Montgomery Parents January 2017 by KeepSharing

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Protects patients/ residents of health care facilities from abuse and neglect. Works to ensure facilities provide a level of care that complies with state and federal standards. Requires corrective action when surveys find facilities are noncompliant.

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Administers the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program to provide screening to uninsured and underinsured women age 40-64, and ensures treatment is provided.

Screens newborns for genetic or metabolic conditions, thereby reducing morbidity, premature death, intellectual and other developmental disabilities through early detection and follow-up.

Provides clinical nursing services such as immunizations, and STD and TB screening and treatment. Administers the Alabama Drug Assistance Program for HIV medication assistance.

Assists rural and medically underserved areas by working with health care providers and organizations to prepare grants and provide workforce development.

Assures that emergency medical services meet or exceed established standards.

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OPEN HOUSE Pre-K3, Pre-K4, and Kindergarten Sunday, January 22 at 1:30pm Register Online STJweb.org/admissions

Educating the Whole Child From Pre-K3 through 12th grade, STJ students, faculty, and administration work together to foster the potential of each child at Saint James School. Visit our state-of-the-art campus January 22nd and experience first-hand the impact of engaged and experiential learning. Please join us! Our Open House program begins at 1:30pm on January 22nd and is full of fun events that will help you and your child experience the complete education offered at Saint James School.

Saint James School FOR OPEN HOUSE RESERVATIONS, VISIT STJWEB.ORG/ADMISSIONS OR CALL 334.273.3021

Leading the Way Since 1955 English as a second language (ESL) tutoring provided. Saint James School admits students of any religion, race, color, gender, creed, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

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There Is Hope Ahead. Montgomery Parents I January 2017

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January2017

Volume 22 Number 1

60 Columns

6 Editor’s Note DeAnne Watson

8 Living With Children John Rosemond

12 Kids Health Watch

Give Your Preschooler How to Choose a an Edge Private School Key opportunities to seize that won’t cost a dime!

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Strange But Normal Behaviors We usually know what to expect from our babies and toddlers, but occasionally they do things that seem very strange and possibly abnormal to us. Most of the time these are normal behaviors and have no real consequences, but it is still important to recognize and address them. Frequently, one of the first things patents notice with their newborn is that they seem to breathe in an irregular manner and sometimes seem to gasp for breath. This is a normal newborn breathing pattern as long as it just lasts for a few minutes. You certainly should be concerned if this pattern is persistent and does not soon stop. Another common newborn behavior is straining with bowel movements. This usually occurs during the first month when the baby tries to have a bowel movement but does not relax the rectal muscles. They often become fussy, cry, and turn red in the face. This can be helped with gentle stimulation of the anal opening or gently slipping a cotton swab covered with petroleum jelly into the rectum. Older babies will occasionally bang their head on the railing of the crib or some other object. It sometimes will be hard enough to leave bruises. Although it looks scary, it is usually not hard enough to cause any significant injury. This usually happens when they are trying to go to sleep and is

Montgomery Parents I January 2017

a method of self-stimulation or self-comfort. This may last for a few months. It might be reduced by bathing and quiet reading or music before going to bed. Noise machines that produce soothing sounds may also be helpful. Another similar activity is persistent rocking of the body. This is also a method of self-stimulation or self-comfort. It is a soothing feeling and has no significance in normal, healthy children. This activity can also occur in children with neurological disabilities which may require further investigation. One of the most annoying and irritating behaviors is teeth grinding or bruxism. This occurs in up to 30% of children up to 5 years of age. Usually this behavior resolves spontaneously without intervention and without harm to the teeth. Occasionally it will be severe enough to cause jaw pain or dental problems. If these symptoms are significant, an evaluation by a pediatric dentist would be important. Teeth grinding may also be caused by a feeling of anxiety or stress. This might be relieved by relaxing activities before bedtime and talking with the child about how he feels and anything that may be upsetting to him. Another behavior that is not usually mentioned and is very concerning to par-

ents is self-stimulation of the genital area in young children. It is very common in the toddler and preschool ages and is considered to be normal behavior. Children at this age just know that it is an activity that feels good to them and does not necessarily have any sexual connotation for them. This usually involves rubbing themselves with their hands or on a soft toy or pillow. Sometimes ignoring certain childhood behaviors will discourage the behavior, but in this circumstance it is appropriate to correct the behavior immediately when it occurs in a public area. The child should be gently reminded that it is not appropriate behavior in front of others and to remove them to a private area as soon as possible. The child should not be shamed or punished or made to feel bad about it. If you have concerns about these behaviors or other problems, do not hesitate to ask your pediatrician. Dr. Coggin received his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and did his pediatric residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. He began private practice in Mississippi and has been in Montgomery since 1983. He has two married daughters, one in Montgomery and one in Orlando, Florida. He enjoys college sports with his wife Cathy who is an attorney.

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New Year, New Goals Happy New Year is an expression of hope for a prosperous and joy-filled new year. It is also a reminder that “the holidays are over and it’s time to go back to work!” But most of all, it is a message that says “we are starting anew and anything is possible.” So off we go into goal setting! Most of us have great intentions with setting goals to lose weight, get finances in order, and dozens of others that are often broken by midnight on January 2nd. (Research suggests a quarter of our resolutions are broken in the first week and 80 percent are gone in eight

weeks.) Year after year, this pattern of setting goals only to watch them quickly dissipate becomes our norm. I plan to set goals this year, but I vow to do it with newfound intention. I will seek to set realistic goals with multiple steps to be accomplished one step at a time. I invite you to take another attempt at it for the sake of our children who are watching and listening for examples of committed behaviors. Let’s be role models and coaches whose personal goals reflect a desire for results. Life Coach Sid Savara suggests there are seven steps to setting and keeping New Year’s resolutions: 1) Write your goals down. 2) Set short term milestones. 3) Be specific. 4) Measure actions as part of your progress. 5) Don’t set more goals than you can accomplish.

2600 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 334.277.6690

6) Put your goals into your schedule. 7) Set goals you actually WANT to achieve. One goal that you may choose to add to your New Year’s list is to be more involved in your child’s education. This is an easy one to accomplish. Ask your teacher or principal about opportunities for engagement though PTA, volunteering, technology connections or otherwise. Be sure to get a password to the parent portal to keep up with your child’s grades, homework and get other important information. Setting and reaching goals is key to having a Happy New Year – for you and your children. 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.

460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, Alabama 334.358.6411

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Montgomery County Schools

Montgomery Choirs Perform at Dothan’s Peanut Festival

A talented crop of singers made Montgomery proud at the 2016 National Peanut Festival in Dothan, with Park Crossing High School, shown below, leading the way. The Park Crossing choir won first place in Division One, while the Carver High choir took second. The Jefferson Davis High vocal pop ensemble Vol’ocity placed first in its division, while Johnnie Carr Middle, Booker T. Washington Magnet High and Sidney Lanier High all placed second in their divisions. Robert E. Lee High School and McKee Middle School, meanwhile, each received superior ratings.

Eastwood Students Celebrate

Eastwood Christian School students celebrated the annual Christmas writing day by wearing crazy hats, socks and Christmas attire. Pictured are first-graders Grafton Eiff, Robert Moore and Nini Hodges.

Montgomery Catholic Hosts Open Houses

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School is a college preparatory regional Catholic school, grades K4-12. As the oldest continuously operating non-public school in the State of Alabama, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School celebrates 143 years of educational excellence, preparing students to become persons of faith, virtue and wisdom. Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School invites prospective students and their families to visit each campus in January. Guests can tour the Montgomery Catholic campuses, meet teachers and will have the opportunity to learn more about Montgomery Catholic. All locations: Sunday, January 29, from 2-4 p.m. Holy Spirit’s Elementary Campus, K4-6 grade, is located at 8580 Vaughn Road; phone: (334) 649-4404. St. Bede’s Elementary Campus, K4-6 grade, is located at 3850 Atlanta Highway; phone: (334) 272-3033. The Middle School Campus, 7-8 grade, is located at 5350 Vaughn Road; phone: (334) 272-2465. The High School Campus, 9-12 grade, is also located at 5350 Vaughn Road; phone: (334) 272-7220. For more info, visit www.montgomerycatholic.org or call (334) 272-7221 ext. 32. Montgomery Parents I January 2017

Trinity Swim Team Heads to State

Trinity Presbyterian School’s varsity girls’ swim team competed in the Central Sectional Championship Meet November 18-19 in Birmingham and the entire team qualified to compete in the State Championship Meet December 9-10 in Auburn. Maria Stevenson, Prather Anne Hargrove, Lauren Vermillion and Sarah Stephen Foshee competed and qualified in two relays. They placed first in the 200 Free and third in the 200 Medley! Hargrove also placed first in the 100 Butterfly and second in the 50 Free; Vermillion came in fifth in the 500 Free and eighth in the 200 Free; and Foshee placed fifth in the 200 Free and sixth in the 100 Free. They each qualified to swim these events at State. Lauren Vermillion, Sarah Stephen Foshee, Prather Anne Hargrove and Maria Stevenson are shown.

ACA Celebrates Veterans

Alabama Christian Academy students, K412th, celebrated Veterans’ Day and Thanksgiving as an entire school. Families, friends and veterans were also invited to join in the fun. Songs of praise, a student thankfulness video, and a Veterans’ Day presentation were some of the activities students took part in. The ACA family is thankful to the men and women who bravely serve our country. 16

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Montgomery County Schools

Holy Cross First-Graders Create Ice Crystals

Macon East’s Sommer Sears to Play at Southern Union

Macon East’s Sommer Sears signed her letter of intent to play softball with Southern Union State Community College. Sommer is a center fielder and a key player on the Lady Knights roster. She looks forward to leading her Macon East team in another bid for the state title this spring and joining the Bisons next year.

At Holy Cross Episcopal School, students have been learning advanced scientific facts when they go to the STEM Lab each week. For example, Leisa Harrison’s first-grade class ventured out on a unique winter STEM lab experimentation in which they created “candy canes” that formed “snow” just like the icy crystals formed in nature. They used a Borax solution with warm water and the results were amazing! Harrison’s class learned that hot water holds more borax crystals than cold water and heated water molecules move farther apart, making room for more of the borax crystals to dissolve. As this solution cools, the water molecules move closer together again and crystals begin to form. The students were excited to learn that this is the same scientific principle that applies to the formation of snowflakes.

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Deployed Soldier Surprises Sister at Brewbaker Intermediate

A Brewbaker Intermediate School student enjoyed a welcome holiday surprise when her deployed older brother showed up at the school a week before Thanksgiving. Thirdgrader Tyasia Dean was thrilled to learn that her brother, U.S. Army PFC Redrick Gardner, was on leave for three weeks from his deployment in Misawa, Japan. Gardner is on two years’ active duty with six months remaining in Japan. Gardner said that being that far from home for that long helps you realize how much you love and miss both your family and your country.

Churchill Holds Annual Winter Program

Churchill Academy’s annual winter program was a fantastic time of celebration. The evening began with an instrumental prelude by Churchill Academy students Will Gilliland (guitar) and Xander Smith (violin). The 2016 program, “Snowbiz,” was presented by Churchill Academy Lower School students to a packed house of smiling supporters. The program was followed by a time of fellowship as students, teachers and families gathered to celebrate the holiday season and the new year to come. Churchill Academy thanks Nelda and Daryl Williams for their expertise in bringing the program together and Immanuel Presbyterian Church for the usage of their beautiful facilities.

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 TRADITIO NAL W O RSH IP 8: 30 AM & 11: 00 A M SUNDAY SCH O O L 9: 45 AM TH E W ELL 11: 00 AM

www.prattvillemethodist.org 19

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Montgomery County Schools

Pike Road Selects Allen Teacher of the Year

Jeannie Allen, center, was recently selected as Pike Road School Teacher of the Year! She is a kindergarten lead learner and has a heart for children. She began teaching in 1991 and since then has impacted the lives of thousands of children.

BTW Teams Up with Phillips Exeter Academy For Visit to Equal Justice Initiative

Booker T. Washington Magnet High School’s creative writing students explored Southern social justice with a visit to the Equal Justice Initiative in downtown Montgomery. The BTW students participated in a one-day collaboration with students and teachers from Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. The students and teachers heard from EJI staff members and then from Anthony Ray Hinton, a man who was exonerated after nearly 30 years on death row for a crime he didn’t commit. Hinton was convicted and sentenced in 1986 of two murders and sent to Holman Prison’s death row. EJI attorneys took up Hinton’s case and worked to have him exonerated. Hinton was released in 2015 after the U.S. Supreme Court granted him a new trial and a judge subsequently dismissed the charges against him. According to its website, the EJI “is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.”

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Sylvan Students Give Back

Every year the students at the School at Sylvan Learning Center give back to a local charity in the Montgomery community. This year we used the theme of the famous children’s book The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. The Montgomery Education Foundation was the recipient of more than 500 school supply items collected for the Brain Forest Program. The Brain Forest is a free summer program to prevent academic loss during summer vacation months. This next summer MEF plans to double the Brain Forest program. On December 16 the students at the School at Sylvan Learning Center presented the school supplies to Megan and Tikia of the Montgomery Education Foundation.

Forest Avenue Academic Magnet Open House

Forest Avenue Academic Magnet Elementary School will host an Open House for prospective students and their families on Tuesday, January 17, at 6 p.m. Parents who are interested in applying for the magnet program are encouraged to attend! Prospective families will have an opportunity to learn more about FAAM’s award-winning program, tour the facilities, and meet the school’s teachers and staff. Members of the FAAM Parent Teacher Association will also be available to answer questions. The school is located at 1700 West 5th Street in Montgomery. E-mail the school at FAAMOpenHouse@gmail.com before January 13 to reserve a seat! Please include your name, cell phone number, the name(s) of the prospective student(s) and their grade level for the 2017-18 school year. 21

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Montgomery County Schools

Trinity Students Place in Statewide Art Contest

Trinity Presbyterian School students Jon Russ Marshall (6th grade) and Hart Johnston (3rd grade) received honorable mentions in the Alabama PALS Annual Poster and Recycled Art Contest. Recent Trinity graduate Kelly Trumbull (‘16) won first place. The students were recently recognized at the Annual Governor’s Awards Luncheon, where each received plaques and Trumbull received a $250 grand prize. The Alabama People Against A Littered State (ALPALS) is a statewide organization dedicated to making our state more beautiful by sponsoring programs focused on cleaning up litter in Alabama’s streets, streams, campuses, and coastlines.

Macon East Pitcher Commits to Play Softball

Macon East’s Lindsey Johnson signed to play softball at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Miss. Johnson has battled back from a season-ending ACL injury in her junior year, which was her first year with the Macon team. Following months of rehabilitation, she had an outstanding fall season with her Nashville travel team, the Music City Mustangs. The Lady Knights are looking forward to another bid for the state title with Johnson leading the pitching staff this spring.

Jon Russ Marshall is shown above with Trinity Lower School Art Teacher Becky Lee.

Hart Johnston is shown above with Lee.

A K4-12 College Preparatory School

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, January 29, 2 - 4 p.m.

Holy Spirit Elementary Campus, K4-6 grade 8580 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery, AL 36117 334-649-4404

St. Bede Elementary Campus, K4-6 grade 3850 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery, AL 36109 334-272-3033

Middle School Campus, 7-8 grade 5350 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery, AL 36116 334-272-2465

For more information contact vdickson@montgomerycatholic.org or call 334-272-7221 ext. 32.

High School Campus, 9-12 grade 5350 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery, AL 36116 334-272-7220

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Holy Cross Holds Annual ‘Iron Bowl’ Matchup

Holy Cross Episcopal School’s campus was the site of its annual “Iron Bowl 2016” that is played each year one week prior to the official Iron Bowl in either Tuscaloosa or Auburn. The entire student body, teachers and staff were dressed in their favorite school colors and armed with shakers ready to show their school spirit for their favorite teams. The two rival teams were represented by fifth- and sixth-grade Auburn and Alabama players and ready to battle for the title of who would emerge as this year’s coveted “Iron Bowl” victor. Star quarterbacks for each team were represented by Jeffrey Griffith and Michael Gregory, and they were experts at calling winning plays and passing with precision. The two teams had great coaching, professional plays called, exuberant cheerleaders, over the top fans cheering on their teams, but when the game ended, Auburn was victorious! All of the Auburn fans ran out onto the field to congratulate the team and it wrapped up a season that was filled with excitement.

Catholic Middle SGA Helps Family

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s Middle School SGA members Ines Gonzales, Ellie Poole, Matthew Reardon, Steven Robinson, DJ Carter and Chloe Walden purchased Christmas gifts for a family the campus is helping through Catholic Social Services. SGA sponsor and school counselor Sarah Rech led the Advent service project by taking fourteen SGA members shopping at Target on December 5 to choose gifts for the family, serving those in need and making their Advent count.

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Montgomery County Schools

Saint James ‘Girls on the Run’ Program Successful

Holy Cross Episcopal Holds Annual Open House

Holy Cross Episcopal School (K4-6th grade) will hold its annual Open House on Sunday afternoon, January 29, from 1-3 p.m. at the campus located at 4400 Bell Road, Montgomery.

This year’s ‘Girls on the Run’ season may be finished, but the team from Saint James School is already making plans for next season. Ann Aman, Christi Christie and Becky Dickens of Saint James have coached a team of eleven girls (grades 3-5) this fall—mentoring them on life skills, teaching them the value of teamwork, and teaching them the meaning of community service. Wrapped in the life lessons are opportunities for personal growth and a commitment to leading healthy lives. Throughout the season, the girls trained twice a week to compete in a 5K race. They had a practice race on campus and as a group they participated in the Jingle Bell Run 5K on December 3, benefitting the Arthritis Foundation. “I am so proud of this group of girls,” said Aman. “They all made a commitment to be a part of this after-school program that truly builds self confidence, exposes the children to community service, and promotes a healthy way of life. It is such a well-rounded program and such an effective method of mentoring our youth.” The new season of Girls on the Run at Saint James School beings in early February. For more info, please contact Ann Aman at aaman@stjweb.org or Maggie Brooks, program director for Girls on the Run River Region, at maggie.brooks@ girlsontherun.org. Shown at the Jingle Bell Run 5K in early December, from left, are: Becky Dickens, Emilie Toft, Veronica Cherry, Jessica Desjardins, Bridgette Egan, Mary Arden Gibbs, Ann Aman, Brooke Egan, Christi Christie, Hailey Vance and Emily Needham. Not shown are Eliza Bell, Mae Morgan Blankenship and Katie Irving.

Eastwood Students Place in Holiday Writing Contest

Eastwood Christian School had seven students who placed in the city-wide Roxie Lancaster Children’s Holiday Writing Competition. Established by the late Roxie Lancaster in 1979 as a way to increase child literacy, the competition is open to first- through fifthgrade students. Private and public schools throughout Montgomery County are invited to enter the competition, as are homeschooled students. The competition is a joint effort of the Arts Council of Montgomery, The Montgomery City-County Public Library, Friends of the Montgomery City-County Public Library and Regions Bank. Eastwood third-graders who placed include: Evelyn Williams-1st Place, Matt Hodges-2nd Place and Leah Johnson-Honorable Mention; fourth-graders include: Andrew Ewald-1st Place and Julian Lee-Honorable Mention; and fifth-graders Ava Grace Thomas and Paige Sawyer-Honorable Mention. Montgomery Parents I January 2017

Montgomery County Police Department K9 Unit Visits Alabama Christian Academy

Alabama Christian Academy’s second-graders had a special visit from the Montgomery County Police Department K9 unit. Students were able to learn about the important role K9 dogs have in the police force. Vocal commands, K9 training, and simulation of a robbery with the assistance of K9 dogs were shown to the students. ACA appreciates and is thankful for all that the Montgomery County Police Department does for our community. 24

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Success Unlimited Visits Alabama Kidney Foundation

Students from Success Unlimited Academy braved the frigid air on December 8 to participate in the Alabama Kidney Foundation’s Stocking Stuffer Community Service Event held at Baptist South. This is the second year members of SUA’s Key Club have participated in this outreach. The group joined other volunteers to prepare a special gift for kidney patients as they fight their battle with kidney disease. Jason Hataway, Sarah Moody and LaDarian Moore, shown, worked to “stuff” boxes with AKF scarves to be presented to the patients at their local dialysis center. The project was complete when 1,700 scarves were boxed, labeled and picked up by other volunteers to deliver to the centers. As the students were enjoying pizza and soft drinks at the conclusion of the evening, they were able to visit with a dialysis patient who came to help. The patient shared his experience with dialysis and the students were able to understand the appreciation of such a small gift.

Pike Road Parent/Artist Shares Skills with Students

Beth Fuhrman, owner of Pike Road Art and Soul, recently came and shared her skills with some of the Pike Road School Patriots who were preparing for an upcoming fundraiser. Thanks to Fuhrman’s guidance, they turned ordinary “chicken artwork” into Picassostyle masterpieces. Many of these pieces of art were auctioned off to raise money for the PRS Chicken Farm. If your child is interested in art lessons like this, e-mail beth.fuhrman.bf@gmail.com

Macon East AISA All-Stars

Four Macon East Academy students were honored to participate in the 2016 AISA All-Star Football game December 2 at Cramton Bowl. Connor Davis played defense for the East team, forcing a fumble early in the first half of the game. Rebecca Chapman, Rai Pritchett and Alex Wyrosdick were part of the all-star cheerleading squad. These seniors were selected during tryouts at UCA’s AISA cheerleading camp this summer at Huntingdon College. The participants enjoyed a few days of practice with their fellow AISA teammates and were honored at a luncheon prior to the game. The East team battled back in the second half of the football game but fell to the West team 33-30. From left are Alex Wyrosdick, Rai Pritchett, Connor Davis and Rebecca Chapman.

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Montgomery County Schools

Robert E. Lee High Cheerleaders Named to UCA All-American Squad

Four Robert E. Lee High School cheerleaders were chosen for the Universal Cheerleaders Association All-American Squad, and two of them are London-bound. Nyla Sankey, Gakireya Warren, Ronjelia Henderson and Shyre Pecks were selected to the squad, and Sankey and Warren were able to raise the money to take the trip. They will be cheering in London’s New Year’s Day Parade as part of a weeklong trip to England’s capital. All cheerleaders who attend the Universal Cheerleaders Association summer camp are eligible to try out for the UCA All-American Squad. Each cheer coach can nominate up to six cheerleaders to try out. Thousands of cheerleaders from across the United States try out for the team. They are judged based on a dance routine, a cheer and their best jump.

ACA Termite Football City Champions

The Alabama Christian Academy Termite Football team recently won the Capitol City Conference. The players and coaches celebrated their victory with a pizza party and award banquet. “After winning only two games in the first two years of the program, the 2016 Termites finished this season 7-1 and won the regular season and the CCC tournament championship,” said Termite Football Coach Randy Gardner. “We credit the success to their dedication, willingness to work hard and play with a ‘don’t quit’ attitude. These players never gave up after trailing in most of the games and found a way to win. In doing so, they didn’t surrender any points in the second half of any game all year. They represented their school, families and coaches with pride.”

Montgomery Parents I January 2017

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Macon East Academy Participates in Jingle Bell Run

The Macon East boys’ basketball teams and cheerleading squads participated in the Montgomery area Arthritis Foundation’s annual Jingle Bell Run at Huntingdon College. Together their two teams raised more than $2,300 to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Several Macon East parents also joined in running the 5K. Macon East coach Lincoln Glass encouraged the students to participate in this great event as his wife, Lendria, serves as the local director for the Arthritis Foundation. Overall, the participants dressed in festive holiday attire raised more than $107,000 in the annual event.

Forest Avenue Students Give Back to Community

The Forest Avenue Academic Magnet Elementary School Student Council volunteered its time during the holidays to help make a difference in the community. On Dec. 10, students spent time outside Sam’s Club in Montgomery ringing bells for the Salvation Army. They also helped box food collected during a schoolwide food drive for needy families.

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Macon East Cheerleader Performs at Disney

Macon East junior varsity cheerleader Georgia Blaze spent the week of Thanksgiving at Walt Disney World with hundreds of cheerleaders from around the country as part of the UCA & Varsity Cheer Extravaganza. Blaze, along with several others, was selected as an All-American cheerleader this summer at the UCA camp attended by both Macon East squads. She and her family enjoyed a week of activities at Disney with all the other All-American participants. On Thanksgiving Day the cheerleaders performed in the Magic Kingdom parade and enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner and video of the week’s events.

Trinity Announces 2017 Class Hall of Fame

Trinity Presbyterian School is pleased to announce the 2017 Class of the Trinity Presbyterian School Hall of Fame. “Many wonderful people have been associated with Trinity School since its founding in 1970,” said Head of School Kerry Palmer. “The Hall of Fame gives us an opportunity to pay homage to some of our best board members, school heads, teachers, coaches and alumni. Through this endeavor we honor our past and inspire a new generation.” The 2017 Class of the Trinity Presbyterian School Hall of Fame includes: Richard and June Cyrus, Friends of Trinity; Dana Ward Schrimsher, Lena Skipworth and Carol Sorrells, all Former Faculty; and Brian Willett, Former Head of School This year’s inductees will be recognized on February 7 during an assembly at Trinity School as well as the Hall of Fame banquet at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Trinity Hall. The 1987-88 Girls Varsity Basketball Team and the 1994 State Champion Volleyball Team will also be recognized. Montgomery Parents I January 2017

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Montgomery Catholic Athletes Sign To Play Sports at the Next Level

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Churchill Academy Welcomes New Service Dog

Meet Churchill Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest family member! Tyson is the service dog who lovingly serves the students at Churchill Academy on a daily basis. Churchill welcomed Tyson during the month of December and is delighted to have him as part of the family! Many thanks to Kaye Pair for her help with Tysonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daily care. We would also like to extend a big thank you to Frances McGowin of Service Dogs in Alabama, Wind Creek Casino, and Kelly Hargroves for their help in getting Tyson to his forever home at Churchill Academy!

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Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School held a signing ceremony for seniors Michaelyn Foster and Zachary Van Alst on November 15. Foster will play college softball at Auburn University at Montgomery next year. She came to Montgomery Catholic as a sophomore and 2017 will be her third season with the Knights, as a pitcher and utility player. Foster began playing softball in kindergarten with the East Montgomery Dixie Youth League. She is a two-time 1A-4A All-Metro player, has been named All-State 2nd team in 2015, and an All-State honorable mention in 2016. She is a member of National Honor Society with a 3.5 GPA. She has also played basketball at Montgomery Catholic for three years. Foster is the daughter of the late Michael Foster and Chastity Foster of Montgomery. She is coached at Montgomery Catholic by Abby Beesley. Van Alst will join the United States Air Force Academy wrestling team next year. This is his sixth year to wrestle for the Knights. He has won five consecutive Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) wrestling state championships including the 2016 title in the Class 1A-5A, 132-pound weight class. Van Alst finished the 2016 season undefeated with a record 50-0. He has won four sectional titles to go along with his five state championships, while recording an overall career record of 233-12 . He was also named Most Valuable Wrestler of the State Tournament for Class 1A-5A. He has been named a National All-American twice for Roman Greco wrestling in 2015 & 2016. He is a member of National Honor Society and has a 3.88 GPA, and was named an Academic AllAmerican by the National High School Coaches Association. Van Alst is the son of Jennifer and Bob Van Alst of Prattville. He is coached at Montgomery Catholic by Coy Hunter and David Parker.

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Holy Cross School’s Show Choir Performs Christmas Musical

“Santa’s Holiday Playlist “ was the title of Holy Cross Episcopal School Show Choir’s holiday performance presented on December 8 to parents, grandparents, family and friends in the Chapel of the Annunciation on the Holy Cross campus. Music teacher Beverly Fain’s production blended a festive variety of holiday music to spotlight the 5th- and 6th-grade Show Choir’s acting and singing talents.The show opened to a medley of winter theme music featuring “O Arbol de Navidad” (a Spanish version of “O Christmas Tree”) and a unique number with comic narration embedded throughout entitled “A Kitty For A Present.” All of Santa’s crew—the reindeer, toy soldiers, elves, snowflakes, crystal, and even “Mrs. C.”—are trying to help Santa modernize himself to show him there are other ways to enjoy his holiday music other than the old LPs and record player he loves so much. “Merry Christmas in the Motor City” was performed for Santa so that he could experience that Motown holiday sound. Meanwhile, “A Real Live Country Christmas” added a little “boot-scootin’” into the mix, and “Broadway Lights!” was performed by Crystal, the broadway musical singer and dancer who demonstrated to Santa that holiday music just doesn’t get any better performed in that famous New York big stage musical sound and style. Santa’s very own battalion of toy soldiers performed for Santa “Just a Little R & R” in which they vowed their loyalty to protect Santa no matter what, and reminisced about the time Santa gave them some much-needed time off way back in 1976! “The Sounds of Christmas” and “Santa’s Holiday Playlist” were the two finale numbers in which all of Santa’s dream music selections were featured. It showcased his favorite classic, beloved Christmas carols, and seasonal songs loaded into one wonderful playlist on his “new-fangled” iPod that his staff lovingly presented him so that all of his favorite music could accompany him for his long journey ahead on Christmas Eve. At the conclusion of the performance, the cast prepared to take their “show on the road” as they would spend the rest of the day at stops to cheer residents, patients and staff at Elmcroft and Wesley Gardens retirement homes and Montgomery Cancer Center.

Trinity Basketball Teams Win Thanksgiving Tournaments

Behind tournament MVP James Wilder and all tournament player Charlie Lott, the Trinity Wildcats, shown above, defeated Birmingham’s Altamont School 46-41 in overtime to win the SMCS Thanksgiving Tournament. The Cats were led in scoring by Jack Yohn with 11 points. Next were Chase Lee, Grant Sanderson and Samuel Ames, who rounded out the Wildcats’ balanced scoring attack. It was the Wildcats’ second win over the Knights in four days, having defeated them in the season opener at home previously. The Lady Wildcats also won their SMCS Thanksgiving Tournament. They defeated Shades Mountain by the score of 59-38 in the first round of the tournament. Mackenzie Avant and Madison McKelvey led the Wildcats with 21 and 20 points respectively. The Wildcats faced Altamont in the final game and won by the score of 42-40. McKelvey was awarded the tournament MVP and Avant made the all tournament team. Madison Johnston led the team in rebounding for the tournament. Montgomery Parents I January 2017

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Saint James Students Win Mayor’s Cup Academic Challenge

Four Saint James School students participated in the Inaugural Mayor’s Cup Academic Challenge this fall. The competition was sponsored and organized by Emerge Montgomery and the City of Montgomery served as hosts. Finals competition was held at Huntingdon College on November 29, when the team members from Saint James School won the challenge and were named “the smartest kids in Montgomery!” The Central Alabama Community Foundation, along with Information Transport Solutions, Inc., awarded each of the Saint James winners a $500 college scholarship. “The Mayor’s Cup Challenge was not precisely Scholars’ Bowl rules but a number of Scholars’ Bowl teams from Montgomery competed,” said Saint James Scholars’ Bowl Coach James Griffin. “The preliminary round was held on November 19 at Auburn Montgomery and the top four teams (Park Crossing, LAMP, BTW and STJ) advanced to the finals competition that was held November 29.” The competition was a general knowledge competition with four rounds. The first round includes giving each team a set of rotating questions that increase in difficulty and point value. The second round is a lightning round where teams select a category and answer as many questions as possible in 90 seconds. The third round is traditional Scholars’ Bowl structure – giving the team who buzzes first the opportunity to answer. In the final round, the teams, without hearing the question, wager points. “Saint James was in the lead by the final round and wagered just enough to win if the second-place team put everything on the line,” Griffin said. As winners of the Mayor’s Cup, and in addition to the scholarship dollars they were awarded, the Saint James School team members were introduced by Mayor Todd Strange at halftime at the Camellia Bowl December 17. From left are Saint James School senior Joseph Gary, junior Ella Skier, sophomore John Latner, senior Mason Edwards and Scholars’ Bowl Coach James Griffin. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Pike Road ‘Bags of Love’ Becomes Schoolwide Effort

Community Six learners from Pike Road worked hard toward a common goal to help the community recently. The purpose for their “Bags of Love” project was to help women in need throughout the community by providing them with needed supplies that the students placed inside drawstring bags. Another purpose for the project was to support women and make them feel loved. Lead Learner Catherine Kenny reached out to the community to request sewing machine donations. Community members donated five machines, including one valued at more than $1,000! Many volunteers helped C6 learners sew the bags. C6 also collaborated with other learners throughout PRS such as 8th-grade learner Stella Barton, who created our a commercial, and a group of three students from fifth grade who offered to purchase supplies with money that they were collecting for a community service project. A class of kindergartners even made a batch of 100 beeswax lip balms to add to the bags. It has turned into a schoolwide effort. To sew 100 bags in just two weeks, learners came before school, after school, and even gave up P.E. and lunch time to complete the job. Sixty bags were donated to the Reality and Truth Ministries and 40 bags to the Woodland United Methodist Church Food Pantry. Pike Road also plans to continue its partnership with the Woodland UMC Food Pantry by helping the church raise awareness and collect nonfood items such as toiletries which cannot be purchased at a discounted rate through the Food Bank.

Macon East Softball Player Commits to Mobile

Macon East Academy softball player Kaylee Pullin made her commitment official by signing to play at the University of Mobile. Last year was Pullin’s first season with the Lady Knights, and she was a huge asset to the team at second base. She helped Macon East continue its reign as the AISA AA State Champions, and hopes to keep the streak going this spring. Pullin was recruited by the Rams during her sophomore season and is excited to finally make her commitment official.

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Eagles for Christ Day at ACA

High school students from Alabama Christian Academy flocked Montgomery County and surrounding counties to help serve the community. Students traveled to more than 20 different organizations including the Humane Society, the Food Pantry, Adullam House Children’s Home, Alabama Wildlife Federation, Reality and Truth ministries, Fisher Farms, Eat South, Friendship Mission, American Cancer Society and local elementary schools. A combined total of approximately 1,500 service hours were worked during the Wilburn and Jean Bullington Eagles for Christ Day. This day embodies the true mission of ACA—“Thrive in wisdom. Serve in Spirit.” One group is shown at Catoma Elementary School.

Macon East Performs Christmas Play

Macon East Academy held its annual Christmas performance including songs from students in grades K3 through 6. Under the direction of music teacher Michelle Lott, students presented the Christmas story through song and scripture reading. To close the program, Headmaster Glynn Lott joined the 6th grade girls in a beautiful performance of “Angels Among Us.”

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Flowers Elementary’s Fit Club Helps Students Stay Sharp By Staying Active

Flowers Elementary physical education teacher Summer Lewis saw a great opportunity during her first year at the school in the 2015-16 school year. Students were sitting around in the lunchroom before school started, and Lewis wondered if there was a way to get the kids moving instead. That led to the creation of Fit Club, an early morning program that incorporates a wide variety of fitness activities. Research shows that morning exercise and brief physical brain breaks during the school day sharpen students’ ability to focus and stay on task. Or, as Lewis puts it, “It helps them to get their wiggles out first thing in the morning.” Students in all grades participate in Fit Club, joining Lewis first thing in the morning with upbeat music and vigorous movement. Other teachers at the school have reported that they are seeing results, Lewis said. “I’ve had a lot of teachers tell me it has really helped,” she said. “It is really exciting to hear that it is helping in the classroom. That was a huge goal.” Lewis incorporates many different types of activities, including zumba, kickboxing and a number of different types of dances. “I want to have a wide variety of things for kids to do so they can excel,” she said. The students and other teachers aren’t the only ones reaping the benefits of the early morning exercise. “It is fun for me, too. It is a good way to start the day,” Lewis said.

Floyd Students Attend Justo Lamas Spanish Concert

Floyd Middle Magnet School students from Sra. Henley’s class had the opportunity to attend the Justo Lamas Concert December 5 at Prattville High School Auditorium. Students Hannah Thomas, Chanice Spicer and Kerry Straw opened the concert with a dance from the Spanish song “Vivir Mi Vida.” Other students, Emma Thomas and Camron Ellis, were able to participate on stage with Emir Sensini. The concert was an inspiring educational activity where students were exposed to the Spanish culture through songs and dance. Immediately after the concert, the students went to El Patron restaurant for some authentic Mexican food. The students had fun while they were learning about the Spanish culture. The concert also sent a powerful message to not give up in the face of adversity.

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Goodwyn Middle’s Diamonds and Pearls Program Gives to Faith Rescue Mission

Pike Road Patriots Learn Chinese

Some Pike Road School learners recently learned how to show gratitude in Chinese. Many of these Patriots have only been studying Chinese for a few weeks and some of them had never written in Chinese characters until this project. This is one of many opportunities PRS learners receive from the Confucius Classroom in partnership with Troy University. To our Chinese teachers who are teaching our Patriots to become global learners, we say, “Do Jeh, Daw-Dyeh.” Send Your School News to: editor@montgomeryparents.com

The young ladies of Goodwyn Middle School’s Diamonds and Pearls program helped less fortunate members of the community this Christmas season. They collected items such as socks, mittens, snacks and personal hygiene items for the Faith Rescue Mission and presented them to Chaplain Curtis Browder. The Diamonds and Pearls program is aimed at young ladies who attend Goodwyn and aims to empower students to take an active role in reducing negative behavior. The goals of the program include learning etiquette, building self-esteem, creating a healthy school environment, fostering healthy relationships and combating all forms of bullying. The leaders of the program, Juandelisha Smith and Schenita Manora, stress the need to be strong influences in the lives of their students and to provide positive outlets for them. Members of Diamonds and Pearls take part in a number of projects to give back to the community, including canned food drives, sending care packages to soldiers and campus beautification projects. The young ladies also decorated the Christmas tree at Hillview Terrace Nursing Home not long before donating to the homeless shelter.

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Catholic Alumnus Named 2017 Marshall Scholar

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s Class of 2013 valedictorian, Zachary Hulcher, has been named a 2017 Marshall Scholar. Funded by the British government, the Marshall Scholarships provide exceptional young Americans the opportunity for two years of graduate study in any field at a U.K. institution. Up to 40 scholarships are awarded each year in the rigorous nationwide competition. Scholars are selected on the basis of academic merit, leadership potential, and ambassadorial potential. Hulcher is pursuing a dual major in electrical engineering and computer science and physics at MIT, with a minor in mathematics. As a Marshall Scholar, he will study and perform research in high-energy physics at Cambridge University, following in the footsteps of such luminary physicists as Newton, Maxwell, and Hawking. Hulcher plans to earn a PhD and, as a professor of physics, make contributions to expand the field of high energy physics. Hulcher spent his sophomore summer conducting research with Professor Yen-Jie Lee at the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) Experiment at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, Switzerland. He returned to CERN his junior summer to continue with and present on his research. Since the fall of 2015, he has been a research assistant in the group of professor Krishna Rajagopal of MIT’s Department of Physics and Center for Theoretical Physics, which is part of the Laboratory for Nuclear Science. Hulcher has been improving the analysis and modeling of how CMS measurements can be used to probe quark-gluon plasma, a substance connected to the Big Bang that may lead to greater understanding of the formation of the universe. Through MISTI’s Global Teaching Labs, Hulcher traveled to Xalapa, Mexico, to assist with courses focused on mobile and internet technologies, and he taught courses on physics to high school students in Italy and Israel. Since his freshman year, Hulcher has been an offensive lineman with MIT’s varsity football team and was named this year to the NEWMAC all-academic team for his outstanding scholarly and athletic performance. Hulcher also serves on the executive board for the MIT chapter of the Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society. Hulcher attended Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School through 12th grade, where he graduated top of his class and received a scholarship to attend MIT. He is the son of Richard and Vickie Hulcher of Montgomery.

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Alabama Artist Makes Ornaments for National Christmas Tree

Montgomery Catholic’s Tyynismaa Brings Home 3rd State Cross Country Title, Girls’ Team 4A State Runner-Up

On November 12, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s cross country teams went after the state championships, with the girls’ team walking away as the state’s 4A runner-up! The Catholic girls were led by the incomparable Amaris Tyynismaa. With virtually no one in proximity after 100 meters into the race, she ran hard trying to push herself. In the end she ran an excellent time and won her historic, third consecutive State Championship. Isabelle Cochran stepped into the race seeded far behind two runners from other schools. She almost pulled off second, earning her All-State honors with an awesome third place while leading the entire team with an unheard-of forty-second improvement over the 5K distance. Katie Galvin ran third for the Racing Knights, earning All-State honors with an overall 13th place off an excellent 12 second improvement. Virginia Speirs finished as the Knights’ 8th runner in 98th with a superb 23-second improvement. Annabelle Starrett ran her fastest time in the last two years and ran a season best by 16 seconds. Katelyn Stark also competed hard despite a severely injured foot. For the Catholic boys, Zach Kroeger was at one point in second place during the highly competitive race. Facing numerous challenges in the middle of the race, he finished strong in 10th place, earning All State honors having run four seconds faster than he ever ran before. Grant Walker also earned All State honors with his 15th-place effort. Chris Valencia, Catholic’s #4, broke 18 minutes for the first time, pulling out a 15-second improvement. Cam Searcy showed the boys’ best improvement of the meet, running his best race to date while dropping a full 30 seconds off his best time while running 5th for the team. The Knights’ #8, Sam Leslie, also ran a personal best. Finally, Joe Schmidt, despite running on a severely sprained ankle, just missed running a personal best while running in the #6 slot for Catholic. Overall, a superb season for the Racing Knights, making their coaches Ed Wright, Hollis Johnson and Kevin Madden very proud. Photo by: Total Image.

Holy Cross Students Perform Christmas Pageant

“On Our Way to Bethlehem” was the title of the first- and second-grade Christmas Pageant performance at the Chapel of the Annunciation on the campus of Holy Cross Episcopal School. The musical opened with the song “On Our Way to Bethlehem” was a stirring beginning to the program, followed by “Mary’s Song,” “Inn Keeper,” “Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow,” “The Gifts We Bring” and the last selection, “Carol Medley” featured the entire cast singing all of our favorite Christmas melodies to close the program. Special thanks to music teacher Beverly Fain, and first- and second-grade teachers, Leisa Harrison and Ann Takacs, for such an outstanding performance by their students. Montgomery Parents I January 2017

Ornaments by a local Alabama artist dazzled President’s Park at the White House in Washington, D.C. as part of the 94th Annual National Christmas Tree Lighting display entitled “America Celebrates.” Alexandra Toney of Montgomery designed ornaments that showcase various attractions and historic landmarks throughout the state of Alabama. The hand-painted ornaments adorned one of 56 trees representing each U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia from December 1, 2016, through January 1, 2017. “It was an honor to paint ornaments to help the nation celebrate the holidays in one of our most recognizable national parks,” said Toney, a visual arts student at Booker T. Washington Magnet High School. “I was excited to be a part of the display because my ornaments will be a part of history as the nation bids farewell to President Barack Obama and his family after living in the White House for eight years.” The featured ornaments are an interesting display of what Alabama has to offer in regards to iconic sites. Acrylic paint, combined with a variety of brush sizes and brush strokes, was used to hand paint each ornament. The acrylic paint colors were mixed by the artist to create exact colors to illustrate each scene. Toney’s art was featured at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts’ Sensational Still Life exhibit. She was awarded the 2016 Scholastic Art & Writing Award for her work entitled, The Forest of Buildings. She is a faithful member of the media production team at Fresh Anointing House of Worship, where Bishop Kyle and Pastor Kemi Searcy are her spiritual parents. She is the daughter of proud natural parents, Sydney and Zandra Toney, and adored by supportive grandparents, Leroy and Mary Yelder. At left is Toney’s representation of Dexter Avenue King Memorial Church. www.montgomeryparents.com

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Eastern Hills Preschoolers Fill Christmas Shoeboxes

Children in the K3, K4 and kindergarten classes at Eastern Hills Childcare collected items to prepare boxes for Operation Christmas Child. With money and items that were donated, they were able to prepare 38 boxes. The children were so excited to learn that children around the world would be receiving these boxes of goodies. They also learned the important lesson that giving is better than receiving.

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Forest Avenue Celebrates Multicultural Night

Forest Avenue Academic Magnet School students and their families enjoyed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Multicultural Night,â&#x20AC;? an event celebrating the diverse cultures represented at the school. The event featured student performances, including a Philippine folk dance called Maglalatik, a South Korean taekwondo demonstration, and three distinct Bollywood dances. Each family also provided a covered dish unique to their native country.

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Trinity First-Graders Give Thanks at Annual Thanksgiving Feast

A time-honored tradition at Trinity, first-graders give thanks at the annual Thanksgiving Feast. 37

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C Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great Christmas and is ready for a fantastic 2nd semester. Our Christmas concerts kicked off the holiday season for Autauga County. The first week in December was filled with beautiful music and exceptional performances that definitely got me in the Christmas spirit. Chris King and Michael Skeen presented the Prattville High School Band in concert at First Baptist Church on December 1st and a Christmas jazz concert at Prattville High School on December 5th. David Simpson and the Marbury High School Band impressed us all at Marbury High School on December 6th, and Kenny Hall and Ashley Williams led Prattville Junior High School Band at James Powell Gymnasium on December 6th. As a special treat for some of our younger students, the

Prattville Junior High School 8th grade band also performed concerts at Prattville Intermediate School and Daniel Pratt Elementary School for all 6th graders on December 5th. Watching our young people display such talent and dedication certainly enhances the magic of the Christmas season. Another one of my favorite times of year is when we recognize seniors scoring a 26 or higher on the ACT (American College Testing). The accomplishment of scoring 26 or above is significant because students start receiving scholarship money at that level. During our November board meetings, the board recognized students from Billingsley and Marbury High School. I would like to congratulate the following students: Abigail Atcheson, Kyle Blackmon, Caleb Cleckler, Kimberly Crowe, Jayme Davis, Gehrig Douglass, Cameron Duncan, Jacob Hust, Nicholas Johnson, Rheannon Primm, Sarah Redus, Brianna Roberts, Joseph Robinson, Brandon Rodriguez, Zion Smith, Thomas Blake Stewart, and Brannon Zaner. It is always a thrill to see the students and their parents gleaming with pride for such a wonderful

accomplishment! We will be recognizing the students from Prattville High School during the January and February board meetings. In Autauga County, we are always focused on the future! During the November 17th board meeting, Mr. Jeffrey Keith was elected to serve as board chairman for the 2016-2017 year, and Ms. Ledronia Goodwin was elected to serve as the vice-chairman. We are blessed to have such an outstanding group to serve on the Autauga County Board of Education. I look forward to working with the board as we strive to increase our students’ academic achievement. I am looking forward to the many blessings that 2017 has in store for us. I take great pleasure in sharing the accolades our schools, staff members, and students receive with the citizens of Autauga County. With so much news to share, take a moment to like “Autauga County Schools” on Facebook! 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 20 years of experience in the education field as well as 29 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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PCA Opens Tanglewood Coffee House

Prattville Christian Academy will soon add a unique feature to its newly constructed secondary building addition. Tanglewood Coffee House will open in January to serve coffee, tea and other coffee house staples but ultimately provide students a safe place to share their dreams and discover their unique purpose in this life. Tanglewood Coffee House will be owned and operated by Mary Greer, a 2004 graduate of Prattville Christian Academy. In addition to brewing speciality drinks, Greer will serve as an additional student counselor on campus. “Coffee houses serve a need for many by providing them with a place to foster relationships and share aspirations,” said Greer. She believes that we need to connect with students where they are and help them to determine what they want to do with their lives and the best way to empower students is to forge meaningful relationships with them during their formative years and get them connected to something larger than themselves. “I see so much potential in PCA students and what can be done through them if we can get them to really be involved in our community now.” Lean more about PCA’s Tanglewood Coffee House at the ribbon cutting for the secondary building addition on January 12 at 10:30 a.m.

Prattville High School AP Calculus Class Spreads Holiday Cheer

Jordan Berry’s AP Calculus class at Prattville High School took a day off to share holiday cheer with special needs students from Mrs. Puckett and Mrs. Andrews’ classes on December 9. Elmore County Superintendent-Elect Richard Dennis read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas to the captive audience. Following the story, students decorated reindeer and snowmen doughnuts, made Santa masks, ice cream cone Christmas Trees and visited with Santa. Students also made Swiss roll reindeer and cinnamon ornaments.

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Montgomery Parents I January 2017

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Prattville Kindergarten School Spirit Day

On November 18, Prattville High School came to help Prattville Kindergarten School celebrate school spirit day. In weeks before, students conducted a change drive for the music program. They brought in loose change to put in their favorite team’s bucket. On the 18th, PHS cheerleaders, mascots, 2016 Homecoming Queen and Miss Lion all joined PKS to celebrate and announce the change drive winning team – Alabama. All 440 students paraded around the stadium, then Prattville High School cheerleaders entertained them with their cheers and stunts. It was a great day of fun for kindergarten and high school students.

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Senator Chambliss Speaks At Superintendent’s Meeting

Autauga County Schools are blessed with much support from local and state elected officials. On November 30, Senator Clyde Chambliss spoke at the Superintendent’s Advisory Council meeting. The Superintendent’s Advisory Council consists of one faculty representative from each school. These committee members bring ideas and concerns from their schools and are given information to relay back to their faculty and staff.

PJHS Band Entertains Intermediate Students

Prattville Junior High band performed Christmas songs for the sixth-graders at Prattville Intermediate School on December 5.

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Autauga County Schools

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ACTC Holds Manufacturing Career Day Event

The Autauga County Technology Center held its second annual Manufacturing Career Day Event for High School Students in Autauga County on October 27. The ACTC partnered with the Prattville Chamber of Commerce, AIDT, ATN, Lincoln Electric, Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, Central Alabama Community College, Marbury Steel, International Paper, Tenaska and Gipson’s Tire Pros to allow high school students to participate in handson activities related to manufacturing careers. During the Manufacturing Career Day event, the ACTC held a panel discussion for students about manufacturing and careers available in local manufacturing facilities and businesses in the area needing a skilled labor force. Afterwards, students toured simulations and Mobile Training Units at the Technology Center. This event was held to draw attention to manufacturing’s present-day reality and encourages our students to develop the skills they need to qualify for long-term careers in this secure and growing sector of the economy and helping to ensure our graduates are college or career ready when they graduate.

Kiddie College School Dresses for Thanksgiving

Below are the three-year-olds in our Front Black classroom dressed as Indians for Thanksgiving.

Billingsley Senior Signs Softball Scholarship

Katlyn Childress, a senior at Billingsley School, signed a softball scholarship to play at Shelton State Community College. Her career numbers, from her freshman year through last season as a junior, are pitching 97 games, 83 complete games, 26 shut outs, 852 strikeouts, 1.74 ERA, and a .300 batting average.

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Marbury Middle Beta Club Keeps Busy During December

Marbury Middle School Beta Club welcomed 78 new members after the first nine weeks, making club membership a total of 110 students. Before the Thanksgiving break, Beta Club had its first meeting with the new members and started the first service project with the new members, the Adopt-a-Mile program. All members spent more than an hour picking up trash on County Road 20 and on the school campus. The students also had several service projects going on during December. The MMS Beta Club participated in Toys for Tots, put together holiday hope chests for local foster children, and made “cookies in a jar” for local senior citizens.

Pra Aw for Ne Below are the 3 1/2 year olds in our Orange Door classroom.

Prattville Elementary Breaks Ground for New Playground

Prattville Elementary School held a groundbreaking ceremony December 5 for a new playground scheduled to be complete by the time students returned from Christmas break. Shown are Felissa Clemons, Kelly Bibb, Tina Strandburg, Keetah Wilkerson, Don Rickard, Mark Hindman, Jim Manderson, Jeffrey Keith, Bill Gillespie, Jay Thompson, Corey Green, Phil Shepherd, Drew Warren, Spence Agee and Stefanie Aaron. Montgomery Parents I January 2017

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Prattville High Speech and Debate Keeps Winning Streak Going The Prattville High School Speech and Debate Team has finished the first half of its season undefeated in overall competition. Having won Overall Sweeps at the Saint James Tournament earlier in the fall, the team completed a trifecta by winning Overall Tournament Sweeps at both the Spain Park Hoover Swing Tournament as well as the Prattville High/Prattville Christian Christmas Classic. Individual champions from the Spain Park tournament are John Bergdolt, Lauren Chambliss, Hannah Edwards, Noah Kelley and Gentry Slay. Individual champions from the Prattville tournament are Clayton Donhauser, Hannah Edwards, Noah Kelley and Donovan York. In addition to winning Overall Sweeps at Spain Park and Prattville, the team also earned the Individual Events Champion trophies. The team will kick off 2017 by competing January 13-14 at the University of Alabama Hall of Fame Tournament. Teams from across the Southeast will gather to contend for championships as well as scholarship opportunities. The Prattville team is coached by Katy Olienyk and Jordan Berry.

Send Your school news each month to: editor@ montgomeryparents.com.

Prattville Intermediate Wins Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fitness Award

Prattville Intermediate School won the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s State Champion Award as Champs for Physical Fitness for the 2015-2016 school year for the state of Alabama. Physical education teachers are Catherine Newton, Sylvester Bruce and Kim Evans.

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PARENT

Welcome Letter From Richard Dennis I am excited for the opportunity to lead Elmore County as superintendent of education! As we enter 2017, we will issue in a number of goals to further student successes. Efficient management and development of local school leadership will be a priority in order to provide our students with a strong academic background and the opportunity to participate in competitive challenging extra-curricular programs. Each community in Elmore County has a wealth of resources and strong traditions that make it unique. To capitalize on these talents it is imperative the school leadership be included in the decision-making

Montgomery Parents I January 2017

process and own their outcomes. The Elmore County instructional team will work with each feeder pattern to coordinate and develop academic programs that prepare students to meet and exceed the state’s College and Career Standards. Academically, this means reaching students of every socioeconomic background at various skill levels. It is important to help students determine the path they want to pursue followed by challenges that provide the academic skills to be competitive. Fundamentals in reading, writing, math and science are essential and can not be overlooked at the expense of other objectives. This requires a concerted effort to increase the number of teachers in the local schools above the current foundation funding levels. As a high school administrator for twenty-one years, I always share my priorities with the faculty, staff, students and parents/guardians. My first priority is to consider the students’ mental and physi-

cal well-being. This is an even greater challenge as students have instantaneous exposure to all aspects of today’s society, many of which can have negative effects. Secondly, student academic performance must be evaluated and efforts made to motivate them to work hard and achieve beyond what is comfortable. Finally, student participation in extracurricular activities is a priority. These activities reveal students’ passions and teach real-world skills that build character and lifelong friends. These priorities will continue to guide me as I work to make Elmore County the very best it can be. I look forward to the exciting work ahead! Richard Dennis is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. He is a 1983 graduate of Holtville High School. He completed his undergraduate degree in English and History Education at The University of Alabama, his Master’s degree in English at Troy University and his Administrative Certification at AUM. He served twenty-one years as a high school principal at Holtville High School, Wetumpka High School and most recently, Prattville High School. He and his wife, Leslie (also an educator) have three sons Forrest, Ethan, Jacob and a daughter, Laura Grace.

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Elmore County Schools

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New Superintendent To Be Sworn in January 3

Elmore County Board of Education announces that new superintendent, Richard Dennis, will be sworn in on January 3 at 8:30 a.m. by Judge Patrick Pinkston. The ceremony will take place at the Elmore County Board of Education.

Airport Road Holds Student Council Induction

Airport Road Intermediate presents its Student Council members for the 2016/17 school year. The new members were honored with an initiation ceremony on November 18. They stood before school officials and parents and pledged to be leaders in their school and community. The ARIS student council strives to promote leadership and service to our fellow students and to the community through service projects. The Student Council has been taking part in a canned food drive to benefit the Millbrook Welcome Center.

Meteorologists Visit Victory Baptist

Holtville Awards Spelling Bee Winners

Holtville Elementary School recently held its annual Spelling Bee for third- and fourthgrade students. Third-grade winner was Anthony Miller and in second place was Lane Fuller, shown above. Fourth-grade winner was Braxton Gaither and in second place was Kaiden Brock, shown below.

Meteorologists Ryan Stinnett and Ben Lang, from the Alabama News Network, visited the third-grade class of Victory Baptist School. Students have just begun studying about the weather in science, and the meteorologistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; visit gave the class the opportunity to ask questions. The studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; knowledge of the weather piqued their interest in meteorology.

Redland Elementary Names Williford Teacher of the Year

Shown above with her class is Redland Elementary School second-grade teacher, Sandra Williford, who was recently named Teacher of the Year at RES.

Montgomery Parents I January 2017

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Eclectic Elementary Names November Students of the Month

Kindergarten: *Emmalyn Huddleston, Rhys Watkins, Gwen Holley, Oscaraion Williams, Brysen Taylor and Titus Carter; 1st Grade: Joshua Lett, Lizzie Reese, Levi Reinert, Skylar Segrest, Casey Crumpton and Jefferson Lucas; 2nd Grade: Michael Kelley, Kate Harrell, Baleigh Wilson, Lucas Drost and Danielle Reynolds; 3rd Grade: Jakobe Wyatt, Tyler Foster, Sydney Boardwine, Annaleigh Collins, CJ Evans and Ayden Jones; and 4th Grade: Arial Mann, Jackson Youngblood, Lexi Martin, Destinee Daniels and Shelton Darnell. * Not Pictured

Wetumpkaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hibbard Chosen Teacher of the Year

Kindergarten teacher Tanya Hibbard was named Wetumpka Elementary Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Teacher of the Year for 2016. Principal Bonnie Sullivan and Assistant Principal Minnie Pringle presented Hibbard with the award. She has been teaching for 35 years.

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Elmore County Schools

Eclectic Announces Spelling Bee Winners

Eclectic Elementary held its Spelling Bee on November 30. Preston Baker won in 4th grade with the word “vacation” in the 12th round. The 3rd-grade winner was Ethan Vance in the ninth round with the word “digestive.”

Redland Participates in Christmas on the Coosa

The students, teachers, staff and parents from Redland Elementary School were delighted to participate in the Christmas on the Coosa parade this year. There was a student representing each grade on the float and others walked the parade route dressed as elves. The RES Jr. Beta Club also had a float in the Christmas parade.

E HES Collects Money for Fire Department

Holtville Elementary School Student Council was hard at work during the month of October collecting money for the Slapout Volunteer Fire Department. The students collected money through a Fill the Boot Campaign and collected more than $200 for our local fire department.

Airport Road Intermediate Dance and Choir Holiday Show

Airport Road Intermediate School parents were entertained by a wonderful holiday show presented by the ARIS Choir and Dance Team. ARIS is very passionate about offering several extracurricular options to enhance the students’ learning outside of the classroom. The students worked very hard and the holiday presentation was enjoyed by all.

WMS Band Performs for Wetumpka Elementary

Wetumpka Middle School’s 8th-grade band students went to Wetumpka Elementary School to play Christmas carols. The students enjoyed listening to the festive holiday music.

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Eclectic Hosts Glow in the Dark AR Party The Eclectic Elementary School Library hosted a Glow in the Dark Dance Party for about 165 students who reached their Accelerated Reader goals during the second quarter. Students were given glow sticks and danced to music in the library.

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Redland Elementary Choir Sings at Wesley Gardens

RES Spelling Bee Winners Redland Elementary School Spelling Bee winners and runners-up, shown front row from left, are Kimora Purify (4th-grade runner-up), Finley Phenghphanh (3rd-grade runner-up) and Avery Jones (3rd-grade winner); back row: Tanner Bartgis (4th-grade winner), Kaiya Dixon (5th-grade winner), Sophia Rawls (5th-grade runner-up), Carter Hardin (6th-grade runner-up) and Logan Weighall (6th-grade winner).

Got news? Send us your school bits by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com

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Elmore County Schools

ARIS Under the Big Top Math Night Airport Road Intermediate School recently held its annual math night. This year’s theme was “Under the Big Top.” The students performed math songs and skits and enjoyed a free dinner with their families. The most important part of the night came when parents were welcomed to learn the very important strategies that the teachers are utilizing to teach their children. Strategies were taught through fun games and activities. Thanks to all of the parents who came out to participate!

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WES Student Council Collects Goods for Food Pantry The Wetumpka Elementary School Student Council supported Elmore County Food Pantry by collecting canned goods from the students at WES! Fourthgrade teachers Mrs. Law, Mrs. Shepherd, Mrs. Mixson and Ms. Wheat are the Student Council sponsors.

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Holtville Class Receives Interactive Projector

Mrs. Majerikâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class received and installed a new interactive projector. The students are having a blast working together and learning about Internet safety. A special thank you to Wal-Mart in Millbrook for donating to our school.

WHS Football Players Read at WES

Members of the Wetumpka High School football team came to read to the students at Wetumpka Elementary School.

Eclectic Performs Christmas Sing Along

Will Reese and his 4th-grade music students hosted a Christmas Sing Along at Eclectic Elementary December 13. 51

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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

When Your Teen Just Doesn’t Care “I don’t care!” Ever heard that phrase pop out of your teen’s mouth? My guess is 99.9 percent of all teens have expressed their indifference to mom and dad. It can be maddening to watch a child shrug their shoulders or roll their eyes at something we say. I mean, how did kids get to be so apathetic today anyways? Typically, apathy is the symptom of a bad attitude. So the way we try to get past a teen’s indifference is to point out the obvious—your attitude needs to change! But how do you get an indifferent teenager to care again?

Fear-Based Apathy

The apathetic teen is not a kid without emotions. In fact, I’d say that a kid who says he “doesn’t care” may actually care a whole lot! What I’ve found is that you have to look past the attitude to see what is driving a child’s apathy towards life. Often, an indifferent teen is struggling with fear—a fear of life and the world. He hates going to school, is afraid of social events, or angry about the state of the world. This outlook is common among kids who look around at things like famine, war, disease, murder, inequality and think, Hey, this is not right! I don’t know if I really care about this world after all. It’s a pretty crummy place. So they develop an attitude of apathy and try to block everything out. Even though they give their best effort to appear shielded, apathetic teens are still struggling to express anxiety, worry and fear over situations in their life. For the teen who is trying to overcome their anxiety through a cavalier attitude, you have to help them put life into perspective. Talk about the things worth celebrating. Show your apathetic son or daughter that life has more joy and happiness than what he or she can see at the moment. And let your teen know you believe in them. Many teens fear they don’t have what it takes for learning, for working, or succeeding in life. They compare themselves to others and refuse to try to do something they don’t think they can do—or do well. So here’s where you can guide them into places and projects where they can experience sucMontgomery Parents I January 2017

cess and satisfaction—a part-time job, a new sport, or a fun project that you can even do alongside them. This will help them overcome the fear of failure that many apathetic teens face. It is easy to feign apathy rather than admit fear. That’s why it’s important to create a safe relationship with them. Let them know that you, too, have fears that you must face. Being vulnerable with them and allowing them to process their real feelings will go a long way in releasing them from their fears. And it will equip them to face future fears as they arise.

Grief-Based Apathy

As teenagers begin to face the realization that the world isn’t the happy and carefree place they once thought it was, they might experience a deep sense of sadness and grief. Coming face-to-face with death and tragedy causes a loss of innocence. Sometimes a traumatic experience in a teen’s life can be a secret source of grief. As parents, we don’t know everything that is happening in our child’s life. My parents didn’t know everything I did as a teenager. And I’m guessing it was the same for you. So you can be sure that you don’t know everything your teenager is going through either. If grief is fueling their apathy, then we need to help our kids learn to process and deal with that emotion in a healthy way. Be attentive to your teen. Notice the little and big things that indicate what he or she is really experiencing. Have patience and encourage him or her to not only express his sadness, but his anger, and frustration, too. Show them that there are healthy ways to express all the emotions they feel. A friend who worked with me at Kanakuk Kamp in the ‘80s made a statement that has stayed with me through the years. He said, “The moods of a lifetime are often set in the all-but-forgotten events of childhood.” If your son holds on to his grief instead of processing it and moving past it, that grief may become the “mood of a lifetime.” And being apathetic may be your daughter’s way of trying to navigate these difficult feelings, when 52

she really needs your help to process them in a safe and respectable way.

Anger-Based Apathy

There is nothing wrong with being angry. When we see acts of cruelty, scenes of chaos, or loss of life, it’s natural to feel anger and rage over a fallen world where bad things happen to good people. But in the same way that adults need to channel their anger into appropriate outlets, teen anger must be dealt with or it will grow into an “I-just-don’t-careanymore” attitude—or even something more destructive. So direct your teens to acceptable ways of expressing anger. Show them appropriate ways to let off steam. You can write a letter, go for a run, listen to music, paint a picture, build something, or even talk it out. Encourage them to use those angry feelings to do something, rather then let them boil inside. I’ve found the best way to break an apathetic attitude is to get your teen to serve others. Apathy is really a preoccupation with yourself. So when you take a kid on a mission trip, serve a soup kitchen, visit a nursing home, or make dinner for your sick neighbors, you are replacing a teenager’s self-obsession with a focus on helping others. When our kids say, “I don’t care,” the easy response is to say, “You’re being apathetic!” But pointing out a kid’s bad attitude doesn’t change it. Breaking your son or daughter out of their indifference requires getting to the root of the problem, and addressing those feelings. It also may require changing your own attitude. Do you complain about problems at work, church, or at home, but never take steps to get involved in making change happen? Would you rather talk than take action to do something? Apathy can be infectious. So if you’re dealing with a teen who doesn’t care, make sure you do! And make sure it shows in your actions. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

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Key Opportunities to Seize Won’t Cost a Dime! by Michele Ranard, M.Ed.

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If you are anxious to provide your preschool-aged child with opportunities leading to later academic success, you are in good company! Opportunities certainly exist; however, as well-meaning parents

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we may be vulnerable to thinking “inside information” or alternative fast tracks are the key. In reality, current research and expert advice on emerging literacy are far more reliable than the latest hype. The advice often won’t have a sexy ring to it, but the foundation for success--those steps that lead your child to the point she is ready to read—comes from daily experiences at home. Montgomery Parents I January 2017

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8 Opportunities to Seize Right Now In Carl Dunst’s Children’s Learning Opportunities Report (2000), he conceptualizes the opportunities for language development and early literacy in terms of incidental and intentional opportunities. Incidental opportunities might include watching leaves blow while on a walk, blowing on food when it’s too hot, or talking about body parts during bath time. Intentional activities might include story hour at the library or a trip to the zoo. Dunst says children need activity settings matched to their interests and competencies to practice existing skills and learn new abilities. Here are 8 opportunities Dunst suggests seizing:

Identify your young child’s

INTERESTS:

• What makes your child smile or laugh? • What makes your child happy and feel good? • What are your child’s favorite things? • What is enjoyable to your child? • What does your child work hard at doing?

Identify your young child’s

COMPETENCIES:

• What gets and keeps your child’s attention? • What is your child good at doing? • What “brings out the best” in your child? • What does your child like to do a lot? • What gets your child to try new things?

Everyday Repetition and Rituals.

It’s the everyday stuff! Repetition during meal time, bath time, diaper changes, and bedtime story routines primes young children for later school success. Sound lazy or too simple? It’s huge. Rosenkoetter and Barton’s Bridges to Literacy (2002) encourages parents to think of building bridges to literacy by providing experiences that include print, responsiveness, repetition, modeling and motivation, and oral language.

Think PRINT.

Reading time may be brief but must occur every day. Listening to stories helps kids explore new worlds, laugh across generations, and learn about amazing and ordinary things. Sharing stories can be a balm for irritable or fussy children. Rosenkoetter and Barton 55

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indicate “Shared reading also provides security and calms children’s restlessness.” Reading together should be relaxing and fun. It is not just about the exposure to language, it’s about creating happy reading memories which set the stage for a love of reading.

Stay RESPONSIVE.

For early literacy, you want your child to learn: language is fun, she can do it well, and she can get results from using it. When your child speaks, help her feel successful by giving her the attention and lots of positive affirmation.

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Repeat Key Phrases.

Provide routine schedules that use familiar phrases (such as “let’s have some lunch” or “scrub-a-dub-dub”) and cues at key times during the day. Nap and bedtime routines should be kept the same, and reading the same book over and over helps strengthen the foundation for later academic success.

Be a consistent MODEL and MOTIVATOR.

It’s important your child sees you reading. “Such routines demonstrate that reading is important in the lives of older people and draws attention to the value of reading for coping with everyday life.” At home, point out that you are reading the newspaper or a recipe. On car rides, be intentional as you point out signs on the road or the names on store fronts. It’s also important to write and draw with your child. “When children draw pictures, their verbal comments should regularly be written on the page and read aloud.”

Use ORAL LANGUAGE.

Quantity matters so talk a lot. You want to expose your child to as many words an hour as possible. Talk to your child during work and play. Chitchat has a big payoff and translates into broader vocabularies and higher levels of reading later. In Learning to Read the World (Zero to Three, 2004) Rosenkoetter and Knapp-Philo write “From this foundation of basic learning and subsequent daily explorations with everyday people and objects, the young child builds many other understandings of self and others…young children begin to ‘read their world’ and to have wider and greater impact upon it.” As parents we can help them read their world long before they learn to read. mp Michele Ranard is a former preschool teacher with a master’s of education degree in counseling. She has been helping students and families as a private tutor for a decade.

Montgomery Parents I January 2017

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Alabama DisABILITY Conference Scheduled for February

The Arc of Alabama, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to advocacy and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families and caregivers, in partnership with the 29 chapters state-wide of The Arc, announces the 2017 Alabama disABILITY Conference. The conference will be held February 26-28 at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Spa Convention Center in Montgomery. The conference will provide a lineup of speakers chosen to accomplish key goals, as follows: raise expectations for people with I/DD regarding more inclusive communities such that all people of all abilities are engaged in life areas such as employment, housing, learning, recreation and leisure, spirituality, healthy living, relationships, and accessibility; help self-advocates and families navigate resources needed to meet these expectations, working together to coordinate resources and build support systems to ensure self-advocates and caregivers know about these resources; ensure people with I/DD achieve success and can celebrate these results through outcomebased planning to get results in areas of advocacy, financial planning, health care, education, making choices, transition from school to community, public policy, etc. Another element of the conference will be recognition of individuals, groups, businesses, and other organizations for their contributions to creating inclusive opportunities or having a significant impact in the area of serving people with I/DD and their families. The awards to be presented include the following: Inclusive Employer, Exemplary Educator, Distinguished Direct Support Professional, Employee of the Year, Family of the Year and Distinguished Advocate of the Year. The Arc of Alabama was founded in 1957 and is the largest organization in Alabama dedicated solely to advocating for the rights and needs of children and adults with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. The Arc of Alabama and the 29 local chapters are affiliated with The Arc of The United States and support its positions that reflect the value of and respect for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Conference details and registration information are available at www.aldisabilityconference.org.

Family Karate’s Women’s Self Defense Seminar

The staff of Family Karate Center hosted a free women’s self-defense seminar with the Montgomery Police Dept. November 12. Master Carole Smith was a special guest of Tonya Terry on WSFA-TV and the staff of WAKA news network to promote this event. Topics covered included awareness of your surroundings, not leaving your purse or packages in your car for anyone to see, parking in a well-lit area at night, and being aware of someone following you, among many other safety tips. Ladies practiced joint lock escape techniques and were able to ask Officer Davis questions about the police department. A fire arms familiarization course was offered to help ladies with information about owning a firearm. Call 220-9319 for some free trial classes and stay tuned for more free ladies’ self- defense seminars.

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Minimizing the Health Hazards of Technology Any adult who spends much time with technology knows that it can cause physical strains ranging from headaches to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Children who use computers, laptops, mobile devices and video games can also be vulnerable to these problems both because their bodies are developing and because they may not notice the twinges that signal overuse. Fortunately, parents can take relatively simple steps that will protect kids from the physical wear and tear associated with technology. Helping children establish good tech habits now makes it less likely that they will have problems later. Here are things to consider:

Hands. Repetitive stress injuries occur when the same motion is repeated over and over, something that’s hard to avoid when playing video games or using a cellphone. Encourage your child to develop a light, relaxed touch to minimize stress on fingers. To prevent wrist strain, rest devices on a pillow and position keyboards at elbow height. Arms should hang loosely at the sides rather than being outstretched. Back. You may feel self-conscious about telling your child to “sit up straight,” but slumping over a handheld device creates strain on a child’s back and neck. Whenever possible, encourage your child to do extended projects such as homework or even lengthy gaming sessions at a work station that is designed to encourage “neutral” posture. Feet should rest on the floor (or on a box for younger children). The chair should provide support for the lower back (a rolled up Montgomery Parents I January 2017

towel may help). Screens should be at eye level (consider using a portable keyboards for laptops and tablets). Consider adding an inexpensive keyboard to a laptop or tablet so the monitor can be propped at eye level and your child won’t have to hunch over her work. Eyes. Computer Vision Syndrome won’t necessarily cause long-term damage to your child’s eyes but it can result in fatigue, blurry vision and headaches. Show your child how to increase font size so devices can be held comfortably about 20 inches from the face. Reduce glare by adjusting the position of screens and, if necessary, adding an anti-glare filter. Clean screens and, for that matter, eye glasses by wiping them gently with a soft, damp cloth. Because people in front of screens blink less often, their eyes may get dry and irritated. Encourage your child to look away every five or ten minutes and focus on something else. Ears. One in five American teens already has hearing loss caused by extended exposure to sound—especially music—that is too loud. Set the volume for devices that have headphones and tell young children that they need your permission to make it any louder. Instead of earbuds, get your child earphones that cover the ear so there’s less need to increase volume to block out environmental sound. To make children more aware of sound levels, try installing an app like Sound Meter for Apple products or Sound Level for Android. Brain. Even though the research is inconclusive, many experts recommend that parents err on the side of caution when exposing children to the electromagnetic waves created by mobile devices. Dr. Devra Davis, author of Disconnect: The Truth About Cell58

phone Radiation urges parents to discourage young children from using cellphones for any but very short conversations. Older children should get in the habit of using the speaker phone or a headset. Some kids will find it amusing to use an inexpensive retro handset, readily available at sites like Amazon. Most cellphone manufacturers recommend that phones not be pressed against the side of the head. Check the manual to find the ideal distance from phone to ear. To find out how much radiation a particular phone routinely emits, check its SARS level at https://www.sarchecker.com/. You may want to adopt other precautions to limit your child’s exposure to unnecessary radiation: Turn off WIFI whenever it’s not in use or set the phone to airplane mode so it doesn’t emit a wireless signal. Avoid using the phone in a moving vehicle or when reception is poor because the phone will emit more radiation in its effort to find a relay antenna. Keep phones and tablets out of the bedroom when your child is sleeping. If your child (or for that matter, you) use your cellphone a lot, consider investing in a case that redirects radiation like the available from Pongresearch.com. The best way to protect your child from the health issues associated with using technology is to encourage breaks—lots of them. Try installing a timer app or use an old-fashioned kitchen timer. Set it for 20 to 30 minutes. When the timer goes off, have everyone stop what they are doing and MOVE for at least five minutes. You may also want to help your child become aware of the aches and pains that indicate overuse. Teach your child simple stress reduction exercises like shoulder rolls and yoga stretches like downward dog. Have a squishy ball available for soothing cramped hand muscles. All of this advice is, of course, good for adults as well as kids. In the end, the very best way to get your kids to develop healthy habits with technology may be adopting them for yourself. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2017, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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Alabama Dance Theatre Celebrates the Holidays

To celebrate the holiday season, company dancers, staff, and special guests of the Alabama Dance Theatre gathered at the home of Artistic Director Kitty Seale. The party provided a delightful finale to ADT’s 30th holiday season. Dancers will soon begin rehearsals for the upcoming performances of “Princess Stories and More” March 3-5 at Troy University’s Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. For more information on upcoming performances or classes held at the Alabama Dance Theatre, call 334-241-2590 or visit alabamadancetheatre.com.

Archives Hosts Preview Screening of Victoria

Alabama Dept. of Archives and History Textile Curator Ryan Blocker will present “Victorian Fashion: From the Skin Out” January 10 at 5:30 p.m. followed immediately by the screening of Victoria, a new PBS drama, at 6 p.m. Admission to both the presentation and the screening is free. No registration or tickets required. Victoria, a new series about the life of Queen Victoria, will air on Masterpiece on PBS in the Sunday night time slot occupied for six years by Downton Abbey. Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who) stars as the young Victoria, a tiny neglected teenager who overnight became queen and eventually the most powerful woman in the world. The first season of the drama will follow Victoria from the time she becomes Queen in 1837 at the age of 18, through her courtship and marriage to Prince Albert. This program is presented with Alabama Public Television. For questions or more info, call (334) 353-4689 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov.

Tonya Speed Dancers Perform in East Chase Christmas Parade

Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection had more than 200 participants perform in the “Lights Up”Christmas parade at East Chase with pink glow sticks. Preschoolers rode in trucks to wave and wish everyone a merry Christmas while our DC Strutters dance team entertained right before the fireworks show and tree lighting.

To share news about your group’s special events, e-mail editor@ montgomeryparents.com by the 12th of each month.

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As you begin exploring schools for your child, you begin to realize that you have dozens of options. And they are all a little different. It’s rather bewildering looking at all these web sites especially if you have never visited a private school before. They are all so different. How can you ever decide which one is best for your daughter? Start with a very basic strategy, a game plan if you will. Let’s look at what really matters when it comes to choosing a private school for your child.

Your requirements Start with your requirements. Your requirements trump everything. So have a family discussion. Be relaxed and openminded because your requirements as a parent are going to be different from your daughter’s. You are thinking the best educational experience. She’s thinking about her life and her friends and the reality that she will have a whole new situation to deal with. That’s scary for a young person. But you can make it an adventure and get her to buy into going to private school if you are patient, informative and, above all, a

listener. Dictating to your child will probably get you nowhere in a hurry. So, what’s really important? Ponder these questions and then develop some answers after having that family discussion. • Are you looking for a traditional college prep school experience or something else? • Is your religion a major determining factor? • What about sports? Arts programs? Extracurricular activities?

If college preparation is your goal, think about the kind of college your daughter is likely to attend. Note that I said “likely to attend” as the dream you may have of her attending on of the Ivies simply may not be realistic. I know that four or five years in the future seems like an eternity but try to project your thinking and expectations as far ahead as you can. Then focus on the quality of the academic curriculum at the private schools you are researching. Look at the faculty. Do they have degrees in their subjects? Masters or doctorates? Is there breadth and depth in the course offerings? Do you require strong sciences? A rich array of languages and humanities? What about the enrichment programs offered? If you are looking for a military education or a progressive approach, that will narrow the field considerably as there are far fewer military and progressive schools out there. Ditto with regard to your religion. If you have very specific requirements, that too will narrow the field of choices. Other considerations are arts and sports programs. If your child is really good at a particular sport, then inspect schools closely to see if they fit your needs. A

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strong inter-school athletic program will probably be a requirement for most sports. Plenty of performing opportunities in the music program would be a requirement on the arts side. The important thing is not to take these for granted. Inspect and verify. Now you are beginning to see how your organizational skills fit into the school search process. Now we start to get into more nebulous territory. This is where you have to trust your instincts. What do I mean? After looking at all those school web sites and filtering out schools based on your requirements, you will probably end up with several schools which meet your requirements fairly well. This is where you will fine tune those choices. The way you do that is by visiting the schools. Remember: it is not enough to rely on what you are seeing online. You actually must set foot on the campuses of schools which interest you and see how they work for you and your child.

Finances If financial aid is a factor in your school choice, work that component in at this stage. The amount of financial aid a school offers could possibly eliminate some of the schools on your list. Are you

Montgomery Parents I January 2017

discounting the idea of a private education for your child simply because you think you cannot afford it? I suggest that you ask about financial aid first. Then make your decision based on the facts which may pleasantly surprise you.

Setting and location Private schools come in two main locations: urban/suburban and in the middle of nowhere. If the location and setting matter greatly to you - and it should - look closely at this and determine which schools are most practical for you.

Philosophy You looked at the school’s philosophy when you were discussing your requirements. But educational philosophy is such a subtle thing that you need to circle back and examine each school on your short list very closely with regards to educational philosophy. After all, the school is pretty much casting the die for your child in those critical high school years. Make absolutely sure that the school’s educational philosophy meshes with your own. If you are not sure about what is being taught, read the text books and understand their point of view. Ask questions.

Visiting the school The process of choosing a school is much like buying a house. You wouldn’t buy a house sight unseen. Same thing with choosing a private school. Visit every school on your short list. Satisfy yourself firsthand that it meets your requirements.

What’s not important In education, rankings are not important. What your child learns is the only thing besides her happiness which matters. First of all, there are no private school rankings. You can safely ignore beauty contest listings of private schools which appear in the press. I don’t recall ever seeing one article which purported to rank private schools that made any sense. Titillating reading, possibly. Sensible information? No. If you want to know where one school fits in relative to another, ask your educational consultant. She will point out important facts and data to consider. But even she will not rank schools except in a casual, anecdotal way. Ranks are not important. The fit with your requirements is. Find a couple of schools which are good fits and you will have a happy child. That’s all that matters. mp Contributed by Robert Kennedy. Please visit www.privateschoolreview.com.

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The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science Change your life forever! Find out how the Alabama School of Math and Science can lead you on a path to success. ASMS is our state’s only fully public, residential high school for highly motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors seeking advanced studies in math, science, and the humanities. Applying to ASMS is FREE – and so are tuition, room, and board if you are admitted! Start your free online application at www.asms.net. Application deadline is February 3, 2017.

Many people ask, “Do I have to be a ‘genius’ to be accepted to ASMS?” Answer: Absolutely NOT! ASMS is made up of students who are intelligent and work hard for academic success. In 2016, the 72 ASMS grads earned $11.5 million in merit-based scholarships with an ACT composite class average of 29.0. Current Alabama 9th or 10th graders can apply. Questions? Email admissions@asms.net or call 251.441.3250.

ASMS Class of 2016 ACT Comparison 2016 ACT COMPARISON

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Alabama School of Mathematics and Science 1255 Dauphin 63St., Mobile, AL 36604 251.441.2100 - www.asms.net admissions@asms.net

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EASTWOOD

MOLDING BOYS INTO MEN We believe in a classical understanding of what it means to be a man. A man should strive to blend three parts of life: Gentleman, Warrior, Saint. What the medievals meant by these terms was that a gentleman is an educated burdenbearer for society. A warrior is a defender of that which is true and right. A saint has the biblical mind and heart from which being a gentleman and warrior spring. At Eastwood Christian School our boys and girls are given a rigorous, classical education. They are well rounded in sports and the arts so as to produce a warrior spirit. They are saturated with a biblical worldview and are taught to think critically as a Christian. Finally, there is an environment of mentoring - the older serve the younger. Our board and staff have been assisting families in this biblical vision for 20 years.

EA STWOOD C HR IS TIA N SC HOOL MONTGOMERY / ALABAMA 334.272.8195 WWW.EASTWOODSCHOOL.ORG 67

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4400 Bell Road | Montgomery, AL | 334-395-8222 | HolyCrossMontgomery.org

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING Holy Cross Episcopal School is a day school serving K4 through 6th grade in the Montgomery area. Our curriculum prepares students for entry into college preparatory programs in both private and magnet middle schools. Children of all religious, ethnic, and economic backgrounds are welcomed and valued for the diversity they bring. a place of FAITH Holy Cross unites the life of faith and the life of reason within the broad tradition of the Episcopal Church. We offer experiences to strengthen children’s faith and values so they may become stronger members of their families’ church afﬁliations, whatever these may be. Chapel services are held daily and opportunities for individual spiritual growth are provided through community outreach projects. a place of LEARNING With our spiritual nurturing, challenging academics, competitive athletics, and a strong commitment to the arts, our program is designed to instill and inspire conﬁdence, self-discipline, leadership, responsibility, intellectual curiosity, and sensitivity to others. Holy Cross’s curriculum is designed to develop effective writing, critical reading, logical reasoning, analytical thinking,

personal responsibility, and civic-mindedness. Enrichment education continues in visual and performing arts, foreign language, physical education, library, STEM-infused science, and 21st century computing. We also offer ESL instruction for English language learners. a place of LOVE Our highly dedicated and experienced faculty, whose excellence in teaching is surpassed only by their genuine love of children, makes Holy Cross a place where children grow and thrive. Our faculty regards teaching as an exciting, stimulating, and rewarding ministry. They are committed to the education of the whole child and to providing individual attention to each student.

K4 - 6TH GRADE OPEN HOUSE

SUN, JAN 29

1PM - 3PM

Holy Cross offers a 5% discount for younger siblings and a 10% discount for active duty military and ﬁrst responders. We also accept the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship and Scholarships for Kids. Ask us about additional ﬁnancial aid opportunities. Holy Cross Episcopal School is accredited by AdvancED (SACS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools 69 www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents We are a proud member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools

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advertorial

Montessori@Mulberry The River Region’s Preferred Montessori Preschool Montessori@Mulberry’s CAMPUS

Montessori @ Mulberry has added a new building to its Mulberry Campus. The building is a charming house, newly renovated, next to the current location and includes a classroom, especially designed for children 12 months and older. We also have an additional playground for our younger students and a newly expanded Montessori Resource Center. We have also expanded our classroom to the outdoors with “The Children’s Garden.” Our students now participate in all the phases of gardening: from germination, planting, caring for and harvesting an organic crop. Terri Jackson, Executive Director, teaching students According to Terri Jackson, Executive Director, “The response to our unique educational approach has been very positive and we are excited to offer more opportunities for parents who appreciate the Montessori Education we specialize in.”

The Children’s Garden

Montessori@Mulberry’s LOCATION

Montessori@Mulberry is centrally located in Midtown Montgomery a few blocks from Jackson Hospital and Huntingdon College. Conveniently located just blocks from Interstate I-85.

Montessori@Mulberry’s CLASSROOM

Mrs. Guha, Lead Teacher, AMS Certified with Maxxim

In the Montessori classroom, each child is encouraged to reach his or her full potential in all areas of life. The specific needs of individual children are met at each developmental level. The classroom contains many multi-sensory, sequential Sadie working her lesson and self-correcting materials that facilitate learning. Concepts are presented in the Primary Classroom concretely and students work with materials until they are ready to move to more abstract materials. Children are free to work at their own pace with materials they have chosen. All classrooms have multi-age groupings, which encourages a family-like atmosphere where learning can take place naturally. Our curriculum, which is challenging, interdisciplinary and real world related, provides a strong academic bridge to elementary school.

WHY CHOOSE Montessori@Mulberry?

Is it a coincidence that many of the mavericks on the leading edge of innovation and creativity in our culture are Montessori graduates? The founders of Google and Amazon.com along with T. Berry Brazelton, noted pediatrician, to Peter Drucker, the well known management guru, were all educated in the Montessori Classroom. As you research and think about how you want your child to begin his or her education, Montessori @ Mulberry should be at the top of your list. We offer certified Montessori teachers in each classroom and a quality environment designed for fostering the love Kendall, Alex and Dylan having of learning. As a parent, you want the “peace of mind” knowing your child will have the fun with a “Group Hug” opportunity to learn and grow according to his or her ability. We invite you to call Terri Jackson at 265.7733 to schedule a tour and discover why Montessori @ Mulberry is the River Region’s preferred Montessori Preschool. Begin your child’s education for life with the skilled staff at Montessori @ Mulberry.

Offering Exceptional Educational Experiences for children 12 months through Kindergarten. Limited space available, call today to reserve your child’s placement.

Call Terri Jackson Today to Schedule Your Tour @ 334-265-7733 casadebambini@aol.com _ montessoriatmulberry.com _ 2034 Clubview St. in the Mulberry District Montgomery Parents I January 2017

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SJ01-3860

SAINT JAMES SCHOOL CLASS OF 2016

The Complete Education E LE M E NTARY

RECE NT HONORS

Complete Pre-K3 – K5 program with proven kindergarten curriculum and all day or half day options for Pre-K3 and Pre-K4

The Largest Group of Independent School Students in Montgomery Recognized by National Merit for 2017 (4 Semifinalists, 4 Commended)

Daily enrichments including technology, music, art, library, science lab, and Spanish

Twenty students named Advanced Placement Scholars, Scholars with Distinction, and Scholars with Honor

Pre-K3 – Grade 4 classroom use of iPods®, iPads®, and Macbooks®; 1:1 iPads® in Grade 5

Saint James graduates have received over $25.1 million in college scholarships over the past 5 years

Guidance lessons, emphasizing values and character, taught by professional counselors

Top Ranked Independent School in Montgomery via Niche.com

Unique Outdoor Learning Lab (butterfly garden, pond, and bog), dedicated Elementary Science Lab, and Outdoor Art Lab

National Speech & Debate Champion; 3 Individual State Champions

M I DDLE SCHO OL & H IG H SCHO OL

Expanded learning though unique middle school exploratory classes

Region Football Champions; 10 All Conference Team Members; All Conference Player of the Year and Coach of the Year; Montgomery Quarterback Club Private School Player of the Year and Coach of the Year

21st Century learning environment with 1:1 iPads® in middle school and 1:1 Macbooks® in high school

Area Volleyball Champions, State Runner Up, and South Super Regional Champions

Daily advisory periods promoting social, emotional, and physical well-being

Area and Conference Baseball Champions

Opportunities to participate in over 45 competitive team sports, nationally recognized band, and award winning arts courses

Nationally Ranked Marching Band; Super-Regional Class Champions; 10 All-State and All-District Band Members

Exposure to college fields of study through unique pre-college major high school electives including Robotics & Pre-Engineering, Pre-Law, Sports Medicine, Graphic Design, and more

8 Gold Keys, Art & Photography

Advanced Placement and Advanced Classes within a challenging College Preparatory curriculum

11 All-State Choir & 3 All-State Show Choir Members Mayor’s Cup Academic Challenge Champions

Saint James School FOR PRE-K3 THROUGH 12TH GRADE ADMISSIONS

334.273.3021

Leading the Way Since 1955 S T J w e b . o r g Ask us about our Financial Assistance Program. English as a second language (ESL) tutoring provided. Saint James School admits students of any religion, race, color, gender, creed, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

SJ01-38605 Jan. 2017 Parents Advertorial.indd 1

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Honor. Tradition. Academic Excellence.

OPEN HOUSE: Thursday, January 19, 2017. Intended for families of prospective K4 and K5 Kindergarten students. ENROLLMENT: Approximately 825 students K4-12. MISSION: Trinity is Montgomery’s foremost educational institution, binding academic excellence with Christian values. Providing a challenging college-preparatory education, Trinity provides a rigorous academic program, committed educators, outstanding athletics, and a nurturing family environment. Educators at Trinity strike the perfect balance as they encourage students to strive for excellence, while emphasizing Christ-like character above all else. “The Trinity Experience” produces leaders who possess mental, physical and spiritual strength. RECOGNITIONS: Trinity graduates have received over $35 million in merit-based scholarships over the last 5 years. Taking advantage of an extensive amount of AP courses on campus and online, a vast majority of Trinity’s AP students score between a 3 and a 5 on their exams, with many students being able to nearly complete their freshman college studies before ever graduating from Trinity. Two 2016 Trinity graduates were named National Speech and Debate Association Academic All Americans. This fall, the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program recognized twenty-four Trinity students as Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars. The Science Olympiad Team won the 2016 Regional Finals by defeating the Alabama School of Math and Science, while Trinity’s EnviroBowl Team has won 10 State Championships since 2001. The Alabama High School Athletic Association named a 2016 Trinity graduate the State Bryant-Jordan Scholar-Athlete Award; while the Alabama High School Athletic Association named a 2015 Trinity graduate the Regional Bryant-Jordan Scholar-Athlete Award. A 2017 Trinity senior was named the 2017 Distinguished Young Woman of Montgomery County. The 2015 Youth Governor for Alabama was a 2016 Trinity graduate, and is the 3rd Youth Governor Trinity has produced. Trinity’s Lower School Library also acts as a S.T.R.E.A.M. Lab (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts, and Math, providing project-based learning activities to Lower School students. SERVICE: Serving others is paramount at Trinity. From the first day of Lower School to the last day of Upper School, Trinity’s focus is on putting others first. Trinity’s school-wide (K4-12) mission project, Change 4 Change (C4C), has donated over $70,000 in the past three years to charitable organizations in Montgomery and throughout the world. In 2016, Trinity launched a “Cyber-Seniors” class, which allows students to teach senior adults how to operate their computers, iPhones, iPads, and other technological devices. Partnering with a local elementary school, Trinity students serve as “Study Buddies,” during an afterschool tutoring program. Continuing local outreach, Trinity students provide food to 85 children weekly to a local elementary school through the “Feeding America’s Backpack Program.” 76 Montgomery Parents I January 2017

ARTS: Offering the only full-time dance program at a Montgomery independent school, Trinity’s award-winning fine arts program offers stateof-the-art areas for dance, choral, instrumental, visual arts, and speech. Trinity’s theatre department produces a full-scale musical each spring with a cast of more than 125 Upper School students. Trinity art students win major state and national awards in the arts and currently have artwork exhibited at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Trinity’s Art Department provides opportunities for exhibition and collaboration between emerging student artists and professional artists through its annual Pop-Up Art Gallery and Collaborative Studio showcased downtown in the Alley Station. Trinity’s Show Choir and band students perform locally as well as throughout the state each year. Expression through vocal and instrumental music extends through middle and upper school in formal Choral and Band performances. The award-winning Wildcat Pride Marching Band continues their record of excellence, as they had the largest number of students chosen for the 2015 All-State Honor Bands of any independent school in the River Region. The Middle School Concert Band, the first of its kind in the city, and the Symphonic Band allow students to increase their proficiency through rehearsing and performing concert band literature. ATHLETICS: Athletics play an integral part in Trinity’s educational program, which is designed to develop the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Trinity fields 36 interscholastic sport teams, including football, volleyball, basketball, tennis, baseball, softball, golf, soccer, track, cross country, and swimming. Both men’s and women’s teams have excelled in the middle school, junior varsity, and varsity levels capturing many CCC and area titles. Many students and coaches are named AllMetro player or coaches of the year by The Montgomery Advertiser. Trinity has a long-standing tradition of championship-level teams, and many Trinity athletes play at the next level in several sports. Trinity has won 24 AHSAA state championships, most recently the 2015 State Cross Country Championship and State Baseball Championship, along with back-to-back State Baseball Championships in 2012 and 2013. Over 84% of students in grades 7-12 compete in at least one sport at Trinity. Trinity has produced more Jimmy Hitchcock Award recipients than any other independent school in Montgomery. EXTENDED CARE PROGRAM: Trinity offers an extended day through the Wildcat Club Program. This program is designed to be a true extension of the school day and provide more than just childcare. TUITION: At Trinity, the Apple 1:1 Program for Grades 6-12, quality lunches, textbooks, workbooks, and regular season athletic admission (K4-12) are all included in tuition. Trinity provides a generous needbased tuition assistance program. In addition, Trinity gratefully extends a 10% discount on tuition to active duty full-time military families.

TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL 1700 East Trinity Boulevard | Montgomery, AL 36106 334-213-2100 | www.trinitywildcats.com www.montgomeryparents.com

INDEPENDENT

• Adullam House Christian Academy 7469 Georgia Road, Wetumpka Phone: (334) 478.3888 Email: ahca@adullamhouse.org Website: www.adullamhouseca.org Headmaster: Rachel Harborth Religious Affiliation: Non-Denominational Ages/Grades: Preschool-12th Curriculum: ABeka Testing Requirements: 4th Grade and up, entry test required Registration Deadline: March Sports: Cheerleading, Basketball, Track & Field Clubs: Music classes offered everyday. Dual Enrollment with Central Alabama Community College Other: Uniforms are required. Tuition: Please call for rates

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• Autauga Academy 497 Golson Rd., Prattville Phone: (334) 365.4343; Founded: 1969 Email: generals@autaugaacademy.com Website: www.autaugaacademy.com Headmaster: Gene Canavan Religious Affiliation: None Ages/grades: K3 through 12th Curriculum: College Prep Testing Requirements: Entrance/ admission exam Registration Deadline: Now accepting applications Accreditation: AISA and SACS Sports: Football, basketball, track, cheerleading, baseball, soccer, softball & volleyball Clubs: Beta, Science, Math, Yearbook, SGA, FCA, computer and School Newspaper. Other: Academic scholarships available for grades 2nd-11th. Tuition: Please call for rates. Extended Care Fees: Call for information.

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Edgewood Academy

ad on page 62 P.O. Box 160, 5475 Elmore Rd, Elmore Phone: (334) 567.5102 Headmaster: Clint Welch Ages/Grades: K3-12 Website: www.edgewoodacademy.org Curriculum: Offers 2 diplomas standard, dual enrollment; including advanced placement courses. Testing Requirement: Admissions test & evaluation of scholastic record Registration deadline: Applications accepted all year; testing begins January on a first-come, first-serve basis. Accreditation: AISA since 1974 and Advanced ED (formerly known as SACS), NCPSA and CITA Sports: Football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, cheerleading, peewee cheerleading, Golf, track and Pee-Wee/Termite football. Clubs: National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, SGA, FCA, Spanish, Youth in Government, Drama, Beta, Accounting Team, First Priority, and Math Team. Tuition: Please call for tuition rates.

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Hooper Academy

ad on page 28, 70 380 Fischer Rd., Hope Hull Phone: (334) 288.5980; Founded: 1970 Website: www.hooperacademy.org

Headmaster: Miriam Anderson Religious Affiliation: Non –secular Ages/grades: K5 through 12th Curriculum: Advanced and standard diplomas, music and computer K5-6th Registration Deadline: Based on availability. Accreditation: AISA; SACS; AAIS Sports: Include football (grades 2-12), volleyball, boys and girls basketball, baseball, track, softball, weight training, dance, cheerleading, and soccer. Clubs: Scholar”s Bowl, National Honor Society, Science Club, Math Team, SGA, Performing Arts, Yearbook/ Journalism, FCA, and Spanish. Other: Extended care program available. Licensed Day Care program available on campus. Tuition: K-12, Call for rates. • Lowndes Academy P. O. Box 99, Lowndesboro, Al. 215 South Broad Street, Lowndesboro Phone: (334) 278.3366 Email: lowndesacademy@yahoo.com Website: www.lowndesacademy.org Headmaster: Darrell Self Religious Affiliation: None Ages/grades: K3-12th Curriculum: Elementary A Beka; college prep Testing Requirements: None Registration deadline: Open Accreditation: AISA; SACS Sports: Football (Pee-Wee, Jr. High & Varsity), Girls Volleyball, Baseball, Softball, Track, Basketball and Cheerleading Clubs: Beta Club, FCA, SGA, ACE, Drama, Key Club, Spanish and Mathematics Other: After school care, music, dance, gymnastics, piano, yearbook staff. Hosts the district Spelling Bee each year. Very active booster club hosts deer hunt, annual fundraiser. Tuition: Please visit website or call for more info.

Macon-East Academy

ad on page 15, 71 15396 Vaughn Road Phone: (334) 277.6566; Founded: 1995 Website: www.maconeast.net Email: link on website Headmaster: Glynn Lott; Religious Affiliation: None Ages/grades: K3 – 12 Curriculum: College Prep, Honors and AP Testing Requirements: Tests given to K4, K5 & 1st grade; standardized scores 2-12 Accreditation: SACS, NCPSA, AISA and Alabama Association of Independent School Sports: Basketball, football, baseball, soccer, golf, softball, deer hunt, volleyball and cheerleading Clubs: Student Government, Technology Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Students, National Honor Society, Drama and Yearbook. Other: Teacher-student ratio: Preschool: 12; K-6th: 18; grades 7-12: 24 Tuition: Please call for 2017-2018 rates. Uniforms are required for 1st – 12 graders • Montessori Academy 1025 South Hull Street Phone: (334) 262.8685; Founded: 1982 Email: Montgomery.montessori@gmail.com Website: www.Montessorimontgomery.com

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Director of Admissions: Erin Kilgore Religious Affiliation: None Ages/grades: 12 months through 6 years /Montessori age-appropriate academic program Curriculum: Montessori including language, prereading, reading, math, science, history, art and music (AMS affiliated). Registration Deadline: Open as space permits. Testing Requirements: Personal interview Sports & Clubs: Ballet, Spanish and tumbling Other: Celebrating 34years of Quality Education for the Crucial Early Years American Montessori Society certified teachers. Tuition: Please call for more information. • Montessori School at Hampstead 5251 Hampstead High Street, Unit #111 Phone: (334) 356-1969 Founded: 2011 Email: info@mshmontgomery.org Website: MSHMontgomery.org Facebook: facebook.com/MontessoriatHampstead Twitter: twitter.com/MSHMontessori Instagram: instagram.com/MontessoriMontgomery/ Admissions: Mandy Griffin, Associate Head of School Description: Set in a beautiful community just off Taylor Road in Montgomery, Montessori School at Hampstead provides a hands-on, tailor-made approach to education that nourishes a child’s curiosity inside and outside the classroom. Our students are able to work at their own pace and receive the time and attention they need to excel. We offer programs not found at other schools, such as farm-based and international curricula, along with fundamentals, French, art, and P.E. Accreditation & Affiliations: Affiliated with The International Montessori Council. Religious Affiliation: Interdenominational Ages/grades: 18 months – 6th grade Curriculum: Montessori Registration Deadline: 2017/2018 registrations begins February 1st. We schedule school tours for 9:00 or

Montgomery Parents I January 2017

10:00 on school days, and at other times as requested. Testing Requirements: Parents required to tour (when geographically possible); Transcripts for students age 6 and up; meeting with educational psychologist for students age 6 and up. Sports & Clubs: P.E., Tennis, Big Green Bus Other: On-site Community Farm, Yoga, Music, French, Bricks4Kidz, library, and art Tuition: School Year Tuition from $8,000 - $9,000

Montessori at Mulberry ad on page 17, 72

2034 Clubview St Phone: (334) 265.7733; Founded: 2010 Email: casadebambini@aol.com Website: http://montessoriatmulberry.com Admissions: Terri Jackson Religious Affiliation: None Ages/grades: 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.

The Montgomery Academy ad on page 73, Back Cover

Upper School, 3240 Vaughn Rd., Lower School, 1550 Perry Hill Rd. Phone: 272.8210 Website: www.montgomeryacademy.org Email: susannah_cleveland@montgomeryacademy.org Head of School: Mr. Jay Spencer Director of Admissions: Ms. Susannah Cleveland (334) 273.7152 Religious Affiliation: Non-sectarian Ages/grades: K - 12

Curriculum: College Preparatory; competitive admissions. The curriculum is designed to provide above average to superior students the preparation necessary for success, both in college and in later life. Through the Student Honor Council and the school’s Honor Code, the Academy strives to build personal integrity and character in every student. Testing Requirements: An admissions test is given to all applicants in grades K-12. Please see our website regarding specific information regarding testing (www. montgomeryacademy.org/admissions). Applicants must submit a transcript and teacher recommendations. An interview is required for applicants in grades 6-12. Open House Dates: Kindergarten Open House is Thursday, January 12, 2017. Please call the Admissions Office to RSVP and for the time: 334-272-8210. Tours are recommended in order for prospective families to see the school “in action.” For more information about applying to the Academy and to schedule an individual tour, please call the Admissions Office. Registration Deadline: Testing should take place by February 17, 2017, to be considered in the first round of decisions. After February 17, 2017, we will accept applications and consider applicants as space permits. Accreditation: Montgomery Academy is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and is jointly accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools. The Academy is a member of The College Board, Educational Records Bureau, School Scholarship Service, Southern Association for College Admission Counseling, the Association of Independent School Admission Professionals, National Association for College Admission Counseling, Cum Laude Society, and the National, Southern, and Alabama Associations of Independent Schools, and the Council for Spiritual and Ethical Education. NAIS membership, in particular, is a hallmark of nationally competitive independent schools. Mission: Montgomery Academy develops leaders committed to honor, scholarship, service and the pursuit of excellence. Implicit in this is the existence of

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an environment in which students are simultaneously supported and challenged. The ultimate component of this mission is to assist students in becoming adults of strong moral character who contribute to society in both their professional and community lives. Montgomery Academy provides a friendly learning environment that is challenging, nurturing, well rounded and developmentally appropriate. This combination and its results, which are seen in the success and accomplishments of our graduates, is what we call the “MA Difference.” The school employs highly qualified, award winning and experienced faculty and administration, most of whom have advanced degrees.

Sports: Collectively, our athletic teams have earned over 65 state championships, more than any other public or private school in the River Region! There are 31 teams for boys and girls in grades 7-12 including, basketball, soccer, football, golf, tennis, baseball, softball, track, cross country, volleyball, swimming and cheerleading. Coaches are dedicated to bringing out the best in their players and to teaching the value of sportsmanship and teamwork. Students in grades K-9 participate in physical education classes where they can explore a variety of sports and fitness activities. Montgomery Academy’s Athletic Department provides all necessary equipment such as bats, balls, helmets, and all required padding for football. In addition, all team uniforms are provided with tennis being the only exception. Parents of students participating on MA sports teams may incur costs for team spirit packs. Spirit packs include items that enhance team spirit and unity, but are not required for participation. Clubs: There are several clubs for students to join in the Lower, Middle and Upper School. These include: Academy Ambassadors, Art Club, Bible Studies, Creative Writing Club, Drama Club, Dance Team, Environment Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Speech and Debate, Government Club, HEART-Community Service, Honor Council, Math Club, Peer Pals, Science Club, Student Council, Student Newspaper, Foreign Language Clubs and Honor Societies, and Yearbook. Tuition: Tuition at the Academy covers a hot nutritious lunch for the year in grades K-12, the enrollment deposit, admission to all home athletic events, snacks in

grades K-5, most extracurricular and athletic team fees, a yearbook and all technology fees. The Academy does not charge new family fees or building fees. A separate bill for books and supplies (which will vary for each student and from year-to-year) and certain class trips is sent in the fall. Uniforms are required and are purchased by Lands’

End and/or Parker Uniforms.

Saint James School ad on page 1, 75

6010 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Phone: (334) 277.8033; Founded: 1955 Email: admissions@stjweb.org Website: www.stjweb.org Ages/grades: Pre-K3 through 12th (including all-day and half-day Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 options) Head of School: Dr. Larry McLemore High School Principal: Dr. Bryan Oliver Middle School Principal: Mr. J.B. Copeland Elementary Principal: Mr. Jim Terry Religious Affiliation: None Curriculum: College Preparatory Testing Requirements: Admissions testing required. Contact Admissions Office (334-273-3021) for information. Registration Deadline: Testing begins in January and is ongoing as space becomes available. Initial invitations for acceptance mailed early March. Later enrollment as openings occur. Accreditation: SACS, NAIS, SAIS, AISA, SACAC, NACAC, and the College Board Sports: Over 45 competitive sports teams, including basketball, football and baseball, tennis, equestrian, cross country, track, soccer, golf, wrestling, volleyball, softball, cheerleading, and indoor track. Clubs: Over 30 clubs and organizations including ten honor societies, SGA, Speech and Debate Club, Write Club, Film Club, Drama Club, French Club, Latin Club, Spanish Club, Math Club, Science Olympiad, Tri-M, Scholars’ Bowl, Stand Up to Cancer Club, Government Club, Book Club, Girls’ Club, Interact Club, Key

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Club, Pep Club, Student Y Club, Fellowship of Christian Students, Young Democrats, and Young Republicans. Other: Graduates of Saint James have received over $26.1 million in scholarships to colleges and universities across the nation over the past five years. Challenging academics, competitive athletics, and nationally recognized arts classes combine to create Central Alabama’s most engaging independent school environment at Saint James School (STJ). As Montgomery’s oldest independent private school, Saint James provides the most well-rounded course offerings in the area, blending superior academics and state-of-the-art technology, with absorbing enrichment, exploratory, and college elective classes. STJ offers a wide-range of unique pre-college major electives, Alabama’s only high school to do so. Designated an Apple Distinguished School, Saint James School envelops students in a 21st century learning environment, providing Macbooks® and iPads® for Grades 5-12, and integrated use of iPods®, iPads®, and Macbooks® in Pre-K through Grade 4 classes. Up to 25 world languages are available for study utilizing teacher-directed Rosetta Stone Classroom®. The school’s talented and dedicated faculty is a vital component of the learning equation, creating a welcoming, yet challenging atmo-

sphere to help students from Grades Pre-K3 through12 reach their highest potential. As STJ students make great strides academically, they also grow personally, learning to become young men and women of character who are self-motivated, intellectually curious, reflective, and articulate. The rigorous academic curriculum is balanced with outstanding offerings in the nationally recognized fine and performing arts department and state championship athletic programs. To make the transition to Saint James easier, all new students are paired with a specially selected student buddy. In addition, ESL tutoring is provided to international students, to assist with English comprehension, reading, and writing skills. Tuition: Please call or visit our website for more information on tuition, financial assistance, and scholarship opportunities at Saint James School. Mandatory drug testing, grades 6 – 12. Uniforms Required. • South Montgomery Academy 147 Old School House Rd., Grady, AL Phone: (334) 562.3235; Founded: 1970 Email: somtgy@mon-cre.net Website: http://smcaraiders.org

Headmaster: Dannelly Martin Religious Affiliation: none Ages/grades: Daycare starting at K3 - 12 grade Curriculum: ABeka, Ala. high school courses of study Registration Deadline: none Testing Requirements: none Accreditation: AISA & AdvancEd Sports & Clubs: Cheerleading, Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, General club, Beta, FCA, SGA, Student Govt. and 4H Club. Tuition: Call for Rates. Uniforms Required • Zelia Stephens Early Childhood Center Alabama State University 1100 Tuscaloosa Street, 36104 Phone: (334) 229.4470; Fax: (334) 229.4461 Email: shinton@alasu.edu Website: www.alasu.edu Founded: 1971 Headmaster: Sandra Hinton Religious Affiliation: None Ages: 3 years to 1st grade Curriculum: Teaching Strategies Creative Curriculum, Houghton Miflon and Harcourt Registration: March 1st Testing Requirements: None Accreditation: Advanced Ed (formerly known as SACS) Tuition: Please call for tuition rates. Uniforms required.

UNIQUE LEARNING NEEDS Churchill Academy ad on page 18, 65

395 Ray Thorington Road, Montgomery Phone: (334) 270.4225; Founded: 1996 Website: www.churchillacademymontgomery.com Phone: (334) 270.4225; Founded: 1996 Administrator: Lisa Hanlon Schroeder, M.Ed. Religious Affiliation: None Ages/grades: K -12th Curriculum: Individualized academic programs Registration: Begins January Testing Requirements: Previous diagnosis of learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder or other, and average to above average intellectual functioning. Accreditation: National Independent Private School Association and Advanced ED (formerly known as SACS) Clubs: Scouts and academic tutoring

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Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School ad on page 22, 74

3850 Atlanta Highway, (K4-6) 8580 Vaughn Road (K4-6) 5350 Vaughn Rd. (7-12) Saint Bede Campus (K4-6): (334) 272.3033 Holy Spirit Campus (K4-6): (334) 649.4404 Middle School Phone (7-8): (334) 272.2465 High School Phone (9-12): (334) 272.7220 Website: www.montgomerycatholic.org Founded: The oldest continuous non-public K-12 school in the state of Alabama, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School was founded in 1873 by the Sisters of Loretto. History and Mission: A K4-12 regional Catholic school in Montgomery with 143 years of educational excellence, Montgomery Catholic strives to help each student reach their God-given potential by offering the opportunity to grow in faith, with rigorous academics and opportunities to perform athletically and artistically. Mission: Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School is an integral part of the Catholic Church’s mission to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. As an adult community, we share in the responsibility to prepare students for college and beyond while helping them grow to become persons of faith, virtue and wisdom. President: Anne Ceasar Elementary Principal St. Bede Campus: Laurie Gulley Acting Elementary Principal Holy Spirit Campus: Anne Ceasar Assistant Elementary Principal Holy Spirit Campus: Mary Kelley Assistant Middle School Principal: Julie Wood 7-12th Principal: Justin Castanza Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic, all classes attend weekly Mass Ages/grades: K4-12th Curriculum: College preparatory, Honors and A.P. courses available. Religion is a core class. Testing Requirements: Placement test (February, June and August.) Registration deadline: March of preceding year. Open House: Sunday, January 29, 2017 from 2-4 p.m. Families are invited to visit the school and meet our faculty and staff and learn more about our program. Sports: Cross country,football, volleyball, soccer, cheerleading, golf, wrestling, indoor track, outdoor track, basketball, baseball, softball, and tennis. Clubs: Concert Band, National Honor Society, Junior National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Key Club, Spanish Club, Government Club, Forensics Club, Science Olympiad, Math Club, Respect Life Club, Ambassadors Club, Pep Club, Drama, SGA, Yearbook, BEST Robotics, Shield Bearers Club, Girls Leadership, Boys Leadership. Other: Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School offers a wide variety of summer camps for children in grades K-8 throughout the months of June and July. Students in grades 9 -12 participate in lap top program. Tuition: Approximate K4-6: $5,398-6,836; 7-12: $6,2948,505, Multi-Child Discount Offered. Rates subject to change. Uniforms required.

Resurrection Catholic School ad on page 81

2815 Forbes Dr., Montgomery Phone: (334) 265.4615; Founded: 1943 Website: www.rcmsouth.org

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Email: school@resurrection-missions.com Principal: Mr. Tamarcus Milner Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic Ages/Grades: Preschool age Pre K4- 8th Curriculum: Basic; strong traditional skills core curriculum with extensive enrichment & acceleration. Religion classes required; technology emphasized; enrichment in arts & conversational Spanish; strong accelerated reading program in place. After school care, hot breakfast and lunches, computer technology. Testing Requirement: Placement Pre K - 8 Registration deadline: Please call for dates. Accreditation: Advanced Ed. (Formerly known as SACS) Sports: Soccer, cheerleading, and basketball available Clubs: Student Council, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Male and Female Mentor Programs, Dance, STEM Club, Book Clubs, Home Economics, Spanish, Band and Choir. Other: Google School, Acellus, Weekly Mass service, Partnership with Cleveland YMCA Sports, Chinese Learning with AUM, Public Speaking Readiness, AR Star Program, Tuition: Affordable; call for more information. Family discounts available. Uniforms Required.

PROTESTANT

Alabama Christian Academy ad on page 32, 64

4700 Wares Ferry Rd., Montgomery Phone: (334) 277.1985; Founded: 1942 Website: www.alabamachristian.org Head of School: Dr. Misty Overman High School Principal: Mrs. Julie Taggart Middle School Principal: Mr. Mike Anderson Elementary Principal: Doug Black Religious Affiliation: Church of Christ Ages/grades: K4 through 12th

Curriculum: College Prep Testing Requirements: Evaluation of scholastic record, standardized test scores and placement tests. Registration Deadline: Open Accreditation: AdvancEd Sports: Football, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, Track, Soccer, Golf, Cheerleading, Swimming, Cross Country Clubs: Key Club, National Honor Society (Elementary, Middle School and High School), FCA, SGA, Math, Drama, Chorus, Band, Color Guard, Theatre, Scholars Bowl, Pep club, Spanish National Honor Society, FCS, Mu Alpha Theta, Bass Fishing club, Filmmakers Club. Tuition: Please call for prices. Tuition breaks for multiple children. Uniforms Required. • Bethany Christian Academy 1765 Highland Ave., Montgomery Phone: (334) 264.2101; Fax: (334) 264.0513 Website: www.bcamontgomery.com Founded: 1899 Principle: Loraine Bussey Religious Affiliation: Seventh-day Adventist Ages/grades: Kindergarten to 8th grade Accreditation: AASAS, NCPSA, SUCOE, AdvancEd Testing Requirements: Admission test Registration Deadline: Open registration Clubs: Music, Global Missions trips, Environmental Camp, Computer and Pathfinders Other: Before and After school care. Tuition: Please call for rates and registration fees or visit our website. Uniforms required • Chapman Christian Academy 4711 Chapman Rd., Millbrook Phone: (334) 285.5354; Founded: 1994 Principal: Jon Chapman Website: www.chapmanchristianacademy.com Religious Affiliation: Christian Ages/grades: K4-12 Curriculum: A Beka and Bob Jones

Accreditation: National Association of Private Schools Testing Requirements: Grade level testing performed upon entry. Sports: None Clubs: Chess Tuition: Competitively priced with other schools in the area. Please call for rates.

Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy ad on page 66

125 Calhoun Rd., Montgomery, AL 36109 Phone: (334) 356.7788 Email: link on website Website: www.ccamontgomery.org Headmaster: Jon English Lee, Principal Ages/Grades: K5-12th Religious Affiliation: Ministry of Morningview Baptist Church. Curriculum: Testing Requirement: Entrance Test required for all grades Registration begins in February. We will be offering an Open House January, 17 at 6 p.m.. Accreditation: Meet criteria for accreditation with the Association of Classical Christian Schools Sports: none Clubs: Yearbook, Hand bell and Hand chime Choirs, Intro. To Engineering, Ukulele Club, Upper School Choir, Latin Club and Chess Club Registration deadline: Registration begins Feb. 1 Tuition: Please call for tuition rates. Tuition includes all costs with the exception of student uniforms and personal school supplies. Registration fee is an additional $250.00. Uniforms required. • East Memorial Christian Academy 1320 Old Ridge Road, Prattville Phone: (334) 358.4085; Founded: 2002 Website: www.emcawildcats.org Director: Bryan Easley

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Religious Affiliation: Christian/Southern Baptist; Ministry of East Memorial Baptist Church Ages/grades: K-4 through 12th Curriculum: ABEKA, Glencoe Math and Bob Jones Testing Requirements: Records reviewed and interview Registration Deadline: Open Accreditation: All faculties certified by State of Alabama, AISA, Advanced ED (formerly known as SACS)/ CASI, NCPSA, Southern Baptist Assoc. of Christian Schools Sports: Volleyball, basketball, football, cheerleading, track, baseball and softball, Archery, Elementary soccer and basketball offered. Clubs: Drama, Yearbook, Newspaper, Band, Art, Computer Technology, Speech, Creation class, Entrepreneurship, Chorus, Spanish, Rhythmic ribbon and Baton twirling. Other: Daycare on site, 6 wks.-4 yrs. Call 358.4110; Pre-care/extended care. Tuition: Call for rates. Uniforms required.

Eastwood Christian School ad on page 67

1701 E. Trinity Blvd., Montgomery Phone: 272.8195; Founded: 1996 Email: admin@eastwoodschool.org Website: www.eastwoodschool.org Headmaster: John Geiger Religious Affiliation: Presbyterian; Westminster Confession of Faith Ages/grades: K4 - 12th grades Curriculum: Lower school/ Sing, Spell, Read and Write; Harcourt Math; Spelling; Grammar; Bible, History, Science and Handwriting; Upper school/ Varied Classical Christian, Latin, Logic and Rhetoric Testing Requirements: Placement test/interview Open House: K4-K5 is January 12th at 11:00 a.m. Registration: Begins January 23-February 3 for New students. Waiting list registration is on Admissions page of website. Please call Headmaster to schedule an appointment. Call for availability. Sports: Basketball, volleyball, baseball, cross country, soccer and tennis Clubs: Drama, Beta Club, SGA, French Club, Spanish Club Other: Offers classical approach to Christian education with a biblical world view dominating all subjects. Our shorter day (7:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) for grades K4-6th offers more family time and individual activities. Tuition: Please call for tuition prices. Annual Registration fee of $255 Uniforms required.

Emerald Mountain Christian School ad on page 78

4125 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka, 36093 Mailing address: P.O. Box 241405, Montgomery, 36124 Phone: (334) 567.0555 Website: www.emcspatriots.org Email: www.emeraldmtnchrisitan@yahoo.com Administrators: David P. Ames, Headmaster Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational, but distinctively a school of Reformation doctrine, affirming the Westminster Confession of Faith and Americas Christian Heritage. Philosophy: Founded in 1965, in Alabama’s Black Belt Region, the original mission and vision continues today unchanged: to offer to Christian parents the education of the WHOLE CHILD; Spiritually, Intellectually, and Physically. Ages/Grades: Academic four-year-old kindergarten through grade twelve Curriculum: The Education is based on a biblical world and life view taught through the principles of Scripture in all subjects. Children are taught the historic Catechisms as a way of understanding profound truths at an early age. A strong phonics and reading program and traditional mathematics in the primary grades prepare students to pursue a rigorous college preparatory education in the upper grades. A broad liberal arts education that includes the fine arts is emphasized and

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provided. The sciences conform to creation without apology. Testing Requirements: Interview and testing required Registration Deadline: Open Accreditation: NPSAA Sports: Football, Basketball, Cross country, Track & field, Golf, Baseball and cheerleading. Other: Art class, Physical Education, Scouting, Clubs, Programs and story time/study time in the Library are also an integral part of our campus life. Tuition: Call Jeanne Riley, registrar, for details. Reasonable tuition rates with opportunities for work scholarship assistance. Family discounts apply. Uniforms required.

Evangel Christian Academy ad on page 35, 68

3975 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery Phone: (334) 272.3882; Founded: 1995 Website: www.ecalions.org Administrator: Rev. Scott Matthes Principle: Mrs. Ceil Sikes Religious Affiliation: Assemblies of God Ages/grades: K4 through 12 Curriculum: A BEKA, Bob Jones, Purposeful Design, ACSI, and McDougal Littell Testing Requirements: Testing is required Registration Deadline: Open in February to all Accreditation: AISA (Blue Ribbon School), Advance ED, ACTS and NCPSA Sports: Football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, track and cheerleading Clubs: SGA, FCA, Spanish Club, Booster Club and National Honor Society, Drama, chorus, yearbook, Computer Club, ACT Prep, Spanish, journalism, art, Graphic design and speech, Tuition: Please call for tuition information. Uniforms required. • Frazer Memorial Christian Kindergarten 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery Phone: (334) 279.0271; Founded: 1974

Website: www.frazerkindergarten.com Director: Jill Struthers Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Registration deadline: Main registration for each fall is in January. Ages: 6 wks. To 2 yrs. Mothers Morning Out 3 yrs. - K4 & K5. Hours: 8:30 - 12:30 a.m. Curriculum: Blended; A Beka Other: Early drop off and Extended Day available for all ages. Music, field trips, chapel, physical education. Strong faculty with unwavering interest in your child. Tuition: Call for details.

Holy Cross Episcopal School ad on page 9, 69

4400 Bell Road, Montgomery Phone: (334) 395.8222; Founded: 1998 Website: www.holycrossmontgomery.org Principal: Kathy Taylor Religious Affiliation: Episcopal Ages/grades: K4 through 6th Grade Curriculum: College Preparatory Open House: January 29, 1pm-3pm Registration Deadline: Open Testing Requirements: Admission test administered after application Accreditation: Dual accreditation with AdvancED (formerly known as SACS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools Mission Statement: Holy Cross Episcopal School of Montgomery, recognizing the God-given gifts and abilities of all persons, seeks to develop these gifts by creating a Christian community in the Episcopal tradition and by providing a nurturing environment in which students of all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds grow spiritually, intellectually, and physically. Holy Cross offers a welcoming and loving faith-based environment where students begin their day in Chapel with songs, prayers and Bible stories. Academic strength and spiritual well-being are the basis of a Holy Cross education. Diversity of students in all

areas is welcomed and encouraged. In addition to a strong academic program, students receive exceptional instruction in a variety of subjects aimed at identifying and developing their natural talents. All students K4 through 6th grade attend Spanish, Music, Visual Arts, STEM Lab, Physical Education, Library, Theater Arts, and Mac and PC Computer Lab. Formal Religious Instruction: Daily Chapel for all students. Sport: AYSO Soccer, Hoops League Basketball, Fleming’s Taekwondo, Tonya Speed Dance, Cross Country Running, Other: Piano, guitar and violin lessons, and Abrakadoodle art. After school care available from 7:00 am - 5:30 pm. Tuition: Call for rates or check our website. Financial Aid: 5% multiple child discount is offered, 10% military and first responder discount and need based financial assistance is available. We accept the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship and Scholarships for Kids. Uniforms required. • Lighthouse Christian Academy 3570 Bell Rd., Montgomery Phone: (334) 271.4200; Founded: 1987 Website: www.lcapirates.com Administrator: Gary V. Mohney Religious Affiliation: Baptist Ages/grade: K-2 through 9th Curriculum: A BEKA Testing Requirements: Interview Registration: Begins in February Accreditation: In process of having K - 9th grade is accredited through ACEA Sports: Upward Basketball, AYSO Soccer, volleyball, cheerleading Clubs: Band, Choral, Fine arts, Bible Quiz, Spanish and Computer Class Other: Before and after school care; Christ oriented education. Summer fun program. Tuition: Please call school for more information Uniforms required for K5 – 9th.

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Montgomery Christian School ad on page 79 1728 South Hull St., Montgomery, AL 36104 Phone: (334) 386.1749; Fax: (334) 262-4469 Email: Montgomerychristianschool@gmail.com Website: www.montgomerychristianschool.com Mission: To provide an academically challenging Christian education to children in inner city Montgomery. Principal: Kathi Atkins Religious Affiliation: None Ages/grades: Kindergarten K -5th Testing Requirements: None, Interview & assessment Registration deadline: Open Tuition: Based on family income and the number of children in the family Uniforms required. • Montgomery Adventist School 4233 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery Phone: (334) 398.8210; Founded: 1930 Principal: Mark Grice Religious Affiliation: Seventh-day Adventist Website: www.montgomery22.adventistschoolconnect. org Ages/grades: 1st-8th Curriculum: Bible-based Testing Requirements: none Accreditation: National Council for Private Schools Registration deadline: Open. Other: Where education pays eternal dividends and lots of individual attention is given. Computers integrated into all course work. Tuition: Please call for rates Uniforms required. • New Hope Academy 301 Water Street, Prattville Phone: (334) 361.9505 Website: www.newhope4kids.com Email: kathy.hayes@newhope4kids.com Principal: Tina Halbert, M.Ed., NBCT Age/grades: K-12

Curriculum: We serve students with individual learning differences, including learning disabilities, autism/ Asperger’s, ADD/ADHD, physical issues, etc… Our curriculum is individualized to each child’s learning needs. Examples of curricula used include TouchMath, Handwriting Without Tears, Reading Mastery, Excel Math, Explode the Code and Spectrum Writing. Testing Requirements: The director will test for academic levels upon acceptance to the school. Registration deadline: Enrollment is on a year-round basis Sports: None Tuition: Please see website for more information

• New Life Christian Academy 4230 Hwy 14, Millbrook Phone: (334) 285.5615 Website: www.newlifechristianacademy.com Founded: 1979 Principal: Gepetta Rogers Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Ages/grades: K-3 through 12 Accreditation: National Private Schools Accreditation Group Curriculum: A BEKA, Bob Jones, Alpha Omega, and Saxon. Testing Requirements: Screening test to determine student readiness.

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Registration: open enrollment at the end of January Sports: Football, baseball, basketball, cheerleading, softball, and Volleyball Clubs: Jr. and Sr. Beta Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Tuition: Call for more information. • Prattville Christian Academy 322 Old Farm Lane North Phone: (334) 285.0077; Founded: 1997 Website: www.4pca.com President: Ron Mitchell Religious Affiliation: Christian Ages/grades: Pre K-3 through 12th grade Curriculum: The PCA course of study uses various curriculums including traditional classes in math, language arts, social studies, and science. We utilize recognized curriculum taught with a Christian perspective, which demonstrates quality and structural flexibility. In addition to core academics, PCA offers instruction in physical education and the liberal arts, such as music, art, drama, and foreign language. Bible class, as well as chapel, is part of each student’s day. Prattville Christian Academy does not offer a special education program. Testing Requirements: SAT and ACT Registration Deadline: None, applications accepted daily- tours available Accreditation: NCSA and AdvancedEd Sports: Wrestling, Cheerleading, Varsity Football, Junior High Football, Peewee Football, Termite Football, Cross Country, Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball, Tennis, Soccer, Golf, Track & Field, Softball, and Swimming Clubs: National Junior Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A.D.D.), International Thespian Society, Speech and Debate, Student Government, Key Club, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Yearbook, Drama, Visual Arts and Speech and Debate offered under Fine Arts. Other: Before and after school care, certified teachers, small classes, college preparatory academics, daily Bible, Chapel Tuition: see www.4pca.com for rates. Family discounts and financial aid available. Uniforms Required • The Rock Christian School 3401 Harrison Road, Montgomery Phone: (334) 260.0984; Founded: 1996 Website: www.therockofmontgomery.org Email: rockwarriors@att.net Principal: April Cash Accreditation: National Private School Accreditation Alliance Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Ages/grades: K-3 through 12th Curriculum: A Beka and Bob Jones Testing Requirements: Interview for admission. Registration deadline: Open Sports: Boys basketball and Girls volleyball

Success Unlimited Academy ad on page 61

2328 Fairlane Dr., Montgomery (9th-12th grades) 4500 Vaughn Road, Montgomery (K3-8th grades) Phone: (334) 213.0803 Founded: 2000 Website: www.suacademy.com Principle/Owner: Susan Alred, M.Ed. Vice Principle: Lauren Morgan Religious Affiliation: Christian Ages/Grades: K3-12 Curriculum: A Beka, Bob Jones, Houghton-Mifflin, and Glencoe Registration Deadline: Open

Montgomery Parents I January 2017

Testing Requirements: Consultations and Evaluations provided at time of enrollment. Accreditation: SACS/ AdvanceEd accredited; Small Business of the Year 2008; Teacher of the year 2007; 2013 First Place and Second Place Essay Winners, Art Exhibit Winners in Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Athletics: Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, Golf and Cheerleading Clubs: Praise Band, Choir, Guitar, Art, Drama, FCA, FCS, Builders Club, Chess Club, and Career Start, Key Club and Yearbook Club. Other: School offers morning classes, evenings and through Distance Education and Night School. Tutoring is available Monday-Thursday at our Fairlane Drive Campus. Monday-Thursday Tuition: Please call for tuition information Uniforms Required

Trinity Presbyterian School ad on page 76, Inside Back

1700 East Trinity Boulevard; Montgomery Phone: (334) 213.2100 Founded: 1970 Website: www.trinitywildcats.com Email: admissions@trinitywildcats.com Religious Affiliation: Christian Grades: K4 through 12th Curriculum: Accelerated, College Prep Registration deadline: Open registration Open House: Thursday, January 19, 2017. Intended for families of prospective K4 and K5 Kindergarten students. Accreditation: Trinity Presbyterian School holds dual accreditation from the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). It holds membership in the Alabama Association of Independent Schools, The College Board, National Association for College Admission Counseling, Southern Association for College Admission Counseling, and the Coalition of Lighthouse Schools. Mission/Philosophy: Trinity is Montgomery’s foremost educational institution, binding academic excellence with Christian values. Providing a challenging collegepreparatory education, Trinity provides a rigorous academic program, committed educators, outstanding athletics, and a nurturing family environment. Educators at Trinity strike the perfect balance as they encourage students to strive for excellence, while emphasizing Christ-like character above all else. “The Trinity Experience” produces leaders who posses mental, physical and spiritual strength. One hundred percent of Trinity graduates are accepted to post-secondary institutions, with many attending some of the finest colleges in the nation. Offering the only full-time dance program at a Montgomery independent school, Trinity’s awardwinning fine arts program offers state-of-the-art areas for dance, choral, instrumental, visual arts, and speech. An athletic program with a long-standing tradition of championship-level teams, many Trinity athletes play at the next level in several sports. Athletics play an integral part in Trinity’s educational program, which is designed to develop the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Athletics: Trinity fields 36 interscholastic sport teams, including football, volleyball, basketball, tennis, baseball, softball, golf, soccer, track, cross country, and swimming. Clubs: Art, Band, Choral, Dance, Drama, Forensics,

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Speech, Theatrical Design and Production and much more. Extended Care Program: Trinity offers an extended day through the Wildcat Club Program. This program is designed to be a true extension of the school day and provide more than just childcare. The Wildcat Club encourages students to learn and thrive in a relaxed and fun environment. Tuition: At Trinity, the Apple 1:1 Program for Grades 6-12 and other technology, quality lunches, textbooks, workbooks, and regular season athletic admission (K412) are all included in tuition. K4: $6,096; K5: $8,451; Grades 1-3: $10,237; Grades 4-5: $10,780; Grade 6: $11,214; Grades 7-8: $11,520; Grades 9-12: $11,641. Trinity provides a generous need-based tuition assistance program. In addition, Trinity gratefully extends a 10% discount on tuition to active duty full-time military families. Uniforms Required. • Valiant Cross Academy 301 Dexter Avenue, 36104 (inside of River City Church) Phone: (334) 301.0478 Founded: 2015 Website: www.Valiantcross.org Email: Anthony@valiantcross.org Head of School: Anthony Brock Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Mission: Our mission, our purpose is to help raise up men to be supernatural. Men who will learn from their youth, to let go of self, to let the Holy Spirit raise the to new heights. Courageous men, righteous men, committed men, loving men who will rise up to lead, to serve, to inspire. We will provide the armor to help the rise above. To rise above with Honor, with Discipline, with Integrity, with Excellence with Love. Curriculum: Alabama College and Career Standards and Alabama Course of Study Ages/Grades: 6th grade with a level added each year. Registration Deadline: Open enrollment in February

Accreditation: AdvancEd and AISA Sports: Track, Football, Golf and Karate Clubs: Choir, Robotics, Golf and Drill Team Other: After-school enrichment and tutoring Tuition: Please call for more information on tuition rates. Uniforms required. • Victory Baptist School 5480 Main Street, Millbrook and 3151 Highway 14 (Highschool Campus) Phone: (334) 285.0211; Founded: 1971 Website: www.victorymillbrook.net Email: Please see link on website Principal: John Lopez Religious Affiliation: Baptist Ages/grades: K4 through 12th Curriculum: A Beka; Glencoe, Bob Testing requirements: Interview for admission. Registration deadline: Enrollment for new students is year round Accreditation: ACEA, AACS and NACSAA Sports: Football, boys & girls basketball, girls volleyball, girls fast pitch softball, boys baseball, track and cheerleading. Clubs: Yearbook, Choir, Drama, Government club, Public Speaking, photography, computer tech, Bible quizzing and spelling bee Other: After school care until 6 p.m., Pentium computer lab with Office Tuition: Please check website for updated tuition. Uniforms required.

HOME SCHOOLS • Dayspring Academy/High School, (256) 353.2592, www.dsacademy.org • Eastern Hills Academy, a home school ministry of Eastern Hills Baptist Church, (334) 272.0604 • Evangel Christian Academy – (334) 272.3882, www.ecalions.com, A ministry of Evangel Temple

• Ezekiel Academy- (334) 315.0010, www.ezekielacademy.org • Everest Academy Academy- (205) 433.9828, Deb Spradlin • Harvest Fields, (334) 398.2008, Tanya Murphy • Holy Spirit Academy, (334) 294-7305, Monica Burke • Huntingdon Learning Center- (334) 277.9200. One on one instruction in a specific course. • Little Flock Ministries, (334) 288.7475, Tracy Glover • New Hope, (334) 361.9505, Tina Halbert • Outlook Academy – (334) 290.0919, www.outlookacademy.com, Ministry of Tri County Community Church in Millbrook • Sovereign Grace Academy, (334) 652.4606, Diane Day

The School at Sylvan Learning Center ad on page 3

(334) 262.0043 2640 Zelda Road, Montgomery, AL 36107 The Sylvan Learning Center in Montgomery is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and offers Home School services for children in grades K through 12. Students receive 560 hours of instruction in Math, Science, History, and Reading/English. Home School instruction is offered Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. State required electives are completed outside of the Learning Center as an independent study. Requirements: Transcripts from previous school withdrawal letter from previous school. Proof of registration with Home School Organization For more information, please visit us at www.sylvanlearning.com. If you know of a private school we have not included, please let us know by sending the information to editor@montgomeryparents.com. mp

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Tools for Young Sleuths

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

The primary task of a secret agent, detective or spy is to collect information. And as a child’s inquisitive nature grows, the quest for obscured information embedded in their daily lives often leads them to seek out play roles that place them in the middle of a mystery. They create their own cases to crack, secrets to reveal and mysteries to solve. Self sufficiency, independent action and sleuthing talent are some of the beneficial skills that can emerge from pretendplay that casts them as clue finders. The following items are ideal for equipping the young clue-collector on his mission explore mysteries, real and imagined!

by Gerry Paige Smith

Ultimate Night Vision Goggles

Room Defender (SmartLab)

A simple door alarm gets the high-tech treatment with the Room Defender. Designed with kids’ tastes and abilities in mind, this door unit comes with instructions that can guide kids through basic programming that lets them choose the alerts, and levels of room access for friends and family. From a range of sound effects to access themes that include secret knocks, codes and key cards, the Room Defender offers young minds the means to service their own fun security through simple programming. Empowering a kid to create a safe and secure space while learning basic computer input skills is easy with SmartLab’s Room Defender.

(Spy Gear)

The Ultimate Night Vision Goggles allow kids to peek through the black curtain of darkness and discover what lies hidden just behind it. Using infrared technology, these goggles project a specific stealth beam that highlights what is cloaked in darkness. When the infrared goggle attachment is flipped down into place, the viewer can see for distances of up to 30 feet. Perfect for evening missions and nocturnal backyard safaris, this hands-free resource peels back the curtain of darkness and lets young sleuths discover the wonders that can emerge at night.

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Bionic Ear Electronic Listening Device

Kidzlane Walkie Talkie (Kidzlane)

Young investigators are best equipped when they have a communications tool that keeps the information flowing. Lightweight and durable walkie talkies give kids the means to share discoveries, directions and news as it happens and from a distance. The range of the Kidzlane walkies is exceptionally broad, exceeding one mile. With three separate channels, kids can use these walkies to host exclusive communication for competitive games, secret plans and more. Simple push-to-talk operations and long battery life ensures that kids can keep the conversation going for hours. Recommended for kids and families when communication is important to the mission.

(Scientific Explorer)

Previously imperceptible by distance and distraction, the Bionic Ear lets operators pick out specific sounds and voices from up to 300 feet away. Using the the principles of a parabolic reflector, the Bionic Ear dish collects sound waves from the distant selected source. The dish focuses the specific sound toward a highly sensitive microphone that excludes background noise and helps isolate the target sounds. The collected sound is then transmitted to the operator’s earphones with maximum fidelity. Whether it’s conversations, bird calls or other sounds that deserve investigation, the Bionic Ear is an ideal sleuthing tool in a young detective’s toolbox.

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

Montgomery Parents I January 2017

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IF YOU WANT THEM TO DISCOVER THE POWER OF FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE,

weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here for you.

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Sunday Morning Small Groups - 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship - 10:30 a.m.

7505 Wares Ferry Road Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334.396.9811

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Here are a few family discussion topics that will help you focus on building your family up rather than on tearing each other down. Because, of course, when you feel critical of yourself, nit-picking your kids swiftly follows. Instead, start discussing these topics and watch the never-good-enough season transform into the joyful New Year every family craves. Discuss what was joyful last year. What choices did family members make that brought them joy? Were there some decisions any family members made that created disappointment? You can learn as much from what did not work as you can from what did work, so don’t be afraid to admit to any mistakes you feel you may have made. A balanced year is full of ups and downs.

Express feelings of joy. Have a deeper conversation about choices you made last year that brought you joy. What were the smartest decisions you made from your perspective? How did these positive choices make you feel? Would you make these same choices again? One of the best ways to milk more joy out of last year is to spend time discussing last year’s happiest moments.

Affirm each other’s visions. After

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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Imagine the new year as even more joyful. Ask each family member to make up a story about what an even more joyful year would look like. They can make the story as ambitious or inspired as they like. For example, maybe one family member wants to get admitted to a college of her choice while another simply wants to maintain a long-time enjoyable activity. Remain nonjudgmental. Joy is not a competition and each person’s joy is unique to them. Each family member can tell the story that makes them feel the most content, and no one else in the family should interject their ideas or expectations.

HE ONCE BEAT HIS DAD FOUR STRAIGHT GAMES IN CHESS. AFTERWARD, HE CELEBRATED WITH SOME ORANGE SLICES AND A BOOK ABOUT WIZARDS.

everyone has shared, family members will feel motivated to help each other. First

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affirm the validity of each family member’s dream. Make sure everyone feels supported by each other. Stressing teamwork in achieving shared individual goals can help reduce sibling rivalry. Kids who are empowered to be authentic don’t have to compete with anyone. Parents can take whatever actions they can throughout the year to support each family member’s dreams. And parents should expect support for their dreams, as well. Don’t sit back and let the kids have all the fun! You are the creator of your family traditions; you don’t have to go along with 91

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the crowd. So celebrate the New Year in positive, constructive ways that build family members up, rather than a negative, critical ways that tear family members down. When you teach your family members to use joy as a touchstone for making choices this year and every year, you give them the keys to creating personal satisfaction in their lives and you get to watch your family grow closer than ever every year. mp Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz strives to live a joy-centric life, despite whatever else is going on in the world. She knows there is nothing more important to pass along to future generations.

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Calendar/Support Groups This Month

Tuesday, January 3

Free Cookie Decorating: Valentine Sweets at Michael’s 6:30-8:30 p.m. Learn how to decorate using icing and sprinkles to make these lovely Valentine sweets. Supplies not included (up to $31). For more info, visit www.michaels.com/.

Wednesday, January 4

Capital City Master Gardener Association Lunch and Learn Series Open to the Public The first Wednesday of each month, noon to 1 p.m. Sessions are held at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, next to the Curb Market. Related handouts from the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service are provided each session at no cost. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunches to each event. Iced tea and water will be provided.

Thursday, January 5

Home Depot Kids’ Workshop 9 a.m.-noon. Ages 5-12. Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety. Today’s project is a Wood Crate Toolbox. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron and an achievement pin. For more info, visit http://workshops.homedepot.com/workshops/ kids-workshops. AUM Offers Free Mandarin Classes -- Every Saturday 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.

January2017 drivers. You must call (334) 595-0800 to pre-register by January 6; space is limited. Ages 16 & up. FREE! Alabama World Affairs Council: U.S. and Korean Officials, ‘A Celebration of Korea’ 5:30-7:30 p.m. Gold Room, Troy University, Montgomery. A member of the Korean Embassy and another from the U.S. State Department will join us for a celebration of the close ties between South Korea and the United States to amplify and reinforce the appreciation of the Montgomery community for the presence of Hyundai and the many Korean families in our midst. Events are free to our members and guests are $20 per event. For more info and reservations, call Dahdee Bullen at (334) 567-0953

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

Midnight in Paris Movie Showing at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 5:30-8 p.m. Please join us after the holidays for Woody Allen’s 2011 comedy in which an American writer and tourist in Paris suddenly finds himself in the 1920s – interacting with the likes of Gertrude Stein, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Josephine Baker, the Fitzgeralds and many other creative luminaries. Laura Bocquin will introduce the history and the film with a brief discussion following. Beverages will be available for purchase. Popcorn will be served. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/.

Friday, January 6

Friday Night Hoops -- Also January 20 Students in 5th through 12th grades get together with friends for pick-up games of basketball every first and third Friday at the Bell Road YMCA from 9 p.m.midnight. Students must be dropped off by 10 p.m. and cannot leave without being picked up by parent or guardian (unless students drove themselves). Must be playing basketball to be involved. Participants must have a photo ID (i.e. School ID). $3 for members; $7 for non-members. For more info, contact James Garvin at (334) 271-4343 or jgarvin@ ymcamontgomery.org. Parents’ Night Out at United Gymstars & Cheer Also January 20 and 27 6:30-10:30 p.m. $20/first child; $15 per sibling. For ages 5-12. Pizza and drink provided. Fun games, trampolines, rope swing, tumble tracks, foam pits and more! Call (334) 284-2244 to reserve your spot! Walkins welcome. Visit www.unitedgymstarsandcheer.com for more info.

Saturday, January 7

WWE Live 7:30 p.m. Garrett Coliseum. Tickets begin at $15 and are available at Ticketmaster.com, the box office and by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Presents Boyz II Men 8 p.m. in the Concert Hall. Tickets begin at $52. For tickets or more info, call (205) 458-8400 or visit www. bjcc.org/. Millbrook Community Theatre Presents Blend One show only at 7:30 p.m. For tickets or more info, visit www.millbrooktheater.com or call (334) 782-7317.

Montgomery Parents I January 2017

Civil Rights Walking Tours -- Every Saturday and Sunday 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. start times. Tours start from The Village Gallery. Come explore Montgomery’s history walking from different historical sties and engage in profound moments from slavery, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement. This tour highlights pioneers and unsung heroes who contributed to a new era. Cost: Adults - $10; 12 & under - $5; 4 & under FREE. Book your tour by calling (334) 595-9243.

Sunday, January 8

First Sundays at One -- Also February 5 1-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more about the traveling exhibitions as well as the Museum’s Permanent Collection in these FREE docentled tours the FIRST Sunday of each month. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/.

Tuesday, January 10

VEG OUT Montgomery 6-7 p.m. Join EAT South for its monthly plant-based diet pot luck dinners on the second Tuesday of the month. Located at the EAT South Farm downtown. For more information, call 422-9331, e-mail info@eatsouth. org or visit www.facebook.com/VegOutMontgomery. Archives Hosts Preview Screening of Victoria Alabama Department of Archives and History. Archives Textile Curator Ryan Blocker will present “Victorian Fashion: From the Skin Out” at 5:30 p.m. followed immediately by the screening of Victoria, the highly anticipated new PBS drama, at 6 p.m. Admission to both the presentation and the screening is free. No advance registration or tickets required. Victoria, a new series about the epic life of Queen Victoria, will air on MASTERPIECE on PBS in the Sunday night time slot occupied for six years by Downton Abbey. For questions or more info, call (334) 353-4689 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. Powder Puff Mechanics 6 p.m. City of Prattville Vehicle Maintenance Shop, 530 Doster Road, Prattville. Ladies, are you tired of being taken advantage of with minor repairs on your car? Well, let’s get smart! Various car maintenance topics covered including how to change a tire, checking fluids, changing wiper blades and more. Great for beginner

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Wednesday, January 11

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. Beverages are provided by CAMGA. For more info, call 567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/counties/Elmore/.

Thursday, January 12

How to Live a Championship Life with Dr. Kevin Elko 7-8:30 p.m. Frazer UMC’s Wesley Hall. As a business leadership consultant, inspirational author, and motivational speaker for NFL and collegiate teams including LSU, Florida State and the Alabama’s Crimson Tide, Dr. Elko brings a faith-based approach to personal and team success that has produced championship results.   Great door prizes will be given away including Auburn and Alabama sports memorabilia, Robert Trent Jones golf passes, and more. Free event, no ticket required. Doors open at 6 p.m. For more info, contact ken@ frazerumc.org or call (334) 495-6359.

Friday, January 13

Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets Also January 27 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 typically 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. For details, visit http://www.onlineecho.com.

Saturday, January 14

Montgomery’s Capitol Sounds Concert Band Presents “Young People’s Concert” 3 p.m. at Sidney Lanier High School Auditorium in

www.montgomeryparents.com

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Montgomery. The Capitol Sounds Concert Band will highlight this performance with “Peter and the Wolf” composed by Sergei Prokofiev, and narrated by Josh Ninke. There will also be a music instrument display in the lobby of the auditorium before the concert. Students, parents, children and music lovers are all invited for this free concert sponsored by the Arts Council of Montgomery and presented with support from the administration of Sidney Lanier High School and Montgomery Public Schools. 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. Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800 Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. 3-hour workshop that is offered monthly, designed to help participants explore the legal, financial, and emotional issues of divorce and gain a greater understanding of the process. Cost to attend is $20 per person and pre-registration required. For more info, please call or e-mail Sommer Morris at (334) 612-1086 or sommer.morris@morganstanley. com. You may also visit www.secondsaturday.com.

Tuesday, January 17

Forest Avenue Academic Magnet Holds Open House 6 p.m. 1700 West 5th Street, Montgomery. Parents who are interested in applying for the magnet program are encouraged to attend! Prospective families will have an opportunity to learn more about FAAM’s award-winning program, tour the facilities, and meet the school’s teachers and staff. Members of the FAAM Parent Teacher Association will also be available to answer questions. E-mail the school at FAAMOpenHouse@gmail.com before January 13 to reserve a seat! Please include your name, cell phone number, the name(s) of the prospective student(s) and their grade level for the 2017-18 school year. 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.

Sunday, January 15

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.

Wednesday, January 18

Harlem Globetrotters at Garrett Coliseum 7 p.m. A star-studded roster will have fans on the

edge of their seats to witness the ball-handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that thrills fans of all ages. New this season, the Globetrotters will debut basketball’s first 4-point line. The 4-point line will be located 30 feet from the basket – 6 feet, 3 inches beyond the top of the NBA’s current 3-point line. Tickets begin at $15. For more info, visit www.harlemglobetrotters.com/.

Thursday, January 19

Food For Thought The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Noon-1 p.m. Bring lunch and and join us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Drinks are complimentary. Today’s topic is “Ralph ‘Shug’ Jordan & World War II: From North Africa to Okinawa,” presented by Leah Rawls Atkins. Call 353-4726 or visit www. archives.alabama.gov. Capri Theatre Classics Presents American Graffiti 7:30 p.m. Set in 1962 and directed by George Lucas in 1973 (before Star Wars) and produced by Francis Ford Coppola (between Godfathers), this classic stars Richard Dreyfuss (before Jaws), Ron Howard (before Happy Days), Suzanne Somers (before Three’s Company), Cindy Williams (before Laverne and Shirley), Wolfman Jack (before The Midnight Special), Harrison Ford (before Han Solo) and Mackenzie Phillips (before drugs). For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858. Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery Presents the 2017 Alabama Decorative Arts Symposium (ADAS): Crossing Lines: Decorative Arts of the Alabama Territory -- Also January 20 Beginning at 2 p.m., the Symposium will take place in the Farley Auditorium at the Alabama Department of

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Calendar/Support Groups Archives and History with a Thursday night reception at the historic Ware-Farley-Hood House in Old Alabama Town. Crossing Lines will feature presentations on the earliest artistic expressions of pioneers on the frontier that would later become the State of Alabama. Registration for ADAS is requested by January 10 as seating is limited. More information on the Symposium, registration and ticket purchasing can be found at landmarksfoundation.com or by calling (334) 240-4500. Symposium admission is $85, or $100 to attend both the symposium and the Thursday night reception. Reception-only admission is $25. Symposium admission includes breakfast, lunch and refreshments. An Expressive Evening Hosted by the MUSES Teen Council at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-8 p.m. Enjoy an evening of creativity at the Museum with other teens. Each year the Teen Council designs and hosts a tableau of artistic expression presented by local students. Past acts have included readings of poetry inspired by works in the Museum’s collection; performances of arias, folk, and classical music; traditional Indian dance and ballet; speed drawing on stage set to music; commercials and dramatic readings; and much more. Come enjoy this year’s lineup. To learn how to represent your school and become part of the MUSES, please call Alice Novak at (334) 240-4361. ARTtalk at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-8 p.m. This unique program, designed for artists and art lovers alike, has been celebrating the work of Montgomery area artists for more than 25 years. Sign up for a new season of six opportunities to view outstanding artwork and receive feedback about your own work. ARTtalk meets on select Thursday evenings in the Museum Library. Cost: $20 for Museum or Art Guild members; $35 for non-members. Register now and get an up-close look at artists, their work, and the creative process! E-mail edsecy@mmfa.org or call (334) 2404365 for reservations or visit www.mmfa.org.

exhibition and a related art activity. Thanks to the Alabama Roots Society for making Jazz Jams possible. No reservations necessary. For more info, visit http:// mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333. Don Henley Live at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $55. For tickets or more info, visit http://foxtheatre.org/ or call (855) 285-8499.

Monday, January 23

Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s Feast of Flavours 2017 5:30 p.m. NOW ON SALE! TICKETS ARE LIMITED for this special ASF fundraising event! Ages 21 and over only. IDs will be checked at the door. Local celebrity chefs and mixologists will prepare tastes of entrees, desserts and cocktails that are sure to delight your palate! Gypsy Cornbread will entertain with their unique sounds of European gypsy jazz. Nibble on treats and view all the items on display offered through the 2017 ASF Auction - it’s a delightful evening for only $35! Visit www.auction.asf.net. Bidding begins January 17!

Tuesday, January 24

Saturday, January 21

Thursday, January 26

Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly Luncheon The Newcomers Club of Montgomery invites all women of the River Region to attend our monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Country Club. Learn more about MANE (Montgomery Area Non-traditional Equestrians) while equine director Chandalyn Chrzanowski joins us and tell how MANE provides services to children and adults who generally would not be able to ride horses. Lunch cost is $18 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, January 23, to Jan Burdette at (334) 593-9266 or jan8410@bellsouth.net. Visit www. newcomersmontgomery.com.

Sunday, January 22

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Aaron Lewis 7:30 p.m. Known for gritty lyrics and hard rock anthems, Aaron Lewis is getting back to his country roots with his first album, Sinner. Tickets begin at $27. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100. Family Art Affair and Jazz Jams 2-4 p.m. Bring the whole family to this FREE Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts program where everyone can enjoy the background of Jazz Jams, a dynamic

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Saturday, January 28

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center -- Through January 22 Various performance times. Ticket prices begin at $15. For groups of 10+ call 888-305-9550 or e-mail birmingham@groupticketsplus.com. For smaller groups or more info, visit www.bjcc.org/ or call (205) 458-8400.

Capri Theatre Presents Best in Show 3 p.m. In partnership with Alabama Shakespeare Festival and its upcoming musical Because of Winn Dixie, and The Barkery for things healthy and happy for your dogs, this behind-the-scenes mockumentary follows dogs as they compete in the Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show. For more info, visit www.capritheatre. org or call (334) 262-4858.

it hits Broadway! This new musical by Tony-winning Spring Awakening songwriter Duncan Sheik and Tonynominated Legally Blonde lyricist Nell Benjamin, is based on the (Newberry honor) children’s book of the same title. This charming story is all about a dog who brings new life and hope into a family as Opal Buloni and her preacher father settle in a new Southern town full of quirky characters. Recommended for ages nine and up. Visit www.asf.net or call 271-5353. Montgomery Film Festival Presents John Carpenter’s THEY LIVE 9:30 p.m. Capri Theatre. In a dystopian version of Los Angeles, where aliens control every aspect of human life, a special pair of sunglasses allows Nada (“Rowdy” Roddy Piper) to discover this shocking reality, as he fights to free humanity from its captors. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858.

Automotive Know-How for Men 6 p.m. City of Prattville Vehicle Maintenance Shop, 530 Doster Road, Prattville. Learn the simple things that make your vehicle run smooth that all men need to know. Various car maintenance topics covered including how to change a tire, checking fluids, changing wiper blades and more. Great for beginner drivers. You must call (334) 595-0800 to pre-register by January 6; space is limited. Ages 16 & up. FREE!

Prattville Gigantic Flea Market 6 a.m.-noon. Doster Community Center. Clean up your closets and sheds and get rid of your unwanted, but good items. Guns, weapons, tobacco & alcohol CANNOT be sold. One booth per household. One booth per person. Limited space available. For info, call (334) 595-0800. Set-up is January 20 from 3-7 p.m.

January2017

Autauga County PALS Recycling & Paper Shredding Event 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Pratt Plaza, Prattville (opposite WinnDixie). Recycle old, broken, or obsolete electronics (TVs, cell phones, radios, computers, laptops, cameras, microwaves, printers, scanners, keyboards, monitors). Shred personal documents (tax returns, health records, financial data) for free, secure, & safe disposal/recycling. RECYCLE cardboard, office paper, newsprint, magazines, books, plastics, metals, food cans, soda cans from home or office. Other counties welcome. $10 fee for TVs & $5 fee for CRT monitors. Call John-Paul (850-7153), Harold (462-3213) or Ed (365-0021).

Sunday, January 29

Holy Cross Episcopal School Annual Open House for K4-6th Grade 1-3 p.m. at the school campus located at 4400 Bell Road, Montgomery. Montgomery Catholic School Holds Open Houses at All Campuses 2-4 p.m. at the following locations: Holy Spirit Elementary Campus, K4-6 grade, 8580 Vaughn Road, phone: (334) 649-4404; St. Bede Elementary Campus, K4-6 grade, 3850 Atlanta Highway, phone: (334) 272-3033; Middle School Campus, 7-8 grade, 5350 Vaughn Road, phone: (334) 272-2465; High School Campus, 9-12 grade, 5350 Vaughn Road, phone: (334) 272-7220. For more info about Montgomery Catholic, visit www. montgomerycatholic.org or call (334) 272-7221 ext 32 to arrange a tour.

Thursday, February 2

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Shen Yun 7:30 p.m. New York-based Shen Yun is the first company to present classical Chinese dance on a global scale and has taken the world by storm. Shen Yun is traditional Chinese culture as it was meant to be experienced. China’s ethnic and folk dance styles fill the stage with color and energy. A full, live orchestra blends East and West like no other. Thunderous battle drums, masterful vocalists, and spectacular backdrops transport you to another world. Tickets begin at $70. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100. Spring T-Ball, Baseball Registration at Millbrook Parks and Recreation 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Millbrook Parks and Recreation Department at 3390 Main Street in Millbrook. Ages 3 to 16 are welcomed to sign up.

Friday, January 27

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Because of Winn-Dixie -- Through February 12 Based on the novel by Kate DiCamillo. See it before

Friday, February 3

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Garden Brothers Circus at Garrett Coliseum Show times: 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. See live elephants, motorcycle daredevils somersaulting and spinning in a big Globe of Doom, Chinese acrobats, the Human Slingshot, racing camels, crazy comedy with circus clowns, daring aerialists and cirque artists. First one hundred adult tickets sold online are only $9.95 at www.GardenBrosCircus.com.

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Friday, February 10

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Blackberry Smoke 8 p.m. Blackberry Smoke has evolved from roughedged club act to arena-ready rock ‘n’ roll juggernauts, while steadily extending and expanding the Southern rock tradition. The band has had songs featured in movie and video game soundtracks, including EA Sports’ Madden NFL 16, performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Conan and toured with and befriended idols such as The Marshall Tucker Band, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd and George Jones. Tickets begin at $25. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100.

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Winter Wonderland Father Daughter Dance Bell Road YMCA from 6:30-8:30 p.m. We invite fathers, uncles, grandfathers, step-fathers, etc. (sorry, no mothers and sons) to bring their special princess to dance the evening away. Food, fun and a photo to remember the occasion is included. Bring your dancing shoes to compete in the dance-off. Prizes go to our dance-off winners and our Best Dressed Couple. Pre-register by February 3 for $30 per couple, $5 for additional child (members) and $60 per couple, $5 for additional child (non-members). Extra $10 for registration on February 4. Call (334) 271-4343 for more info.

Thursday, February 9

Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Restless Heart 7:30 p.m. Restless Heart has enjoyed one of the most successful careers in country music history, placing more than 25 singles on the charts. With six consecutive #1 hits, four albums have been certified Gold by the RIAA, and the band has won a wide range of awards from many organizations, including the Academy of Country Music’s Top Vocal Group trophy. Tickets begin at $15. Visit www.mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100. Cloverdale Playhouse Theatre Presents The Thirty-nine Steps -- Through February 19 7:30 p.m. performances Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Adapted by Patrick Barlow. For more info, visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org or call (334) 262-1530. (*Recommended for ages 8 and up.*) Wetumpka Depot Presents Ring of Fire: the Songs of Johnny Cash -- Through February 25 7:30 p.m. performances Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Directed by Kristy Meanor. For tickets, call (334) 868-1440 or e-mail kmeanor@ wetumpkadepot.com. Faulkner Dinner Theatre Presents Neil Simon’s Fools -- Also February 10-11, 16-18 and 23-25 Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner served 6:15-6:45 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Faulkner University Dinner Theatre, 5346 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery. Visit

Ala. Dept. of Archives & History Exhibit galleries include a children’s gallery and a reference room for genealogical and historical research. In Grandma’s Attic, kids can try on clothes, 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 to do at home. In addition, there are FREE, guided tours of the Museum of Alabama EVERY Saturday at 1 p.m. 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 meeting 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. 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. (Bluegrass Jam is going on at the same time in another room.) 300 W. Tallassee St. (former Wetumpka Jr. High building). 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. Brain Pump is a group exercise class, targeting children 4-12 years old. The class is the collaboration of a physical therapist and a kinesiology professor combining traditional therapy and exercise concepts with the latest cutting edge research on movement and the brain. This is all done in a fun, energetic setting, that seems much more like playing than exercising. Brain Pump is taught at Metro Fitness on Saturdays from 1111:45 a.m. Contact Tiffany Higginbotham at Body Logic PT & Wellness (334-380-5920) for more info. Celtic Dance Classes Fridays at Montgomery Ballet from 4-5 p.m. We welcome boys and girls ages 6 to adult. Call Amanda at (706) 457-9254 or e-mail Celtic.traditions@gmail.com for more info. Central Alabama Contra Dancers Everyone, school-age through adult, is invited for a

little exercise and a lot of fun. Singles, couples and entire families are welcome. All levels of experience - including no experience. Dancing is on 1st and 3rd Fridays from 7-9 p.m. at the MASDA building, 2200 Popular St. For more info, visit www.contralines.com or email info@contralines.com. The Central Alabama Tennis Association (CATA) is a volunteer-based tennis organization formed to provide programs which promote and develop the growth of tennis throughout central Alabama. For event info, call Ernie Rains, CATA Community Coordinator, at 3241406 or e-mail www.centralalabama.usta.com. 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! Cool Kids Cook is a faith-based ministry with classes offered at different locations. Please call 220-3651 if you’d like to attend or volunteer with this ministry. First White House of the Confederacy Open on Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The First White House of the Confederacy played a significant role during the Civil War and served as Jefferson Davis’ family residence from February-May 1861. Located at 644 Washington Avenue in downtown Montgomery, neighboring the Ala. Dept. of Archives and History. For more info or to tour the museum, call 242-1861 or visit www.firstwhitehouse.org. Friday Night Hoops Students in 5th through 12th grades get together with friends for pick-up games of basketball every 1st and 3rd Friday at the Bell Road YMCA from 9 p.m.midnight. Students must be dropped off by 10 p.m. and cannot leave without being picked up by parent or guardian (unless students drove themselves). Must play basketball to be involved. Participants must have a photo ID (i.e. School ID). $3 for members; $7 for nonmembers. For more info, contact James Garvin at (334) 271-4343 or jgarvin@ymcamontgomery.org. Garden Tours Local gardens include Southern Homes and Gardens, Blount Cultural Park’s Shakespearean Garden at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Grace Episcopal Church, Prattville’s historic gardens in Old Pratt Village and the Wilderness Park, and Wetumpka’s arboretum at Ft. Toulouse. For more info in Montgomery, call 1-800-2409452 or visit www.VisitingMontgomery.com. In Prattville, call 361-0961 or visit www.prattville.com/visitor/history. In Wetumpka, call 567-3002 or visit www.wetumpka. al.us/features. Other numbers are: Blount Cultural Park (274-0062 or www.blountculturalpark.org); Grace Episcopal Church (215-1422); Old Alabama Town (240-4005 or www.oldalabamatown.com); and Alabama Garden Trail (1-800-ALABAMA or www.touralabama.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 or visit http://www.troy.edu/planetarium/. God of Order Discipleship: The Blueprint for Bringing Peace to the Home This 10-month discipleship ministry purposes to teach women God’s order for the home. Through bi-monthly small-group teachings and discussions, this disciple-

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Calendar/Support Groups ship training proves to set the heart of every woman on the home, making it a sanctuary where Father God can dwell. The teachings follow Titus 2:4-6 and include such topics as ordering the home as a restful and secure dwelling place, restoring the family altar, loving your husband, submitting to your husband, speaking blessings, loving your children, being a discreet and pure woman, practical home management, and making the home a place of hospitality. This ten-lesson discipleship teaching is available on DVD along with a written workbook. Contact His Vessel Ministries at info@hisvessel.org or (334) 3564478 for more information about the group starting in January or the material to start your own God of Order Discipleship. His Vessel Ministries is located in Historic Union Station in downtown Montgomery where the Bible teachings and discipleship classes are conducted. Visit www.hisvessel.org or www. facebook/hisvesselministries.

Harriott II Riverboat Cruises Seasonal. Typical hours are 6:30-9 p.m. Live entertainment, cash bar and concessions available. For more info and available dates, visit www.funinmontgomery. com, call (334) 625-2100 or visit the Riverwalk Box Office at 200 Coosa Street.

Wing: adults: $14, children $10. For more info, call 241-8615 or visit www.troy.edu/rosaparks/. 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 January 25 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-

Montgomery Women’s Newcomers Group: Moving On After Moving In Thursdays from 9:15-11 a.m. beginning September 15. St. James UMC Cafe, Vaughn Rd. Childcare available. For more info, please contact pam.zavada@gmail. com or (256) 541-7888.

December2016 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. Class fee: $20. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. 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 Boot Camp (One Day Saturday Class) This fast-paced one day class taught by Baptist Health’s experienced Labor and Delivery Registered Nurses prepares families to welcome their new addition. All aspects of Labor and Delivery from our hospital admission process through postpartum care are covered during class. Additional topics include Cesarean sections, medication and anesthesia options along with coping and comfort measures.

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.

Rosa Parks Museum 252 Montgomery Street. 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

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Old Alabama Town 19th and early 20th century outdoor history museum. Tours Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults, $4 for students ages 6-18. Under 6 free. 301 Columbus St., Montgomery. For information, call 240-4500 or vist www.landmarksfoundation.com/.

Prattville Movie Club (for Teens) Meeting twice a month on Fridays, current Prattville Movie Club members range from 14-18 years old and meet at the Carmike Promenade 12 on Cobbs Ford Road. There are no GPA requirements and no class requirements. We are friends who enjoy moviegoing and want to meet others who also enjoy watching movies. For more info, call (334) 224-7811 or e-mail brandonperdue12@gmail.com.

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Montgomery’s Freedom Rides Museum 468 South Perry Street. Learn how 21 young people helped change our nation’s history using nonviolent protest. Black and white, male and female, none of them were older than 21. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, noon -4 p.m. For more info, visit www.freedomridesmuseum.org or call (334) 242-3184.

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 and help new residents do the same. For information on meetings and locations, contact Nancy Schrull at (334) 356-9897 or nschrull@knology.net.

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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 or e-mail liz.owen@jackson.org to register or for more info. Breastfeeding Class This one-time class at Baptist Health 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. Class fee: $20. Registration is required. E-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Caring For Your Newborn Taught by Baptist Health Newborn Nursery nurses, this one-time class helps new families become familiar

Breathing and relaxation techniques are also introduced. Maternity Area Tour is included as a part of this class. Class offered select Saturdays of each month. Fee: $60 per couple and includes lunch. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. ID required. 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 info or to register, contact April Ma at 2443018 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.

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Diabetes Education --Prattville Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available Wednesdays by appointment at Prattville Medical Park. Call 213-6360 for more information.

and support person). Class size is limited. Please try to register by the 5th month of pregnancy for the best selection of available class dates. Call (334) 293-8497 or e-mail: liz.owen@jackson.org.

Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 213-6360 for more info.

Sibling Preparation Class 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 2734445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org.

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. 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 info, contact alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or visit 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 334430-7569 or e-mail bolson@abchome.org. Infant Safety/CPR This one-time class sponsored by Baptist Health will teach 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. This class will also help parents with creating a safe environment for their child. Classes are taught by certified CPR Instructors. This class is not a certification class. Fee: $10 per person. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org. 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. Maternity Area Tour Baptist Health’s Maternity Area Tour is for parents not attending Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp. Tour is offered on select Saturdays of each month and is complimentary. Tour is for adults only. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org for more info. Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Classes Includes water aerobics, step-floor aerobics and strength training. SportsFirst. Call 277-7130. Pregnancy Nutrition Classes Interactive 3-week series of classes developed by wellknown 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 info, contact alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or visit www.Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL. Prepared Childbirth Class (Understanding Birth) Jackson Hospital. Preregistration required. Topics include: pregnancy, labor, birth, options for pain management, medical procedures, cesarean birth. Note: This class is a basic overview of the labor and delivery process and does not prepare someone for “natural” or unmedicated childbirth. Cost: $25 (covers mother

Slow Flow Yoga Classes are held at Old Alabama Town on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11:30-12:15, and 12:30-1:15. Beginners welcome! No registration needed; just come to Molton South Building. Enter through the Rose House, located on Columbus St. between N. Hull and Decatur. Parking is available along Decatur and N. Hull. Drop in fee: $12; 5-class pass: $50 (exp. 60 days). Monthly unlimited: $65. Mat rental: $1. 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. 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 info, or to volunteer, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Baptist Hospice Volunteers There are many 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 to our program. Please call Gloria @395-5018 to join our dynamic team. Baptist 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. 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 info, call (334) 286-3252 for Baptist Medical Center South and (334) 361-4335 for Prattville Baptist Hospital. Jackson Hospital Animal Therapy Program 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. Jackson Hospital Volunteer Services Jackson Hospital information desk 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. Call 293-8967 or visit www.jackson.org/patients_ volunteers.html. 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. River Region Association of Doulas Doulas Traci Weafer, Rebekah Hawkins and Christina Clark provide prenatal counseling, labor and postpartum doula services, breastfeeding education, events and support groups. Contact rradoulas@gmail.com or visit rradoulas.weebly.com or https://www.facebook. com/RRADoulas/.

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 info, call Monica Russell at 409-9477 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. Birth Parent and Adult Adoptee Support Group Children’s Aid Society hosts a free support group for adult adoptees and birth parents. This group provides emotional support for people at all stages of the lifelong adoption process. Meetings held at Children’s Aid Society, 2141 14th Avenue South in Birmingham. For class dates and times, call Audrey Derevenko at (205) 943-5343 or e-mail adereven@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 Counties: **To access or sign up for these programs, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. 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 1-800-ACS-2345 for more info. 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. 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 cancer.org. Information anytime and trained specialists at 1-800ACS-2345.

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Calendar/Support Groups Cancer Patient and Caregiver Support Group 1-2 p.m., Tuesdays, Montgomery Cancer Center, 4145 Carmichael Road. The group is facilitated by professionally trained health care providers and other members of the support care team. It’s free and open to all cancer patients and their caregivers. Call (334) 273-7000. 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 meets Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. beginning September 6 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Join us for thirteen weeks of guidance and purpose as you move forward with life after divorce. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org for more info. Divorce Care for Kids meets Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. beginning September 6 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Children of divorce or separation find hope, help, and healing. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org for more info. DivorceCare meets at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. It fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce. The DivorceCare 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 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 (scholarships available). Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc.org or 241-5125. Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800 Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. This is a 3-hour workshop that is offered monthly, designed to help participants explore the legal, financial, and emotional issues of divorce and gain a greater understanding of the process. The cost to attend is $20 per person and pre-registration is required. For more info, please call or e-mail Sommer Morris at (334) 612-1086 or sommer. morris@morganstanley.com. You may also visit www. secondsaturday.com.

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

Montgomery Parents I January 2017

beliefs, or length of marriage or widowhood. Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays at the church’s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail farauthor@aol.com for more info. “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 ages 7-11 who have experienced the recent loss of a loved one. 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. Space is limited to 6 participants so call 2796677. 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 2796677. 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. For more information about the group, call (334) 284-2721. “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. This group is ongoing and does not have a participation limit. 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 272-8622 for more info. GriefShare meets weekly at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. 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. 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. HALO also offers free professional photography for families facing the loss of a child up to the age of 2 years old and

December2016 needs-based financial assistance for burial. Visit www. honoringangelslikeowen.org or call (334) 328-1202. 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.

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

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Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers Support Group meets 1st Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in room 3103 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more info, call 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. Celebrate Recovery is a 12-step-Christian process to help you cope with hurts, hang-ups, and habits on a weekly basis. Meets at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. You will experience hope and strength for each day. “Celebrate Recovery” is 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. Diabetes Support Group Noon-1 p.m. and 4-5 p.m., fourth Thursdays, Jackson Hospital Park Place Building Suite 302. Are you interested in learning how to better manage your Type 2 diabetes? Would you like support from others as you work to control your diabetes? Sponsored by inpatient diabetes educator Michelle Carothers, this group offers clinical information, advice and tips to make living with diabetes easier for you and your family. Register today! Call (334) 293-8574 or e-mail michelle.carothers@ jackson.org. Gluten Intolerance Group (www.gluten.net) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to provide support to those with any form of gluten intolerance. 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 (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.

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Montgomery Area Mended Hearts, First floor of Montgomery Cardiovascular Institute on the campus 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. Meetings are held at 5500 Ash Grove Circle, Montgomery. Call Donald at 220-7555 for more info.

to the public and is sponsored by the Montgomery CityCounty Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque. For more info, call Ron Simmons at (334) 777-8596. La Leche League of Montgomery Area has served local mothers since 1984. Women who are pregnant, interested in breastfeeding and nursing mothers are invited to attend our free mother-to-mother support meetings or e-mail with breastfeeding questions. Join us with your babies. Children of all ages are welcome. We currently have morning and evening meetings. For more info, e-mail LLL.Montgomery.AL@gmail.com or visit http://www.llli.org/groups/@llli*group*montgomery or “like” us on Facebook. Mom2Mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of children ages birth-5 years 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

Single Moms Support Group, Landmark Church of Christ, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in Classroom 118. For more information call 277-5800.

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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.

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Singles’ Small Groups, Frazer Memorial UMC, Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org for more info.

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.

God Will Make a Way, Frazer UMC, Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. beginning Sept 6. Learn to follow God’s principles to thrive relationally, emotionally, and spiritually in 12 key areas of life and use God’s wisdom to cope with your most difficult problems. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org for more info.

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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.

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“Take Heart,” Room 116 at Eastmont Baptist Church, first Mondays of each month at 6 p.m. Support group for women dealing with infertility and/or miscarriage. Contact Melissa at (205) 913-2667 for more information.

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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? 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 vaughnforestmops@gmail.com or visit http://vfcmops.weebly. com/.

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 info, contact Holli at (334) 290-0646 or e-mail: ahif_montgomery_auburn@yahoo.com. Visit www.ahif.org.

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. gives fathers and daughters an opportunity to read together to create fun, educational memories. This free event is open

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 families 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 https:// sites.google.com/site/montgomerymultiples/home. 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? 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.

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 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. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@frazerumc. org for more info.

Special Needs Support

Alabama Angels Pageant, a nonprofit pageant for males and females of any age with special needs. Participation is free. 2016 pageant date TBA. Visit www. alabamaangels.org and look for us on Facebook! 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.

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Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 2nd Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome. Childcare provided. Visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or visit our Facebook page (MADSOG) for more information. Contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@ gmail.com for more info. 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. 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, e-mail LyraStephens@yahoo.com. Special Needs Skate, Looney’s Super Skate, 3541 McGehee Rd. in Montgomery. 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month. 5:30-7:30 p.m. All ages welcome. Sensory sensitive. Volunteers available for assistance. $5 admission. For more info, e-mail Lyrastephens@yahoo.com.

Teens/Families Support

Alienated Grandparents Anonymous meets third Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m in room 3104 at Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. For more info, call 272-8622 Family Guidance Center of Alabama’s January schedule is below. Call 270-4100 for more information about any of these classes: December 1 from 1-2:30 p.m.: “Check it Out” helps participants learn how to open, use and manage a checking account responsibly. December 6 & 29 from 1-2:30 p.m.: “Career Planning” explores various employment choices and the basic skills expected by potential employers. December 7 from 1-3 p.m.: “Anger Management” provides participants with information on how to detect anger triggers and ways to control their reactions to anger. December 13 from 1-2:30 p.m.: “Resume’ Writing” teaches participants how to compose a resume’ based on the type of employment they are seeking. December 20 from 1-2:30 p.m.: “Interview Skills/ Dress for Success” prepares participants for the steps to take before, during and after an interview for the best possible opportunity of obtaining employment. December 27 from 1-2:30 p.m.: “Work Ethics” instructs participants on how to obtain a high standard of conduct at work for job retention and promotion. 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.

Please send calendar info to editor@montgomeryparents.com. Montgomery Parents I January 2017

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Home is Where the Heart Is

Every child’s home is unique. Some kids live in spacious places with bedrooms of their own. Many children share their home with extended family, experiencing cozier quarters. Others split their days between two places that they call home. The places that children call home don’t always have the same footprint. While lodgings come in a variety of shapes, sizes and settings, the things that make them into our homes are indefinable. The following titles explore alternate living spaces and the ways that children claim those spaces, making them into their own unique home.

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Stella’s Starliner

By Rosemary Wells (Candlewick Press) Stella’s home is a marvelous wonder. A gleaming silver house on wheels, it has cozy hiding spots and a sofa that transforms into a bed with a push of a button. Stella’s house has everything her family needs and she loves every bit of it. But then some neighborhood weasels mock her silver home, calling it a tin can, asking her if she’s poor because she lives in a trailer. The words hurt so much that Stella can’t even tell her mama. But when the truth comes out, Mama and Daddy use the opportunity to show Stella what their home can really be. As the shining silver Starliner treks through the night, readers will find a new appreciation for the special aspects of our own lodgings that make them a treasured home to us.

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The House on Dirty-Third Street

By Jo S. Kittinger, Illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez (Peachtree) A young girl is dismayed as she looks at the houses on Thirty-Third Street where her mother has bought a “starting over” for them. Their new home is the shabbiest of them all; run-down, full of trash and so dirty that she wants to call it the house on ‘Dirty-Third Street.’ Mother and daughter work long and hard to clean and repair it, but the enormous task of bringing the house back from the brink is beginning to overwhelm them. When their vision of transformation is unexpectedly embraced by others, they discover there are many small ways to save a damaged house and turn it into a real home. “The House on Dirty-Third Street’ is an inspiring testament to family and faith creating a powerful foundation for every home.

Ella

By Mallory Kasdan, Illustrated by Marcos Chin (Scholastic Press) For little Ella, living in a hotel comes with as many adventures as there are rooms. In this cheeky, updated parody of the classic children’s book “Eloise”, readers are taken along on a delightfully manic exploration of Ella’s daily life as an urban dweller at The Local Hotel. The tour is viewed through Ella’s lens as the people and practices filling her days are introduced in random order. As Ella reveals the things that make her happy at her hotel home, the reader gets a growing insight into the truly fabulous life she enjoys at The Local. Celebrating the meaningful small moments that shine in such a broad environment, “Ella” highlights the connections that anchor her personal home within a populated space. Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.

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Business Card Directory

Ala

Ala Ar

Bra

Ed Montgomery Parents I January 2017

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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.

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 38

My Kids Attic Consignment Sale, 19

Emerald Mountain Christian School, 78

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes of, 25

Evangel Christian Academy, 35, 68

New Park, 45

Family Guidance Center, 20

New Testament Christian Center, 31

Adventure Sports II, 44

FC Montgomery Soccer Academy, 26

OB/GYN Montgomery, Dr. Desautels, 41

Alabama Christian Academy, 32, 64

First Baptist Church, Montgomery, 39

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 43

Alabama Dept. of Public Health, Inside Front

First UMC, Prattville, 19

Pediatric Nephrology of Alabama, 43

AL School of Math & Science, 63

Frazer Memorial UMC, 2

Pet Palace Hotels, 57

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 51

Grand Reserve at Pike Road, 79

Prattville YMCA, 38

Armory Athletics, 37

Health Services, Inc., 7

Professional Pediatrics, 12

ASKIN/Synergy House, 102

Herron Dermatology & Laser, 49

Pump It Up Party, 55

Bambi Hoggle Photography, 102

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 9, 69

Reese’s Senior Bowl, 84

Baptist Health, 53

Hooper Academy, 28, 70

Resurrection Catholic School, 81

Beth’s Heirloom Sewing, 85

Hudson Huffman, 102

Riverview Camp for Girls, 34

Bradford Health Services, 4

Interscapes, Inc., 11

Rockin’ Jump, 56

Camp Walkabout, 27

KLynn Ice Skating, 47

Rolling Video Games of AL, 35

Cellar Door Wine Club, 102

Kindermusik of Montgomery at FBC, 33

Saint James School, 1, 75

Centerpoint Fellowship, 40

Kingry Orthodontics, 85

Shade Tree Riding Stables, 33

Chapman Orthodontics, 21

Kumon, 13

Shane’s Rib Shack, 27

Children’s Clothing Exchange, 21

Learning Tree Child Care, 50

Spacewalker, The, 28

Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 91

Legacy Early Learning Center, 59

Spotless Cleaning Services, 8

Churchill Academy, 18, 65

Lori Mercer Photography, 41

Success Unlimited Academy, 61

Cornerstone Classical Christian School, 66

Macon East Academy, 15, 71

Sylvan Learning Center, 3

Dentistry for Children, 47

Mathnasium, 82

Taylor Road Baptist Church, 23

Doodlebugs Consignment, 23

MEOW Academy, 29

The Montgomery Academy, 73, Back Cover

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 31

Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 93

Trinity Presbyterian School, 76, Inside Back

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 44

Montessori @ Mulberry, 17, 72

Tru-Cut Lawn Care, 78

E & S Hobbies, 102

Montgomery Catholic Schools, 22, 74

United Gymstars & Cheer, 81

Eastern Oaks Church, 89

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 100

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 26

Eastmont Baptist Church, 37

Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry/Ortho, 14

Vaughn Road Preschool, 87

Eastwood Christian School, 67

Montgomery Uniforms Plus, 83

Vishnu Dental, 29

Edgewood Academy, 62

Mrs. Sandy’s House, 102

YMCA, Montgomery, 59

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Sing

Passengers

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: BViolence: C+ Sexual Content: B+ Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated Sing PG for some rude humor and mild peril. Television has been raking in a fortune producing talent shows, like American Idol and America’s Got Talent. So, it is little wonder a film about a pile of wannabes entering a singing contest sounds like a good bet for making dollars at the box office. If you are interested in this movie because you love music and/or great computer animation, then you may have come to the right place. But if it’s the cast of animal characters that has you thinking this may be a fun distraction for your little ones, you could be disappointed. Sing tells the tale of a koala bear named Buster Moon (voice of Matthew McConaughey) who owns a theater that has seen better days. It has been a long time since the establishment has had a hit show, however Buster is convinced his competition idea will change all that. In between avoiding calls from the bank and patching up the leaky ceiling, the ever-optimistic manager is busy schmoozing potential sponsors. Although he is unable to convince anyone to buy into his idea, the advertising poster for the event, which features a typo exaggerating the prize money, attracts a huge response from the public. It is the backstories of the hopefuls that will have parents wondering what age demographic the screenwriters had in mind. Rosita (voice of Reese Witherspoon) is a mom that put her dreams aside to cook and clean for a preoccupied husband (voice of Nick Offerman) and 25 piglets. Mike, a mouse (voice of Seth MacFarlane), busks Frank Sinatra tunes while hustling at the gambling table and antagonizing some vengeful bears. Ash (voice of Scarlett Johansson) is a punky teenaged porcupine who appears to share an apartment with her demeaning boyfriend. Meena’s (Tori Kelly) voice is as large as an elephant’s, if only she wasn’t too shy to perform in front of an audience. And Johnny (voice of Taron Egerton) has a velvety voice but he’s pressured to join his father’s gorilla gang of thieves who are planning the biggest heist of their careers. Except for the timid pachyderm, the rest of these characters (underappreciated housewives, con-artists, angsty adolescents and crime families) are hardly characters that kids will relate to. Nor would you want your youngsters emulating their behaviors of robbery, reckless driving, cheating, lying, and committing minor misdemeanors. Older teens and adults may be willing overlook the bad examples and focus on the vocal talents displayed here. These come in abundance, and feature famous tunes from various decades, many of which are performed by the cast of this film. In the end, the contestants in Buster’s show develop positive attributes from their efforts with an emphasis on the importance of self-esteem, persistence and even hard work in achieving one’s goals. The script also throws challenges at them, motivating these songsters to pack up their egos and selfish desires in favor of helping each other succeed. These messages are commendable – just a little lost amidst a curious clutter of content concerns and snappy tunes.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B Violence: BSexual Content: C Profanity: BAlcohol / Drug Use: C The MPAA has rated Passengers PG-13 for sexuality, nudity and action/peril. Passengers explores a timely topic during a period when people like Elon Musk are musing about colonizing Mars. In this movie, a private enterprise is offering Earthlings the ultimate permanent getaway: A chance to colonize what appears to be a beautiful sphere where there are fewer people and a great deal more serenity. Getting the people to the planet, known as Homestead II (the company has already populated a pervious outpost), requires The Avalon, a massive spaceship tasked with ferrying 5,000 passengers and 258 crew members. Even at half-light speed, the trip takes 120 years, and that’s not very marketable. To avoid the worst road trip imaginable, everyone is tucked inside a hibernation pod. Ideally the occupants should sleep until four months prior to their arrival, but a malfunction causes a curious event that awakens two of the passengers. Jim Preston (Chris Pratt) got a good deal on his passage because he’s a mechanical engineer and the colonization company needs people who can fix and repair things on Homestead II. While Jim has a very utilitarian cabin with no porthole, Aurora Lane (Jennifer Lawrence) paid full freight for her experience. A journalist, she’s determined to be the first person to visit Homestead II and then return to Earth. Strong emotions settle in when both passengers ask the proverbial “Are we there yet?” question, only to be told by a computer they are a scant few decades into their journey. The revelation sinks in when they realize they will live out their lives before reaching their destination. At least the cruise ship-like vessel provides activity opportunities, such as video games, a movie theater, and a bar. And it’s that last location where much of their time is spent. Not only does liquor help numb some of the feelings of desperation, but a human-like bartender named Arthur (Michael Sheen) is a comfort, even if his android programing is limited to a collection of the best patronizing responses you’d expect from any well-seasoned mixologist. However, the bartender isn’t the only clue that this smart ship may be lacking in its autonomous abilities. Jim and Aurora discover an increasing number of glitches. Yes, there’s trouble brewing deep inside the Avalon and this mechanical engineer will be called upon to try and keep it patched together. Parents greatest concern on this voyage will be the favored activity between this couple who have nothing but time on their hands. Three scenes of brief sexual activity are included with careful camera angles avoiding explicit nudity. We also see male buttock nudity on a couple of occasions. And the frequent conversations with Arthur also involve some serious drinking. Aside from this, there are only a few scatological terms and profanities, a brief scene of hand-to-hand violence.

What Parents need to know about Sing... Violence: Frequent depictions of slapstick and non-graphic violence, with some situations that may be frightening for young viewers. Bullying, ridiculing and demeaning occur. A building collapses and characters narrowly escape being killed. A jailbreak is depicted and a police chase ensues. Sexual Content: Some mild sexual innuendo is heard. Characters embrace and kiss. A teen couple appear to live together, although no sexual relationship between them is ever implied. Characters wear skimpy and revealing clothing. Profanity: Infrequent mild profanity is included. Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters drink alcohol in a club setting. Montgomery Parents I January 2017

What Parents need to know about Passengers... Violence: A character is injured when a piece of mechanical debris lodges in an arm, some blood is seen. An angry character attacks another with punches, kicks and threats with a crowbar. A character coughs up blood. A dead corpse is seen. Characters are in frequent peril, including being disoriented and untethered in space, and facing life and death dilemmas. Suicide is contemplated. Sexual Content: Brief sexual activity between a man and woman is seen in three scenes without explicit nudity. Other scenes include some mild sexual innuendo, sensuality, embracing and kissing. A female character is seen in a revealing swimsuit. Male buttock nudity is seen in non-sexual situations. Profanity: Infrequent use of mild and moderate profanities. Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters frequently drink alcohol, often to relieve stress.

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