meets every 4th Tuesday of the month from 10-11 a.m. • Gastric Band Support Meets every 3rd Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m. • Gastric Bypass Support Meets every 2nd Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m. • Preparation for Childbirth Series This series of classes includes all aspects of labor including natural coping skills and epidural anesthesia. Class participants will practice comfort measures and learn about post-delivery and newborn care. Providence Hospital: www.providencehospital.org Providence Hospital offers a variety of classes on Childbirth Preparation. All classes meet in Conference Room 1, (located just inside the front doors in the main lobby of the hospital by the gift shop), unless otherwise specified. Preregistration is required for all classes, and fees are collected in class. To register for classes, please visit our website at www.providencehospital. org, Women’s Services and click “Childbirth and Breastfeeding Classes. If you have any questions, please email us at maternityservices@ascension.org or call 251-266-1749. Spring Hill Medical Center: www.springhillmedicalcenter.com • Better Breathers Support Group Meeting For people with pulmonary disorders. Meets on the fourth Monday of each month. 2-3 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. For more information, call 461-2438. • Breastfeeding Class One Wednesday per month. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Family Center. Benefits of breastfeeding, getting started, going back to work and FAQs are covered. Call 340-7770 early to pre-register. • Childbirth Preparation Classes Four consecutive Mondays (6:30-9 p.m.) at The Family Center. Register early. The class covers onset of labor, inductions, Cesarean sections, relaxation, anesthesia and postpartum. Includes a tour of the maternity units.Cost: $25 if delivering at Springhill Hospital. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Childbirth Preparation: Accelerated Course: One Saturday per month. 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at The Family Center. Ideal for those who live out of town or will be delivering soon. $25. Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Me, Too! A Tour for Siblings: Noon on the First Sunday
of the month. Join us for an individualized tour and instruction for siblings ages 9 and younger. The event includes a tour of the maternity areas and tips on helping parents with the new baby. Parents must remain with their children. By Appointment. Call 340-7769. • Infant CPR: Learn this potentially lifesaving technique while you are pregnant or soon after your baby’s birth. Covers infant CPR and choking. $5 if delivering at SMC. 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. The Family Center (Bldg. 2, Fourth Floor). Call 340-7769 early to pre-register. • Resolve Through Sharing: For parents who have lost a child before or immediately after birth. Meets the fourth Monday of every month, 7-8 p.m. Gerald Wallace Auditorium. Call 460-5323. USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital www.usahealthsystem.com/usacwh Classes: Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 415-1069. No children at classes, please. Class size is limited. Advanced payment required to secure your reservation. If you are expecting multiples or having a c-section, please call for additional class information. • Preparing for Childbirth: All-day Saturday class for the expectant mother and her support person (coach). Topics include: pregnancy changes, labor, role of the support coach, relaxation and breathing techniques, vaginal and cesarean births, postpartum care, and a tour of the maternity areas. Fee per couple: $30. You should plan on beginning the 3-week series when you are approximately 28 weeks pregnant. Class will meet in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Every other month, 9-2.
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• Childbirth in a Nutshell: This class includes a brief overview of labor and a tour of the maternity areas. Class meets first Tuesday every other month from 6:309 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital. Fee per couple: $15. • Breastfeeding: This one-night class is for expectant and newly delivered mothers and their support persons who want to learn about breastfeeding. Class meets second Thursday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the CWEB2 Building behind the hospital Fee: $5. Registration Information: Credit card payments are accepted by calling 415-1685. Mail payments for classes to: University of South Alabama, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Education Department, 1700 Center St., Mobile, AL 36604.
Please send your calendar events to lynn@ mobilebayparents.com. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information.
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A Dog’s Way Home
Replicas
MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: B Sexual Content: A Profanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A Bella (voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard) is a young puppy, growing up with her mother and a pack of cats in the ruins of an old home. When Animal Control tries to clean out the space, Bella’s mother is taken, and Bella falls into the care of one of the cats. That is, until Lucas (Jonah Hauer-King) and Olivia (Alexandra Shipp) come by to feed the cats, and Bella decides that it’s time to find a new home with Lucas. Bella grows up to be a large dog and she and Lucas are very happy - until Animal Control returns to tell them that since Bella is a pit bull, she won’t be allowed in the city and will be euthanized if she is found off Lucas’s property. To save Bella from this dire fate, Lucas sends her to stay with friends in New Mexico temporarily until he can move to a safer location, but Bella can’t wait for Lucas to come back. She sets off on a grand adventure to find her way home and meets all kinds of strange animals and people on the way: some friendly, some dangerous, and some in between. Frankly, there isn’t too much I can say about this movie that you can’t intuit from a plot synopsis or the trailer. It is one of those films that is exactly what you’d expect it to be, and nothing more. It’s a safe, sentimental, paint-bynumbers family picture with strong appeal for children and animal lovers. There’s not much for parents to be concerned about here. There is almost no objectionable content of any kind. A Dog’s Way Home isn’t a bad movie... and isn’t a good movie either. It is a harmless movie that will be enjoyed by its target audience and tolerated by everyone else.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: C+ Sexual Content: AProfanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: AWilliam Foster (Keanu Reeves), a talented researcher in a biotechnology company called Bionyne, is trying to implant a human consciousness into a robot. With the help of colleague Ed Whittle (Thomas Middleditch), he comes close, but the consciousness always seems to reject the synthetic body. After one failure too many, Ed loans William his boat for a family weekend getaway. However, on the way to the marina the family gets caught in a terrible storm and William crashes the car. When he comes to, he finds that his wife, Mona (Alice Eve) and their children Matt, Sophie, and Zoe (Emjay Anthony, Emily Alyn Lind, and Aira Leabu) have all been killed in the wreck. In his grief, he turns to Ed, and coaxes him into helping him implant the consciousnesses of his family members into the cloned bodies. But, as Ed points out, human cloning is illegal, and even if it wasn’t, no one has have successfully done it. Will William be able to bring his family back to life? And if so, at what cost? Replicas is certainly making a bold move by addressing such a controversial issue, and to its credit, the film devotes a fair bit of dialogue to discussing the objections to human cloning and transhumanism. But, like in every other Frankenstein story, the characters then ignore both ethics and sense and race full steam ahead into scientifically and philosophically muddy waters. Unfortunately, Replicas doesn’t seem to have the screenwriting or directing chops to make any of this plausible. On the effects end of things, the computer-generated assets are downright goofy. With a hard-to-swallow plot and many technical flaws, Replicas isn’t a good movie by any definition.
On the Basis of Sex
The Upside
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: AViolence: B+ Sexual Content: C+ Profanity: C Alcohol / Drug Use: C At the beginning of her first year at Harvard Law School in 1956, Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Felicity Jones) is at the receiving end of a shocking question from Dean Erwin Griswold (Sam Waterston). At a formal dinner, the dean asks the handful of female students to explain “why you’re occupying a place that could have gone to a man.” The fact that such a question is so outrageously offensive today is partially due to the legal work of Ms. Ginsburg, a leader in court challenges against discriminatory legislation and, since 1993, a justice of the United States Supreme Court. But Justice Ginsburg’s success didn’t come quickly and her struggle is the heart of this triumphant film. Even with her extraordinary intelligence and work ethic, Ruth has to take a circuitous path to legal success – more direct routes closed due to her gender. On the Basis of Sex is a compelling story about the long journey towards gender equality. It also shows a united, loving marriage where both parties are totally committed to the growth and happiness of each other. It should be pointed out, however, that the affection in this marriage is demonstrated in the movie’s only sensual scene: this involves Marty sliding off Ruth’s dress, kissing her on the chest, and carrying her off to bed. Aside from this episode, the only other content issues are occasional profanities (including one sexual expletive) and occasional drinking and smoking. Minor flaws aside, this is a rousing, thought-provoking film parents (or teachers) can use as a springboard for discussions with teens.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B Violence: B+ Sexual Content: BProfanity: BAlcohol / Drug Use: D Dell Scott (Kevin Hart) has a problem. He has just been released from yet another prison term and his parole officer is demanding that he provide proof of a serious job search. Phillip Lacasse (Bryan Cranston) has a problem. Paralyzed from the neck down after a paragliding accident and grieving his wife’s death from cancer, he has no interest in living. His devoted assistant, Yvonne (Nicole Kidman), is trying to find a suitable personal care attendant but Phillip refuses to engage with any of the applicants. And then Dell walks in... Against Yvonne’s strenuous objections, Phillip hires Dell and the two forge an unlikely, but in the circumstances of the film, quite predictable friendship. Cranston and Hart have a believable on-screen chemistry that draws the audience into the story. The Upside is not trying to be a motivational film. It is simply trying to tell its story, which is based on a real friendship, in as authentic a way as possible. Parents might be concerned with frequent anatomical discussions – a catheter is changed in a few scenes and while all camera work is above the waist, there is some discussion about male genitalia. There is also a lot of humor relating to the catheter scenes which viewers will either find offensive or hysterically funny. What is likely to cause the greatest concern in this film is its very positive portrayal of drug use in the form of marijuana. The negative content in The Upside is frustrating because this film comes with strong positive messages, which are the real upside and make this movie worth watching.
Mobile Bay Parents I February 2019
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www.mobilebayparents.com
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