Montgomery Parents April 2015 by KeepSharing

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April2015

Volume 20 Number 4

Columns

6 Editor’s Note DeAnne Watson

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

How to Find a High Quality Preschool

Making Bedtime Better

8 tips to turn your nightly routine from stormy to serene.

What to look for and questions to ask in this critical decision.

12 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

14 Montgomery Education Matters by Superintendent Margaret Allen

46 Autauga Education Matters by Superintendent Spence Agee

52 Elmore Education Matters by Superintendent Andre L. Harrison

62 Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs

66 Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

Child Care Guide

Find detailed information about River Region child care centers and preschools.

Raising a Gentleman

Ideas for teaching manners, kindness and mature behavior to your little boy.

On The Cover Kevin Hwang (5), Jordan Robinson (4) and Mason Novogradac (4) attend GracePointe Child Development Center on Ray Thorington Road in Montgomery. Kevin’s parents are Jong Wook Hwang and Namhee Won and he has one sister, Lily. Jordan’s parents are Dormaine and Stacey Robinson. Jordan also has two siblings, Kennedy and Taylor Robinson. Mason is the son of Catie and Brian Novogradac. 5

68 Centsibly Southern Chic Laura Handey

100 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 10 Bits and Pieces 16 School Bits 92 Calendar/Support Groups 103 Advertiser Directory 104 Movie Reviews www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Editor’sNote One of our goals with each edition of Montgomery Parents is to touch on topics relevant to parenting children of various ages. Babies and toddlers bring with them their own unique blessings and challenges. Raising adolescents and teens launches us into a whole new set of obstacles, but also opportunities for deeper relationships with our blossoming young adults. And there are struggles and rewards with each age in between. With that in mind, we are pleased to introduce a new monthly column that will offer advice on what we believe is a most challenging area for today’s parents. Growing Up Online, by syndicated columnist Carolyn Jabs, will provide help in a variety of areas relating to technology and our children. First up this month is a question that has probably crossed most of our minds if we are raising tweens and teens, Is Social Media Making Your Family Miserable? Turn to page 62 for some guidelines your family can implement. As much as we sometimes wish technology would just go away and leave our kids alone, we know that won’t happen. Look for Growing Up Online in Montgomery Parents each month...and we’ll get through this rocky ride together! Many of you know Jason and I are raising teenagers and also a four-year-old, so keeping with our commitment to tackle parenting issues that cover the spectrum, this month also includes articles on bedtime struggles, how to start early teaching your little boy to be a gentleman, and finding a high-quality preschool. April is our Annual Child Care Issue so study our detailed listing of River Region child care centers to help you determine the very best fit for your child and family. As always, please pay special attention to our child care advertisers in this issue and consider visiting their facilities for a tour. While parenting is challenging, it is also a lot of fun! And springtime in the River Region offers us the chance to get out and make memories with our families. Our Bits ‘n Pieces and Family Calendar sections are packed with events and outings you can enjoy now that the weather is warming up. From outdoors festivals and concerts to watching the Biscuits play or running in a local 5K, the opportunities are endless. Happy Spring!

DeAnne

The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source

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

Founder Marty Watson (1950-2006) Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@montgomeryparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Spence Agee Margaret Allen Beth Davis Laura Handey Andre L. Harrison Carolyn Jabs Barbie Norvell, Ph.D. John Rosemond Sara Simeral Gerry Paige Smith Allen White, M.D. Cover Photography Lori Mercer Photography www.lorimercerphotography.com

Publisher Jason Watson jason@montgomeryparents.com Associate Publisher Savannah Bowden Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 ads@montgomeryparents.com

deanne@montgomeryparents.com

Ad Design Tim Welch Member

Like Montgomery Parents on Facebook for monthly parenting tips, fun ideas, giveaways and more! Montgomery Parents I April 2015

Montgomery Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. Montgomery Parents is copyrighted 2015 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. opinions expressed in Montgomery 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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LivingWithChildren

by John Rosemond

Misplacing a Sense of Purpose Q: My buddy’s wife walks their 11-yearold into the classroom each day. Then she takes out his assignments and helps him get ready. We’re talking about a very capable kid who has no “issues” at all. My buddy says other mothers at his son’s school are also doing the same thing. My wife has heard about this and wants to start walking our very capable son into his 4th-grade room. What are your thoughts? A: I think there may be children who be-

cause of some developmental problem or medical issue might need a parent to walk them into school, but that practice is unnecessary otherwise, and not just unnecessary but something Shakespeare might have had lots of fun with. My first thought is that this is a symptom of what is and has been happening in American mother culture for some time now. One mother ups the ante on the other mothers by taking enabling to a new level and it spreads like wildfire by some psychic transmission force that men have no aptitude for. My second thought is that today’s moms generally seem to think that raising a child is all about nurturing; therefore, the more a mother nurtures, the better a mother she must be. This was not the case 60-plus

years ago, when mothers could strike fear into the hearts of their kids with no more than a sideways glance. Now children strike fear into their mothers, who do not have a firm grasp of the fact that unless nurturing is balanced by an equal portion of authority, it turns into a toxic thing called enabling. My third thought is that when I say stuff like this, some women think I’m—as one put it recently—”ragging” on women. No, I’m trying to help women understand what they have allowed themselves to become caught up in and swept along by. This is not about women, obviously, because women of my mother’s generation and before did not come close to fitting this description. Since then, we have gone from men demeaning women to women demeaning themselves. My fourth thought is that we seem to have misplaced a sense of purpose when it comes to raising children. The purpose is to help them become adults, and it should be self-evident that the more quickly they become adults and take on adult responsibilities, the better off they are. Walking a competent 11-year-old into class every day and helping him get situated significantly raises the likelihood that this child, 20 years from now, will still be living at home, being waited on hand and foot by his mother. But

perhaps this will be normative by then and no one will give it a second thought. People may even regard the successfully emancipated child as an oddity and wonder what went wrong. My fifth thought is that these mothers have too much time on their hands. Lacking modern conveniences, having to wash clothes and dishes by hand and sweep and mop rather than fire up a vacuum cleaner, my mother and her peers did not have time to bring perfection to every aspect of their children’s lives. In fact, their callous disregard of our fragile psyches included making us wash, sweep, and mop along with them. A mom who has the time to walk her 11-year-old into school every day and arrange his work for him needs to get out and volunteer with people who really and truly need her help. She’s eminently qualified, obviously. My last and hopefully most sobering thought is that these moms are going a long way toward ensuring that their male children grow up with no respect whatsoever for women. Respecting and expecting are incompatible.

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Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.

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THE ADVENTURES IN

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Register early and save! Register by April 6: $350 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $250 Day Camp (includes lunch) Register after April 6: $375 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $275 Day Camp (includes lunch) The cost to stay the weekend between Sessions 1-2 and Sessions 2-3 is an additional $175 (includes trip to water park) Applications, more information, and course descriptions are online at www.asms.net. Deadline to apply is May 15, 2015. Course sampling ACT Prep, Algebra Review, Exploring Inner Space, Marine Biology, Alchemy of Harry Potter, CSI: Mobile, Leadership, 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. 1255 Dauphin St. • Mobile, AL 36604 • 251.441.2100 • www.asms.net • admissions@asms.net 9

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MPAC Events

Tickets are already on sale for the following shows at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Call 481-5100 or visit www.mpaconline.org.

M Fine Arts Museum Flimp Festival

Wetumpka Crater Crawl Glow in the Dark Fun Run & 5K

April 16. Registration begins at 5 p.m. at the City Administrative Building, 408 S. Main Street. 5K Run begins at 7:15 p.m. Fun Run begins at GoldStar Park at 8 p.m. Visit www.wetumpkachamber.org or call (334) 567-4811.

Wetumpka Craterfest

April 18* 2-7 p.m. This is a familyfriendly music and art festival in downtown Wetumpka, along the banks of the beautiful Coosa River at Gold Star Park. Free Kidzone with inflatables, pony rides, a kiddie train and kiddie swings. Unique arts & crafts booths, scrumptious concessions, and live bands featuring up and coming talent from the Alabama Region, such as Logan Mize. Festival & parking are free. Contact jyoung@wetumpkachamber.org or call (334) 567-4811. Montgomery Parents I April 2015

May 1-2 Blount Cultural Park and the MMFA. The annual chalk art competition in the Museum’s parking lot gets started on May 1, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and continues on May 2 from 8-10 a.m. The focus of this year’s competition is “Montgomery – Past, Present, and Future.” Student artists and adults are invited to transform the Museum’s asphalt into a gallery of chalk art masterpieces. The main Flimp Festival event will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and will include the Do-Dah Pet Parade and Montgomery Humane Shelter adoption event. Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for children; FREE to Museum Members and Active Duty Military and their families. Visit http://mmfa.org/visit/flimpfestival/ or call 240-4333 for details.

Sav-A-Life Ministry Holds Walk for Life

Sav-A-Life Montgomery is gearing up for its annual Walk for Life, the secondlargest fundraiser for the ministry each year. The Walk will be Saturday, May 2, at Young Meadows Presbyterian Church on Vaughn Road. It’s an event for young and old, and dogs, bikes, skates and strollers are welcome for this easy, one-mile walk. After the Walk, there will be festivities for all, with music, food and children’s activities like inflatables and face painting. There is no charge for this event, but participants are encouraged to recruit family and friends who will sponsor them as they walk for Sav-A-Life. More details are available at www. savalifemtg.org—including links to our event page where walkers can pre-register and begin their own personal fundraising page.

ZZ Top with Ben Miller Band April 9 @ 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $47.

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Bob Dylan & His Band April 15 @ 8 p.m. Tickets begin at $60. Rodney Carrington April 23 @ 7 p.m. Tickets begin at $46. Chicago April 30 @ 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $47.

Disney on Ice Frozen

May 20-24. Multiple performances. Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center. Call (205) 458-8400 or visit http://www.bjcc. org/ for tickets. 10

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French & Indian War Encampment

Montgomery Biscuits Family Events

Opening Day April 9 at 7:05 p.m. After the game, enjoy a show with MAX Fireworks Spectacular! Miss Gravy’s Birthday & Princess Night April 10 *Game starts at 7:05 p.m. Wish Miss Gravy a happy 1st birthday! Help us celebrate with a princess-themed birthday party. Come dressed as your favorite princess and meet Miss Gravy! Bark in the Park/Kids Day April 12 * 2:05 p.m. Enjoy a baseball game at Riverwalk Stadium with your furry, four-legged friend! Bring out the kids and join us for pregame catch on the field and post-game Coke Kids Run the Bases! Kids Eat Free April 24 * 7:05 p.m. All kids 12 and under get a free jumbo hot dog and soda! Kids Day April 26 * 2:05 p.m. Bring out the kids and join us for pregame catch on the field and post-game Coke Kids Run the Bases! For more info, call (334) 323-2255 or visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com.

April 18-19 at Fort ToulouseFort Jackson in Wetumpka Living history demonstrations of military, Indian, and civilian life takes place Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. & Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Living history participants will be dressed and equipped as they appeared in Colonial Louisiana during the period of 1755-1763. Admission: adults - $4; students - $2. For more info, call (334) 5673002 or visit www.fttoulousejackson.org.

Art Museum Presents ‘Art of Baking’ Puppet Show

CloverdaleIdlewild Spring Concerts

April 5, 12, 19 & 26 at 4-7 p.m. Everyone is welcome for these free outdoor concerts...even the dog! April 5 is Fibergrass; April 12 is Blackbird Pickers; April 19 is The Back, Hines, Mason Dixie Trio; and April 26 is Ziggy Luis. Bring chairs or blankets, coolers, and snacks. Sit under the beautiful oak trees and enjoy the music. More info on Facebook.

April 8-10 * 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. shows each day, open to the public. Geared primarily for children 3 to 6 years of age, this is a reservation-only program and is free. Memorable characters guide children into a world of colors and shapes, texture and music, mixed with a dose of laughter. The puppet show will be followed by a mini tour of the galleries called “Cake Walk.” Please contact Jill Byrd at (334) 240-4359 to register. ARTWORKS will not be available during the puppet show.

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KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Expired Meds: Safety Dos and Don’ts It’s the middle of the night. Your child has a fever and the only fever reducer on hand is out of date by a year. Is it safe to use and replace it in the morning or do you put on some clothes, run your fingers through your hair and head to the nearest 24 hour pharmacy? How reliable is the expiration date? The FDA has required expiration dates on prescription and over-the-counter medications since 1979, usually 12 to 60 months after manufacture. This date does not mean the medication turns into a pumpkin at midnight. “It is the final date up to which the manufacturer will guarantee that medicine has full potency.” The manufacturer has not spent money testing effectiveness beyond that date. Prescriptions from the pharmacy, have a “best if used by” date on the label, usually one year from the date the original bottle was opened. Because expiration dates are somewhat arbitrary, many people dispose of drugs that are still effective. A study was commissioned by the Defense Department in 2006 to determine if drugs stockpiled from 1986 to 2006 needed to be replaced. Of these medications, stored in a climate-controlled area, in original unopened containers, 88% were still effective 5 1/2 years past the posted date. Heat, humidity, and exposure to light

speed deterioration. Pills are much more stable than liquids. The most stable pills were amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, Benadryl and morphine. Liquid antibiotics start to decline in effectiveness 14 days after mixed. Liquids should be discarded when crusty, cloudy, discolored, precipitation present, or if it requires refrigeration. Should you use expired medications? For fever, pain, or headache expired Tylenol or ibuprofen can be safely used. They can help even if not 100% effective. If your life or your child’s life depends on medications like EpiPen, insulin or your nitroglycerin, don’t take a chance, replace it immediately. Disposal of unused medications. Most can be thrown in the household trash or look for a “Take Back” program in the local community for proper disposal. For drugs thrown in the trash, the DEA recommends: • Take them out of their original containers and mix with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter. The medication will be less appealing to children and pets, and unrecognizable to people who may intentionally go through your trash. • Put them in a sealable bag, empty can, or other container to prevent the

medication from leaking or breaking out of a garbage bag. • Before throwing out a medicine container, scratch out all identifying information on the prescription label to make it unreadable, to protect your identity and the privacy of your personal health information. • When in doubt about proper disposal, talk to your pharmacist. Controlled substances. FDA does not want drug residues in water systems unnecessarily. When a drug contains instructions to flush it down the toilet, it’s because FDA, working with the manufacturer, has determined this method to be most appropriate with the least risk to safety. Powerful narcotic pain relievers and other controlled substances carry instructions for flushing to reduce the danger of unintentional use or overdose and illegal abuse. Don’t throw a powerful and potentially dangerous narcotic that could harm others in the trash. Dr. Allen White earned his medical degree in 1969 from Kentucky Medical School, Lexington, and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He began his private practice of pediatric medicine with an office in the Goode Medical Building of Jackson Hospital before moving to the Carmichael Road location in 1986. He and his wife, Diana, have 3 sons. For pleasure, Dr. White enjoys reading, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren.

Dr. C. Allen White Dr. Robert L. Coggin Dr. David W. Drennen Dr. Karen Doles Dr. Malissa Hoy

OFFICE (334) 271-5959 NURSE LINE (334) 272-6667

Newborn, Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

OFFICE HOURS Mon-Thurs Friday Saturday Sunday Montgomery Parents I April 2015

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Partners in Success Why do we send our children to school? There are many answers to this question. Some are academic, others philosophical, others revolve around our desire for children to be happy and fulfilled. One reason – certainly – is to give children the foundation that will allow them to provide for themselves and their families; to find success and satisfaction in a profession. The Montgomery Public School System works hard to help our students be successful in every aspect of their school experience. We put a special emphasis on helping children learn the skills they need to go beyond high school – to college or to the world of work. One of our most successful programs involves our work in Career and Technical

Education (CTE). This is not your father’s vocational education program. These CTE majors give students the background they need for good paying jobs right out of high school and the prerequisites to help college bound students have a leg-up. Many of the programs allow students to earn college credit while still in high school. Most majors give students opportunities to earn professional certifications in their fields while still in school. The key to the success is our partnership with the Alabama Department of Industrial Development (AIDT), the Alabama Department of Education and the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. We must offer training in skills that are in demand. Our work with these organizations ensures that we are not only giving students the right majors, but that the specific skills they are learning meet the needs of employers. We realize that our students may have interests in certain areas but we try to provide guidance as to whether those areas will actually be hiring students in the

future. We show them, for example, that welders, electricians, and industrial maintenance workers are in very high demand. Our partnership and continuing conversations with local and state-wide business agencies ensure that the classes we offer meet the demands of local employers. We strive to ensure our students graduate with the skills that will help them get great jobs – either directly from high school or after further education. If your child has interest in the areas of Career Tech, please encourage him or her to talk with a guidance counselor and visit www.mps.k12.al.us for more information and to apply for the new MPACT Career Center for the next school year. We are working to ensure your child’s education at MPS is the foundation for their future. Allen began working for Montgomery Public Schools as a special education teacher in 1976. She holds administrative certification from Alabama State University, a masters of arts in early childhood, a masters of arts in early childhood/handicapped, and a bachelor’s of science in elementary education and special education – all from Auburn University Montgomery.

PuT PLAY IN YOuR DAY Join Us For

HEALTHY KID’S DAY

satUrday, april 18, 2015 9AM to 10AM — Body Pump Group Exercise Launch for Adults while kids enjoy our NEW 7 to 11 Club — featuring games, arts & crafts, and other fun activities. 1PM to 3PM — Soccer games, space walkers, bouncy houses, obstacle courses, face painting, canoeing, fishing, hiking, kid’s Zumba classes, pool activities, healthy snacks, and more. Activities will vary center-to-center. FOR HEALTHY KID’S DAY ONLY: Bring in a pair of used athletic shoes to benefit the Ghana, Africa YMCA and enjoy a NO JOIN FEE — a savings of up to $100. Find your one-stop shop for all summer activites and enjoy a no registration fee for summer camps, summer childcare, and afterschool care. Find your fun activities at these centers: Kershaw YMCA, Wetumpka YMCA, Grandview Family YMCA, East Family YMCA, Southeast YMCA, Greenville YMCA, Bell Road YMCA, and YMCA Goodtimes Center.

Giveaways for the first 3,000 kids! ymcamontgomery.org

Montgomery Parents I April 2015

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Montgomery County Schools

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Catholic Wrestler Wins State Championship

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School sophomore Zachary Van Alst claimed his fourth consecutive Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) wrestling state championship February 14 in Huntsville, this year capturing the title in the Class 1A-5A, 122-pound weight class. Van Alst finished the 2015 season undefeated with a record 50-0. In his four-year career at Montgomery Catholic, Van Alst has recorded a 180-11 overall record. He has also won three sectional titles to go along with his four state championships. He was joined in Huntsville by his teammates, senior Cameron Harris and junior Gabe Keating. Keating placed fifth in his first State Tournament appearance in the 154-pound weight class. The Montgomery Catholic team of three placed 19th overall. They are coached by head coach Coy Hunter and assistant coach David Parker. From left, Gabe Keating, Zach Van Alst and Cameron Harris represented Montgomery Catholic at the AHSAA Wrestling State Tournament in Huntsville.

Montgomery Parents I April 2015

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Lee AFJROTC Holds Annual Military Ball

Lee High School’s Air Force Junior Officers Training Corp held its annual Military Ball at Maxwell AFB to honor the AFJROTC seniors. Guest speaker Major Duke, a 1994 Lee graduate and officer at Maxwell AFB, shared important leadership attributes with the audience. Afterward, the 2015 AFJROTC attendants, king and queen were recognized. From left are Tysia German, Alan Barragan, Jasmine Stokes, Christian Rocha, Queen Mame Boiro, King Randall Eatmon, Michelle Ecle, Jerri Moore and Byran Reese.

Academy Students Participate in YMCA Youth Legislature

Ten Upper School students spent the weekend of February 20-22 in the State House at the 67th Alabama YMCA Youth in Government Youth Legislature. First-time participants Ellen Park, Griffin Payne and Ann Vivian Spencer joined Michael Butler, William Chandler, Ford Cleveland, Henry Hamlett, Gabbi Pohlman, Camp Spain and Will Spain for the conference that brought together more than 350 students from 21 schools throughout Alabama to participate in a model legislative program. Park, Payne, Spencer, Butler, Cleveland, Camp Spain and Will Spain all debated vigorously on the House floor. Park and Cleveland authored an amendment to another student’s bill and were able to pass that amendment in the House. Chandler, Hamlett and Pohlman debated in the Senate and served on the YMCA Youth Governor’s cabinet. In addition to their weekend conference participation, each of the three spent the Thursday before the conference began in cabinet meetings and at a luncheon where they met their real-life Alabama Cabinet member counterparts. For the 2016 Youth Legislature conference, Chandler was elected Lt. Governor and Hamlett will serve as Speaker of the House. Chandler, Hamlett and Pohlman also served as student advisors for the Junior Youth Legislature conference held in January, and helped 90 middle school students, including approximately 40 from Montgomery Academy, write their own bills and debate a selection of bills on the floor. Park received a bid to attend the YMCA’s Conference on National Affairs (CONA) in Blue Ridge, North Carolina, this summer. Chandler and Hamlett will each attend the CONA for the second year in a row. Pohlman and Payne are conference alternates. Graduating senior and Montgomery Academy Government Club President Will Spain was honored for his years of participation in the conference. Front row from left are Ellen Park, Gabbi Pohlman and Ann Vivian Spencer; back row are Henry Hamlett, Griffin Payne, Michael Butler, Camp Spain, Ford Cleveland, Will Spain and William Chandler. 16

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Fitzpatrick Elementary Holds Black History Program

At Fitzpatrick Elementary School’s Black History Program on February 19, featured guest speakers included Dr. Frederick Reese & Rev. James Perkins. Reese is a civil rights activist who advocated African-American voters’ rights in Selma, and marched with Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Perkins was the first elected black mayor of Selma. Both men gave the students words of encouragement concerning earning good grades, being obedient, staying in school and receiving a good quality education. The theme of the program was “Alabama, The Heartland of Black History. Fourthgrade teacher Stephanie Moore was Mistress of Ceremonies, while fourth-grade students Andrew Russell and Antaria Russell led the Pledge of Allegiance. Other students who held positions of leadership in the program included fourth-grader Kelsi Gardner, and fifth-graders Zykellia Blunt and Devonte Tyus. Principal Dr. Milledge ended the program with presentations and final remarks.

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Montessori @ Mulberry Takes a Hike

Montessori at Mulberry families recently showed up ready to hit the trails for an adventure at Alabama Nature Center’s Lanark in Millbrook. Everyone took the Turkey Ridge trail around the “swamps,” where they were sure there was an alligator! They identified some trees, found areas where animals may live, places where an animal was looking for food and heard a lot of birds. Students then stopped in at the amphitheater and put on a performance for their parents. After a long hike (more than an hour), everyone headed back to the Alabama Nature Center Pavilion for lunch. Warming hands by the big fireplace was a fun experience, too. One family remembered the big field and brought soccer balls for the kids to play with. Call (334) 265-7733 to find out how to enroll your child at our school.

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BrewTech Students Help with Mock Disaster

Three ECA Students Chosen for All-Stars

Macon East Senior Receives DAR Award

Three students from Evangel Christian Academy were recently chosen to play on the AISA All-Star Basketball team. Taylor McNeil, Jordan Hunter and Taylor Jones were all selected for this outstanding opportunity. McNeil was also named the Most Valuable Player for the All-Star game. In addition to playing on the AISA All-Star Team, the three students helped the Evangel Lions’ team claim the AISA 2A State Basketball Title. Jones has also received a scholarship to play basketball at Faulkner University.

Montgomery Parents I April 2015

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Baptist South and the 187th Fighter Wing unit of the Alabama National Guard conducted a mock disaster drill. They invited BrewTech Medical Academy students to assist them. During the drill, the students were victims of a massive tornado that hit their school. The students moulage and had different victim roles to play.

Mari-Beth Baker, a senior at Macon East Academy, was privileged to receive a Good Citizenship Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution for 2015. The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest, created in 1934, recognizes and rewards individuals who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools and communities. These students are selected by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree. The Montgomery Chapter of DAR recognized area high school award winners at a luncheon held February 11 at Montgomery Country Club.

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Teacher Returns to Trinity for Book Signing

Trinity family and friends welcomed home one of their own February 10 for a coffee and book signing for former Trinity teacher Lynn Bloch, author of The Little Kneeler That Could. Bloch taught Upper School English at Trinity for 28 years. Many alumni refer to her as their “favorite teacher.” Her dedication and commitment to teaching English at Trinity are unparalled. She inspired many students to become published writers, magazine editors and teachers. Bloch’s recently published book, The Little Kneeler That Could, is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that teaches and inspires. Children learn about cherished emblems of a historic faith, the power of prayer, and the way we respond to God through prayer. Bloch visited with alums and former Trinity teachers during the book signing. “I’m filled with gratitude for the people in my life who have been and are good and faithful friends,” she said. “God is good all the time.” Before the book signing, Bloch treated the kindergarten class with a special reading from her book.

Montessori at Hampstead Studies Civil Rights

Middle school students from Montessori School at Hampstead recently visited historical sites in downtown Montgomery and attended a presentation by civil rights activist Sheyann Webb-Christburg.

ACA Students Hold Blood Drive

The Alabama Christian Academy National Honor Society has sponsored an annual Red Cross Blood Drive for more than 20 years. This year, ACA students, faculty and staff, family and friends donated approximately 118 units of blood and platelets in an effort to help save lives, making this one of the largest blood drives in the River Region. The blood drive not only provided ACA high school students an opportunity to help save lives by giving blood, it also allowed the NHS students an ability to serve the faculty, fellow students and ACA friends and family through registering donors, serving in the canteen and supervising waiting donors in the hallways. Shown, father and daughter Brian and Taylor Lord giving blood.

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SUA Celebrates Homecoming 2015

Excitement recently filled the halls at Success Unlimited Academy as the school kicked off its first Homecoming Celebration. After a week of festivities such as themed spirit days, homecoming booster badges and a pep rally, the students anticipated the announcement of the homecoming court. To set the tone for the presentation, JaCobe Ray, a member of SUA’s “Warrior Praise Band,” played a melody of instrumental music as Principal Alred announced the winners. Representing the freshman class were Tykari Bryd and Chris Tubbs, sophomore attendants were Baylee Hamspey and Perry Patino, junior attendants were Marsa Beck and Nate Cleveland, and senior class attendants were McKenna Gordan and Aaron McDonald. Homecoming King was KeTarus Letcher and Homecoming Queen was HunterRyan Robertson. The Homecoming Court was crowned by Mr. Success John Russell and Miss Success Bethany Odle and Stacy Suits. Senior Class President Dalton Harper introduced the Homecoming King and Queen and their court at the Mustang basketball game that evening. From left are Freshman Attendants Chris Tubbs and Tykari Byrd; Junior Attendants Nate Cleveland and Marsa Beck; King KeTarus Letcher; Queen HunterRyan Robertson; Senior Attendants Aaron McDonald and McKenna Gordan; and Sophomore Attendants Perry Patino and Baylee Hampsey.

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Saint James School Ready for National Competition

The Saint James School Forensics Team competed at the district tournament to determine qualifiers for the National Speech and Debate Tournament this summer in Dallas, Texas. The STJ team, directed by Dr. Ian Turnipseed, qualified a Saint James student for nationals in every category - a very rare accomplishment to be lauded. In addition, Saint James took every national qualifying spot for the state of Alabama in Extemporaneous Speaking, meaning no other school in the state of Alabama will have students competing in this division at the national tournament. The team’s success is a great achievement for all of the STJ competitors. Ranks included Ed White placing 5th in Original Oratory, Hannah Yost receiving 7th place in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking, Jacob Cannon receiving 3rd place in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking, Henry Olree receiving 3rd place in International Extemporaneous Speaking, Erica Aho receiving 4th place in Humorous Interpretation and Dramatic Interpretation (she will attend nationals for DI based on other students not attending), Philip Davis receiving 2nd place and qualifying for the national tournament in Lincoln Douglas Debate, Pearce Barringer receivingd 2nd place and qualifying for the national tournament in International Extemporaneous Speaking, Cassidy Duncan receiving 2nd place and qualifying for the national tournament in Humorous Interpretation and 3rd place in Original Oratory, Bradley Wascher receiving 2nd place and qualifying for the national tournament in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking, Hayden Cavanaugh receiving first place and qualifying for the national tournament in International Extemporaneous Speaking, and McLean Stewart receiving first place and qualifying for the national tournament in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking and receiving 2nd place and qualifying for the national tournament in Original Oratory. The highly decorated STJ team received first place in the tournament’s Individual Events Sweepstakes. Shown are Dr. Ian Turnipseed, Saint James School Forensics Coach, and the 2015 STJ Forensics Team after the district tournament March 14.

Dalraida Celebrates Black History Month

Dalraida Elementary’ s fifth-grade students celebrated Black History Month by learning about past and present figures in black history and their contributions to our nation. Students dressed as Tiger Woods, Stevie Wonder, B.B. King, Dr. Charles Drew, Zora Neale Hurston, Muhammad Ali, Madam C. J. Walker, Oprah Winfrey, Gabrielle Douglas, Bob Marley, Bo Jackson, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Tina Turner, Ruby Bridges, Harriet Tubman, Elijah McCoy, Bessie Coleman and Denzel Washington.

Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@ montgomeryparents.com. It’s FREE! Montgomery Parents I April 2015

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MPS Students Participate In Auburn Honor Band

Montgomery Public Schools had quite a few students participate in the District IV Honor Band held in Auburn. All of these students auditioned against the entire district and placed for either the middle or high school level. The clinicians conducting the bands were: high school - Randal Coleman (Univ. of Alabama) and middle school - Jerrell Horton (Vestavia Hills High School). Students from Johnnie Carr Middle School include: Jung Vin Seo, 8th grade, Flute; Yeonnah Beasley, 7th grade, Flute; Keyanna Dixon, 8th grade, Clarinet; Stacee Stubblefield, 8th grade, Trombone; Samantha Ammeter, 8th grade, Percussion; and Nathan Strahan, 7th grade, Percussion. From Baldwin Middle Magnet, students include: Jonathan Jantz, Mattie Dillow, Payton Kerr, Teri Kim, Niya Pittman,Dain Yi, Seok Hee Hong, Jae Lee, Saeed AbdusSalaam, Cayce Sherer, Ian London, Craig Fleming, Daniel Istvan, Brasher Miller and Malik McCants. Students from BTW Magnet include: Landon Tubbs, 11th grade, Baritone; Jazmine Bradley, 11th grade, Bass Clarinet; Erin Bowman, 11th grade, Contrabass Clarinet; Michelle Park, 10th grade, Flute; Justin Bell, 12th grade, Trombone; Billy Whatley, 10th grade, Tenor Sax; and Marilyn Brown, 12th grade, Clarinet. Dorothy Walker from Park Crossing High School also placed. High school band students are shown.

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MA Upper School Chorus Goes on Tour

In February, forty-three members of the Montgomery Academy Upper School Chorus boarded a bus and traveled to Lafayette, Louisiana, the first stop on their 2015 Winter Chorus Tour. Over the three-day tour, the chorus performed four concerts, beginning by providing music for Sunday mass at St. Mary Mother of the Church. The chorus also performed at L.J. Alleman Arts Academy in Lafayette and at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. While at LSU, students were able to tour the campus and audit a college vocal class, discovering more about collegiate music classes. In the class, students observed renowned LSU Director of Choral Activities Dr. John Dickson and his internationally recognized A Cappella Choir. Students were then treated to a choral workshop with Dickson, where they learned a variety of his techniques. The tour concluded with a performance for a morning assembly at The Dunham School in Baton Rouge. Under the direction of Damion Womack and Dr. Sallye York, the MA Upper School chorus is open to all students in grades 9-12. As a non-auditioned chorus, the class focuses on sight-reading, tone quality, diction and other choral methods.

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Trinity Band Students Excel At District & State Auditions Trinity had the largest number of students chosen for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s All-State Honor Bands of any private school in the River Region. Nineteen members of the Trinity Band Program competed against more than 400 students representing more than 30 schools at District and All-State auditions in Opelika January 31 for a place in the District VI and All-State Honor Bands. Of these nineteen students, fourteen made the District VI Honor Band (a new Trinity School Record), six made the All-State Honor Bands, and two were selected as All-State alternates. This ties the Trinity School Record and is the most of any independent school in the River Region for the second year in a row. The following students made the 2015 District VI Middle or High School Honor Bands: Jackson Adcock, Middle School, 8th Grade; Madden Bain, Middle School, 7th Grade; Cole DeBardelaben, High School (1st Chair), 12th Grade; Garrett Flowers, Middle School (1st Chair), 8th Grade; Linda Hill, Middle School, 6th Grade; Theo Hornsby, Middle School (1st Chair), 7th Grade; Parker Hughes, Middle School, 6th Grade; William Kong, Middle

School, 8th Grade; Peyton Lankford, Middle School, 8th Grade; Eddie Parma, High School, 10th Grade; John Sluis, High School, 10th Grade; T.A. Sluis, High School, 10th Grade; Halle Wiswall, Middle School (1st Chair), 7th Grade; and Riley Wuokko, Middle School, 7th Grade. The following students made the 2015 All-State Band: Jackson Adcock, Alternate; Cole DeBardelaben, Unassigned; Garrett Flowers; Theo Hornsby; Parker Hughes, Alternate; John Sluis, Unassigned; T.A. Sluis, Red Band; and Halle Wiswall. The top scoring students in the District Honor Band on each instrument made the Alabama All-State Honor Band. One middle school band and three high school bands will take place in Mobile in April. High school students who made All-State on certain instruments, such as bass clarinet and tenor saxophone, are currently unassigned to a specific band and

will audition for band and chair placement at All-State in Huntsville on April 10. This is the largest number to be represented by Trinity Presbyterian School at the District Honor Band and for the second year in a row is the most students of any independent school in the River Region. Back row from left are Garrett Flowers, Jackson Adcock, Peyton Lankford, Cole DeBardelaben, Theo Hornsby, TA Sluis and John Sluis; front row, Mr. Butler, Madden Bain, Halle Wiswall, Linda Hill, William Kong, Parker Hughes, Riley Wuokko and Eddie Parma.

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Free Home Schooling Information Meeting

Considering home schooling? Come to a free, informative meeting Thursday, April 16, from 6-8 p.m. at Lakeview Baptist Church, 9225 Atlanta Highway in Montgomery. Hear from experienced home schooling families, learn about local home school coverings, gather resources, network with other home schooling families and find answers to your questions. You can successfully home school your students! We want to help! RSVP to homeshoolrules2015@yahoo. com. Childcare will not be provided.

Park Crossing Freshman Awarded Scholarship

Matthew Robertson, a freshman at Park Crossing High School and the son of Major Brian and Deborah Robertson, has been awarded a full scholarship to attend Aviation Challenge in Huntsville. Robertson was one of a select group of students selected for a full-tuition scholarship to attend a camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, home to Aviation Challenge, Space Camp Robotics and Space Camp, internationally known programs with more than 650,000 alumni. Scholarship competition is intense, requiring a student to submit an application with a detailed description of a science experiment, two essays, a patch design and three letters of recommendation. Only 18 percent of this year’s applicants received a full scholarship. Aviation Challenge presents students with real-world applications of math, science and technology as they “fly” jet fighter simulators and go through land and water survival training. This militaryinfluenced avionic experience instills pride and professionalism as students learn about aeronautics, propulsion, aviation history, flight fundamentals and leadership. For more information about Space Camp programs, visit www.spacecamp.com.

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Macon East Inducts New Mu Alpha Theta Members

The Macon East Academy chapter of Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society inducted 17 new members at a ceremony held February 19. Mu Alpha Theta is an organization that recognizes students who have completed geometry and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher in mathematics. Hunter Gregg, president of the Macon East chapter, and Brynn Nix, Mu Alpha Theta sponsor, welcomed the following new members: Forrest Bankston, Cadey Brown, Braxton Bundy, Adam Durden, Austin Gault, DJ Holifield, Susie Johnson, Seth Meadows, Sydney Mills, Sami Nesbitt, Cameron Redding, Sam Rodgers, Lou Rutland, Mary Brooks Thomas, Evan Tinch, Heather Whatley and Alex Wyrosdick.

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ECA Student Places At State Science Fair

Alaina Horton recently won third place representing Evangel Christian Academy at the AISA State Science Fair. She competed against all AISA district winners from across the state in the area of biology. Her project was based on subliminal messages. Horton advanced to the state science fair after being successful at the school and district levels.

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Trinity Students Chosen for Leadership Team

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Trinity Presbyterian School senior Cole DeBardelaben and junior Meredith Moore have been selected to serve on the Junior Arts Education Leadership Team. This statewide â&#x20AC;&#x153;think tankâ&#x20AC;? of emerging leaders for arts education will assist in the development of a statewide plan to create access and equity to arts education for students throughout Alabama. The Alabama Arts Education Leadership Team is a partnership between the Alabama State Department of Education and the Alabama State Council on the Arts. The team will provide fully funded high-quality arts education that enlightens, inspires and develops in every Alabama student the creative and innovative thinking necessary to ensure college and career readiness. The team will: increase expectations for the arts as an engine to enhance economy, community and quality of life; provide access and equity to quality arts learning for all students; advance arts education opportunities to facilitate college and career readiness; and employ the arts as a catalyst to create and maintain an engaged school and community environment.

In February, Bear Exploration Center celebrated its annual science night. Students engineered their own wind vehicles, became germ detectives, and experimented with magnets. They made cosmic worms, elephant toothpaste, snow, and gigantic geysers! The staff from the McWane Center was also on hand to perform exciting experiments. Teachers, students and families enjoyed a fun-filled night of activities! Shown with their glow worms are Joy Taylor, Whitney Manning and Chandler Davis.

youth programs

BrewTech Participates In State Conference

BrewTech Medical Academy students recently participated in the State HOSA Conference. The school had three students to place in the conference held at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Convention Center. From left, Moriah Jones placed third in Dental Terminology, Andrew Thomas placed second in Sports Medicine and Malisa Ray placed second in Physical Therapy. The students will compete at the 2015 National HOSA Conference in Anaheim, Calif. in June.

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Academy Lower School Students Study India

The Montgomery Academy Lower School was transformed into India for a threeweek study of Indian culture, food, history and people. Students in grades K-4 participated in weekly activities during their enrichment classes beginning with a special assembly featuring two MA families, the Singhs and the Sharmas, who spoke with students about what it was like growing up in India—the clothing, traffic, school, shopping, money, languages and foods. Special guests welcomed during the month-long study included a local Mehndi artist, an Indian drummer, a storyteller and classical Indian dancers. As a preview to the study before leaving for Christmas break, students decorated the Holiday Tree with peacock feathers and hand-painted elephant and peacock ornaments. The inspiration for the decorations came from a visit by Lower School Art teacher BeeLee Tullos to Deli Haart in New Delhi during her month-long study in India this past summer. After purchasing similar wooden ornaments in India, Tullos gave a presentation to her art students about the role of elephants in India and then asked each student to design his own elephant or peacock ornament to resemble those she purchased. While students were away, parents and teachers worked tirelessly to decorate the campus, adding sixfoot wooden elephants circling the library and Indian art hanging from the ceilings and walls. The lobby of the school contained an Indian display filled with artifacts from India. Parents brought in pictures, clothing, jewelry and statues to share with the children. To help students explore the “museum,” librarian Frances Smith wrote an “I Spy” scavenger hunt poem for the area. The lobby also featured a Rangoli designed by MA parent Roly Singh. Rangoli designs are constructed on the ground at the entrance of a home from colored chalk, flower petals and rice and used to celebrate Diwali, an ancient Hindu festival. During art class, students explored the Indian art of Mehndi, elaborate designs drawn on hands and feet with henna, and its customs. Using Mehndi as their inspiration, each student created a decorated hand with kindergarten students focusing on lines, first- and second-grade students studying shapes and color, and fourth-grade students using a brayer, Styrofoam and block printing ink. Art classes also studied Madhubani artwork and the Festival of Holi, a welcome to spring known as the festival of color, creating their own works of art based on Indian methods. Students made small clay Chai cups and then during Spanish class compared the different spices in Chai tea and Mexican chocolate. The Spanish classes also compared the Indian art of Rangoli to the Hispanic art of Papel Picado. Students watched a video highlighting Diwali, the five-day festival of light celebrating the Indian New Year. After the video introduction, students made brightly colored paper lanterns and “Diya” lights, similar to those featured in India during the festival. In keeping with the schoolwide culture study, the kindergarten’s annual 100th Day of School celebration featured the marriage of puppets “Zero the Hero” and “Miss Ten.” The Indian wedding included the puppets, bride, groom and attendants all in Indian clothing. Students learned Aryabhata, an Indian mathematician and astronomer, created the number zero in 498 AD. After saying their vows “in the name of math,” students enjoyed a white wedding cake topped with a gold elephant. By month’s end, Lower School children had studied India in every discipline-- music, math, geography, STEM lab, computer, language and visual art. Even the lunchroom joined the festivities, serving authentic Indian recipes of butter chicken, tandoori chicken, saag, and naan. Students learned about some of the contributions people of India have made to American culture and how these influences affect their lives every day. From folktales and traditional Indian dancing to studying fabric design and local festivals, each student was challenged to think about how his life may be different or similar to a child’s life in India. Montgomery Parents I April 2015

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STJ Recognized for Years of Service

More than 50 teachers and administrators from Saint James School attended the biennial conference of the Alabama Association of Independent Schools (AAIS) held at Randolph School in Huntsville March 15 and 16. During the conference, three Saint James faculty members were recognized for 20 or more years of service in independent school education: Clare Simon, elementary school counselor; Laura Spivey, middle school guidance counselor; and Cheris Sherlin, high school mathematics teacher. After the recognition of the members’ 20-year awards, the AAIS President, Palmer Kennedy of Advent Episcopal School in Birmingham, surprised Saint James School Head of School Melba Richardson with the AAIS Lifetime Leadership Award. Kennedy remarked that even though Richardson’s administration career path took her out of the classroom on a daily basis, she has never stopped being a teacher and a mentor. He commented on the many learning experiences he has had over the years personally with Richardson, and he cited the many contributions she has made over the last 30 years toward the advancement of independent schools throughout the state. The award was presented to Richardson in front of a standing ovation of her peers and colleagues from independent schools throughout the state. Richardson is retiring this summer after 32 years of exemplary service to Saint James School. Pictured in front, Saint James Head of School Melba Richardson, and from left, Clare Simon, Laura Spivey and Cheris Sherlin. www.montgomeryparents.com

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ACA Students Nominated For Hitchcock Award Eight Alabama Christian Academy students have received the honor of being nominated for the annual Jimmy Hitchcock Award. ACA seniors Travis Borland, Larry Freligh, Alyssa Harrell and Kodee Harrison were nominated by their coaches, as well as freshman Cole Schlemmer, Jacob Pulse, Lacey Spears and Carli Schofield. Each student nominated exemplifies the award’s key attributes including a Christ-like attitude on and off the field, leadership and dependability.

HOOPER ACADEMY Grade Levels K-12

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Catholic Places First at AMP’d Challenge

The AMP’d Math Puzzle Challenge was January 24 at Auburn University. Montgomery Catholic competed at the Varsity (11th-12th grade) and Junior Varsity (9th10th grade) levels. The event poses 12 math/logic puzzles for teams of seven to solve over a period of about five hours. The Montgomery Catholic Junior Varsity team took first place among junior varsity teams. The team actually scored third overall and was one of only a few teams to solve all 12 puzzles. Special recognition to Henry Petters and Lisa Hong for being among the few who solved the two most difficult puzzles. Montgomery Catholic’s JV team members are David Bender, Lita Blackburn, Lisa Hong, Henry Petters, Katie Slear and Lauren Smith. The Montgomery Catholic Varsity team had tough competition and worked hard to bring home fifth place. Varsity Team members are: Paige Barranco, Ann Faulkner, Derek Kelly, Ashley Kim, Leo Petters and William Russell. Katie Slear and Lauren Smith are shown solving a puzzle during the AMP’d Puzzle Challenge at Auburn.

Please visit and see what we have to oﬀer your family! Early Learning Center 6 weeks thru K-4; Before & After School Care If you have any questions please contact Hooper Academy at (334) 288-5980. Hooper is located at 380 Fisher Road, Hope Hull, Alabama, just oﬀ I-65 South.

Headmaster: Greg Faulkner • Asst. Headmaster/Athletic Director: Keith Moore 334-288-5980 • www.hooperacademy.org • HCAinfo@hooperacademy.org

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Trinity’s McNelley Elected Youth Legislature Governor

More than 25 students from Trinity participated in the 67th Annual Alabama YMCA Youth Legislature. There were more than 350 youth from throughout Alabama representing 21 schools at the conference, which was held at the Alabama State House. Youth Legislature is a part of the Alabama YMCA Youth in Government program, which gives youth the opportunity to be actively involved in government while they are still in high school. Students are able to learn more about their state and plan to contribute to its development in the future. Trinity students had several notable accomplishments throughout the eventful weekend. Jake Hemmings, Noah McNelley and Jackson Scott had bills signed into law. Hemmings, McNelley and Emily Stone were chosen to attend the Conference on National Affairs, and Scott was an alternate. Two Trinity students were elected to state offices, including Bailey Hope for the office of Secretary of State and Aubrey Grant elected to House Floor Leader. Most noteworthy, McNelley was elected as Governor and will serve in this position for next year’s Youth Legislature. This election marks the third governor from Trinity. During the conference, students assume all the roles of the legislative and other branches of government, including the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Supreme Court, and the governor’s office and cabinet. Students also serve as lobbyists and representatives of the news media. The media operates as the communication hub for the conference and includes updates on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Shown, Wilson Shanahan, Sydney Snowden, Emma Heaton, Noah McNelley, Jackson Scott and Jake Hemmings. Montgomery Parents I April 2015

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MEA Drama Team Performs At District and State Contests

The Macon East Academy Drama Club recently participated in the Alabama Independent School Association district and state drama competitions. The drama club did an amazing job and received numerous accolades at both events. At the district event, held January 14 at the Cloverdale Playhouse, Sam Rogers placed 2nd in monologue, and Rogers, Cydney Worthington, Savannah Clemens and Hannah Davis placed 2nd in Ensemble acting. Worthington, Davis, Bree Craig, Madison Lane, Hannah Johnson and Dallas Sanders placed 3rd in musical drama at District. The Faulkner University Theater was the site for AISA State qualifiers to take the stage on January 23. Worthington’s performance earned her the best actress award, and Rogers’s 2nd place monologue brought the crowd to tears. Four members of the Macon East drama department were named to the All-State Drama Cast: Davis, Rogers, Sanders and Worthington. Drama Club sponsor is Candice Duffey.

SUA Holds First-Ever Middle School Spelling Bee

Success Unlimited Academy held its first Spelling Bee February 10 at its Vaughn Road Campus. Fifteen students from grades 6, 7 and 8 competed for the title of school champion. Each student had already competed at his/her own grade level and advanced to the final round. Guest judges were Tonya Speed of Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection and her husband, Butch Speed. Each participant was awarded a participation medallion prior to the competition, which enhanced their “Dress for Success” attire. After a lengthy and intense competition, seventh-grader Julian Bennette captured the first-place trophy. Second place went to sixth-grader Caroline Moody and seventh-grader TraMarcus Greene won third place. Principal Susan Alred presented each student a Spelling Bee trophy and a cash prize. Families, teachers, staff, and classmates showed their pride and support with an over-the-top SUA round of applause and cheering.

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At Montgomery Catholic, our students flourish in a rigorous academic environment designed to fully develop their individual God-given gifts — while strengthening their lifelong walk in the Christian faith. Enroll now by calling 334-272-7221 ext. 32, or visit www.montgomerycatholic.org.

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Record-Setting Racing Knights Leave Mark at State Meet

At the two-day track and field extravaganza known as the Alabama State High School Athletic Association State Indoor Championships, the Racing Knights of Montgomery Catholic left their mark as numerous school, classification, state, and CrossPlex records fell over the course of the meet. For the girls’ team, eighth-grader Amaris Tyynismaa paced the team with her national level performances. The meet opened with her specialty event, the 3200 meter run. Tyynismaa lapped the entire field en route to a blistering 10:32.94 time. Her performance established a new school, 4A-5A classification, absolute Alabama State, and Birmingham CrossPlex facility record. It also ranked her #2 in the nation for the distance. Freshman Katelyn Stark finished 19th in the race with a 13:21.45 effort. In the 60 meter dash, sophomore Tamrah Tucker set a new school record with her 8.53 performance that placed 9th. She later placed 23rd in the 400 meters with a 1:12.33 mark. In the 800 meters, Tyynismaa also established a new state record for 4A-5A with a dominating 2:17.57 mark. Stark placed 15th with her 2:45.61. In the 1600 meter run, Tyynismaa secured her third state title of the meet, by clocking 5:01.36, also a new state record, and Stark finished 14th in a new season best and indoor personal record time of 6:05.87. In the meet’s penultimate event, the 4x800 meter relay, the quartet of Annabel Starrett, Katelyn Stark, Sarah Beth Littrell, and Amaris Tyynismaa went from 7th place to 2nd by running 10:48.41. The silver medal finish was the 6th best 4x800 performance in Racing Knight history and the third best indoor time. In the team competition, the Lady Knights recorded the highest finish at the State Meet by an MCPS indoor team by tying for 4th place with 38 points. On the boys’ side, senior Thomas Stokes paced the team by recording a personal best time of 7.51 in placing 16th in the 60 meter dash, and by placing 7th overall in shot put with a 41-10 heave. He also joined senior Jarrett Chesnutt, sophomore Winston Wright, and freshman Greg Ellis on the school’s 4x200 meter relay which placed 17th in 1:47.13. Wright also ran 55.47 in the 400 meter dash to finish 19th, 2:14.37 in the 800 meter run (17th), and 5:19.03 in the 1600m (27th). Greg Ellis also recorded a personal best 17-11 mark in the Long Jump to finish 14th and a 7.80 in the 60 meters to place 33rd. Senior Andrew Ellis ran a personal best 2:25.95 to place 37th. Senior Tray McCurdy also recorded a personal best effort in the shot put with his 40-05 mark, good for 9th place. Finally, sophomore Angel Padilla recorded a personal best 11:52 in the 3200 meter run while placing 16th. The Racing Knights finished 21st overall in the team standings. Montgomery Catholic’s indoor track team is coached by Ed Wright and Brianna Lisenby. Montgomery Catholic’s 4x800 girls’ relay team received the silver at the AHSAA Indoor Track State Meet, February 6-7. From left, Coach Wright, Annabel Starrett, Sarah Beth Littrell, Amaris Tyynismaa, Katelyn Stark and Coach Lisenby. Montgomery Parents I April 2015

C V ACA Students Take Part In Model UN Conference

Eleven Alabama Christian Academy students recently participated in the Alabama Model United Nations Conference on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. As a part of the conference, students were in committees that debated and discussed current events and politics and also networked with other high school students from across the Southeast. Committees that students participated in included: the Justice League Crisis, the Kennedy Crisis, Social Humanitarian and Cultural Committee, Special Political, and Disarmament and International Security. During these times of debate and discussion, students tackled problems such as gender equality in education, establishing a nuclear free zone in the Middle East, Korean unification, events that Kennedy’s cabinet faced and Justice League problems. Of the eleven students that attended the conference, Robby Bruce, Keely Nguyen, Aly Nguyen, Autumn Anderson, and Kat Rogers all received Verbal Commendations for their work. Delegates David Swayne and Will Shoemaker each received the Best Delegate award in their committee rooms. Shown, ACA students Robby Bruce, Brandon Hightower, Rebekah Foster, Aly Nguyen, Kat Rogers, Autumn Anderson, Keely Nguyen, Rachel Treubig, David Swayne, Lindsey McDaniel and Will Shoemaker enjoy the ALMUN conference at the University of Alabama.

Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@ montgomeryparents.com. It’s FREE! www.montgomeryparents.com

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Saint James School Provides Comfort to Children of Abuse

Cornerstone Students Visit DeSoto Caverns

Astronomy is of high interest to Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy’s fourth-grade class. The students learn about all of the planets in the solar system with an extensive study on what makes the earth a perfect environment for human habitation. In addition, the students study interesting aspects of earth’s geography. One of the highlights for the fourth-graders each year is a visit to DeSoto Caverns. The students participate in a tour of the caverns and enjoy several other activities at the cavern park. This year’s class, under the supervision of teacher Christy Taunton, participated in a corn maze and panning for precious minerals. Above, Conor Williams and Mark Buxbaum panned for gold at DeSoto.

Saint James School Student Y and Government clubs hosted a school project -- to collect teddy bears and monetary donations for Child Protect, a River Region advocacy center for abused children. The groups raised $1,200 and collected 165 teddy bears to comfort the children who visit Child Protect. The Executive Director of Child Protect, Jannah Bailey, spoke at the school’s club meeting, shared a bit about the center with the students, and was so pleased to accept the donations from the Saint James School community.

Park Crossing Student Wins Military Youth Contest

Park Crossing High School sophomore Isaiah Lewis recently won the Military Youth of the Year Competition in conjunction with the Maxwell-Gunter Youth Centers. In addition to Lewis being a youth center member for almost five years, he maintains a strong presence in his school and church. He is involved with the cross country and basketball teams as well as participating in the Creative Writing Club. His ability to focus on school and extracurricular activities encourages other youth center members to push themselves as well. Lewis will compete with other Military Youth of the Year candidates from other state installations in April. If selected as the state of Alabama winner, he will move forward to compete for the southeastern region.

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Cornerstone Prepares For Annual Spring Fling

Each April the students and faculty of Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy look forward to the annual Spring Fling. This is a showcase of academic recitations, musical presentations and student artwork. All of the school’s students from kindergarten through twelfth grade participate. Following the presentations, there is opportunity for those interested in Cornerstone to tour the school as well as a reception to honor the hard work of the students and teachers. “Our Spring Fling has become a much-anticipated event in the life of our school,” commented Principal Priscilla Stewart. “Each year we marvel at the amount of information that the students have learned. As well, we all enjoy the creativity that the students display through the music and art.” The Spring Fling will be held on Thursday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of Morningview Baptist Church. The public is invited. For more info, please call 356-7788 or visit www.ccamontgomery.org.

T Eastwood Soccer Teams Win Opening Games

The Eastwood Christian Lower School soccer team won in both age groups in their opening games. The 1st-3rd graders came from being down 1-3 to win 4-3. The 4th-5th graders won a defensive struggle 1-0. Coaches are Bruno Resende, Gary Johnson and Johnny Roszkowski.

Hooper Academy Senior Hired as UCA Staff Instructor

Congratulations to Hooper Academy Senior, Morgan Maxwell, who successfully completed the tryout selection process and was hired as a UCA staff instructor where she will work over the summer at various summer UCA cheer camps leading and instructing cheerleaders all over Alabama. She was also recently named to the 2015 1st team Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State Girls Basketball Selection and 1st team AISA All-Metro Girls Basketball Selection Team. Morgan finished 21 doubledoubles, averaged 22.3 points, 16.8 rebounds, plus 5.4 assists per game. Morgan is a two-time 1st team All-Metro winner, and was recently named to the Hooper Academy Distinguished 1000 point club. Congratulations Morgan! Photo provided by Studios at Eastchase.

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Trinity Students Donate To Children in Haiti

Earlier in the school year, the lower school students heard from two Trinity Presbyterian School teachers as they discussed their recent mission trips to Haiti. The thirdgrade class continued to hear stories about the children of Haiti and prayed daily for them. When the third grade heard about another group from Montgomery visiting Haiti in February, they decided to put their faith into action by giving back. Fruit snack packets were one of the supplies the mission group requested. The third-grade class collected more than 950 packets! This missions project has been a wonderful opportunity for the third-grade class to learn more about helping and praying for others.

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Saint James TEAMS Rank First and Third

Saint James High School students participated in the Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science (TEAMS) competition in Auburn March 6. For the third consecutive year, STJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 9th & 10thgrade team won the first-place trophy and national evaluation of their essays. This year the team members were Gyuna Kim, Sean Jung, Jason Grate, Connor Taylor, Ian Tsekouras and Gibeom Kim. Additionally, the STJ 11th & 12th-grade team (John Kim, David Ye, Anna Siddiq, Emma Frakes, Matthew Garnett, Isabel Blancett, Peter Wang and Gabe Wiggins) won the third-place trophy for the mathematics portion and advance to an evaluation of their essays. Both teams are eligible to attend the national competition this June in Dallas, Texas.

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Evangel’s Girls’ Basketball Team Recognized by City Council

Evangel Christian Academy’s Varsity Girls’ Basketball Team was recently recognized by the Montgomery City Council for its outstanding leadership and athletic skills. The Lady Lions recently won the AISA 2A Girls Basketball State Title. The city council congratulated the girls on bringing the state title and favorable recognition to the city of Montgomery. The championship team included: Brittney Johnson, Ellejae Reynolds, Rebecca Johnson, Carlisha Allen, Taylor Jones, Jordan Hunter, Taylor McNeil, Courtney Covington and Tia McNeil. The coaches for the team are Mike Creamer and Whitney Toole. Jasmine Brown served as bookkeeper and Brianna Thompson was the stat keeper.

BrewTech Art Students Create Civil Rights Mural

Art students at Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School created a mural to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights March. This was part of a project sponsored by the City of Montgomery. The canvases were displayed along the last leg of the march and were on display March 22-28. Tara Jarrett’s Art III students created the mural. The students who played a major role in the project were: Zoya Robinson, Jack Hudson, Zach McCaa, Alexis Babers, Ashley Barrentine, Madison Galloway, Sheliyah Glass, Lexie Johnston, Brianna Miles, Taylor Morton, Sarika Patel, Rachel May, Sarah Russell, Luis Sarmiento, Paxton Sellers, Rayan Zaied, Courtney Blackmon, Sara Grace Head, Mikaela Holley, Jenna Hopson and Mike Kruggell.

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ACA Athletes Sign With Alabama and Faulkner

Alabama Christian Academy athlete Chandler Taylor signed with the University of Alabama to play baseball on February 6 at a signing event held on ACA’s campus. As a pitcher and outfielder for ACA, Taylor is ranked #2 in the State coming into his senior season. He is currently the 173rd ranked High School baseball player in the Nation. Taylor’s accomplishments include: 2012 All-State honorable mention, 2013 1st team All-State, 2014 AHSAA All Star Team (game played in Montgomery), 2014 Perfect Game 3rd team All-American and East Coast Pro Day in Syracuse––where he was selected by Major League scouts for a 4 day training session. During his time at ACA, he also played the starting quarterback for the Eagles. He will continue his baseball career at Alabama in the fall as an outfielder for the Crimson Tide. In addition, ACA softball pitcher Caitlin Perry and golfer Hannah Sager signed with the Faulkner Eagles. Perry was named a MaxPreps/NFCA National H.S. Player of the Week in March 2014 after throwing a perfect game and was named Montgomery Advertiser’s Metro Player of the Year during 2013 and 2014. She has thrown 35 shutouts and six no-hitters in addition to her perfect game and holds the ACA record for most career wins in softball with 93 and still has her senior season left. She started on the varsity team as an eighthgrader and has pitched in two State Championships and had an ERA of 0.64 as a junior (last year). Sager is coming into her senior season at ACA after finishing as the #4 player in the 2014 State Tournament. She has won the Greater Montgomery Open two consecutive years (2013 & 2014) and in 2013 shot a new record for the event with a 73. In the AHSAA 1A-5A Sub-State Tournament, Sager tied for first place with a 75. She competed in the 2014 Alabama Junior Golf Open Championship in July and tied for second place.

MA Sixth-Graders Study Middle Ages

“Welcome, ye olde Masters, to the Guildhall. Please attende to your busyness with joye in your heart.” This medieval greeting hung at the entrance of the sixthgrade hallway, transforming Montgomery Academy into Medieval Europe for the sixth grade’s annual study of the Middle Ages. To begin, students learned about the various guilds of the Middle Ages, including merchants, stone masons, and bakers. They were assigned to a guild and then worked together to research their guild, creating a poster to represent their profession and an oral presentation to teach classmates about their skill. Students ended the day with a lesson in the art of illuminated letters, crafting their own illuminated letters using their initials with medieval symbols.

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Macon East Students Visit Washington, D.C.

Cornerstone Christian Students Compete At History Day

Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy students competed at the state level for the NATIONAL HISTORY DAY competition. The competition took place at AUM. National History Day is a highly regarded academic program for middle and high school students. Each year more than half a million students choose historical topics related to a nationally chosen theme and conduct extensive primary and secondary research. After analyzing and interpreting their sources, students present their original work in a variety of categories. The theme for this year’s competition was “The Individual in History: Legacy and Leadership.” This year Cornerstone students competed in the following categories: Senior Performance, Junior and Senior Website, Senior Documentary and Senior and Junior Paper. Many thanks to the helpful staff at the State of Alabama Archives and History for their instruction in research and for their enthusiastic support of our students. The majority of Cornerstone’s students selected a native of Alabama featured in the Archives’ new Voices exhibit as the topic of their presentation. In addition, staff members from the archives judged Cornerstone’s own school competition, giving helpful critiques to the students. Shown, Logan Langley, Addie Carlson and Elizabeth Forks performed as a group on the life of Zelda Fitzgerald. Montgomery Parents I April 2015

A group of 32 junior high students from Macon East Academy traveled to our nation’s capital during the first week of February. After a long day of travel by charter bus, the group started its tour with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery where students witnessed the changing of the guard and took a walking tour of the cemetery. Among the other sites they visited were the U.S. Capitol, the White House visitor center, Ford’s Theatre, and the Washington National Cathedral. Everyone enjoyed the 555-foot trip to the top of the Washington Monument and the view of the city from the observation level. The after-dark illuminations tour of the monuments included the Jefferson, Lincoln, World War II, Vietnam Veterans, Korean Veterans, and Iwo Jima Memorials. The group also traveled south of D.C. to the historic Mount Vernon estate of George Washington. There students saw many colonial era buildings, a working gristmill and distillery, and enjoyed dinner at the Mount Vernon Inn. Among the museum tours were the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, and the Holocaust Memorial Museum. The students enjoyed learning how our currency is made at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The whirlwind trip ended with a stop at Union Station and a long overnight bus ride back to Alabama.

Trinity Dance Ensemble Rocks NYC

Trinity’s Advanced Dance Ensemble spent their Valentine’s weekend falling in love with the sights and scenes of New York City, while dancing and exploring all that is offered in this art form. The 12-member dance ensemble took classes at two local studios—Broadway Dance Center and Steps On Broadway—where teachers from all over the world teach pre-professional to professional dancers every day. There are more than 55 classes taught each day in the disciplines of ballet, hip hop, jazz, modern, contemporary, tap, theater and many more. The girls also toured the Statue of Liberty, the Museum of Natural History and Radio City Music Hall, which culminated with meeting a Rockette! There was not much “down time,” as they also visited the Fashion Institute of Technology Museum and attended the Broadway show “Wicked.” One of the biggest highlights of the trip was getting some Q&A time with Ashley Laracey, a soloist with the New York City Ballet. The young dancers received a backstage tour and had the opportunity to see dancers rehearsing and warming up for the performance that evening. Later that night, they attended a breathtaking performance of “Romeo and Juliet” performed by New York City Ballets soloist and principal dancers. On Sunday, the dance ensemble visited St. Patrick’s Cathedral where they attended church service. The remarkable music and stunning architecture made for an incredible worship experience. Trinity’s Advanced Dance Ensemble includes Katherine Albrecht, Madison Bowen, Gracie Champion, Liz Clements, Caroline Lee, Jordyn Meeks, Annelise Patterson, Virginia Reid, Anna Slawson, Mary Emily Taylor, Charlie Ward, Sydney Kate Welch, and Head of Trinity Dance Department, Jenny Letner. Trinity Dance Ensemble is shown at Radio City Music Hall with a Rockette. 36

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Catholic Hosts Annual Mardi Gras Prayer Breakfast

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s junior class hosted the annual Mardi Gras Prayer Breakfast for the entire high school student body and many special guests on Fat Tuesday, February 17. The day began in the wee hours of the morning with members of the junior class transforming the Dolly Barranco Activity Center into a Mardi Gras-themed restaurant while cooking and serving a delicious pancake breakfast for nearly 400 guests. Kathleen Beesley, junior class vice president, welcomed guests. Abaigeal Gilbert, junior class secretary, invited guests to write down their Lenten promises which will hang in the main hall of the High School. She invited guests to stop and read the promises throughout Lent and say a prayer for those who made them. Father Patrick Arensberg from St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church opened with prayer. Patrick O’Mara, junior class president, introduced John Keating as speaker for the event. He is the father of two Montgomery Catholic alumni and current junior Gabe Keating and husband of fourth-grade Montgomery Catholic teacher Melynda Keating. Junior Class Treasurer Nadine Moussalli gave closing remarks thanking all of the Prayer Breakfast sponsors, including: Anne Ceasar, MCPS President; Chad Barwick, MCPS Principal; Madonna Kimbrough, High School Administrative Assistant; Kerri Moore, MCPS Junior Class Sponsor; Ben Cecil and Abby Beesley, MCPS teachers; Chappy’s Deli; Christine Burton; Craig Sherman, MCPS Cafeteria Manager; Alex Johnson, MCPS Band Director and the MCPS Jazz Combo; and the Junior Class parents. Father Linn Harbour from Holy Family Catholic Community at Maxwell AFB offered the Benediction to end the event. Shown, Kristianna Davison and Haleigh Huggins serve guests.

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Evangel Christian Academy Evangel Christian Academy exists to partner with Christian parents to provide their child with a Christ-centered education. Our desire is to help each child achieve his or her God-given potential through providing activities designed to foster spiritual, academic and social growth. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord... Jeremiah 29:11

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MPS Employees Complete Weight Loss Challenge

Some Montgomery Public School employees in the office of Student Social and Support Services recently completed a “Biggest Loser Challenge.” The challenge started on Jan. 12 with each of 20 women required to weigh in and pay a $5 fee. They weighed in again on Feb. 23, and had a luncheon on Feb. 27 to announce the winner. The group received donations from the Health Department (bags, coasters, umbrellas, etc.) The overall winner was Sophia Johnson, leading a group loss of a combined 111 pounds!

SUA Announces 2015 Valedictorian, Salutatorian

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Success Unlimited Academy’s 2015 valedictorian and salutatorian are Bethany Odle and Dalton Harper, respectively. Odle is the daughter of Susan and Bob Alred and Dean and Nancy Odle. She has a 4.0 GPA and plans to attend the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Other honors for Odle include: Miss Success, “Most Likely to Succeed,” National Honor Society, Key Club, Yearbook Staff and Senior Class vice president. She loves to dance, play volleyball and attends Church of the Highlands. Harper is the son of Robb and Kelly Colley. He has a 3.9 GPA and plans to attend Faulkner University after graduation. Honors include: Senior Class president, National Honor Society and “Most Likely to Succeed.” Harper is a member of the SUA baseball team and hopes to play for the Faulkner Eagles next year.

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Whether you dream of being a surgeon or a kindergarten teacher, Alabama Christian Academy offers the educational Alabama Christian Academy is pleased to announce that Greg McElroy foundation for future success.quarterback, In addition NFL player and SEC analyst former University of Alabama to top-notch academic programs (including a 2014 for National ESPN, isMerit the speaker for the 2015 Annual Spring Beneﬁt Dinner. Scholarship Winner), the The annual event will programs, include anathletic art exhibit, award-winning fine arts teamsa VIP reception for sponsors, and spiritual emphasis, ensure that a dinner catered by Jim-n-Nicks, and a presentation by Greg McElroy. graduates are ready to both lead and serve. For information regarding sponsorships ranging from $250-$3000 or regarding tickets for the balcony seating for the presentation, please call Open House K4-12th Grades January 15, 2015 11am-1pm & 4:30-6pm Mrs. Irmy Fonville at 277-1985 ext. 211.or visit www.alabamachristian.com/2015-spring-beneﬁt-dinner 3 3 4 . 2 7 7. 19 8 5 47 0 0 Wa r e s F e r ry Roa d M o n t g o m e ry A L 3 6 10 9 n Wr ei ssdFoemr .ry SRoa e r vde iMno nStpgi ro imte. ry A L 3 6 10 9 T h r i v e i n W i s d o m . S e r v e i n S p i r i t . 3 3 4 . 2 7 7. 19 8 5T h r47i v0e0 i Wa Montgomery Parents I April 2015

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ACA Students Inducted Into Spanish Honor Society

Thirty Alabama Christian Academy students were inducted into the Spanish National Honor Society recently in the secondlargest induction class in school history. Each of the thirty students has demonstrated excellence in his ability to learn a second language and mastery of the language exhibited through grades in his Spanish classes. ACA’s Spanish classes are all taught by a native speaker, Renato Jimenez, who is from Mexico City. Students inducted into the Spanish National Honor Society this year include: Amberley Ashcraft, Rachel Best, Alley Blanchard, Emily Boyd, Gracie Carr, Hearn Colmans, Drew Dauphin, Mario Galloway, Justin Glass, Olivia Hatcher, Lauren Henry, Whitney Hicks, Emily Kirkland, Lindsey McDaniel, Adrianna McWilliams, Laura Nickolson, Aly Nixon, Tyler Oliver, Miranda Porterfield, Morgan Prestage, Zachary Rodgers, Haley Sanders, Israel Sarellano, Savannah Solar, JinHee Son, Keondrea Surles, Taylor Townsend, Caitlyn Westbrook, Sidney Whitfield and Claire Williams.

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BrewTech Students Participate In YMCA Youth Legislature

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Ten Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School students participated in the 67th Alabama YMCA Youth Legislature Conference February 20-22 at the Alabama State House. Steven Higgins, Brianna Miles, Justala Simpson and Tyra Wilson were delegates in the Senate. Higgins also served as the Director of Finance in the Governor’s Cabinet. Justin Davis, Ty Tompkins and Michael Trammer were in the House. Hannah Owens, Zariah Robinson and Austin Smith served in the First Year House. Smith’s education bill was selected by the Youth Governor as a special order bill and was placed second on the First Year docket. Wilson was honored as a senior who had participated three consecutive years in the Youth Legislature Program. She was given a special honor cord to wear at graduation in May. Wilson and Simpson were both chosen to attend the Conference on National Affairs in North Carolina this summer. Higgins was selected as an alternate. The students were accompanied by Teresa Baxley, BrewTech teacher advisor, and Lynn Higgins, parent advisor. Front row from left are Zariah Robinson, Brianna Miles and Hannah Owens; second row, Austin Smith and Trya Wilson; and back row, Justala Simpson, Steven Higgins, Ty Tompkins and Justin Davis. Not pictured: Michael Trammer.

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BrewTech Attends State Robotics Competition Thirty-two BrewTech sudents and their 10 robots attended the Alabama VEX Robotics SkyRise State Competition which was held on the campus of Jacksonville State University. BrewTech students competed against 31 of the best robots in the state of Alabama. Ben Powell, Alec Long and Chandler Bise’s team won the Excellence Award. This is the highest award presented in the VEX Robotics Competition. The recipient of this award is a team that exemplifies overall excellence in building a well-rounded VEX robotics program. Their team also won the Robot Skills Champion Award, which is presented to the top-ranked team in the VEX Robotics Competition Robot Skills Challenge. Robert McAuley and Landon Thompson’s team won one of the three Tournament Champion Awards. The Tournament Champion Award is presented to the winning alliance of the VEX Robotics Competition tournament. They also won the Sportsmanship Award.

Montgomery Parents I April 2015

Jay Patel, Andrew Parker, Louis Sermiento and Richard Hwang also won one of the three Tournament Champion Awards. Ravi Patel, David Cho and Minseo Kim’s team also won a Tournament Champion Award. These four teams all qualify for the 2015 VEX Robotics World Championship which will be April 15-18 in Louisville, Ky., at the Kentucky Convention Center. Trevor Taylor, Phylicia McCoy, Lauren Taylor, Karis Brock and Ashel Wright’s team won the Second Place Robot Skills Award. This award is presented to the second-ranked team in the VEX Robotics Competition Robot Skills Challenge.

Other participating teams included: Geoffrey Percival, Taylor Bowles, Hunter Meadows and Will Percival; Landon Cargile, Marquis DeRamus and Jonathan Jenkins; Dalton Green, Jonathan Beans and Marquis Boleware; Ahmed Diab, Faisal Hossain and Fuad Hossain; and William Sumlin and Blake Deaton.

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Three Evangel Athletes Sign with Colleges

Three seniors from Evangel Christian Academy recently received scholarships to various colleges. Eric Stinson signed with Mississippi Valley State University to play football. Taylor Bethea accepted a scholarship to play softball with Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia. Taylor Jones received a basketball scholarship to Faulkner University. All three seniors have been recognized as outstanding athletes. Stinson was nominated for the Jimmy Hitchcock Award, was named to the AISA All Star and All Metro teams, and led ECA’s football team in the most tackles. He will play defensive tackle for Mississippi Valley State this fall. Bethea was nominated for the Jimmy Hitchcock award and was named as a member of the AISA All-Star Softball team in 2014. She is currently playing softball for ECA and looks forward to playing softball next year at LBW Community College. Jones received the AISA All Tournament designation, was part of the AISA All-Star and All-Metro Teams, and played on the Evangel Christian Academy Girls’ Basketball Championship Team. Jones, who plays forward and center, is excited about playing for Faulkner next year.

ACA Girls’ Soccer Team Helps at Marathon

At the recent LifeSouth Kids’ Marathon, Alabama Christian Academy’s girls’ soccer team helped others to accomplish their goals. Along the path of the 26.2-mile race, ACA soccer team members gave out water and encouraged kids participating in the race. ACA soccer coach Kasey Ivey said she likes to do service projects with her team “so the girls grow not only athletically, but spiritually as well. I think it is a way for the team to bond and for us to show the love of Jesus to others.”

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Montgomery Catholic Celebrates Schools

F o r E v E r y G E n E r at i o n . Prattville First United Methodist Church • 100 E. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 TRADITIONAL WORSHIP 8: 30 AM & 11: 00 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL 9: 45 AM THE WELL 11:00 AM

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Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School celebrated Catholic Schools Week January 26-30. The 2015 theme was “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” K4-12 students participated in special events throughout the week celebrating Faith, Knowledge and Service in our Community, Nation, Vocations, and Faculty & Students. Grandparents were invited to the St. Bede elementary campus for Grandparents Day January 26 and the Holy Spirit campus held a book fair all week. The St. Bede campus art show, “Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head,” was on display in the main hallway all week. The Montgomery Catholic Parent Teacher Council treated students, faculty and staff to several special events and treats throughout the week. The High School attended the National School Choice rally at the State Capitol. The Montgomery Catholic Middle School campus welcomed guest speakers on Career Day, including Catholic Coach Kirk Johnson, a former All American football player and coach; Barry Waite, a motivational speaker; Gwen Kennedy, an attorney with the Family and Juvenile Court system and Lisa Hoffman, former Air Force officer and wellness coach. The elementary campuses had classroom visits and blessings from Parish priests Father Pat Arensberg and Father Alex Valladares from St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church and Father Patrick Driscoll from Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Shown, High School Students at the State Capitol for the National School Choice Rally: Charcille Randall, Maggie Ward, Gaten Armstrong, Cameron Harris, Emily Barranco, Emily Lafreniere and Zack Jones. www.montgomeryparents.com

Macon East Holds Science Fair

Macon East Academy held its annual science fair February 9. Students in grades 4 through 6 each presented a project and research paper in one of three categories: biological, chemical, or physical science. Six students received first-place ribbons and the opportunity to advance to the AISA District Science Fair: Georgia Blaze, McKinnon Hammonds, Emma Kate Holley, Gavin Justice, Shelton Lee and Trey Matthews. Second-place winners were Wade Desmarais, Taylor Holley, Ashton Hogge, Gracie McIntosh, Keely Mendelson, Tanner Moore, Parker Strickland and Max Taylor. Ashley Atkins, Anna Dickson Beck, Ali Churchwell, Rachel Major, Makenzie Melnick, Lucy Taylor and Blayne Tompkins all received third-place ribbons. Emma Kate Holley, below left, was also a first-place winner at the district fair with her project “Under the Sea,” a study of hermit crabs and their preference to different colored sand in their habitat. Trey Matthews, below right, received second-place honors at district for his physical science entry, “Molecular Difussion.” These two students, shown, represented Macon East Academy at the AISA State Science Fair on February 26 at Huntingdon College, and Matthews was awarded a second-place plaque.

Academy Students Compete In Science Olympiad Tournament

Montgomery Academy students traveled to Spring Hill College in Mobile recently to participate in the Alabama Science Olympiad’s Regional Tournament. In their first year taking part in the event, the MA team participated in 19 events, winning first place in the “Write It Do It” category and placing in the top three for seven other categories including astronomy, compound machines, and protein modeling. The regional tournament involved 14 teams from around the state including the Alabama School of Math and Science, Trinity, Montgomery Catholic, Saint James School and UMS-Wright. Overall, the MA team placed sixth, a huge accomplishment for the first-time participants. Coached by Academy science and technology teachers Rachel DeRose, Laura Woerner, Jennifer Grant, Denise Dubick, Melissa Anderson, Ashley Belcher and Ivy Ashworth, the MA Science Olympiad team included: Nora Newcomb, Tyler Duncan, Patrick Thackston, Jillian Tinglin, Jeongwoo Kim, Scotland Kemper, Ford Cleveland, Lindsey Ferraro, Fred Tippett, Robert Kelly, Michael Choi, Parker Norris, Ben Marquess and Noah Blondheim.

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Community Helpers Visit Macon East

During the month of February, Mrs. Mills’s and Mrs. Johnson’s K3 and K4 students learned about community helpers, and they enjoyed visits from some of Macon East Academy’s favorite community helpers. Vickie Kyser, a baker, came by and decorated a cake using her decorating tools, and then the children got to decorate their own cupcakes. Summer Kyser, a dental hygienist, brought the tooth fairy along to share with the children the importance of brushing and flossing their teeth every day and making sure they visit their dentist regularly. There also was a surprise visit from a magician who talked about having healthy teeth. Aimee, a veterinarian from Banfield Pet Hospital, shared tips on how to take care of our pets. Each child got his very own pet stethoscope from Murdock the Dalmatian. Michelle Kitchens, a nurse, taught the children the importance of eating healthy food, washing their hands, getting plenty of rest, and going to visit their doctor. At the end of the month, the children came to school dressed as their favorite community helper.

Saint James School Earns Top Scores at Math Contest

The Saint James School math teams competed in the Alabama Statewide Mathematics Contest February 28 at Auburn University Montgomery. The STJ Geometry team placed second in District VI with individual honors to Minji Kim (4th place) and Jeonghyeon Hong (5th place). The Algebra II with Trig team won first place in the district and ranked second in the state. Individual district honors were awarded to 1st: Minju Jo; 2nd: Suyoung Park; 3rd: Ian Tsekouras; and 5th: Gibeom Kim. All four of these students ranked in the top 25% of the state (out of 120 students) in our classification. State honors were awarded to 4th: Minju Jo; 6th: Suyoung Park; 14th: Ian Tsekouras; and 25th: Gibeom Kim. For the Comprehensive Test, STJ’s Advanced Math team earned first place in District VI and second place in the state. Individual district honors went to 1st: Gyuna Kim; 3rd: John Kim; 4th: Justin Lee; and 6th: Isabel Blancett. In the state, six team members ranked in the top 25% (out of 130 students) of our division. State honors went to 5th: Gyuna Kim; 15th: John Kim; 19th: Justin Lee; 22nd: Isabel Blancett; 25th: Peter Wang; and 31st: David Ye. The team earned an invitation to the second round of competition which will be a jeopardy style ciphering competition on the campus of the University of North Alabama April 11. The STJ High School Advanced Math Team is shown.

MA Spanish Honor Society Inducts New Members

The Spanish Honor Society was founded in August 1953 and its objective is to recognize outstanding achievement by American secondary school students in their pursuit of Spanish language proficiency. The Marcelino Chapter, founded at The Montgomery Academy in 1975, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. On March 11, the Spanish Honor Society inducted its new members: Ashley Hughes Anthony, Clifford Cleveland III, Mary Braden Hendon, Justin Andrew Jones, Jeong Woo Kim, Samantha Haley Long, Barbara Anne Ramsey and Ann Hunter Tankersley. This year’s outgoing officers are: President Christopher Scott Simmons; Vice-President Patrick Galen Thackston; and Secretary-Treasurer Cody Anderson Jones.

Montgomery Parents I April 2015

SUA Wins Basketball Championship The boys’ basketball team at Success Unlimited Academy wrapped up the Alabama Christian Sports Conference (ACSC) regular season state championship with a win over the Tuscaloosa Warriors February 5. The Mustangs finished the season with a 17-1 record, placing first in the conference. The team went undefeated at home this season in their new gym. The team celebrated the championship on their home court with lights, confetti and championship T-shirts. ACSC Commissioner Doug Harrison presented the first-place trophy to the team during the State Tournament held at Samford University February 14. During the ceremonies at Samford, SUA senior Jack Davis was awarded the ACSC Christian Character Award. Coach Shawn Sellers said the team will move on next to the National Tournament in Dayton, Tennessee. 44

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Three Catholic Athletes Sign Commitments

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School held a signing ceremony for student-athletes inside the library on the high school campus February 12. The Knights celebrated the signing of Jacob Hulcher (Southern Union), Reggie Jackson (Mississippi Valley State), and Thomas â&#x20AC;&#x153;T.J.â&#x20AC;? Stokes (Mississippi Valley State). Hulcher has attended Montgomery Catholic for 13 years and played baseball for the Knights since seventh grade. He had a 7-2 record during the 2014 season, his era was a 1.61 and he pitched five Complete Games, and he led the Knights in strikeouts and innings pitched. He has decided to continue his baseball career at Southern Union in the fall. Jacob is the son of Vickie and Richard Hulcher of Montgomery. Jackson has spent the last two years at Montgomery Catholic. He has been an All-Metro player for four years, and was a WSFA player of the week in 2014. He racked up 61 solo tackles, 98 total tackles, four sacks and three forced fumbles in 18 games on defense. He also rushed for 949 yards and stacked up 1018 all-purpose yards with an average of 9.1 yards per carry. He will attend Mississippi Valley State in the fall and play football. Reggie is the son of Carylon and Anthony Jackson of Montgomery. Stokes was named Private School Player of the week by the Montgomery Quarterback Club for his performance September 12, 2014 against St. James. Stokes tied a state record during the same football game with a 99 yard run from scrimmage for a touchdown. He was an All-Metro and an All-State Honorable Mention football player during his senior year at Montgomery Catholic. He will attend Mississippi Valley State to play football. T.J. is the son of Ivy and Thomas Stokes of Montgomery. Front row from left are Reggie Jackson, Jacob Hulcher and T.J. Stokes with their parents on signing day. Back row are Carylon and Anthony Jackson; Richard and Vickie Hulcher; and Ivy and Thomas Stokes.

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Spring is issuing in many exciting opportunities and events. Afternoons are packed with baseball, softball, golf, and soccer. Spring band concerts and field trips fill the students with excitement. The Autauga County school system continues to produce a new crop of fresh honors for students and faculty alike! Congratulations to Erica Carver, Adam Holtzscher, Chase Hughes, Bennett Landry, Alex Pearce, Carter Stockman, and Cleveland Stockman from Prattville Intermediate School for being selected to attend “Be Ready Camp” at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. This will be a chance for these young people to cultivate their love for science and technology! Autauga County has a long-standing tradition for producing award winning writers! Prattville Intermediate School fifth-grader

Montgomery Parents I April 2015

Breilly Westbrook received the award of Grand Prize-Winning Student in the Alabama Gerontological Society (AGS) 2015 Essay and Calendar Contest. Breilly and her grandfather are pictured on the cover of this year’s AGS calendar. Congratulations, Breilly! The academic accolades keep coming for the 2015 Prattville High School seniors! They had 34 seniors score 30 or higher on the ACT. This score places them in the top 5% of students in the country! James Able, Cole Adams, Adam Behr, Haley Brobst, Austin Campassi, Kristen Chambliss, Kendall Champion, Savanna Cooper, Amanda Davis, Isabella Durham, Dallas Godshall, Pearson Hall, Aubrey Harrold, Jackson Horn, Davis Johnson, Khendra Lucas, Layton Luker, Harrison McDaniel, Holly McDaniel, Mark McKee, Josiah Reynolds, Jared Sibley, Alanis Smith, Kayleigh Webster, and Chase Woodley were recently recognized at two board meetings for scoring 30 or above on the ACT. Emmie Cantrell, Ashley Collier, Alec Cunningham, Gyeong Kim, Jordan Kramer, Morgan Jones, Brianna Millican, David Perez, and Alexandra Wright were not able to attend either of these

board meetings. Congratulations and best wishes in your future endeavors! The work ethic that makes our students and faculty members winners in the classroom certainly spills over into the field of competition! Congratulations to the Prattville Lions wrestling team for finishing fourth in the state! They lost only one match over the two day event. We have three state champions! They are Camden Funkhouser - 126 pound class, Robbey Killough - 138 pound class, and Caden McWhirter - 170 pound class. Chris Lujan finished third in the state in the 220 pound class. Congratulations to all wrestlers and to Coach Jordan Countryman and his staff. The 2015-2016 school calendar was approved in February to allow everyone to start planning for next year. You can find it on our website at acboe.net and also on our “Autauga County School System” Facebook page. Spence Agee is the Superintendent of Education for Autauga County Schools. He is a third generation educator with an ED.S. in Educational Leadership. He has 16 years of experience in the education field as well as 25 years of military experience. Agee is an active member at First Baptist Church in Prattville. He and his wife, Cesily, who is also an educator, have two daughters, Abby and Addison.

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Autauga County Schools

Local Students Represent Prattville at the Capstone

PJHS Sticks to Fundraising Goals!

Prattville Junior High students were challenged to raise $5,000 during the book fair AND to provide 300 books for students in need. In exchange, PJHS Principal Janice Stockman agreed to be duct taped to the wall during lunch. Students were allowed to do the honors of taping her up, and Security Officer Stoudemire pulled the stool. It was a great adventure as teachers and students taunted her with ice cream and snacks and various ways to make her laugh.

Prattville High sophomores Hannah Edwards and Chappell Studdard have been selected to represent their school this April at the Capstone Leadership Academy held on the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa. They will be two of only one hundred sophomores who were chosen to participate. Edwards is a member of the PHS Speech and Debate Team and holds the leadership position of Individual Events Chairperson. She was also crowned Miss PHS Lion in November and was most recently announced as a merit award winner for non-fiction writing in the Alabama Writers’ Forum. She received her award at a ceremony March 18 at the State Capitol. Additionally, Edwards is a member of the United Methodist Choir and often serves as narrator for the choir events. Studdard is a member of the Lady Lions basketball team and serves as a SGA sophomore representative. She also is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Students, National Honor Society and holds office in the Beta Club at PHS. Furthermore, Studdard is a participant in the Prattville First Baptist youth choir, One Voice, and the Guatemala mission team for 2015. She is also the keyboardist for FCS and FBC Youth Events. The 2015 Leadership Academy is sponsored by the Office of the President, the Honors College and the Capstone Council. One hundred outstanding high-school sophomores who have shown an interest in leadership through service were selected to participate in the Capstone Leadership Academy at The University of Alabama. The sophomores will participate in a two-day leadership and fellowship forum. The academy’s purpose is to give the tools and training to apply to leadership opportunities in their communities for the chosen outstanding high school sophomores in Alabama. Both Edwards and Studdard plan to attend the University of Alabama in the fall of 2017.

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PJHS Student Earns Volunteer Service Award

Autaugaville Junior Named Scholarship Finalist

Breyahna Perry, an Autaugaville School junior, was named a finalist in the Future Black Leaders Scholarship Program. Perry was honored at the Civil Rights Memorial in downtown Montgomery, and she was the only student from Autauga County who received an award and gift certificates. Perry and other students from around the area had the chance to meet McDonald’s owners from throughout the area and were sponsors of the awards. Montgomery Parents I April 2015

Draven Gonzales, a seventh-grader at Prattville Junior High School, has been honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award. Principal Janice Stockman nominated Gonzales for national honors this fall in recognition of her volunteer service. In serving her community, Gonzales worked at the Autauga-Prattville Public Library helping with summer events such as story time and book clubs, shelving books, and assisting patrons in finding resources in the library. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), recognizes middle level and high school students across America for outstanding volunteer service. From left are Superintendent Spence Agee, Draven’s mom, Dr. Gonzales, Draven Gonzales, Principal Janice Stockman and Assistant Principal Amy Alford. 48

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Prattville Band Director Chosen WSFA Class Act

Prattville High School Band Director Chris King was recently named WSFATV-12’s Class Act Teacher. King works with more than 200 students between multiple music classes. He was named the Director of Bands at PHS in 2013, after directing band at Prattville Junior High. Students say he strives for excellence, and he pushes them both mentally and physically, but he manages to do so with a humble nature. “When you have a passion for teaching and you really want kids to excel, I think that is all you need to be an educator,” King said. To nominate a teacher for this award, visit the Class Act section of WSFA.com or e-mail Amanda Curran at acurran@wsfa.com. Photo courtesy of WSFA.

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PJHS Civics Students Create Colonial Papers

Tony Camara’s seventh-grade Advanced Civics class at Prattville Junior High School formed teams to create newspapers from Colonial Times. Students worked diligently to provide newsworthy articles, advertisements and crossword puzzles. They created amazing projects!

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Autauga County Schools

PJHS Student Body Encourages Student

Prattville Junior High student Miracle Johnson has been in the hospital in Birmingham. The Cats have rallied around her in a variety of ways over the past few weeks. The softball team, under the direction of Coach Susan Wilson, has led the efforts to be a source of encouragement. Please keep Johnson in your prayers as she continues to recuperate.

EMCA Student Wins District Spelling Bee

Fourth-grader Aryana Mora won first place in the AISA district spelling bee and represented East Memorial Christian Academy in the state competition. She received a medal for her achievement in Thursday’s chapel service.

Tooth Fairy Visits EMCA Classes

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At left, the Tooth Fairy and the Friendly Dentist visited the K4, K5 and first-grade classes at East Memorial Christian Academy to teach the children about good dental health.

New Hope Provides Project-Based Learning

New Hope Academy provides innovative programs and teaching strategies all in a supportive environment. The school’s emphasis is on project-based learning and teaching to mastery. Therefore, the curriculum is designed and individualized around students’ academic and social skills. Instructors help students overcome challenges through structured classwork and individual attention. At right, high school students learn about genetics in a fun and inventive way. Montgomery Parents I April 2015

New Hope Schedules April 18 Fundraiser

New Hope Academy students enjoy getting involved in everything we do! Shown, a group of high schoolers make a poster for a school fundraiser hosted by Big Star Tavern and also benefitting The Noah Foundation. The fundraiser will be Saturday, April 18. 50

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PJHS Hosts First National History Day

Prattville Junior High School hosted the first National History Day Open House February 24 in the Media Center. Eighthgrade history teacher Ms. Spencer led her students to complete individual and group projects to demonstrate deep mastery of the 2015 theme. Students donned their “Get Ur Nerd on” shirts as they showed parents, faculty and students their projects.

EMCA Teacher Elected Teacher of the Year

David Jackson was recently elected Secondary Teacher of the Year at East Memorial Christian Academy. He teaches Middle School Math and Bible and is the director of the EMCA Band.

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Career and Technical Education (CTE) is on the move in Elmore County… it’s not just a “shop class” anymore! CTE has been a “hot topic” and the focus of increased support for new programs and opportunities for students statewide. One of the primary goals of Career and Technical Education is to align CTE programs with employer and workforce needs as well as postsecondary institutions so that all students graduate from high school with the necessary skills to be college and career ready. All CTE programs in Elmore County will now offer some type of Career Readiness Indicator, or credential, which may include nationally recognized certifications such as ServSafe, Microsoft Technology Associate, Pharmacy Technician, and Automotive Service Excellence, to name few. As a result of the increased emphasis and support for Career-Technical Education,

the Elmore County Technical Center (ECTC) is well underway with preparations for the 2015-2016 school year with eleven new and/ or updated programs including Public Safety & Law (new), Automotive Technology (new), Industrial Maintenance (new), Hospitality & Tourism (new), Medical Sciences, Construction Technology, Welding Technology, Electrical Technology, Pre-Engineering & Design, Computer Technology, and Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC). JROTC is offered on the campuses of Stanhope Elmore High School and Wetumpka High School; Elmore County High School and Holtville High School students will be able to participate in this program at Wetumpka High School beginning with the 2015-2016 school year. Along with the new and updated CTE programs at the Technical Center, a number of dual enrollment opportunities will be offered in both technical and academic areas on the ECTC campus. Technical courses available for student selection include Robotics, Industrial Maintenance, Drafting & Design, Welding Technology, and Computer Technology. Academic courses to be offered include Speech, Psychology, Fine Art, U.S. History,

Government, and Economics. Student interest will determine which courses will be taught. The ECTC campus will be expanded to take in the existing Elmore County Alternative Program facility which will provide six additional classrooms, meeting rooms, and office space. Some of the dual enrollment courses will be taught in this new area for ECTC. Finally, ECTC is proud to announce the first annual CTE Banquet to be held on Thursday, May 7, 2015, at the Wetumpka Civic Center. The highlight of the evening will be to recognize the many outstanding accomplishments of our CTE students including scholarships, competitive event awards, credentials earned, and many other honors that have been bestowed on our students. Andre` L. Harrison has served as a teacher, acting principal, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services and Human Resources, Assistant Superintendent of Education, and the Deputy Superintendent of Education/ Chief of Staff. Dr. Harrison is a certified AdvancED Lead Evaluator and has led numerous External Review Teams at the district and school levels throughout the U.S. He is married to Monica, and they have a daughter, Aundrea, who attends the University of Alabama-Birmingham. They reside in Millbrook, Alabama.

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Montgomery Parents I April 2015

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Elmore County Schools

Eclectic Elementary Holds AR Party With Piggly Wiggly Pig!

Eclectic Elementary School celebrated with 211 first- through fourth-grade students who reached their Accelerated Reader goals by having ice cream sundaes with entertainment from the Eclectic Piggly Wiggly’s Mr. Pig! Piggly Wiggly also donated the ice cream.

Holtville High DECA Club Competes in Birmingham Holtville High School DECA students competed in the Annual DECA State Competition in Birmingham February 19-20. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. HHS had five students who won in their categories and will now compete at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, Florida, in April. From left are Lemar McCormick and Jordan Cantrell (2nd Place–Travel and Tourism), Haylee Ellis and Allison Hood (1st Place–Fashion Merchandising), and Sam McCann (2nd Place–Sports and Entertainment). Jennifer Daniel is the DECA Advisor.

ARIS Hosts Special Guest Author

The students of Airport Road Intermediate School hosted a very special guest author February 18. Michael Anthony Steele, who has done work for productions such as Shrek, Penguins of Madagascar, and The Batman, to name a few, visited with ARIS students in the library/ media center. Steele shared his life adventures which led him to his career as an author. His encouraging motto for the children was, “I can do that!” Students had the opportunity to get their books autographed and participate in a special writing workshop.

RES Fifth-Grader Competes in State Geography Bee

Redland Elementary fifth-grader Seth Aude was one of the semifinalists eligible to compete in the state level of the 2015 National Geographic Bee, sponsored by Google and Plum Creek. The contest was held at Samford University in Birmingham on March 27. This was the second level of the National Geographic Bee competition, now in its 27th year. School Bees were held in schools with fourth- through eighth-grade students throughout the state to determine each school champion. School champions then took a qualifying test, which they submitted to the National Geographic Society. The National Geographic Society invited up to 100 of the top-scoring students in each of the 50 states, District of Columbia, Department of Defense Dependents Schools and U.S. territories to compete in the state Bees. Each state champion will receive $100, the “National Geographic Atlas of the World, 10th Edition,” a medal, and a trip to Washington, D.C., to represent their state in the National Geographic Bee Championship to be held at National Geographic Society headquarters, May 11-13. The national champion will receive a $50,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership in the Society. The national champion will also travel, all expenses paid, to the Galápagos Islands, where he/she will experience geography firsthand through up-close encounters with the islands’ unique wildlife and landscapes. Visit www.nationalgeographic. com/geobee for more information on the National Geographic Bee. National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo WILD will air the 2015 National Geographic Bee Championship final round, moderated by award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien, on May 15, at 8 p.m. ET. The final round will be aired later on public television stations. Check local television listings for air date and time in your area. Montgomery Parents I April 2015

WMS Inducts New Beta Club Members

The Wetumpka Middle School Beta Club is for 7th and 8th grade students. Its purpose is “to promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, leadership and service among secondary school students.” In January, the school inducted 62 new students into the club. www.montgomeryparents.com

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WMS Band Students Participate in Honor Band

Students from the Wetumpka Middle School band participated in the Elmore County Honor Band.

Victory Baptist Baseball Wins First Game of Season

On February 27, the Victory Baptist Eagles played against the Tabernacle Christian Torches in their first home baseball game of the season. The Eagles won 12- 2. Tanner Talley pitched three innings, giving up only two runs and two hits. He struck out three Torches and walked one. Auston Deneve followed up the next two innings striking out four Torches and walking two. Deneve and Brandon Hollon each went two for four at the plate with three RBIs. Ryan Owens was two for three. Victory Baptist School belongs to the Alabama Christian Education Association. The ACEA is comprised of 68 schools and 7,100 students and provides leadership in all areas of state competition to include academics, fine arts and athletics. Check out the VBS Facebook page. For general information, please see www.victorybaptistschool.net.

Holtville Wrestler Wins Championship

Hunter Scott won his second wrestling championship for Holtville High School February 14 in the 1A-5A 160 lb.- weight class. The state wrestling tournament was held at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville. After finishing his junior season with an elbow injury that resulted in surgery, he had the will to win another state championship. In three years, the 160-pound senior wrestler has lost just one match.

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Elmore County Schools

RES Character Parade Wraps Up Fun Week

Meteorologist Visits HES Second-Graders

Inspired by the book Frozen, third-grade teacher Misty Trussell and students at Redland Elementary School dressed in Elsa costumes for the annual Character Parade held during Read Across America Week. The celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday included crazy sock day, career day, hat day and concluded on Friday with the character parade through the school led by Principal Aude.

WSFA meteorologist Amanda Curran visited the second grade at Holtville Elementary School. She discussed weather with the students and brought the Storm Tracker with her. The second-graders were super excited to see the WSFA Storm Tracker and had a lot of fun asking Curran questions about the weather.

Millbrook Civic Club Donates to Library

At right, the women of the Millbrook Civic Club came by Millbrook Middle School and made a very generous donation to the school library. The monies will be used to purchase new class sets of President and State books.

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Montgomery Parents I April 2015

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HMS Students Try Out Principal for a Day

Three Holtville Middle School ambassadors transformed into principals for the day. These three young men not only acted the part, but they dressed for the position as well. The future leaders met with Mr. Jackson and discussed the importance of the role of principal at HMS. Next, the young gentlemen observed the interaction between Principal Jackson and his administration team (Assistant Principal Lewis; Counselor Williams; and Media Specialist Kearley). The students were given the opportunity to put their new information into practice by walking the HMS hallways and crossing the threshold of the classroom doors not as students but as “HMS Principal.” As the three young men entered the hallways, their peers looked at them with excitement and respect. Capitalizing on their appearance, these new young administrators gave each classroom their undivided attention as they performed walkthroughs as one essential part of the administrative role.

Eclectic Elementary Celebrates Seuss

Eclectic Elementary School celebrated Read Across America Week March 10-13. Some of the dress-up days were pajamas for The Sleep Book, wear letters for Dr. Seuss’s ABC Book, and wear nonsense clothing because nonsense wakes up the brain cells. The Elmore County High School Book Club spent an afternoon reading to each class. The end of the week went off with a bang! All the classes participated in Dr. Seuss Camp Day. They rotated classes participating in crafts, painting, music and writing. Some even sampled green eggs and ham!

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Elmore County Schools

WHS Performing Arts Presents Bring it On!

Wetumpka High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Performing Arts Department has several spring performances for Bring it On: The Musical. Times and dates are at 6:30 p.m. April 17, 18, 24 and 25 and 3:30 p.m. April 19 and 25 at Wetumpka Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $8. The matinee performances will be using understudies in some roles. For more info, call (334) 303-1667.

ARIS Student Council Serves Community

The Airport Road Intermediate School Student Council has been very busy this school year with community service projects, including a canned food drive, a coat drive, campus beautification project, and reading to K-2 students during Dr. Seuss Week. ARIS Student Council focuses on training student leaders to serve their community and make it a better place to live.

Montgomery Parents I April 2015

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RES Fourth-Graders Visit State Capitol Building

Redland Elementary School fourth-graders from Melinda Wrightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class are shown on the historic steps of the Alabama State Capitol. Students visited the Capitol to continue their study of Alabama history firsthand. This annual trip walks students through the building and gives them the opportunity to see where our lawmakers work. Another stop on this trip was the First White House of the Confederacy.

WMS Math Teacher Offers Saturday School

Wetumpka Middle School eighth-grade math teacher Tracy Wright offers Saturday school to his algebra students. Smartical Saturdays, which the students have named Saturday school, was created by Wright to offer Algebra I CCRS standards in a more rigorous setting. It is his hope that by teaching on Saturdays, he will be able to ensure that he covers all the standards and that the students have a good understanding of them prior to the end of course test that they will have in the upcoming months.

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Elmore County Schools

Superintendent Harrison Visits Classrooms for Seuss Airport Road Celebrates Read Across America

Elmore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Andre Harrison donned a striped Dr. Seuss hat and read to Misty Trussellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third-grade class at Redland Elementary during Read Across America week. Dozens of Redland parents, grandparents, family members and community leaders spent time throughout the day reading books to RES students, showing them firsthand that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re never too old, too young, too busy or too cool for Dr. Seuss and books!

Holtville Students Chosen for Honor Band

February 23-March 2 was a fun time for Airport Road Intermediate students as they celebrated Dr. Seuss. The entire school was redecorated to represent books written by Dr. Seuss. The students participated in fun dress-up days to go along with the highlighted book of the day. The students received character education messages that centered around the themes of Dr. Seuss books. The celebration of Seuss culminated on March 2, his birthday. On that day, ARIS welcomed many community leaders who read Dr. Seuss books to each classroom.

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Holtville High School had five students selected for ABA District 6 Honor Band in late January. The event was held February 20-21 at the Auburn Performing Arts Center at Auburn High School. The students rehearsed on Friday evening and Saturday with a concert on Saturday night. Shown above are Elijah Mummert, Zack Crews, Ethan Lewis, Rachel McAnnally and Nicole Tyler.

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Hands-on Learning Makes WMS Science Fun

Students in Mrs. Rose’s seventh-grade science class at Wetumpka Middle enjoy hands-on learning activities. They are shown using strawberries to extract DNA.

HE ONCE BEAT HIS DAD FOUR STRAIGHT GAMES IN CHESS. AFTERWARD, HE CELEBRATED WITH SOME ORANGE SLICES AND A BOOK ABOUT WIZARDS. and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.

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1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org

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RES Student Council Works at Food Pantry

Redland Elementary School Student Council, supervised by sponsors Carrie Pinckard and Leslie Mattox, volunteered at the Elmore County Food Pantry March 5. The Redland Student Council’s mission is to “Serve Others.” Students do many activities to serve the school and were excited to get out and help others in the community. These students are role models in the school and in the community. 61

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Is Social Media Making Your Family Miserable? You’ve probably seen headlines linking social media to depression, loneliness and other emotional problems. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a clinical report urging pediatricians to counsel families about something they called “Facebook depression.” Despite the headlines, much of the early research about how social media impacts mental health was contradictory. One study from the University of Michigan found that “life satisfaction” was lower among students who used Facebook more. Another study at the University of Wisconsin found exactly the opposite. More recent research indicates that what really matters is how people use social media. This makes sense. In general, people are happiest when they feel they can exert some control over what happens to them. Even very young children appreciate choices-the blue shirt or the red shirt, carrot sticks or apple slices. The same rule seems to apply to social media. People who stay focused on what they are able to do seem to fare better than those who become preoccupied with what others are doing. Understanding this principle can help parents make social media a more positive experience for everyone in the family, including the grown-ups. Here are some guidelines to consider: Lurk less. Several studies have concluded that people who simply scroll through information provided by others are more vulnerable to negative feelings including envy and loneliness. “Envy can proliferate on social Montgomery Parents I April 2015

networks,” notes Hanna Krasnova, author of a study done at the Humboldt University in Germany, “and [it] becomes even more intense in the case of passive users.” Catching up with friends may generate positive feelings, but avoid lingering too long over other people’s photos and status updates. Make posts matter—to you. Instead of using posts to provoke a response from others (something that is out of your hands), shift the emphasis and use social media to chronicle experiences and ideas that you want to remember. When an update captures something that matters to you, the number of “likes” becomes less important. Research also indicates that posts about problems tend to get less feedback from other users. Perhaps that would be different if there were a “Poor baby” button on social media sites. As it is, “liking” a bad day post often feels weird--unless you’ve figured out some way to transform a problem into a message that’s funny or even uplifting. Don’t believe everything you read. Social media amplifies the very common adolescent anxiety that everyone else is having more fun. One study from Stanford found that most test subjects vastly overestimated how happy other people were, in part because they accepted social media at face value. Of course, by now, everyone has gotten the same message: What you post online never really goes away. Because most people want to be remembered for the good things that happened in their lives, that’s what goes on display. Remind yourself—and your kids-that, behind the cheery façade, other people are also having feelings of unhappiness, loneliness, jealousy and insecurity. Disconnect when necessary. Sometimes, in real life, people may have no choice about spending time with others who are unpleasant. Online, there’s more control and you’ll feel better if you use it. Unfriend people who are hostile or mean. Consider hiding posts from people who can’t help bragging about vacations, clothes, grades and good looks. Concentrate on input from people who make you think—or laugh. 62

Become a force for good. Once family members understand the “envy spiral” that can be created by social media, you and your kids can actively look for opportunities to play a positive role in the lives of other people. Be generous with your own “Likes”. Write comments that are affirmative, upbeat or encouraging. Use what you learn online to deepen offline relationships. Appreciate the limits of social media. Everyone needs a safe place where they can share the parts of life that are difficult, complicated and messy. Although some young people find emotional support through social media, many benefit when adults point them toward time-tested methods of self-discovery. Keeping a private journal (not a public blog) allows young people to sort out thoughts and feelings that aren’t fully formed. Confiding in a trusted friend, a wise mentor or even a counselor is also a way to come to terms with painful or confusing emotions. Classic novels and films can also help young people realize that they are not alone in wrestling with meaning-oflife questions that don’t necessarily show up in social media. Build a rich, off-line life. For some teenagers, social media intensifies FOMO (Fear of Missing Out.) Of course, adults know that everyone is “missing out” all the time because no one can do everything. Researchers who study happiness believe that the best antidote to such feelings is mindfulness. When a person is deeply engaged in what he or she is doing here and now, there’s less preoccupation with what others are doing. Help your children cultivate this awareness by exposing them to experiences so engrossing that they lose track of time. Experts who study social media often face a chicken-or-egg problem. Does using social media in certain ways cause negative feelings? Or do people who are already sad use social media in those ways? The answer to that question still isn’t clear. What is clear is that children who know how to find and focus their energies on what’s within their control are more likely to be happy both online and off. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years and is working on a book about constructive responses to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online.com to read other columns. @ Copyright, 2015, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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The word “bedtime” is loaded for parents. It conjures up images of how it should be: stories, cuddles, kisses, and sweet sleepy children drifting off to sleep. “Bedtime” can also mean frustrating nights: barking orders, kids crying, and the sense that it may never end. After realizing our frustrating nights seemed to be far more frequent than our pleasant ones, I wondered if there was more that I could do to make things go smoothly. I studied our routine (or lack-of) and found what was working and what was not.

Daytime Plan “I’m not tired!” and “I can’t sleep” were frequent laments after bedtime in our house. The lights were out, the kids were tucked in, but not for long. Little feet came padding down the stairs and my husband and I would sigh and start Round Two of bedtime. They say the best offense is a good defense; similarly, the best bedtime plan starts during the day. Think about how easy it is to fall asleep after a day of working hard or playing hard outside. That physical tiredness is key to a good night’s rest. The same is true for kids: active play, especially outside, helps them to be ready to meet the sandman at night, on time.

Maintain Routine I admit it, sometimes bedtime was at 6:45 when the kids seemed exhausted. Other nights they’d manage to stretch it to 9:00. Sometimes, it’s just impossible with activities, homework, and chores to keep kids going to bed at the same time every night. However, having a consistent time to shoot for helps the kids and parents know what the plan is. Aim for consistency, not perfection.

Start Early We start our bedtime routine long before I expect the little ones to actually go to sleep. Sure, we could get it done in thirty minutes, but when we do, it is stressful and I end up sounding like an Army drill sergeant yelling for the kids to do their next task. Bedtime is better for everyone if we have realistic expectations.

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Separate Siblings When your kids share a room, bedtime can spiral out of control quickly. We’ve all sent the kids to get ready for bed only to find them an hour later, still dressed and playing. To solve the distraction issue, I decided to get one kid ready for bed at a time. Meanwhile, the other child is downstairs with my husband enjoying one-on-one time with him. When he’s not home I allow some much desired computer time with an educational game to keep the other sibling occupied. After one is ready, we switch. It seems like this method would take twice as long, but without the distraction of a sibling, the kids are better able to focus and get things done.

Plan to be Present

I used to get frustrated that my kids couldn’t (or wouldn’t) do a task alone that I knew they were capable of. Now I grab some laundry and fold it in their room while they are getting ready for bed. Since there is only one child in the room at a time, it’s a great opportunity for us to bond every night for a little bit while we both get our “jobs” done.

Make a Visible List

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Make a simple list (with pictures for prereaders) that reminds your child of the

steps to getting ready for bed, in the order you’d prefer them to be done. Laminate it or put it in a sheet protector and hang it in your child’s room.

Read Together The oldest bedtime advice is still the best: reading is a great way to transition from bedtime tasks to a more restful connection before sleep.

Lights Out – Time for Questions Each night after bedtime stories, I turn off the light and tuck the children into their beds, but they aren’t quite ready to drift off to sleep. Sitting in the quiet dark together brings out the deepest thoughts and questions of the day. Since I started planning this time into our routine, I’ve gotten questions from the kids about faith, death, and heaven and I’ve gotten silly questions like, “Did they have cars when you were a kid?” This is one of those magical times for connection, when the darkness allows for honest thoughts and worries to be shared. Our bedtimes aren’t always perfect, but when I remember to follow these tips, they are much more fun. mp Sara Simeral is the mother of five-year-old twins. She’s been trying to build a better bedtime since they were born.

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Growing a Little Green Thumb

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

Gardening is an ideal learning landscape for little ones. Seeing first-hand how seeds propagate, germinate, bloom and survive magnifies a child’s understanding of the endless marvels found in the plant kingdom. Working with plants also encourages patience and observation as all gardeners must wait and watch for seedlings to emerge and bloom in their own time. The following items encourage kids to get their hands dirty while they discover the rewards that come along with fostering life in their very own corner of the garden.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Medieval Herber

Desktop Carnivorous Plants

(DuneCraft)

Modeled after the raised rectangular beds that medieval householders would have used for their own herb gardens, the Medieval Herber is a small terrarium that brings back some of the essential plants that families would have used during the Middle Ages to flavor their food or naturally treat small ailments. The kit includes the terrarium container, planting mixture, pebbles, and mixed seeds for eight plant varieties that were popular in the era (thyme, rosemary, basil, fennel, marjoram, etc.). Easy to start, the plants can germinate as quickly as three days after planting. Kids and parents can also explore novel ways to integrate their anciently inspired windowsill harvest into today’s recipes. Old school herbs meet modern kitchen garden resources with the Medieval Herber!

(ThinkGeek)

Some of the most unlikely anomalies in the botanical world grow right before your eyes with this gardening set from ThinkGeek that brings carnivorous plants to life. Typically deprived of nutritious soil in the natural world, plants like the Venus Fly Trap, Pitcher Plant and Sundew have evolved to secure their food in a different way as they attract and consume insects. This tabletop kit includes seeds, peat bog planting mix, swamp rocks and some decorative elements to whet kids interest while they wait for the seedlings to emerge. It does take a long time to get the seeds started and there are meticulous instructions to be followed for a successful germination. But once they get going, gardeners will have a front row seat as these unique plants emerge, grow, and eventually turn the tables on the insect kingdom.

Shippon - Self-watering Animals

Grow-A-Maze (ToySmith)

Illustrating plants’ ability to thrive no matter where they’re rooted, Grow-A-Maze illustrates in real time a bean sprout’s epic journey to the sun. This container features adjustable inserts so that kids can create a variety of paths for the traveling sprout from a soil base, through twists and turns, and upward toward the strongest light. The transparent sides not only allow viewing of the plant’s progress through the maze, but also the root action going on below the surface. It’s an ideal device to study plants’ natural tendency to seek out the sun for photosynthesis. The kit includes all the maze components, card covers, and magnifiers (dried beans and soil are not included). Grow-A-Maze is an excellent testament to the enduring spirit of plants as they reach toward the sun!

(Fat Brain Toys)

Irresistibly cute and super-easy to start, Shippons are small ceramic animals with a little backpack planter that is ready to burst into bloom with the simplest of preparation. Simply pack the backpack with soil and some seeds, then hook them over the lip of a mug or cup letting the tail hang down into clean water. There’s no need to extensively water the seedling as the animal tail siphons up a steady supply of moisture to foster the germination and blooming of a small plant. Each Shippon animal (Strawberry Cat, Basil Monkey or Clover Dog) comes with its namesake seeds and is ready to start right out of the box. Ideal for the smallest of green thumbs, Shippon Self-watering Animals are the perfect first step for young gardeners!

Paige Smith is a freelance writer and syndicated columnist living in Alabama. More on GET THIS! at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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Tips for Enjoying Your Swimwear It’s getting closer and closer to summer, which means activities and vacations that involve pools, oceans, lakes, and well, you get it, bodies of water. That also means...I’m going to say it...SWIMSUITS! I know we all dread this, including yours truly. Here are a few tips that I have tried and shared with my clients in regards to understanding their bodies and how to make their swimwear part of their summer style. This goes for every woman, pre and post pregnancy, teenagers, moms, women of all ages and shapes.

First, what’s your shape? Are you a pear shape, apple, straight up and down? Whatever it may be, the first step in purchasing any type of swimwear is finding out your shape.

Research Take time trying on swimwear. Get a professional or family/friend to give you some honest feedback. Take a look at some online stores, blogs, magazines or websites that might have tips on how to find the perfect swimsuit for you. Montgomery Parents I April 2015

Understand your body

Keep it on a budget

We all know we are made differently, and we are not all going to be the same when it comes to swimsuit styles. Don’t get discouraged if you have a friend who can wear the perfect two piece and you feel as if you can not. She might not be able to pull off a certain one piece or tankini like you can. That’s why we need to research swimwear.

Find a store that will allow you to mix and match your swimwear or purchase your items separately. You might find a bottom that fits you better at one store and a top at another, or vice versa. Doing this can be fun and can help you save money. Look for discount swimwear or outlet stores where you can purchase items to mix with your current swimwear. If you see a swimsuit you like but it’s just too much, try it on at the store first then check online for the same brand and style. You may be able to purchase it with a coupon or there may be specials online.

Modesty This is important in the swimwear world. We don’t have to bare it all to feel or look beautiful. It’s about being confident and learning how to style your swimwear. You can be creative with your swimwear and be very tasteful while doing so.

Be creative Have fun with your swimsuit! Mix and match your colors or prints to bring in a little flair. Find a few cover-ups, maxi dresses, summer dresses, skirts, tanks, or t-shirts to throw on, and then have fun with simple accessories like summer scarves, simple jewelry pieces, hats, summer bags to put all your goodies in and a summer shoe to help take a simple swimsuit to simply fabulous! Having these items can allow you the versatility of enjoying your swimwear not just on the beach or by the pool, but for lunch dates or quick shopping trips without revealing a lot. 68

Confidence I always say to be confident in your style and this goes for your swimwear as well. You can find ways to enjoy your swimwear simply by doing the above list. Find your style, and if you want to wear a cover-up over your swimsuit all day then so be it. If you want to wear your two piece with a little coverage on the bottom then do so. Just be confident in yourself and your body.

Laura Handey is an independent clothing consultant in Pike Road, Alabama. You may reach her by email at laura@ centsiblysouthern. com or visit her website and read her blogs at www.centsiblysouthern.com.

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Parents often find themselves making countless decisions when it comes to the education of their young children: What type of environment is best for my child? What type of preschool is going to prepare my child for kindergarten? Where is my child going to thrive when I am not around? Is my child really better off going to preschool or staying home with me? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to know what options you have regarding the care you expect for your child. Are you looking for an environment that offers an educational curriculum in addition to a day care environment? Are you considering placement for full or half day care? What kind of student-teacher ratio should you expect when considering a preschool? Understanding the options available is an important step in the process of making this decision. Here are a few things to consider when making your decision. Montgomery Parents I April 2015

Understanding the Environment Preschools of our current society range from the state sponsored Pre-Kindergarten programs, to Private Preschools, to University Laboratory schools. State sponsored pre-K programs are generally provided for children who are socio-economically challenged or have some form of limitation that needs attention prior to entering a formal education environment. State sponsored pre-K programs offer a Head Start curriculum, which began in 1965 as a program to 70

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provide economically disadvantaged children a “head start” to their education. Since that time, Head Start programs are serving over 900,000 children nationwide. Additionally, many states are offering universal pre-K programs, which offer free preschool education to all children over the age of four prior to entering Kindergarten. Currently Georgia, West Virginia, and Oklahoma offer universal pre-K, while other states such as Florida and North Carolina are in the process of offering these services. Universal pre-K does not admit children solely on the basis of socio-economic status or ability; rather it is a service available to all four-year-old children in that state. Private preschools operate often as forprofit, independent non-profit, and programs sponsored by religious organizations. Often times, private schools will have a lower school campus or preschool attached as a transitional experience for the K-12 environment. The educational quality and curriculum varies from preschool to preschool and there are no specific state or federal guidelines for teacher qualification or certification. However, most private preschools do make the effort to hire certified teachers to work with their preschool children and hire those with some teacher training to serve as “aides” in their pre-Kindergarten classrooms. The university laboratory school is a concept that began in the late 1800s at The University of Chicago by John Dewey. Since that time, many universities have established a laboratory setting on their campus as a way to offer educational experience to their education and human studies majors. Laboratory schools can range in enrollment from birth-12th grade. Most university lab schools offer a preschool, or preschool-Kindergarten environment. University laboratory schools offer a curriculum that is deeply grounded in developmental theory and are staffed by teachers with Masters, Specialists, and Doctoral degrees. The university laboratory school offers a different sort of environment in that it serves as a teacher preparation environment for pre-service and often advanced certification teachers. Instruction is prepared by pre-service teachers and approved by a professor with advanced training in the area of specialization. Lessons are conducted by the preservice teachers and evaluated consistently

by the professor for immediate modifications and areas of elevation suggested.

Making The Choice When choosing what environment is best for your child and your family you must ask yourself what you hope to accomplish through enrolling your child into a specific environment. Are you looking to make sure your child has the proper social skills to easily assimilate into a Kindergarten environment or is your goal more to expose him to academics? Each of these various environments can do both of those things. What you need to review are a few specifics: • Is this preschool one that has a positive reputation in the area? • Is this preschool accredited by NAEYC [National Association for the Education of Young Children]? DHR? • What is the student: teacher ratio (for the state of Alabama, the recommendation is no more than 6:1.) • What are the credentials of the teachers that will be teaching your child? • Is information about the preschool readily available? Do they have a website where parents can find general information? • Do they offer tours? Are they open to meet with you and address your concerns? • Are the hours of operation conducive to your home/work schedule? Your child’s education is one of the most important decisions you will make for him. Giving him the right start is the best way to ensure success in later academic endeavors. Knowing the facts about any and all schools you may be considering is half the battle. Talk with neighbors and community members. Research the school online. Take a tour. Get to know the people you will be leaving your child with. Choose an environment that will allow your child to be as happy and well adjusted away from home as he is at home. Then you will know that you’ve made the best decision for your child, and ultimately, your family. mp Barbie Norvell is currently the Director of the Auburn University at Montgomery Early Childhood Center. She has a PhD, an EdS, MS and a BS in Early Childhood Education and 26 years of experience as a classroom teacher and university professor.

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mer Program; Multiple Child Discount Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards KidComp offered; Librarian comes once a month. Annual Registration Fee: Please call for rates and fees

Cecil • Macon East 15396 Vaughn Rd. — 277.6566 ext. 220 Fax: 277-6544; Website: www.maconeast.net Email: info@maconeast.net Glynn Lott, Headmaster Curriculum: High Reach/Reading & Math for 3 & 4 year, McGraw Hill Reading & Math for Kindergarten Hours: 7:45 – 2:40; ages: 3, 4, & 5 years Extended day care and early arrival available. Meals: Hot; Multiple Child Discount After school care & Summer Enrichment program Staff/child ratio: K3 1:10, K4 1:16, K5 1:18 Call for monthly fees.

Hope Hull • Hooper Child Care/Early Learning Center 360 Fischer Rd. — 288-2770; Fax: 288.9171 Website: www.hooperacademy.org Debbie Lollar, Director Curriculum: A Beka / Combined Hours: 6:45 - 5:45 ages: 6 wks. - 4 yrs. Meals: Hot Staff/child ratio: Better than DHR Standards Multiple Child Discount Annual Registration: Call for rates

Millbrook • Millbrook Methodist Childcare Ministries 3350 Edgewood Rd.; 290.0600 Director: Interim Curriculum: Thematic Hours: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Ages: 6 wks- Pre-K 4 Meals: Brown bag Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards Religious Affiliation: Methodist Annual Registration fee: $50 • Poo Bear Academy 2441 Main St – 285.4462 Director: Teresa Williams; Hours: 6:30 - 6; ages: 6 wks. - 12 yrs. Meals: Hot; before & after school care Special Summer Program, Structured Pre K program. Staff/Child ratio: DHR Standards Please call for Annual Registration Fee and for rates

• The Learning Tree Child Development Center

Deatsville Hwy. - 285-1188; Fax: 271.4970 Director: Bonnie Wallace Curriculum: Full educational program Hours: 6:30 - 6; Ages: 6 weeks - 12 yrs. Meals: Hot; Before & after school care Multiple Child Discount depending on age Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards Registration fee; Please call for tuition rates and fees

Prattville

• Character Kids Preschool 1852 Hwy 14 East, Phone: 365.0777 Montgomery Parents I April 2015

Executive Director: Lozetta E. Cooper Religious Affiliation: Non-Denominational Curriculum: Abeka; Hours: 6 a.m. until 6 p.m., Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years; After school programs and Summer available Meals: brown bag (lunch and 2 snacks) Microwave available; Multiple child discount Annual Registration and curriculum fee, call for rates. • East Memorial Christian Daycare 1320 Old Ridge Rd., Prattville, Phone: 358.4110 Founded: 2003; Director: Lisa Montgomery Religious Affiliation: Christian/Southern Baptist Ages/grades: 6 wks.- K-4 Hours: 7am-6pm; Curriculum: Abeka Meals: offer snacks and Hot meal Registration Fee: $65.00; Call for rates • First Baptist Church Kindergarten 138 S. Washington St.— 361.9481 Fax: 365-0688; Website: www.fbcprattville.org Email: jamie.robison@fbcprattville.org Jamie Robison, Director; Curriculum: Harcourt, Wee Learn by Lifeway, The Wright Skills Phonics Program and Sobut & Bogan Hours: 8:15-11:45; Ages: 3 yrs.-5 yrs. Before school care begins at 7:15, extended program offered for after hours. Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards FBC offers a Mother’s Morning Out Program. Please call them for more info. Annual Registration Fee: Please call for rates

• First Presbyterian Kindergarten

211 S. Chestnut St.— 491.3411; Fax: 361.7834 Website: www.firstpreskindergarten.com Julie Cavnar, Director Curriculum: Modified A Beka Hours: 8:00-11:45; K3- 3 days/wk, 5 day 3 year old class; K4- 5 days/wk; K5- 5 days/wk.; Meals: Children bring snacks Multiple Child Discount; Annual Registration Fee, Call for Rates. Early drop off and After school program offered Mon.Fri. till 5:30 p.m. • Journey Preschool 435 Shiela Blvd. —365.4936; Fax: 365.4366 Allison Hollis, Director Website: www.myjourneychurch.com under preschool heading Curriculum: Kaplan: Learn Everyday; Hours: 7-6; Ages: 6wks. - 4 yrs. After School Care and Summer program offered Meals: Hot; Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards. Multiple Child Discount Relig.Affl: Christian/Non-Denominational Computer offered; Annual Registration Fee: Please call for rates and fees • Kiddie College 821 Peachtree St. — 365.6156; Fax: 365.8878 Email: Kiddiecollegeschool@yahoo.com Evelyn Little, Director Curriculum: The Letter People and High Reach; Hrs: 6:15 – 6 p.m.; Ages: 6weeks. -12 yrs. Meals: Hot; Before & after school care; Special Sum-

• Kindercare Learning Center 701 Shiela Blvd. — 365-0470 Fax: 361.7865 Director: Charlotte Hardy WebSite: www.kindercare.com Email: chardy@klcorp.com Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Ages: 6 wks. - 12 yrs Curriculum: Preschool at Kindercare, Welcome to Learning. Meals: Hot; Before & after school care Multiple Child Discount; Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards; Annual Registration Fee: $55; Call for rates

• Little Lights Creative Learning Ctr, LLC 640 Malwest Drive, 356.0422 Email: littlelightsclc@gmail.com Website: www.littlelightsclc.com Kristie Skipper, Director

• Prattville Learning Academy 949 Wright St. - 361.2223; Fax: 361.2280 Director, Katie Sanderson Hours: 6:00am-6:00pm; Ages: 6 wks.- 12 yrs. Meals: Hot (USDA); Before and After school care & Special Summer Program; Multiple Child Discount Family Support & Family Guidance Staff/Child ratio: Better than DHR Standards Call for weekly rates.

• The Learning Tree Child Development Center

1816 Glynwood Dr. — 365.1451; Fax: 271.4970 Caryn Marshall, Director Curriculum: Full educational program Hours: 6:30 - 6; ages: 6 weeks - 12 yrs. Meals: Hot; Before & after school care; Special Summer Program; Multiple Child Discount Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards Registration fee: Call for rates

Wetumpka • Kiddie Kollege 202 Old Montgomery Hwy. — 567.4236 Hazel Downs, Director; Curriculum: A Beka Hours: 6:45 – 5:45; ages: 18mths. - 8 yrs. Meals: Hot; After school care Multiple Child Discount; Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards; Annual Registration Fee: Call for rates. • Sesame St. Clubhouse Preschool 815 Wilson St. — 567.2715 Chad Baker, Director Curriculum: Full educational program Hours: 7 - 6; ages: 18 mos. - 12 yrs. Meals: Hot; Before & after school care; Multiple Child Discount Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards One Time Registration Fee: $50 Call for rates • Wee Ones Preschool & Beyond 2425 Dozier Road, 478.4938 Email: weeonespreschoolllc@gmail.com Website: weeonespreschool.info Jennifer Boyd, Director Curriculum: High Reach Accredited: AL Early Childhood Curriculum Hours: 6am - 6pm; Ages: 6 wks - 12 yrs Meals: breakfast, hot lunch & afternoon snack Other: Before & after school care, Summer Program; Mother’s Day Out; Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards Annual Registration Fee: $100; Call for rates Multiple Child Discount continued...

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• Wee Ones Preschool 80 Red Eagle Dr. — 478.3838 Email: weeonespreschoolllc@gmail.com Website: weeonespreschool.info Kimberly Thorn, Director Curriculum: High Reach Accredited: AL Early Childhood Curriculum Hours: 6:30am - 6pm; Ages: 6 wks - 12 yrs Meals: breakfast, hot lunch & afternoon snack Other: Before & after school care, Summer Program; Mother’s Day Out Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards Annual Registration Fee: $50; Call for rates Multiple Child Discount • Wetumpka Preschool Child Development Center & Periscope 502 N. Bridge St. — 567.4689 Debra Davis, Director Curriculum: High Reach Learning Creative Curriculum; Accredited: NAEYC Hours: 6:15 - 6; ages: 6 wks. - 12 yrs. Meals: Hot; Before & after school care; Special Summer Program, “Periscope”; Multiple Child Discount Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards Annual Registration Fee: $75; Call for rates

Montgomery - 36104 • Children’s Learning Center 305 S. Perry St. – 834.7475; Fax: 241.5171 Sheila Wilson, Director; Curriculum: Pinnacle Hours: 6:30am-5:30; Ages 6 wks. – 4 years Meals: Catered, Breakfast, lunch-hot; 2 snacks Computer for 4 year olds, music included; Religious Affil.: Christian; Multiple Child Discount; One time registration Fee: $30. Call for Weekly Rates. • Montessori Academy 1025 S. Hull St. — 262.8685; Fax: 834.7833. Website: www.montessorimontgomery.com Email: Montgomery.montessori@gmail.com Executive Director: Virginia Remko Director of Admissions, Rhonda Barton Curriculum: Montessori Hours: 6:30 - 5:30; ages: 12 mos. - 6 yrs. Multiple Child Discount; Staff/child ratio: Better than DHR Requirements. Call for Monthly Tuition

• Trinity Church Preschool

1728 S. Hull St. – 262-8830; Fax: 262.4469 Email: asdemoss@hotmail.com Director: Alice DeMoss Curriculum: ABeka, Handwriting without Tears, Saxon

Hands on Math and Touch Math Hours: 9:30–1:10 M-W-F; Tuesdays and Thursdays offered two year olds and up; Early room and Late room offered from 8:30 until 3:30; Ages: 4 mo. – Pre K5 yrs. Meals: snack provided for the one year olds, snack bucket for older children; Special Summer Program 8 week program. After school activities: Painting with Barb Grimes, Barber Elite Soccer (offered before school), Big Green Bus; Ballet for ages 3-5 years of age. Staff/child ratio: Better than DHR Standards Please call for rates.

Montgomery - 36105 • Bryant’s Child Development Center 3645 Norman Bridge Rd. – 284.4542; Fax: 284.9045 Carrie Moore, Director Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 Ages: 6 wks. - 12 yrs; Meals: Hot; Before & After school care, Special Summer Program Multiple Child Discount; Relig. Affil: Christian/ Baptist; Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards Annual Registration Fee: Call for rates • My Little Scholars Christian Academy 3427 Norman Bridge Rd. — 269.6600 Rosemary Jones, Director; Curriculum: McMillian Books Hours: 6:45 - 5:30; ages: 2 1/2 yrs – 12 years Meals: Hot; Before and After school care Special Summer program Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards Relig. Affil.: Christian/Non-Denominational Annual Registration Fee: $50; Call for rates

Montgemery - 36106

• Bethany Child Development Center 714 Cedar St. – 265.5521; Fax: 265.5521 (Call first)

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Montgomery Parents I April 2015

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Email: bethanydaycare@knology.net Addie Myrick, Director Curriculum: Child’s World Hours: 6:30 - 6; ages: 2 1/2 to 5 yrs. (12 in summer); Meals: Hot; Multiple Child Discount Staff/child ratio: 1:10; 1:20; Relig. Affil: Seventh Day Adventist Annual Registration Fee: Call for rates

• Cloverdale Preschool Academy

608 E. Fairview Ave. — 265.7488; Fax: 265.8725 Email: snall@cloverdalebaptist.net Sharman Nall, Director; Curriculum: A Beka Hours: 7:30 – 5:30; Ages: 6 wks. – 4 yrs. Special Summer Program Relig. Affil.: Christian/Baptist. Call for rates. • Evangel Christian Preschool 3975 Vaughn Rd. — 273.0730; Fax: 272.5662 www.ecalions.org; Email: ecaoffice@aol.com Rosemary Hean, Director, Curriculum: A Beka; Hours: 6:30-6; Ages: 6 wks- 4yrs.; Meals: catered Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards; Multiple Child Discount; Relig. Affil.: Assemblies of God Gymnastics, music, computer & dance offered Annual Registration: call for rates • First UMC Early Childhood Development Ctr 2416 W. Cloverdale Park — 834.8964 WebSite: www.fumcmontgomery.org Email: CDavis@fumcmontgomery.org Christi Davis, Director Curriculum: Child-centered, Christian using spiritual enrichment learning activities to insure success. Hours: 7 - 5:30; Ages, 6 wks. & 5 yrs. Meals: Hot; Multiple Child Discount; Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards; Developmentally appropriate learning environment. Learn through play, making choices and guided discovery in warm, loving environment. Gymnastics, dance, soccer, music and art offered Annual Registration Fee: Call for Rates • First United Methodist First School 2416 West Cloverdale Park – 481.0413 Director: Jessica Coblentz Email: JCoblentz@fumcmontgomery.org Curriculum: Challenging age appropriate curriculum Hours: 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. (extended hours offered) Ages: 2 months to Kindergarten Music program, weekly chapel, field trips, Gymnastics, Dance, Art, Computer and Soccer. Registration fee: Call for rates. • Heritage Baptist Child Development Center 1849 Perry Hill Rd. — 279.0643; Fax: 277.8887 Relig. Affil.: Baptist Tamira Quattlebaum, Director Hours: 7 - 6; ages: 6 wks. - 5 yrs.; Meals: Hot Multiple Child Discount; Staff/child ratio: Better than DHR Standards; Janey’s Academy, Mobile Mouse, Barber Elite Soccer and Flip Factory available. Weekly chapel for 2-5 yrs. Call for rates and fees. Registration: $50

Conveniently located in the Mulberry District just off 1-85 at 2034 Clubview St.

3K-5K ABeka curriculum

• Learning Tree Child Delevop. Center

School hours 8:00-11:45

4120 Carmichael Rd. — 271.4733; Fax: 271.4910 Director: Ruby Davis Curriculum: Full educational program Hours: 6:30 - 6; ages: 12 mos. - 12 yrs. Meals: Hot; Before & after school care; Multiple Child & Baptist Hospital Employee Discount. Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards Registration fee: Call for rates

early care and after school care available daily ___________ ___________ 211 S. Chestnut St. • Prattville AL 36067

(334) 491-3411 ___________

• Montessori at Mulberry

2034 Clubview St. Phone: 265-7733 or (334) 462.0548 Founded: 2010

Directors: Julie Cavnar and ginny hensley 75

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Meals: snack provided; Rates: call for rates Staff/child ratio: Better than DHR Standards

Email: casadebambini@aol.com Website: http://montessoriatmulberry.com For Admissions info: Jackie Maloy-Watson Religious Affiliation: None Ages/grades: age 12 months through Kindergarten Curriculum: Each child is encouraged to reach his/ her full potential in all areas of life. The specific needs of individual children are met at each developmental level. Our curriculum, which is challenging, interdisciplinary and real world related, provides a strong academic bridge to elementary school. Registration Deadline: Open as space permits Testing Requirements: Personal interview Tuition: Please call for more information. • New Horizons Preschool 213 S. Madison Terrace — 834.9403 Cammie Thomas, Director Hours: 6:30 – midnight; ages: 6wks. – 12 yrs. Curriculum: Little People’s Workshop, Hooked on Phonics, Wee Learn; Meals: Hot; Before & after school care; Special Summer Program Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards All certified teachers. Registration fee: $45.00 • Second Mom’s Childcare and Learning Center 2703 Highland Ave. – 832.9403

Montgomery Parents I April 2015

Sandra Hill, Director Hours: 6 am- 6 pm.; Ages: 6 wks. - 14 yrs. Before and after school pickup Extended care and Summer program available Curriculum: A Beka and Baby Can Read; Meals: Hot Breakfast, Lunch + 2 snacks; Staff Child ratio: DHR standards All certified teachers; Registration fee: $35 • Second Mom’s Childcare and Learning Ctr, Too 2726 Highland Ave.; Phone: 832.1876 Hours: 6 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Ages: 2 1/2 -14 yrs Before and after school pickup Extended care and Summer program available Curriculum: A Beka Meals: Hot Breakfast, Hot Lunch + 2 snacks Staff Child ratio: DHR standards; All certified teachers. Registration fee: $35.00

• Vaughn Park Church of Christ Mothers’ Day Out & Preschool

3800 Vaughn Road - Montgomery; Phone: 272.2665 Director: Denise Nelson or Cathy Henderson Religious Affiliation: Christian/Church of Christ Ages/grades: 6 weeks – 4 years old Hours: 9:00- 1:00, Tues/Wed/Thur Curriculum: varies by ages; Founded: 2003

• Zelia Stephens Early Childhood Center Alabama State University, 1100 Tuscaloosa Street Phone: 229.4470; Fax 229.4461 Director: Dr. Edwana Johnson-Newton Email: Enewton@alasu.edu Hours: 8 – 5:15; Ages: 4 yrs – 8 yrs Extended hours and after school care available Curriculum: Saxon; Meals: Hot, Gourmet Food Services; Staff/child ratio: 1:15; Registration fee. Call for rates.

Montgomery - 36108 • Cleveland Avenue YMCA Afterschool Childcare 1201 Rosa Parks Ave. — 265.0566; Fax: 265.0541 Daryll Woods, Director Hours: 2 - 6; (Summer and Holiday hrs. 6:30 – 5:45) Ages: 3- 12 yrs. Special Summer Program Multiple Child Discount; Staff/child ratio: 1:15 Annual Registration Fee: Please call for rates • Hansel and Gretel Preschool 3010 Mobile Hwy. — 269.5644 Rita Faye Green, Director; Curriculum: Creative Hours: 7 - 5:30; Ages: 8 weeks - 12 yrs. Meals: Hot; Before and After school care; Special Summer Program; Staff/child Ratio: DHR Standards Relig. Affil.: Christian/Baptist Annual Registration Fee: $50 • Kamp-A-Demics 2308 Dillard St., Montgomery Phone: 221.3101; Founded: 1999 Director: Vivian Gadson Ages/grades: 2 months – 12 years

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Hours: 6:30am – 5:30pm Curriculum: Pre-K, Play-based, and Creative Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack Registration: $25; Rates: $85+/week Other: Certified Teachers • Kids First Day Care Center 1955 Walnut Street — 269.4657 Rhonda Thompson, Contact; Curriculum: Preschool Hours: 6:30-5:30; Ages: 6wks. – 12 yrs. (summer) Meals: Hot; Multiple Child Discount Staff/Child ration: DHR Standards No Registration Fee; Call for Rates • New Generation Preschool 3461 Old Selma Rd. — 263.9660; Fax: 263.9694 Email: ngpkids@knology.net Agnes Attia, Director; Curriculum: A Beka Hours: 6:30 - 6; ages: 6 wks. - 15 yrs. Meals: Hot; Before & after school care Special Summer Program; Multiple Child Discount Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards Annual Registration: $50 • Peppermint Hill Learning Center 1217 Oak Street-- Phone: 230.9650; Fax: 230.9650 Email: ceeb57@aol.com Director: Cynthia Mull Curriculum: Creative; Ages: 6 mth. - 6 years Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Meals: Catered, 2 snacks and 1 hot meal Staff/child ratio: 1:12 for 5 year old; 1:11 for 3 year olds; 1:5 for 6 mth. - 2 ½ year olds. Call for rates. • Southlawn Child Care Center 125 Greenleaf Dr. — 286.1056 or 286.9156 Fax: 286-1958; Email: southlawn1@aol.com Elizabeth Sankey, Director; Curriculum: Creative

Hours: 5:30 – 5:30; ages: infant - 15 yrs. Meals: Hot; Before & after school care; Pre-Kindergarten offered; Certified teachers Multiple Child Discount Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards Annual Registration Fee: $50; call for rates

Montgomery - 36109 • Covenant Kids Child Development Center 9 Arden Road, Phone: 356.9110 Website: www.covenantkidsmontgomery.com Email: covenantkidsmontgomery@gmail.com Director: Kathy Hegwood Curriculum: Pinnacle Faith-based Curriculum Hours: 7:00-5:30; ages 6 weeks. - 5 years Meals: Morning snack, hot lunch, and afternoon snack provided Multiple Child Discount Religious Affiliation: Ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Annual Registration Fee: Call for rates Now registering for fall enrollment. Call to schedule a tour. • East YMCA Kindergarten & Child Care 3407 Pelzer Ave. — 272.3390; Fax: 395.6486 Website: www.ymcamontgomery.org

Ruth Davis, Director; Curriculum: High Reach Hours: 7 - 6; Ages: 6 weeks - 5yrs. Meals: catered Monday-Wednesday, Thursday- Pizza Day and Friday- snack lunch Special Summer Programs Multiple Child Discount Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards; Religious Affiliation: Young Men’s Christian Association. Wade pool, gym activities, music, Bible Annual Registration Fee: $25 • Eastern Hills Baptist Day Care 3604 Pleasant Ridge Rd. – 277.5424; Fax: 271.2307 WebSite: www.easternhillsonline.com Stacy Royal, Director; Curriculum: A Beka Hours: 7 - 5:30; Ages: 6 wks. - 5 yrs.; Meals: Hot; Multiple Child Discount Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards Religious Affiliation: Christian/Baptist Orff Music, Dance and Big Green Bus. Rates: Call for weekly rates. • Eastmont Baptist Church Kindergarten & Mother’s Day Out 4505 Atlanta Hwy. — 244.9324 Curriculum: A Beka Hours: 9:30 - 1:30; Ages: 6 wks. - 5 K Meals: brown bag; Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards;

N O W E N R O L L I N G F O R 2015 2011

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Observe public school holidays. Religious Affiliation: Christian/Baptist; Call for rates.

• Providence Early Childhood Learning Academy

508 Coliseum Blvd. — 271.2223 Director: Cathy Jones Website: Please visit us on Facebook under Providence Early Childhood Learning Academy Email: Providencelearning@gmail.com Hours: 6:45 – 5:45; Ages: 6 wks. – K4 Curriculum: A Beka Religious Affiliation: None Meals: Breakfast and lunch Staff/child ratio: Better than DHR; Call for rates. • The Rock Preschool 3401 Harrison Road; Phone: 260.0984 Principal: Felica Carswell Hours: 7 am- 5:30 pm; Ages: 4 years Curriculum: A Beka Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Summer Program available; Multiple child discount Meals: Afternoon and snack Staff/Child Ratio: 2:12 Registration fee: Please call for more information or visit therockofmontgomery.org.

Montgomery Parents I April 2015

Montgomery - 36110 • Bright Beginnings Early Learning Center 4320 Wetumpka Hwy. — 244.7799 Cindy Ashcraft, Director Hours: 6 - 6; ages: 6 wks. - 12 yrs. Meals: Hot; Before & after school care, Special Summer Program; Multiple Child Discount Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards Annual Registration Fee: $35; Call for rates. • Resurrection Early Child Care 2815 Forbes Drive—265.4615; Fax: 265.4568 website: www.rcs-rcmsouth.org Principal: Sister Gail Trippett, CSJ Hours: 7:45 – 3:10 (Extended care available 3:10 – 5:30) Ages: 3yrs- 8th Meals: Hot (breakfast, lunch & snack) Multiple Child Discount Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards. Call for rates. Scholarships may be available for multiple child families.

Montgomery - 36111 • Green Gate School

3265 McGehee Rd. — 281-3300; Fax: 286.4884

Director of Education: Yvonna Richardson Headmaster: Kenneth Richardson Founded: in 1971, Green Gate has fostered the joy of learning for over forty years. As educators we recognize all children learn differently. We honor each student’s different learning style. Green Gate places the needs of the child first. We are accredited through AdVanced Ed formerly SACS. Testing: We accept testing and Progress reports from accredited schools only. We may require students to take a placement test upon admission. Testing is also available to identify learning differences and disabilities for a reasonable fee. Learning Accommodations: We are happy to implement accommodations or recommendations designated by a professional educator or physician. Once again we are qualified to test and identify learning differences and disabilities. Tutoring: On site tutoring for students both during the academic day and before or after school is available for a reasonable fee. Enrollment: We except One- Hundred students, Toddlers through Eighth Grade. This allows us to maintain a low student/teacher ratio. Curriculum: Teachers implement innovative instructional techniques allowing bright children to excel at their pace, along with encouraging and discovering new ways to help struggling students find success. Additional strategies include supporting children’s play, using encouragement instead of praise, and taking a problem-solving approach to conflict. Working with the theories of play and our Pre-School students are encouraged to explore and learn in a unique Our outdoor classroom provides an even more unique approach to learning. We use the HIGHSCOPE curriculum. Meals: Green Gate is a lunch box school; we provide organic milk or fruit juice for a lunch drink. We serve two healthy nutritious snacks morning and afternoon Enrollment: Fees: $150 Registration and Curricu-

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lum and Cot fees of $225 Call for full day 2, 3, or 5 day rates, half days rates also available. Family Discounts: Multiple 5% Child Discount on siblings. Please ask about our Elementary Scholarship Programs. Extras: Mobile Mouse, Tonya Speed dance, Orff Music. Before & after school care; Special Summer Program , Scouts Green Gate has no formal church affiliation and accepts students of all races and religions. • Whitfield Kindergarten 2673 Fisk Rd. — 281.2470; Fax: 281.2698 Jane Ruud, Director; Curriculum: Combined Hours: 7:30 - 4:15 & 9 – 1 (Mother’s Day Out) Ages: 4 mos. - 5 yrs.; Meals: brown bag Relig. Affil: Christian/Methodist Dance offered and aftercare pickup for Dannelly and Bear Special Summer program and Multiple Child Discount. Optional late pick up 5:30. Staff/child ratio: Better than DHR Standards Annual Registration Fee: Call for rates

Montgomery - 36116 • Aldersgate Weekday Children’s Ministries

6610 Vaughn Rd. — 277.0880; Fax: 277.8812  Stephanie Jeck and Katie Blair, Co-Directors  Curriculum: Creative Curriculum, Letter of the Week, Handwriting Without Tears   Hours: 7:30 - 5:30; Preschool; Ages: 6 weeks – Pre K 4  Meals: Hot; Relig. Affil.: Christian/Methodist  Staff/child ratio: Better than DHR Standards  Teach thematic units using social studies, science, math, language, art and music through a hands-on program. Annual Registration Fee: Call for rates.

• Great Leaps Kindergarten Readiness Learning Center

2125 E. South Blvd. (in the Easter Seals Building) - 595.3673 Email: greatleapslearning@gmail.com Ages: 3-6 years old Play-based structured activities, individualized curriculum, master teachers, 4 to 1 student-teacher ratio • Century 2000 4714 Virginia Loop Road – 288.7740 Web: www.century2000daycare.com Director: Mrs. Deramus Curriculum: Abeka Ages: 3 weeks – 15 years Hours: 5 a.m. until midnight, before and after school care program; Special Summer program. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and snack. For those staying late, dinner and snack offered. Drop off & Pick up for the following: Vaughn Road, Dannelly, Lighthouse Christian Academy, Halcyon Elementary, James K. Wilson, McKee, Winton M. Blount, Brewbaker, Fitzpatrick, MacMillan, Peter Crump and Seth Johnson. Call for monthly rates.

• JAAD’s Child Care & Development Center 4002 St. Louis Rd. – 284.9055 Email: jaads_inc@yahoo.com Theresa Hardwick, Director; Established 1996 Curriculum: self-developed Hours: 6 am-6 pm; ages: 4wks.-15 yrs. Night care available; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack Before & After School Care; Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards. Call for fees and rates • Lighthouse Christian Academy 3570 Bell Rd. — 271.4200; Fax: 271.1042 WebSite: www.lcapirates.com Email: info@lcapirates.com Gary Mohney, Principle Curriculum: A Beka Before and after school care hours: 7 to 6 p.m. Ages 18 months – 9th grade (8 - 12:30 preschool or full day) Special Summer Program; Meals: Catered; Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards; Call for rates and fees • New Life Care 5600 Carriage Hills Dr. – 288.5723; Fax: 288-5723 Website: www.nlcogic.org Email: tydirect@nlcogic.org Director: Crystal Philyaw

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Meals: Hot; Staff Ratio: 1:6 Annual Registration Fee: Call for Rates

Curriculum: Creative Hours: 6:30am – 6; ages 6 wks. – 4 yrs. Before and After school care, Summer Enrichment Meals: Hot Meals, snacks provided Tuition: $350 per month Registration fees: $40 per application

• St. James School Kindergarten

6000 Vaughn Rd.—277.8033 ext 155 Fax: 277-3587; Website: www.stjweb.org Jim Terry, Principal Curriculum: Pre-K3, Pre-K4 and Kindergarten use an integrated approach with literature, art, music and science to introduce readiness skills with hands-on activities. Hours: 7:45 – 12:00 Ages: K3 – K4, full day option available. Or extended school day 7:45-2:45 for K5 Meals: Catered; After school care until 5:30 Multiple Child Discount; Special Summer Program (Camp STJ) Staff/child ratio: 2:14. Call for Rates

• The Learning Tree Child Development Center

3335 Woodley Rd. — 284.5560 Malkia Mathews, Director Curriculum: Full educational program

Hours: 6:30 - 6; Ages: 6 weeks - 12 yrs. Meals: Hot; Before & after school care; Special Summer Program/Multiple Child Discount Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards Call for Weekly Rates • Treasures of Life 4701 Narrow Lane Road Phone: 819-4202 and Fax: 819.7233 Director: Kay Turpin Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; 6 weeks to 12 years Meals: Breakfast, lunch and snack provided. Classroom video monitoring Certified staff, Before and after school care programs offered.

Montgomery - 36117 • AUM Early Childhood Center

7051 Senator’s Drive 244-3441; fax 244-3688 email: bnorvell@aum.edu Dr. Barbie Norvell, Director Curriculum: Project Based, Research Driven, Thematic Hours: 7:30am-5:30pm M-F Ages: 3-5 years, potty trained

• Bo Peep Christian Child Development School 5690 Atlanta Hwy. – 271.1941 Supervisor: Christine Itle Director: Brooke Woodfin Assistant Director: Amanda Cruikshank Curriculum: Abeka Hours: 6:30-6 p.m.; Ages: 6 weeks. – 12 years Meals: Hot, Before & after school care Multiple Child Discount; Special Summer program Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards or better Relig. Affil. Christian/Non-Denom. Summer camp, swimming program, Flannel board Bible stories, games, art, puppet shows. Call for rates.

• Frazer Memorial Christian Kindergarten

6000 Atlanta Hwy. Phone: 279.0271 Founded: 1974 Director: Jill Struthers Website: www.frazerkindergarten.com Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Ages: 6 wks. to 2 yrs. Mothers Morning Out 3 yrs. - K4 & K5. Hours: 8:30 - 12:30 a.m. Early drop off available at 7:30 a.m. Extended Day available for all ages until 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Curriculum: A Beka; Other: Music, field trips, chapel, physical education and gymnastics. Strong faculty with unwavering interest in your child. Tuition: Call for details

• GracePointe Child Development Center 1565 Ray Thorington Road - Montgomery Phone: 799.8390 Founded: 1974; formerly Carriage Hills Kindergarten

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Director: Sharon Kilpatrick Religious Affiliation: Christian/Church of Christ Ages/grades: Birth – 4 years old Hours: 9 a.m.– 1 p.m.; Mondays (for 3 years and up only), Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays; Curriculum: Play-Based, Beyond Centers and Circle Time; Meals: Snack provided, bring lunch; Rates: Call for rates; Staff/child ratio: Better than DHR Surveillance system, coded entry and two separate playgrounds • Kiddie Home Daycare at Mitylene Forest 618 Silver Moon Court, 221.4446 or 396.2598 Email: lizamay1972@yahoo.com Director: Leeza Beaulieu Ages/grades: 6 weeks to 12 years Hours: 6:30a.m. Until 5:30 p.m. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and snacks; DHR standards Please call for rates. • Kidz R Stars 5773 Roxboro Dr.; (334) 538.0317 Website: www.kidzrstars.zoomshare.com Email: art14.tv@gmail.com Director: TaTanya Brown Hours: 6:30 – midnight, Sunday-Saturday Ages: 6 wks - 12 Curriculum: Primary curriculum Accredited: NAFCC Meals: Two hot meals and one snack; evening snack and dinner. Multiple child discount Registration fee: Please call for rates • Kindercare Learning Centers 6955 Halcyon Park Dr. — 270.5955; Fax: 396.6091 Website: www.kindercare.com Email: ctate@klcorp.com Courtney Tate, Director Curriculum: Early Foundations Hours: 6:30 - 6; Ages: 6 wks. to 12 yrs. Meals: Hot; Before & after school care; Special Summer Program; Multiple Child Discount Staff/child ratio: Better than DHR Standards; Annual Registration Fee: $60; Call for Rates

• Learning Tree Child Develop. Center

1767 Halcyon Blvd. — 272.3188 Darlene Tucker, Director Curriculum: Full educational program Hours: 6:30 - 6; Ages: 6 weeks - 12 yrs. Meals: Hot; Before & after school care; Special Summer Program; Multiple Child Discount Staff/child ratio: DHR Standards. Call for rates

• Legacy Early Learning Center

2323 Bell Road (located next to the Bell Road YMCA)(334) 649.4601 Director: Tara Harris Curriculum: Christian Based Pre-school Curriculum Hours: 6:30 – 5:45; Ages: 6 weeks - K4 Meals: Lunches and two snacks provided; Special Summer program Staff/child ratio: by DHR guidelines. Call for rates • Little Explorers Learning Center 181 Eastern Blvd., (334) 272.3307 Website: http://www.riversedgechurch.us/ littleexplorers.html Director: Jennifer Mitchell Curriculum: Bible based Hours: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years Meals: lunch and snack for toddler and preschool Staff/child ratio: DHR standards

• Memorial Presbyterian Church Children’s Center 2130 Bell Rd. – 274.1018; Fax: 274.1046 Elizabeth Murphy, Director;

Curriculum: Thematic Units Hours: Full day and half-day offered Ages: 2 months to 4 years. Summer program offered for 2 months to 1st grade Early and late rooms available; Meals: Brown Bag Chapel and music daily; Enrichment classes offered Staff/Child ratio: by DHR guidelines Call for rates

• Montessori at Hampstead

5251 Hampstead High Street, Unit#111 Phone: 356.1969; Founded: 2011 Email: info@montessoriathampstead.org Website: www.mshmontgomery.org Director: Hillary Drinkell Hours: 7:30 until 5:30 Meals: Hot meals available or brown bag Religious Affiliation: Interdenominational Ages/grades: 18 months – 15 years;

Middle School (7th, 8th & 9th grade) Curriculum: Montessori Testing Requirements: Interview required, Ed Psych Test, Transcripts for students 6 and up Sports & Clubs: P.E., Music, Big Green Bus, Dance, Tennis; Farm Class

• “Mrs. Sandy’s House” Home Daycare

Conveniently located in Halcyon South off of Taylor Rd. Phone: 271.KIDS (5437) Owner: Sandy McGaughey Follow me on instagram @ Mrs_Sandys_ Home_Daycare Curriculum: Hands-on activities and age appropriate readiness skills Hours: 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Ages: Newborn – 4 years Specializing in Newborn and toddler care; licensed by DHR; Call for rates

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Meals: Lunch and 2 snacks provided Staff/Child Ratio: DHR Standards (better in Nursery), DHR licensed Fees: Call for rates • YMCA Goodtimes Before and After School Programs Contact YMCA Goodtimes Center for additional information: 2325 Mill Ridge Dr.—279.8666; Fax: 279.5784 Website: www.ymcamontgomery.org • St. James Christian Preschool 9045 Vaughn Rd. — 277.3412; Fax: 277.8680 Leah Winn, Director Curriculum: Teacher developed including hands-on activities and age appropriate readiness skills; Hours: 9 - 1; Ages: 8 mos. - kindergarten Meals: Brown Bag, snack provided; Late day offered Staff/Child Ratio: DHR standards Call for Registration fee and monthly rates

• Taylor Road Christian Kindergarten & Mother’s Day Out

1685 Taylor Rd. — 271.0845 Holly Nichols, Director Website: www.taylorroad.org (link to preschool) Curriculum: A Beka & Wee Care for MDO Kindergarten Hours: 9-1 (Mon - Thurs) Ages: 3-5 Mother’s Day Out Hours: 9-1 (Mon-Thurs) Ages: 6 wks-36 mths Before & After care available; Special Summer Program (6 wks. – 6th) Meals: Brown Bag; Religious Affi.: Christian/Baptist Staff/Child Ratio: Better than DHR Standards. Call for Rates • Time for Care Christian Academy 70 Ashburton Drive; Phone: 356.1571 Owner: Joyce Pearson

Montgomery Parents I April 2015

Director: Wyvonia Hale Hours: 6:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. with extended care until 7 p.m. Ages: 3 weeks until 12 years of age Meals: Breakfast, lunch and snack Curriculum: Early Start Registration fee: $25 • Vaughn Forest Preschool and Kindergarten 8660 Vaughn Rd. — 277.0362 Mary James Newsom, Director Curriculum: High Reach and Letter People Hours: 9 - 1 (early & late room available) Ages: 18 mos. - 5yrs. Meals: Children bring sack lunch and snack; Certified Teachers Staff/Child Ratio: Better than DHR standards. Please call for rates

• Vaughn Road Preschool

8790 Vaughn Road (at Immanuel Presbyterian Church) Phone: 277-4815 Barbara Anderson, Director Email: vrpreschool@gmail.com Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Curriculum: Creative Curriculum; linked to the WV Early Learning Standards Framework in Social and Emotional Development, the Arts, Physical Health and Development, Mathematics and Science.

Before School Care at these locations: Forest Ave. Elem. 7am-8:15am McKee 7am-8:20am Bear Elem. 7am-8:30am Wares Ferry Elem. 6:45am-8am Halcyon Elem. 6:45am-8am Garrett Elem. 6:45am-8am Brewbaker Elem. 6:30am-8am Wilson Elem. 6:45-8a.m Please call for rates and fees After School Care at these locations: Baldwin Jr. High, Bear Exploration Center, Blount Elem., Brewbaker Elem., Catholic Middle, Children’s Center, Crump Elem., Dannelly Elem., Dozier Elem., East YMCA, Fitzpatrick Elem., Flowers Elem., Floyd Elem., Forest Ave. Elem., Garrett Elem., Elem., Holy Spirit, Macmillan at McKee Elementary, Morningview Elem., Pintlala Elem., Vaughn Rd. Elem., Wares Ferry Elem. and Wilson Elementary. Snack included; Hours 3-6pm, Afternoon snack. Multiple child Discount; Please call for rates and fees. Please let us know if your child care facility was not included in this listing by emailing editor@montgomeryparents.com. We’ll make sure it’s included in our next Child Care Issue.

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Tonya Speed Alumnus Returns as Guest Dancer

Special guest dancer Nick Wilson, a native of Montgomery, teaches the sixth-graders of Montgomery Academy some hip hop moves! Wilson performed in his high school years with Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection and is now a choreographer in L.A. who travels the world teaching hip hop. He was a dancer in the opening number with Taylor Swift at the American Music Awards recently! Come out to the Montgomery Biscuits Stadium April 23 for a fun-filled ‘80s night and post-game concert. Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection will have TSDC Family Night and Miss Tonya will throw the first pitch! Save your game stub for that night and get $5 off summer classes.

Valentine of the River Region Pageant Winners

Sterling Miss Productions hosted it sixth annual Valentine of the River Region Pageant and seven young ladies from across central Alabama took home the crowns. Valentine Pageant winners were: Tiny Miss Charity Priest of Tallassee, Petite Miss Lily Claire Burke of Clanton, Little Miss Isabella Frazier of Wetumpka, Pre-Teen Miss Katie Hall of Northport, Jr. Teen Miss MacKenzie Caver of Billingsley and Teen Miss Stephanie Schodorf of Millbrook. The People’s Choice queens were: Tiny Miss Ella Kate Arant of Millbrook, Petite Miss Brenlee Nelson of Montgomery, Little Miss Alexandria Sheffield of Selma, Pre-Teen Miss Richelleng Pieruccini of Montgomery, Jr. Teen Payton Hall of Montgomery and Teen Miss Carrie Lea Powe of Selma. Each young lady who participated in the event took home a Valentine-themed crown and medallion. Optional category winners received medallions and the Most Photogenic and People’s Choice winners in each age division received crowns and a medallion. The money collected for People’s Choice Awards went to Children’s Miracle Network. The Little Miss & Mr. Firecracker Pageant is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Fellowship Hall. There is no residency requirement for the pageant, open to girls, age 12 months-18 years and boys, age 12 months-8 years. To learn more, visit www.sterlingmiss.org, e-mail SterilngMissPageant@hotmail.com or call (334) 313-5444. Front row from left are Alexandria Sheffield, Brenlee Nelson, Lily Claire Burke, Isabella Frazier and Charity Priest; and back row, MacKenzie Caver, Payton Hall, Stephanie Schodorf, Carrie Lea Powe, Katie Hall and Richelleng Pieruccini. Not pictured: Ella Kate Arant.

Montgomery Parents I April 2015

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YMCA of Greater Montgomery Celebrates Healthy Kid’s Day with a Fun-Filled Day of Family Activities On Saturday, April 18, the YMCA of Greater Montgomery will host Healthy Kid’s Day at eight centers across our YMCA movement. Healthy Kid’s Day is the nation’s largest health day for kids and families at more than 1,800 YMCAs nationwide. YMCA Healthy Kid’s Day encourages families to “Put Play in Their Day” during a free, fun-filled day that includes interactive games, engaging and creative family activities, and health giveaways to encourage children and families to adopt behaviors that support a healthier lifestyle. Through YMCA Healthy Kid’s Day, the YMCA helps families play more, embrace nutritious food choices, and build stronger connections within the family and with others. Visit any of our eight participating centers from 9 to 10 a.m. or from 1 to 3 p.m. and play ‘til you drop. The first 3,000 kids will receive giveaways. From 9-10 a.m., there will be a Body Pump launch featured for all of the moms and dads. During that time, kids can play at our new 7 to 11 Club---a family initiative we have for kids ages 7 to 11 offering enrichment activities for kids. From 1-3 p.m., we will feature different activities in all of our participating centers that will include healthy snacks, relays, obstacle courses, bouncy houses, face painting, camp activities like canoeing and archery. There will even be fun activities offered in our indoor pools. Each center will offer something different. Visit ymcamontgomery.org for a detailed list. We will also collect both children’s and adult’s gently used athletic shoes at ALL of our centers. These shoes will be donated to a YMCA in Ghana, Africa. Those who donate the shoes will receive a no-joining fee for ONE day only for all of our YMCAs. In addition, we will have a NO REGISTRATION fee for all of our summer camps and summer childcare and people on hand all day to help you get set up with summer activities for children. For more info, visit ymcamontgomery.org. Participating centers include: Bell Road/ Goodtimes Center, 2435 Bell Road; East Family YMCA, 3407 Pelzer Avenue; Grandview YMCA, 4700 Camp Grandview Road in Millbrook; Kershaw YMCA, 2229 West Fairview Avenue; Southeast YMCA, 3455 Carter Hill Road; Wilson YMCA, 1445 Wilson Park Drive in Pike Road; Greenville YMCA, 177 Academy Drive in Greenville; and Wetumpka YMCA, 200 Red Eagle Drive in Wetumpka.

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Transitioning Help for the Child with Autism We all do it a million times a day-- most of us without giving it a second thought. But to a parent of a child with autism, transitioning from one activity to another can be a stressful and anxiety-ridden period of time. Let’s take a look at the behaviors surrounding the transition and some strategies that may be helpful. It has been said that roughly 25% of a person’s day is spent in transition; transition from a paper to a meeting, from the park to the car, from eating to story time, from one class to another; and for a person with autism, these transitions can be difficult. Most children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) feel comfortable following the same routine. That predictability in their day can provide a great deal of comfort and stability in, what can sometimes be perceived as, an unstable situation. Preparing your child for the transition is crucial. Although two-stage statements may seem simple at times (put your socks and shoes on), often a child with ASD will need a longer time to prepare for the change as it takes them longer to process the commands. Visual cues, such as a visual timer and a visual schedule, allow the child to “see” how long they have before moving to another

activity and what to expect during the course of his day. Emily Stewart, a Speech Pathologist with Easter Seals Central Alabama, provides services to many children who have autism in the River Region. She transitions many children with ASD all day every day and says, “One thing I have learned with transitions is to take it day-by-day and transition-bytransition. I have seen how being consistent with transition aids have decreased a child’s anxiety and allowed them to anticipate what was coming next. I have seen a child who had difficulty transitioning from one activity to the next respond well to a picture schedule. Another child was able to use a First/Then card to transition between activities. They were able to choose which activity came next by placing a picture of the activity in the box labeled “next”. This decreased their anxiety and allowed them to have a choice in what to do. A count down to the activity ending has also helped. I will tell a child “we have five more minutes to play” or “we clean up in five minutes”. A visual timer is also good to use as it gives a visual cue for the child if time concepts are difficult to understand.” Emily’s key piece of advice for a parent transitioning their child with ASD, “Stay calm

and be a good role model for your child. Try to keep your body language calm and your voice calm. Your reaction to the situation or change could increase your child’s fear or anxiety towards the change. Your child may be looking at you for security and to know that everything is going to be okay during the transition. Be consistent with the transition strategies and aides that you were advised to use with your child by the professional working with him.” Keep in mind that all children and all transitions are unique and you will need a “bag of tricks” for each child. Emily reassures, “Although improvements may be seen in routine transitions with the implementation of some transitioning aids, the need for aids may decrease with time.” Communication with all individuals supporting your child is of the upmost importance. Consistency with effective transitioning aids implemented between each professional is important. Seek regular advice from the professionals providing care to your child and be sure to share upcoming changes or difficulties you are experiencing at home with the providers. This will enable them to help your child better. Contributed by Varina Mead, Director of Marketing, Easter Seals Central Alabama.

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Scouts Hold Annual Pinewood Derby

On January 24, Pack 50 Cub Scouts gathered at the First Baptist Church in Wetumpka to compete in their annual Pinewood Derby race. The pack raced approximately 50 different cars in three different race categories consisting of Cub Scouts, adults, and tag-a-longs (siblings). Trophies were awarded to the top five finishers in the Cub Scout category. First place was awarded to Walter Lynch; second place went to Will Rouse, followed by Riley Scott in third place. The fourth-place winner was Chris Whatley, followed closely by Nathan Fletcher in fifth place. Sportsmanship was the lesson of the day, and all of the scouts of Pack 50 had a good time competing against their friends.

Family Karate Center News

OPEN HOUSE DAILY

The Family Karate Center is involved with the Heart Disease “Jump For a Cure” jump rope charity event each year for many reasons, but the one that is very personal to the students involves their instructor who passed away from heart disease. Morris Coker was a founding instructor of Family Karate Center, and lost his life to a massive heart attack after teaching class one night seven years ago. Since then, many Family Karate Center parents and grandparents have been diagnosed with heart ailments. The Family Karate Center students and instructors participated in this event that raised more than $475, and were able to get healthy themselves while jumping rope! Congrats go out to the top jumpers and fundraisers Mary Ellis and Georgeann Killough! These students will also participate in many demonstrations, The Walk For Cancer and The Autism Cure Walk. Call 220-9319 today to try FREE classes at our center, 8159 Vaughn Road Peppertree Shopping Center!

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Cultivate Compassion True empathy for others is an essential trait for building self-respect and respect for others. Gentlemen do not bully others and, additionally, they routinely stand up for their friends and those who need a voice. Talk through some situations with your son that would require him to advocate for another person or, at the very least, put him in their shoes. This teaches him to consider another person’s point of view. First, ask your son how he feels about a particular situation, and then ask him what he thinks the other person is feeling. Practice with your younger son by reading together and asking questions like, “How do you think the boy in the book is feeling?” Engaging your son in the emotions of others will help to teach him empathy and compassion.

Learning Leadership In order for your son to have the confidence to be a gentleman in an un-gentlemanly world, he cannot be conditioned to follow the crowd instinctively. These behaviors become especially touchy when older preteens and teens engage in risky behaviors. Help your son develop strong roots and an identity with which he is confident in order to allow him to stand strong against peer pressure and become his best self. Offer your son safe opportunities for decision making so that he can learn

from the outcome. Give him room, within the family, to become an independent and confident thinker. When the time comes, he will be much more likely to go positively against the crowd and bring others along with him.

Listen with Love Being a good listener is essential to making and keeping friends at every stage of life. Model good listening with your son by listening to what he has to say and making sure he listens when you speak to him. One way to accomplish this is by parroting back to him what you believe he is saying within a conversation and having him do the same. If one of you does not fully understand the other, be sure to allow the person who was talking the opportunity to clarify. Not only does this teach your son to be an effective listener, it teaches him to communicate effectively as well.

Create Confidence As he grows, your little gentleman will learn that the world is full of opinions, and those opinions won’t necessarily jive with the family values that you have instilled in him. His beliefs will be challenged and he will come up against many who disagree with his opinions. Let him know that it is OK to respectfully disagree with someone’s perspective while having the selfconfidence to stand up for what he believes.

Exorcise Energy Boys have an extraordinary amount of energy and giving your boy a physical outlet for all of that energy will help him use these powers for good and not evil. Find an appropriate activity that allows him to blow off steam based on his age and interests. Whether this comes in the form of an individual or team sport, long afternoons at the park or a game of tag with neighborhood friends, as he matures, your son will likely continue to find healthy ways to channel his energy so that it does not build up as stress. Help him form this good habit early in life.

Be Generous Show your son that generosity is not always monetary. Perhaps his younger cousin could use some help with soccer drills or his dad needs a hand cleaning out the garage. Keep it simple but allow him to learn to be of service to others. This will give him a chance to feel pride in a good deed, and teach him how his time can mean more to someone than any amount of money ever could. Examine your expectations by the age of your son. As he practices new behaviors and receives recognition for them, you will see him begin to enjoy the process. Start small and remember that, in teaching your son to be a gentleman, you are really working to make the road ahead smoother for him. mp Beth N. Davis writes from Silver Spring, MD where she and her husband are raising their four children, including one little gentleman.

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Johnson’s Martial Arts Begins Community Service Emphasis

Johnson’s Martial Arts Academy has recently started a Community Service and Leadership Club for current karate students at the academy ages 13-18. The students come together once a month and perform a community service project following a leadership workshop. For the month of March the students came together for a canned food drive to donate to Montgomery’s “Food for Kids” Backpack Program.

NextGen Martial Arts Hosts Champion Athlete

NextGen Martial Arts hosted world champion martial arts athlete Mackensi Emory for a Kamas and Tricks seminar on March 14. Emory is a second-degree black belt and the first female to land a double cork. She taught the students drills to improve their kicking techniques and assisted every student to complete both butterfly kicks and aerials. In the kama seminar, she taught weapon manipulations to both beginner and advanced students. Three students represented NextGen at the All-Star Nationals tournament near Atlanta at the beginning of March. The students gained experience and got excellent feedback on ways to improve their performance. Carsyn Hawkins placed first in Musical Forms (ages 12-13) and third in Traditional Forms. Benjamin Jones placed first in Musical Weapons (ages 10-11) and fourth in Traditional Forms. Both Hawkins and Jones qualified to compete for the Youth Black Belt Grand Champion. Mason Hawkins placed first in three divisions (ages 6-7): Traditional Forms, Weapons, and Musical Weapons. NextGen will put on several camps this summer providing structured activities. No experience necessary. In addition, classes in both traditional karate as well as sport karate (XMA and Hyper) are offered. Visit www.nextgenmartialarts.com or call Master Todd Newsom at (334) 590-3759 for details.

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Groups

There Is Hope Ahead. 91

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Calendar/Support Groups Ongoing

Ala. Dept. of Archives & History Exhibit galleries include a children’s gallery and a reference room for genealogical and historical research. Hands-On Gallery includes Grandma’s Attic where you can try on clothes, uniforms, shoes, try an old typewriter, sit at an old school desk or experience making a quilt square. Also visit our History at Home web page to print off fun activities you can do at home. In addition, there are FREE, guided tours of the Museum of Alabama EVERY Saturday at 1 p.m. This is a general overview of Alabama history in our museum galleries led by one of our staff or experienced docents. Stay tuned for upcoming events from the Archives, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook. Call 242-4435 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. Alabama River Region Arts Center in Wetumpka has weekly after-school Arts Clubs which meet on Thursdays from 4-5 & 5-6 p.m. There are three clubs: Guitar (acoustic), Clay (polymer, ie “sculpy”) and Painting/ Drawing. Each Club is $20 a month. Students for Guitar Club must be 10 years old, but 7-year-olds are welcome for the other two. Clubs are limited to the first 10 students, for one month. While children are in Arts Clubs, parents are welcome to stay and browse our Gallery or Resource Library, or just wait in the kitchen with a soda! Studio space is also available on a lease basis. The Pottery Studio is available to ARRAC members trained on the wheel. First Saturday of every month is a free Sit & Sew, from 9 a.m.-noon. Bring your hand-sewing project or sewing machine for a morning of sewing with the ladies. (Bluegrass Jam is going on at the same time in another room.) 300 W. Tallassee St. (former Wetumpka Jr. High building), Wetumpka, AL 36092. Visit www.arrac. org or see us on Facebook: Alabama River Region Arts Center, or call 578-9485 for more information. Artists In Action: 1st Wednesday and 3rd Saturday of EVERY month at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts from noon-2 p.m.. Local and regional artists at work. For more info, call 240-4333. “Artworks,” a hands-on children’s exhibit. FREE. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Blount Cultural Park. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Open until 9 p.m. Thursdays. Closed Mondays. For more info, call 240-4333. Bama Brushstrokes Art Club Meets 9 a.m., 2nd Saturdays of each month, Messiah Lutheran Church, 6670 Vaughn Road, Montgomery. Club members include beginners, intermediate and advanced skill levels. Activities include seminars with wellknown artists. Classes are taught by our members or guest artists. We share our talents with our community in various programs, such as the Memory Box Project for hospice patients through sponsorship by the Society of Decorative Painters. Our chapter creates finished paint projects and murals for various hospitals, libraries, and communitybased organizations. For more info, contact Diana French, president, at garnet2@bellsouth.net. Civil Rights Memorial A monument to those who died and/or risked death in the struggle for civil rights. 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery. For information, call 264-0286. Cloverdale Playhouse “Third Tuesdays” Montgomery’s singers and songwriters perform in our intimate theater space each month on the third Tuesday. Join us for a musical evening in Old Cloverdale. For details, call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org. Also contact us about volunteer opportunities, auditions, and the Playhouse School! First White House of the Confederacy Open on Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This year begins the commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. The First White House of the Confederacy played a significant role during the war and served as Jefferson Davis’ family residence from February-May 1861. Located at 644 Washington Avenue in downtown Montgomery, neighboring the Alabama Department of Archives and History. For more info or to tour the museum, call 2421861 or www.firstwhitehouse.org. W. A. Gayle Planetarium Public Shows offered Mon.-Thurs. at 4 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. and first & third Saturdays at 2 p.m. Admission $6.50/

person, children under 5 free, seniors $5.50/person. 1010 Forest Ave. in Oak Park. Call 625-4799. Montgomery’s Freedom Rides Museum Road to Equality: The 1961 Freedom Rides yearlong exhibit features works of art from top Alabama artists and offers unique interpretations of one of the most pivotal desegregation events in the nation’s history. Located in the capital city’s recently restored 1951 Greyhound Bus Station, the exhibit will remain open every Friday and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment throughout the year. For more info, visit www.freedomridesmuseum.org or www.montgomerybusstation.org MOOseum, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Children’s educational center featuring past, present and future in agriculture and the cattle industry. Free. Group tours should be pre-scheduled. Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. -noon and 1-4 p.m. Last scheduled tour of the day starts at 3:30 p.m. 201 Bainbridge St., Montgomery. For info, call 265-1867 or visit www.bamabeef.org. Old Alabama Town 19th and early 20th century outdoor history museum. Tours Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission:

April2015 Caring For Your Newborn Helps new families become familiar with the basics of caring for your infant in the first six weeks after birth. This interactive class covers routine hospital newborn procedures along with bathing, diapering, swaddling and soothing, normal infant behavior, appearance and sleep patterns. Partners are encouraged to attend. $20 fee per couple. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. Expectant moms should register for classes by the fifth month of pregnancy for best selection as class space is limited. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Childbirth Basics Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year at Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 by your 4th month of pregnancy to register. Childbirth Preparation Class Comprehensive four-week evening series covers all aspects of the labor and delivery experience, admission process,

Find a listing of Public Library Storytimes and Events at MontgomeryParents.com!

Montgomery Parents I April 2015

$8 for adults, $4 for students ages 6-18. Under 6 free. 301 Columbus St., Montgomery. For information, call 240-4500. Prattville-Millbrook Newcomers Club A non-affiliated social club geared to new people moving into the area AND to those looking to form new friendships or just learn more about the area. We will also have interest groups that meet during the month at various times and locations. They could be groups such as canasta, bridge, lunches, movies, etc. General meetings are second Tuesdays September-May at 10 a.m. at the YMCA on McQueen Smith Road. For more information, contact Nancy Schrull at (334) 356-5026 or nschrull@theschrullgroup.com Rosa Parks Museum 252 Montgomery Street, 241-8615. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. -3 p.m. Sundays and holidays, closed. Admission 12 years and under-$5.50/Over 12-$7.50. Alabama college students with a valid student ID: $6.50; discount price for both Museum & Children’s Wing: adults: $14, children $10 . Tales for Tots Join us for this FREE introduction to art in storybooks and in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts galleries for young children and their families. Each time a different work of art and special story will be presented. Next classes are April 15 from 10:30-11 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m. Call 240-4365 or visit www.mmfa.org for more info. YMCA 7 to 11 Club Calling all children ages 7 to 11 for this fun, free event. While Mom and Dad are working out, join us for games, arts & crafts, service projects and more. Earn special beads for participation and try to break records for superior achievements. Monthly special events will be hosted as well. Check with your YMCA center or visit ymcamontgomery.org for more details.

Classes

Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes trouble-shooting common problems to establish a successful breastfeeding experience. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $15. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 to register or for more info.

medication and anesthesia options including epidurals, Caesarean sections, coping and comfort measures including breathing and relaxation techniques. Postpartum care and newborn characteristics are included. A maternity area tour of Baptist Medical Center East is also included as a part of this class. All of our classes are taught by registered nurses certified in childbirth education. This class is $60 per couple. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more information. Expectant moms should register for classes by the fifth month of pregnancy for best selection as class space is limited. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. ID required. Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp Fast-paced Saturday class including the same information offered in our weekly series in a compressed format. Maternity area tour of Baptist Medical Center East is also included as a part of this class. Fee is $60 per couple and includes 2 box lunches. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more information. Expectant moms should register for classes by the fifth month of pregnancy for best selection as class space is limited. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Chinese Language Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Office of Far Eastern Initiatives offers Saturday classes for children and adults. The one-hour weekly courses are provided free-of-charge as a service to the community. For more information or to register, contact April Ma at 244-3018 or ama@aum.edu CPR & First Aid The American Red Cross offers classes in adult and infant/ child CPR as well as first aid and babysitting classes monthly. Call 260-3980. Diabetes Education --Prattville Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available Wednesdays by appointment at Prattville Medical Park. Call 213-6360 for more information. Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 213-6360 for more info. Family Nutrition Classes Fun, hands-on 3 or 6-week in person or online course developed by well-known pediatrician Dr William Sears. Classes focused towards parents of children age 3-12.

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Content includes: Traffic Light Eating, Brainy Breakfasts, the Truth about Fats, Powering up with Protein and Play, and more! The goal is to learn simple ways to improve the health of your child through lifestyle, exercise, attitude, and nutrition. Fee includes materials, activities, and a snack. A 2-hour preview class is available. For more information, contact Alissabeth Taylor at alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or via Facebook www.Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL. Foster Parent Training Classes Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries sponsors foster care training classes in the Tri-County Area. For more information on foster care or to register for the classes, please contact Bobbi Olson, Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, at 334-430-7569 or e-mail bolson@abchome.org. Infant Safety/CPR Class Teaches parents and grandparents the American Heart Association’s Family and Friends CPR for infants and children, including care of the choking infant, infant rescue and breathing with hands-on practice using ACTAR CPR dolls for class participants. Class will also help parents with creating a safe environment for their child. Classes are taught by certified CPR Instructors, but this class is not a certification class. $10 fee per person. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. Expectant moms should register for classes by the fifth month of pregnancy for best selection as class space is limited. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Maternity Area Tour Only Baptist Medical Center East maternity area tour for expectant mothers and families not attending Childbirth Preparation Class or Boot Camp. This tour is complimentary and is offered on select Saturdays of each month. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. Math & Science for Preschoolers Classes for “3-2-1 Blast T.I.M.E.S. (Technology, Innovation, Math, Engineering, & Science)” are held every Monday, excluding federal holidays. Children ages 3-5 will learn math and science concepts through everyday play. Classes are 30 min. long and $8/week. Join us at 1585 E Main St, Prattville (next to Pri-Med), to have fun and get a boost in math & science. Please visit 321 Blast TIMES on Facebook for times. To register or for more info, contact Susan Trombley at 321blasttimes@outlook.com or (334) 380-1879. Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Classes Includes water aerobics, step-floor aerobics and strength training. SportsFirst. Call 277-7130. Pregnancy Nutrition Classes Fun, interactive 3-week series of nutrition classes developed by well-known pediatrician Dr. William Sears. Classes focus on lifestyle choices, attitude, and exercise at any stage of pregnancy; Optimal nutrition before, during and after pregnancy; Transition from pregnancy to motherhood. Courses can be taken separately or as a series. Jump in any time! Materials and snack provided with fee. For more information contact Alissabeth Taylor at alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or via Facebook - www.Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL. Prenatal Breastfeeding Class Baptist Medical Center East class provides expectant mothers with information about breastfeeding including various factors influencing lactation, advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy and physiology of milk production, specific techniques to promote a successful breastfeeding experience and breastfeeding equipment and supplies. Classes are taught by IBLCE instructors. Partners are encouraged to participate in this class. $20 per couple. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. Expectant moms should register for classes by the fifth month of pregnancy for best selection as class space is limited. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Sibling Preparation Class Fun one-hour class is designed for expectant “big brothers and sisters” ages 3 to 8. They will learn about the arrival of their new baby through an introduction to the hospital experience and the early days at home. Parents should plan to attend with their child. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 273-4445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org to schedule. Slow Flow Yoga Lunchtime Yoga Classes at Old Alabama Town. Take a break from your computer desk and relieve your body of all that stress with some slow flow yoga! Instructor Juliet Thomas provides downtown workers with a convenient

way to stretch and reenergize before going back into the office. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11:30-12:15, and 12:30-1:15. Beginners welcome! No registration needed; just come to 310 N. Hull Street (Lucas Tavern) and we will direct you to a place to change and set up your mat. Drop in fee: $12; 5-class pass: $50 (exp. 60 days) Monthly unlimited: $65. Mat rental: $1. Pay by cash or check. Make checks payable to Juliet Thomas. Blocks will be provided. Avoid a big meal before class. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early. Wear comfortable clothing, something to easily move around in. Mats and props are provided if needed, although students may prefer their own mat after a few yoga sessions. Bring water to hydrate on your walk back to the office! No sugary drinks or other food allowed. For more info, call (334) 240-4500 or (334) 207-0909 or e-mail juliet.yoga@icloud.com

Services

American Cancer Society seeks Volunteers for Road to Recovery This program is designed to ensure that cancer patients have transportation to and from medical facilities for treatment. Road to Recovery volunteers can be individual drivers with time to help others or even local companies who allow employees to provide transportation on company time in company cars. Anyone who has a driver’s license, a safe driving record, personal automobile insurance, owns a car or has access to one, and can spare as little as one morning or afternoon a month is encouraged to volunteer. For more information, or to volunteer, please call Luella Giles at 612-8162 or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Hospital Volunteers Volunteers are needed at Baptist Medical Center East, Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville Baptist Hospital. Duties vary by facility but include delivering mail and flowers, transporting patients, staffing waiting rooms and information desks, and furnishing coffee for visitors. Volunteers work one four-hour shift per week. For more info, call 286-2977. Hospice Volunteers Through volunteering at Baptist Hospice, the opportunities to help are endless. Our volunteers are an important part of the patient’s care and are the heart of the hospice family. There are many other ways to help, such as special projects and events or providing administrative support for the staff, that are essential. Volunteers often have special talents and innovative ideas that add so much to our program. Please call Gloria @395-5018 to join our dynamic team. Volunteer Services Jackson Hospital is looking for volunteers for the information desk. These volunteers are needed for the evening shift, 5-8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Volunteers must be friendly and eager to offer information to those visiting the hospital. With this position, a free meal will be given as well as a parking spot next to the lobby. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and are asked to work 4 hours a week. They must complete an application and pass a background check and health screening. If you are interested in volunteering, call 293-8967 or visit www.jackson.org/patients_volunteers. html and fill out the application. Baptist Sleep Disorders Centers Baptist Medical Center South and Prattville. Both centers have the ability to diagnose up to 84 different sleep disorders. There are four board-certified physicians and a clinical psychologist on staff between the two centers. For more information, call 286-3252 for Baptist Medical Center South and 361-4335 for Prattville Baptist Hospital. Jackson Sleep Disorders Center Jackson Hospital houses a sleep disorders center on the third floor of the Goode Medical Building to monitor those who are suffering from sleep disorders. For more information, contact your physician or the Sleep Center at 293-8168. Jackson Hospital Offers Animal Therapy Program to Pediatric Unit Jackson Hospital’s Animal Therapy Program is a vital part of its patient care. Animals in the program are

limited to dogs, and no other animals are allowed to participate. Currently, there are 10 dogs in the program. Their handlers have undergone extensive training and orientation, and visit the hospital weekly. For more information, please call 293-8894.

Support Groups Adoption Support

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more information, call Hannah Taylor at 4099477 or the church office at 272-8622. Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Glynwood Baptist Church, Prattville. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For more info, call 409-9477 or e-mail htaylor@childrensaid.org Panda Pals is a support group for families who have adopted or in the process of adopting children from China. We have playdates, family nights and gettogethers to talk about raising our children from China. If you would like to join our group, just e-mail PandaPals2005@yahoogroups.com or call Tracie Singleton at 395-8215.

Cancer Support

American Cancer Society, including Montgomery, Elmore, Autauga, & Macon Counties: **To access or sign up for these programs, call the American Cancer Society’s Montgomery office at 6128162 or call 1-800-ACS-2345 and you will be connected to the Montgomery office.** Look Good…Feel Better is an American Cancer Society program in which trained volunteer cosmetologists help female cancer patients deal with the side effects of treatment. Patients are taught beauty techniques to enhance their appearance and self image during or after treatments, including ways to disguise hair loss and skin changes. Call Luella Giles at 612-8162 for more info. Man to Man is an American Cancer Society support group for men who are battling or have survived prostate cancer. It offers them education, discussion and support. Please call for next meeting dates at the American Cancer Society Office in Montgomery. OTHER PROGRAMS/SERVICES OFFERED BY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: Reach to Recovery matches newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors on a one on one basis. College scholarships to cancer survivors Free wigs and other supplies for cancer patients Free rides to treatment through our Road To Recovery program (where volunteer drivers use their cars and time to take in need cancer patients to treatment) Free lodging through the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham (if patients are sent to Birmingham for treatment) On-line cancer information classes and support group through www.cancer.org. Information anytime and trained specialists at 1-800ACS-2345 General Cancer Support Group held at Christ Church, 8800 Vaughn Road, Tuesday afternoons at 1 p.m. This is an open group. For more information, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie Diemayer at 467-4578. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 2nd Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Provides education, awareness and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family or friends. For more info, call 272-8622 or e-mail womenofhope@ charter.net.

Divorce Support

DivorceCare will begin meeting at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday night, January 14, from 6-8 pm. It fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce. You will experience the GriefShare group as an oasis in the midst of a difficult season of your life. The Divorce-

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Calendar/Support Groups Care experience involves a dynamic video presentation, group share time, and personal workbook exercises. Facilitators for DivorceCare are Todd Smith, Wendy Timbie and Becki Harrison. To register or for more info, call 279-5433. DivorceCare and DivorceCare 4 Kids First Baptist Church Montgomery, Wednesdays starting August 22 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 (scholarships available). Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc.org or 241-5125. DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K), Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. This group is for children ages 5 and up and helps children of all ages heal from the pain of their parents’ separation and divorce. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Call (334) 495-6368. Divorce Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info.

Financial Support

Financial Peace University will begin meeting at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday night, January 14, from 6-8 pm. It is a biblical, practical and workable plan for your money. Through video teaching, group discussion and interactive small group activities, you will learn God’s way to handle finances. This phenomenal plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely and much more. Financial Peace University will be led by Bill Fiken. To register or for more info, call 279-5433.

Gambling Support

Gamblers Anonymous meetings in the River Region Area: Saturdays @ 7 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 5375 U.S. Hwy. 231 (Directly across from the Winn-Dixie shopping center), Wetumpka. Call (334) 567-7534. Sundays @ 5 p.m., Mental Health Association, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Mondays @ 6 p.m., St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4475 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery. Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: 334-541-5420

Grief Support

Bereaved Spouses Support Group A new ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church, USA (Unavoidably Single Again) Ministries is designed to offer ongoing support, social events and fellowship to those who have lost their spouses to death. The group is open to ALL widowed individuals, regardless of age, religious beliefs, or length of marriage or widowhood. Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at the church’s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail Lynda Coats at farauthor@aol.com for more information. “Big Leap!” Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is designed to meet the needs of children who have experienced the recent loss of a loved one. This group provides a hands-on, safe space for age-appropriate expression of grief. These sessions aim to increase feeling identification, decrease self-blame or guilt, and build coping skills. Through music, art, and play we meet your child or grandchild on their level. We encourage your children to hold tight to their memories as they make a “big leap” into their new future. This group is open to children ages 7-11. Space is limited to 6 participants so call 279-6677. Start date will be determined once reservations are confirmed. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW “Comfort and Conversation,” Wednesdays at 11 a.m., Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is intended to address those affected by a recent loss (0-12 months after death). Through meeting with others who are walking a similar journey, you will be encouraged to work through the complications of your loss, understand your pain, and adjust to your new reality. Space is limited, so please call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW Compassionate Friends, Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Hwy, first Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child. We have an annual spe-

Montgomery Parents I April 2015

cial event on Tuesday, Dec. 4. We will hold a Candlelight Ceremony in memory of our children at 7 p.m. at Eastmont Baptist Church. Registration is encouraged and may be made by calling (334) 284-2721. We will also collect Toys for Tots for anyone interested in participating. “Connect,” Fridays at 11 a.m., biweekly, Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is for those who have already walked through the initial grieving process but still desire to connect with others who share similar experiences. This group will allow you to meet new people, stay active in the community, and look ahead to a bright future. We will share lunch, visit museums, volunteer, attend movies, and participate in area events. We even have a fishing trip on the agenda! This group is ongoing and does not have a participation limit. It’s time to have fun again, come join us! For more info, call 279-6677. Facilitator: Lee Lowry, MSW. Grief Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Rm. 3105. Call 2728622 for more info. GriefShare will begin meeting weekly at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday night, January 14, from 6-8 pm. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. You will find a warm, caring environment for your journey through grief and loss. You will not be left alone to deal with all the grief issues in your life. Three key parts make up your GriefShare experience: video seminar; support group time; and workbook study. GriefShare will be led by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. To register or for more info, call 279-5433. GriefShare, Hospice of Montgomery’s office located at 1111 Holloway Park, Montgomery. Meets Wednesdays from noon-1 p.m. through March. This FREE group is for individuals, families and caregivers in the River Region. Registration required to attend. HOM provides quality palliative care to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those in our community affected by terminal illness; maintains the highest ethical standards; and educates the community about the hospice concept and end-of-life issues. For more information or to register, please contact Candace Fales at 279-6677 or cfales@hospiceofmontgomery.org. Grieving With Hope, St. Mark UMC, meeting weekly on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. The group offers a place to share, care and heal from the losses of life. Facilitated by Dr. Lennie Howard and Marie Parma. Contact the church at 272-0009. Honoring Angels Like Owen, Inc. (HALO) offers family-oriented, Christian-based grief support groups that meet monthly. These groups are for families who have lost a child from 20 weeks gestation up to the age of 2 years old. Our parents’ group is for mothers and fathers. Our siblings’ group is for children ages 6-15. Both groups meet at the same time and place. These groups offer faith-based healing through sharing and emotional support. Meetings offer an outlet for sharing your child’s memory and your day to day struggles, while receiving support of others who have been in similar situations. Please feel free to bring photos of your child to share. HALO also offers free professional photography for families facing the loss of a child up to the age of 2 years old and needs-based financial assistance for burial. Visit www.honoringangelslikeowen. org or call (334) 328-1202. Hospice of Montgomery (HOM) Grief Support Each Wednesday in April from 10:30-11:30 a.m. The support group will meet at Hospice of Montgomery’s office located at 1111 Holloway Park, Montgomery. HOM’s bereavement program is a voluntary one offered to family members and loved ones of HOM’s patient’s who want this type of support. Open to the community. Grief education programs are also available to individuals living within Hospice of Montgomery’s service area. For more info, call (334) 279-6677 or visit www.hospiceofmontgomery.org. Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. We normally meet the last Thursday night of each month at Grace Baptist Church in Wetumpka, 304 Old Montgomery Highway. For more info, contact Alice Scarborough at (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis at (334) 567-8754 or e-mail us at mourningtomorning@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook--Mourning to Morning Group. Our purpose is to glorify God as we serve Him in comforting and encouraging each other in our grief and growth.

April2015 Homeschool Support

ECHO (Elmore County Homeschool Organization), Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. 2nd and 4th Fridays year-round from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a support group for homeschooling families in the tri-county area. Membership is free. For more info, please visit http://www.onlineecho.com

Illness Support

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Day Care, Frazer Memorial UMC, Thursdays, in Room 3101, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There is no charge, but registration is required. For more information, call the Congregational Care office at 272-8622. Each participant needs to bring a sack lunch. On the first Thursday of each month, the Caregivers’ Support Group meets in Room 3103 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (This group will NOT meet in January due to New Year’s Day.) For the support group, call the church at 272-8622. Cardiolife, a FREE educational series for congestive heart failure patients and their caregivers, meets 4th Thursdays of each month, 10-11 a.m. Diabetes Center classroom, Jackson Hospital. For more info, call 279-6677. Topics include: Lifestyle Changes, A Heart Healthy Diet, Proper Fluid Intake, Importance of Daily Weights and Exercise Tolerance. Support for this program provided by River Region Supportive Care – a Division of Hospice of Montgomery. Facilitated by Arla Chandler, RN, BSN, MBA. Celebrate Recovery is a 12-step-Christian process to help you cope with hurts, hang-ups, and habits on a weekly basis. It will begin meeting at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday night, January 14, from 6-8 pm. This Christ-centered recovery will provide a safe place to share and to heal. You will also experience hope and strength for each day. “Celebrate Recovery” will be led by Jeff McFarland. To register or for more info, call 279-5433. Christians Against Substance Abuse (CASA) is a 12-step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Using the steps and the Bible, we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, learning to make amends for destructive behavior, then fill the void in our hearts by developing a loving relationship with God. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 p.m. Please contact the Prattville Church of Christ office, 344 East Main St. in Prattville (334-365-4201), for additional information. Depression/Bipolar Support Alliance, Room 3101 at Frazer UMC, 1st Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. This group is for those with depression and bipolar illness and their families. For more info, call 2728622 or visit dbsamontgomery@yahoo.com. (This group will NOT meet at Frazer in January due to New Year’s Day.) Meetings also available 3rd Saturday afternoons from noon-2 p.m. at Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway. For more info, call 652-1431. Depression & Bipolar Support, Montgomery Public Library Main Branch, 245 High Street downtown, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, 3rd Saturdays, Noon-2 p.m.; OR 1609 West Street, north off Carter Hill and Narrow Lane, 2nd Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Call 2019638 or 652-1431 for more info. Gluten Intolerance Group (www.gluten.net) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide support to those with any form of gluten intolerance. GIG-Montgomery assists with awareness of diverse potential symptoms, which can range from fatigue and headaches to nausea and intestinal problems. Guidelines are provided on how to eat safely both at home and eating out. Another objective is to facilitate more effective communication between the local gluten-free community and stores, restaurants and the medical community. Meets 2nd Thursdays, 6-7 p.m., at Taylor Road Baptist Church, Fellowship Suite (faces entrance of EastChase-NE. Turn on Berryhill Rd. by EastChase). Check the blog for special “alternate site” meetings (www.glutenfreemontgomery.blogspot.com) For more info, you may also e-mail dr.hetrick@charter.net or visit the group’s Facebook page. Montgomery Area Mended Hearts, First floor of Montgomery Cardiovascular Institute on the campus

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of Baptist Medical Center South. For anyone who has experienced cardiac illness. Third Mondays, alternates between 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Call 286-3410 for more info. NAMI Montgomery (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) provides understanding, education and information to family members and friends of those who suffer mental illness. The NAMI Montgomery Family Member Support Group meets second Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in room 3103 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Call Mary Jo Logan (271-2280) for details. OCD Support Group (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) Long showers, multiple hand-washing, rituals, checking the stove, hoarding and symmetry. This support group is open to anyone who has struggled with OCD. You’re not alone anymore. This group is just getting started so a specific meeting time has not been set yet. Location will be 5500 Ash Grove Circle, Montgomery. Call Donald at 220-7555 for more info. Overeaters Anonymous, Unity of Montgomery, 1922 Walnut St., Saturdays from 3-4 p.m. Contact Misty at 324-9568 or Carol at 467-5742. Parkinson’s Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, meets on 4th Thursdays at 6 p.m. in Room 8114. Group is for Parkinson’s patients and their family members. For more info, call 272-8622. Traumatic Brain Injury Support, cafeteria at HealthSouth on Narrow Lane in Montgomery. 2nd Thursdays at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Alabama Head Injury Foundation for anyone with a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or related disability. For more information, contact Holli at (334) 290-0646 or e-mail: ahif_montgomery_auburn@yahoo.com. Visit www.ahif. org. Veterans OEF/OIF Caregivers Support Group meets 3rd Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 3108 at Frazer Memorial UMC. This group provides support and understanding to those caring for OEF/ OIF Veterans. For more information, contact LaQuana Edwards, Caregiver Support Coordinator at CAVHCS, (334) 727-0550 ext. 5350.

Parent Support

D.A.D.S. (Dad and Daughter Saturdays) Second Saturdays at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Library in downtown Montgomery at 11 a.m. D.A.D.S. is the vision of local resident and Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce staff member Ron Simmons and his daughter Erin. It gives fathers and daughters an opportunity to read together to create fun, educational memories. All fathers in the River Region are invited to bring their daughters to the library to read, laugh and have fun. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Montgomery City-County Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque. For more information, call Ron Simmons at (334) 777-8596. La Leche League of Montgomery, East Imaging Center on Winton Blount Blvd., Montgomery, 3rd Fridays, 10 a.m. Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers who have completed an accreditation program and are familiar with breastfeeding management techniques as well as current research. Meetings are free and open to all women. Expecting moms, children and grandmothers also welcome. If you need information before the next scheduled meeting, please contact Bridgit (569-1500), Amy (356-3547), or Heather (LLL_ heather@yahoo.com). Mom2Mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of preschoolers at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. E-mail Mom2mom@ frazerumc.org for more information. Moms’ LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) First Baptist Church, Prattville. Meets twice monthly from 8:30-11:45 a.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Prattville August through May. For moms of all stages and ages of life. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guests, special guest speakers and a lot of fun! Cost is $5 per meeting. Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call Kelley Manning at 361-7919. The Montgomery Multiples Club is a non-profit organization offering support to the mothers and fami-

lies of twins, triplets, and more in the Central Alabama region. They have a mom’s night out with dinner once a month. They also have a yard sale twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall. For more info, visit http:// montgomerymultiplesclub.org. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St., Montgomery. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Moms, need a little break? MOPS is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Visit www.montgomeryfbc.org/MOPS or contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Vaughn Forest Baptist Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, Montgomery. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Are you in need of a time-out? Then have we got the place for you! MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. Childcare is provided. For more info, e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Redland Baptist Church in Wetumpka. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month (beginning April 7) from 9-11 a.m. during the school year. We will also have scheduled play dates and mom’s nights out through the summer and beyond. Women can come just as they are to build friendships, be encouraged by each other and gain practical parenting strategies. Moms get together to share food, laugh, and hear inspiring speakers. While moms are in a MOPS meeting, their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. In a MOPS group, you experience authentic community, mothering support, personal growth and spiritual hope, all to help you be the best mom possible. For more info, please call (334) 567-8649 or visit www.mops.org/redlandmops.

Pregnancy Loss/Infertility

Hannah’s Prayer, Prattville First United Methodist Church, 2nd Thursdays and 3rd Sundays. Support group for women dealing with pregnancy loss/infertility issues. Call (334) 365-5977. Sav-A-Life conducts a HOPE GROUP for women who have experienced the emotional aftermath of an abortion. Groups meet eight consecutive Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. and are facilitated by women who have experienced abortion. The “Forgiven and Set Free” Bible study is used. Confidientiality is assured. Please call Kathy at 260-8010 for information.

Single Parents Support

Single Moms’ Care and Support Group, Perry Hill United Methodist Church, 910 Perry Hill Road (corner of Perry Hill and Harrison Roads). Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15-8 p.m. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants-16 years. Call 272-3174 for more info. Singles’ Small Groups, Frazer Memorial UMC, Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622 for more info. SWAK (Single with Amazing Kids), Maxwell / Maxwell Gunter AFB. This network is connecting and empowering single parents and their families through information, encouragement, and many family-oriented events throughout the year. We meet the last Wednesday or Thursday of each month. For more info, e-mail t2763@ aol.com. Join us on Facebook—SWAK (Single with Amazing Kids) for daily restaurant specials, area kid-friendly events, and tips/ideas for families on a budget. TNT (Tuesday Night Together) for Singles, Frazer Memorial UMC, Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, Bldg. 7000. A meal ($5) and program are provided. For reservations, call 272-8622.

Special Needs Support

Central Alabama Autism Support Team (C.A.A.S.T.), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Hwy. 31 in Prattville from 6-8 p.m. 3rd Thursdays quarterly (Feb., May, Aug., Nov.). Visit www.easysite.com/caast or e-mail casst50@yahoo.com for more info. Down Syndrome Support, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 2nd Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Childcare

provided. Call Hope Smith at 328-8766 or visit www. montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com for information. Montgomery Area Hearing Loss Support Group meets monthly at the Wesley Building of the First Methodist Church in Montgomery on 2nd Thursdays at 4 p.m. It is affiliated with the nationally recognized non-profit advocacy group, Hearing Loss Association of America. The purpose is to bring together all adults and parents of children who would like to know more about hearing losses, its causes and its possible corrections. Licensed audiologists make brief presentations explaining their local programs, their offices and the availability of hearing tests, of possible medical corrections, and/of hearing aids and cochlear implants. Refreshments at each meeting. For more info, contact HearingInfo@earthlink.net. River Region Autism Support Group, Cafe Louisa (in Old Cloverdale), 1036 E. Fairview Ave. We meet on 1st Saturdays from 4-6 p.m. This group is comprised of parents whose children are on the autism spectrum. We also welcome others involved with autistic children, such as grandparents, friends, teachers, therapists, etc. For more info about how to join the group, or if you plan to attend a meeting, e-mail Lyra Stephens at LyraStephens@yahoo.com. Special Needs Skate 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month. 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Looney’s Super Skate, 3541 McGehee Rd. in Montgomery. All ages welcome. Sensory sensitive. Volunteers available for assistance. $5 admission. For more information, contact Lyrastephens@yahoo.com.

Teens/Families Support

Life is Fun Together (LIFT): A FREE Relationship and Marriage Enrichment Program providing different educational and fun-filled seminars to individuals and families. The LIFT Program is provided through Family Guidance Center of Alabama in partnership with the Alabama Community Healthy Marriage Initiative. Call Tonya Rogers at 2704100 for class start dates or more info! “Relationship Smarts Plus” teaches teens in grades 7-12 about healthy relationships in a fun, interactive way. Six-week sessions are available throughout the year on Mondays from 4–6 p.m. “Smart Steps for Stepfamilies” is a six-week session that helps stepfamilies learn strategies to strengthen and stabilize their families. Parents and children ages 8 and up meet in their own groups, then meet up at the end of each session for a fun family activity! “Together We Can” gives non-married parents the skills they need to maintain healthy relationships between themselves and their children. “How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk (or Jerkette)” teaches single adults how to get the most out of dating. “Mastering the Magic of Love” is a communication class for all couples. Bring your spouse, fiancé, or that special someone in your life with you to learn new communication techniques and enhance your skills as a team of two. All adults are welcome, including graduates looking for a refresher! Also…. LIFT has a brand-new program just for parents of teens!!! “Bridging the Great Divide: Parents and Teens Communicating About Healthy Relationships” is perfect for parents or guardians who want open lines of communication with their teen. Topics include “Principles of Dating & Healthy Relationships,” “Sensitive Topics,” “Rules & Boundaries,” and more!!! Building D of Family Guidance Center, 2358 Fairlane Drive. This workshop lasts only three weeks, so call TODAY to reserve your spot! You can look at a calendar of LIFT classes & events online by visiting our LIFT web page: http://www.familyguidancecenter. org/ Remember, LIFT has FREE programs for singles, couples, stepfamilies, parents, teens, and now parents of teens! Call 270-4100 or e-mail trogers@familyguidancecenter.org if you didn’t see your class listed so we can contact you when the next one starts. Support Group for Teens with difficulties communicating with parents and friends. Contact Felicia Pressley at Pressley Counseling by leaving a message at (334) 625-0159.

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Calendar/Support Groups This Month Saturday, April 4

AUM Offers Free Mandarin Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Confucius Institute continues to offer free Mandarin classes to the community. To register, send the student’s name, age and contact information to ama@aum.edu. 11th Annual Autism Crawfish Boil Rock Bottom American Pub, noon-5 p.m. Tickets: $25, if purchased before March 20; $35 after March 20 and sold at the door. VIP tickets: $50; kids’ tickets: $10. Tickets can be purchased at Easter Seals Central Alabama, Rock Bottom American Pub, the Seafood Bistro, or online at www.eastersealsca.org. To learn more about the 11th Annual Autism Crawfish Boil, please contact Varina at (334) 387-3256 or e-mail vmead@eastersealsca.org. Santuck Flea Market Outdoor flea market features booths with arts, crafts, antiques, novelties, imports, food and more. Free admission with free parking available. For more info, call (334) 567-7400. Home Depot Kids’ Workshop Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Today’s project is “Learn How to Build a Chalkboard Planter Stand.” Come learn how to build a pair of bookends with sports or flowers stickers. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates’ aprons, and an achievement pin. 9 a.m.-noon. Ages 5-12. Free.

Sunday, April 5

Cloverdale-Idlewild Spring Concert Series -- Also April 12, 19 & 26 4-7 p.m. Everyone is welcome, so bring friends and family! Leashed dogs are also welcome, so bring your furry babies as well! April 5 is Fibergrass; April 12 is Blackbird Pickers; April 19 is The Back, Hines, Mason Dixie Trio; and April 26 is Ziggy Luis. ADMISSION IS FREE! Bring your chairs or blankets (or both), coolers, snacks. Plan to sit under the beautiful oak trees in the park setting and enjoy the music. More info on Facebook.

Monday, April 6

Science Classes 3-2-1 Blast T.I.M.E.S. (Technology, Innovation, Math, Engineering, & Science) classes are held every Monday, excluding federal holidays. Children, ages 3 through 2nd grade, will learn science concepts through everyday play. Classes are 30 mins. Join us at Kazoo Toys in Montgomery at 10:15 a.m. or 1585 E. Main St. in Prattville (next to Pri-Med) at 12:05 p.m., to have fun and get a boost in math & science. Please visit 321 Blast TIMES on Facebook, e-mail 321blasttimes@outlook.com, or call 334-380-1879 to register or request more info.

Tuesday, April 7

Science Classes 3-2-1 Blast T.I.M.E.S. (Technology, Innovation, Math, Engineering, & Science) classes are held every Tuesday at Kazoo Toys. Children, ages 3-2nd grade, will learn science concepts through everyday play. Classes are 30 minutes. Join us at Kazoo Toys in Montgomery at 4:45 pm, to have fun and get a boost in math & science. Please visit 321 Blast TIMES on Facebook, e-mail 321blasttimes@outlook.com, or call (334) 380-1879 to register or request more info.

Wednesday, April 8

Central Alabama Master Gardener (CAMGA) Lunch & Learn Program Held at the Elmore County Extension (ACES) facility on Queen Ann Road in Wetumpka, these free events for the public are held on the second Wednesday of each month, beginning at noon and ending at 1 p.m. Attendees are invited to bring their lunch and learn.

Montgomery Parents I April 2015

This month’s topic is Holiday Deocrating with Natural Materials. Beverages are provided by CAMGA. For more information, call the ACES office at 567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/counties/Elmore/. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Presents The Art of Baking Puppet Show -- Through April 10 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. shows each day, open to the public. Geared primarily for children 3 to 6 years of age, this is a reservation-only program and is free. Memorable characters guide children into a world of colors and shapes, texture and music, mixed with a dose of laughter. The puppet show will be followed by a mini tour of the galleries called “Cake Walk.” Both incorporate learning techniques in the arts. Please contact Jill Byrd at (334) 240-4359 to register. ARTWORKS will not be available during the puppet show.

Thursday, April 9

ZZ Top with Opening Act Ben Miller Band at Montgomery Performing Arts Centre 7:30 p.m. The sharp-dressed men are bringing their signature mix of Southern rock, blues and boogie to MPAC! The original trio of guitarist Billy F. Gibbons, bassist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard have been thrilling audiences since the group’s inception in 1969 and their unmistakable sound and attitude have cemented their status with popular hits including “Sharp Dressed Man,” “La Grange,” “Legs,” and “Gimme All your Lovin.’” Call 481-5100 or www.mpaconline.org. Opening Night at the Montgomery Biscuits Riverwalk Stadium at 7:05 p.m. The Biscuits kick off the season with an exciting game against the Chattanooga Lookouts. After the game enjoy a show with MAX Fireworks Spectacular! For more info, call (334) 323-2255 or visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com. Kenny Chesney Live at Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center 7 p.m. Tickets begin at $32. Visit www.bjcc.org/ or call (205) 458-8400 for tickets. Millbrook Community Theatre Presents Ghost of a Chance -- Through April 19 7:30 p.m. performances except for April 12 & 19 at 2 p.m. Bethany is bright, strong, independent, beautiful and has zero self esteem. She has brought her fiancée, Floyd, and his mother, Verna, up to her cabin in the woods, the site of the hunting accident that killed Chance, her first husband. Much to her consternation, he, or rather, his ghost is still there. For tickets or more info, visit www.millbrooktheatre. com or call (334) 782-7317. Join us on Facebook. Faulkner Dinner Theatre Presents Into the Woods Through May 2 Theatre doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner is served from 6:15 until 7. The show begins promptly at 7:30. Tickets are $26.50 and include dinner and the show. Members of the military can purchase tickets for just $21.50. Reservations must be paid in advance. To make reservations or for more information, call 877-840-0457 or visit http://www.ticketforce.com/.

Friday, April 10

Parents’ Night Out at the Wetumpka Family YMCA A monthly Parents’ Night Out program for parents of kids 12 years and under offered the 2nd Friday of each month from 6-10 p.m. Games, arts and crafts, a movie and hot dogs are offered. Cost is $10 per child for members and $15 per child for non-members. You must register by the Thursday prior. Call 567-8282 for more info. 55th Annual Youth in City Government Day Sponsored by YMCA of Greater Montgomery, in tandem with The Optimist Club of the Capital City, as a part of Optimist International Youth Appreciation Week. Program—8:30 AM to 11 AM, and 1 PM to 2:30 PM at City Hall--103 North Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104; Lunch—11:30 AM to 1 PM at Capital City Club Capri Classics Presents Blade Runner: The Final Cut -- Also April 11 7:30 p.m. The 1982 classic sci-fi thriller starring Harrison Ford and directed by Ridley Scott. Rated R. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents King Lear Through May 10 The lust of power is all in this epic tale of a once-

April2015 noble monarch driven to madness and ruin by family betrayal, treachery and regret. Experience the fall of a dynasty in one of Shakespeare’s greatest works. Visit www.asf.net or call 271-5353. Miss Gravy’s Birthday & Princess Night Game starts at 7:05 p.m. Come out to Montgomery Biscuits Riverwalk Stadium and wish Miss Gravy a happy 1st birthday! Help us celebrate with a princess themed birthday party. Come dressed as your favorite princess and meet Miss Gravy! Visit www.milb.com for details. Parents’ Night Out at United Gymstars & Cheer Also April 17 & 24 6:30-10:30 p.m. $20/child. Pizza and drink provided. Fun games, trampolines, rope swing, tumble tracks, foam pits and more! Call (334) 284-2244 to reserve your spot! Walk-ins welcome (until maximum capacity is reached). **Must have at least 20 people signed up ahead of time or it will be cancelled.** Visit www. unitedgymstarsandcheer.com for more info. Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets -- Also Meets April 24 Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a non-profit support group for homeschooling families. We provide a positive socialization environment for homeschooled children & support and encourage their parents in the homeschooling process. We meet the second and fourth Friday of every month year-round from 10 a.m. to noon at Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. Membership is free and is open to all homeschoolers in the tri-county area. ECHO has field trips, park days, holiday parties, enrichment activities, and a yearly awards ceremony. For details, visit http://www.onlineecho.com.

Saturday, April 11

Dads and Daughters Saturday (D.A.D.S) Calling ALL Fathers and Daughters for storytimes, fun and laughs, 11 a.m.-noon every 2nd Saturday at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Library. There will be singing, dancing and arts & crafts. So come visit us and have an enjoyable time! For more info, visit www. facebook.com/events/1374454692792666/?source=1. Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic 10 a.m. Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Today’s project is “See-It-Grow.” Spring is here and it’s time to start gardening! Your child will love learning about plants and watching them grow with this great kit. Ages 5-12. Free. Online registration opens a few weeks before each clinic’s date. For more info, visit www.lowesbuildandgrow.com or call your local Lowe’s. Native American Family Day at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 1-4 p.m. Celebrate the arts, culture and traditions of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians with hands-on art activities such as basket weaving and pottery, native dance demonstrations, and story-telling. Visit www. mmfa.org or call (334)240-4365 for details. Saturday Jam Sessions at Old Alabama Town Also April 25 Pick and grin at Saturday Jam Sessions in the Rose House at Old Alabama Town. Bring your acoustic instruments and have fun. 9 a.m.-noon. For more information, call (334) 240-4500 or visit www. oldalabamatown.com. Books, Balls, and Blocks Event FREE event hosted by Heritage Child Development Center from 9 a.m.-noon in the Family Life Center at 1849 Perry Hill Road. This event is for parents and children ages birth to 5 years of age. The goal is for parents to be able to observe their children in 18 different play areas and determine whether or not they meet developmental milestones. Parents will use the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and will be able to see first-hand where their children are in the areas of communication, motor skills, and problem solving. In addition, other agencies will be onsite distributing information or providing screenings. For questions, please call Heritage Child Development Center at (334) 279-0643. Registration not required but suggested. Second Saturdays -- Through August 5-9 p.m. Riverfront Park holds this family-friendly event including live entertainment, games for all ages (bocce ball and more!), food vendors and adult libations at the

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SandBAR at the Silos. $1 admission. 12 and Under Free All Proceeds benefit EAT South. Fireworks at 9 p.m. For more info, call 625-2100 or visit www.funinmontgomery.com. Bob Dylan at Montgomery Performing Arts Centre 8 p.m. Reserved seats begin at $59.50. Tickets are on sale online at www.ticketmaster.com, the MPAC box office or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Also visit www.mpaconline.org for more info. Alabama Book Festival Alabama’s largest literary event hosts more than 35 authors and exhibitors in Montgomery’s historic Old Alabama Town. The family-friendly, free event includes book-related activities for children and adults. Among the exhibitors will be publishers, authors, schools, and literary and arts organizations. In keeping with the Alabama Tourism Department’s designation of 2015 as the Year of Alabama Barbecue, some books and vendors will be barbecue-related. Highlights of the 2015 Alabama Book Festival include appearances by Alabama native Rick Bragg, whose most recent book is the biography Jerry Lee Lewis: His Own Story. Awardwinning novelist Ravi Howard will discuss his historical novel Driving the King, about Montgomery native Nat King Cole and his personal driver. Big Fish author Daniel Wallace will present his illustrated children’s picture book, The Cat’s Pajamas, and Lynn Cullen will talk about her historical fiction novel Mrs. Poe. To sign up as a volunteer or to see the complete list of authors and exhibitors, visit www.alabamabookfestival.org. Healthy Kids for Kids 3rd Annual 5K/10K Run Raise awareness in the fight against child abuse. Beginner runners, avid runners, first timers, and walkers are welcome to join. Superhero costumes ARE encouraged! We are also encouraging teams of four or more to participate. Following the run, we are “Celebrating Kids” in Confederate Park. Events include: a free children’s concert featuring Jack Hartmann, massage therapy for runners, face painting, choirs, youth groups, and much more! These events are free. $20 entry fee until March 13; $25 entry fee March 14-April 10; $30 entry fee day of race. Day of schedule: registration: 7-8:30 a.m.; 5k/10k: 8:30 a.m.; Fun Run: 10 a.m.; and Jack Hartmann performance: 10:30 a.m. To register visit: http://www.active.com/greenville-al/running/distancerunning-races/healthy-kids-for-kids-5k-10k-fun-run2015?int or contact Susan Lowman at (334) 371-2104 or by e-mail at slowman.healthykidsal@gmail.com. Prepared Childbirth Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Topics include stages of labor, breathing and relaxation techniques, the role of the coach, and proper care of mother and baby after delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year, from 9 a.m.-noon. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 or e-mail liz.owen@jackson.org. Relationships - The Fuel That Fires Up Your Success presented by Tasha Scott 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Park Place Center, 8650 Minnie Brown Road, Suite 170 in Montgomery. Tasha Scott, a local entrepreneur, speaker and personal development coach, challenges women professionals, entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, and business owners to stay the course of their dreams and grow personally through community and fellowship. This is the second of a three-part series of personal development workshops. Special guest Renee Williams, owner of ClassA Casting and assistant casting director of the movie, Selma, will speak in addition to Scott. Registration is $67. Visit www.tashamscott.com/workshops for registration information. 2015 Alabama Flora and Fauna Arts Festival Free admission event at Lanark in Millbrook from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. This artistic celebration of Alabama’s magnificent plants and wildlife will feature the original nature-themed works of Alabama artists in a variety of mediums and style, to include ready-to hang wildlife and floral paintings, wood and stone sculpted items, fine prints, gourd art, photography and much more! After you have been all-inspired at the Festival, hike the trails and enjoy beautiful flowers and nature’s splendor. Although the Festival is only a one-day event, the Alabama Nature Center will be open to the general public Sunday, April 12, from 1-6 p.m. Visit www. alabamawildlife.org or call (800) 822-9453.

Little Boots Rodeo Annual Children’s Rodeo event for ages 3-16, held at Garrett Coliseum. It includes Queen and Princess Contests, All Around Cowboy and Cowgirls, Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, Mutton Riding, Calf Roping, Goat Scramble, Calf Scramble, Pole Bending, Stick Horse Race, Truck Race and more! Sponsored by the Montgomery County Cattlemen’s Association, this is fun-filled family entertainment. Visit www.thegarrettcoliseum.com/. Pike Road Community Yard Sale 7 a.m.-noon. Pike Road Town Hall. Reserve a booth for $25 by calling Tosha Thomley at 272-9883 or by e-mailing her at tosha@pikeroad.us. All booth proceeds benefit the Pike Road Lions Club. Zoo Weekend -- Also April 12 9 a.m.-6 p.m. both days. Festive environment with live entertainment, games, rides, concessions and animals from around the world. Enjoy the many activities, fantastic food and have fun together at an affordable price. It is also an excellent opportunity to take advantage of discounted memberships. Call (334) 240-4900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com.

Trio Solisti Concert Join the Montgomery Chamber Music Organization for a special concert at the Wilson Auditorium of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA). There will be a special Spring Fling Tailgate Party in Café M at 12:30 p.m. prior to the concert. Single concert tickets at the door for just one concert are $30 for adults and $10 for students, if available. Or ticket packages may be purchased for the entire Montgomery Chamber Concert Series - $100 per adult for the (4 concerts) or $40 per student concert series. Tickets for the Tailgate Party (which will include a gourmet buffet and complimentary beer and wine bar) are $30 per person. To purchase tickets, or for more info, call (334) 277-3505 or visit www.montgomerychambermusic.org/concerts.html. Bark in the Park/Kids Day 2:05 p.m. Enjoy a baseball game at Riverwalk Stadium with your furry, four-legged friend! Bring out the kids and join us for pre-game catch on the field and post game Coke Kids Run the Bases! Visit www.milb.com/.

experienced home schooling families, learn about local home school coverings, gather resources, network with other home schooling families and find answers to your questions. RSVP to homeshoolrules2015@yahoo.com. Childcare will not be provided. Capri Classics Presents Back to the Future 7:30 p.m. Classic comedy featuring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. Rated PG. For more info, visit www. capritheatre.org. Wetumpka Crater Crawl Glow in the Dark Fun Run & 5K Registration begins at 5 p.m. at the City Administrative Building, 408 S. Main Street. 5K Run begins at 7:15 p.m. Fun Run begins at GoldStar Park at 8 p.m. Call (334) 5674811 or visit www.wetumpkachamber.org. River Region Bestows 2015 Volunteer of the Year Awards HandsOn River Region and the Junior League of Montgomery will hold their annual awards celebration for the Volunteer of the Year at 3:30 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church. This year’s keynote speaker is Stephen Black, the dynamic founder of Impact America. The Volunteer of the Year program provides an excellent, free opportunity to recognize and express appreciation to community volunteers. Thanks to the generous support of our title sponsor, Singleton Marine Group, a $500 cash contribution will be made on behalf of each award recipient to the nominating nonprofit agency. Theatre AUM Presents The Lesson -- Through April 26 By Eugene Ionesco. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $10 for the general public and $5 for seniors, non-AUM students and military. AUM faculty, staff and students admitted free of charge. No late seating. Children younger than age 6 not admitted. For reservations, contact Katie Pearson at 244-3632 or kpearso2@aum.edu. Wetumpka Depot Players Present Picnic -Through May 2 Written by William Inge and directed by Tom Salter, Picnic is a three-act play set in a small town in Kansas. It details the lives of “ordinary” Americans, from hopeful widows and embittered spinsters to idealistic teenagers and restless wanderers. The play was first performed on Broadway in 1953 and was adapted into a motion picture in 1955, starring William Holden and Kim Novak. For ticket info, visit www.wetumpkadepot.com or call (334) 868-1440.

Monday, April 13

Friday, April 17

Sunday, April 12

Broadway in Birmingham: Blue Man Group at Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Through April 15 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $34 Visit www.bjcc.org/ or call (205) 458-8400 for tickets or more info.

Tuesday, April 14

VEG OUT Montgomery 6-8 p.m. Join EAT South for its monthly plant-based diet pot luck dinners on the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. Located at the EAT South Farm at Hampstead community. Look for a big red barn! For more information, call 422-9331, e-mail info@eatsouth. org or visit www.facebook.com/VegOutMontgomery.

Wednesday, April 15

Bob Dylan & His Band at Montgomery Performing Arts Centre 8 p.m. For almost 50 years, Bob Dylan has remained one of the most influential American musician rock & roll has ever produced. Described as Folk, Blues, Rock and Roll. Call 481-5100 or visit www.mpaconline.org.

Thursday, April 16

ArchiTreats: Food For Thought The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Noon-1 p.m. Bring lunch and a drink and join us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Today’s topic is “Mobile 1865: The Siege & Reduction of Spanish Fort & Fort Blakeley,” presented by Robert Bradley. Call 353-4726 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. Free Home Schooling Information Meeting Considering home schooling? Come to a free, informative meeting from 6-8 p.m. at Lakeview Baptist Church, 9225 Atlanta Highway in Montgomery. Hear from

Friday Night Live Dance for 5th and 6th graders 7-10 p.m. Doster Community Center, Prattville. $5 per child. Friday Night Live dances are for 5th & 6th graders who are students of Autauga County Schools. Every child must be on the school roster in order to attend. We encourage all interested parents to chaperone along with Parks and Recreation staff. If you are interested in chaperoning, you must register by calling the office the day before the dance. Children will not be allowed to leave until their parent or guardian arrives to pick them up. This is for your child’s safety. Please call (334) 595-0100 for more info. Wetumpka High School Performing Arts Presents Bring it On: The Musical -- Through April 25 Performances are at 6:30 p.m. April 17, 18, 24 and 25 and 3:30 p.m. April 19 and 25 at Wetumpka Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $8. The matinee performances will be using understudies in some roles. For more info, call (334) 303-1667.

Saturday, April 18

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents As You Like It -- Through May 9 “All the world’s stage” in this merry romp with maidens in disguise, feuding brothers, couples falling in love and a heroic rescue from a hungry lion. Eight actors play multiple characters in this condensed version of Shakespeare’s classic but frisky romantic comedy. Visit www.asf.net or call 2715353 for tickets. Wetumpka Craterfest 2-7 p.m. This is a family-friendly music and art festival in downtown Wetumpka, along the banks of the beautiful Coosa River at Gold Star Park. Free Kidzone with inflatables, pony rides, a kiddie train and kiddie swings. Unique arts & crafts booths, scrumptious concessions, and live bands featuring up and coming talent from the Alabama Region, such as Logan Mize. Festival & parking

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Calendar/Support Groups are free. Contact jyoung@wetumpkachamber.org or call (334) 567-4811. “All Tied Up” Project 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Series of workshops that teaches young men how to dress for success, and make responsible choices that will prepare them for the real world. FREE for young men ages 13-17. Registration is required and includes lunch, neck tie and a workshop bag. Register at www.alltiedupproject.org/. Civil War Walking Tour 9 a.m. Join Mary Ann Neeley, noted historian and author, and Bob Bradley, chief curator for the Alabama Department of Archives and History, for this fascinating tour of Civil War sites in downtown Montgomery. See the Winter Building where the telegraph went out to fire on Fort Sumter and the Capitol steps where Jefferson Davis was sworn in as the president of the Confederacy. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water for this walking tour from the Capitol to the river. $10 charge. Visit www.oldalabamatown.com for more info. Oakwood Cemetery Tour -- Also April 25 9 a.m. Mary Ann Neeley, retired director of Old Alabama Town, leads this tour of Montgomery’s oldest cemetery. Meet inside the front gate of the cemetery on Wetumpka Road for a glimpse into the lives of some of Montgomery’s most interesting former residents. $10 charge. Visit www. oldalabamatown.com for more info. Healthy Kid’s Day at YMCA The nation’s largest health day for kids and families at more that 1,800 YMCAs nationwide. YMCA Healthy Kid’s Day encourages families to “Put Play in Their Day” during a free, fun-filled day that includes interactive games, engaging and creative family activities, and health give-aways to encourage children and families to adopt behaviors that support a healthier lifestyle. Visit any of our 8 participating centers from 9-10 a.m. or from 1-3 p.m. and play ‘til you drop. The first 3,000 kids will receive giveaways. We will also collect both children’s and adult’s gently used athletic shoes at ALL of our centers. These shoes will be donated to a YMCA in Ghana Africa. Those who donate shoes will receive a no joining fee for ONE day only for all of our YMCAs. In addition, we will have a NO REGISTRATION fee for all of our summer camps and summer childcare and people on hand all day to help you get set up with summer activities for children. For more info, visit ymcamontgomery.org. Military Appreciation Dance Recital at the University of Montevallo 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Palmer Hall Auditorium, 1020 Highland Street, University of Montevallo. This event is sponsored by United by Dance, an organization that promotes fellowship and a common place for dancers desiring to grow and exemplify their passion for the art of dance. UBD provides an avenue for its members to demonstrate leadership among the Montevallo student body by using the art of dance to inspire and encourage others. Military personnel may attend for free; children 3 years & under are free; children over 3 are $3; and adults are $5. For more info, e-mail adavis32@ forum.montevallo.edu or call (334) 233-3975. A portion of all United by Dance performance proceeds will be gifted to local non-profit and social service organizations whose efforts are united by the mission of service to others. Joy to Life - Walk of Life Run or walk to raise awareness and support for the fight against breast cancer. The Walk of Life will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the starting line on Tallapoosa Street near Dreamland BBQ. Once you cross the finish line on Commerce Street by the Alley Station, it’s time to make your way through the tunnel to Montgomery’s Riverfront Park. Inside the park, you’ll enjoy food, drinks, the Mighty Kids Dash, vendors, artists, music and lots more, including the opportunity to meet many of our special sponsors at their sponsor tents. As part of the celebration, this year’s 5K registration fee has been reduced to $25! This is a family-friendly event so register your entire family and help fundraise to fight breast cancer! Visit http://events.joytolife.org/site/TR/WalkofLife/ General?pg=entry&fr_id=1080. Saint James UMC Holds Benefit Auction Event will benefit youth and children’s missions and will be held from 4-6 p.m. Visitors may preview items on Friday, April 17, from 5-7 p.m. There is no cost for admission to either event. Items featured include antique furniture and rugs from Pickwick Antiques, original artwork, jewelry, salon and boutique certificates, gift cards from local businesses, and vacation home rentals. Visit www.sjlifeauction.com for a preview of items.

Montgomery Parents I April 2015

French and Indian War Encampment at Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson in Wetumpka -- Also April 19 Living history demonstrations of military, Indian, and civilian life will take place on Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. & Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Living history participants will be dressed and equipped as they appeared in Colonial Louisiana during the period of 1755-1763. Admission: adults - $4; students - $2. For more info, call (334) 567-3002 or visit www.fttoulousejackson.org. GO Fish at the Alabama Nature Center -- Also April 19 Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook. From catfish to bream to bass, the ponds at the Alabama Nature Center are teeming with aquatic life! Don’t forget your fishing pole and bait! For those of you new to the art of angling, rods and reels will be available for a small fee. All fishing at the ANC is catch and release only. Sat., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m. Call 285-4550 or visit www.alabamawildlife.org. Admission charged.

Sunday, April 19

Montgomery Chorale Presents A German Requiem 2:30 p.m. at Eastwood Presbyterian Church, Montgomery. This large-scale work by Johannes Brahms for chorus, orchestra, and baritone and soprano soloists was composed between 1865 and 1868. It will be presented in English and is slightly over one hour in length. The performance will be conducted by Carter Reed, the Chorale’s interim artistic director/conductor, and features baritone soloist Arlen Clarke, soprano soloist Tiffany Nishibun, special guest orchestra, and organist Joel Gregory. Tickets may be purchased from Chorale members or online at www.montgomerychorale.org. Special Needs Skate 5:30-7:30 p.m. 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month. Looneys Super Skate, 3541 McGehee Rd. All ages welcome. Sensory sensitive. Volunteers available for assistance. $5. For more information contact Lyrastephens@yahoo.com.

Tuesday, April 21

Joe Thomas, Jr. 3rd Tuesday Guitar Pull 7-9 p.m. Three or four regional songwriters perform original music on the Cloverdale Playhouse’s intimate stage. Tickets are $10 at the door. Call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org. Earth Day Safari at the Montgomery Zoo -- Also April 22 9 a.m.-2 p.m. each day. Designed with school groups in mind, the Zoo’s Earth Day Safari is a fun and educational field trip for students. Students and teachers can participate in an Endangered Species Scavenger Hunt, play Earth Day Trivia games, see live animal presentations, enjoy one-on-one animal experiences and keeper talks. Group discounts available, advanced reservations required. For more info, call (334) 240-4900 or visit www.montgomeryzoo.com.

Wednesday, April 22

Goodship Missionary Baptist Church in Millbrook Conducts a Cancer Awareness Seminar 7-9 pm. Cancer survirors Dr. Tomeka Russell, family practice physician, owner and operator of Healing Touch Family Care, LLC, and Slimmer You Weight Loss Center, along with William Jenkins, Jr., president, Ostomy Association Support Group, Pensacola, Fla., will conduct the workshops. This event is open to the public. Call (334) 201-5707 for more details.

Thursday, April 23

The Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly Luncheon The Newcomers Club of the Greater Montgomery Area invites women who are new residents in the area to attend our monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Arrowhead Country Club. April will be our Mad Hatters Luncheon. Cost is $15 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, April 20, to Jan Burdette at (334) 593-9266 or jan8410@bellsouth.net. Visit www. newcomersmontgomery.com. Rodney Carrington at Montgomery Performing Arts Centre 7 p.m. Carrington has been making audiences laugh

April2015 for almost 20 years with his unique brand of stand-up comedy. The country singer-songwriter has recorded eight major label comedy albums which have sold more than two million copies … two of which have been certified Gold. Call 481-5100 or visit www.mpaconline.org. Prattville Community Chorus Annual Spring Dinner Concert -- Also April 24 This annual dinner concert will feature a performance by the Prattville Community Chorus with music by the Prattville Pops. Dinner starts at 6:30pm. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Special Events Office at (334) 595-0854. Cloverdale Playhouse Presents The Member of the Wedding -- Through May 3 Written by Carson McCullers and directed by Greg Thornton, this is the classic story of Frankie Addams, a 12-year old tomboy, in a small Georgia town, who is tired of her life and yearns for a world of adventure and romance. Spending her days and nights with Berenice, her maid, and John Henry, her seven-year old cousin, Frankie dreams of running away with her brother and his new bride. A coming-of-age story that deals with the lives of whites and blacks in the American South in 1945. *Recommended for ages 8 and above.* Performances are at 7:30 p.m. ThursdaySaturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Call (334) 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org to get tickets. Red Door Theatre Presents Conecuh People Through April 25; also May 2-3 Downtown Union Springs. All performances at 7:30 except February 22 at 2:30 p.m. An original theatrical production, Conecuh People tells the humorous and poignant story of an Alabama boy’s adolescence and two events—one good and one bad—that shaped his life. Filled with characters you knew as a child, this tale is one of family, friends, and community the way they used to be. Conecuh People was written by Ty Adams, a Barbour County native, and adapted from Dr. Wade Hall’s collection of oral histories, Conecuh People: Words of Life from the Alabama Black Belt. Hall, who grew up in a small community between Union Springs and Troy, is well-known for his anthology of monologues and other literary works. Tickets may be obtained by calling (334) 738-8687 or visiting www. reddoortheatre.org.

Friday, April 24

Symphony on the Sand featuring the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) at Callaway Gardens 8 p.m. General seating* on the lawn at Robin Lake Beach is available online in advance for $25 or at the gate for $30. Admission is half-price for Callaway Gardens Annual Passholders and active/retired military and their dependents, upon presentation of a valid military identification card at the gate. Dress is casual. The Robin Lake Beach gate will open at 5 p.m. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. Limited food concessions will be available onsite. Callaway Gardens is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. For more info, call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or visit www.callawaygardens.com. CloverJam 2015 On The Green at Huntingdon College. This year’s concert features Corey Smith with The Dirty Guv’nahs. Performances begin at 7 p.m. Free for students, faculty and staff; all others $20. Purchase tickets. For more information, call (334) 833-4515 or visit www. huntingdon.edu/ai1ec_event/cloverjam-2015-featuringcorey-smith/. Kids Eat FREE at the Montgomery Biscuits Game begins at 7:05 p.m. All kids 12 & under will receive a FREE jumbo hot dog and soda! Fireworks follow the game. Visit www.milb.com/.

Saturday, April 25

EAT South Organic Spring Workshop EAT South Downtown Farm. Participants should be prepared to be outside. Water, clothes that can get dirty and sunscreen are essentials. 9-11 a.m. April topic is Organic Gardening 101 (Recommended donation: $20). To find out more and reserve your spot, call (334) 4229331 or e-mail info@eatsouth.org. Space is limited. Also visit www.eatsouth.org/events-calendar/. 4th Saturday Outreach Event

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9-11 a.m. River City Church, a United Methodist congregation, invites the entire community to this event at the church, located at 301 Dexter Avenue. Admission is free. The River Region will have access to blood pressure/glucose screenings, career services, free haircuts, hygiene items and canned goods. Participants can register for a drawing for a weekly bus pass and gasoline gift cards. During the 2-hour period, attendees can speak with prayer partners and purchase items (clothes, furniture, etc.) in the River City Rummage Sale located in the lower level of the church. Nurses will screen for diabetes (glucose testing), assess body mass index, blood pressure, and other vital signs. Volunteers will also provide homework help and a craft for children. For more info, please call 263-0549 or visit www.rivercityumc.com. Wetumpka Relay for Life 6-8 p.m. Wetumpka High School Football Field, 1251 Coosa River Parkway. Contact Amanda Dame at (334) 612-8174 or visit http://main.acsevents.org/site/ TR?pg=entry&fr_id=63910. The Montgomery Walk for Autism Ida Bell Young Park beginning at 9:30 a.m. and featuring a 2-mile walk. Registration is $30 prior to the event and $35 on the day of. Registration includes a t-shirt. For more info, contact Lauren Reid at (205) 951-1364 or visit www.autism-alabama.org.

Sunday, April 26

Family Art Affair and Jazz Jams at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 2-4 p.m. Bring the entire family to this FREE fun event, and enjoy a little jazz, art activities in the studios, and wonderful artwork in the galleries. Visit www.mmfa.org or call 240-4365. Kids Day at the Montgomery Biscuits 2:05 p.m. Bring out the kids and join us for pre-game catch on the field and post game Coke Kids Run the Bases! Visit www.milb.com/.

Thursday, April 30

Chicago at Montgomery Performing Arts Centre 7:30 p.m. Hailed as one of the “most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era” by former President Bill Clinton, the legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago, came in at #13, the highest charting American band in Billboard Magazine’s list of Top 100 artists of all time. And Chicago is the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six decades. Call 481-5100 or visit www.mpaconline.org. Brantwood Children’s Home 26th Annual Truck Raffle 5-6:30 p.m. For a tax-deductible raffle ticket purchase of $100, participants will have a chance to win a brandnew 2015 pick-up truck. Guests from the capital city and surrounding area can look forward to a dine-in or take-out barbeque dinner for 2, live music, door prizes and a night of springtime fellowship, while watching the sun set from Brantwood’s legendary “Hope Hill.” All ticket purchasers are eligible to win the pick-up truck even if not present for the drawing on the 30th. An investment in the Truck Raffle will make a direct and lasting impact on the children and their future impact on the community. Tickets are available through the following options: call (334) 265-0784, mail a check payable to Brantwood Children’s Home, to 1309 Upper Wetumpka Road, Montgomery, AL 36107 (Please designate your gift in the memo line to Truck 2015) or stop by the office. For more info, call 334-265-0784.

Friday, May 1

Prattville CityFest -- Also May 2 Opening ceremony at 6:45 p.m.; Tip Tops will perform at 7 p.m. Main event is Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Flimp Festival Also May 2 Blount Cultural Park and the MMFA. The annual chalk art competition in the Museum’s parking lot gets started on May 1, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and continues on May 2 from 8-10 a.m. The focus of this year’s competition is “Montgomery – Past, Present, and Future.” Student artists and adults are invited to transform the Museum’s asphalt into a gallery of chalk art masterpieces. The main Flimp Festival event will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and will include the The Do-Dah Pet Parade and Montgomery Humane Shelter adoption

event. Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for children; FREE to Museum Members and Active Duty Military and their families. Visit http://mmfa.org/visit/flimp-festival/ or call 240-4333 for details. Relay for Life of Montgomery Metro Emory Folmar Soccer Complex from 4 p.m.-midnight. For more info, call (334) 301-2304 or e-mail lucy.sims@ cancer.org.

Saturday, May 2

Sav-A-Life Holds Annual Walk for Life Young Meadows Presbyterian Church on Vaughn Road. This is an event for young and old, and dogs, bikes, skates, and strollers are welcome for this easy, one-mile walk. After the Walk, there will be festivities for all, with music, food and children’s activities like inflatables and face painting. There is no charge for this event, but participants are encouraged to recruit family and friends who will sponsor them as they walk for Sav-A-Life. More information and details are available at www.savalifemtg.org—including links to

our event page where walkers can pre-register and begin their own personal fundraising page if they want. 2015 Montgomery Kidney Walk Baptist Health DeBoer Building. Enjoy a half day of fun, food, and friendship with activities for the whole family all while celebrating the participants’ hard work in fundraising and raising awareness! Walk one lap or five miles! Just have fun! We encourage all participants to show their support for AKF’s mission by wearing green, a creative team shirt or accessorize your way! For more info, visit http://montgomerykidneywalk.kintera.org/. Dino Dig at the Montgomery Zoo 10 a.m.-noon. Go on an archaeological dig and discover bones from the past. Geared for boys and girls, 4-10 years old. Advanced reservations required. Call (334) 240-4900 or visit www.montgomeryzoo.com.

Please send calendar info to editor@montgomeryparents.com. www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

A Page in a Book A New Twist on Old Tales Traditional nursery tales are important touchstones of most kids’ childhood. From “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” to “Cinderella” and the like, these common tales create a familiar storytelling landscape that most children can jointly reference throughout their youth. For the folk tale savvy child, the following titles offer refreshing twists on beloved traditional stories that can expand their literary lexicon through exciting new avenues.

Goatilocks and The Three Bears

by Erica S. Perl, Illustrated by Arthur Howard (Beach Lane / Simon & Schuster) When Goatilocks spies a family of bears leaving for the afternoon, she’s hungry to peek inside their house while they’re gone. As in the traditional story, the intruder tries the various porridges, chairs and beds of the occupants. Diverging from the original tale, Goatlilocks (being just a ‘kid’, after all) eats all of the things that are “just right.” When the bears return, Goatilocks quickly beats a retreat. But because doing the right thing is important to the impulsive kid, this delightfully illustrated twist on the Goldilocks fable has a deliciously redeeming ending.

Ninja Red Riding Hood

by Coery Rosen Schwartz, Illustrated by Dan Santat (G.P. Putnam’s Sons / Penguin) Once upon a time, there was a wolf who was a failure a catching his prey, so he enrolled in ninja school to learn all the swift moves he needs to secure a square meal. Armed with his new skills, the wolf takes to the woods where he meets Red, and learns that she’s on her way to visit her Grandma. Rushing ahead, the wolf disguises himself as Grandma lies in wait for Red to arrive. But when he’s ready to pounce, he discovers that he wasn’t the only student to attend the ninja school. Action-packed with Asian-influenced comic imagery, this colorful treatment of the Little Red Riding Hood cautionary tale gets an invigorating curtain-call with smashing results!

Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella

by Jan Brett (G.P Putnam’s Sons / Penguin) When a young Russian girl nods off in her snowbound chicken coop, reality slips into dreams as the community of chickens around her prepare for a ball hosted by the Prince among roosters. Feathers are ruffled, pecking orders are established and poor Cinders is left behind when the others fly off to the ball. Following the story arc of the traditional tale, Cinders transformation and meeting with the Prince are intact – but Brett’s uniquely edge-to-edge illustrations make the whole story new again. When the girl awakens to the sound of her father returning with a handsome cockerel to add to the roost, the reader remains looped in on the dreamy secret lives of the chicken realm. Inspired by the opulence of 18th century Russia, Jan Brett’s version of the folk tale Cinderella is the belle of the ball in the fairy-tale revision category! Find more A Page in a Book recommendations at www.PageBookReviews.com.

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Business Card Directory

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Number ONE Reason To Advertise...WOMEN! 101

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Home Based Business Directory Mommy, Milk, & Me, Inc.

Provides lactation education and consulting, antepartum and postpartum doula services. For more information please contact Tangela Boyd at 334-531-0145. Email: Tangela@mommymilkandmeinc.com Website: www.mommymilkandmeinc.com

MATH TUTORING

Chemistry Tutor

24 years teaching experience

Current Chemistry Teacher Experienced chemistry tutor

Clarence Hann, IV

Email channiv30@gmail.com or call 334-546-4860.

Call Lisa Tyler (334) 647-1125 lisactyler@yahoo.com

Half off on first session if you mention this ad.

Williams Carpentry Porches, remodeling, sheet rock, painting, hardwood floors. Call Robert Williams at (home) 361-7307 or (cell) 699-3864.

Ala

One Simple Change Bridging the Gap in Nutrition

Saxon Lawn Service

Quality, whole food products backed by clinical research.

You grow it, we mow it Affordable pricing

Alissabeth Taylor ataylor1.juiceplus.com

Please call 274-0324.

BLL Computer Services

Complete computer repair. Free diagnoses. Fast friendly service. Flat rate. No hourly fees. Free pickup and delivery. Call: 334-450-9760.

Private Security Guard Work or Sit with Elderly Will do private security guard work for private parties at reasonable fee. Call 334-566-7124. Will sit with elderly, and do have experience. Call 334-670-6906.

Piano Teacher

Nationally certified-Children and adults welcome. 1829 Hillhedge Drive. Please call Miss Bickerstaff at 262-3341.

Mental Health Services

Do You Love Candles??

Contact: Genevieve Morris Email: genevieve.morris@ymail.com

**PARTYLITE = 41 Years of Excellence! Are you social? HOST A SHOW. Do you like to Shop? GO ONLINE. Need an income? Now hiring PART-TIME & FULL-TIME Consultants! Let’s get connected: www.partylite.biz/maryoverton. FREE DOZEN TEALIGHTS to first 25 inquiries! Email candleladyal@gmail.com or call (334) 546-2590.

Squeaky Clean

The Piano Man

Dedicated, result oriented, and 10 years of experience in community psychology practice in mental health.

No job too big or small. Clean/disinfect kitchen and bathrooms, vacuum, dust and floors. Over 13 years experience. Affordable pricing. 334.451.0052

Piano tunings, repair, and restoration. Active member of the Piano Technicians Guild. Contact us today to arrange a time to give your piano much needed attention. Call 569-9662 or visit www.pianoman.net/al

TUTORING

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28 years teaching experience Tutoring grades 1st-8th

Ala

Call Alice Gwin at (334) 300-8350. Email dalice.gwin@gmail.com.

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AS Essential Oil Classes & Business Building

Learn how essential oils can support your family’s health or how you can build a business by sharing your passion with friends, family, or medical practice. Contact Alissabeth Taylor at 334-478-0166 or email AlissabethTaylor@gmail.com.

Bow Wow Meow Pet Sitting and Training I have been pet training and pet sitting for over 9 years. Certified Pet Trainer, Free Consultation, Reasonable Prices Call Courtney (334) 354-4183

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Ch “Absolute Clean” Cleaning Service

Reliable, dependable, and trustworthy are the three things most needed when trusting someone in your home. We have all three of them, so just call Trenella @ 334-391-7596 for your free estimate and the absolute best cleaning job you could ask for with no worries, just a clean house. Call today!

Southern Quality Lawns, LLC

Cassie’s English Tutor, Proofreader, Typist and Writer

“Quality Service from the Ground Up” Serving the tri county area. Call or email us for a free estimate. Bobby, 334-657-7750. robertsqlawns@gmail.com

Cassie Rogers (662) 380-6000 cassiesenglish@yahoo.com

Brother to Brother Entertainment, Inc.

Get a DJ and a Photographer in one package for your next event. We specialize in birthdays, weddings, luncheons, family reunions, and holiday parties. Contact Matthew Ezell @ 334-202-6869 or Alexander Strum @ 334-235-3518

The FREE AD GUY knows that every business needs a few lucky breaks before it can become successful. That’s why he is offering more FREE ads to Home Based Businesses. In return, the FREE AD GUY would appreciate it if you would tell a friend about Montgomery Parents Magazine. If you’ll just help him spread the word about Montgomery Parents Magazine he’ll keep working for you and your business. If you have already run a FREE ad you can send a request to repeat the ad or make changes. Please understand but we will not accept any phone requests. For new Home Based Business advertisers, just send your information to: FREE AD GUY, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123, or freeadguy@montgomeryparents.com. The FREE AD GUY reserves the right to refuse any ad in case it’s not appropriate for our readers.

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AdvertiserDirectory We know that readers consider our advertisers as valuable a resource as the editorial content in Montgomery Parents. We hope this directory saves you time as you refer to the magazine throughout the month. Page numbers follow the advertiser’s name.

Evangel Christian Academy, 37

Montgomery Zoo, 58

Evangel Church VBS, 18

Mrs. Sandy’s House, 101

First Baptist Montgomery, 3

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes of, 17

First Presbyterian Church Kindergarten, 75

My Kids Attic Women’s Consignment, 23

First UMC, Montgomery, 86

New Park, 83

Adventure Sports II, 60

First UMC, Prattville, 42

New Waters Realty, 87

Alabama Christian Academy, 38

Fleming’s Martial Arts, 40

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 59

Alabama Dept. of Health, Inside Front

Fort Toulouse, Inside Back Cover

Pediatric Nephrology of Alabama, 59

Alabama Museum of Natural History, 28

Frazer Kindergarten, 81

Plexus Slim, Rhonda McClellan, 101

Alabama School of Math & Science, 9

Frazer UMC, 47

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 57

Gracepointe Church of Christ, 76

Aldersgate UMC Childcare, 78

Great Leaps Learning Center, 78

All Med, 33 Allison Hilyer Photography, 52 ASKIN/Synergy House, 101 ASU Continuing Education Camp, 55 ASU Acting Camps, 99 Auburn Volleyball Camps, 27 AUM Continuing Education, 25 AUM Early Childhood Center, 74 Autauga County Family Support Ctr, 19 Baptist Health, 4 Beth’s Heirloom Sewing, 65 Bradford Health Services, 91

Greengate School, 13, 69 Holy Cross Episcopal School, 34 Hooper Academy, 27 Huntingdon Basketball Camp, 21 Huntingdon Baseball Camp, 90 It Works, 8 Jenny Alexander, MD, 101 Kingry Orthodontics, 31 KLynn Ice Skating, 43 Kreative Moments, 102 Kumon, 53

Professional Pediatrics, 12 Providence Early Childcare/Preschool, 71 Pump It Up Party, 42 R.O.C.K. Campaign, 32 River Region Straw, 90 Riverview Camp for Girls, 56 Saint James School, 1 Saint James UMC, 28 Sea Dragon Pirate Cruises, 67 Smart Smiles, 51 Smiles Galore Parties, 21 Spacewalker, The, 14 Spotless Cleaning Services, 11

Learning Tree Child Care, 77

Style Dots, Melissa K. Grant, 101

Legacy Early Learning Center, 79

Success Unlimited Academy, 46

Camp ASCCA, 24

Little Lights Creative Learning Ctr, 101

Sylvan Learning Center, 23

Chapman Orthodontics, 37

Lori Mercer Photography, 65

Taylor Road Baptist Church, 60

Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 61

Macon East Academy, 63

The Big Green Bus, 35

Churchill Academy, 15

Magnolia Hill Farm, 31

The Dollhouse Toy Store, 84

Cloverdale Preschool Academy, 73

Mathnasium, 41

The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover

Dentistry for Children, 82

Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 76

Thrive Counseling, 101

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 39

Montessori @ Hampstead, 22, 73

Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection, 35

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 18

Montessori @ Mulberry, 75

Trinity Presbyterian Church Preschool, 82

E & S Hobbies, 101

Montgomery Catholic Schools, 29

Trinity Presbyterian School, 7

Eastdale Mall, 2

Montgomery Humane Society, 89

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 73

Easter Seals Central Alabama, 39

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 49

Vaughn Road Preschool, 80

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 40

Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry/Ortho, 85

Vishnu Dental, 49

Embellish, 24

Montgomery Uniforms Plus, 45

YMCA Healthy Kids Day, 14

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Home MPAA Rating: PG Overall: BViolence: C+ Sexual Content: A Language: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Home PG for mild action and some rude humor. Children’s movies are notorious for having heavy-handed messages aimed at their young audiences. In the case of Home it’s all about accepting yourself, flaws and all, and learning to live with people that are different from you. I wouldn’t have a problem with either of those missives if I didn’t feel like they were being forced upon me by a group of plundering extraterrestrials that have taken over Earth. The Boov are a group of pint-sized aliens that change color more often than chameleons, only their rainbow range is triggered by a rollercoaster of emotions. After being threatened by another species, the frightful and fearsome Grog, the Boov abandoned their own planet. And it appears the cowardly lot has been chased around the galaxy ever since. Rather than trying to resolve their differences, the Boov hightail it out of Dodge for another location every time they sniff even a whiff of trouble. Now the Boov, who have worse diction than Jar Jar Binks, storm Earth. First they suck up all the people and relocate them to an undisclosed location (where they will live in manufactured suburbs complete with amusement parks and fast food joints) and then the Boov move into humans’ homes. Oh (voice of Jim Parsons) is one of those aliens who settles into in a recently evacuated high-rise apartment. He decides to embrace the human tradition of a house warming party and sends an email to everyone in the universe, including, by mistake, the Grog. Putting the Boov’s mortal enemy on the invite list is the latest slip-up in a long streak of blunders that has put Oh on the bad list. And this time the Boovs’ leader, Captain Smek (voice of Steve Martin), can’t overlook the gaffe. So he puts out an all-points bulletin calling for Oh’s arrest. While on the run, Oh stumbles upon Tip (voice of Rihanna), a young girl who managed to avoid being abducted by the alien machines. This gutsy, recent immigrant to America and her pet cat have commandeered the family car and are on a mission to find her missing mother (voice of Jennifer Lopez). Not surprisingly (if you’ve seen the trailer) Tip and Oh join forces in an effort to avoid capture and track down the parent. Ultimately, the purpose of this adventure, which includes plenty of non-graphic cartoon-style violence, is to allow the two misfits to learn more about one another and become friends. Yet along with the story’s gibberish and potty jokes, the aliens’ captain engages in plenty of ridiculously silly antics, like wearing orange peels on his feet and a barbeque on his head. The Boov, on the other hand, are a mindless bunch of conformists who only act or think when ordered to by the Captain. I can sense fingers poised over keyboards right now telling me to “lighten up, it’s only a children’s movie.” But I think kids deserve better.

What Parents need to know about Home...

Violence: The movie contains portrayals of non-graphic violence including characters hit over the head with a scepter. One character appears to be knocked out. Others are punched, smashed, slapped and threatened with an alien weapon. A character appears to be crushed under a huge, metal machine. Humans are sucked up into large machines and relocated by aliens. A character is trapped in a refrigerated cooler. An underage driver crashes a car. A character is tied up in a car with duct tape. Characters also experience moments of peril, sometimes in a slapstick context. Sexual Content: A character is seen with a bra draped across her head. Language: The script contains some brief name-calling. Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted. Other: The film contains several jokes about bodily functions and other bathroom humor. Montgomery Parents I April 2015

The Divergent Series: Insurgent MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: C+ Violence: D+ Sexual Content: C+ Language: CAlcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated The Divergent Series: Insurgent PG-13 for intense violence and action throughout, some sensuality, thematic elements and brief language. Shailene Woodley shouldered the role of young adult heroine Tris Prior in the movie Divergent. But now her character looks a little battle weary. Her guilt over the deaths of her parents and a friend during an uprising, depicted in the first film, wears heavy on the divergent. She’s become almost as brooding and sober as her trainer/boyfriend Four (Theo James). And maybe that’s what makes this script feel so labored. There aren’t any light moments in this futuristic, end-of-the-world teen tale. In this outing, Tris and the rest of the divergents are hiding wherever they can among the other factions. However Tris isn’t content to lay low for long. She vows to kill Jeanine Matthews (Kate Winslet), the country’s totalitarian leader who wants to eradicate all of Tris’s kind and restore peace among the five remaining factions. And now the pervious unrest has sparked another revolution among the factionless members of the population -- those who are forced to live on the edges of society. Of course, as in films like Hunger Games and The Maze Runner, there is only one individual special enough to save the entire society from destruction. In this case Tris fills that role. Yet she is so consumed with remorse that she can barely function at times. She personally takes on the responsibility of each new fatality -- whether or not she could have control it. As a result, she increasingly sees herself as the cause of everyone’s trouble. That’s a lot of culpability to assume for such a young person when death is so rampant. While Divergent had plenty of big scene skirmishes that resulted in massive numbers of casualties, the killings in this film are even more disturbing. Numerous characters, some with their hands tied behind their backs, are shot in the head at close range. As well, the script plays cheap tricks on the audience. Filmmakers can pull the dream sequence ruse once and get away with it. But when they do it time and time again, it begins to feel like emotional manipulation rather than good story telling. Divergent made over $54 million on opening weekend and Insurgent is on track to better that, thanks to devoted followers of the book series by Veronica Roth. Still, this ponderous second outing filled with violence and short on storyline, may leave even fans feeling a little disappointed.

What Parents need to know about Insurgent...

Violence: Numerous scenes of brutal fistfights involving choking, head butting and some weapon use. Characters are shot with bullets or tranquilizer implants. They are slashed with knives and thrown from a moving train. Others are imprisoned and injected with drugs or subjected to experimentation that often results in death. Characters have a knife fight at the dinner table. A woman is caught in a burning house. Several characters, some of which are tied up, are shot in the head at close range. One character dies after she walks off a ledge. Some bloody detail is shown, but much of the violence is still sanitized. Sexual Content: The movie contains some mild sexual innuendo, along with scenes of kissing and embracing. Some back nudity is seen when a couple removes their shirts and embrace. Sexual activity is implied. Language: The script includes one muffled used of a strong sexual expletive along with infrequent scatological slang and mild profanities. Alcohol / Drug Use: An alcoholic beverage appears to be served at dinner. Characters are shot with fantastical bullets that cause them to fall asleep. Other characters are injected with truth serums or paralytic drugs.

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