Mobile Bay Parents Magazine May 2020 Issue by KeepSharing

May2020 4

Volume 10 Number 2

Columns

2 Publisher’s Note 4 Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

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

Virtual Schooling

10 Kids Health Watch

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

sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

32 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between Common Sense Media

33 Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Common Sense Media Adjusting rules on screen time during Coronavirus.

Life Skills for Graduates What they should know before heading to college.

42 Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

43 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

On The Cover Libby Brazell (18), daughter of Don and Tammy Brazell and sister to Tiffany Williamson. After graduation Libby plans to major in political science. Once she receives her bachelor’s degree, she plans to attend law school. Photograph by Sarah Elizabeth Photography.

Departments 6 Bits and Pieces 12 School Bits 44 Movie Reviews

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FromthePublisher

Mobile Bay Mobile Bay’s Foremost Parenting Source

I don’t know if the shock of everything that has happened over the last couple of months will ever fully go away, but like most of you, I am settling into it a little more. Brad and I already worked from home, so that was no change. However, working from home with all three girls home with us was a different story. Summers, we can handle. Activities, friends... lots of things to keep the girls active and occupied. This is different. Unlike summer, the girls still have school responsibilities and no social or extra-curricular activities. But like all parents, I had a plan. The experts say, stick to a schedule. Up and ready for breakfast by 8 am and begin schoolwork by 9 am. Finished by lunch. Perfect! But what sounds good on paper is not always reality, and certainly not how it all went down at my house. Many mornings I get up, get dressed (I am a firm believer in getting dressed and ready every morning) then get distracted with emails or phone calls, and the next thing I know the schedule is toast. Some days it makes me feel like a huge mom fail. But as all of this draws out longer and the stress and cabin fever grows, the schedule was honestly one of the things I just had to let go of, at least for now. After all, the girls have proven to be very responsible with their work, even without the schedule. So, at least for today, we are going with what works for us. We are all adjusting differently and we need to be mindful of our physical AND our mental health. If you have days that just don’t work like you want, it’s okay. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Find what works for you and your family. If you need some ideas for getting in a groove with academics, flip to page 30 where you will find Finish the School Year Virtually: 10 Ways to Help Your Child Stay Strong, by Janeen Lewis. She has some excellent advice for staying on track. Like many of you, we have found some extra time in our schedules, which has afforded us the ability to do more cooking. If you know me well, you know that cooking is definitely not one of my strengths. But, with more time and having the girls around, it has been a lot more fun! I think it is a great skill for them to be practicing at this age. Brad has joined in the fun and has been teaching the girls some house maintenance and repair skills. Before you know it, they will be on their own and glad they had these lessons. In fact, we have decided to start working on the list Kimberley Spivey compiled in her article, Life Skills Every High School Graduate Needs, on page 34. Check it out, especially if you have graduating seniors. They will thank you for it...at least one day. Speaking of graduates, it has been heartbreaking to see what these young people and their families are going through. They are missing their prom, graduation parties, and moments of savoring the last few carefree weeks between exams and graduation. So this month we want to give a big shout-out to the Class of 2020 and their families, and help celebrate their achievements as they move into the next chapter of their lives. This month (and in June) we have a Senior Spotlight section to celebrate some of these special graduates. Check it out beginning on page 37. To the grads, CONGRATULATIONS and warmest wishes as you move on to your next great adventure! To everyone, stay safe, be well, and savor the sweet moments.

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. Janeen Lewis Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Dave Ramsey Gerry Paige Smith Kimberley Carter Spivey

Cover Photography Melissa Torrez Photography 850-497-5990

President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton ads@mobilebayparents.com (251) 304-1200 Account Manager Eleanor Williams Ad Design Tim Welch

Lynn

Visit us at www.mobilebayparents.com

lynn@mobilebayparents.com

Mobile Bay Parents I May 2020

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.

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 2020 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.

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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

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

Mobile Bay Parents I May 2020

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

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

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Farmers Virtual Field Trips

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

Dumas Wesley - Fifth Annual Plane Pull

Join us Saturday, June 6 at Brookley Aeroplex for the 5th Annual Plane Pull to benefit Dumas Wesley Center. Dumas Wesley is challenging the community to participate in this extreme and unique event that pits teams against an Airbus aircraft weighing 130,000 pounds. Teams compete to see who can pull the plane over 12 feet in the fastest amount of time. The event is open to the public and will also include entertainment, food trucks, snow cone truck, a Kid’s Zone, and an awards ceremony. Spectators are encouraged to attend and cheer on their favorite team! This fundraiser raises both money and awareness for the Dumas Wesley Community Center. Spectators get in free! Please visit www. dumaswesley.org for more information.

12th Annual Mobile Chocolate Festival

Mobile Chocolate Festival to benefit Penelope House for victims of domestic violence is postponed to Saturday, August 15, 2020, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Grounds, 1035 Cody Road North, Mobile. This is a Family Fun event that features Vendors with samples and products, Photo Booth, Children’s Area, Mobile Fixture Apron Decoration Station, Chocolate Martini Tasting, Cupcake Booth, Live Music, Food Trucks and More! Proceeds benefit Penelope House, whose mission is to provide safety, protection, and support to the victims of Domestic Violence and their children through the provision of shelter, advocacy, and individual and community education. General admission is $3.00 in advance, $5.00 day of event, FREE for children 13 and under. For more information, go to mobilechocolatefestival.com.

Ransom Springtime Market Rescheduled for August 8

Ransom Ministries announces that the Ransom Market will be held August 8 from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at The Grounds. You’ll save money on your favorite items from numerous unique local vendors while enjoying delicious local eats from our choice selection of delicious food trucks. Relax and unwind as you enjoy some of the greatest fashion flair and dance talents from youth all around our local area on center stage. 100% of all proceeds from this event will fund several of Ransom Ministries projects to include Ransom ReProgram, a 4-week job training program uniquely designed to mentor and teach spiritual principles about work, guiding students to move out of dependence into fulfilling careers; and Ransom Recycling, our newest social enterprise where our ReProgram graduates work an entry level position recycling electronics as they journey and integrate back into the workforce. For more information about Ransom Ministries, Springtime Market vendor, sponsorships and ticket purchase, visit us online at RansomMinistries.com. Mobile Bay Parents I May 2020

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Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Launches Initiative to Serve Youth During COVID-19

Even non-members can now access Girl Scout programming from home during these challenging times. Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) is excited to have officially launched resources to serve youth during this time of crisis and isolation. While the organization has suspended in-person activities and events, due to the spread of COVID-19, they can still participate in a collection of Virtual Programs, Girl Scouts at Home, and activities designed to keep them engaged. COVID-19 has school-aged children across the state and country confined to their homes, limiting their activities and changing how they are learning. GSSA's new Virtual Programs give children access to exciting new content Monday-Friday and offer an array of options from getting outdoors to learning about life skills and STEM. In fact, they’ve even teamed up with the Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Forestry Association and NASA, to produce quality content for their viewers. Each activity allows children to engage in a new way and help them build critical skills all from the comfort of their home. “As the expert on girls, GSSA is uniquely poised to help girls and their families adapting to a new reality, says Karlyn Edmonds, GSSA CEO. “Our new Virtual Programs offer a one-stop-shop format that lets both members and the public enjoy a variety of activities.” And to ensure our youth are getting the tools they need to become our world’s ambitious change-makers, the organization also launched Girl Scouts at Home, a national online platform where families—even nonmembers—can access free, self-guided activities. The age-specific activities for all grade levels are delivered through guided videos, text-based instructions, and downloadable information, making it seamless for families to incorporate into their daily lives. More program-based options will be added in the coming weeks, allowing girls to earn badges, tune in to live virtual events and connect online for troop meetings and projects. To join in on the fun, you can follow Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama's Facebook page or simply visit their website.

SUNDAY MAY 31 • 2020 To Go Local• Goodness A FAMILY-STYLE TAKEOUT DINNER

Set for May 31

FOR INFORMATION AND TO PLACE YOUR ORDER: USAHEALTHSYSTEM.COM/LOCAL-GOODNESS

Plans for Local Goodness, a $150 farm-to-table fundraiser for USA Health Children’s & Women’s Y Hospital’s R E A DO ! pediatric TO G emergency department, BENEFITING: USA HEALTH CHILDREN’S & WOMEN’S HOSPITAL have changed PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT this year. Instead, Local Goodness To Go, a family-style takeout dinner event will be held on Sunday, May 31. Local Goodness is the signature annual fundraiser for the local hospital that features the region’s only pediatric emergency department. Participants can choose from two meal options provided by 1031, plus wine and dessert, that will be available for pick up that day. For more details, visit https://www.usahealthsystem.com/ events/local-goodness Now more than ever, it’s so important to support our local healthcare heroes and the work they do to ensure the health and safety of our community’s children and women. & Eat Well For Do Good

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Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Seeking Nominations for Leading Ladies

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) will host its Third Annual Leading Ladies event in June to celebrate women and organizations in southern Alabama that have distinguished themselves as outstanding members of the community through individual excellence and high levels of achievement. Nominations for Leading Ladies awards and the Leading Workplace for Women Award are open until May 20. Women selected for the Leading Ladies Award will exemplify quality leadership skills and outstanding community support, especially when they are directing those efforts to support the advancement of girls and women. Previous nominees include Kate Carver, Cathy Pope, Samantha Coppels, Ann Richardson, Carol Hunter, Monique Michele Rogers, Rhonda Lucas, Ashleigh Simon, Anne Laurie McClurkin, and Shellie Teague. The Leading Workplace for Women selected will be an organization that supports and encourages opportunities for women to develop leadership skills to further grow their careers. Equal opportunity in the workplace helps women reach their potential and allows the community to fully benefit. Previous nominees include Lifelines Counseling Services, Feeding the Gulf Coast, and Daphne Utilities. The nominees will be honored with a reception at Moeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Original Bar B Que in downtown Mobile on June 25, 2020. For more information on how to nominate an employee or workplace, please contact Alicia Schneider at aschneider@girlscoutssa.org.

Mobile Bay Parents I May 2020

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Oakleigh Belle Leadership Program

The Oakleigh Belles Leadership Program, which is open to high school girls, allows participants to learn more about Mobile â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they visit a wide variety of Mobile institutions and attractions, learn skills in dealing with the public, give tours of Oakleigh, and participate in civic activities. Oakleigh Belles have a lot of responsibility; and a lot of fun! They are smart, funny, and will become leaders in their communities. Oakleigh Belles conduct tours through the Historic Oakleigh House Museum and participate in special events. Mandatory monthly meetings, with special guests, help develop the skills necessary to become successful community advocates as well as future historic preservationists. In the course of carrying out their duties, they will have the opportunity to absorb the history of their city from a unique perspective. Learning how the past can impact the present and the future is one of the perks of becoming an Oakleigh Belle, and will be a life-long asset. Each year, approximately 25 young women participate as an Oakleigh Belle, and in February the Oakleigh Belles Leadership Program received 76 applications to participate next year. Our 7 newest Oakleigh Belles are Schyler Stacy, Alexis Cubitt, Grace Piggott, Addison Jones, Chloe Dickinson, Emily Thullesen, and Aubreigh Watson.

Tilmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner Area Learning Leadership (TALL) Applications Due June 4, 2020

TALL is an exclusive program offered to hard-working, exemplary high school students with a desire to expand their horizons and their exposure to businesses and organizations around Southwest Mobile County. TALL is a community leadership development program of the Southwest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce. It is an 8 Month program beginning in September and ending in April with a graduation ceremony. The program is designed to inform, motivate and increase the awareness of each participant through interaction with community leaders, training seminars, field trips, and volunteering for various community events. TALL Program participants receive first-hand knowledge of local economic, political and social issues impacting the community. They will garner leadership skills by building relationships with peers and community leaders, broaden their awareness of community needs, and learn what it takes to become a consensus builder and effective decision-maker. Our goal is to celebrate student achievement and to instill a genuine concern for and commitment to help shape our community. After graduating from the program, these students are prepared to put their talents to work and take on future leadership opportunities. TALL students are chosen through an application process and selection is based upon academic performance, school activities and community involvement. This program is a gateway to our scholarship process and all students must enroll and complete the T.A.L.L. Program to be eligible for scholarships. Please visit https://files.constantcontact.com/729db332501/118d4caf-d014-4f44-9ed1-c569650c3681.pdf for more information.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group

We’ll Get Through This Together Spring gives us much to look forward to each year. After the short days of winter, we can’t wait to get outside, spend days at the beach, or watch the kids play baseball and soccer. This spring has been different. We’ve had to adapt to a new normal that involves isolation and uncertainty. The reason for this, of course, is a virus called SARS-CoV-2. While there is much we don’t know about virus’s origins, we do know it causes “coronavirus disease of 2019,” or COVID-19, a term most of us have become familiar with by now. The rapid spread of this new disease has led to the frequent use of another phrase: “social distancing.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations and guidelines regarding COVID-19 continue to change as we learn more about the disease. I am confident that by the time you read this, new recommendations will be in place. However, I want to share some important things we’ve learned about how the disease affects us.

Mobile Bay Parents I May 2020

First, most children who catch COVID-19 will show little-to-no symptoms. Encouragingly, as much as 80% of all people who catch COVID-19 will show only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. This disease has a longer incubation period than many other viruses, meaning after you catch the virus, symptoms may not appear for 5-12 days. Among the 20% who require hospitalization as a result of COVID-19, most are elderly or have underlying medical problems such as heart, lung problems, diabetes, or hypertension. The average hospital stay for someone with the flu is five days. In contrast, the average hospital stay has been 10-13 days for those with COVID-19, continuing to potentially overwhelm hospitals if too many became sick all at once. I thank all of you for doing your part, whether by staying home, continuing to work at essential stores, or caring for others in nursing homes and healthcare centers. All of this has added stress, whether mental, financial, or just grieving the loss of milestones and memo-

ries. So I would like to encourage each of you to focus on any positives you can. Enjoy this precious time with your children. When you have reached the limit of your patience, try to take a break and refocus. Please reach out to someone if you are feeling overwhelmed or seeing new stress or anxiety in your children that you are unsure of how to handle. There are so many people feeling the same way, or just wanting the opportunity to help those in need any way they can. You are not alone! We are in this together, and we will get through it– together.

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

Virtual Learning at Mary B. Austin

Sophia Pouliot, a fifth grader from Mary B. Austin, grins as her friend Emma Krouse Smith talks with the group during a virtual PACE class meeting. These virtual meetings are a great way to allow the students to gather together again while practicing social distancing. You can see from her smile and dimple that Sophia is very happy to be seeing her teacher and friend's faces and to be hearing their voices again! We know that the change in the end of the school year is especially hard for 5th, 8th, and 12th graders-- and we're so grateful to have virtual learning and technology enhanced virtual meetings! Thanks to all the great teachers who are making this happen!

MCPSS Schools Hold Car Parades through Students’ Neighborhoods

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St. Patrick’s Day at Allentown

Alma Sue Sumrall and Law Curseen, Pre-K students at Allentown Elementary, were excited to find Pots of Gold left by the Leprechaun.

Burns Students Make Treat Bags for Fire Station

With school out and classrooms empty, teachers at several Mobile County Public Schools, including Hutchens, Pearl Haskew, W. C. Griggs, and Allentown, held parades through their students’ neighborhoods to remind their students they still love and support them, even though they’re not in school together right now.

Burns Middle School students make treat bags for the local fire station thanking them for their continued service during the current crisis.

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Clark-Shaw Donates Items to Hospital

Even while out of school, Clark-Shaw Magnet School of Math, Science and Technology found a way to give back to the community. In early April, Clark-Shaw donated seven boxes full of disposable gloves, 24 reusable plastic aprons, and 24 reusable chemical splash goggles to USA Health University Hospital. Mobile Bay Parents I May 2020

MCPSS Distributes Free Bagged Lunches for Students

Mobile County Public Schools has been operating a feeding program at 66 sites throughout the county to help make sure that no child goes hungry while school is out due to COVID-19. Thousands of bagged lunches have been handed out curbside, free of charge, for children age 18 and under. MCPSS is grateful for its cafeteria workers and other volunteers who have gone over and above the call of duty to ensure these lunches are available. For sites, visit: https://www.mcpss.com/sys/ content/newspost/ec0b19e6164145669ea612d2a63f3fff www.mobilebayparents.com

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Mary G. Montgomery Class of 2020

CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC SCHOOL Building the Body of Christ, One Student at a Time.

MGM faculty and staff would like to congratulate our Class of 2020! Good luck as you sail forward into your bright futures. SKOL VIKES! Pictured, Mr. Thomas, Dr. McInnis, and Ms. Dent.

Congratulations to the 8th grade class of 2020. We will miss you! We wish you continued success in high school. Satsuma HS Student Wins DAR Scholarship

The Alabama Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored Satsuma High School senior Madison Blake Legg as DAR Good Citizens State Scholarship Winner during its recent 122nd State Conference. Madison authored a winning DAR titled essay, “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It” addressing the Focus Question, “You and your peers are our nation’s leaders of tomorrow. How would you energize America’s youth to fully engage as effective citizens? Why is that important?” As well, she was recognized as having demonstrated, in an exemplary manner in her home, school, and community, the qualities of a good citizen: Dependability, Service, Leadership, and Patriotism. Madison's scholarship contest essay participation was sponsored by the Tristan de Luna Chapter, NSDAR, Mobile, AL. Shown left to right, while presenting to Madison, center, a certificate, DAR Good Citizens pin, and scholarship funding, are Tammy Bradshaw Clemons, Alabama State Regent, and Denise Doring VanBuren, President General, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

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. 6300 McKenna Drive • Mobile, Alabama 36608 • school.corpuschristiparish.com Questions? Please contact us: 251.342.5474 • school@CCSCatholic.com 4/27/20 12 PM

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Autauga County Schools

Lunch with Fr. Sheilds at St. Ignatius

One of the most bid on items at Impala Gala each year is lunch for 10 with Fr. Shields. This year two 8th graders bid on the lunch together. This group got to have lunch in the rectory with Fr. Shields. Pictured with Fr. Shields are Emmey Stewart, Emma O'Neill, Claire Welk, Maggie Stuart, Molly Johnson, Audrey Fendley, Claire Elebash, Lucy-Anna Bryars, Madisyn Hood and Emma Smalling.

UMS-Wright Theater Presents “Into the Woods, Jr.”

In March, the UMS-Wright Theatre Guild debuted their last performance of the school year, “Into the Woods, Jr.” The cast, crew, set/props, and back drops were outstanding! Congratulations to Director Margaret Delaney, the Arts Department and the entire crew/cast on a job well done. We are so proud of this talented group of students! Cast and Crew: Lily Alidor, Rainey Tanner, Cate Courtney, Bailey LaCoste, Hayden Salter, Jessie Stirling, Ellie Moore, Sarah Keuhn, Reagan Jokerst, Rebekah Chappell, Isabella Williams, Grace Lyons, Will Kaufmann, Chaney Scott McCorquodale, Ryan Rothermel, Ryan Walton, Cecelia Connally, Ian Lynch, Mary Webster Burke, McCall Shivers, Eleonora Newell, Braxton McMurphy, Garrett LaCoste, Angelo Castro, Creighton Fowler, Abby Baker, Addison Faggard, Isabelle Gautier, Kate Johnson, Ryann Jokerst, Emmie Mayson, Edwin McCorquodale, Sarah Miller, Katherine Monson, Serena Pipes, and Morgan Walker.

Dunbar Students Win Awards for Artwork

Two students from Dunbar School of Creative & Performing Arts placed in the Alabama State Council on the Arts Visual Arts Achievement Program. They are eighth-grader Brantley Bauer, who won Best Drawing, Middle School, and seventh-grader Makayla Ransom, who won Best Mixed Media, Middle School.

Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month.

St. Pius X Holds Annual Speech Contest

St. Pius X held its annual oratorical contest March 13. Ten students, ranging in grades 5-8, participated in the event. The theme of this year’s contest was: “Imagine A World Without Boundaries.” The winner of the contest, sponsored by Optimist International, was 6th grader Lacey Owens, (middle). The runner up was 8th grader Molly Head (8th), and third place awarded to another 8th grader, Kaylen Riley. Mobile Bay Parents I May 2020

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Autauga County Schools Prichard Preparatory School Virtual Spirit Week

Before starting virtual learning on April 6th, students worked on enrichment packets prepared by teachers and were encouraged to have a little fun by participating in the PPS Virtual Spirit Week! Monday through Thursday students took pictures in their spirit outfits, posted and tagged them on Facebook and Instagram. The pictures taken and posted were of the students having fun outdoors and enjoying the sunshine!

St. Luke Student Selected for Governor’s School

Eva Caroline Burkhardt has been chosen for Alabama Governor's School, a highly selective program that provides academic, creative, and leadership experiences for gifted students from around the state. Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Burkhardt, Eva Caroline has attended St. Luke's since PK3, and she will graduate next year. She is a Drum Major for the St. Luke's Wildcat Band, a member of the Princess Project Mobile and an avid reader.

St. Mary Catholic Kindergarten Dental Health Day!

St. Mary Catholic welcomed Dental Hygienist, Angela Moorer, from Mobile Pediatric Dentistry to visit KA and KB, Karen Calametti and Ellen Marston’s Kindergarten Classes in late February to teach about a maintaining a healthy smile for life! Pictured is St. Mary’s class of award winning smiles!

Covenant Christian’s Scholars Bowl Team Wins 1st Place at Competition

Covenant Christian’s Scholars Bowl Team A won 1st place in their division for the year in the Bay Area Scholastic Challenge 20192020 and Team B won 3rd place in their division. Pictured is the Scholars Bowl team with coaches Patti Haataja and Heather Blasingame.

Corpus Christi Students Creative about Art

Making the most of distance learning and taking advantage of some of the "perks" of learning from home, Corpus Christi Catholic School secondgrade teacher, Mrs. Miller, had her students make their name from items that they found around their house. The students were very creative! Pictured is Brook Dehardt with her creation and the artwork created by Edward Smith.

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Congratulations

Cottage Hill Christian Academy

Class of 2020

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Jikerius Anderson

Hannah Barbour

William Barbour

Allison Boudreaux

Elizabeth Bryson

Morgan Capps

Taylor Caughhorn

Raeleigh Clackler

Joseph Cockrell

Julian Delmore

MacKensey Edmond

Darian Fazlic

Michael Fredericks

Arrick Gibbs

Major Griffon

Sarah Harding

Christopher Harris

Ashton Hudson

Jacob Jackson

Katelyn Johnson

Ayden Lammons

Alison Lindsey

Ryan Maples

Matthew Nicholas

Mya Nichols

Klowie Noel

Mason Parnell

Khaliel Perkins

Joyce Renauld

Brett Robertson

Nicholas Smith

Maâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ata Stow

Kayla Swindle

Keller Swindle

Hannah Thomas

Rasean Thomas

Joshua Turner

Anne Morgan Swearingen

Gavin Persinger

Sarah Taylor

The faculty, staff, and administration are very proud of the Class of 2020 for all they have accomplished! Continue to strive to honor the Lord in all you do! Go Warriors! 17

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CHCA Student Selected for Capstone Leadership Academy

Hunter Gibson, a sophomore at Cottage Hill Christian Academy, was selected as one of 160 sophomores from across Alabama to attend the annual Capstone Leadership Academy sponsored and hosted by The University of Alabama on March 56, 2020. Students are selected based on their GPA, exemplary leadership qualities, and their interest in leadership through service. The purpose of the two-day event, which features dynamic speakers and group activities, is to give students the tools and training to apply their leadership skills to opportunities in their own communities. Hunter also serves as the Sophomore Class president and is a member of the CHCA varsity baseball team. CHCA is very proud of Hunter and his accomplishments!

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Autauga County Schools Sojourners Perform Renovations at Mobile Christian

The Sojourners spent two weeks on campus doing renovations at Mobile Christian recently. 3rd graders are pictured enjoying one of the projects built for them by the Sojourners!

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A Mobile Bay Parents I May 2020

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5th Grade House Day at Allentown

Students in Mrs. Robertson and Mrs. Dearmonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s classes at Allentown Elementary love to celebrate House Day by wearing their house t-shirts on Wednesdays.

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

ASMS Students Win BIG at Regional Science Fair!

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

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

AGES 7-17 | CALL 251.208.5656 OR VISIT ALABAMACONTEMPORARY.ORG

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Autauga County Schools

E.R. Dickson Elementary School Leads the Way

E.R. Dickson Elementary School was selected to receive a $10,000 grant from Project Lead the Way. PLTW provides transformative learning experiences for PreK – 12th grade students and teachers through an engaging and hands-on curriculum and classroom environment. The goal of PLTW is to empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills needed for their success in college, careers and business and industry. E.R. Dickson will be participating in the PLTW Launch Program this year for PreK 5th grade students. The $10,000 grant will afford teacher training, resources and support to engage students in real-world learning experiences. The initial rollout this year will be with the fifth grade students as they work on projects for their end of the year project-based learning presentations. The fifth grade PLTW Launch at Dickson this year will focus on Robotics and Automation. Community and business stakeholders who work in fields which are related to the problems students will solve are invited to share information and first-hand perspectives. Currently, E.R. Dickson has three trained PLTW teachers on the Dickson staff and will expand that training to other teachers now that funding has become available. In the next phase of the implementation next year, third grade will focus on programming patterns and fourth grade will focus on energy collisions and computer systems. All students will be exposed to the modules. It is E.R. Dickson’s hope to be able to showcase all students projects and experiences during a PLTW Exhibition at E.R. Dickson. The grant will allow E.R. Dickson to acquire devices and modules needed for implementation. E.R. Dickson is appreciative of Ms. Stephanie LeGrone for her leadership and guidance of the project through this application process and E.R. Dickson is excited about becoming a PLTW elementary school in the Mobile County Public School District.

Teacher Training at Covenant

Pictured are Covenant Christian’s teachers training and preparing for online classes to be taught starting March 23rd.

St. Pius X presents P.E. Awards

Third quarter P.E. Awards were presented to students in grades P4-8, by P.E. Teacher, Mrs. Sonia Nelson, on March 13.

St. Mary Catholic Easter Bonnet Contest

St. Mary Catholic held a fun virtual Easter Bonnet contest inviting all students including both girls and boys to create their Easter Sunday best chapeau! Each one was unique and fabulous! The decision was tough as all were beautiful, but, drum roll please...the winners were: Girl Winner Mari Evelyn Warner, grade 3 (pictured, left); Girl Runner-up: Bailey Ehlert, grade 5 (pictured, right); Boy Winner: Wilson Simmons, kindergarten (pictured, left); and Boy Runner Up: Finn Montague, grade7 (pictured, right). The winners and runner-ups get a free week of ice cream when we all come together again! Each person who entered will receive two days of ice cream! Mobile Bay Parents I May 2020

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Saint Dominic Catholic Students Get Message From Mascot

Saint Dominic Catholic School mascot, Goldie, sends messages through social media for our students during distance learning. We are so proud of our students and thankful for our parents, teachers, and administration who are all working together during this time. Keep soaring Eagles!

Phillips Prep Student Advances to National Art Competition

Phillips Preparatory sixth grader Nashya Lenza-Chuquimia placed first in the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese poster contest. Nashya will now compete in the national contest as Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s middle school representative.

MCPSS Seniors Win Scholarships for Community Service

Two MCPSS seniors have won scholarships in recognition of their community service through their participation in Youth Leadership Mobile. Caroline Herndon, a senior at Davidson High School and graduate of the YLM Class of 2019, was recently awarded $10,000 from the AXA Achievement Scholarship for her individual community service project where she coordinated swimming lessons for young children to equip them with life-saving skills in and around water. Caroline will use her scholarship to attend the University of Alabama at Huntsville and study mechanical engineering within the Honors College. Davidson will also receive $1,000 for professional development. Cameron Harris, YLM Class of 2020 and senior at B.C. Rain High School, was recently awarded the Hazel Petersen Scholarship at the University of Mobile for exemplary academic achievement, success in track and field and his stellar leadership within the community. Cam and some of his classmates collaborated on their YLM service project -- Mobile Copes, a community discussion about teens coping with life transitions without drugs or alcohol. Youth Leadership Mobile, a program of Mobile United, identifies and empowers high school students with leadership potential in Mobile County.

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Autauga County Schools

Sack Lunches Delivered to Mary B. Austin Students

Ms. Denise Williams is passing out lunches to her Mary B. Austin families with a smile! We love our Cafe Crew and all the hard workers who have continued their time and energy to pack and distribute lunches to our students during this unprecedented time! From the Mary B. Austin family and from all of Mobile, we wanted to say a hearty THANK YOU!

St. Luke Student Selected for Leadership Academy

Allie Champagne was nominated by her teachers and submitted an application to the honors college at Alabama and was selected to attend The University of Alabama Capstone Leadership Academy. One hundred sixty outstanding high school sophomores from across Alabama who have shown an interest in leadership through service are selected to participate in this event. The purpose of the two-day event, which features dynamic speakers and group activities, is to give students the tools and the training to apply their leadership skills to opportunities in their own communities.

Christian Leadership at St. Pius X

The St. Pius X third quarter Students of the Quarter were acknowledged after Mass on Friday, March 13. These students showed exemplary Christian leadership throughout the quarter.

UMS-Wright Middle School Students Participate in Remote Service Day

Teaching our students to have a servant heart is encouraged year-round at UMS-Wright, no matter the circumstances. Mr. Lathan declared Friday, March 27 as Remote Middle School Service Day! He challenged the students to help their parents around the house - vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, folding clothes, cleaning dishes, raking leaves, mowing the lawn, washing the cars, etc. Some even decided to make cards for grandparents and nursing home residents, while others took homemade cookies to neighbors and friends.

Mobile Bay Parents I May 2020

SPX School Hosts Easter Egg Hunt for Students

St. Pius X Pastor, Fr. S. J. Savoie hosted a virtual Easter Egg Hunt for SPX students on Wednesday, April 8. Fr. Savoie, along with his sidekick Fuzzy Bunny, hid Easter eggs throughout campus, photographed the location of each egg, and posted them on FB. Students had the day to respond their guesses of the location of each egg. Great fun was had by all who participated. Congratulations to our winners! www.mobilebayparents.com

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ASMS Junior Creates Laboratory Online Amid COVID-19

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

CHCA Middle School Scholars Bowl Team Brings Home Another Trophy

The Cottage Hill Christian Academy Middle School Scholars Bowl team competed with confidence and success this school year. On Friday, March 13, they competed against local teams in the Bay Area Scholars Bowl Competition. The Middle School Scholars Bowl team did a fantastic job and placed fourth out of the top twenty teams who qualified for this championship tournament! CHCA is very proud of our warriors!

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Autauga County Schools

Corpus Christi Scholars Bowl Team Places at Super Tournament

On March 13, the Scholars Bowl team from Corpus Christi Catholic School competed in the Super Tournament that was held at the University of Mobile. The A team won three out of five matches and the B team won 3rd place in the blue division. Congratulations to the team! Pictured are team members: Ms. Robin Barto (teacher/coach), Helen Hendricks, Felicia Hetrick, Marshall Robertson, Emily Nguyen, Gaby Jalkh, and Ethan Wood.

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E.R. Dickson Loves Their Students

On Friday, March 27, 2020, Team Dickson hosted a drive thru for food and school supplies for their students and parents. The response was great! We were excited to see some of our students. Thank you St. Ignatius Church for the donations for our families. Principal, Mrs. Katryna Kinn, states, “United We Stand! We will push through and we are here for our Dickson Tigers. We miss our students!”

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Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month.

100th Day of School at Allentown

Pro Life Ambassadors at St. Ignatius

Students in Mrs. Patrice Dyer’s class at Allentown celebrated the 100 Day of School with Caution! Fun, hands-on activities were planned for the students to participate in on this day.

St. Ignatius has a group of 8th grade students who serve our school as ambassadors for our Lifesaver Rosary group. This group leads middle school students in a Rosary every Friday morning at 6:30 a.m. during the two 40 Days for Life campaign each year. This group has also included students from other Catholic schools from around the Archdiocese. It's an amazing thing to see young students standing up for LIFE. Pictured here are Emma Smalling, Anna Witt Cooke, Audrey Fendley, Ella Porter, Mimi Strain, Christopher Immel, John Baggett, John Paul McDonald, Edward Vulevich and James Mayhall, our 2019-2020 Pro Life Ambassadors. Mobile Bay Parents I May 2020

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St. Mary Teacher Receives Virtual Golden Apple Award

St. Mary Catholic’s Anne Lyon named WKRG TV 5 first Virtual Golden Apple Award Winner WKRG TV 5 is recognizing teachers in Mobile who go the extra mile in Distant Learning. According to WKRG, “St. Mary’s Anne Lyon was quick to learn how to stay in the hearts and minds of her students.” Anne was named their first Virtual Golden Apple Award Winner. Anne has even driven to her students’ homes to let them know how much she cares about them and their education. “I drove from West Mobile to Daphne to make sure I got to see each one of my students to make sure they were okay and let them know that I love them and miss them,” she said. She gives great credit to her students’ parents for helping their children stay on track. “I think the hardest part is zooming and making sure that all my kids are listening and paying attention and not talking over each other, but I tell you what they have done an amazing job…I’m so proud of all of them. I mean this is first grade that we’re talking about. These firstgraders come into my zoom and they are ready to learn and they do great,” said Lyon. WKRG notes, “Congratulations to Anne Lyon and St. Mary’s Catholic School for a job well done!”

Happy Easter from Prichard Prep!

Faculty and staff at Prichard Preparatory School compiled and shared a picture collage to wish everyone a Happy Easter, especially the students, who are missed by everyone!

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Autauga County Schools

8th Grade at Cottage Hill Christian Serves at Feeding the Gulf Coast

On March 13, the Cottage Hill Christian Academy eighth grade class helped pack senior boxes and backpacks, sorted food, and worked in the garden at Feeding the Gulf Coast here in Mobile. The classes served their community by helping FGC prepare for the unique times our world is now facing. All together the classes were able to pack 634 backpacks which will provide food for families with food insecurities, assemble 125 senior boxes which will provide food for food-insecure senior adults, sorted through 2,165 pounds of donated foods, and were able to weed in the garden to remove unwanted growth. Feeding the Gulf Coast was very intentional about thanking our students after they left and to share how much of a blessing they were. The CHCA eighth grade classes were able to serve our community in a simple way but will be able to see how much of a greater impact they made. #chcalwyl

Mobile Students Received Bagged Lunches During Quarantine

Cafeteria workers across Mobile County served the community by handing out bagged lunches to MCPSS students during the quarantine. Pictured here Old Shell Road Elementary.

Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com.

St. Dominic Student Keeps Tradition Alive

Each year the St. Dominic Catholic School 8th graders would paint the field at school on field day. This year Kasey wrote words of encouragement on her driveway to keep with tradition.

St. Dominic Student Completes Chemo and Radiation Journey Saint Dominic Catholic School student, Ava, has completed her Chemo and Radiation! Thank you to all who have supported, prayed, and encouraged Ava throughout this journey.

Mobile Bay Parents I May 2020

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Seuss-a-Palooza at E.R. Dickson

On Monday, March 2, 2020, E.R. Dickson celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday with a Seuss-a-Palooza. As students walked into the building they were met with the hallways decorated in popular Dr. Seuss book themes. The day began with an assembly for the entire school. The choir sang and there was a teacher Seuss character costume parade. Mr. Johnson performed science experiments with student participation. After the assembly classroom teachers had numerous activities for students about Dr. Seuss and his books. Parents also had the opportunity to shop the Scholastic book fair and eat lunch with their child. Throughout the day community members and school leaders read popular Dr. Seuss books to the students. E.R. Dickson students look forward to the yearly Seuss-a-Palooza and are looking forward to see how the teachers and staff can top this year’s Seuss-a-Palooza.

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St. Luke’s Students Participate in Youth Legislature Conference

The St. Luke’s Youth Legislature delegation recently participated in the Youth Legislature Conference at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery. Each student wrote their own bill that they thought should be passed into law in the State of Alabama. They debated their bills against other schools in committees at the Alabama Statehouse. The first year Chamber voted unanimously to pass Mohammed's bill "Equal Rights for Young Immigrants." His bill was selected to be signed into law by the Youth Governor. Mohammed was recognized as an Outstanding Delegate in 2020 First Year Chamber.

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McT Students Receive Chick-fil-A Scholarship

Autauga County Schools

McGill-Toolen Seniors Rachel Brooks and Michael Heim are Chick-fil-A “Remarkable Futures” scholarship recipients! They were selected based on their academic achievements and store manager recommendation. Congratulations!

UMS-Wright Recognizes Seniors with Yard Art!

As the oldest members of the student body, the Seniors are OUR leaders! Their white shirts symbolize special recognition and tradition. At the end of March, a few staff members delivered signs (while keeping 6 ft in distance) to each Seniors’ yard as a token to show them how much we love them! Nothing made us happier than seeing the smiles on their faces when they saw the signs! You are so loved, Class of 2020!

St. Mary Catholic Art Distance Masterpieces

St. Mary Catholic Art Teacher, Kathy Walding, challenged middle school students to recreate the art masterpieces of those pieces of famous artists held in the collections of renowned museums world-wide. Pictured are two of the submissions!

Please email School News to Lynn@mobilebayparents.com by the 10th of the month.

St. Luke’s Students Learn to Hydrodip

St. Luke's 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students learned how to hydrodip during Art Class with Mrs. Gleason. Hydro dipping is a unique process that allows you to apply graphics to almost any three-dimensional object. The students brought everything from shoes, pencils, cups, arrows, seashells, canvases, boxes, footballs, etc...to hydrodip. Mobile Bay Parents I May 2020

Working in Centers at Allentown

Third grade students at Allentown, Kenzo Penn and Gauge McClelland, enjoy working in centers.

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Covenant Christian Students Win Art Awards

Covenant Christian School would like to congratulate Avari Abel for her Honorable Mention Award (2nd Place), and Jesse Starling for his First Place Award in this year's Visual Arts Achievement Awards Program. Jesse's first place photograph has been included in the state-wide competition to be held later in Montgomery.

McGill-Toolen’s Literary Magazine Receives National Award

McGill-Toolen Catholic school’s student-produced literary magazine, Ingenium's Refugia was awarded the prestigious Pacemaker Best of Show Award from the National Scholastic Press Association. Congratulations to all of our authors, artists and editors who worked so hard on the issue.

MGM Students Place in Engineering Competition

On February 19, 2020, Mrs. Touchstone and Mr. Bitzer’s PLTW Engineering students competed in the American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE) High School Competition at the University of South Alabama. They competed in four areas: Concrete Canoe, Balsa Wood Tower, Concrete Bocce Cylinder Tournament, and Concrete Cylinders. MGM walked away with 1st place in the Balsa Wood Tower, 1st and 2nd place in Bocce Tournament, 1st place in Concrete Cylinder, and 1st place Overall.

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

Mobile Bay Parents I May 2020

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1. Send the message that school is a priority. Communicate to children that school is important, even if it isn’t occurring at the school building. Continue to read together, check in with them on their assignments, and take an interest in what they are learning. Research one of their school topics or check out your local library digitally to find online access to learning tools and books.

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

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

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

5. Set up an outdoor classroom.

8. Plan a virtual recess.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAFER AT HOME

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One Museum Drive, Montgomery, AL Open Tuesday–Sunday; Free Admission mmfa.org | @MontgomeryMFA

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Screen Time in the Age of Coronovirus

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

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

Good content is key. Choose age-appropriate, highquality media and tech for your kids. Use our reviews to find good content. Get creative. Let kids use your phone to shoot photos and videos and then go to town with stickers, slo-mo, and other editing tools. Give them a prompt like, “Take ten pictures of something round, and then write a story connecting each thing.” Have them make their own memes, record a song, choreograph a dance video—anything that gets them using screens to fulfill their imaginations. Use tech to bond. Relationships are critical to kids’ healthy development. Tech can and should help kids connect to friends and family, collaborate with each other, play, and share stories, pictures, and videos. Talk about it. We’re in a unique position where kids are likely using screens more, and we may have more opportunities to join them—or at least engage with them about what they’re watching and playing. Ask questions about their favorite games, shows, and characters. Discuss ideas and issues they read about or learn about through a TV show or a game. This is an opportunity for learning about each other and sharing your values. Balance still matters. We should aim for a balance throughout the week. So, more screens? Fine. But also find time to be outside, to be active (indoors or outdoors, with or without screens), eat well, and talk to friends and family (on the phone, on social media, or on video chat). The time at home with kids presents an opportunity to bond with them, even over media. This is not the time to try to deprive kids of something they enjoy and something that research has shown to have positive effects when used appropriately. There’s a ton of great high-quality content out there—let your kids use it, use it with them, and don’t guilt yourself over something that can still be part of a healthy, balanced childhood—especially during these times of heightened stress. 32

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

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

What if I still can’t pay my taxes by July 15? If you’re still in a tight spot by July 15, the first thing to do is pay as much as you can by the deadline—even if it’s a fraction of what you owe. Then, contact the IRS directly to let them know about your situation. They should work with you to set up a payment plan. But keep in mind that you need to attack that debt with every extra dollar you have until it’s gone. Bottom line: Whether you face them now or in three months, your taxes aren’t going anywhere. Don’t put them off. Tackle them head on so you remain in control and know where you stand with your money! Contributed by guest writer Chris Hogan, a #1 national best-selling author, dynamic speaker and host of The Chris Hogan Show. For more than a decade, Hogan has served at Ramsey Solutions, equipping and challenging people to take control of their money and reach their financial goals.

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PASSAGE USA

A post-secondary educational experience for students with intellectual disabilities aged 1825 focused on attaining individualized goals in employment and independent living.

CONTACT: Alexandra Chanto-Wetter (251)460-7558 | chantowetter@southalabama.edu

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by Kim

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

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Waking up on time. This may seem

simple, but it may have been easy living at home. Unfortunately, if they haven’t been waking up to the dreaded sound of an alarm clock, rather than waking up to the pleasant sound of your voice, they’ll no longer have that luxury in college.

Studying. Your student fig-

uring out what works for them is the key to success. Do they study better alone, in a group, or with a tutor? They should discover what works best for them now and develop a plan.

Communicate with professors. Though this

may seem intimidating to do, believe it or not, professors want their students to succeed. Creating lines of communication with professors will be extremely helpful throughout their college career.

Money management. This

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

might be one of your biggest fears when thinking about sending your child off to college. To keep it simple for them, discuss monitoring small expenditures like a latte from Starbucks, ordering a movie on demand, or eating out that can add up quickly. Explaining financial responsibility regarding smaller purchases will help them see the bigger picture of managing their finances long term.

Time management. The responsibility to maintain their schedule now solely falls on them, which can be a huge adjustment and rude awakening if they are not prepared. An easy way to help them adjust to this change is by introducing them to time management tools, such as a calendar on their smartphone or a to-do list in their class planner. This will help them organize their day by planning to rest, leaving extra time in their day, limiting study breaks and setting deadlines. Laundry. If your child hasn’t been taking on this task, now is the

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Keep your priorities intact.

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

This is another important life skill to keep in sight. If kids outline their priorities for being in college, this will help them stay focused and stay on track. Creating a list of responsibilities at the beginning will ensure they will not stray too far from their goals.

Grocery shopping and cooking. Typically, with a high school student, chances

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

are you’re doing the grocery shopping and cooking. Start with teaching the basics...how to create a shopping list and compare prices and providing them with affordable recipes that are easy and quick to prepare.

Car maintenance. If your child owns a car now, it’s

Be open to change. Going to college is a huge change for any high school graduate. Chances are, there will be things that make them uncomfortable and force them out of their comfort zone. But it’s their time to explore the world that awaits them and embrace the journey ahead.

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

Attend class. The days of a class roster are over.

And, attending a college course is often not a requirement like in high school. However, their attendance is a reflection of their achievements; therefore, it’s crucial to attend class.

Transitioning to college is quite a change. Every life skill is incredibly valuable to your soon-to-be college student’s success. If you start teaching them now, it will make their transition so much more enjoyable for them and you...and you’ll feel more comfortable with them starting the next chapter of their life. MBP

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

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

Mobile County’s Board Certified Allergy Experts coastalallergyasthma.com

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Playing with the Wonder of Wind

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

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

by Gerry Paige Smith

Nylon Diamond Kite

Airzooka

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

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

(Chipmunkk)

(Squirrel Products)

Wind Power Strandbeest

Bubble Gun Blaster (BamGo)

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

(Bo-Toys)

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

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

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

Palo y Piedra / Stick and Stone

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

Let’s Learn Japanese: First Words for Everyone

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

Penguins Love Colors

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

Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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The Willoughbys

The Main Event

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

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

Trolls World Tour

Tigertail

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

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

(Streaming on Netflix)

(Video On Demand)

Mobile Bay Parents I May 2020

(Streaming on Netflix)