Montgomery Parents March 2019 by KeepSharing

Congratulations to

Brian aiyana Velazquez Escobar winners of the second annual “ Share Your Smile Alabama Department of Public photo Health Oral Health Office with Alabama”contest

For smiles like aiyana and Brian that last a lifetime: • C hildren ages 1-17 years old need to have preventive dental visits twice yearly • Optimal levels of Community Water Fluoridation should be present where you live

alabamapublichealth.gov/oralhealth

ORAL HEALTH OFFICE Promoting Smiles Across a Lifetime

A Complete Education The diverse and creative achievements that Saint James students earn and

ACADEMICS ARTS

accomplish are the tangible expressions of the distinctive purpose and impact of Saint James School. Educating the whole child has been our mission since our founding in 1955. Still true today, â&#x20AC;&#x153;...We are committed to challenging and assisting students in realizing their individual potential and preparing them for lives

ATHLETICS

of responsibility, service, and achievement.â&#x20AC;? Visit Saint James School and experience the most complete education offered in Central Alabama.

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. Academic support for English Language Learners available. Saint James School admits students of any religion, race, gender, creed, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students 1 at the school. www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

PAREN

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

PARENTS_FP.qxp_Layout 1 1/13/18 3:56 PM Page 1

SOMETIMES AT

HOME,

I JUST WANT TO STOP TIME. BUT OUT HERE, HEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ALWAYS ON THE GO. New Homes Starting in the Mid $200s 334.215.9215 | newparkliving.com

Between Ray Thorington Road and Taylor Road 1361 BARRET PARK WAY

HOME TO EAST MONTGOMERY 3

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Ge ac mo

A home loan made simple. We find the loan that fits your life by understanding your needs, your circumstances, and your goals. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be matched with a loan tailored correctly for you from the start and experience a smooth process, so you can focus on the more important things in life.

Montgomery Branch: 334.513.8113 Jimmy Parsons

Da an pla

Dorothy Crowell Loan Officer NMLS #665361

Branch Manager NMLS #415554

Rusty Russell

Loan Officer NMLS #459590

Prattville Branch: 334.380.4315 Shelley Faulkner Sales Manager NMLS #470443

Brett Dickey

Sales Manager NMLS #459590

Illiana Byrd

Loan Officer NMLS #1071506

Guild Mortgage Company, Montgomery Branch 6719 Taylor Circle | Montgomery, AL 36117, Prattville Branch 705 McQueen Smith Road South Prattville, AL 36066 Guild Mortgage Company is an Equal Housing Lender; NMLS #3274 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/). Montgomery Branch NMLS #1566723. Prattville Branch NMLS #1570020. (18-0351)

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

March2019 74

Volume 24 Number 3

Columns

8 Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LMSW

12 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

Family Camping Trips

Get the 4-1-1 on camp costs, activities, food and making the most of your getaway.

Life Lessons Learned at Overnight Camp

Independence, resiliency and community living are just a few.

16 Montgomery Education Matters by Dr. Ann Roy Moore, Interim Superintendent

50 Pike Road Education Matters by Superintendent Charles Ledbetter, Ed.D.

56 Autauga Education Matters

by Superintendent Spence Agee

60 Elmore Education Matters by Superintendent Richard Dennis

70 The College Years by Lee Gonet

72 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between

2019 Summer Camps Day, residential, sports camps and more! Our listing starts you planning your kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; summer!

Declutter Your Life

How keeping the clutter out of your home reduces stress, plus strategies for getting started.

Common Sense Media

77 Get This! Gerry Paige Smith

78 Parenting Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Teens Mark Gregston

On The Cover Joi McGuire (age 10) is in 5th grade at the Holy Spirit Campus of Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School. Her parents are Mitch and Michelle McGuire and she has four brothers and sisters: Javarus, Julian, Jessica and Jamie. Joi enjoys gymnastics, swimming, skating, soccer, video gaming, traveling and making slime.

Departments 14 Teacher of the Month 18 School Bits 100 Calendar/Support Groups 108 Mom to Mom

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Editor’sNote It’s finally time to say goodbye to the cold, gray days of winter and usher in springtime! I can’t think of a year that I’ve longed for it more either. Was it my imagination or did it seem either really cold or raining the majority of the days since Christmas? I’ve made the joke around the house multiple times that I have SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), though I’m not certain it’s a joke. The dreary winter months did me no good so I’m excited about spring temperatures, spring green grass and, most of all, springing forward on March 10th! Let’s all say goodbye to the dark days of winter and welcome spring as we enjoy longer, more pleasant days with the ones we love! Montgomery Parents always ushers in spring with our March Summer Camp Issue! It’s one of our most anticipated issues of the year, as kids start to get excited about the end of school in a couple months...and parents start wondering how they will keep them busy and active during the break. Our summer camp issue isn’t just about overnight (away) camps either, although we do have plenty of options listed in our 2019 Summer Camp Guide. We know many parents aren’t ready to send their kids away to camp, which is why we include many versions of “summer camps” for you to consider. From day camps with traditional camp activities to more targeted interest camps like dance/gymnastics, education, theater, sports and more, there is a surely a camp or two that will be the perfect fit for your kiddos. Before you dive into the Guide, be sure to read about the benefits of away camp in Life Lessons Learned at Overnight Camp. You may decide this is the year to give residential camp a try after reading how your child can grow during an away camp experience. And if you are looking for the experience of the great outdoors as a family, then be sure to read Family Camping: Make the Most of Your Getaway. We have had several successful family camping trips, with the best being our “glamping” experience two summers ago in Bar Harbor, Maine. A walled tent with a screened porch and beds with soft linens...that’s my kind of camping. We still had to cook on the open fire and walk to the bath house, so it counts, right? Those few days of minimal distractions while soaking up the beauty of the world around us with our girls is something we all still talk about often. If you’ve never taken a family camping trip, let this be the year you give it a try! Other highlights in this issue include Sandi Schwartz’s article on Decluttering Your Life to Reduce Stress, Common Sense Media’s 14 Great Alexa Skills for Kids and Teens and Lee Gonet’s article for those of you with college bound students, “College: Home or Away?” She discusses the pros and cons and walks you through a good decision making process. Have a beautiful March! Welcome, Spring!

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

Founder Marty Watson (1950-2006) Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@montgomeryparents.com

Associate Editor Alison Rouse Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Spence Agee Kimberly Blaker Robert Coggin, MD Richard Dennis Mark Gregston Robert Kennedy Dr. Charles Ledbetter Janeen Lewis Sonia Martin, LMSW Dr. Ann Roy Moore Sandi Schwartz Gerry Paige Smith

Cover Photography Judy Barranco www.judybarrancophotography.com

Publisher Jason Watson jason@montgomeryparents.com

Associate Publisher Gena Hill Digital Manager Scott Davis Advertising Opportunities (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 ads@montgomeryparents.com

Ad Design Tim Welch Distribution Manager Charles Silliman

DeAnne

Member

deanne@montgomeryparents.com

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source

Montgomery Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. Montgomery Parents is copyrighted 2018 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. opinions expressed in Montgomery Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

www.montgomeryparents.com

Tr hi lif th Ch w

If A

urce

rinciple d signifigazine is process.

g LLC, nts is ction in ssed in ecesement

Accredited K3 through 12th Grade Independent College-Preparatory School

Find Your Home at TRINITY! A rigorous academic program, committed educators, outstanding athletics, and a nurturing family environment Trinity School is Montgomery’s foremost educational institution providing students the highest quality college-preparatory education, training them in the biblical world and life view, enabling them to serve God in spirit, mind, and body. Educators at Trinity strike the perfect balance by encouraging students to strive for excellence and emphasizing Christ-like character above all else. The Trinity Experience is extraordinary in every way—an education that is as unique as your child. If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Director of Admission, Jenny McClinton, at 334.213.2213 or jmcclinton@trinitywildcats.com. Tuition assistance is available. Discount offered to military families.

JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN HOUSE AND DISCOVER AN EDUCATION AS UNIQUE AS YOUR CHILD.

MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE March 12, 2019 7:00 - 8:30 AM Willett Hall (check-in at lobby)

RSVP online at trinitywildcats.com/rsvp Questions? Please call 213.2213

EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATION EXTRAORDINARY ENVIRONMENT EXTRAORDINARY EXPECTATIONS

OPEN HOUSE | MARCH 12 | 7:00-8:30 AM 7

trinitywildcats.com

trinitywildcats.com/rsvp www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LMSW

The Crazy Cycle Allow me to introduce you to the Crazy Cycle, an unwelcome yet common occurrence playing out in homes across America. Reminiscent of the work of Dr. Emmerson Eggerichs and his book, “Love & Respect,” The Crazy Cycle which wasyouoriginally marriage, Allow me to introduce to the Crazy Cycle,geared an un-welcometoward yet common occurrence playing out in homes across America. Reminiscent of the work of Dr. Emmerson Eggerichs and his book, we& Respect” can see how ageared similar cycle continues its “Love which was originally toward marriage, we can see how a similar cycle continues its destructive path that cuts right through the middle of parent/child relationships. destructive path that cuts right through the Essentially, the Crazy Cycle looks like this: A child feels unloved or “disconnected” from his parent. Because ofof that parent/child he is going to operate out of a spirit of disrespect. When your child middle relationships. disrespects you, you respond unlovingly – i.e. “Don’t talk to me like that, go to your room!”, or “You want toEssentially, act that way – fine. Yourthe Xbox is mine until further notice.”looks In whateverlike manner, Crazy Cycle inserting whatever details, we are meeting our child’s disrespect with an unloving or more accurately a “disconnected” response. unloved When we respond or unlovingly, our child will often meet this:–A child feels “disconnected” us there and further respond disrespectfully which only works to cement that feeling of being unloved. So round and round the crazy cycle goes, where it stops – nofrom one knows. his parUnloved ent. Because of that he Disrespectfully Disrespect is going to operate out Unlovingly of a spirit of The catalyst for change comes at the moment your child operates in a manner of disrespect. disrespect. Because let’s face it, our children are going to have moments when they get it wrong, when they disrespect us, when they go a bit sideways - this is the process of childhood. They are learning When child disrespects you, and growing andyour grasping at getting a handle on self-control and don’t comeyou fully equipped with an appropriate response to stressors. When we can meet their disrespect with more of a respond unlovingly i.e. “Don’t talk me partnership or “connected” response, “Wow. – I can see your struggling right now.to We can figure this out together” we can get them to pop right on out of the crazy cycle and into an engagement likethatthat, go to your orand“You toAnd pattern is foundationally based on a childroom!” who feels loved connected want to their parent. that my friends, is the ball game. act that way – fine. Your Xbox is mine until Loved further notice.” In whatever manner, inserting whatever are meeting our Respectfully details, weRespect child’s disrespect with an unloving, or more Lovingly accurately, a “disconnected” response. When we respond unlovingly, our child will often meet us there and further respond disrespectfully, which only works to cement that feeling of being unloved. So round and

round the crazy cycle goes, where it stops – no one knows. respond respectfully, which only serves to The catalyst for change comes at the solidify that feeling of being loved. Suddenly moment your child operates in a manner of The Crazy Cycle - we have an entirely different cycle on our disrespect. Because let’s face it, our chilAllow me to introduce you to the Crazy Cycle, an un-welcome yet common occurrence playing hands. out in homes across America. Reminiscent of the work of Dr. Emmerson Eggerichs and his book, dren are going to have moments when they “Love & Respect” which was originally geared toward marriage, we can see howThe a similar cycle function of the crazy cycle plays get it wrong, when they disrespect us, when continues its destructive path that cuts right through the middle of parent/child relationships. itself out not only in parent/child interactions, the Crazy Cycle looks like A child feels unloved or “disconnected” from his they go aEssentially, bit sideways - this isthis: the process parent. Because of that he is going to operate out of a spirit of disrespect.but Whenin yourthe child school environment, with their of childhood. They are learning growing disrespects you, you respond unlovingly – and i.e. “Don’t talk to me like that, go to your room!”, or and in social situations. If we can be“You want to act that way – fine. Your Xbox is mine until further notice.”peers In whatever manner, and grasping at getting a handle on selfinserting whatever details, we are meeting our child’s disrespect with an unloving or more come intentional in recognizing the cycle we accurately – a “disconnected” When we respondwith unlovingly, our child will often meet control. They don’t come response. fully equipped us there and further respond disrespectfully which only works to cementare that feeling of being up in, we can begin to identify a caught an appropriate tocrazy stressors. When unloved. Soresponse round and round the cycle goes, where it stops – no one knows. way out while always being mindful that we, we can meet their disrespect with more of Unloved as the parents, are the catalysts for change. a partnership or “connected” response, Our children do not have capacity for this “Wow. I canDisrespectfully see your struggling right Disrespect now. on their own – we have to be that external We can figure this out together” we can get regulator. We set the tone. So in those them to pop right on out of the crazy cycle hard moments, take a breath. Take a beat. Unlovingly and into an engagement pattern that is And see if you can figure out what cycle The catalyst for change comes at the moment your child operates in a manner of disrespect. foundationally based on a child who feels Because let’s face it, our children are going to have moments when they get it wrong, when they you are living in. us, when they go a bit sideways - this is the process of childhood. They are learning loved anddisrespect connected to their parent. And and growing and grasping at getting a handle on self-control and don’t come fully equipped with an appropriate to stressors. When we can meet their disrespect with more of a that my friends, isresponse the ball game. partnership or “connected” response, “Wow. I can see your struggling right now. We can figure *Therapeutic parenting is parenting in a highly structured, highly When orright connected this a outchild together” feels we can getloved them to pop on out of the crazy cycle and into an engagement nurturing way. This form of intensive parenting is often a key to progress in dealing pattern that is foundationally based on a child who feels loved and connected to their parent. And with children who have trauma and attachment to you, they operate manner of respect. challenges, but has also proven beneficial with any child. that my friends, is thein balla game. When they Loved Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s respect you, and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the you respond Respectfully Respect brain in behavior, and how to adopt therapeutic parenting to that lovtechniques to help mitigate negative behaviors. She travels the state speaking at various conferences on behavior and ingly, when Lovingly parenting and is a therapist for Kids To Love Foundation. you respond Sonia is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of whom were internationally adopted, and is also a foster parent. lovingly your child will begin to further

M h re th

Te le

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

nly

ns,

ewe a e, e.

at.

r’s n he

Tutoring and Enrichment

SAT/ACT Prep

Homework Help

Power Up Your Child This Summer Mathnasium can transform your child’s summer with a balance of constructive learning and fun. We’ll help you choose one of our Summer Power Workout Plans, which include fractions, multiplication, algebra readiness, geometry readiness, and more. We prevent the “summer learning loss” phenomenon and give them an edge for the next school year … and beyond. Teaching math is not just what we do, it’s all we do. We’re the authority in math education, with over 900 learning centers worldwide. Start your child’s transformation.

Changing Lives Through Math

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

4th Annual Fido Fest

Black Jacket Symphony Presents Queen’s Night at the Opera

March 9 * 8 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre The Black Jacket Symphony features Marc Martel, the voice behind the worldwide hit movie Bohemian Rhapsody. The show begins with the multi-platinum-selling album performed note-for-note, sound-for-sound, followed by a full set of Queen’s greatest hits. Martel is a world-renowned singer known for his uncanny vocal likeness to Freddie Mercury. Tickets begin at $25. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Alabama Nature Center Nature Eggstravaganza

March 30 * Program begins at 10 a.m. The Easter bunny is back at the ANC! Activities include three different age group egg hunts, egg olympic games, bunny pictures, and more! Hot dogs will be for sale from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the pavilion outpost. NaturePlex General Admission applies. Price includes visiting the NaturePlex Discovery Hall, theater and this awesome Eggstravaganza event! For more info, visit www. alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453.

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

Festive environment with live entertainment, games, rides, bouncy houses, big slides, inflatables, pony and camel rides, petting zoo, karate demos, Montgomery Police K-9 presentation, live animal presentations, concessions and animals from around the world. Enjoy the many activities, fantastic food and have fun together at an affordable price. It is also an excellent opportunity to take advantage of discounted memberships. For more info, call (334) 625-4900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com.

March 30 * 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Shoppes at EastChase This FREE event benefiting the Montgomery Humane Society will take place in the parking lot near Dillard’s and animal lovers and four-legged friends are invited! There will be opportunities to adopt dogs, a doggie splash zone, live music and the Flying Houndz Frisbee Show. Sponsors and vendors include: Partners for Pets, Katherine Reifenberg Art, My Swanky Pooch, Phillips Dunn Animal Hospital, Hollywood Feed, Prissy Paws, Yogi by Sher, Benefield Animal Hospital and many more! For info on becoming a sponsor or vendor, visit https://www.theshoppesateastchase.com/.

th bu

f ro t Fo

Digital Assistance for Artists: Enter the MAG Museum Exhibition

March 24 * 1-4 p.m. The Montgomery Art Guild and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts are partnering for the 43rd exhibition featuring the richness of artists in our community. All entries are digitized. At this free event, representatives of the Art Guild will be on hand to facilitate completing entries. Interested artists are asked to bring up to 5 digital works on a disk or thumb drive. To register, please e-mail your contact info to artguild-montgomery@gmail.com.

Autism Crawfish Boil

Native American Family Day

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts April 6 * 1-4 p.m. This free spring event celebrates the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and their heritage in fun and interactive ways for all ages. Dance performances, tribal drumming, and artisans demonstrate their skills. Hands-on basket weaving, medallion making, and creating in clay, all in the Poarch Creek tradition. For more info, visit http://mmfa. org/ or call (334) 240-4333.

April 6 * Noon-5 p.m. Dreamland BBQ $35 tickets available for purchase through Serquest and at Easterseals Central Alabama. 4,000 pounds of all-you-can-eat crawfish and sides, cold beverages, live music fea-turing local bands and more. Raffle prizes, crawfish souvenirs and fun! Proceeds support the autism services provided at Easterseals Central Alabama. For more info, call (334) 387-3256 or e-mail info@eastersealsca.org. 10

www.montgomeryparents.com

Montgomery Half Marathon and 5K

March 9 * 7 a.m.-noon. Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium, 200 Coosa Street 7 a.m. – The Montgomery Half Marathon begins; 7:15 – The Enlisted Heritage 5K begins; 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. – EXPO, Awards & Entertainment. Register at themontgomeryhalf. com/. For more info, call (334) 356-7271.

Southeastern Livestock Expo

March 14-16 Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery The rodeo coming to town means more than just buckin’ broncos, barrel racing and burly bulls. It means family fun for all ages! The Western Festival on Saturday will feature games and activities like dummy roping, mutton busting and wagon rides to teach you all about the life of the cowboy. For more info, visit https://slerodeo.com/ or call 1-888-2RODEO2.

ASF Presents Winniethe-Pooh

March 3-May 5 Join Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and friends in this charming musical adaptation of A.A. Milne’s classic stories. Recommended ages 3+. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net or call (334) 271-5353.

River Region Comic Con

March 16-17; doors open at 10 a.m. Cramton Bowl Multiplex Two-day general pass - $25; military, first responder and student general pass - $20; children’s general pass - $15. Visit RiverRegionComicCon.Com for more information.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics

What? I Thought Measles was Extinct! Many states, including Alabama, have experienced cases of measles recently. The highest numbers have been in Washington and New York. Worldwide, this viral illness kills more than 100,000 people a year, most under the age of 5, according the World Health Organization. Air travel has spread measles from Switzerland to California. Spring Break has been an historical time for measles to spread between teens and children when they contact others with this infection. Measles’s resurgence can’t be blamed on a single cause, but reluctance of some parents to vaccinate their children is a major factor. Fear about the side effects of vaccines, despite evidence refuting a 1998 claim connecting MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) to autism in children, is slowing attempts to keep young children from contracting this fearsome disease. The MMR vaccine is safe and two shots are 97% effective at preventing measles. Before 1963, when the measles vaccine became available, most children in the U.S. were infected by age 15. Approximately 4 million Americans caught it annually, causing as many as 500 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases. If you are susceptible and exposed to it, you have a 90% chance to catch it. These viruses spread through coughing,

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

sneezing and physical contact. They can live in the airspace where a person has coughed or sneezed for as long as two hours. Measles signs and symptoms appear around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Signs and symptoms of measles typically include: fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis), tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheeks-called Koplik’s spots, skin rash. For the first 10 to 14 days after infection, the measles virus incubates with no signs or symptoms. Then a mild fever, often accompanied by a persistent cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes and sore throat starts, lasting two or three days. The rash consists of red spots, some of which are small and slightly raised while others are large and blotchy, breaking out on the face first. Over the next few days, the rash spreads down the arms and trunk, then over the thighs, lower legs and feet. At the same time, the fever rises sharply, up to 106 F. The rash gradually recedes, fading in the order it first appeared. A person with measles spreads the virus for eight days, starting four days before the rash appears and ending four days later. Complications include: ear infections, bronchitis, laryngitis or croup, pneumonia, encephalitis, and pregnancy problems.

Alabama state law requires students to have the MMR vaccine to attend public school. Two MMR vaccinations are required by the age of six. Only medical and religious exemptions are allowed. A physician must issue the medical exemption. State Department of Public Health records show 69% of students enrolled in public school have received their MMR vaccine. That number might actually be higher, as not all vaccinations are reported to the health department. The Department of Education’s goal is 80% of students being vaccinated. However 95% immunization rate is necessary to create a “herd immunity” for measles. That means those who are immunized protect those who cannot receive the vaccine, such as children under the age of one year who cannot be vaccinated against measles or people with impaired immunity.

Dr. Allen White earned his medical degree in 1969 from Kentucky Medical School, Lexington, and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He began his private practice of pediatric medicine with an office in the Goode Medical Building of Jackson Hospital before moving to the Carmichael Road location in 1986. He and his wife, Diana, have 3 sons. For pleasure, Dr. White enjoys reading, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren.

www.montgomeryparents.com

THE ADVENTURES IN

Math & Science 2019 Summer Camp Sessions

HOSTED BY THE ALABAMA SCHOOL OF MATH AND SCIENCE MOBILE, AL

ol. ge

ds ol er ns ents n

he tice

3 and

June 3-7, June 10-14, and June 17-21 | Grades 6-10 Register by April 1: $360 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $260 Day Camp (includes lunch) Register after April 1: $385 Overnight Camp (all inclusive), $285 Day Camp (includes lunch) Cost to stay weekend between a session is an additional $185 (includes trip to water park)

Course Sampling

ACT Prep, Algebra Review, Exploring Inner Space, Marine Biology, CSI: Mobile, Phun Physics, Using Java, Robotics, Field Biology, Psychology, Math Puzzles, Labs of Doom, Rocketry, Origami, Speak Up, Light Metals and Enameling, Apps for Smart Devices, and many more. Applications, more information, and course descriptions are online at www.asms.net.

Deadline to register is May 1, 2019!

13 1255 DAUPHIN ST. • MOBILE, AL 36604 • 251.441.2100 • WWW.ASMS.NET • AIMS@ASMS.NET www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Latoya Wright 5th Grade, MacMillan IB Academy

tracurricular activities. Doing that means a lot to students and parents. And that’s why I nominated her.” Ms. Wright shares, “I am so overly grateful to have been nominated by a previous parent. This makes me feel that I have done something right and that I have touched the life of a parent and student. Parents remember those teachers who go the extra mile in and outside of the classroom for their child; that is what I aim to do. I am forever appreciative.” Ms. Wright doesn’t mind the hard work and preparation it takes to be a successful teacher. ”Being a teacher takes a lot of planning, but the planning is nothing when teaching is truly what you are meant to do. New teachers entering the classroom for the first time should want to grow, to be open to asking their cohorts for advice and be a team player. These things are what it takes to excel in the teaching field.”

As Latoya Wright was pursuing her college education and working part time, she began noticing that the jobs she held all dealt with children. She knew that she needed to go further and get her Master’s in Education so that she would have a career with children. Latoya has been teaching in the Montgomery Public School system for seven years and still gets excited when she sees her students excel. “The most rewarding thing about teaching is seeing the children enter your class on one level and by the end of the school the year, students have academically grown grade levels more. I love seeing the light bulb pop on in our children.” Beyond teaching her students subject matter, Ms. Wright gives them great life advice. “I hope to be able to pass on academic and life skills to my students. I hope to prepare them academically and developmentally. I constantly express to them how the world can be and that if they stay positive and choose their peers wisely, then they will definitely survive this world.” One of her nominators, Quanda RogersCrosskey, says that Ms. Wright continually goes the extra mile for her students. “Pressures of keeping your grades up can really get to 5th graders. I love how she goes to students’ ex-

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

Latoya Wright attended Alabama A&M University earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders, then received a Master’s Degree from Auburn University at Montgomery in Childhood Education. She loves spending time with her 4 year old daughter, London. She enjoys football, marching bands and fishing.

www.montgomeryparents.com

M Federally

We are proud to connect with our local schools and teachers. Thank you for all you do!

MyGuardianCU.com Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.

334.244.9999 15

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Talking with Your Child’s Teacher Some parents are reluctant to communicate directly with their child’s teacher. There will certainly be time over the course of a child’s time in school when parents have questions or even concerns about the education process or a specific issue. Keeping the lines of communication open between teachers and parents is important to academic success. In a recent article in The Washington Post, educator Braden Bell offered some advice to parents when talking with a teacher – especially when there is a disagreement. Bell suggests that parents follow a few guidelines when bringing concerns to teacher.

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

Start with the teacher: You are welcome to go to the principal first, but he or she will likely refer you back to the teacher. In education, as with all things in life, it is best to solve issues at the source. Ask questions rather than making demands: When you begin with a question, rather than a demand, you are likely to get a better response. Yes, teachers (like the mayor, the postal carrier, and police officers) are paid with taxes that each of us pay. As a taxpayer you are our “customer”. However, teachers and parents are team members – it is not a boss/ employee relationship. Ask questions that help the teacher understand your concerns and help you both resolve any conflict. Don’t make assumptions: The information from your child, or your neighbor, or Facebook may be accurate – but it may not. Keep an open mind as you look for answers. Be sparing: This is another way of saying “choose your battles”. Bell notes that principals and teachers receive a

number of concerns from parents ranging from minor to major. Ensuring that you are working out a problem that is indeed a problem (and not just a difference in personalities or opinions) is helpful. Be reasonable and positive: Teachers are serious about education. They don’t make a lot of money and as individuals they don’t control the rules of the state or school system. Like all human beings, they respond better when they are treated with respect and tact. Teachers and parents should work together. Look for opportunities to celebrate successes with your “team” – don’t just wait for something to become an issue. By establishing a line of communication, it makes it much easier to address problems should they arise. Dr. Ann Roy Moore is a teacher. For more than four decades, Dr. Moore has educated the children of Alabama. From her first post as a pre-school teacher, to her administrative work as a principal, central office curriculum specialist, superintendent, and her mentoring the next generation of teachers as an adjunct professor at colleges and universities, teaching is her passion.

www.montgomeryparents.com

ch-

ute

it ms

e ing or

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery County Schools

ECA Senior Joins 1,000 Point Club

Recently, Evangel Christian Academy senior Corryne Blanks achieved her 1,000th career point. Blanks has been a four-year starter for the Lady Lions and has led the team as their point guard since her freshman year. She achieved her 1,000th point while playing against Macon East Academy. When the game started, Blanks was just 13 points shy of this monumental goal. During the third quarter,she scored a basket pushing her past the 1,000th point mark. This accomplishment excited the Lady Lions, sparking them to come from behind and take the lead. She finished the game with 22 total points, 10 rebounds and a great win over Macon East. Blanks is just the fifth player in the ECA Girls’ Basketball history to score 1,000 points.

Board Members Join Lanier High’s Super Grands Volunteer Group

Sidney Lanier High has added some new members to its team of superheroes. Principal Antonio Williams and Parent Liaison Cubie Rae Hayes welcomed Montgomery County Board of Education members Claudia Mitchell, Clare Weil, Jannah Bailey and Brenda Deramus-Coleman as the newest “Super Grands.” The Lanier Super Grands are grandparents who have pledged to help Lanier teachers and students in whatever capacity needed. Hayes created the Super Grands as a way to get another generation involved in students’ education and to increase volunteerism at the school. Several of the board members have ties to Lanier. Weil, Bailey and DeramusColeman are all Lanier alumni, while Mitchell is a graduate of Carver High.

Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

Eastwood Student Performs in ASF’s Sound of Music

Macmillan Students Collect Supplies for Montgomery Humane Society

Eastwood Christian School seventhgrader Emma Sonnichsen (Brigitta von Trapp) was ecstatic to make her Alabama Shakespeare Festival debut in Sound of Music. When she is not acting, Sonnichsen enjoys piano, cooking, dancing, and drawing. Stage credits include Les Miserables (Young Cosette)and Annie (Kate the Orphan) at ECS, and TV credit That Kid’s Show (Dana Danish) at Frazer UMC. Montgomery Parents I March 2019

Along with Principal Faith Goshay, Macmillan International Baccalaureate magnet students spent part of their Saturday taking much-needed supplies that their school collected to the Montgomery Humane Society. The Macmillan National Elementary Honor Society members collected items as part of a service project for their school.

www.montgomeryparents.com

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery County Schools

Montgomery Academy Upper School Chorus Goes on Winter Tour

Montgomery Academy’s Upper School Chorus embarked on its Winter Tour in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, La. The Chorus performed at St. Mary’s Mother of the Church and Lafayette High School, and participated in a choral clinic with Dr. John Dickson at Louisiana State University. The MA Chorus is conducted by Dr. Damion Womack and accompanied by Meg Griffin.

Lee CBI Students Help At Salvation Army

Students in Amber Smith’s Community Based Instruction class at Robert E. Lee High pitched in at the Salvation Army recently. They helped prepare and serve lunch and also stocked and organized one of the food pantries. Volunteering projects like this one are great opportunities for the students to help people in need while working on skills such as sorting, teamwork, communication, time management and problem solving.

st L N co E a co a

a R O

C e A a th a th p te cr Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

Brew Tech Students Win Top Awards at Model United Nations

Brewbaker Technology Magnet High students won the top two awards at the LAMP High Invitational Model United Nations. Brew Tech sent 11 delegates to compete against more than 600 others. Each student at the Model UN debated and participated in committees during the competition, discussing current events and various issues. Jon Sims, at left, won the highest award with Best Delegate and Nicholas Reyes won the second highest with Most Outstanding Delegate.

Churchill Participates In Wings for Autism

Churchill Academy student Jacob Mincey earned his wings with Wings for Autism Alabama during February. The group had a full practice runÂâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;checking in, going through security, eating Chick Fil-A during a layover, meeting new friends, boarding the plane, and even eating airline snack pretzels. The experience is geared toward teaching the intricacies of airline travel and creating patterns for future experiences. 21

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

B Montgomery County Schools

li a c h

Catoma Elementary Students Get Look At Possible Futures with Career Day

Montgomery professionals shared the ins and outs of their chosen trades with students at Catoma Elementary for the school’s annual Career Day. The event teaches and inspires students about possible future occupations. Visitors represent a wide range of professions, including medicine, engineering, journalism and public safety. Presenters included Jamelle Young, veterinarian Lydia Glasscock, Dr. Nzingha Harris Stovall of Picture Perfect Smiles, the National Society of Black Engineers, WSFA-12 News reporter Morgan Young, Jamal Thomas, Lt. Kevin Bowen, Police Chief Ernest Finley, MTW Aerospace Director of Sales Nick Shoupe, seamstress Sarah Stallworth, optometrist Dr. Yolanda Rose, Deputy Humane Officer Linsey Stephens, Scout Executive Rodney Cousin, Alabama Department of Rehabilitative Services Senior Rehabilitation Counselor Gloria Dunn and SWAT Officer Fred Brewer. Shown, Morgan Young lets students get an up-close look at the camera she uses for television news stories.

Alabama Christian Participates in UN Conference

The LAMP Invitational Model United Nations Conference was a great time for Alabama Christian Academy students to shine! ACA received many awards for position papers and verbal commendation. Alabama Christian students walked away with 2nd and 3rd place overall.

ACA Chemistry Class Tests Bonds

High school chemistry students at Alabama Christian Academy worked with seven unknown samples to determine if they were ionic bonds or covalent bonds.

Send Your School News to: editor@montgomery parents.com.

ECA’s K5 Class Celebrates Winnie the Pooh’s Birthday

The five-year-old kindergarten class at Evangel Christian Academy recently celebrated Winnie the Pooh’s birthday. The annual celebration was held on the birthday of A.A. Milne, the author and creator of Winnie the Pooh. The children were excited to learn that Christopher Robin was the real life son of A.A. Milne and that the characters in the Hundred Acre Woods were based on stuffed animals Christopher Robin owned. The stories about Pooh and his friends were based on bedtime stories Mr. Milne told his son.

BTW Senior’s Photograph Chosen for Book Cover

Laci LaVoy, a senior in the Booker T. Washington photography magnet, had her photograph selected for the cover of the recently released, The Ghost of Beechnut Hollow by Moody D. Knotts, Jr., available at Amazon.com. This is a picture of her great-grandmother’s old house located in McKenzie, Ala., and is a testament to the wonderful magnet programs offered at BTW that lead students to achieve “excellence in all things.” Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

a s w “I u

F th to e re re a O u w re s a m b

q m e is “S a c in A fo

s p

in re d G e a

Blount Student Featured In National Magazine

Blount Elementary fourth-grader Allison Bryan flexed her vocabulary muscles and won recognition in a magazine used in classrooms across the country. Bryan was highlighted as the “Real-Life Word Nerd” for the February edition of Scholastic News. The “Word Nerd” feature allows students to submit sentences packed with vocabulary power. Winners and their submissions are included in the magazine along with the students’ names and photos. Bryan won with the Valentine’s Day-themed sentence, “I enjoy acquiring adoring missives from undisclosed suitors.”

Archives Offers Seniors Repayable Scholarship

The Stonewall Jackson Memorial Fund was established in 1955 by an act of the Alabama Legislature. The fund is used to award several repayable scholarships each year. The scholarship functions as a repayable no-interest loan which must be repaid after graduation from college. One year after graduation, recipients will be contacted to repay the scholarship amount under a scheduled repayment system set up by the individual. In order to qualify, applicants must submit an essay of 1,500-2,500 words on a topic or issue that relates to the life of Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson. A cover page and an annotated bibliography of sources must accompany the essay, but will not be included in determining the length of the essay. Applicants must also submit an application form with necessary personal information. First-place winner will receive $3,000; second-place winner $2,000; and thirdplace winner $1,000. To apply, students must be a graduating high school senior and must submit the required information no later than Monday, April 1. Questions? Contact Wesley Garmon, Ala. Dept. of Archives & History education coordinator, at wesley.garmon@ archives.alabama.gov or (334) 353-3288. 23

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery County Schools

Highland Avenue Principal Receives Surprise Recognition

A recent Highland Avenue Elementary honors assembly to recognize its students’ accomplishments turned out to be a special occasion for the principal as well. Montgomery Public Schools Principal Lead Merrier Jackson showed up to the schools’ “Disco Honors Day,” where she surprised Principal Courtney Giles with both a Certificate of Achievement and a Letter of Commendation from the district. The honors were in recognition of the school raising its score on the State Report Card from a 55 to a 74, representing a move from an F grade all the way to a C. The school also was removed from the Alabama State Department of Education’s list of “failing” schools. The school’s rise was just one example of the district’s overall improvements on the State Report Card. Other success stories included that of Halcyon Elementary, which raised its letter score from a D to a B.

Success Unlimited Celebrates First Semester Honors Day

Success Unlimited Academy’s students at the high school campus were recently recognized for their academic accomplishments for the first semester of the school year. Students, faculty and parents gathered in Moody Auditorium at the upper campus to applaud the students being honored. The Honors program was led by Vice Principal Mrs. Morgan, along with various other faculty, and spotlighted those who made the “A” Honor Roll and the “AB” Honor Roll. Students with perfect attendance also received recognition.

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

a re th ch

of Li

Holy Cross Encourages Good Sportsmanship

Goodwyn Middle Students Visit Hillview Terrace on Valentine’s Day

Holy Cross Episcopal School 2nd-grader Britton Stanley and 3rd-grader Mattie Eaves launched a campaign of encouragement for their fellow students to practice good sportsmanship. After the class read the book Win or Lose, I love You by Lysa TerKeurst, they began to develop an idea to create posters to remind their fellow classmates that it is very important to remember to be good sports at whatever game or activity that they play or participate in. Just as the book demonstrated, the posters likewise showcased the qualities of friendship and forgiveness. The messages on the posters demonstrate that the value of whatever is attempted comes from who you are, not how you perform.

It was a Valentine’s Day to remember at Hillview Terrace Rehabilitation Center as a group of Goodwyn Middle School students showed up with cards and candy for the residents and staff. Dressed in white button-down shirts and Valentine’s themed kerchiefs, the students first visited residents who were gathered in the dining area. They stopped and chatted with the residents after handing out the cards and treats. After that, the students went room-to-room delivering their sweet treats and messages of love to other residents and staff members. They are pictured here with Goodwyn Parent Liaison Schenita Manora and Hillview Terrace staff members. Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery County Schools

C e it c b im A p ti w h

Churchill Holds Yard Sale March 2

The Churchill Academy Parent Association Yard Sale is scheduled for Saturday, March 2. From 7-11 a.m., Churchill students, parents and teachers will work together for one of CAPA’s biggest fundraisers of the year. For more info, e-mail Stacy at jbd6612@yahoo.

MacMillan Student Participates in Mobile Mardi Gras Events

Katelyn Glass will be a participant in the 2019 Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association Children of The Court of Mobile, Ala. Glass will participate in both the MAMGA Junior Coronation and MAMGA Royal Coronation. She will also ride in the MAMGA parade on Fat Tuesday. She is the daughter of Chrisanthia Glass and Albert Calhoun Jr of Montgomery. Glass is a fifthgrader at MacMillan International Baccalaureate Magnet. She is an Honor Roll student and has been inducted into the National Elementary Honor Society. Glass plays the violin, is a member of her school choir and is a ballet dancer for Alabama River Region Ballet Company. She has danced alongside professional ballerinas in The Great Russian Nutcracker Ballet. She has also danced with The Alabama Dance Theater in special ballet performances such as Peter Pan, Dracula, Mistletoe and The Little Mermaid, just to name a few. Glass has been featured as the cover model for Montgomery Parents magazine and has delivered the weather report as a Future Forecaster for WAKA News. In her leisure time she enjoys reading chapter books, going to church and traveling with her mom.The MAMGA Coronations will be held in Mobile and the MAMGA parade will be held on Fat Tuesday in Mobile (the home of Mardi Gras). Montgomery Parents I March 2019

2019 Class of the Trinity Presbyterian School Hall of Fame Inducted at Banquet

The 2019 Class of the Trinity Presbyterian School Hall of Fame was inducted during a banquet held in Trinity Hall at Trinity Church on February 5. In attendance were numerous Trinity alumni and staff, along with family and friends of the inductees. They all enjoyed a delicious meal and heard personal testimonies from the inductees about their memorable experiences at Trinity. Congratulations to the following members of the 2019 Trinity Hall of Fame: Ahna Baggett, Emily Baker, Mary McDavid, Judy Moody (posthumously) and Betty Ward, former teachers; Allison Goocher, former staff member; and Billy and Camilla Irvin, friends of Trinity. Front row from left are Ahna Baggett, Allison Goocher, Betty Ward and Emily Baker; and back row, Mary McDavid, Billy and Camilla Irvin and Mary James Moody Newsome (who accepted the award on behalf of her mother, Mrs. Moody).

Montgomery Academy Students Create Valentines And Host Bake Sale for Cancer Wellness Foundation

Montgomery Academy kindergartners worked with their senior buddies to make Valentine’s Day cards for patients through the Cancer Wellness Foundation. Middle School Student Council held a Valentine’s Day Bake Sale that raised more than $600 for the Cancer Wellness Foundation. MA’s yearlong, schoolwide community service partner is the Cancer Wellness Foundation. 26

www.montgomeryparents.com

Cornerstone Students Paint Like Michelangelo

Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy’s second-graders experienced what it was like for Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel while on his back. They worked to recreate the iconic image from Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam.” Michelangelo once said, “True painting is only the image of the perfection of God, a shadow of the pencil with which he paints, a melody, a striving after harmony.”

BTW Students Collect Accolades in Scholastics Art & Writing Competition

A long list of Booker T. Washington Magnet High photography and visual arts students have placed in the 2019 Scholastics Art & Writing Southeastern Art Region-at-Large Competition. Several have qualified for the national competition. BTW students received a total of 12 Gold Keys, 9 Silver Keys, and 13 Honorable Mentions. Students who received Gold Keys will move on to the Scholastics Art & Writing national competition. Winning Gold Keys were Zoe Davis, Yaelyn Ha, Jazmyne Isaac, Leonard Jefferson, Alanna Johnson, Erika Lewis (two), Erica Luckie, Megan Myrick (two), Emily Turner and Annie Xia. Winning Silver Keys were Aubrey Askew, Emily Beaudry (two), Kylee Christianson, Ryan Grant, Jazmyne Isaac, Leonard Jefferson, Laci LaVoy and Erica Luckie. Receiving Honorable Mentions were Kaitlyn Campbell, Kylee Christianson (two), Zoe Davis, Alexis Day, Yaelyn Ha, Jazmyne Isaac, Alexandria Jenkins, Alanna Johnson, Katherine Myrick (two), Baylie Tullo and Annie Xia.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery County Schools

w c

Eastwood Students Give Outstanding Performances At Helen Boykin Piano Festival

The following Eastwood Christian School students participated in the Helen Boykin Piano Festival on February 2: Levi Wooten (E,O), Caroline Macleod (O,O), Hannah Pierce (O,O), Judah Pierce (O,O), Molly Katherine Mauney (O,O), Will Franklin Mauney (O,O), Merritt Lee (O,O), and Gracie Phillips(O,O). The marks after their names are their scores for theory and performance respectively. O is the top score for “Outstanding” and E for “Excellent.” They each played two memorized pieces from two music periods or of two contrasting styles. Theory was scale and cadence for key signature of their pieces. Phillips made Honorable Mention for the Honor Recital. A student of Christy Kreitz, she prepared two pieces of different styles and scales/cadence for the theory component. About 260 students from the Montgomery/Prattville area participated in the festival.

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

Bear Student Has Art Chosen for Bicentennial

Gabrielle Blackmon from Bear Exploration Center had her artwork chosen to be displayed in the 2019 State Superintendent’s Visual Arts Exhibit and Bicentennial Celebration. She was one of four students chosen in the Third to Sixth Grade Bicentennial Division, with entries submitted from all over the state.

www.montgomeryparents.com

LAMP High Robotics Team Qualifies for State

Loveless Academic Magnet Program High sent three teams to the BrewTech Invitational State Qualifying Event, and one has qualified for the state championship. The team of Eric Lim, Grace Lim and Jannat Guard finished 15th in the event but won the Design Award thanks to Eric’s great notebook work. They will be going to the state contest March 2 at Auburn High. The team of Gabby Duff, Saad Khan and Nima Habibollahi finished fourth, and the team of Harang Kim, Zeyd Khan, Akshar Patel and June Park finished 13th.

Baldwin Student Wins State Superintendent’s Art Exhibit Award

A Baldwin Arts and Academics Magnet eighth-grader has won a statewide visual arts award. Natalie Magee won the State Superintendent Visual Arts Exhibit Award for her artwork titled “Handscape with Cherries.” She is shown with Baldwin visual arts teacher Jennifer Alexander, State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey, and State Board of Education member Ella Bell.

s -

n, .

Buy 3-Get 1 FREE! Now through Feb. 28

in our indoor heated pool are the

Adventure Sports II, Inc. has a party package for everyone. Call today to book your party in our 86 degree pool!!

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

le b s t M A

t d t a p S

A a

Singing Star Kirk Jay Visits Top Fan at Forest Avenue

Singing sensation Kirk Jay visited Forest Avenue Academic Magnet to visit one of his biggest fans, first-grader McKenzie Ogletree. Jay, who finished third overall on the hit NBC show The Voice, surprised Ogletree during class. Her mother, Kimberly, said McKenzie cried when Jay failed to win first place. After meeting with Ogletree and her class, Jay spoke to a group of fifth-graders and also addressed the entire school over the intercom.

ACA Holds Blood Drive

Alabama Christian Academy partnered with LifeSouth for a schoolwide blood drive. Students showed up in a big way by donating their blood. Thank you, Eagles, for doing your part to give back! Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

ASU Vice President Reads at Dalraida

It was a great day to read, rise and learn when Dr. Davida Haywood, Alabama State University vice president of student affairs, visited Dalraida Elementary. Haywood read the book I Will Make Miracles to Dalraida students as part of ASUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Read and Rise program. After reading to students, she talked to them about college, careers and their dreams for the future. When asked what they want to be when they grow up, the answers ranged from veterinarian to police officer to president of the United States of America. Dalraida was one of several schools ASU students and faculty visited to read and talk to students.

SUA Inducts National Honor Society Students

Success Unlimited Academy has inducted eight new members to the National Honor Society. New NHS members include Katelyn Bolen, Makayla Cottrell, Ashley Hinton, Devin Johnson, Stephen Lane, Cole Lewis, Kelvin Reese and Deâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Yonte Smith. These students join previously inducted members Andrew Dunham, Avery Golden, Jalecia Harris and Edric Thomas as participating members of the National Honor Society. Criteria for receiving this honor is maintaining a GPA of 3.6 or higher, evidence of outstanding Christian character in both the school and community, evidence of community service, evidence of school leadership, and recommendations from school administration and faculty.

Please send Your School News to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

h u-

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery County Schools

Holy Cross Welcomes Korean Culture with A-Keep Workshop

STJ Seventh-Grader Awarded Highest Honor At Junior Youth Legislature

Saint James School was represented by thirty-two middle school students (in seventh and eighth grades), who participated in the 28th Annual YMCA Junior Youth Legislature on January 25. Several Saint James students were elected officers, served in various leadership roles, and were awarded for their extraordinary work during Junior Youth Legislature. Seventh-grader Brooks Bacheler was elected Clerk, eighth-grader Preston Phillips was elected Floor Leader, and eighth-grader George Ann Killough was elected Chaplain. Seventh-grader Will Gulsby and eighth-grader Taylor Potts were both recognized as Outstanding Senators. And, seventh-grade student Bill Lewis was awarded the program’s highest distinction, Most Outstanding Delegate (Senate). “I was so proud of the effort and commitment of our middle school students at Junior Youth Legislature this year,” said Diane Gilliland, Saint James Middle School World Geography teacher and Junior Youth in Government sponsor. “The students are inspired by the long history Saint James School has with Youth in Government in Alabama. These students are mentored and encouraged and I truly believe the program helps shape the direction they take in high school and beyond.” The Alabama YMCA Junior Youth Legislature program is designed specifically for middle school students who show an interest in the government process. The program focuses on preparing students for moral and political leadership in the American democratic process through guidance, training, and experience in the theory and practice of determining public policy. Junior Youth Leg also provides an opportunity for students to gain a greater understanding of meeting challenges; it helps them accept defeat without discouragement, and it stimulates tolerance towards another person’s point of view. During the program, students from across the state engage in writing and debating bills. They have workshops on parliamentary procedure and how to effectively write a bill. Their mock sessions serve as a model legislative program. Shown, Diane Gilliland poses with a few of the thirty-two Saint James School students who participated in the 28th Annual YMCA Alabama Junior Youth Legislature in late January.

Holy Cross Episcopal School welcomed performers from the Alabama-Korea Education and Economic Partnership, or “A-Keep,” recently, who were proud to premier and demonstrate a very unique but timeless folk tale, A Korean Cinderella Story, which they recently performed at the Davis Theatre in Montgomery. The artists of the Musical Kong-Na-Mul group, enjoyed putting an Eastern twist on the classical fairy tale of Cinderella. The elements embedded into the interpretation showcased traditional and modern Korean folklore, dance and music with a comedy twist and even a touch of mischief! Traditional gifted artists from South Korea demonstrated their beautiful instruments—Jang-gu, Buk, Pi-ri and Tae-pyeong-so—and provided instruction for our 4th-, 5th- and 6th-grade students so that they could try their hand at playing each one. Students were also treated to the finest elements of traditional Korean music, dance and instrumental effects that they use to produce amazing effects to tell and interpret a performance story in song, called Pan-so-ri, and Korean traditional dance, which is a blend of modern dance and martial arts. A-Keep, which stands for the Alabama-Korea Education and Economic Partnership, works with the community to enable students, professionals, organizations and corporations of Alabama and Korea to take full advantage of the opportunities of growing economic ties between the two regions. Students shown from left are Hayden Troy and Emilee Alexander.

Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com. Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

C g 6 P st in M m T re h sc

SUA Strong: Rebuilding for a Better Tomorrow

at ll ,

Two MA Students Named National Merit Finalists

Carter Chandler and Catherine Updegraff have been named Finalists in the 64th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented students have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million that will be offered this spring. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highestscoring entrants in each state.

On October 11, 2018, Success Unlimited Academy suffered severe water damage from a microburst that destroyed one fourth of the elementary building and entire gymnasium. Thankfully, no one was injured and repairs and renovations began as soon as possible. The damage occurred simultaneously with the extreme damages in Florida; therefore, insurance adjusters and contractors were stretched to the limit. The wonderful faculty and parents responded quickly to the school’s aid and 75 students were relocated with only one class day lost. Shortly following the storm, Kirk Jay, The Voice thirdplace winner, visited the school to encourage students during this time of disturbance. He challenged the students to be SUA Strong. On February 11, Jay returned to participate in the rededication of the gymnasium and classrooms. “I am so proud of all our students and how well they have adjusted to the abrupt change in their school year,” said Bonnie Nail, Lower Campus Principal. Of special note is how well SUA’s basketball teams have handled their entire season without a home gym to use. The teams, however, played their final two games in the newly renovated Mustang gym. Despite the challenges, SUA students and faculty stood strong!

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery County Schools

Eastwood Girls Raise Money for Missions And Athletics

The 6th-grade lady warriors organized a bake sale for Valentine’s Day to raise money for Eastwood Christian School’s mission commitment to Zana School in Uganda, as well for ECS Athletics. They set a goal of $3,000 for the fundraiser. School families and faculty were very enthusiastically supportive. The girls baked homemade decorative cookies, brownies, cake pops, dipped marshmallow pops and hand pies, as well as fancy popcorn. Their baking gifts and savvy school marketing were a success. A total of more than $1,300 was raised with presales and a goody table set up at carpool the week of Valentine’s Day. The 6th-grade girls plan to host a second bake sale for Easter to reach their fundraising goal.

BTW Artists Display Work in Dothan

Several Booker T. Washington Magnet High students had artwork selected in the Congressional Art Competition for the 2nd Congressional District of Alabama. The students’ artwork will be on display in the Youth Art Month Exhibition at the Wiregrass Museum of Art in Dothan through March. Their works were selected from among 530 entries. The students with artwork chosen are Kylee Christianson, Baylie Tullo, Laci LaVoy, Katherine Myrick, Megan Myrick, Alanna Johnson and Erika Lewis.

Holy Cross First-Graders Celebrate Alabama’s Bicentential with Bird Study

ECA Implements Gold Program

Evangel Christian Academy implemented a mentorship pilot program this year called GOLD under the direction of LaDonna LeMaster. The name of the program stands for Girls Only Leadership Development. Girls from ninth through twelfth grade who serve in the Student Government Association were invited to join. Since the candidates already exhibit leadership qualities, the club was designed to help shape these skills for Christian leadership. The girls are focusing on discovering their spiritual gifts and how to implement them in their school and in life. The girls meet once a month for a working lunch. Montgomery Parents I March 2019

Holy Cross Episcopal School first-graders began their annual study of birds recently, specifically concentrating on the birds that call Alabama home. Teacher Leisa Harrison says her students always enjoy learning about birds and look forward to studying them each winter. Throughout the year, the class enjoys watching an array of Alabama songbirds and migrating seasonal birds at a beautiful feeder right outside the classroom window to coincide with a schoolwide Alabama Bicentennial celebration during the month. Students begin their research by learning about a bird’s bone structure and were excited to learn that bird bones are hollow to make flying easier. During their studies in STEM Lab, they further explored how birds’ hollow bones actually contain cavity extensions of air sacs from the lungs. These air sacs enable the bird to get the oxygen it needs to fly quickly and easily. They also studied that birds communicate using visual signals, calls and songs. Since a bird’s usual diet includes fruit, plants, seeds and nuts, students went to work and layered pine cones with peanut butter and rolled them in bird seed. Harrison and the class then chose one of the most beautiful ornamental trees on the 18-acre Holy Cross campus, and hung the pine cones they created from the branches for the birds to enjoy. They also hung short pieces of colorful yarn for the birds to use to “feather” their spring nests. Each day, the class watches the tree and documents the different variety of birds that stop by to enjoy the pine cone treats.

www.montgomeryparents.com

ACA Seniors Sign Athletic Scholarships

Jay Hughes: AUM - Cross Country

Blake Bryant: Independence Community College - Football

Eastwood Students Learn Electricity Safety from Alabama Power

Mrs. Jokiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth-grade students enjoyed a safety presentation by Eastwood parent Anthony Poellnitz, who works with the Alabama Power Company. The class learned about safety with electricity. Poellnitz conducted a live demonstration using a model of a neighborhood with power poles, power lines, transformers, and much more to help the students learn about the dangers of electricity. In addition, safety rules inside the home were discussed.

Jeff Flowers: Alabama State University - Football

Hudson Holmes - Faulkner University - Soccer

Please send Your School News to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery Academy Art Students Show at ACES Competition

Montgomery Academy Middle & Upper School Art students exhibited work at the 31st Artistic Competition for Exceptional Students (ACES). ACES is a program for talented 6th through 12th public and private students in The River Region. Students audition or submit entries in eight disciplines of the Arts: acting, dance, instrumental, guitar, piano, strings, visual and voice. MA students with pieces on display included: Lucy Chapman, Mead Robertson, Sarah Campbell Hughes, Carson Roth, Andrew Hosp, Anne Tyler Fitzpatrick, Sarah Campbell, Will Hamlett, Sarah Barnes, Mary Kathryn Cook and Francie Hill, Kenda Bonner, Isabelle Rut-land, Allie Fitzpatrick, Fionah Desautels and Norah Desautels. Norah Desautels and Francie Hill received Honorable Mentions for their work. Shown above is Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work; below is Norah Desautels with her artwork and her honorable mention.

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

E a G M f G s t d t s f a a a

Holy Cross First-Graders Celebrate Alabama’s Bicentential with Bird Study

ECA Implements Gold Program

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery County Schools

BrewTech Sends 12 Teams to State Robotics Championship

SUA Students’ Artwork Displayed at MMFA

Four Success Unlimited Academy art students were recently chosen by the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts to have their works on display in a collection entitled “Figuratively Speaking.” The exhibition included pieces that expressed how the media influences our social culture. SUA students selected to participate in the exhibition were Annie Reed, Sydney Beams, Nancy Tamayo and Elijah Tyre. SUA art teacher Barbara Grimes worked with these students each week after school in the “Studio Art” workshops so they could compete in regional art contests.

Churchill Celebrates 100 Days

Churchill Academy lower school students celebrated the 100th day of school with fun photo ops, crafts and learning galore! Students in Classroom A brought their favorite snacks and were able to count each of these extra special 100 days in a creative way. Montgomery Parents I March 2019

Two more Brewbaker Technology Magnet High teams have qualified for the VEX Robotics state championship, and the school now has 12 of the 55 teams that have qualified statewide. It also is the first school in the state to have three qualifying all-girl teams. BrewTech robotics students won their latest awards at the River Region – II VEX Tournament at Montgomery Catholic. The freshman girls’ team of Emma Rountree, Madison Morgan and Parker Schell won the Tournament Champion Award, although only one of the girls was able to attend the tournament. The team of Jason Wang, Rashad Pounds, Carlos Ricardo and Nakari Harris won the Skills Award. In addition, several current and former BrewTech students were involved in the operation of the tournament. Two current students, Austin Thomas and Brett Tolerson, and two former students, Alex Knapp and Landon Thompson, were referees at the event. BrewTech senior Collin Lawlor ran the hardware and software for the event. The BrewTech robotics teams are led by engineering instructor Steve Ballard. The state VEX Robotics championship will be March 2 at Auburn High.

Ea fol Ga Ma Ew Za tio an sta

Montgomery Academy Indoor Track & Field State Champions

Montgomery Academy Girls’ A.C. Sylvest (10’6”) won the Pole Vault state champion and Isabella Baker (10’) took second place (pictured at top right). The MA Girls’ 4x800 relay team of Isabella Rowland, Anna Perry, Mattie Freeman and Tara Katz, shown at bottom right, took the state championship title with a time of 10:23.54. Other MA results included: Anaya Thomas - 4th 60m hurdles; Lawson Pemberton - 4th Pole Vault (12’6”); Anna Perry - 7th in the 400; Mattie Freeman - 5th in the 800 (2:28.17); Tara Katz - 6th in the 800 (2:28.66); Elizabeth Ray - 7th 3200m (13:28.83) and Isabella Rowland - 8th 1600 (5:59.27).

Ala ha Mo em Pra eve cle ma

Got news? Send us your school bits by the 12th of each month to editor@montgomeryparents.com. 38

www.montgomeryparents.com

Eastwood Handwriting Competition Winners

Eastwood Christian School recognizes the following students: Catherine Middleton, Garland Thomas, Ben Ewald, Will Franklin Mauney, Caroline MacLeod and Andrew Ewald, who are representing Eastwood in the Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Competition. Thousands of students from both public and private schools compete every year for state and national recognition.

GOD HAS A PLAN AND A PURPOSE FOR ME

Evangel Christian Academy Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@ montgomeryparents.com.

Encouraging each child to achieve their God-given potential

AISA Blue Ribbon School “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord... Jeremiah 29:11

3975 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36106 ecalions.org 334-272-3882

Accredited: ACTS, AISA, SACS, Advanced ED, NCPSA

ACA Senior Serve Day

Alabama Christian Academy’s senior class had a busy Serve Day. Students visited the Montgomery Area Food Bank, Garrett Elementary School and Augusta Creek Trails at Prattville Doster Center. These students did everything from sorting and packaging food to clearing out litter. We love the impact you are making in our community! 39

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery County Schools

Holy Cross Celebrates Alabama’s Bicentennial

BrewTech Students Learn Range of Skills in Poetry Project

These BrewTech students learned about publishing and poetry with a projectbased learning opportunity in English teacher Whitney Cunningham’s class. Students became employees of “Cunningham Publishing Company” and worked in teams to produce a high-quality book based on specified criteria. Students dressed in professional attire and pitched their books to the Cunningham Publishing Company Board of Directors. Two books were selected for final publication and will be displayed in the BrewTech Media Center. For Best Theme, Style and Execution, the winning book was The Works of a Poet by Tyniah Johnson, Taigan Cabble, Brandon Blackmon and Phillip Cumbie. For Best Content, Ease of Use and Mass Appeal, the winning book was The Poetry Book by Jared Daniel, Jaden Stephens, Jalen Provo and Emily Davis.

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

Holy Cross Episcopal School recently celebrated the 200th birthday of the great state of Alabama with performances, exhibits, presentations, galleries of authentic historical artifacts and an Alabama Art Exhibit at its recent annual Global Study. The morning events began with pre-K through first grade students presenting little-known facts about our state such as endangered animals and state symbols. Second and third grade classes presented a Jeopardy game with questions about Alabama’s history and trivia for guests to play along with them exactly the same as the television program. Fourth-grade students turned their classroom into a museum showcasing an historic display of rare Alabama artifacts—some rarely seen that dated back as far as the War Between the States, World War I and Alabama Indian tribe relics. Fifth and sixth grade students performed in a Wax Museum where they portrayed famous Alabamians both past and present. Guests of the event could stop in front of each one and listen to their history. They were also dressed authentically and spoke in first person, just as they would have in the past as if one had the opportunity to meet them for the first time. The event ended with the cutting of a beautifully decorated cake which covered an entire table top in the colors of the State of Alabama flag. Guests also enjoyed stepping outside the building, taking the short walk to tour the school’s Chapel of the Annunciation where daily worship services are held, and plays and musicals are performed throughout the year. Built in 1896, the chapel itself is an authentic Alabama artifact, since it was actually discovered inside a home in downtown Montgomery and moved to the 18-acre site where it stands today to be an integral part of the school’s campus.

Lee High Students Place at EXERT Competition

Students of science teacher Keshia Williams at Lee High placed second in the agricultural division and third in the architectural division of Tuskegee University’s EXERT Youth Competition. The EXERT (Extension, Education, and Research Track) Competition is an annual event that brings together students from around the region to present their visions for the future. The competition was held at Montgomery’s DoubleTree Hotel and also included a culinary competition, an entrepreneurship competition, and a scholars bowl.

www.montgomeryparents.com

SUA Offers Students A Path for Success

LAMP Students Flex Math Muscles At Puzzle Challenge

Students from Loveless Academic Magnet Program High proved their puzzle prowess with an impressive showing at the Auburn Mathematical Puzzle Challenge at Auburn University. LAMPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s varsity team took second place, losing to Enterprise High by less than 10 points out of more than 1,500. The final score was 1,561.9 to 1,553. The LAMP junior varsity team, meanwhile, took first place, beating out Auburn High 1,449 to 1,425.4. The students are pictured here with professional puzzle-maker and Auburn professor Eric Harshbarger.

Parents are beginning the search to find the right school for their son or daughter for the fall 2019. Success Unlimited Academy offers low student teacher ratio and individualized education. We are an AISA Blue Ribbon school and are AdvancED accredited. With a student body of approximately 400 students, SUA offers excellent academic, arts and athletic programs that shape the total student. Success Unlimited Academy is a member of AISA (Alabama Independent School Association) and participates in local and state academic and athletic competitions. We have award-winning students and programs that allow students to express themselves inside and outside of the classrooms. Preregistration is now open. Visit www.suacademy.com or call (334) 213-0803 for additional information. An admissions counselor will contact you and set up an appointment to tour the school.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery County Schools

MacMillan International Academy Teacher Illustrates Importance of Black History

Cornerstone Hosts Annual Showcase

Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy held its Annual Showcase February 7. The event was extremely successful, and each of the grammar school classes were able to show what they have learned to an audience of faculty, family, friends and guests. If you are looking for a Christ-centered, academically rigorous, classical education for your child, consider Cornerstone. Enrollment for the 2019-2020 school year is currently underway. For more info, visit www. ccamontgomery.org or call (334) 356-7788.

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

Teachers at Macmillan International Academy took part in a door and wall decorating contest for Black History Month. Kindergarten teacher Denise Whatley created a display that incorporates notable black historical figures and the Marcus Garvey quote, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” Whatley said the quote is an excellent summation of why it is important to teach students about black history. “The quote references the roots of our people from the past. We don’t know the future if we don’t know where we came from. It is important we instill in our students their history and how it has a significant impact on how we live today,” Whatley said.

www.montgomeryparents.com

Le ho sch

Eic tes ou wit

ma sch am sco

Saint James Wins State Math Competition

Saint James School took top honors at the Alabama Independent School Association State Math Competition February 8. Both the high school and middle school math teams each took first place in the AISA statewide competition. There were eight schools in both divisions that advanced from the district competition earlier this year. The two Saint James teams placed first in the district competition in January and both earned first place again in the statewide contest in February. The Saint James high school team members, shown above, were Trevor Otis, Janice Cho, Gayeon Paek, Nayoon Kang and Jonghyun Park. The middle school team members, below, were Jason Jeong, Julie Lee, Doyun Lee, Selina Sun and Kelsey Shaffer. In addition to earning the top team honors, seventh-grade student Julie Lee was the top scorer for the middle school statewide competition. Saint James High School Mathematics Department Chair Vicky Eichelberg said the high school team had a 10-point lead after the written test and then widened that lead in the ciphering round. “I was so proud of our students,” Eichelberg said. “They were prepared to compete and worked with maturity and confidence.” Debbie Moncrief, STJ seventh-grade math teacher and middle school math team sponsor, is shown with the middle school math team. “The middle school students were phenomenal in the competition this year,” she said. “I am so proud of each of them – and especially Julie Lee’s finish as the top scorer in the middle school competition.”

BTW Students Attend All State Music Festival

BTW Strings students Kobi Mosley, Teresa Ford, Hannah Faulk and Heaven Thrasher attended Alabama Orchestra Association’s All State Music Festival at the University of Alabama. Thrasher and Mosley played cello in the Concert Orchestra. Faulk played viola in the Festival Orchestra. Ford played violin in the Festival Orchestra.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery County Schools

ACA’s Forensic Science Class

Alabama Christian Academy’s forensic science class had a great time visiting the Alabama State University crime laboratory.

c ti g u q is o to s

100th Day at Evangel

Evangel Christian Academy’s K4, K5, 1st- and 2nd-grade classes recently celebrated the 100th day of school. The children participated in several activities that highlighted the number 100. Students ate 100 things and brought in 100 items. Many students dressed up to look like they were 100 years old.

Please send Your School News to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

a is b p a fo B th

Brew Tech Now Has 10 Teams Qualified For State Robotics Tournament

SUA Seniors Anticipate Graduation

Success Unlimited Academy’s senior class of 2019 is anticipating graduation in May with a record number of 75 graduates in their class. Preparations are underway for the senior breakfast, banquet and prom. The venue for graduation is new this year due to the large number of family and friends that will be on site to celebrate the accomplishments of the seniors. This year, the group will graduate at The Church of the Highlands, which is located on Taylor Road. The date has been set for Wednesday, May 15, at 7 p.m. “With the large number of graduates at SUA this year, a new facility had to be found,” stated Activities Director Julie Beard. “The Church of the Highlands is the perfect place to honor our graduates.”

Brewbaker Technology Magnet High’s robotics students have done it again, bringing home two awards from the VEX Turning Point Tournament in Birmingham. Chesney Kelly, front left, and Trevon Knight, front right, made up the team that won both the Excellence Award and the Tournament Champion Award. Now 10 Brew Tech robotics teams have qualified for the Alabama State VEX Championship. On the back row, from left, are Austin Thomas, Emma Rountree, Parker Schell and Madison Morgan. Seated between Chesney and Trevon is Ty Rountree, Emma’s younger brother. Ty is a student at Blount Elementary who is very interested in robotics and traveled from field to field at the tournament, said Brew Tech engineering and robotics teacher Steve Ballard.

Eastwood Geography Bee

Eastwood Christian School’s 7th- and 8thgraders participated in the annual ECS Upper School Geography Bee on January 25. Winners are William Givens, 1st place; Reese LeMaster, 2nd place; and Brewer Houlditch, 3rd place. Givens will sit for an online test provided by National Geographic to determine his eligibility to participate in the state geography bee at Samford University in the spring.

2140 E University dr

auburn, al 36830

334-329-7529

Summer music Camps Camps from June to July All ages 3 and Up Spicer's Summer Rock Camps are designed to provide children and youth with the Rock N' Roll Summer of a lifetime! All levels of our music camps offer quality musical instruction in a fun and creative atmosphere.

For more info and to register, visit:

www.SpicersMusic.com/Camps 45

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery County Schools

e p Y J o h a w w p a b c A s

Community Service Plays Important Role at SUA

Community service is a very important part of campus life for the students and faculty at Success Unlimited Academy. The school year started with a special 9/11 project that was taken to first responders at area fire stations. Students filled boxes with goodies, waters, and Gatorade for those who put their lives on the line daily for the citizens of Montgomery. The senior class encouraged the school to “THINK PINK” during October as they participated in Breast Cancer Awareness. The National Honor Society went to work and hosted a LifeSouth Blood Drive during the annual Auburn and Alabama Blood drive. Fifty pints of blood were donated by students, friends, faculty and parents. In conjunction with this project, canned goods were collected for the Montgomery Area Food Bank. Many students have completed hours of community service on their own by working at soup kitchens, volunteering at the Montgomery Humane Shelter or the Miracle League. SUA encourages students to give back to their community. Many other community service projects are planned for second semester. As shared many times, “to whom much is given, much is required.” SUA students are giving back.

Saint James Students Earn Eight Gold Keys

Five Saint James School students earned eight Gold Keys in the 2019 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition. Saint James students were also awarded three Silver Keys and eleven works were recognized with Honorable Mention in the competition. All works receiving Gold Keys advance to national judging in New York and will be considered for national honors that are announced in March. The high school winners from Saint James School included Kylie Eng, who earned three Gold Keys and an Honorable Mention; Christine Choi, who was awarded two Gold Keys and an Honorable Mention; Amari Simmons was awarded a Gold Key, a Silver Key and Honorable Mention. Nayoon Kang was awarded a Gold Key; Terry Pickett was awarded a Gold Key; Amanda Grate was awarded a Silver Key and two Honorable Mentions; Virginia Williams was awarded a Silver Key and two Honorable Mentions; and Lizzy Headley was awarded Honorable Mention. The Saint James middle school awards included Honorable Mention for Izabella Hernandez and Honorable Mention for Magic Kaseamtanasathien. “It is so rewarding to watch students you have worked with over the years receive the recognition they so deserve,” said Evelyn Shoults, High School Visual Arts & Advanced Placement Art Teacher at Saint James School. “Mrs. (Bethany) Davis and I have the privilege of working with art students as they move through the middle and high school classes we offer at Saint James,” Shoults said. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. The Alliance is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to identify students with exceptional artistic and literary talent and present their remarkable work to the world through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Through the awards, students receive opportunities for recognition, exhibition, publication and scholarships. Students across America submitted nearly 350,000 original works this year in 29 different categories of art and writing. Saint James senior Kylie Eng’s painting, Afternoon Café, has also been awarded First Place in the Visual Arts Achievement Program (VAAP) sponsored by the Alabama State Council on the Arts. This piece advances to national judging for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and advances to state judging for VAAP. Montgomery Parents I March 2019

BTW Students Create Commemorative Work

These two Booker T. Washington Visual Arts students, Alanna Johnson and Erika Lewis, are shown with commemorative work they completed in fewer than ten minutes, on the cafeteria stage, at BTW’s Annual Black History Program sponsored by the National History Honor Society.

Holy Cross Learns Tessellations

Holy Cross Episcopal School’s fourth grade class is incorporating a geometry concept into their mathematics class instruction. A tessellation used in mathematics study is a pattern made by repeating a regular polygon, hexagon with the pattern at each vertex, or “corner point,” the same. Learning tessellations is also a fun way for students to visualize 3D shapes and dimensions. Teacher Ms. Stankard is including the concept of tessellations with students in order to prepare them for study in geometry later in upper grades. Jaidin McLemore is shown. www.montgomeryparents.com

o s w M fi fr R C a C te d w

Montgomery Academy Students Participate in Junior Youth Legislature Program Forty-nine Montgomery Academy seventh- and eighth-graders participated in the Alabama YMCA Youth in Government’s (ALYIG) Junior Youth Legislature program on January 25. More than three hundred middle school students from as far away as Cherokee County were involved in the full-day event, where students learn parliamentary procedure, run for office, write bills, and work to debate and pass their bills in the mock House and Senate chambers. High school officers in the ALYIG program help middle school stu-dents run the entire program. Several MA students ran for office. Holden Habermacher was the Presiding Officer in the House. Kareena Singh was Assistant Floor Leader and Claire Moore was Pro Tempore. The House had fifteen bills selected for its docket; three were from MA students. Those bills were Isabelle Rutland and Isabella Johnson’s Garbage Collection Reduction Act, Kingsley Johns and Mae Mae Voltz’s CPR Training, and Camille Snead and Lily Hines’ Shot Spotter. The Senate had ten bills chosen for its docket; two were from MA students. Those were Leah Simms and Claire Gary’s Raise

Minimum Wage from $7.25 to $9.00 and Katie Brown, Elizabeth Ray and Kareena Singh’s Gas Tax to Improve Infrastructure. The House and Senate both saw feisty debate; only one bill passed in either chamber. Voltz and Johns’ bill to ensure that all school faculty and staff receive biannual CPR and defibrillator training emerged victorious after a lengthy round of debate. In addition to a day of learning and making friends, the students also enjoyed a lunch at the RSA plaza with the high school student officers in the program.

MA Upper School students who participated are ALYIG officers Hannah Hale, William Robertson, Caroline Deale, Carter Chandler and District Chair Margaret Chandler. Sophomores Mary Virginia Huffaker and Alisha Singh attended the conference to assist MA seventh- and eighth-graders with bill writing and debate. Jai Ivy Raines, Carlyle Chandler, Holden Habermacher, Terry Kim, Claire Moore and Kareena Singh each received Outstanding Statesman awards.

. a n,

er n .

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Montgomery County Schools

Eastwood Participates in 3rd Annual AISA Art Show

Congratulations to all the participants in the Eastwood Christian School 3rd annual AISA art show. Three local artists, not directly related to ECS, were present to judge. Fifth-grade student Hope Birchfield, shown, won best of show with her watercolor painting. The first and second place winners in each category and age group advance on to the AISA District V Show, to be held at Eastwood on March 14. Below are the 1st and 2nd place results from the jurorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; selections: Drawing, Non-Color: K-1st grades, Delta DeHuff; 2nd3rd grades, Rivers DeHuff; 4th-6th grades, Harper Thomas and Kate Sonnichsen; 7th9th grades, Johnson DeHuff and Chaewon Lee; 10th-12th grades, Claude Newsome and Noelle Kim. Drawing, Color: K-1st grades, David Webb and Elissa Kirkland; 2nd-3rd grades, Rivers DeHuff; 4th-6th grades, Kate Sonnichsen; 7th-9th grades, Mary Margaret Bass and Sarah Cox; 10th-12th grades, Noelle Kim. Printmaking: K-1st grades, Delta DeHuff; 2nd-3rd grades, Rivers DeHuff; 4th-6th grades, Knox DeHuff and Harper Thomas; 7th-9th grades, Emma Sonnichsen and Johnson DeHuff. Painting: K-1st grades, Lillie Mathews and Dozier Warner; 2nd-3rd grades, Rivers DeHuff and Easter Choi; 4th-6th grades, Knox DeHuff and Emma Hawkins; 7th-9th grades, Emma Sonnichsen and Chaewon Lee; 10th-12th grades, Heather Ford. Collage/Mixed Media: 1st grade, Hannah Rossman; 2nd-3rd grades, Rivers DeHuff and Garland Thomas; 4th-6th grades, Lily Givens and Joseph Givens; 7th-9th grades, Reese Lemaster; and 10th-2th grades, Elle Foxx and Claude Newsome. Waterbase: K-1st grades, Audrey Gardenier and Levi Givens; 2nd-3rd grades, Rivers DeHuff; 4th-6th grades, Hope Birchfield and Kate Sonnichsen; 7th-9th grades, Johnson DeHuff; and 10th-12th grades, Claude Newsome and Noelle Kim. Photography: 2nd-3rd grades, Nathan Lawrence; 4th-6th grades, Knox DeHuff; 7th-9th grades; Merritt Lee and Lani Moore; 10th-12th grades, Alyssa Lemire and Claude Newsome. Three-Dimensional Artwork: K-1st grades, Audry Gardenier and Delta DeHuff; 2nd-3rd grades, Albert Christensen and Rivers DeHuff; 4th-6th grades, Harper Thomas and Porter Johnson; and 7th-9th grades, Johnson DeHuff. Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

Ch ce in da st de Th Sc th of

A R

T g H h p w 2 in

is a C a te

Churchill Holds Valentine’s Dance

Churchill Academy High School students celebrated Valentine’s Day with a dance in the school’s multipurpose room. The dance was decorated and DJ’d by Churchill students and teachers, with families bringing delicious snacks for the dance participants. The students of Churchill Academy’s High School have developed fantastic friendships this year, and the dance was a celebration of the same.

Academy Tennis Player Reaches 100 Career Wins

Montgomery Academy senior James Torbert won his 100th tennis match at Montgomery Academy against Charles Henderson High School. Only two other players in the history of the MA tennis program have accomplished this milestone of 100 career wins: one was James’s brother, Bo, who played from 2011-2016 with a 107-15 record and won four individual singles titles, two at #1 singles. The other was Brett Ialacci, who played from 1991-1996 with a 105-14 record and won four individual singles titles, two at #1 singles. James’s record at this time is 100-7 and he has won five individual singles titles, two at #1 singles. “James is a total team player who really doesn’t care about individual honors,” said MA Tennis Coach David Bethea. “He puts his team first and his whole emphasis is on winning the team championship.”

Cornerstone Students Perform at Open House

Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy’s fourth-grade students performed a Latin chant at their recent open house. “Latin should be begun as early as possible—at a time when inflected speech seems no more astonishing than any other phenomenon in an astonishing world; and when the chanting of “Amo, amas, amat” is as ritually agreeable to the feelings as the chanting of “eeny, meeny, miney, moe.’” - Dorothy Sayers, The Lost Tools of Learning 49

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Spring is upon us in Pike Road Schools! That means blooming flowers, green grass, a cold snap or two before Easter, and lots of school activities as we move quickly toward the end of the school year. Pike Road High School is in the midst of spring sports, which includes golf, tennis, softball, baseball, track, and soccer. Keep a close watch on our websites and communications, as our athletic events will be happening all around the area. Also exciting in this realm is the beginning of construction work to create an on campus home for our baseball, softball, soccer, and football teams that we will be able to employ next school year. Keep an eye on our progress, it is exciting! All our students are busy this spring, not just our athletes. Pike Road High

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

School students are preparing for their first annual spring musical, Little Shop of Horrors, to be performed April 18th - April 20th. Pike Road Middle School students are conducting their first theater performance as well. They will perform Hoodie, a school vignette play that examines self-image and appearance. The Pike Road High School Show Choir has just completed a project in collaboration with the Montgomery Ballet and the Pike Road Arts Council. The Pike Road Band is getting ready for next fall by preparing for our first Pike Road High School Marching Band, complete with color guard, drum line, section leaders, and of course, a drum major! We look forward to marching season! Pike Road Schools robotics teams have been busy competing and continuing the Pike Road winning tradition in robotics. March means state competition and our teams are working hard in hopes of qualifying for the world competition later in the spring. Our schools are working hard on learning and closing out the

school year strongly, as we are beginning the final quarter of the year. One thing that is worth reminding everyone is that the Pike Road School System is fully accredited by AdvancEd, and in our accreditation visit last year we achieved one of the highest scores in the state of Alabama. Pike Road High School juniors are hard at work preparing for college entrance exams and their senior high of high school. The Class of 2020 will be Pike Road Schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first graduating class! Work to renovate the Georgia Washington Campus and build new classrooms at the Historic Campus is moving through the planning process and will soon commence in earnest. Come see us grow! Chuck Ledbetter has been an educator for 28 years. He has earned a B.A. in history from Auburn University; a Masters of Education in history from AUM; and a doctorate in educational leadership from Auburn University. Chuck Ledbetter was a history teacher for 11 years, an assistant principal, a middle school principal, a high school principal, assistant superintendent for curriculum and for finance, and is in his ninth year as a superintendent. He is married to Kim and has three daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.

www.montgomeryparents.com

Engineering Curriculum \ Robotics Club \ Cyber Patriots Club \ Broadcasting

! ms h

or-

um nwo

Spark ingenuity.

He could build things with his blocks from a very young age. He loves experimenting. Those interests should be nurtured, molded, cultivated. Thoughtful guidance will broaden his knowledge and keep him fascinated. Giving him opportunities that he never imagined. This is Catholic. Montgomer y C atholic Preparator y S cho ol

Grades K4 - 12

montgomer ycatholic.org

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

T P C w

Pike Road Middle School (PRMS) Student Wins National Geographic GeoBee

Ten students from Pike Road Middle School participated in the school-level competition of the National Geographic GeoBee. William Schaeffer (C6) won first place, with Caleb Hussey (C6) in second, and Eryn Owens (C6) finished third place. The school-level competition is the first round in the annual National Geographic GeoBee, a geography competition designed to inspire and reward students’ curiosity about the world. Questions cover not only geography, but also cultures, physical features, history and earth science. The National Geographic Society developed the GeoBee in 1989 in response to concern about the lack of geographic knowledge among young people in the United States. Over more than three decades, 120 million students have learned about the world through participation in the GeoBee. School champions, including Schaeffer, will take an online qualifying test; up to 100 of the top test scorers in each state become eligible to compete in their State GeoBee. The winners of the State GeoBee receive an all expenses-paid trip to National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., next May to participate in the GeoBee national championship, competing for cash prizes, scholarships, and an all-expenses paid Lindblad expedition to the Galapagos Islands aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II.

Pike Road Band Prepares For First Music Performance Assessment

The Pike Road Middle and High School Band is preparing to participate in its first Music Performance Assessment (MPA). This is a contest done across the entire state for middle and high school bands. Each group performs three prepared selections on stage for a panel of judges, and also does a sight reading for a judge where the students have five minutes to learn an entire song, and perform it for the first time for the judge. Judges’ scores will give us our state rating for the year. This is an annual event for band programs that really represents the work of the band students for the year. In addition, two PRS band students placed in the District VI Honor Band festival, where they had to audition against students from all over Montgomery, Auburn, Opelika and Tallassee. The best student musicians from these schools place in the honor band, and we are proud to have 8th-graders Stacey Yoo and Jessica Brown represent Pike Road at this event. Brown’s score has also placed her as an alternate performer at the Alabama All-State Band Festival. Lastly, the PRS band will compete in the Trills and Thrills Music Festival held in Atlanta, Ga. Similar to MPA, the band students will perform prepared selections for a panel of judges at the Marietta Performing Arts Center. After the competition, band members will enjoy the rest of the day at Six Flags Theme Park. Montgomery Parents I March 2019

Pike Road High School Students Participate in Model United Nations

Pike Road High School students participated in the Model UN at LAMP High School with more than 600 students from the River Region. Model UN is a simulation of organizations such as the UN General Assembly, UN Security Council, UNICEF, and others. Its participants take the roles of ambassadors from various countries and debate current issues. Model UN was developed in the 1950s as a way to give students hands-on learning in international relations, diplomacy and the United Nations. More than 400,000 students around the world participate in Model UN each year. LIMUN XXXII awarded the following PRHS students: Tom Walker, Most Promising Freshman; Christopher Mackey, Honorable Mention; and Justin Martin, Honorable Mention.

Pike Road Students Walk the Halls of History

Pike Road High School is located on the former Georgia Washington campus. Washington was born a slave in Virginia; she was sold along with her mother, away from her father. After emancipation, she graduated from Hampton University (1882), an HBCU in Virginia where she taught for a while before moving to Mount Meigs, Ala., and starting a small school there called the People’s Village School. In February 1894, the residents bought a plot of land and built an 18-foot-by-36-foot schoolhouse. When Georgia Washington died in 1952, the school was named in her memory. The first timepiece for the Mt. Meigs community, a brass bell, is housed in the very halls Pike Road High School students walk every day. The bell is a reminder of the sacrifices and accomplishments of one brave woman for the purpose of education. www.montgomeryparents.com

Pike Road Students Participate in YMCA Youth Legislature

These young men and woman represented Pike Road Middle and Pike Road High School very well at YMCA Jr. Youth Legislature! Congratulations to Delaney Hawthorne and Lily Murphy, who were both recognized with the Most Outstanding Statesman award!

Pike Road Elementary (PRES) Celebrates the 100th Day of Learning

Pike Road Elementary School celebrated 100 days of learning on January 25. The day was marked with a variety of activities that showcased our learners being 100 days smarter! A few of the fun activities included sorting yummy snacks into groups of ten to make 100, playing counting games, and making 100th day artwork. Some learners and lead learners celebrated by dressing as 100-year-old men and women, while others wore T-shirts with 100 items on them.

Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

d s e

), a

e , lt

e n.

TENTH ANNUAL

SILENT AUCTION BENEFITING YOUTH & CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MISSIONS @ SAINT JAMES CHURCH

Auction: Saturday, April 6, 4-6pm Live Preview: Friday, April 5, 4-6pm Free Admission Antique Furniture Home Goods Gift cards And much more! 334.481.0735 | 9045 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 53

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Pike Road Schools Future City Teams Granted Two Special Awards

Pike Road Elementary Participates in Global Play Day

Pike Road Elementary School learners had so much fun participating in Global Play Day! Global School Play Day is an event promoting the importance of unstructured play in schools to help children develop 21st century skills. Play is an essential part of every child’s life and is vital for the enjoyment of childhood as well as social, emotional, intellectual and physical development. Recent research suggests that children’s access to good play provision can: increase their self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-respect; improve and maintain their physical and mental health; give them the opportunity to mix with other children; allow them to increase their confidence through developing new skills; promote their imagination, independence and creativity; and build resilience through risk taking and challenge. To learn more about Global Play Day visit https://www.globalschoolplayday.com/.

Future City is a project-based learning program where students in 6th-8th grades imagine, research, design and build cities of the future. PRS students were given the opportunity to work in teams to design the type of city they want to live in the future. Future City project has five components: designing the SimCity, researching and writing the city description, building the model, developing a project plan, and presenting the city to the judges. The PRS Future City Teams were awarded two special awards at the weekend competition held in Huntsville—The Student’s Choice Award and Best SimCity Name. We are extremely proud of work performed by our Future City Teams!

Pike Road Middle School Teacher Selected To Participate in the Alabama Bicentennial Katelyn Johnson, a Community Five Lead Learner at Pike Road Middle School (PRMS), received the prestigious honor of being accepted into a summer training program at the Alabama School for the Deaf and Blind. In honor of Alabama turning 200 years old this year, the Alabama Bicentennial Commission has taken a special interest in training Alabama’s educators in Alabama history. This year they are hosting twenty trainings across the State. This 3 1/2 day training will focus on the history of Talladega County and the surrounding area, and will include free resources, field trips, games and activities, and history lessons all taught by highly qualified Alabama educators.

Pike Road Basketball Players Chosen for All Area Tournament

Sophomore Jakhiah Lewis and freshman Eden Westry, above, from the girls’ varsity team, along with sophomore Shaun Holmes Jr., below, from the boys’ varsity team, were selected to participate on the All Area Tournament teams. Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

e e

APRIL 27 WE’VE HELPED OVER 95,000 GET SCREENED ONE STEP AT A TIME. REGISTER NOW AND HELP US KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING! The Walk of Life creates awareness for breast cancer, celebrates survivors, and raises money for those who cannot afford mammograms and breast cancer screenings. Bring the family April 27 and run, walk, donate or volunteer with us at 8:30am in Downtown Montgomery!

5K RUN/WALK & KIDS ZONE & PARTY Register at JOYTOLIFE.ORG

DONATE

FUNDR AISE VOLUNTEER

LIVE HERE.

❤

GIVE HERE. JOY TO LIFE P R O V I D E S L I F E S AV I N G M A M M O G R A M S A N D B R E A S T S C R E E N I N G S I N E V E RY C O U N T Y I N O U R S TAT E . 55

JO02-45802-WOL-FullPgAd-Refresh2019.indd 1

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

2/26/19 5:27 PM

Setting goals is an important part of life. Some goals can certainly seem daunting, but through hard work and dedication, most can be attained. The Autauga County School System is always setting new goals for our faculty and students. Striving to reach new heights and better ourselves is simply a part of who we are, so it is with great pride that I share our latest news. Autauga County Schools received an 86 “B” on the state report card. This is a 4-point increase from last year and demonstrates the excellence teachers and administrators strive for each day-despite being severely underfunded. The University of Alabama Positive Behavior Support Office has recognized

Prattville Junior High School (PJHS) as a Gold Star Winner for the implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS). The PBIS team at PJHS strives to implement a constructive behavior support system that works to increase student motivation and positive behaviors. The University of Alabama Positive Behavior Support Office highlights the great work of the PJHS staff, administrators and students by selecting them as the Gold Star PBIS Winner. Go Cats! Administrators and teachers are always seeking to implement new and innovative ideas. Central Alabama Electric Cooperative held their 2019 Bright Ideas Grant Reception in January. Among the winners were the following teachers and administrators: Jamie Ramsey from the Autauga County Second Chance School, Benjamin Brown, Amanda Ennis and Carolyn Lee from Autaugaville School, Leisa Lee from Marbury High School, Spring Bruner and Taylor Reed from Marbury Middle

School, Rachelle Agin, Megan Anglin, Seana Belser, Cheryl Cook, Laura Fennell, Emily Gregory, Chelsea Guerin, Christen Harry, Marie Lachance, and Jeff Stockman from Pine Level Elementary School, and Rebecca Cole, Whitney Drumheller, Amanda Gonzales-Jackson, Janie Jones, Jessica Lucas, Christine Prescott, Blythe Smith, Melissa Strickland, and Charles Thompson from Prattville Junior High School. The 2019-2020 school calendar was approved in December to allow everyone to start planning for next year. You can find it on our website at acboe.net. I hope everyone has a fun and restful Spring Break and returns refreshed for testing season. 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.

N O W E N R O L L I N G F O R 2019 2011

TH E LEARNING TREE C H I L D D E V E L O P M E N T C E N T E R S , I N C . Your children deserve the best, why not give it to them.

We pride ourselves at The Learning Tree in having the best child care program for ages 6 wks. to 12 yrs. We are D.H.R. Licensed and provide transportation to and from public school. Full Day Care and Half day (morning or afternoon).

ENROLL NOW, CALL TODAY!

3 Convenient Locations:

1816 Glynwood Dr. Prattville - 365-1451

6wks-12yrs available at all locations but Carmichael Rd.

3335 Woodley Rd. - 284-5560 I 4120 Carmichael Rd. - 271-4733

SPECIAL OFFER

With this coupon and new enrollment only. Up to $85 Value! 56

N P

Ou se an ind

We the

Ne pro sta tea res Wa Ac tou (Av Plu and

FREE REGISTRATION

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

ca0 9 er

Serving Autauga and Elmore Counties

NOW OPEN IN PRATTVILLE

Our professional and certified educational staff are ready to serve the academic needs of families in Prattville, Millbrook, and surrounding areas. Call today to schedule your child's individualized assessment. We offer several programs to get grades and confidence where you want them: Need help getting up to grade level? Our Personalized Tutoring program will improve your child's skills and confidence. We use a state-of-the-art assessment, personal learning plans and Sylvan-certified teachers to help your child make progress quickly. And yes, we guarantee results. Want to turn B's into A's or boost homework or test scores? Our Academic Coaching will help your child practice and improve skills, tackle tough homework assignments and get ready for tests with confidence. (Available in affordably monthly packages.) Plus, to keep it easy, our sessions are available in the afternoon, evenings and weekends. You pick what works best for your busy schedule. Call us today, and let's make the next report card one to remember!

Sylvan Learning of Prattville 2046 Fairview Avenue

800-EDUCATE

MATH

Learning Should Be Personal tm

SAT/ACT PREP

Personalized Tutoring starts at $38/hour Monthly Coaching starts at $199/month Advanced Tutoring starts at $38/hour College Prep starts at $799 *Mention this ad and receive your child's assessment at half price and we will also waive the registration fee.

prattville.al@sylvanlearning.com

STUDY SKILLS

FLEXIBLE OPTIONS FOR EVERY FAMILY!

WRITING

R E A D I N G www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents HOMEWORK HELP

Autauga County Schools

C in n F s a fi th

PCA Named Heart Safe School, Meets National Cardiac Arrest Training Standards

Prattville Christian Academy has been designated a “Heart Safe School” for its efforts in educating staff and students on the importance of life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AED). The designation required PCA to develop campuswide response procedures in the event of a cardiac emergency under “Heart Safe School” guidelines provided by Alabama Lifestart, the local affiliate of Project ADAM. PCA is one of a few schools and school systems statewide that meet the new national standards for cardiac-arrest training preparedness developed by Project ADAM affiliates at children’s hospitals throughout the United States. Schools, in general, are micro-communities with large populations of students, parents, family, faculty and community members. With nearly 250,000 Americans suffering a sudden cardiac event each year, the likelihood of experiencing a medical emergency is real. Research indicates that “79 percent of cardiac arrests at schools were witnessed, compared with just 62 percent at other public locations,” and of the public places that have emergency plans, schools possibly offer the best opportunity for a good outcome. The development of PCA’s cardiac emergency procedures and communication methods were made possible under the supervision of Alabama LifeStart, who also donated an AED trainer to the school in support of the effort. Among the procedures include risk assessments, care plans, emergency medical response drills, installation of AEDs, and CPR training. “Having AEDs on campus wasn’t enough for us,” said Janet Brackins, school nurse. “We wanted to give someone suffering a cardiac event that best chance at survival by knowing exactly what to do in such an instance. PCA’s documented protocols, ongoing drills, and training allow us to potentially save lives in the future. We hope to never have to use our AEDs, but if we do, we are prepared.” Montgomery Parents I March 2019

n w th e fe in

C s g “I a in a T p

Prattville Primary Students Make More Than 300 Treat Bags for Patients at Area Cancer Center

Check out the donations that will be delivered to Prattville /Montgomery Cancer Center patients. These treat bags will be given to all patients receiving treatments at the center. The items were cozy socks, chap sticks, puzzle books, crackers, chips, nuts, peppermint, and journals. Various classes at Prattville Primary School made Valentine cards for the gift bags. We made more than 300 bags. Way to go, PPS! #modeltheway

Prattville Seniors Sign Scholarships

Above center, Caroline Luck signed a golf scholarship for Spring Hill College in Mobile. Top right, Miracle Johnson signed to play softball for the Southern Union Bisons, while Parker Gray signed to be a manager for Mississippi State softball. At immediate right, Kaitlyn Dare, shown with her parents, signed one of Faulkner’s top four scholarships for band. 58

www.montgomeryparents.com

o s

Autauga County Technology Center Hosts Mock Interview Day; Business Students Learn Skills for Future Business students at the Autauga County Technology Center participated in Mock Interview Day to practice skills necessary for interviewing for a job. On February 13, students at ACTC were seen walking to class in khakis, suits and ties. They were taking part in the first-ever Mock Interview Day held on the campus of the ACTC. Guest interviewers from the community spent the day at the school meeting with students who wanted to practice their interview skills. These interviewers were able to provide immediate feedback to help students develop their interpersonal communication. Business Technology teacher Teresa Calhoun encouraged her students to sit for the interviews so that they would gain experience in interviewing skills. “I want my students to be able to offer a firm handshake, look the interviewer in the eye and be comfortable talking about themselves to another person. These soft skills are important to employers.” Riley Hale, Future Business Leaders of America treasurer and Business Tech student, said, “Mock Interview Day was

very successful. Students got to experience their first interview. As a future employee, I learned many things that will help me in job interviews.” According to Ivy Johnson, a Business Finance teacher and work-based learning coordinator, the Mock Interview Day is a perfect simulation for students striving to be college and career ready. “After participating, my students found they enjoyed the process and feel they are equipped for future interviews. The

coaching students received from business partners conducting the interviews is invaluable.” ACTC plans to expand Mock Interview Day in the future and hopefully have every student on campus go through a practice interview. “These skills are so important to landing a job,” Calhoun said.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

So Pl The month of March promises to be an exciting, eventful month in Elmore County Schools! We begin the month with our annual observance of Read Across America Day which also coincides with Dr. Seuss’s birthday. The purpose of Read Across America Day is to promote reading. Motivating children to read is an important factor in student achievement, and students who spend more time reading do better in school. Many of our schools have special activities planned to celebrate and promote reading. Employee Appreciation Day, although an unofficial day, is observed on the first Friday in March. I am so thankful for the dedication of each of our 1,260-plus employees, from school administrators and teachers to custodians, office staff, bus drivers, instructional paraprofessionals,

cafeteria workers, and maintenance staff. I’m proud of the work they do daily to help ensure the success of all our students. March also ushers in the beginning of spring testing for our students. Children in grades 3-12 will participate in some form of assessment, either online or paper and pencil, with the goal of measuring their academic progress. Our K-2 students will take STAR assessments, and Scantron assessments are used for 3-8 students. Students in 10th grade take the Pre-ACT, 11th grade students take ACT plus writing, and 12th grade students take ACT WorkKeys. The ACT suite of assessments are relevant and recognized nationally. The ACT test is a curriculum-based education and career planning tool for high school students that assesses the mastery of college readiness standards. ACT WorkKeys assessments measure foundational skills required for success in the workplace and help measure the workplace skills that can affect job performance. We use the data generated from these and other assessments to guide our decision making and implement action

t It’s all abou

steps to help our students reach their full academic potential. Student safety is our highest priority and we are committed to providing the securest environment possible. We continually review and monitor our safety procedures and facilities so our students can focus on learning the skills they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. Spring arrives March 20 and spring break is March 25-29. I hope everyone enjoys the warmer weather and takes advantage of the opportunity to relax, recharge, and return ready for a strong finish of the 2018-2019 school year. I’m thankful for our wonderful employees, our 11,000+ students, and a school system that is committed to ensuring that every student is empowered and every student succeeds! Richard Dennis is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. He is a 1983 graduate of Holtville High School. He served 21 years as a high school principal at Holtville High, Wetumpka High and most recently, Prattville High. He and wife, Leslie (also an educator) have three sons and a daughter.

• Riding - English, Western, and Jumping • Swimming • Heated Pool • Ropes Course • Climbing Tower • Outdoor Nature Skills • Sports • Soccer • Basketball

ard-winning, w a n a n o t u o s Don’t mis p for your m ca d re te n ce ts Chri mmer! daughter this Su On Top of Lookout Mountain in Historic Mentone, Alabama

Best of Parenting WINNER 10

yea

rs i n

a ro w

Susan & Larry Hooks, Owners & Directors Donna Bares, Assistant Director

800-882-0722 www.riverviewcamp.com

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

• Beach Volleyball • Tennis • Canoeing • Golf • Archery • Gymnastics • Cheerleading • Dance • Chorus • Drama • Arts & Crafts • CIT Program • Campfires every night • Optional trips & more!

www.montgomeryparents.com

Soccer Player

Math Whiz

Loyal Friend

Dyslexic

Creative

nne, e

oy-

e l at lle ons

Does Your Bright Child Struggle with Reading, Writing, and Spelling?

Parent Consultations

Dyslexia Testing

Customized Intervention

Check out warning signs of dyslexia at readwritelearningcenter.com 61 334.328.2134

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Elmore County Schools

Dentist Donates Interactive Books to WES

The doctors and staff of Montgomery and Prattville Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics dedicate a part of their annual staff meeting to give back to the community. This year they chose to focus on local schools. We are so thankful that they chose Mrs. Inmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class at Wetumpka Elementary School! They donated interactive read aloud books to assist her and her awesome students with muchneeded materials for literacy in the classroom!

Area Homeschoolers Give to the Community

Eclectic Names Spelling Bee Winners

Stran Webb won the Eclectic Elementary 4th-grade Spelling Bee in the 11th round with the word fulcrum. Conner Holt won the 3rd-grade Spelling Bee in round 30 with the word internet. Webb will advance to the County Spelling Bee.

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

A few Academy Days Co-op students eagerly donated 250 canned goods to Millbrookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Welcome Inc., which serves West Elmore County families in need. Pictured are Levi, Landon and Isabelle Baughcum of Deatsville, Emilee and Kaylee Richey of Millbrook, and Myah Ziska of Deatsville. The homeschoolers represent 50 families in the tricounty area who participate in the homeschool co-op. Held weekly during the school year at Coosada Baptist Church, Academy Days Co-op offers preschool through high school classes in subjects such as science labs, acrylic painting, computer science, foreign languages, creative writing and P.E. Visit www.AcademyDays. com for more information about the co-op or homeschooling.

S fi te b p la S th p H

F fir ta L

&childhood are short seasons... Make them count at Expedition Lanark Day Camp!

beginning May 28th-August 2nd SEARCH for tadpoles, frogs, fish, salamanders and other aquatic insects. EXAMINE game camera pictures to see what type of wildlife call Lanark home. CAST molds from onsite wildlife tracks. EXPLORE our interactive, hands-on Discovery Hall. GET HANDS-ON with some of our educational animals, such as our baby alligator, eastern indigo snake, gopher tortoise, and more. CHECK US OUT:

should be filled with

www.alabamawildlife .org

We also offer 2 Spring Break Camps Montgomery Parents I March 2019

adventures & friendships!

& a Thanksgiving Camp! www.montgomeryparents.com

H to ce te e D sh o D

Millbrook Senior Publishes Poetry Book

Ladorian Leonard, a senior at Stanhope Elmore High School, held his first book signing recently. He has written a book of poetry called June that he began writing back in 2016 and is now published. This may sound unusual for a large first string defensive tackle on the SEHS varsity football team, but he said that writing poetry was an outlet for him to put things he was dealing with into words. His book can be found on Amazon.com. Photo from the Wetumpka Herald

RES Mental Math Winners

From left, fifth-grader Bryant Bishop took first place in the Redland Elementary Mental Math Challenge.Sixth-grader Taylor Little came in second place.

Holtville Celebrates 100 Days

Holtville Elementary students were allowed to participate in 100 minutes of fun to celebrate the 100th Day of School. Each teacher displayed a 100 Day poster and each hallway consisted of various 100th Day activities. The assistant principal is shown reading to students for 100 seconds. The children really enjoyed the 100th Day of School. 63

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Elmore County Schools

Wetumpka High Names Winners at Elmore County Science Fair

Senior Division Categories (Grades 9-12): Animal & Plant Sciences – 1st Julian Vilardi, 3rd Kaleb Sims Behavioral & Social Sciences – 1st Ryleigh Hamm, 3rd Avery Pyles Cellular & Molecular Biology and Microbiology – 2nd Nathan Moore and Cory Anthony Chemistry, Biochemistry, & Materials Science – 1st Rachel Rook Engineering, Computer Science, & Mathematics – 1st Nick Frith and Owen Tilley Energy: Chemical & Physical – 1st Peyton Crosby, 2nd Wells Hutsler Earth & Environmental Sciences– 1st Haley Donovan, 3rd Ethan Blecher Medicine & Health Sciences – 1st Garrison Clark Physics & Astronomy – 1st Philip White and Hannah Beumer,2nd Mikayla Johnson, 3rd Colton Greene

Medical Sciences Simulate Emergencies

Students in Medical Sciences at Elmore County Tech Center used simulator arms to train on handling emergency scenarios including situations where they needed to control bleeding and treat shock.

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

Airport Road Holds Annual Valentine Dance

Airport Road Intermediate School held its annual Valentine Dance February 8. This is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Students get dressed up and dance the night away (well, two hours) with a fun D.J. playing the most popular songs. Students enjoyed buying pizza, treats and valentine goodies. The 2019 ARIS King and Queen of Hearts were also crowned. Leah Driggers is the 2019 Queen of Hearts and Kevin McShine is the 2019 King of Hearts. They, along with other participants, helped raise money for the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general education fund. We appreciate their hard work and effort. As always, thanks to our teacher volunteers along with our chaperones.

Elmore County Farmers Federation Farm City Poster Contest Winners

Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

From left, Lily Hunter won 2nd place for Redland Elementary School in the K-3rd grade division. Sawyer Martin won 1st place for RES and 2nd place for Elmore County in the K-3rd grade division. They are shown with RES third-grade teacher Misty Trussell.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Elmore County Schools

Wetumpka Band Participates in District Honor Band

These are the Wetumpka High School Band participants in the Alabama District 6 Honor Band. Jason Warnix is their band director.

Holtville Science Fair Winners

Holtville Elementary School recently held its school science fair. All 4th-grade students completed a science project. Pictured above are the winners selected in the categories of Earth/Physical Science and Life Science.

Holtville Elementary Holds Canned Food Drive

The Holtville Elementary Student Council organized a canned food drive for a local food bank. Pictured are the students loading up their collections for the organization selected. The HES Student Council collected more than 1,000 non-perishable food items.

Redland Holds Geography Bee

Amelia Kate Skala got 1st place in the National Geographic geography bee at Redland, while Kay Meyer took 2nd place. They are shown with Jeff Sanders from the Alabama News Network.

3rd Annual Bulldog Bass Tournament

Public Safety Students Train in Burn Trailer

Holtville High School will hold its 3rd Annual Bulldog Bass Tournament on April 13, on Lake Jordan at Bonnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Point. This annual fundraiser helps to fund projects at the school, and is a fun activity for fishing enthusiasts. If you would like to help sponsor this event, please call the school at 569-3034 before March 10. Sponsors will receive recognition on the tournament flyer, banner, and T-shirt. Montgomery Parents I March 2019

Each year, the Alabama Fire College and Wetumpka Fire Department facilitate training sessions with Public Safety & Law students from Elmore County Tech Center. On the final full day of training, the students must extinguish fires and rescue the tiger. Each group successfully completed their mission! 66

www.montgomeryparents.com

W re c c c A p c a 6 B h

Eclectic Elementary Students of the Month

Kindergarten: Greenlee Gantt, Trayvon Pierson, Austyn Thornton, Laina Robertson, Ariella Sifuentes, Zac Nelson 1st Grade: Sophia McKinnon, Jaiden Smith, Dillan Quinn, Kinsley Fochtmann, Olivia Coleman 2nd Grade: Shane Colvin, Brantley Hill, Kaidyn Linkous, Aaron Wilkinson 3rd Grade: Emmalyn Whisman, Remington Myers, Tripp Edwards, Kayden Haskins, Dillon Dunson, Lane Rowe 4th Grade: Desiray Woodard, Kale Petty, Kalli Gill, Landen Avant

Wetumpka High School Wrestling Team Takes Second Place in State

Wetumpka has been breaking school records lately. The wrestling team recently placed 2nd in the Class 6A state championships, with three individual state champions. Xander McWilliams, Kyler Adams and Mason Blackwell each placed first in their respective weight classes and brought home gold medals! In addition, Cole Blackwell placed 6th, Kaleb Jones placed 4th, and Noah Barclay placed 2nd. David Crunkilton is head coach.

Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.

PERFECT PERFECT

NO JOIN FEE MARCH 1-15

FI IT T F

YO OU UR R Y

FIND FIND

prattville ymca.org 365-8852

w .

Get your family summer ready! 67

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Newtopia Celebrates School Champions

Newtopia, Montgomeryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local indoor playground fun park, strives to lead the culture of our community through positive programs like their School Champion Program. When the champion students arrive to Newtopia, they turn in their ticket and receive a wristband. Their wristband grants them free admission to Newtopia! The event begins with free play and then a speech for the Champion students. Newtopia believes the students in our community are all unique with special gifts and talents. The School Champions are all unique and they enjoy celebrating their individuality. Following the speech is a fun dance party on their light up dance floor. The Mascots will join the champions in doing the Cha Cha Slide, Baby Shark, and more.

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

The Champion students are then invited into one of the party rooms for free pizza and refreshments while a movie plays. After they finish eating, they are welcome to more free play in Newtopia. The event concludes with awarding the champions their certificates while they walk the red carpet and pose in front of the School Champion banner and colorful balloon arch. They are given their school champion t-shirt and their parents can enter them in our semi annual Newtopia scholarship! The program is designed to motivate and reward students in the community who have exceptional grades and behavior. Seventy students are recommended by their teachers and receive Newtopia cups and tickets for their admission to the event. The School Champions are rewarded with free admission to Newtopia, free food and drinks, a School Champion T-shirt, certificate, and more! They also have a dance party for the students featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Elsa and Minion as well as an annual scholarship that will be awarded to selected School Champion students. Parents can enter their children to win the scholarship during the event.

Local Legendary Dancer Mentored Tonya Speed

At 102 years young, Willadean Walden attended the Bal Masque Ball this year. In her younger years, she was a very active member of the group and even did most of the choreography of the tableau. Walden owned Walden School of Dance for more than 50 years in Montgomery. Tonya Nelson Speed was one of her dancers and teachers before opening her own studio in 1986 and enjoyed her company at the ball. What an honor to have the longest living member of the ball group attend!

www.montgomeryparents.com

BH01-458

er d

Y O U R H E A LT H OUR MISSION

RECOGNIZED IN

US NEWS & WORLD REPORT FOR DELIVERING ADVANCED

C A R D I OVAS C U L A R

CARE.

or a nd n l.

BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH IS A NATIONAL LEADER IN HEART SERVICES.

Treating more heart patients than any other hospital in Central Alabama, Baptist Medical Center South’s state-of-the-art Cardiovascular Care Center is recognized as the destination for highly specialized care from diagnosis to rehabilitation. Now, we’ve been recognized in US News & World Report for our adherence to research-based guidelines for treatment of heart disease and stroke. Providing the latest heart technology with the broadest possible range of solutions from skilled, experienced doctors, nurses and technicians—close to home.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR RECOGNITION AT

BAPTISTFIRST.ORG/USNEWS

BH01-45885-Parents-World News-March 19.indd 1

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

2/20/19 3:15 PM

TheCollegeYears Preparing Teens for Life Outside the Nest

by Lee Gonet

College: Home or Away? Some high school students look forward to college as a way to get out of the house, while others enjoy the benefits of home and don’t want to leave. Unfortunately, with room and board averaging $10,000 per year, many students simply don’t have a choice due to financial constraints. According to the Higher Institute of Learning, over 50% of students attend college within 100 miles of home, and only 10% move further than 500 miles. Of course, personal preferences are important when choosing where to attend college, but students should consider many other factors.

Emotional

Believe it or not, many students become homesick when attending their first semester. At first, campus life is exciting and different, but when you become overwhelmed by classes, commitments, and social relationships, living with or near your family support system can make the difference between success and full-on depression and failure. Of course, attending college in your hometown can create its own complications. Parents may expect you at family events, and

Responsibility

Financial

Out-of-state schools can cost twice as much as in-state, so unless you have a large college fund, or can earn a full-tuition scholarship, an out-of-state school may not be an option. On the flipside, colleges desire representation from all 50 states and several foreign countries. As you might imagine, Alabama is not well represented outside the southeast, so you might have a good chance of earning a scholarship from a school in another area of the country. Other expenses to consider are moving costs and new furniture for the dorm, not to mention items that parents often cover when you are at home, such as utilities, meals, laundry, gas, car maintenance, bus passes, parking fees, and entertainment.

Travel

If you choose to move far away to college, the travel costs can be exorbitant. Make sure visits home are discussed at length. Will you drive? Fly? How often? For how long? Who’s responsible for paying for tickets or gas? Can you handle spending holidays away from home? Family emergencies are also something to consider. If you are away, you will not be able to help, and may not be able to come home if needed. Summer breaks can pose problems, too. What will you do with your furniture and personal items until you return to school? Montgomery Parents I March 2019

advantages. Not only will you have the same doctors and dentist if you stay home, but you won’t have to change your voter registration or search for a church. On the other hand, moving away can provide a great opportunity to experience another area of the country. Do you like rugged mountains or warm beaches? Busy city life or quaint quiet towns? Wide-open spaces or the deep woods? Choosing a different topography allows you to participate in favorite activities, and make like-minded friends.

they may even stop by your school unexpectedly, which can be embarrassing when you are trying to be independent. Just remember to allow yourself, and your parents, a period of adjustment.

Health

The stress of a new environment, a change in diet, pressure from classes, and late nights all weaken your immune system. Additionally, dorms can harbor lots of bacteria with so many people living in close quarters, so you will be exposed to more germs. Having free-reign in the dinning all can also affect your health. Eating unlimited amounts of pizza and mac-n-cheese cause weight gain (ever heard of the freshman 15?), and also lowers your immune system. Are you prepared to make good food choices? Take care of yourself when sickness strikes? Go to the school clinic to see a doctor? Get to a pharmacy?

Environmental

Knowing your surroundings has its 70

Being on your own offers freedom from your parents and allows you to take on more responsibilities. Leaving home and facing the unknown can be scary, but overcoming challenges builds independence, which is the whole purpose of college after all. If you do decide to stay home, don’t remain a child; you still have skills to learn. Budget and save your money, cook meals, wash laundry, clean the house, and honor your parents’ boundaries. You are an adult and living in their space, so stick to the rules and foster a mutual relationship of respect.

Social

Whether you choose to stay at home, or move across the country, get out of your comfort zone and attend the meet-n-greet activities for incoming freshmen. Join a club or hobby group, participate in sports, go to the games, offer to tutor, or even get a job on campus. If you isolate yourself the first year, you will have a hard time making friends. Remember, the transition from high school to college involves work, risk, challenge, adventure, experience, and change. Now is the time to prove your independence. My ACT prep classes are available this June and July. Please check out leestestprep.com for more information. Lee Gonet is an avid learner, speaker, educator, and world traveler. She loves challenging teenagers to excel beyond what society considers possible by teaching young people to think deeply, learn intensely, and act purposefully outside the classroom box. For example, her daughter worked abroad by 16 and her son earned his Engineering Master’s by 20. Dreams do come true. If you would like to learn more about Lee or her ACT Prep Classes, go to leestestprep.com!

www.montgomeryparents.com

e ou n

y es te

m e

d d le

ed s ore om!

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

all the prompts will work for all kids, the question “How does your body feel when you focus?” is a solid way for kids to reflect and recapture a focused state. Say, “Alexa, ask Focus Game to start.” Kids Quiz! Four difficulty levels and a wide variety of subjects make this a fun trivia game for kids. Kids Quiz! offers multiple-choice answers, so kids have a better chance of choosing correctly, even if they don’t know much about certain subjects. Say, “Alexa, play Kids Quiz!” Kiwi Monsters! Through a fun story laced with choices, kids get to determine how their monsters evolve. As they choose certain colors, habitats, and food, their monsters’ evolution will shift. Kids have to know about the concept of mating to understand some of the choices. Say, “Alexa, open Kiwi Monsters!” The Magic Door. Like an audio-based choose-your-own-adventure book, this skill lets kids decide what happens next. Some of the stories are mildly creepy, so they may not be a great fit for little kids. Also, Alexa’s inflection doesn’t always match the tone of the story. Still, the interactive element is super fun. (Other good ones to try include Earplay and Storyflow, and if your kid just wants to listen, Amazon Storytime is a good choice.) Say, “Alexa, open The Magic Door.”

14 Great Alexa Skills for Kids and Teens “Alexa, entertain my kid with high-quality content.” If you have an Echo device, you know this is a tall order. Not only is Alexa a finicky listener, but you need to launch specific “skills” to get the device to do what you want. To find the best skills, go to the Amazon Alexa app or the Alexa section of the Amazon website. Start in the Kids section and look for skills with lots of reviews and a high star rating. Also check out the Games, Trivia, & Accessories category or the Education & Reference section. If you or your kid is really ambitious, you can even create your own skill. Check out the educational and entertaining skills we’ve hand-picked for your little kid, big kid, tween, or teen or for the whole family.

Little kids

Animal Workout. To get little kids moving, this skill tells them to pretend to be a certain animal and do movements to match while music plays. It’s especially great for those rainy or snowy days when kids need to burn off some energy inside. Try it alongside your kid for even more fun. Say, “Alexa, open Animal Workout.” Chompers. Ever have trouble getting your kids to brush their teeth (or do it for more than 10 seconds)? This skill will entertain your kids for two minutes by doing things like singing a kid-authored story or telling jokes. Just make sure your kid isn’t so distracted that they stop brushing altogether. Say, “Alexa, start Chompers.” Mommy-gram. When you have to be away from home and your kid is too little to text or call on their own, they can use this skill to touch base. After they say their message to Alexa, it will send it to you via text message, and then you can respond. (It works for all parents, of course.) Say, “Alexa, launch Mommy-gram.” Sesame Street. No surprises here: Elmo leads kids through an activity about the letter of the day and plays hide-and-seek so kids “find” him through sound cues and multiple-choice options. Say, “Alexa, open Sesame Street.”

Tweens & Teens

Song Quiz. Some adults will remember the game show Name That Tune, and this skill has that feel. You can select from several decades of music and then decide whether you’re playing with a friend or a random online player (there’s no actual contact with strangers). Then you listen and name the song and artist if you’re able. Say, “Alexa, open Song Quiz.” Travel Quest. Kids get a virtual passport, answer questions, and learn facts as they travel via Alexa to different countries. So far kids can only go to Canada or Japan with the promise of more countries available soon. Because of its narrative format, this is a fun way for kids to learn about different places and cultures. Say, “Alexa, start Travel Quest.” Daily Routine. If your teen needs reminders about school, chores, activities, or something else they need to do for the day, this skill might help. Teens can set a list of tasks that recur each day. As they work through them, they can have the satisfaction of virtually crossing them off the list. Say, “Alexa, open Daily Routine.” Do Good. Name a pressing social issue and Do Good will let you know about the organizations that are working to help. For instance, if your kid is interested in caring for animals, say, “I want to help animals,” and this skill will provide the best places to invest your time, energy, and resources. Say, “Alexa, open Do Good.” Escape the Room. Using simple directions, teens can “look” around a virtual room, gather clues, and solve the puzzles. While the lack of actual visual cues might be tricky for some teens, this could be a fun game for older kids to play together. Say, “Alexa, open Escape the Room.”

Big kids

1-2-3 Math. With word problems addressing a variety of math skills, this activity requires careful listening. Though the math on the Easy level is fairly simple, the Medium and Hard levels are likely challenging enough for upper elementary school students. Say, “Alexa, open 1-2-3 Math.” Focus Game. This simple activity asks kids to sit down, relax, and just listen to sounds such as gongs until the sound fades. You can use the Focus Game as a standalone activity or to calm kids before they settle down for homework. Though not Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

t.”

sts.

ds .

dme r

.”

” he d

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

of en ba an sle rem sp yo po ma gro

wa up ca up the Po inc air kitc sp

Tra rio fun the

Camping is the ultimate in outdoor family fun and is loaded with benefits for parents and kids alike. It provides adventure and unlimited opportunities to experience the great outdoors. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a great way for kids to learn about nature, from plants and animals to the weather and skies. Historical landmarks and different regions offer lessons in history. And parents get a break from daily responsibilities of life and some relaxation. Not to mention, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an affordable way for families to vacation.

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

What’s the best way to camp?

Your family can choose from a variety of camping options. If you love the experience of roughin’ it, pitch a tent, and haul the bare necessities. Tents come in many sizes and styles, some with dividers for separate sleeping quarters. When purchasing a tent, remember capacity doesn’t include luggage space. If you plan to keep belongings in your tent, opt for a larger capacity. Most importantly, don’t forget padding or a blow-up mattress to insulate against the cold, hard ground. If you like the idea of roughing it, yet want some of the comforts of home, a popup camper is the best of both worlds. The canvas sides and pullout sections of popups are surrounded with screens and give the feeling of sleeping in the fresh outdoors. Pop-ups come in several sizes and often include an icebox or mini refrigerator, heater, air conditioning, portable toilet, shower, kitchen sink, stove, cabinets and storage space, dining table, and other necessities. Some families prefer going in style. Travel trailers and motor homes offer a luxurious nighttime retreat after a day of outdoor fun. The ease of loading and unloading these shelters is great for moving from

campsite to campsite, making cross-country camping less work. Motorhomes and travel trailers often have a full-size kitchen, living room complete with sofa and chairs, and separate bedrooms for comfort and privacy. Don’t overlook the option of a cozy cabin in the woods. Cabin rentals are sometimes found at campgrounds or in national forests at cabin resorts. Cabins range from basic single room shelters containing only beds to completely furnished three or four room units including kitchenettes. When reserving a cabin, ask what is furnished before you go so you’ll arrive prepared while avoiding unnecessary packing. And don’t forget to ask about electricity, lights, and water. Experienced campers with older children might try a hike-in shelter for a true wilderness experience. Check with state and national parks for shelters that are sometimes set up along extended trails. After a day of hiking, roll out your sleeping bags under one of these small shelters for a dry night’s sleep under the stars.

Camping costs

The cost of travel can make family vacations a rare treat. But the affordability of camping may allow for frequent getaways.

Overnight fees range from a free night’s stay at some state park rustic sites (no showers, toilets, electricity, or water) to $50 or more a night at many of the top KOA and Jellystone Camp Park-Resorts. These top of the line campgrounds are loaded with amenities from built-in swimming pools to live entertainment. State park campgrounds vary from state to state. Still, these are often the best deal for families interested in experiencing all nature has to offer. Fees for overnight accommodations in state parks typically range from $15 to $35. Many state parks have modern facilities including flush toilets, showers, grassy or gravel sites, playgrounds, park stores for firewood and ice, and more. Furthermore, state parks frequently offer miles of wooded hiking or biking trails, natural wonders, historical sites, and much more that may not be found at private camp resorts. Camping also helps keep other vacation expenses to a minimum. Many families prefer cooking over the campfire to eating out. Additionally, most outdoor camping activities are free or available at minimal cost.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Fun camping activities

Whatever your family’s interests, there is plenty to see and do. Trails offer ample activities such as collecting rocks, leaves, or insects, scouting for wildlife, learning about plants and trees, and practicing survival skills, to hiking excursions, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams offer fishing, swimming, row boating or canoeing, sunbathing, and more. Wildlife viewing is often a highlight. Look for animals early in the morning or at dusk on dirt roads and trails, in open fields surrounded by woods, and near water. Be patient, walk slowly and quietly, and don’t forget binoculars. Other activities include nature programs, nature centers and historical sites, flying kites, rollerblading or bicycling on paved trails, and more. When ready to relax, light a campfire and enjoy reading or storytelling, play cards or board games, watch the sunset, stargaze, and roast marshmallows.

Easy camp foods

There are many ways to cook. You can purchase a gas or liquid-fuel camping stove, or if electricity is available, a crock-pot or electric griddle works well. You can also

carry a charcoal or small gas grill or cook over an open fire. Keep meals simple to minimize packing, preparation, and clean up. Easy choices include: hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, steak, sandwiches, eggs, bacon, sausage, crock pot meals, sweet corn, baked potatoes, canned foods such as baked beans, tuna, chicken, spaghetti, ravioli, and soup, fresh fruit, vegetables and dip, bagels, English muffins, cereal, fruit juice, and hot cocoa. On the other hand, if you enjoy cooking and good meals are one of the highlights for your family, then make the most of mealtime. With all the options for cooking, you can easily enjoy a gourmet feast.

Camping tips

Camping is often a learn-as-you-go experience. But the following can alleviate hassles and keep your family safe. Protect your food from animals and animals from your food by blocking access. Animals can find their way into nearly anything. Raccoons are known to lift lids right off coolers to snatch hot dogs and other treats. A cooler that latches is usually a safe bet. Any food that isn’t tightly contained should be stored in your vehicle overnight.

Poor weather can strike at any time and insect infestations can also make for a miserable experience. Make additional shelter such as a screen tent or tarps and rope part of your camping gear. Arrive at your camp destination ahead of the crowd. Every campsite is unique, and early arrival can assure a site that satisfies your needs. When selecting a site look for proximity to restrooms, the playground, electricity, and water. If you have young children, make sure the site isn’t close to a river or lake. The amount of shade you’ll want will depend on the weather forecast. To avoid mud, a grassy or rock site may be preferred. Also, avoid a site backed up to outhouses, which can smell in the heat and wind. Know what animals are found in the area and teach your children animal safety. Wild animals usually want to avoid humans as much as we want to avoid them. Still, they can pose risks. In bear country, those accustom to people sometimes get too close and result in injury. Even small animals that feel threatened may attack. mp Kimberly Blaker is author of the kid’s book Horoscopes: Reality or Trickery? She also writes a blog, The Young Gma’s Guide to Parenting, at www. theyounggma.com.

ma fea tria un In co sa en sta op inc po Cu ha

T R

2600 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 334.277.6690

460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, Alabama 334.358.6411

Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. David Stanley • Dr. Davis Denney • Dr. Rob Owen Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

the Ro fig mo mo thr pre rig it d pla up op

nd r art

Puzzles: Putting It All Together

d nd

, ke he

, h

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

y. s ey

by Gerry Paige Smith

e t

(Ganawo)

og,

Puzzles are the perfect plaything to help the physical and mental growth of young children. Manipulating diverse pieces into a whole image, planned or freeform, is ideal for healthy development. From supporting both fine and gross motor control to fostering shape recognition and problem-solving skills, providing children with puzzles gives them a great start on figuring out how it all fits together. The following products sample puzzles that can help foster child development while boosting their self-esteem with a job well done.

Winding Snail and Elephant Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles

Fidget Snake Cubes With a linear twist on Rubik’s Cube manipulation, Fidget Snake Cubes feature a length of colorful interlocking triangles that fold, rotate and lock into unlimited shapes and configurations. In addition to offering children creative control of the outcomes, the ‘snakes’ satisfy little hands’ need for sensory engagement. Unlike traditional puzzle pieces that are placed and left static, the shapes that emerge from this solid state puzzle are always open to continual adjustment, improvement and change. The set includes three snake cubes in different color schemes. Open-ended, portable and full of potential for endless outcomes, Fidget Snake Cubes put the power of creative puzzle play into the littlest busy hands.

(Monilon)

Following the easily recognized shapes of a snail and elephant, Monilon’s jigsaw puzzles combine the satisfaction of picture puzzle assembly with numerical and alphabetical literacy. Young problem-solvers can choose to build the puzzle with visual cues to its shape or they can use number/letter order to guide the pieces into the proper places. Fifty-two colorful, splinter-free smooth sanded wood pieces ensure easy and safe exploration of the puzzle journey. Whether puzzling solo or with the company of a parent or playmate, this durable puzzle set provides kids with more than one way to put it all together.

Transformer Robot Cube

Pattern Blocks and Boards

From compact cube to action hero, the connected elements of the Transformer Robot Cube twist, turn and rotate to create a figure with a surprising variety of posing and movement options. Ideal for fostering fine motor skills and problem-solving, this anthropomorphic figure is also ready-made for pretend-play scenarios at any time. The bigger challenge is finding the right order of moves to return the robot to its original cube shape, but it doesn’t hinder the entertainment value while kids explore the robot play alternatives. With no scattered pieces to depend on and to keep up, the Transformer Robot Cube is an all-inclusive portable puzzle fun option. It’s a robot! It’s a cube! Get you a puzzle that can do both!

A bright alternative to interlocking puzzles, the Melissa and Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards creates a more versatile experience in symmetry, patterns and manipulatives. This boxed set features double-sided templates that provide kids with excellent guidance for puzzle building. Using 120 wooden blocks in a broad variety of shapes and colors, kids can create linear patterns, sort blocks by color, count pieces, and more. Reminiscent of tangrams and math manipulatives, the patterns offer challenging guidelines for straight-edge puzzle solving. As kids become familiar with the shapes and how they align, the blocks can become creative elements in a child’s original configurations and designs, expanding the puzzle repertoire for young builders.

(Melissa & Doug)

(Tissa)

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

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston

The Parental Gift of Presence As moms and dads, we want to give our children everything. We want our kids to have more, do more and experience more than we did. And so we work hard, put in crazy hours, and volunteer for every opportunity in order to provide the best for our children. But do you want to know the greatest gift you can give your teen? It’s your presence. Jim Higley is the author of Bobblehead Dad, and a writer for several other national publications. In a recent article, Jim wrote about his daughter, and how in the early years she was a happy kid. It didn’t take much to get her to share all the details of her life with her dad—friends, clothes, games, bike rides, lunch menus, and all the other daily events and experiences. But then middle school happened. And Jim’s daughter experienced what many pre-teens struggle with, and that’s “mean girls.” Her once cherished friends became bullies, and were the cause of constant hurts and heartaches. Jim writes:

the dad tactic that came naturally to me. But I just keep my mouth shut. Listen[ed]. And show[ed] my child my heart. After a couple minutes, my daughter lifted her head and uttered four painful words that brought tears to my eyes. “I hate my friends.” I let her words sink in. I paused. I thought about her and not me. And I simply said what I felt. “Honey, that must suck to feel that way.” That’s all I said. No questions. No lectures. No bright ideas. Just my heart. Just me. Right there with her in the moment. She responded by crawling down next to me and sharing details of her hurt as I gazed at the ceiling and reaffirmed my empathy. And my love. And then, after 10 minutes, she said, “Can we bake some cookies?”

I did what I thought I was supposed to do: help her fix the situation. I’d suggest ideas for making new friends, or brilliant brainstorms for putting the mean girls in their place. And I interrogated her. Boy did I ask a lot of questions. But all my help was met with the same tearful reaction. Or a slammed door. I didn’t know what to do, and I felt worthless because of it. The following day my daughter arrived home from school after another bad day and immediately went to her room, stomping up each tread of the stairs — her new way of saying, “I’m home and I’m going to make your life miserable!” I waited a few minutes and, when things quieted down, I knocked on her door. “Leave me alone,” she screamed. I took a deep breath. “I’m coming in. Ten seconds,” I said. When I entered, there she was. On her bed. Stomach down. With her face buried in a pillow. Not saying a word, I simply lay on the floor, crossed my hand on my stomach and stared at the ceiling. I felt awkward because this was not

Far and away the best present you can offer your teen is simply your presence. It’s being physically and emotionally with your child. During adolescence, teens need mom and dad more than ever! So how can we be more present?

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

Jim summarizes the value of simply being present for his daughter when he writes;

[This moment] taught me the value of letting children not only experience pain, sadness and disappointment — but also feel our unconditional connection. And to know what it feels like when their parent is willing to simply be in the moment with them and hold their hand through the hurt … Your child may not want or really need your solutions. They just might want you to join them in their journey.

Show an interest in your son or daughter. When you get home, turn off

the TV or computer, and get to know your teen. What does he like? What does she dislike? What is he thinking about right now? What’s weighing on her mind? What puts him at ease? Become a student of your teen.

Be intentional about making time. If you don’t make a conscious effort

to be with your child, it just won’t happen. Life gets busy all too quickly, so if we’re not deliberately setting aside time on our 78

calendar to spend time with our teens, the days will fill up with less important tasks. Take a moment to look at your calendar and block off purposeful moments to take your teen to a sports game, visit a museum, take a fishing trip, attend a concert, stay up late to watch a meteor shower with hot chocolate. Build something together. Cook something together. Or simply set aside time to hang out with your teen.

Ask good questions. When you’re present with your teen, use that time to ask good questions. This is not a moment to interrogate for information. It’s also not a time to debate or answer your own questions. Instead, formulate some questions that get your teens thinking about the world, their culture, their beliefs, and their values. You could ask, “Who is your role model? Why?” Or, “do you think our world is better or worse than it was five years ago?” Or, “If you could change one thing about yourself, what would that be?” Questions can get your teen thinking, and offer the benefit of having mom or dad there to help guide their understanding. Open up to your teen. No one likes to hang out with people who are perfect—that includes your son or daughter! Now, you don’t have to use your child like a confessional booth, but as you spend time with them, offer reminders of your own imperfection—mistakes you’ve made, ways you’ve changed, perspectives that you’ve adjusted. Your presence sends the message, I want to hang out with you in the good times, and I’m there for you in the bad times. And your presence in, and attentiveness to, his or her life keeps you from being blindsided by the effects of the turbulent teen years. 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.

www.montgomeryparents.com

WE’RE HERE WHEN LIFE HAPPENS.

rt, ith

e ?” d

CARDIOLOGY CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY EAR, NOSE & THROAT ENDOCRINOLOGY FAMILY MEDICINE GASTROENTEROLOGY GENERAL SURGERY INFECTIOUS DISEASE INTERNAL MEDICINE NEUROLOGY

OB/GYN

! e

UROLOGY VASCULAR SURGERY

DONE WITH DIAPERS? THINK AGAIN. Though Karen and Jeremy didn’t exactly expect to be expecting, they’re overjoyed to become parents again. The one thing that’s making life easier right now: having Karen’s doctor nearby at The Jackson Clinic, the area’s largest multispecialty clinic. With easy parking, great hours and lab work right on the premises, Karen will get the convenient care she needs before and after the arrival of her twins. Yes, twins.

ens ens s

JacksonClinic.org 79

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

tim fam so an sic lea ke

stu ste

H co

pe the the es are on kid the the for tog to

ca me an

Re Ca sa ca

How to communicate face-to-face

Ask anyone who has ever been to overnight camp about

Tom Rosenberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Camp Association, says today’s youth spends so much time on technology, that learning to communicate face-to-face with peers is important. He quotes a 2015 Pew Research Center study that says “Just 25 percent of teens spend time with friends in person outside of the school day on a regular basis.” In light of that statistic, overnight camp is good place to get kids to socialize without technology. “About 90 percent of camps don’t allow kids to have computers or cell phones,” says Rosenberg. “In general, camps are an oasis for human-powered socialization.”

his or her experience, and you will hear endless tales of comradery, cabin mates and campfires. Many times campers will say overnight camp was the first time they rode a horse or shot a bow and arrow or flew down a zip line. It’s where they learned to make their beds and keep their belongings tidy in cramped quarters. With the perfect blend of adventure and responsibility, camp life teaches kids valuable lessons they can use for the rest of their lives. If you send your child to overnight camp, here are some life lessons they are likely to learn.

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

kid frie to

no ac wh stu sa do

tak tha pa

How to be independent For many children, camp is the first time they are away from parents and the familiarity of home. While this may cause some homesickness, it also gives children an opportunity to overcome being homesick. And without parents there, children learn to pick up after themselves and keep up with their things. Overnight camp can also prepare students for independence in their next steps in life, like trips abroad and college.

How to be a part of community living Sometimes it’s hard to live with other people, especially if other people drape their clothes over your bed or hog the shower. And it’s not like kids can escape to their own room when they are at summer camp because everyone bunks together in one cabin. But kids can learn to work out differences they may have about how they share their living spaces, and it’s more fun for campers to do the cabin chores together than alone. As they grow up, kids have to learn to work in groups in their communities. “That cabin group has community building at its core,” says Rosenberg.

How to embrace diversity Children who go to camp meet other campers from all over the country. They meet kids from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. In a study conducted by Philliber Research Associates and the American Camp Association, 94 percent of campers said “Camp helped me get to know other campers who were different from me.” Rosenberg says this is important for kids in the 21st Century. “Making new friends is an essential skill kids are going to need to have.”

How to overcome fears Going to camp takes kids out of their normal day-to-day setting and gives them a chance to try things they might not try when they are at home. In the Philliber study, 74 percent of the kids surveyed said “At camp I did things I was afraid to do at first.” Children may feel more comfortable taking a risk around new acquaintances than they do under the watchful eye of parents, siblings or school peers. If they

are trying an activity they have never tried before, they may feel encouraged by staff or counselors who are there to support and guide them.

How to become resilient Camp life doesn’t always go as planned, and kids learn to adapt and move with what’s happening around them. Camp goers also grow more resilient from trying again when they fail, according to Rosenberg. “Part of growing up is learning that you are not always going to be successful. Sometimes campers fail and counsel81

ors help them try again,” says Rosenberg. “Camp is a safe place to make mistakes.” Going to overnight camp benefits kids in many ways. It provides a place where kids can get out of their daily setting and have new adventures, meet new people and learn new skills. And while they are doing all of those things, they will probably learn a few life lessons that will stay with them forever. mp Janeen Lewis is a freelance journalist and mom to Andrew and Gracie. Some of her fondest memories happened at overnight camp.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Whether you want them to experience day or overnight camp, sports or fine arts, our listing has details on these and many more. It’s time to get your campers ready for summer fun!

2019

Guide

Trin Mo Jul -5th che mo

Ag (33

AS Art

915 TAP CA TT GIF

Ag (33

Ba Mu Six beg 4a

Ag (33 ww

Art/Music/Theater Abrakadoodle Summer Art Camps and Classes ad on page 37

Abrakadoodle provides a dynamic learning environment for art education that actively sparks the student’s imagination while developing new skills. Abrakadoodle camp programs immerse kids in design, exploration, creativity, planning and problem solving in an environment that is packed with art activities that kids love! As kids unleash their creative potential, they will use a wide variety of art materials to make original creations, experiment and problemsolve with inspiring activities and enjoy fun social interaction via collaborative art adventures. This Summer, Abrakadoodle will be offering an outstanding series of camps at the two Abrakadoodle Pop-Up Art Studios. Each session has unique themes and fine arts lessons. Morning and Afternoon sessions can be combined for working parents with Early Drop off, Lunch & Play and Extended Pick Up. Discounts offered for Early Registration, Siblings, and Multi-Camp Sign Up. Daily rates are available. Location: Old Alabama Town Session 1: 9 am- 12 pm; Session 2: 2 pm – 5 pm 5 Days: Full or Half Day Camps Elementary Sessions (ages 6-12) May 28 – May 30, June 10-14, June 17-21, June 2428, July 8-12, July 15-19, July 22-26, July 29-Aug 2 Location: Pike Road Arts Center 3 Day: Half Day Camps June 4-6, 9:00-12:00 (Ages 3-5 & 6-12) June 18-20, 1:00-4:00 (Ages 6-12) July 16-18, 9:00-12:00 (Ages 3-5 & 6-12) Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 265.5758 mcornwell@abrakadoodle.com www.abrakadoodle.com/AL01

Alabama Christian Academy Camp Eagle ad on page 17

4700 Wares Ferry Road, Montgomery, AL 36109 Seven One-week sessions from June 3-July 26. Camp Eagle is a FUN-tastic first class Christian Montgomery Parents I March 2019

day camp for ALL kids ages 5-completed 5th grade. Come experience a summer of fun at Camp Eagle. Every single day is filled with an exciting variety of activities. Your child will participate daily in recreational and cooperative games, arts and crafts, sports activities, academic components, praise time, swimming, free time field trips and more. Ages: 5 Years - Completed 5th Grade (334) 277-1985 dsanford@alabamachristian.org www.acacampeagle.org

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Acting Camps ad on page 48

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 1 Festival Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 Broadway South Musical Theatre Camp: Ages 14-18, July 8-12 or July 22-26 Broadway South Jr. Musical Theatre Camp: Ages 10-13, July 8-12 or July 22-26 Camp Shakespeare: Ages 9-12, June 24-28 or July 15-19, 8:30am - 4:00 p.m. Camp Shakespeare Extreme: Ages 13-18, June 3-7 or June 10-14, 9:00am - 4:00 p.m. Camp Shakespeare Junior: Half Day Ages 5-8, June 3-7 and June 10-14, 9-NOON or 1-4 p.m. Camp Shakespeare Junior, Full Day: Ages 5-8, June 17-21 from 1-4 p.m. 2 Week Camp Shakespeare: Ages 9-12, July 17-28 Ages: Ages 5-18 (334) 271.5393 glambert@asf.net www.asf.net

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Art & Drama Camps ad on page 51

5350 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 Children’s Drama Camp (Rising 1st-7th): June 17-21, Monday-Thurs. from 1-4 p.m. and Friday at 9 a.m. Performance will be held Friday, June 21 at 2 p.m. Camp will be held in lunchroom at St. Bede. Elementary Art Camp (Rising 1st-7th Grade): July 15-18, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Camp will be held at the Holy Spirit Campus. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 272.7221 www.montgomerycatholic.org

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Summer Camps ad on page 98

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Museum Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 Teen Camp: July 8-12, Ages 13 and up. Afternoons and Youth Camp: June 3-7, June 24-28, July 22-26, Ages 6-12. Week-long. Half-day or All day. These unique full-filled camps offer small group instruction (10 students to 1 teacher ratio; maximum of 20 students) in drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, and sculpture. Students also view and learn about famous works of art in a Museum setting. Each week a variety of art media and techniques are explored, such as drawing with pastels, charcoal, pen and ink, colored pencils, and markers; painting with watercolors, tempera, and acrylics; sculpting with clay and mixed media; and creating relief prints. Different themes, art projects, and techniques are offered each week, with a special student exhibition and reception for family members at the end of camp each Friday. Camp fee includes snacks and all art materials. The camps are also designed for working parents, as extended hours are offered. Camps are limited to 20 students and fill up quickly, so sign up today! Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 240.4333

www.mmfa.org

Spicer’s Garage Band Camp ad on page 45

2140 E University Drive, Ste. K, Auburn, AL 36830 Rock Camp, Rock Camp Pro, Rock Camp JR. and Camp Kazoo are fun summer camps that teach youth how to play and perform in a rock band. At Spicer’s Rock Camps you will have a blast as you jam daily with your band mates. Campers receive individualized lessons in their instrument of choice and work with other musicians to create their own unique sound. The camp ends with a rock show! Rock Camp, Jr.: June 24-28 or July 8-12, 10 a.m. - Noon; Ages 6-7 Rock Camp: June 3-7, 8 a.m.-Noon or 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.; Ages 8-11 Rock Camp Pro: June 17-20 or July 15-18, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.; Ages 12-18 Camp Kazoo: June 17-20 or July 15-18, 9 a.m. -10:30 a.m.; Ages 3-5 Ages: Ages 8-18 (334) 329.7529 garagebandcamp@gmail.com www.spicersmusic.com

www.montgomeryparents.com

M.E

104 Jul gea Stu bei sio Jul

Ag (33

ay all

Trinity Art Camp ad on page 7

Trinity Presbyterian School, 1700 East Trinity Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36106 July 16-18, 1st-3rd grade from 8 -10 a.m. and 4th -5th grade from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Please check our website under Summer at Trinity tab for more information. Ages: 1st-5th Grade (334) 213.2100 www.trinitywildcats.com

ASU Tonea Stewart’s Performing Arts Camps

915 S. Jackson Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 TAPS: Ages 6-12, June 3-15 from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. CAMP 3T: Ages 13-18, June 23-29 TTI: Ages 15-18, TBA GIFTED: Ages 13-21, July 8-12 Ages: Ages 6 - 21 years (334) 229.6755 toneastewartcamps.com

Barb’s Summer Art Camp

Barb’s On Mulberry and Nancy’s Italian Ice, 1923 Mulberry Street, Montgomery, AL 36106 Six weeks of Art with Barb at Nancy’s Italian Ice beginning May 20-June 27. Monday/Wednesday at 4 and 5 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday at 10 and 11 a.m. Ages: Ages 3 and up (334) 269.2272 www.barbsonmulberry.com www.facebook.com/barbsonmulberry.com

M.E.O.W. Academy Camp Kids Grove

104 Mendel Pkwy., Montgomery, AL 36117 July 9-20 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. A musical camp geared towards highlighting musical expression. Students will explore the soulful expression behind being a ROCKSTAR. Piano, Guitar, Voice, Percussion, Brass, and more. Culminating Performance July 20th at Robert E. Lee High School. Ages: Ages 5-15 (334) 676.1449 M.E.O.W. www.meowacademy.net

Montgomery Music Project Summer Camp

2416 West Cloverdale Pk , Montgomery, AL 36104 Montgomery Music Project (MMP) offers an enriching day camp full of engaging music activities and classes for children of a variety of ages and abilities. Daily orchestra lessons are supplemented with group drumming, musicianship class, singing and more. The 2019 MMP Summer Camp will be announced. Ages: Age varies by camp

(901) 603.0420 montgomerymusicproject@gmail.com http://montgomerysymphony.org

Stringfellows Summer Music Seminar

507 Columbus Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Stringfellows Summer Music Seminar, June 9-15 Ages: 7th-9th Grade (334) 240-4004

www.MontgomerySymphony.org

138 W. Main St., Prattville , AL 36066 Weekly Classes and Camps; Call for days and times. Ages: Age varies by camp

Dance/Gymnastics/ Cheer Camps

Paint & Clay Studio

Alabama River Region Ballet

(334) 819.4450 Facebook under Paint & Clay

Festival Plaza, 7981 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery, AL 36116 Children’s Fairytale Ballet Camp: (ages 3-6) June 3-7 and June 10-14. Fairytale Ballet Camp will be held the first two weeks of June. Each week, the

P’zazz Art Studio

(334) 354.1975 kaseyau@gmail.com www.pzazzart.com

4319 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery, AL 36109 Paint your own pottery or canvas. Full and half day Summer camps. First week of June until school starts. Ages: Ages 5 & up

ad on page 37

a a th nd

d s,

30 nd

u e e n

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

2019

Guide

dancers will learn about one fairytale ballet, meet the princess ballerina, and participate in themed crafts and activities. Week 1 will be “Swan Lake” and Week 2 will be “Sugar Plum Fairy”. Snacks will also be served daily. Both weeks will end with an in-studio performance for family of the dancers. Dancers should wear pink tights, pink ballet slippers and leotard of choice. The cost for one week is $120 per child, 10% off second child. The cost for two weeks is $200 per child, 10% off second child. Includes ballet class and ballet oriented movies and crafts relating to classical storybook ballets. Light snack included. Summer Ballet Classes: (ages 8-11) June 3 – 27. Throughout the month of June, Alabama River Region Ballet School will offer ballet classes on Tues-

days and Thursdays. Times vary depending on level. PRE-BALLET for ages 3 – 5 will be 4:00-5:00pm. BEGINNING BALLET for ages 6 – 8 will be 4:00 – 5:00pm. INTERMEDIATE BALLET for ages 9 – 11 will be held 5:00 – 6:00pm. OPEN CLASSES for ages 12 – 18 will be 5:00 – 6:30pm. ARRB Summer Dance Intensive for ages: (1218) July 8-19. Alabama River Region Ballet School is excited to offer a two week Intensive Summer Seminar for intermediate and advanced students, ages 11 – 18 with a minimum one year of experience on pointe. Dancers will take daily classes in Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Jazz, Modern and Contemporary taught by some of the most talented guest artists and ARRB teachers. The Summer Intensive will include a repertory of classes that focuses on improving the dancers’ technique, as well as the opportunity to learn new choreography, and choreography from the classical repertory. Rehearsals will be under the direction of the ARRB faculty. At the end of the two-week seminar, family and friends are invited to attend a performance showcasing the dancers and the choreography of the guest artists. A 10% discount for early registration on our summer programs through the month of April. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 356-5460 riverregionballet@gmail.com www.riverregionballet.com

Armory Athletics ad on page 47

1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104 Kids Summer Camp, June3-July 19 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Full Day, Weekly, $150; Daily, $35; Half Day, Weekly, $100; Daily, $25 Sports and recreation, swimming, arts & crafts, and educational field trips! Parents, please provide lunches, swim wear & towel, concession money, and socks and closed toed shoes for field trips. Preregister for each week is required and enrollment begins April 1, 2019. Costs: $150/week; ; $30/day, $50 registration fee $25/week for early drop off at 7:30am $5/day for early drop off at 7:30am $25/week for late pickup at 5pm $5/day for late pick up at 5pm Ages: Ages 5-14 (334) 625.2586 armoryathletics1@gmail.com www.armoryathletics.com

Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection ad on page 45

3370 Harrison Rd, Montgomery, AL 36109 Summer Fun Day-camp dates: Six one-week sessions. June 3 - July 19. Time: 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. (4-12 years). $175 with a $75 deposit required by May 15 for 1st week. Multiple week discounts available. Including all styles of dance, modeling & manners, fashion shows, talent show, arts & crafts, water play and mini manicures! Summer dance classes for all ages beginning June 4 in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Baton and Tumbling. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 277.1098 https://www.facebook.com/TonyaSpeeds-Dance-Connection

Un Ch ad

610 Jun the clim p.m old tim

Ag (33

Ala

Arm Ave Su Tut 17ate “St 7:3

Ag (33

C.J Pra

Pra Litt Pra

Ag (33 ww

975 Jun Su up. Div p.m

Ag (33

210 Fan Fai 8-1 ture

Ag (33

growing confidence naturally SuMMer reSident & day caMP

Al SK ad

YMCA CAMP CHANDLER

FOR MORE INFORMATION YMCA CAMP CHANDLER Ages 5-15

day camp fees: Starting at $150/wk per child resident camp fees: $245 – $765 per child contact: luke dooley P 334 538 4658 F 334 269 2387 ldooley@ymcamontgomery.org campchandler.org

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

Ra Str Se Ori Co dem cou tion phy

Ag (33 ww

Al ad

305 Exp Jun sum edu

kly, $25

ret

& ts,

United Gymstars & Cheer Camp ad on page 85

6100 Brewbaker Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36116 June 3- July 26 - 8 week Summer Camp, Weekly themed activities, gymnastics, trampoline, rope climbing, crafts and more. Time: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ages: 5 and up. Half Day offered for 4 year olds. Build your own schedule. Flexible days and times. Call for rates. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 284.2244 unitedgymstarsandcheer.com

Alabama Dance Theatre

Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104 Summer Class Session dates to be announced. Tutus and Tiaras Camp for ages 3-8 on June 17-21. Summer Intensive Seminar for intermediate and advanced dancers will be held July 15-27. “Stars On the Riverfront” July 28 and July 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. Ages: Age varies per camp (334) 241.2590

www.alabamadancetheatre.com

C.J.’S Dance Factory (home of the Prattville Ballet)

Prattville Ballet, 145 S. Court St, Prattville, AL 36067 Little Princess Ballerina Camp, June 27-July 25. Prattville Performing Visual Arts Camp, July 22-26. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 467.8603 ballerinasrule@msn.com www.cjsdancefactory.com

Centre’ for Performing Arts

975 S. Memorial Drive, Prattville , AL 36067 June Intensive, Dates TBA from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Summer Dance Classes: July 9-Aug. 1 Ages 2 and up. Competition team auditions in the month of July. Diva Dance Camp (ages 5-12); Dates TBA from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 491.1192 www.centreforperformingarts.com

Montgomery Ballet

2101 Eastern Blvd. Ste 223, Montgomery, AL 36117 Fantasy Camp 2019 Fairy Week, June 24-28; Superhero Week, July 8-12; Prince & Princess Week, July 15-19; Adventure Week, July 22-26 Ages: Ages 3-6 (334) 409.0522

www.montgomeryballet.org

Day Camps Alabama State University SKYCAP/IMSET 2019 ad on page 33

Ralph David Abernathy Auditorium, 915 S. Jackson Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Session 1: June 3-21; Session 2: July 8-26 Orientation: May 18 from 9a.m. until 2p.m. at 32 Commerce Street; Half and full-day programs. Academics, computers, arts and fitness. A variety of courses to expand and peak your child’s imagination, sharpen academic skills and introduce them to physical fitness activities. Ages: 1st-12th Grade (334) 229.4686 or (334) 229.4317 www.alasu.edu/continuingeducation

Alabama Wildlife Federation ad on page 62

3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook, AL 36054 Expedition Lanark Outdoor Day Camp June 3 -August 2. Expedition Lanark is a full day summer camp that provides hands-on, outdoor educational activities that teach natural resource

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

at the Montgomery Zoo; enjoy scavenger hunts; craft times; classroom time; playtime, splash time and games at our playground; rides on our horse trail rides, pedal boats, and sky lift; participate in animal encounters with the giraffes, river otters, deer and parakeets; see behind the scene tours and visits with our zookeepers and other staff members. Ages: Age varies by camp

2019

(334) 240.4900 www.montgomeryzoo.com

Guide

YMCA Prattville ad on page 84

stewardship, develop leadership skills, build character and open your child’s mind to outdoor adventures and fun. From Tadpoles to Trail Blazers, Counselors in Training, High Adventure, Gross Out Camp and so much more, we have something for your child (ages 5-15) to explore this summer! Extended Care is available for an additional fee. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 285.4550 www.alabamawildlife.org

Brain Pump Summer Camp ad on page 85

Auburn University Montgomery, Taylor Center, Montgomery, AL 36117 July 22-25 from 9:00-2:00(possible early drop off/ late pick up for additional cost) Healthy snack and lunch available Camp shirt included. Cost : $225 Get your child’s body moving and their brain stimulated all at the same time! Join us for Brain Pump Camp this summer! Brain Pump is a children’s group exercise class developed by a Physical Therapist and Kinesiology professor that promotes gross and fine motor skills, core strengthening, coordination, crossing mid-line, balance, and proprioception (body awareness). The camp will also include activities working with different textures, art, music, and projects that offer a full sensory experience. Some of the fun activities include: obstacle courses, partner stations, group games, and art projects. Every activity done helps with organization and maturity of a child’s central nervous system that research shows can positively effect attention, learning and coordination. This is all performed in a fun, energetic setting, that seems more like playing than exercising. Ages: Ages 4-10 (334) 380.5920 www.neurokineticsolution.com

Montgomery Zoo ad on page 75

2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36110 June 2-7: 11-12 year olds, full day camp (8:00am - 5:00pm); June 10-14: 9-10 year olds, half day camp (8:00am - Noon); June 17-21: 9-10 year olds, full day camp (8:00am - 5:00pm); June 24-28: 7-8 year olds, half day camp (8:00am - Noon); July 8-12: 7-8 year olds, full day camp (8:00am 5:00pm); July 15-19: 5-6 year olds, half day camp (8:00am - Noon); July 22-26: 5-6 year olds, half day camp (8:00am - Noon); Cost: Non- members; $199 for full day, $155 half day. Members; $179 for full day and $139 for half day. Full day includes lunch and two snacks; one snack for half-day. See daily live animal presentations; get up close and personal with some of the Educational animals Montgomery Parents I March 2019

Smith Branch and East Bradford Branch, 600 East Main Street and 972 McQueen Smith Rd. S, Prattville , AL 36067 Summer Day Camp, girls and boys ages 5-12. Begins May 29–August 3. Mon. – Friday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Summer Day Camps are available at the Daniel Pratt, Main and Pine Level locations. * Gymnastics and Cheer Camp, Ages 5 ½ and up. Don M. Smith Branch, 365.8852 East Bradford Branch – 358-9622 * Super Summer Sport Camps, Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m.12 p.m. Sports Camp Dates will be available May 1. Girls’ Volleyball Camp, Ages 8-12 Girls’ Basketball Camp, Ages 6-12 Boys’ Basketball Camp, Ages 6-12 Fishing Camp, Ages 8-16 Boys’ Baseball Camp, Ages 6-12 Girls Softball Camp, Ages 6-12 Soccer Camp, Ages 6-12 * Outdoor Adventure Camp: Boys & Girls, ages 9-16. Members and Non-Members. Bradford Branch, 358.9622 * Camp 2:22: Begins May 28. Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Boys and Girls entering 7th-9th grades. Ages: Age varies by camp Smith Branch, (334) 365.8852 East Bradford Branch, (334) 358.9622 www.prattvilleymca.org

AUM Summer Youth Programs

75 TechnaCenter Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 Camps offered from June through July OutReach offers a variety of educational enrichment programs children of all ages including Summer Youth Camps, ACT Review classes, Math & Reading Programs, and an Accelerated Program (Brainiac Camp). These programs instill children with an excitement for learning, prepare them for the upcoming school year, and even equip them with necessary skills for the college entrance exam. Ages: K5-12th Grade (334) 244.3804

www.outreach.aum.edu/classes

Camp Grandview — YMCA

4700 Camp Grandview Road, Millbrook, AL 36054 Dates: May 28 - August 2 Length: Weekly basis; Located on 190-wooded acres, YMCA Camp Grandview includes two beautiful lakes, a waterpark, horse barn, athletic fields, hiking trails, mud pits, disc golf, archery, riflery, Re Hall, and historic lodge. Transportation is available from Montgomery at no extra cost. Ages: Ages 5-15 (334) 290.9622

www.ymcamontgomery.org

Camp Invention

Bear Exploration Center, 2525 Churchill Drive, Montgomery, AL 36111 Dates: May28-31 from 8:00 to 4:00; Cost: $240. Ages: K-6th Grade

campinvention@invent.org www.campinvention.org

Camp Sunshine for Boys

3067 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36111 July 15-19 Ages: Ages 6-11 (334) 262.2697 www.tukabatcheebsa.org

Camp Tukabatchee

3067 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36111 Boy Scout Day and resident camps. Week 1: June 2-8; Week 2: June 9-15; Week 3: June 16-22 Ages: Age varies by camp (800) 977.2688 www.tukabatcheebsa.org

Gross Out Camp Takes Science Outdoors

Alabama Nature Ctr (Lanark), Millbrook, AL 36054 July 22-26; Cost: $200 Yuck...if it’s gross we’ve got it! This award-winning science camp focuses on hands-on biology. Activities include: creek stomping expeditions for macro-invertebrates, meet-a-tree style scientific observation, and creativity such as making your own bird-poop paint (not from birds). Kids will meet live snakes in a reptile program. Learning has never been this much fun! Sponsored by Fresh Air Family. The camp combines science experiments, exploring, journaling, and nature-inspired arts and crafts to address a variety of learning styles. Ages: Ages 6-9 (205) 540-6642 www.alabamawildlife.org or www.GrossOutCamp.org

Prattville Parks & Recreation Summer Youth Program

Min Re Ad Ski (Ag Go

Ag (33

345 Su

Doster Center, 424 S. Northington St, Prattville, AL 36067 Begins May 27 until the Friday before school starts, 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Ages: K5-6th Grade

Ag (33

Science Matters Camp

Ag (33

(334) 361.3640

www.prattvilleal.gov

Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 June 3-July 26. Camp sessions broken down by 1st/2nd, 3rd/4th, 5th/6th and 7th/8th. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 844.5769 www.auburn.edu/cosam/ departments/outreach/programs

YMCA Cleveland Branch

1201 Rosa L. Parks Ave, Montgomery, AL 36108 10 weeks of Youth Specialty Camps, May 28 until August 2 Ages: Ages 3-12 (334) 265.0566 www.ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA East Branch

3407 Pelzer Ave, Montgomery, AL 36109 10 weeks of Youth Specialty Camps, May 28 until August 2 Ages: Ages 3-12 (334) 272.3390 www.ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA Goodtimes

2325 Mill Ridge Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 May 28 until August 2 Ages: Ages 5-14 (334) 279-8833 www.ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA Junior High Teen Program

2325 Mill Ridge Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 May 28 until August 2 Ages: Ages 12-14 (334) 279.8666 www.ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA Kershaw

2225 West Fairview Ave, Montgomery, AL 36108 Summer Camp Dates, May 28 until August 2 Ages: Ages 5-15 (334) 265.1433 www.ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA Montgomery Soccer Complex

300 Brown Springs Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 Summer Soccer Academy/Camps

www.montgomeryparents.com

200 Da Au

ts,

Churchill Academy

Snapology

395 Ray Thorington Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 Tutoring available for summer. Grades K-12. One-on-one tutoring. Call for rates. Times at parents’ convenience. Ages: K-12th Grade (334) 270.4225 www. churchillacademy.net

mily. s

Friday and Saturday Closed Ages: 2nd-12th Grade

ad on page 28

obn e

Education

Mini-Kickers (Ages 4-5) Recreational (Ages 6-14) Advanced Skills (Ages 8-17) Skill Development Academy (Ages 7-17) Goal Keeping (Ages 8-17) TBA Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 269.8447

www.ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA Southeast Branch

3455 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36111 Summer Camp Dates, May 28 until August 2 Ages: Ages 5-15 (334) 262-6411

www.ymcamontgomery.org

YMCA Wetumpka

200 Red Eagle Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Day camp, 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Mon. - Fri. May 28August 2. Ages: Ages 5-13 (334) 567-8282 www.ymcamontgomery.org

Macon East Academy Educational Camps

ad on page 27

15396 Vaughn Road, Cecil, AL 36013 July Jammin Educational Camp for Grades K5-6th, Dates: TBD Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 277.6566 www.maconeast.net

Mathnasium Summer Power Math Workout Programs ad on page 9

3453 Malcolm Drive (Taylor Road at Billingsley Place Promenade), Montgomery, AL 36117 Prevent the “summer slide”! Solidify foundations, improve understanding, and get ahead on next year’s concepts in a fun, low-pressure environment. Hours: Sunday 2-4, Monday and Wednesday 3:307:30 Tuesday and Thursday 11:30-4:30

(334) 356.1570 www.mathnasium.com/eastmontgomery

ad on page 24

Wetumpka, AL Ages 6-14. Take time off your hands while your kids play, learn, and make life long friends. We offer amazing themes for our camps and workshops year-round including spring break camps and summer camps, Robotics and STEM camps offered during the summer. Please call or visit our website or on Facebook under Snapology of the River Region.

(334) 318.2824 www.snapology.com

Sylvan STEM Camps ad on page 47

Sylvan Learning Center, 4240 Lomac Street, Montgomery, AL 36106 Python Coding II: Grades 5-8 $124. More advanced text coding for middle school grades, make comics, design and animate characters and build level-based games. Augmented Reality Coding: Grades 3-8 $124. Students will learn basic programming skills through a fun combination of animation and video game design projects. Kids will learn to put themselves in the game! 4th Annual STEM Challenge Camp: Grades 3-8, $149. Students will explore an ALL NEW real world problem and work in a team to solve the problem using K’NEX. Teams will compete against each other and with other Sylvan centers across the country to design the winning solution. Entries will be judged at the end of the summer by a team of judges. Grand prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. LAST YEAR WE PLACED NATIONALLY! 2nd PLACE OVERALL! All Day Botlab/Engineering Camp: Grades 1-6, $240. An action-packed camp centered around

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Equestrian Overnight Camps Camps Adventures in Math and

2019

Riverview Camp for Girls ad on page 60

757 County Road 614, Mentone, AL 35984 More than 15 activity choices available, including riding, climbing tower and ropes course. See details under Overnight Camps. Ages: Ages 6-16, varies by camp

Guide

(800) 882.0722 www.riverviewcamp.com

different themes each session! Students collaborate in pairs to build their own design based on robotics 201/202. They will use software to create programs and animate their bots. We will break from 12:30-1:30 for lunch. Don’t forget to pack your lunch! Study Skills Back to School Camp: Grades 9-12, $124. Our new and improved Back to School Boot Camp will give your child the skills and confidence needed for success – both in and out of the classroom. Students will learn critical study skills strategies, including how to: Set goals for the upcoming year, Organize schoolwork and study areas, Learn time management skills, Learn strategies to address learning preferences and Assess and successfully tackle all learning situations. Engineering Camp – Grades 1-3, $124. Working in collaborative pairs, the kids will solve a design challenge with nothing but their imaginations, their LEGO supplies, and their newfound knowledge of how simple machines work! Math EDGE: Grades 1-6 / Geometry EDGE / Algebra EDGE Grades 8-12, $124. Aligns to state and national standards and provides extra practice with problem-solving to help students succeed in the classroom. Uses a variety of engaging activities that gives students the extra boost they need to be confident in the math skills. Be sure to call us or check our website: https://locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/montgomery-al/schedules to choose from a variety of available dates and times for your child’s summer camps! Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 262.0043 www.sylvanlearning.com/montgomery

ACT Bootcamp

Lee Gonet’s unique method of having students take multiple practice tests, individually rework missed problems, and then review error types in group settings improves students’ scores dramatically, increasing ACT composites from 2 to 12 points in just a week’s time. This intensive prep class is Saturday 9-5, and Monday through Thursday 8-5, and includes book, practice tests, handouts, water, snacks, and 40 hours of testing and instruction. Cost: $200 Dates: Class 1: June 1-6 / Class 2: July 6-11 Locations: Class 1: GracePointe Church Montgomery, 1565 Ray Thorington Rd, Montgomery, AL 36117 / Class 2: Mountain View Baptist Church Wetumpka, 1025 Rifle Range Rd, Wetumpka, AL 36093 Ages: Ages 14 to adult (334) 524.7371

www.leestestprep.com

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp for Girls

Lookout Mountain, 606 Valley View Ranch Road, Cloudland, GA 30731 Horse lovers’ paradise since 1954! A’top Lookout Mountain, for 50 girls, 8-17; 4-2 week sessions, 600 acres, English, Western, Barrels, Vaulting, and Trails. CHA instructors teach beginner to advanced riders. Spend 4-6 hours daily with your OWN camp horse. The Jones family are third generation horse lovers, camp administrators, and equine educators making girls dreams come true! Ages: Girls, 8-17 (706) 862-2231 info@valleyviewranch.com www.valleyviewranch.com

MANE’s Unified Summer Camp

3699 Wallahatchie Road, Pike Road, AL 36064 MANE’s Unified Summer Camp will be held from 8:30 to 12pm Tuesday through Friday the weeks of July 9-12, July 16-19, and July 23-26. Riders must be between the ages of 4-14. Ages: Ages 4-14 (334) 213.0909 www.maneweb.org

Martial Arts Docarmo’s Summer Karate Camp ad on page 21

3447 Malcolm Drive, Montgomery, AL 36116 Summer Day Camp Dates: June 22, July15, 20, and August 3. Ages: Age varies by camp

(334) 220.5835 www.trytkdfree.com

Camp NextGen at NextGen Martial Arts in Prattville

698 Old Farm Lane, Prattville , AL 36066 Hyper Training Camp, June 3-7; Hyper Weapons Camp, June 24-28; TSD Level Up Camp, July 2226 and Black Belt Camp, July 29-August 2. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 590-3759 todd@nextgenmartialarts.com www.nextgenmartialarts.com

Science

ad on page 13

1255 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36604 Don’t waste your summer! Spend it at The Adventures in Math and Science summer camp in Mobile, AL. Learn while you have fun! Kayak Mobile Bay. Design a maze. Build a smart phone app. Solve a crime. Prepare for the ACT. Learn how to make jewelry. Build a robot. Launch a rocket, and much more! There is something for everyone! Who can enroll? Open to students entering the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades. Non-Alabama residents are also eligible to apply. This year, AIMS will run for three sessions. Students can sign up for one, two, or three weeks. Session 1 (June 3-7), Session 2 (June 10-14), and Session 3 (June 17-21) are all overnight or day camps. Overnight Camp is $385 per week (all inclusive - meals, classes, activities, and lodging). The weekend stay between Week 1-2 or Week 2-3 are an additional $185, which includes trip to a water park (weather permitting) and other fun activities. A $25 discount will apply (one per student) if application and all applicable forms are received by April 1. Ages: 6th-10th Grade (251) 441.2152 admissions@asms.net www.asms.net

Camp Chandler - YMCA ad on page 84

1240 Jordan Dam Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Scouts (5-8 Year Olds):4 Sessions- May 26-28, June 23-25, July 14-16 and July 21-23 Explorer Program (7-9 Year Olds):4 Sessions- May 29-31, June 26-28; July 17-19 and July 24-26 Rangers (8-14 Year Olds): 8 Sessions- May26-31, June 9-14, July 16-21, July 23-28, June 31-July 5, July 7-12, July 14-19 and July 21-26 Specialty Camps: Venture, Extreme, Wranglers, Fishing and Pioneers (10-14 years old): 7 Sessions- June 9-14, July 16-21, July 23-28, June 31-July 5, July 7-12, July 14-19 and July 21-26 LIT’s Leaders in Training (15 Year Olds): 2 Sessions- June 17-July 6 and July 8-27 Camp Chandler Day Camp (ages 5-12) 5 Sessions- June 18-22, June 25-29, July 9-13, July 16-20 and July 23-27 Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 269.4362 campchandler@mcamontgomery.org http://www.campchandler.org/

Camp Marannook ad on page 91

10425 Veterans Memorial Pkwy., Lafayette, AL 36862 June 2-July 26; Residential and Day Camps. From sunrise to after sunset, every camp day is packed with fun. Campers will swim, shoot archery, make crafts, eat s’mores around the campfire, and play games on the game field. They explore a huge maze, ride the cable car and crazy swing and are challenged by various rope and climbing activities. And there is a one-of-a-kind Bible Time with skits and drama. When the campers arrive, the counselors are ready to build relationships and to share the love of Christ through these relationships. Ages: 1st-9th Grade (334) 864.7504

http://marannook.org/

Camp Victory ad on page 39

Family Karate Center

Peppertree Shopping Center, 8159 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 Kids Karate camp for summer program offered every day. Ages 2 years old and up. Ages: Ages 2+ (334) 277.4911

363 Victory Circle, Samson, AL 36477 Weekly sessions beginning, June 3 – July 27; coed camp. Air conditioned cabins. Activities include Giant Swing, Zipline, Swimming Pool, Volleyball, Bunker Ball, Riflery & Archery, Tetherball, Mini Golf, Canoes, Kayaks, Pedal Boats, Basketball, Crafts, Carpetball, Ping Pong, Foosball, Fishing, Low

www.montgomeryparents.com

Ro Bib sen Tra ers Bib

Ag (33 ww

Ri ad

757 Cu cre tion ava cou Ag Da

May 26-July 26; Long Term 2-week sessions – (ages 6-16) June 2 – July 26. (800) 882.0722 www.riverviewcamp.com

Adventure Treks

nle,

e h

h, e

, 1-2 es r

net

1, 5,

Ropes Challenge Course, Indoor Climbing Wall, Bible Classes, Outdoor Education, Missionary Presentations, Chapel Services and Cabin Devotions; Trained Christian staff who live in cabins with campers; evening chapel. Affiliated with the Children’s Bible Mission. Rates: $260 per week Ages: 3rd-12th Grade (334) 898.7948 office@campvictoryal.org www.campvictoryal.org

Riverview Camp for Girls ad on page 60

757 County Road 614, Mentone AL 35984 Customized Combination of 2-9 weeks. ACA accredited. Free video and catalog. Non-denominational Christian camp. More than 15 activity choices available, including riding, climbing tower and ropes course. New pool and new tennis courts. Ages: 6-16, varies by camp Dates: Short Term 1-week sessions – (ages 6-12)

1899 Berea Church Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739 Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, Yellowstone, California, Ultimate Northwest, Alaska, and Leadership Summit. Each 13–30 day Adventure includes a wide variety of exciting wilderness activities such as rock climbing, whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, mountain biking, canoeing, mountaineering, and backpacking in some of the most breathtaking scenery in western. Ages: Ages 12-18 (888) 954.5555 info@adventuretreks.com www.adventuretreks.com

Alpine Camp for Boys

P. O. Box 297, Mentone, AL 35984 Call for CD-ROM with video; Junior Camp: (Grades 1-5) May 28-June 5; (Grades 2-9) First Term: June 7-July 2; (Grades 2-9) Second Term: July 5-30. Ages: Age varies by camp (256) 634.4404 summer@alpinecamp.com www.alpinecamp.com

Teen Camp, June 16-23, ages 12-16.

Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 652.3021 Alamiscocamp@gmail.com www.campalamisco.org

Camp Coleman

4010 Camp Coleman Rd, Camp Coleman, AL 35173 Day Camp (Grades 1-7): June 3-7, June 10-14, June 17-21 and June 24-28; Resident camp (Ages 6-14): June 9-14, 16-21, 23-28. There is the opportunity for Counselors in Training, 11th and 12th grades in the fall. Ages: Age varies by camp (800) 734.4541 www.girlscoutsnca.org

Camp Cosby - Birmingham YMCA

2290 Paul Bear Bryant Road, Alpine, AL 35014 Eight different sessions ranging in many different age groups. Camp dates begin on Sunday, June 2 -July 27. Ages 6-16. Ages: Ages 6-16 (800) 852.6729 cinfo@campcosby.org www.campcosby.org

Camp Hollymont for Girls

30 Ashville School Road, Asheville, NC 28806 Length: 6,13, 20 or 27 days; Camps Dates begin June 9-July 26 Ages: Ages 6-15, Girls (828) 686.5343 4info@hollymont.com www.hollymont.com

Camp Kiwanis

2365 Camp Kiwanis Road, Eclectic, AL 36024 Sessions available throughout the summer. Please check our website for dates. Ages: 2nd-12th Grade

(800) 239.6636 Link on website www.girlscoutssa.org

Camp Alamisco

1771 Camp Alamisco, Dadeville, AL 36853 Aquatics Camp, June 2-9, ages 13-17 Adventure Camp, June 2-9, ages 7-11. Junior Camp, June 9-16, ages 10-13.

Camp Laney

P.O. Box 289, Mentone, AL 35984 One Week Junior Camp Dates: (Ages 7-10) June 2-8, June 30-July 6 and July 14-20. Two Week

862

ry, nd ge e s.

elhe

oed

olf, ,

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Session 1: June 13-16; Session 2: June 20-23 Ages: Grades 1st-5th

2019

(800) 977.2688 www.tukabatcheebsa.org

Kanawahala Program Center

831 Girl Scout Road, Chelsea, AL 35043 Owned and operated by Cahaba Girl Scout Council. July 28-August 2 resident camp. Ages: 1st-12th Grade, Girls (800) 734.4541 tknowles@girlscoutnca.org www.girlscoutsnca.org

Guide

Session Camp dates:(Ages 7-15) June 2-14, June 16-28, June 30-July 12 and July 14-26 Ages: Ages 7-15, Boys (256) 634.4066 info@camplaney.com www.camplaney.com

Camp Mac Summer Camp for Boys and Girls

2671 Cheaha Road, Munford, AL 36268 Dates: Junior Term (1st-2nd) June 4-8; (2nd-5th grade) June 4-13; (3rd – 8th grade) June 16-July 12 and July 15-Aug. 3. Ages: 1st-8th Grade (256) 362.7449 office@campmac.com

McWane Science Center Summer Camp

200 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203 June 3-August 2 Eight one-week sessions for each age level. Students entering 1st through 7th grade will be full day camps. Pre K-Kindergarten will remain half day camps. Ages: Age varies by camp (205) 714.8300

www.mcwane.org

Museum Expedition Archaeology Camp 40

P.O. Box 870340, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Discover Alabama’s diverse natural history by participating in the 4st Annual Museum Expedition Camp! Dates TBA Ages: Grades 6th-12th, Varies by camp

Savannah College of Art & Design

(800) 869.7223 and Atlanta, GA; (877) 722.3285 admissions@scad.edu www.scad.edu/risingstar

Ag (20 ww

P.O. Box 2072, Savannah, GA 31402 Savannah Dates: June 16-July 19, Atlanta Dates: June 23-July 26. Open to students who completed junior year of high school. Ages: Rising 12th Grade

Sail Caribbean

256 Main Street, STE# 1203, Northport, NY 11768 Length: Programs range from 14 to 21 days Ages: 6th-12th Grade (800) 321.0994 bvi_office1@sailcaribbean.com www.sailcaribbean.com

(601) 845.6858

155 Milner Road, Florence, MS 39073 Six one-week sessions available June 3-July 13. Ages: Ages 6-12 www.twinlakescamp.org

U.S. Space Camp and Aviation Challenge

One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805 Dates: Runs year round; Summer Program is May -August, call for pricing. Ages: Ages 9 and up (800) 637.7223

www.spacecamp.com

YMCA Camp Ocoee

111 YMCA Drive, Ocoee, TN 37361 June 2-August 3. Ages: Ranger 7-15; Teen Leadership and Specialty Camps, 16-17. Ages: Age varies by camp (423) 338.5588 ocoee@ix.netcom.com www.campocoee.com

(205) 348.7550 museum.expedition@ua.edu http://amnh.ua.edu

Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer

218 Sea Gull Landing, Arapahoe, NC 28510 6/9 – 8/9; Length: 1, 2, & 4 week session; Ages: Ages 6-16

Camp Skyline Ranch

4888 Alabama Hwy 117, Mentone, AL 35984 June 2-July 26 Four 2 wk. sessions; Three 1 wk. Sessions Ages: Ages 6-16, Girls

Au Au 11Ca Ca Jul 8-1 9-1

Fau You -2 p ses pla Pa Fau

Camp Trico

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

(800) 448.9279 info@campskyline.com www.campskyline.com

3067 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36111

Ag (33 ww

(252) 249.1111 www.seagull-seafarer.org

Cub Scout Webelos Resident Camp, Camp Hobbs

(33

Ca Mo (ind (Fo Ca Ca Ca Ca Ca

(800) 239.6636 Link on website www.girlscoutssa.org

(800) 977.2688 www.tukabatcheebsa.org

470 Da

6051 Scoutshire Camp, Citronelle, AL 36522 Summer sessions available. Ages: Age varies by camp

3067 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36111 Session 1: May 31-June 1; Session 2: June 29-30 Ages: Grades 1st-5th

Camp Scoutshire Woods, Girl Scout Camp

Cub Camp

Al Ba

Ag (33

(800) 239.6636 Link on website www.girlscoutssa.org

www.girlscoutsnca.org

Ca We Ca Ch

Ag (33 ww

2365 Kamp Kiwanis Road, Eclectic, AL 36024 Dates: May 31-June 7. Ages: 6th-12th Grade, Girls

(800) 734.4541

Twin Lakes Camp

Camp Sailaway, Girl Scout Camp

315 Trico Drive, Guntersville, AL 35967 Dates: July7-12, July 14-19 and 21-26 Ages: Grades 1st-12th

Ca Jac Jun Se Co

North Carolina Outward Bound

2582 Riceville Road, Asheville, NC 28805 Year Round Programs; Length: 4-78 days; Ages: Ages 14+ (888) 756.2627 challenge@ncobs.org www.ncoutwardbound.com

Special Needs Camp ASCCA-Easter Seals

Ponderosa Bible Camp

ad on page 64

(256) 634.4397 www.ponderosabiblecamp.com

(800) 843.2267 info@campascca.org www.campascca.org

1018 County Road, Mentone, AL 35984 Dates: 6/9- 7/5; Length: One week; and Leadership Training Program for 11th and 12th graders. Ages: Age varies by camp

5278 Camp ASCCA Drive, Jackson Gap, AL 36861 Seven 1-week sessions. Ages 6 and up. Camps begin June 30-August 16. Ages: Age varies by camp

www.montgomeryparents.com

fau

M Sp ad

153 Ca vol to t

Ag (33

: d

Camp Seale Harris

Camp ASCCA, 5278 Camp ASCCA Drive , Jackson Gap, AL 36861 Junior Camp (ages 6 - 13), June 9-14; Senior Camp (ages 12 - 18), June 1-7; Coastal Camp (ages 10-18), July 21-26 Ages: Age varies by camp (205) 402.0415 info@campsealeharris.org www.campascca.org

Camp Wheeze-Away

Camp Chandler, 1240 Jordan Dam Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Camp Wheeze-Away will be held at YMCA Camp Chandler, May 26-31. Ages: Ages 8-12 (334) 244.7811 brendabasnight@yahoo.com www.ymca.net

Sports Camps Alabama Christian Academy Basketball Camp ad on page 17

4700 Wares ferry Road, Montgomery, AL Dates: TBA; Please call for more information. (334) 277.1985

Auburn Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Soccer ad on page 64

Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 Auburn Soccer Goalkeeper & Striker Camp (ages 11-18), June 7-8; Auburn Soccer June Residential Camp (ages 9-18), girls only, June 16-19; Elite Camp (ages 13-18), girls only, July 12-14; Soccer July Day Camp (ages 5-12), boys and girls, July 8-11; Auburn Soccer July Residential Camp I, (ages 9-15), girls and boys, July 16-19 Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 844.9637

www.auburnsoccercamp.com

FC Montgomery Soccer Futsal ad on page 50

Capital City Sportsplex, 1555 Eastern Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36117 (indoor/air conditioned) Coach Bruno (Former pro & College coach - Masters Phy. Ed.) Camp 1: May 27-31 Camp 2: June 10-14 Camp 3: June 24-28 Camp 4: July 8-12 Camp 5: July 29 - August 2 Ages: All ages (334) 207.5442 brunomr@fcmontgomery.com www.fcmontgomery.com

Faulkner Baseball Camps ad on page 16

Faulkner University, Atlanta Highway, Montgomery Youth Baseball Camp Session I: June 10-13. 9am -2 pm; Youth Baseball Camp Session II (same as session I): June 17-20 9 am- 2:00 pm. $125 per player. All registration is online. Patrick McCarthy, Head Baseball Coach, Faulkner University

faulknerbaseballcamps.com

Macon East Academy Sports Camps ad on page 27

15396 Vaughn Road, Cecil, AL 36013 Camps include Elementary baseball, soccer, volleyball, basketball and football. All camps open to the public. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 277.6566 www.maconeast.net

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Saint James Youth Cheerleader Camp for Pre-K3 – 6th grade, July 22-25, 9 a.m.-Noon; Jimmy Perry Boys Football Camp, Ages 5-13, July 29-31, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Ages: Age varies by camp

2019

(334) 277.8033, ext. 145 www.stjweb.org

Trinity Sports Camps ad on page 7

Guide Montgomery Catholic Preparatory Summer Camps ad on page 51

5350 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 Wrestling Camp (Boys, 6-11 years), May 28-30 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. ; Tennis Camp (Rising 4th-8th grade), June 3-5 from 8:30-11:30 a.m.; Baseball Camp (Boys, ages 6-12), June 3-5 from 9-Noon ; Soccer Camp (6-11 years old), June 10-12 from 8:30-11:30 a.m.; Basketball Camp (K-6th grade), June 17-19 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. ; Softball Camp (Girls, 6-12 yrs.), June 24-26 from 8:30-11 a.m. ; Football Camp (Boys, 6-12 yrs.), July 29-31 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. ; Volleyball Camp (Girls, rising4th8th), July 29-31 from 8:30-11:30 a.m.; Cheer Camp (Girls, 4-12 yrs.), August 7-9 from 8:30-11:30 Ages: Ages vary by camp (334) 272.7221 www.montgomerycatholic.org

O’Connor Tennis Camps ad on page 84

500 Anderson Street, Montgomery, AL 36107 Dates and Class times to be announced. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 240.4884 bbradshaw10s@gmail.com www.oconnortenniscenter.com

Saint James School Sports Camps ad on page 1

6010 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 Saint James School will continue its summer tradition of providing a variety of sports and cheerleader camps for young people. Printed information will be available soon and will include cost, age groups and other pertinent information. Call Jerry Browning, athletic director, or the individual coaches at (334) 277.8033, ext. 145. Keith Luckey Baseball Camp; 1st -5th grade, June 3-5 from 9 a.m. - Noon. Keith Luckey Baseball Camp; 6th grade and above, June 3-5 from 1-4 p.m.; Baseball Pitching Clinic for 5th grade and up, June 6, 9a.m. - Noon. Katie Barton Girls Basketball Camp for 2nd – 8th, June 3-6, 9 a.m. -Noon; Nigel Card Boys Basketball Camp for 4th – 8th grade, June 10-13, 9 a.m.-Noon; Mark Hall Softball Camp for 2nd – 8th grade, June 17-20,9 a.m.-Noon; Jeff Corley Wrestling Camp for 3rd – 8th grade, June 25-27, 9-11 a.m.; Karen Lee Volleyball Camp for 3rd - 8th grade, July 8-10, 9 a.m.-Noon; Montgomery Parents I March 2019

1700 E. Trinity Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36106 Baseball Camp (6 yrs-7th Grade): June 5-7, 8-11 a.m.; Girls Basketball Camp, TBA Girls & Boys Soccer Camp, TBA Boys Basketball (Rising 3rd-8th Grade): June 2427, 9 a.m.-Noon; Softball Camp, TBA Dance Camp(K4-5th Grade): July 29-30, 8:30 a.m.-Noon; LIttle Cats Cheer Camp (K4-5th Grade): July 31-Aug. 2,9 a.m.-Noon; Twirler Camp (K5-6th Grade): August 3, 9 a.m.Noon Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 213.2100 www.trinitywildcats.com

Alabama Baseball Camp

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 June 9-July 16. Four themed sessions. Age ranges for these camps are K-12th grade. 1,2,3 and overnight camps available. Ages: Age varies by camp (205) 348.8849 www.rolltide.com

Alabama Football Camp

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 The University of Alabama has a wide selection of Football camps during the months of June and July. Age ranges for these camps are K-12th grade. Ages: Age varies by camp (205) 348.0808

www.rolltide.com

Alabama Men’s Basketball Camp

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Dates to be announced. Ages: Grades 9th-12th (205) 348.4111 www.rolltide.com

Alabama Women’s Basketball Camp

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Dates to be announced. Ages: Grades 9th-12th (205) 348.6164 www.rolltide.com

Auburn Tiger Football Camps

Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 Dates: June 3-June 15. Nine themed sessions. Ages: Grades 3rd-12th, Age varies by camp www.auburnfootballcamps.com

Auburn Tiger Junior Golf Camp

Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 June 9-11; This camp will benefit all ages and all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Ages: Ages 7-17 (334) 844.9657

www.auburntigergolfcamps.com

Auburn Tiger Softball Camp

Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 All Skills Camp I – Ages 12-19, TBA All Skills Camp II –Ages 12-19, TBA Ages: Ages 12-19 (334) 844.9515

www.auburntigers.com

Auburn Tiger Swim Camp

Auburn University, Auburn, AL 26849 Speed and Power Day Camp – May26-30; Overnight Camp – Session I: May 27-31; Starts, Turns and Breakouts Day Camp – June1415; Overnight Camp – Session II: June 2-6 Ages: Ages 10-18

auswimcamps@gmail.com www.auburnswimcamps.com

Auburn University Baseball Camps

Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 Team Camp, June 10-13; Pitcher/Catching/Infield Camp, June 28-30; Youth Camp, (ages 7-12) July 9-12 and July 16-19; High school Showcase Camp, July 10-13 Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 844.4975 Link on website www.auburntigersbaseballcamp.com

Auburn Volleyball Camp

Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 Position Camp 1, July 8; Serving Clinic I, July 8; Highschool All-Skills Camp, July 5-7; Position Camp 2, July 10; Serving Clinic 2, July 10; Youth All Skills Camp, July 19-21 Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 844.9637 www.auburntigers.com

AUM Sports Camps

7400 East Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 Dates to be announced in the spring. Please check our website for Camp information. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 244.3000 www.aumathletics.com

Faulkner Sports Camps

Faulkner University, 5345 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery, AL 36109 Camps vary by sport. Please check our website in May for camp dates. Ages: Ages 6-17 (334) 386.7148 www.faulkner.edu

Huntingdon College Baseball Camps

1500 East Fairview Ave., Montgomery, AL 36106 1st session- High School Showcase Skills Camp, Grades 9-12, May 18; 2nd session- Fundamentals Camp, May 28-30, ages 5-15 Ages: Age varies by camp

M C y da

ch m op o

Ca es a s ve bo e P F

8 ab a t CO vis

C (in

ha li

(334) 833.4501 www.huntingdonhawks.com

Huntingdon College Basketball Camps

1500 East Fairview Ave., Montgomery, AL 36106 BE STRONG Skills Academy (Grades 9th-12th) , May 31-June 2; Summer Basketball Camp I (Ages 6-17), June 24-27; Summer Basketball Camp I (Ages 6-17) I, July 29-August 1. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 833.4399 www.huntingdonhawks.com

Huntingdon College Soccer I.D. Camp

1500 East Fairview Ave., Montgomery, AL 36106 Soccer I.D. Camp (Grades 9th-12th), June 15th, 8:45 until 3 p.m.; Summer Youth Academy (Ages 6-14), July 15-19, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Ages: Grades 9th-12th (334) 833.4316 www.hchawkssoccercamps.com

Huntingdon College Summer Youth Academy for Soccer

1500 East Fairview Ave., Montgomery, AL 36106 Summer Youth Academy (Ages 6-14), July 15-19, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Ages: Ages 6-15 (334) 833-4316 www.hchawkssoccercamps.com

4 M 4p C Sy ne Do C a t n too Ha M sio

B M

McCallie Sports Camp

500 Dodds Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404 Length: Three 2-week sessions MSC Session I: Monday, June 10 Saturday, June 22; MSC Session II: Monday, June 24 - Saturday, July 6; MSC Session III: Monday, July 8 - Sat, July 20 Ages: Ages 9-15 (800) 672.2267 www.mccallie.org

www.montgomeryparents.com

M C

y mp,

All

22; 6;

Spring Break Camps Docarmo’s Spring Break Camp

3447 Malcolm Drive, (334) 220.5835 March 19 & 22. Why Our Camps are So Great for Children! If you’ve been to day camp as a child, you’re not surprised to hear about the benefits of day camp. At our Taekwondo Day Camps, children spend their day being physically active – As children spend so much time these days inside and mostly sitting down, camp provides a wonderful opportunity to move. At Docarmo’s Taekwondo, all of our camp students are not only learning great character benefits, but also have fun obstacle courses, great camp theme challenges, and awesome games to be involved in. Camp is action! Camp helps children build self-confidence and selfesteem by removing the kind of academic, athletic and social competition that shapes their lives at school. With its non-competitive activities and diverse opportunities to succeed, day camp is a real boost for young people. There are accomplishment every day. Day Camp teaches kids that they can. Please visit us at www.trytkdfree.com. Visit us on Facebook under Docarmos Taekwondo Center.

Expedition Lanark Spring Break Camp

March 18-22 and March 25-29 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (early drop-off & aftercare available) We always have lots of fun activities planned and with our NaturePlex facility, we are prepared to have fun in any type of weather! AGES: 6-12 | COST: $125.00/week. Please call (334) 285.4550 or visit www.alabamawildlife.org for more information.

FC Montgomery Soccer Futsal

Capital City Sportsplex, 1555 Eastern Boulevard (indoor/air conditioned) Coach Bruno (Former pro & College coach - Masters Phy. Ed.) March 18-22; ALL AGES - Cost: Half Days $125/ week or Full Days $195/week Most Advanced Youth Development Methodology Worldwide! Come improve your technique and have fun the Brazilian way! Sign up now! Space is limited! Please visit www.fcmontgomery.com and contact coach Bruno brunomr@fcmontgomery. com or (334) 207.5442.

Sylvan EDGE Robotics Camp

4240 Lomac Street, Montgomery, (334) 262.0043 March 18-21: Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. until 4p.m. Full and Half Day available. Grades 1st-5th. Create a sense of wonder this Spring Break with Sylvan EDGE: Robotics, Game, Design, and Engineering. Our Spring Break Camp is filling up fast! Don’t miss our: Engaging classes that focus on fun, Creative activities that encourage critical thinking and early love for STEM, one of a kind curriculum that teaches STEM skills and vocabulary words needed for long-term success and reinforcement tools so learning can take place far beyond Sylvan. Half Day, $124 and Full Day, $240, snack provided. Morning session from 9-NOON and Afternoon session from 12:30-4 p.m. Full Day Campers bring your lunch. Please call to reserve your spot today. www.sylvanlearning.com/montgomery

United Gymstars Spring Break Camp

Brewbaker Blvd in Montgomery, (334) 284.2244 March 18-22 from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.; Ages 5-12. Please check our website for rates. www.unitedgymstarsandcheer.com

YMCA Branches and Goodtimes Center March 18-22, Goodtimes and East YMCA March 25-29, Grandview YMCA and Wetumpka Check with the East Y for swim camp. Please call 279.8666 or visit www.ymcamontgomery.org.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

The Lego Movie 2

Isn’t It Romantic?

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B Violence: C+ Sexual Content: A Profanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: A Everything isn’t awesome anymore. Lego Duplo invaders have been attacking the Lego world for five years, destroying all attempts at rebuilding. Giving up in despair, the citizens finally stop trying, harden themselves, and rename their community Apocalypseburg. But for Emmet Brickowski (voiced by Chris Pratt), awesomeness is a state of mind. Emmet remains relentlessly upbeat, focusing on the good things in life like his friend Lucy (voiced by Elizabeth Banks) and his brand new house. Even when he tries to assume a brooding attitude, his cheerfulness keeps breaking through. Until the aliens return. This time their ship destroys Emmet’s home and seizes Lucy and some other friends – and it’s partly Emmet’s fault. Torn apart by grief and guilt, Emmet builds a spaceship and launches himself into outer space, determined to turn himself into the kind of strong, tough guy who is capable of rescuing his friends. And then he meets Rex Dangervest, who is the kind of guy Emmet wants to be. “You need to be a master breaker”, Rex tells the master builder and encourages him to tap into his dark feelings to make that transformation. Can Emmet change? Should he? Parents will be happy to have their youngsters exposed to messages about having a positive attitude, remaining hopeful in hard times, working together, being open to different perspectives, and – here’s the motherlode – getting along with siblings. Best of all, this production delivers all of these uplifting messages without profanity, vulgar jokes or potty humor. There is a fair bit of Lego violence but none of it is scary and, obviously, it isn’t gory either.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: B Sexual Content: BProfanity: CAlcohol / Drug Use: CNatalie (Rebel Wilson) hates romantic comedies. She complains to her friends, Josh (Adam Devine) and Whitney (Betty Gilpin) about the clichés found in the genre – the gay best friend who doesn’t have a job, the female office nemesis, the iconic stopping-the-wedding scene. Natalie looks at her life - small apartment, lonely social calendar, and a job where she is overlooked and undervalued – and decrees that rom-coms are deceptive fantasies. Then everything changes. Natalie is concussed after a subway mugging and wakes up in a different world. Her apartment is large and full of shoes, her terse neighbor, Donny (Brandon Scott Jones) has morphed into her gay sidekick, Whitney is trying to destroy her career, and she is being determinedly pursued by handsome billionaire Blake (Liam Hemsworth). The only thing that feels familiar is Josh – until he has a meet-cute with swimsuit model Isabella. Panicking in this unfamiliar universe, Natalie frantically tries to figure out how to get back to her own reality. Isn’t It Romantic? covers familiar ground but it does so with a pronounced wink to the audience. The song and dance numbers, the overthe-top dinner dates, the kiss in the rain – all the quintessential rom-com elements are here but are presented tongue in cheek. What viewers are likely to complain about is the production’s excessive use of profanity. A feel good movie like this doesn’t need the almost four dozen curses, terms of deity and crude words. And it doesn’t need the vulgar sexual innuendo. These negative content issues are particularly disappointing because they spoil a film that is otherwise a great product for teens.

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

Fighting with My Family

MPAA Rating: PG Overall: AViolence: BSexual Content: AProfanity: A Alcohol / Drug Use: A How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World continues the saga of the people of Berk, whose lives are so bound up with dragons that they have turned their community into a sanctuary for the creatures they rescue from captivity. All is well under the leadership of their young chief, Hiccup, until dragon-hungry warlords band together and hire the infamous hunter, Grimmel, to kill Hiccup’s sidekick. His dragon is special: Toothless is a night fury, the alpha whose rule is acknowledged by all other dragons. With Toothless dead, his subjects will be disorganized and easier to capture. After some frightening encounters with Grimmel, Hiccup decides that the only way to keep the dragons safe is to go on a quest for a mythical land he heard about from his late father, Stoick. The Hidden Kingdom is the rumored ancestral home of the dragons and is a place where they can be safely separated from violent, greedy humans. Hiccup and his friend Astrid persuade the Berkians to make the journey. But then a female night fury turns up and Toothless falls in love. As it usually does, love makes everything more complicated. The only potential area of concern for parents is violence, of which there is a significant amount. But the action is heavily sanitized, without any blood, gore, or visible suffering. It is a highly entertaining film, with a good mixture of action and humor, plus has numerous positive messages that parents will want their kids to absorb.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+; Violence: B Sexual Content: B Profanity: C; Alcohol / Drug Use: C+ Fighting with My Family is the touching true story of WWE wrestler Saraya “Paige” Bevis, a young girl from Norwich who dreams of competing at the highest levels of professional wrestling. With help from her father Ricky (Nick Frost), a local wrestling promoter, and mother Julia (Lena Headey), a wrestler herself, Paige and her brother Zack (Jack Lowden) struggle to succeed in the taxing world of wrestling. When the WWE holds tryouts nearby, both Paige and Zack are invited to attend. However, when only Paige is chosen to proceed, Zack takes it hard. Will Paige be able to put aside her brother’s ill feelings and complete the training? And will she be able to see past her own struggles to get the championship belt she has dreamed about for so long? This movie has a very My Big Fat Greek Wedding meets Creed vibe, with all of the quirky family fun of the former and the competitive sport tradition of the latter. As the title suggests, family is very much at the center of this film, and Paige’s friends and relatives have more than enough personality to make the whole movie shine. Individuals are witty but still realistically flawed, making for a really appealing cast of characters. Ricky and Coach Hutch Morgan (Vince Vaughn) stood out for me as some of the funniest characters in the script, but both characters are convincingly complex and have shadows in their past. And Stephen Merchant’s smart, snappy dialogue adds zest to the entire production. The great thing about the movie is that you don’t have to know anything about the WWE to have a fun time. Content concerns are surprisingly minimal. The film’s PG-13 rating is appropriate: okay for teens, not suitable for children.

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

life

dly hat a. w

ely

d ve

d get

with

nd e or e t nd on. g al. n.

2019

k er e nd

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2019

HUNTSVILLE 2019

HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2019 THE JAYCEE COMMUNITY BUILDING ON AIRPORT ROAD FROM 10AM- 3PM

THE EXCEPTIONAL FOUNDATION IN HOMEWOOD . 10AM-2PM

PRESENTED BY

AIM PLUS MEDICAL SUPPLIES

CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OF ALABAMA

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

loa

ras ou be we

fin the Am se pe be

be int thi Un ere ca are

ca ou tio ily clu yo tim yo

How many times have you yelled at your kids to clean up the mess in their bedroom or playroom? Believe it or not, that clutter isn’t just stressing you out because you are annoyed—it is stressing out

the entire family because the sheer existence of clutter is linked to stress and anxiety. In fact, according to a study by UCLA’s Center on Everyday Lives and Families (CELF), the amount of stress family members experience at home is directly proportional to the amount of stuff they and their family have accumulated. Why is this the case and what can we do about it?

Why Clutter Causes Stress

It’s no surprise that constantly seeing piles of stuff build up in our home—whether it be papers, toys, loose pictures, laundry, gadgets, etc.—can take a toll on us, but the reasons are more complicated than you would think. Messy homes can leave us feeling anxious, helpless, overwhelmed, embarrassed, ashamed, and/or guilty. Many of us may not even recognize that the clutter is the source of our stress, especially if it’s been part of our environment for so long. Montgomery Parents I March 2019

wh by Fa se ac ac sta se tha str the ate wh ge

www.montgomeryparents.com

dra ou Th co we

Clutter causes us to feel stressed because it: * Overstimulates our mind and overloads our senses. * Distracts us. * Constantly signals our brain that we have more work to do. * Makes it very hard for us to relax both physically and mentally. * Creates feelings of guilt and embarrassment when guests come over and see our disorganization. We worry that we will be judged and even ridiculed for the way we live. * Frustrates us when we have trouble finding what we need. According to the American Demographics Society, Americans waste 9 million hours each day searching for misplaced items, and 23 percent of adults say they pay bills late because they lose them. * Stunts creativity and productivity because our brain is overwhelmed by the intruding stimuli in the space where we think and work. A study by the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute discovered that individuals surrounded by physical clutter in a disorganized environment are less productive and more distracted. Feeling anxious about clutter can cause additional stress-related issues in our lives such as sleep problems and relationship issues due to arguments with family members about the mess. And if your clutter causes you to lose items and make you late, this can impact school drop-off times, job performance, and finances if your bills are not paid on time. Many American families are overwhelmed by clutter, according to research by UCLAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center on Everyday Lives and Families (CELF). During the study, researched visited the homes of 32 families across the country and found that living in a cluttered space can create a subtle, constant sense of stress that impacts mood and self-esteem. Additionally, they discovered that women in the household were more stressed out by the clutter than the rest of the family members. The mothers evaluated had elevated levels of stress hormones while sorting out their possessions to try and get them more organized.

Why Reducing Clutter Helps

All of that stuff taking over your closets, drawers, and counter space starts to send out negative energy throughout your home. Those piles exude chaos, disorder, and confusion, which can stress us out. When we clean up the mess, our overall stress 97

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum March 29-31 & April 6-7 1919 9th Street - Calera, AL

FOR TICKETS:

Visit dayoutwiththomas.com or call TicketWeb at 866-468-7630

level starts to dissipate and we feel more positive energy to help us live a happier, healthier life. According to Joyce Marter, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Founder of Urban Balance, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our environment is a direct reflection of our internal mental health and vice versa. So, if our home is disorganized our minds may feel scattered as well. Home organization promotes serenity and wellness in your life.â&#x20AC;? She suggests purging unnecessary items from our home so that we can live more efficiently. When we have less clutter to manage, we save time and are less stressed overall. Professional organizer Angela Betancourt has seen evidence firsthand of mental health benefits as a result of clients decluttering their home. They typically experience less stress and anxiety, more inner peace, a boost in self-confidence, and improved health habits like more restful sleep. In essence, a clutter-free environment allows us to think more clearly, accomplish our tasks more effectively, and rest more calmly. Finally, decluttering tends to help us feel more confident about having guests in our home. We no longer worry about being judged for our mess, relieving us of anxiety, embarrassment, and relationship conflicts.

How To Get Organized

It may feel overwhelming and intimidating to start tackling your clutter. The more that you have, the more challenging it can be. You may feel stressed even just thinking about getting rid of your belongings because it can muster up a sense of loss or bring up old memories. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to get over that emotional hurdle so that you can start sorting and throwing out items that no longer serve your family. Just keep telling yourself that the process will ultimately lead to less stress! Your goal is to simplify your environment by clearing out items that you no longer need or that no longer bring you joy and to clean up the areas where things tend to get messy and disorganized. There are endless websites, articles, books, professional organizers, and stores that offer amazing tips to help you declutter your space. Find what is most effective for your family, but be careful not to get too overwhelmed by all the options. Here are some organizing tips and tricks to get you started: Make it a family activity. There is no reason that you should get stuck tackling all the clutter in your home. Recruit the whole family Montgomery Parents I March 2019

www.montgomeryparents.com

an de to or kid su se

Se yo up ev en ing

Sto ho wit rid aw ma up Re cle yo us

Inv sim Do rig loo ag

1. to life 2. an at 3. els als loc 4. item or sib 5. do ag clo ke

San mo par can ww

der

to ed

al e

s s

n g y, .

and make it fun. Put on some music and order some pizza. Consider starting a contest to see who can organize their room the best or collect the most items for charity. Your kids will gain so much from this experience, such as organizational skills and feeling a sense of accomplishment. Set a schedule. By adding decluttering to your calendar, you will prevent it from piling up. Create a routine like the first Sunday of every month or before certain holidays. The end of summer before school starts and during spring break are perfect times to purge. Stop the junk at the door. When you come home from a birthday party or other event with a handful of giveaways, be sure to get rid of what you don’t want or need right away. This is also a great way to handle mail. Recycle unwanted mail before it ends up on your desk or countertop. Return everything to its place. Save yourself clean up time by putting things back where you found them as soon as you are done using them.

PHYSICIANS TO CHILDREN

Invest in organizational products. Keep it simple: file folders for important papers, a To Do basket for items that need to be tackled right away, baskets or containers to store loose photographs and kids’ artwork, storage bins for out-of-season clothing, etc.

welcomes

DR. MALISSA HOY Now accepting new patients ages newborn to 18 years

at-

or t

y nd

mily

Finally, follow this popular sorting method that most experts suggest: 1. Keep. These are items that you continue to need and use, and that bring joy to your life. 2. Sell. These are items that you want to try and sell online through Craigslist or eBay or at a yard sale. 3. Donate. Your trash could be someone else’s treasure. Give these items to individuals who could use them or donate them to a local charity. 4. Trash. These are unwanted or unused items that are too damaged to be donated or sold immediately. Please recycle if possible. 5. Store. If you really can’t decide what to do, box it up and put a date on it. Look at it again in six months. Store in an attic, extra closet, garage, or offsite storage facility to keep it out of the way. mp

P H YS I C I A N S TO C H I L D R E N Taylor Medical Complex 470 Taylor Rd, Suite 210 Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 293-5033 P

P H Y S I C I A N S TO C H I L D R E N C h i l d re n s A L . o rg / p hys i c i a n s - t o - c h i l d re n

A great program for K-1st repeaters

Call 334-549-8955

Sandi Schwartz is a freelance writer/blogger and mother of two. She has written extensively about parenting, wellness, and environmental issues. You can find her at www.happysciencemom.com and www.sandischwartz.com.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

FamilyCalendar Friday, March 1

First Friday Music 6-8:30 p.m. Common Bond Brewers, 424 Bibb Street, Suite #150, Montgomery. Cameron DuBois, a singer/ songwriter hailing from right here in Montgomery, will play original and country and R&B cover songs. This is a free, family friendly event. Outside food welcome. Bring the family and enjoy good tunes and good brews. Call (334) 676-2287 or find us on Facebook. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Our Town-- through April 27 Written by Thornton Wilder; directed by Bruce Longworth. Our Town follows young lovers Emily and George and their neighbors through a life journey that delivers universal truths about what it means to be human. Recommended ages 11+. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net or call (334) 271-5353.

Zoo Volunteer Serve Day Spring 2019 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway. Volunteers can be adults, teens, civic groups, school groups, church groups, businesses, military squadrons, and families. Volunteers ages 12-16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or a designated group chaperone. Volunteers under the age of 19 must obtain parent permission to volunteer. For more info or to register, call (334) 625-4900 or register at www.montgomeryzoo.com/. MPAC Presents Needtobreathe: Acoustic Live Tour 7 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Grammynominated rock band hailing from South Carolina, whose most recent album H A R D L O V E was

263-0532 or visit www.macoa.org/culinary-caper for more info. W.A. Gayle Planetarium Presents Out There Through March 31 Weekday shows begin at 4 p.m.; Sunday matinee begins at 2 p.m. Gayle Planetarium, 1010 Forest Ave., Montgomery. The sun is just one star among hundreds of billions in our galaxy—and most of those stars have planets! A huge diversity of worlds is out there, just waiting to be discovered. For more info, call (334) 625-4799 or find us on Facebook. First Sundays at One -- Also April 7 1-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more about the traveling exhibitions as well as the

Find a listing of Public Library Storytimes and Events at

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Romeo and Juliet -- Through April 28 Written by by William Shakespeare; directed by Rick Dildine. Romeo is a Montague, and Juliet a Capulet—“star-crossed lovers” whose families’ long-standing feud has pitted neighbor against neighbor in a mid-20th-century American town. Shakespeare’s iconic story asks the question: What happens when a community fails its young people? Recommended ages 12+. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net or call (334) 271-5353.

Saturday, March 2

8th Annual Pike Road Art Market 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Pike Road Town Hall, 9575 Vaughn Road. Filled with unique artwork and handcrafted items from all over Alabama, this event is free and open to the public. Wares range from traditional paintings to handmade jams and botanical skincare products, jewelry crafting and much more. The local British Car Club will showcase authentic British cars outside. For more info, call (334) 272-9883 or visit www.pikeroad.us/. Old Cahawba Cemetery Walking Tour 10-11 a.m. Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, 9518 Cahaba Rd, Orrville, Ala. Join us for a one-hour guided tour as we visit one of Cahawba’s three cemeteries. This tour will explore the personal sagas of many of those who lived at the site of Alabama’s first capital before joining its community of perpetual residents. Call (334) 872-8058 for more info or visit www.ahc.alabama.gov or www.facebook.com/oldcahawba. Admission is $8/person. Southeastern Raptor Center Presentation 10-11 a.m. Wild Birds Unlimited 1470 Taylor Rd.. #107, Montgomery. The event will include drawings and giveaways all throughout the day on Saturday. During the event, hawks, falcon, eagles and other birds of prey will be brought out for attendees to see and discover. This is a FREE event. For more info, call (334) 239-9152 or find us on Facebook. Mardi Gras Madness, Zumba Concert and Fit Fest 2:30 p.m. check-in; events are 3-8 p.m. Bell Road YMCA. Come join us for a night of Powerlifting, Y Fit, Body combat, Y Ride and many more side attractions! This is a family event which means everyone is invited. For more info, e-mail mpeake@ymcamontgomery.org or call (334) 271-4343. Proceeds benefit the annual support campaign. Wetumpka Mardi Gras Festival 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Historic downtown Wetumpka. Vendors at Gold Star Park; parade at 1 p.m. Find us on Facebook.

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

Home Depot Kids’ Workshop 9 a.m.-noon. All locations. Ages 5-12. Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety. This month, you and your child can build a freestanding clock with easy-to-read numbers, movable hands and a storage tray to house reminders or important trinkets. Once your project is built, decorate it with paint and stickers. Each child also receives a kid-sized orange apron and an achievement pin. For more info, visit http://homedepot.com/workshops/ kids-workshops. Michael’s Kids Club -- Also March 9, 16, 23 & 30 10 a.m.-noon. $2 per project. Supplies included. Ages 3-8. Each session is 30 minutes. Parent or guardian must remain on premises. Mar. 2 is Painted Rock Friends; Mar. 9 is Tulip Time; Mar. 16 is Rainbow Bright; Mar. 23 is Gnome Sweet Gnome; and Mar. 30 is Egg-stra Fun. For more info, visit www. michaels.com/. Guided Nature Hike at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook -- Also April 6 Hike some of Lanark’s 5 miles of trails with an aturday experienced ANC naturalist by your side. S programs are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Take a look around the hands-on Discovery Hall, enjoy the movie specials in the theater, and explore the trails. General admission applies: $5/person with a $20 maximum per family. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife. org/ or call (800) 822-9453.

Sunday, March 3

25th Annual Culinary Caper 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Alabama Activity Center 201 Dexter Ave, Montgomery. Chefs from Montgomery’s finest restaurants will host this event to benefit MACOA and our Meals on Wheels program. The silent auction will open at 11:30 with a reception to follow at noon and lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. Tickets available for $75 per person. Call (334)

100

Art

us Eac coll inst for yog info call

MontgomeryParents.com! released in 2016 and debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Albums, Top Current Albums, Top Rock Albums and Top Alternative Albums charts and #2 on the Billboard 200, their greatest debut yet. Tickets begin at $41. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

arti cult in e me bec epa

Museum’s Permanent Collection in these FREE docent-led tours the FIRST Sunday of each month. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Winnie- the-Pooh -- Through May 5 From the stories of A.A. Milne, dramatized by le Clanché du Rand; directed by Neil David Seibel. Join Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and friends in this charming musical adaptation of A.A. Milne’s classic stories. Winnie-the-Pooh spends his days searching for honey, doing his exercises, and playing with his best friends. Adventures ensue as a new animal — a kangaroo — moves to the forest! Recommended ages 3+. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net or call (334) 271-5353.

Monday, March 4

Wetumpka Depot Spring Youth Academy Sessions run through May 7 Do you have a budding singer, dancer or actor in your family? Sign up your young artist for the Wetumpka Depot Youth Academy. Classes are offered after school on Mondays and Thursdays for ages 8 and up, or during the day for homeschoolers on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For details, visit www. wetumpkadepot.com/youth-actors-academy.html or call (334) 868-1440.

Wednesday, March 6

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. The Muses at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts -- Also March 13 4-5 p.m. The Muses is a teen council that enjoys creative experiences and collaborates to help shape the Museum’s teen program offerings and more. Participation allows students to meet professional

www.montgomeryparents.com

Ear Als 2:3 of F Art lear clot mo ma are For org

Pro 9-1 tist Uni with hig opp able site pot (33

Wo 9a row insp wh Eliz sch jlm

Op 7-9 Pre 625

Elm Me 10 428 Hom gro pos chil the sec rou Me in t onl

ose ut ,

est

rs w. or

m. he

ter

FamilyCalendar artists and peers, learn about working in an arts and cultural organization, and gain real-world experience in event-planning, outreach, and project management. To learn how to represent your school and become part of the Muses, contact Elisabeth at epalmer@mmfa.org. Artful Yoga at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts -Also March 20 Noon-1 p.m. Does your yoga practice need a little artistic inspiration? Join us for this new program to stretch, reflect and relax. Each Artful Yoga session will draw inspiration from collections and exhibitions of the Museum. Led by instructor Nancy Beale. The class is free and suitable for all levels; beginners are welcome. Bring your yoga mats and wear comfortable clothing. For more info, visit https://mmfa.org/discover/artful-yoga/ or call (334) 240-4333.

Thursday, March 7

Earth’s Heart: Connecting Cultures -Also March 14, 21 & 28 2:30-3 p.m. ArtWorks at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Explore the arts of different cultures. ArtWorks Educator Kelly Bazan will introduce young learners to the basic greetings, visual arts, music, clothing, and traditions of the country in focus (this month is New Zealand). Connections will also be made to works in the Museum’s galleries. Classes are limited to 25 students. First come, first serve. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa. org/.

Friday, March 8

Project Search Montgomery Open House 9-11 a.m. UAB Medicine Multispecialty Clinic At Baptist Medical Center South, 2119 East South Boulevard. Unique, business-led transition program for students with significant disabilities. Project Search provides high school students in Montgomery County with the opportunity to explore careers and develop transferable job skills while allowing the host placement site, Baptist Health, a chance to assess or “audition” potential employees at no cost. For more info, call (334) 613-7070. Women’s Leadership Summit 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Montgomery Country Club 3001 Narrow Lane Rd., Montgomery. The event will feature inspiring women leaders at the top of their fields who will share their wisdom, stories, and advice. Elizabeth Huntley will be the keynote speaker. For schedule details and ticket info, visit https://www. jlmontgomery.org/ or call (334) 288-8816. Open Gym at the Armory 7-9 p.m. 1018 Madison Ave., Montgomery. $10 fee. Pre-register by March 7. For more info, call (334) 625-2789 or visit armoryathletics.com. Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets, Also March 22 10 a.m.-noon at Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. 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 yearround (except during November and December). Membership is free and is open to all homeschoolers in the tri-county area. For details, visit http://www. onlineecho.com.

Saturday, March 9

Black Jacket Symphony Presents Queen’s Night at the Opera 8 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. The Black Jacket Symphony features Marc Martel, the voice behind the worldwide hit movie Bohemian Rhapsody. The show begins with the multi-platinum-selling album performed note-for-note, soundfor-sound, followed by a full set of Queen’s greatest hits. Martel is a world-renowned singer known for his uncanny vocal likeness to Freddie Mercury. Tickets begin at $25. For more info, visit www.mpaconline. org/ or call (334) 481-5100. Free Book Arts Workshops for Kids 10 a.m.-noon for children ages 8-12; 1-3 p.m. for teens ages 13-18. Hosted by the Prattauga Art Guild at the Creative Arts Center & Gallery, 342 South Chestnut St. Students will create their own book and write and illustrate a story inside. Registration required. For more info, call (334) 595-0854. Intro to Bee Keeping at Alabama Nature Center Program begins at 10 a.m.; animal encounter at 1 p.m. We will learn about pollination, bee keeping and the equipment used in bee keeping. Honey jars will be for sale in the bear den gift shop. General admission applies and includes this awesome program. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453. Montgomery Half Marathon and 5K 7 a.m.-noon. Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium, 200 Coosa Street. 7 a.m. – The Montgomery Half Marathon begins; 7:15 – The Enlisted Heritage 5K begins; 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. – EXPO, Awards & Entertainment. Register at themontgomeryhalf.com/. For more info, call (334) 356-7271. Montgomery Zoo Weekend - Also March 10 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Festive environment with live entertainment, games, rides, bouncy houses, big slides, inflatables, pony and camel rides, petting zoo, karate demos, Montgomery Police K-9 presentation, live animal presentations, concessions and animals from around the world. Enjoy the many activities, fantastic food and have fun together at an affordable price. It is also an excellent opportunity to take advantage of discounted memberships. For more info, call (334) 625-4900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com. Whole Foods Second Saturday Kids Club 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Whole Foods, 1450 Taylor Rd., Montgomery. Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Each second Saturday, Whole Foods will host fun, hands-on craft activities to teach kids about healthy eating. It’s totally free, and every participant gets a piece of fruit and whatever they make in the workshop!For more info, call (334) 523-2940 or visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/montgomery. 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

101

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 preregistration 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. Second Saturdays at Old Alabama Town 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. Second Saturdays bring special programs for the whole family including crafts, music, lectures and more! For more info, call (334) 240-4500 or visit www.oldalabamatown.com/. AMC Theaters Offers SensoryFriendly Movietimes -- Also March 23 For guests and families living with autism or other special needs, AMC partners with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! This program is available on second and fourth Saturdays (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don’t forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly.

Sunday, March 10

Pike Road Art Talk & Afternoon Tea featuring Artist Patricia Caldwell 2-4 p.m. Pike Road Town Hall, 9575 Vaughn Road. These gatherings feature a Pike Road-area artist, classic tea-style refreshments, and time to connect with friends and neighbors. All ages are welcome and invited to dress for the occasion. Refreshments provided by Epicurean Delights. Tickets are $20 each, and seats are limited. Please purchase tickets by March 6 by visiting www.pikeroad.us. Family Art Affair at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Noon-3 p.m. Get creative when you and your family visit the art studios to complete a make-and-take art project. This free docent-led program has specific themes related to Museum exhibitions and is sure to be fun and engaging for the whole family. Come help us celebrate the onset of spring in our Garden. We will be creating garden-inspired creations to beckon a new season. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333. City/County Appreciation Day at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Noon-3 p.m. Montgomery County and City of Montgomery employees and their families are invited to a free afternoon of family fun! Guests will enjoy art-making activities, music and food provided by Dreamland BBQ. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333.

Wednesday, March 13

Central Alabama Master Gardener (CAMGA) Lunch & Learn Program Noon-1 p.m. 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. 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/.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

FamilyCalendar Thursday, March 14

Capri Theatre Presents Dream Girls 7:30 p.m. The Dreamettes—Effie, Deena, and Lorrell — are looking for their big break, and after performing in a talent show, they find a new manager, Curtis, who gets them a job backing up singer Jimmy “Thunder” Early. In time, the Dreamettes are headlining their own shows. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858. Southeastern Livestock Expo -Through March 16 Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery. The rodeo coming to town means more than just buckin’ broncos, barrel racing and burly bulls. It means family fun for all ages! The Western Festival on Saturday will feature games and activities like dummy roping, mutton busting and wagon rides to teach you all about the life of the cowboy. For more info, visit https://slerodeo.com/ or call 1-888-2RODEO2.

Friday, March 15

Nothing Without Us: The Women Who Will End AIDS 6 p.m. Capri Theatre, 1045 East Fairview Avenue, Montgomery. Free admission – advance reservations required! Documentary telling the story of the inspiring women at the forefront of the global AIDS movement. Combining archival footage and interviews with female activists, scientists and scholars in the U.S. and Africa. For more info, visit www.capritheatre.org or call (334) 262-4858.

Saturday, March 16 The Great Inflatable Race

9 a.m.-noon. Montgomery Raceway Park, 2600 N Belt Dr, Montgomery. Giant inflatable obstacles are spread throughout the course, and they will bounce, bump and slide you all over the place! Tickets on sale for $75. Proceeds go to Family Promise of Montgomery, which is a shelter program for homeless families that have minor children. For more info, visit www.thegreatinflatablerace. com/montgomery. Third Saturday @ Art Museum 1-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more about the works of art on view at the Museum in these FREE docent-led tours offered the third Saturday of each month. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/. Go Fish at Alabama Nature Center Let’s go fishing for catfish and bream in the upper pond at the ANC. Ponds are open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., catch and release only. Bring the family and come catch some fish! General admission applies and includes this awesome program. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453. Ft. Toulouse French & Indian War Re-enactment Also March 17 Fort Toulouse-Jackson Park, 2521 W Fort Toulouse Rd., Wetumpka. French & Indian War of 1812 reenactment. For more info, call (334) 567-3002 or visit https://fttoulousejackson.org/. River Region Comic Con -- Also March 17 Doors open at 10 a.m. Cramton Bowl Multiplex. Tickets: 2-Day General Pass $25; 2-Day Military,

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

First Responder & Students General Pass $20; 2-Day Children General Pass $15. Visit RiverRegionComicCon.Com for more info.

Tuesday, March 19

Joe Thomas Jr. Guitar Pull 7-9 p.m. Cloverdale Playhouse. The Singer/Songwriter Series is a great night of original music and songwriters talking about how they craft their music and performing original works on the Playhouse’s intimate stage. Tickets are $10 at the door. Call (334) 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse. org/ for more info.

Wednesday, March 20

See Me: Exploring Abstractions at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 1 p.m. This program designed for students with special needs will explore abstract works in the galleries and then create mixed-media abstracts. Free and designed for ages 6 and older. To register, please contact Brandy Morrison at edsecy@mmfa.org.

Thursday, March 21

Food For Thought Noon-1 p.m. The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. 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 “Voting on the War: The 1863 Alabama Election,” presented by Ben Severance. Call (334) 353-4726 or visit www.archives. alabama.gov. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Steel Magnolias -- Through May 5 Written by Robert Harling and directed by Rick Dildine, this is the hilarious and heartwarming story of six Southern women who gather and gossip at the local beauty parlor. With wit, warmth and intelligence, they rise to meet whatever challenges life sends their way. Recommended ages 12+. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net or call (334) 271-5353. An Evening with Steve Miller Band 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Tickets begin at $67. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Saturday, March 23

Pink and Pearls for Girls and The Montgomery Public Library Juliette Hampton Branch Host 2nd Annual International Women’s Celebration 9 a.m.-noon. Dance performances, cultural fashion shows, music and light refreshments. If you would like to set up a table in the Resource Area, please contact Grace Harvey at (334) 561-5091. Tables are provided. Alabama Nature Center Scavenger Hunt Program begins at 10 a.m. Join us for a self-guided scavenger hunt that will be ongoing all day. Explore our trails in search of treasure ANC style. General admission applies and includes this awesome program! For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453. Walk MS: Montgomery 2019 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. With every step you take, we are closer to ending multiple sclerosis forever. Call 1-855-372-1331 or e-mail FundraisingSupport@nmss.org.

Sunday, March 24

Jazz Jams at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 2-4 p.m. Join us for free music by local bands in the Wilson and Williamson Galleries. Be sure to arrive

102

early to explore our temporary exhibitions. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333. Digital Assistance for Artists: Enter the MAG Museum Exhibition 1-4 p.m. The Montgomery Art Guild and the Museum are partnering for the 43rd exhibition featuring the richness of artists in our community. All entries are digitized. At this free event, representatives of the Montgomery Art Guild will be on hand to facilitate completing entries. Interested artists are asked to bring up to 5 digital works on a disk or thumb drive. To register, please e-mail your contact info to artguildmontgomery@gmail.com. Millbrook Community Theatre Spring Auditions Also March 25 2 p.m. Sunday; 7 p.m. Monday. Call (334) 782-7317 or visit www.millbrooktheater.com/ for more info.

Tuesday, March 26

2019 MAX Capital City Classic 6:35 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. Help celebrate the tradition and rivalry of the Iron Bowl as Auburn takes on Alabama. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $15- $22. You can purchase tickets online or call (334) 323-2255. Visit www.milb.com/montgomery.

gro pur as etc cef mo 213

MP 7:3 of t tim you son ww

Low Fun 7-7 a.m low Low Shi bef on info

Thursday, March 28

Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly Luncheon All women of the River Region are invited to attend our monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Country Club. The guest speaker will be attorney John Craft on “Having Power of Attorney” Luncheon cost is $18 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, March 25, to Cathy Donald at (225) 287-3693 or cathydonaldne@gmail.com. Visit www.newcomersmontgomery.com for more info. ARTtalk at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-8 p.m. Join this monthly program for Museum members during which artists share one artwork apiece and receive feedback from their peers. Enjoy light refreshments and networking with other professionals in this unique program whether or not you choose to bring artwork. To register, please contact Brandy Morrison at edsecy@mmfa.org or call (334) 625-4365. Cost: $50 for the series of 12 meetings or $5 drop-in fee for single meetings.

Friday, March 29

Meet the Producers: Ken Burns’ Country Music 6-8 p.m. The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. From southern Appalachia’s songs of struggle, heartbreak and faith to the rollicking western swing of Texas, from California honky tonks to Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, the documentary series follows the evolution of country music over the course of the 20th Century, as it eventually emerged to become America’s music. This event is free and open to the public -- but seating is limited. Call (334) 353-4726 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. Clay Shoot Fundraiser for Summer Missions with Child Evangelism Fellowship of Central Alabama 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Sports Club, 4758 Lower Wetumpka Road, Montgomery. Cost is $100 per person. Bring a team of four or join a

www.montgomeryparents.com

fou Kat Du Yog mo visi

Ba 10 Hal enc wa onl (20

Ala gan Pro bac age pic a.m tur FRE Pric the For (80

Clo Cla The tau ma join of t sha of t mo clov

um e e

ons

p e

all

our t

” e

als

65. n

sic

ry he d

FamilyCalendar group when you get there. Various supplies can be purchased, rented or borrowed at the venue, such as shotgun rentals, shells, eye wear and earplugs, etc. Lunch will be provided. RSVP @ https://www. cefcentralalabama.org/events/032919clayshoot. For more info, contact cefcentralal@gmail.com or (334) 213-7388. MPAC Presents The Commodores 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. One of the greatest Motown and R&B / funk artists of all time, The Commodores have influenced both artists young and old and in all genres with their classic songs. Tickets begin at $37. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Saturday, March 30

Lowndes Academy Rebel Run 5k & Kids’ Fun Run 7-7:45 a.m. Race packet pick up; 5K begins at 8 a.m.; kids’ one-mile Dirt Road Dash at 9 a.m. following the 5K. All proceeds from the race will benefit Lowndes Academy. Same-day registration available. Shirts are guaranteed for participants registering before March 23 and some extras may be available on race day. Sign up at runsignup.com and for more info, e-mail lowndesacademyrebelrun@gmail.com. Annual Fido Fest 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Shoppes at EastChase. This FREE event benefiting the Montgomery Humane Society will take place in the parking lot near Dillard’s and animal lovers and four-legged friends are invited! Partners for Pets, Katherine Reifenberg Art, My Swanky Pooch, Phillips Dunn Animal Hospital, Hollywood Feed, Prissy Paws, Yogi by Sher, Benefield Animal Hospital and many more! For info on becoming a sponsor or vendor, visit https://www.theshoppesateastchase.com/. Babypalooza Live! 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Multiplex at the Cramton Bowl, 220 Hall St. Babypalooza is a one-day parenting conference and maternity fair. There will be plenty of giveaways, games, and demonstrations. Free to attend; only one parent needs to register. For more info, call (205) 440-2229 or visit www.babypalooza.com/. Alabama Nature Center Nature Eggstravaganza Program begins at 10 a.m. The Easter bunny is back at the ANC! Activities include three different age group egg hunts, egg olympic games, bunny pictures, and more! Hotdogs will be for sale from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the pavilion outpost. COST: NaturePlex General Admission applies: (kids 3 & under FREE; $5/person with a $20 maximum per family). Price includes visiting the NaturePlex Discovery Hall, theater and this awesome Eggstravaganza event! For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453.

Tuesday, April 1

Cloverdale Playhouse School K-12 Spring Classes -- Through May 23 The Playhouse School offers affordable, professionallytaught classes for acting students in grades K-12. No matter your experience level, we encourage you to join us to explore the fun, challenging, delightful world of theater! We’ll learn what it means to communicate, share and listen, develop characters, explore the core of the story, and develop the craft of acting. To learn more about our faculty and our program, visit www. cloverdaleplayhouse.org/ or call (334) 262-1530.

Friday, April 4

Theatre AUM Presents Arcadia -- Thru April 14 7:30 p.m. performances except one 2 p.m. matinee April 14. Written by Tom Stoppard. $10 - general admission; $5 - senior citizen, non-AUM students, and military (with ID); and free - AUM students, faculty, staff, and alumni (with AUM ID). For reservations or more info, contact Katie at (334) 244-3632 or kpearso2@aum.edu. Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Into the Breeches -- Through May 4 Written by George Brant and directed by Shana Gozansky. Montgomery, 1942: With the local playhouse’s director and actors off at war, the director’s wife sets out to produce an all-female version of Shakespeare’s Henry IV and Henry V. A hilarious and moving comedy about the transformative power of art. Recommended ages 12+. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net or call (334) 271-5353.

Friday, April 5

Empowered to Connect Conference for Foster and Adoptive Parents -- Also April 6 9 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. First Baptist Church Opelika, 301 S. 8th St., Opelika. Come experience practical teaching in a safe and supportive community as we work to equip families, churches and professionals to better serve children impacted by adoption and foster care. Free event; light refreshments served; no childcare provided. RSVP at www.127fostercare. com. Arts and Craft Beer Festival -- Through April 7 VIP Reception 4-9 p.m. Friday; full festival day Saturday, 2-7 p.m.; and Sunday noon-5 p.m. Goat Haus Biergarten, 532 Clay Street, Montgomery. A weekend full of specially crafted brew, signature bar bites, entertainment all intertwined with the creative arts! Live music, performances, live painting, and festivities. Call (334) 625-9602 for more info.

Saturday, April 6

Autism Crawfish Boil Noon-5 p.m. Dreamland BBQ. $35 tickets available for purchase through Serquest and at Easterseals Central Alabama. 4,000 pounds of all-you-can-eat crawfish and sides, cold beverages, live music featuring local bands and more. Raffle prizes, crawfish souvenirs and fun! Proceeds support the autism services provided at Easterseals Central Alabama. For more info, call (334) 387-3256 or e-mail info@ eastersealsca.org. Native American Family Day at Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 1-4 p.m. This free spring event celebrates the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and their heritage in fun and interactive ways for all ages. Join us for an afternoon of dance performances, tribal drumming, and artisans demonstrating their skills. We will have handson basket weaving, medallion making, and creating in clay, all in the Poarch Creek tradition. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333.

Tuesday, April 9

Art of Baking Puppet Show -- Also April 10 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. shows. The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts presents this program designed for children ages 3 to 6 years old. Children are engaged as they visit a bakery run by colorful animals from different parts of the world. The characters demonstrate how it takes everyone working together to turn the bakery’s yummy treats into art using color, shape and line. Various works of art from Museum’s collection also make an appearance during this exciting production. Open to the public; however, reservations are required. Please call Jill at (334) 625-4359 or e-mail tours@mmfa.org.

103

Wednesday, April 10

Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Opening Night for 2019 Season/ Military Wednesday 6:35 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium. We’re kicking things off with the return of the Andrews Brothers Dueling Piano Show in the Club Car Bar before and after the game, along with a MAX Fireworks Spectacular! Also, every Wednesday the Biscuits thank our military men and women with discounted admission and concession prices! For more info, visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com or call (334) 819-7483.

Classes

Adoptive Parent Training Classes Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections recruits, prepares, and supports parents adopting waiting children in Alabama’s foster care. For information on adoptive parent classes or to register for classes in Alabama, contact our team at (866) 803-2722 or visit apac@ childrensaid.org. Baptist East Maternity Area Virtual Tour We invite you to visit our hospital from the comfort of wherever you are. A personal tour of Baptist Medical Center East’s Maternity Area is now just a click away. This virtual tour is designed to answer any questions you may have regarding our “family-centered maternity care.” Receive an inside look at our Labor and Delivery Suites, Newborn Nursery, Post-Partum and NICU units. From admission to discharge, this video provides all of the information you and your family needs to know. Visit www.baptistfirst.org/. Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes troubleshooting 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 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 Preparation (Four Sessions on Monday Nights) This four-session class is taught by Registered Labor and Delivery Nurses on the campus of Baptist South.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

FamilyCalendar This class for new mothers covers topics ranging from how your body changes during pregnancy to signs of labor to the benefits of breastfeeding and what to expect during your birth experience. This class is complimentary. To register, call (334) 286-3466. 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. 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. Cloverdale Playhouse Rep Class Series First Mondays every month from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Cloverdale Playhouse Rehearsal Hall. This is a safe space to work on your craft, develop your audition skills, share your newest piece, or just get feedback on your latest artistic endeavor. Guest panels and rotating faculty ensure constant growth and a variety of insight. Even if you don’t perform every time - you can learn a lot by observing! There will be a ignup sheet if you would like to work. Call (334) 262-1530 with questions. CPR & First Aid The American Red Cross offers classes in adult and infant/child CPR as well as first aid and babysitting classes monthly. Call 260-3980. Diabetes Education --Prattville Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available Wednesdays by appointment at Prattville Medical Park. Call 747-7700 Option # for more information. Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 747-7700 Option # for more info.

will help set your mind at ease. Expectant parents can register for a one-on-one car seat installation session tailored to your vehicle. Our goal is to ensure your confidence in a safe ride home from the hospital. Space is limited. Pre-registration required Must provide your own car seat! $10 per car seat payable at the time of inspection by cash or check. Visit www.baptistfirst.org/ or e-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.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

Support Groups Adoption Support

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. 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.

Foster Parent Training Classes Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries sponsors foster care training classes in the Tri-County Area. For more information on foster care or to register for the classes, please contact Bobbi Olson, Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, at 334-430-7569 or e-mail bolson@ alabamachild.org.

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 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.

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

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 March 20 from 10:30-11 a.m., and 11-11:30 a.m. Call 240-4365 or visit www.mmfa. org for more info. Wetumpka Line Dance Classes held at A Chance to Dance, 68 Queen Ann Road, Wetumpka. Country and Non-Country Music for All Ages! CURRENT CLASS SCHEDULE: Mon. Beginner 7:15 p.m.; Wed. Beginner 10 a.m.; Wed. Senior 2 p.m.; Wed. Intermediate 7 p.m.; Fri. High Beginner/Intermediate 7 p.m. *Open Dance to follow class. For more info, call (334) 452-0293 or find us on Facebook.

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.

Infant Car Seat Safety Inspection Baptist Health’s Certified Car Seat Safety Technician

Preparing For A Natural Birth (One Time Class) Baptist Medical Center East. Please bring two bed pillows and a floor mat to class for breathing and relaxation exercise. This class equips expectant parents with natural childbirth options providing them with tools, techniques and coping skills for their labor and delivery experience. Participants will practice breathing and relaxation exercises along with other comfort measures. This class is most beneficial when your support person attends. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Class fee: $20 (couple or single) payable at class by cash or check. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst. org or call 273-4445.

104

Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., at Vaughn Forest Church. For more info, contact Jill Sexton at 409-9477 or jsexton@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 life-long adoption process. Meetings held at Children’s Aid Society, 2141 14th Avenue South in Birmingham. For class dates and times, call Kathy King at (205) 943-5331 or e-mail kking@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 get-togethers 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.

www.montgomeryparents.com

Fre Fre Rec car trea Fre Lod ham On gro Inf 1-8

Can 1-2 414 pro me ope (33

Ge Chu 1p ple Die

Wo Me 811 ing or f wom

Div Fra Thi you sur e-m

Div We sup hur exp gro Fac Tim info

Div Firs at 6 Con org

Sec Wo Mo Nar wor hel em und $20 mo (33 com

Ga Re Sat me Hw The the Sun Am

)

axwith

ery es. on

rst.

s s .

mfa.

ad,

15 ed.

n d

up or des

en’s m.

m mail

ocits s

FamilyCalendar 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 1-800-ACS-2345. 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 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net.

Divorce Support

DivorceCare meets Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at Frazer Memorial UMC. Come to the Library area. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. For more info, call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@frazerumc.org. 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 @ 6 p.m. and Mondays @ 6:30 p.m.: meet at Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US Hwy. 231 N in the Wetumpka/Wallsboro community. The church is 1 1/2 miles past Tutweiler prison on the same side of the street. Sundays @ 5 p.m.: meet at Mental Health of America, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery.

For more information about the GA meetings, call (334) 399-6918. For information about counseling services or to request a guest speaker, please call the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling at (334) 277-5100.

Grief Support

Bereaved Spouses Support Group A new ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church, USA (Unavoidably Single Again) Ministries is designed to offer ongoing support, social events and fellowship to those who have lost their spouses to death. The group is open to ALL widowed individuals, regardless of age, religious beliefs, or length of marriage or widowhood. Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays at the church’s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail farauthor@ aol.com for more info. Bereavement Group, 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. For more info, call 279-6677. 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. GriefShare meets on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in the parlor of First United Methodist Church Prattville. Led by Michael Beatty. For more info, call the church office at (334) 365-5977. 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. 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 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. River Region Survivors of Suicide Loss meets on second and fourth Thursdays (excluding holidays) at Cornerstone Christian Church, 301 Dalraida Road in Montgomery from 6:30-8 p.m. This is an open group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide

105

and welcomes anyone regardless of religious beliefs. Contact Cheryl Vinson at riverregionsos@gmail.com with questions or for more information.

Homeschool Support

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

Illness Support

Alzheimer’s and Dementia 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 495-6350. Alzheimer’s and Memory Loss Support Group Meets at 6 p.m. third Wednesdays at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wetumpka. Group is for those living with or caring for someone with memory loss. This will be a monthly event that will provide information, a time to share and listen to others experiencing what you are, a time to be supported in your struggles and to share your victories. All are invited. Sometimes caregivers just need to talk with those that understand their struggles. For more info, call (334) 235-4151 or visit The Gathering Place Community Respite on Facebook. 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. 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 (334-3654201), 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. 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 on Mental Illness) 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 7205 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Call Mary Jo Logan (271-2280) for details. NAMI also presents a 12-week series of free classes on mental illness. These classes are for family members living with or supporting individuals with mental illness. To register, call Mary Jo at 271-2280 or e-mail classicmjl@hotmail.com.

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

SupportGroup Parent Support

Century Strong Moms 9-11 a.m. Wednesdays. 11 Chapel Hill Street in Pike Road. At Century Church, we are dedicated to helping moms in our community be Strong Moms! This ministry is open to all moms in our community. The focus of this group is to build relationships through Bible study, play dates, and moms’ night out. Childcare is available for ages 1-5 years old. Please e-mail lifegroups@century. church for more info. 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 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. GirlTime at East Memorial Baptist Church 9:30-11:30 a.m. 2nd Tuesdays at various locations in Prattville. GirlTime is open to ladies of all ages. Visit eastmemorial.org or call the church office at (334) 3657500 for info. Childcare is provided at the church.

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. 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/.

Pregnancy Loss/ Infertility

Hannah’s Prayer, Prattville First United Methodist Church, 2nd Thursdays and 3rd Sundays. Support group for women dealing with pregnancy loss/infertility issues. Call (334) 3655977.

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 in Prayer International is a Christ-centered interdenominational prayer ministry made up of moms, grandmothers, aunts or any woman who wants to gather to pray for their children and schools. Meets every Sunday afternoon from 3-4 p.m. at St. James UMC, 9045 Vauhgn Road. Call Annette Jones at (850) 529-4730 or e-mail Montgomerymipac@gmail.com for more info on joining us or training to start your own group. Moms’ LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) First Baptist Church, Prattville. Meets twice monthly from 8:30-11:45 a.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Prattville August through May. For moms of all stages and ages of life. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guests, special guest

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

Post-abortion Support Group, Saint James United Methodist Church. Do you have a secret you have promised yourself “you are taking to the grave?” Come and listen to stories of others who were scared to surrender their secret. Come and find healing and peace that you never even knew you needed. Come and learn about the One who came to set you free. Join us in a study of “Surrendering the Secret” by Pat Layton and know that you are not alone! (Learner guide and digital download sessions.) For more info, e-mail annpemberton@charter.net. First Choice Women’s Medical Center conducts a HOPE GROUP for women who have experienced the emotional aftermath of an abortion. Groups meet for one weeknight over eight consecutive weeks and are facilitated by women who have experienced abortion. Confidientiality is assured. Please contact Kathy at (334) 260-8010 or kkay@firstchoicewmc.com for more details and information about upcoming groups. “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.

Single Parents Support

supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants-16 years. Call 272-3174 for more info. SWAK (Single with Amazing Kids), Maxwell / Maxwell Gunter AFB. This network is connecting and empowering single parents and their families through information, encouragement, and many family-oriented events throughout the year. We meet the last Wednesday or Thursday of each month. For more info, e-mail t2763@aol.com. Join us on Facebook for daily restaurant specials, area kid-friendly events, and tips/ideas for families on a budget.

Special Needs Support

Alabama Angels Pageant, a nonprofit pageant for males and females of any age with special needs. Participation is free. 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. D.A.T.S. M.O.M. (Disability as an Ability Toward Success: Moms on the Move), a non-profit parent empowerment organization for parents of children on the autism spectrum (or with related special needs challenges) that focuses on inspiring, equipping and motivating parents to move their child’s disability to an ability. Follow DATS MOM on Facebook, Twitter and Periscope for live sessions and discussion. E-mail datsmom@yahoo.com for more information. 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. 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.

Teens/Families Support

Call Family Guidance Center of Alabama at 2704100 for information about current classes. 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.

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

106

Ala

Ald

Alp Ar

Bir

Ed Please send calendar info to editor@montgomeryparents.com. www.montgomeryparents.com

AdvertiserDirectory

for

nd ugh

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.

Faulkner Baseball Camp, 16

NeuroKinetic Solutions, 85

FC Montgomery Soccer Academy, 50

New Park, 3

First Baptist Church, 71

Newtopia, 73

Abrakadoodle, 37

First Presbyterian Kindergarten, 63

OB/GYN Montgomery, Dr. Desautels, 23

Adventure Sports II, 29

Frazer Memorial Kindergarten, 23

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 84

Alabama Christian Academy, 17, 65

Frazer Memorial UMC, 16

Prattville YMCA, 67

AL Dept. of Health, Inside Front

Guardian Credit Union, 15

Professional Pediatrics, 12

AL River Region Ballet, 37

Guild Mortgage, 4

Pump It Up Party, 49

AL School of Math & Science, 13

Heart of Dixie Railroad, 36, 98

Read Write, 61

Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 48

Hempworx, 67

Aldersgate UMC, 44

Holy Cross Episcopal School, 20

Alpha & Omega Learning Ctr, 89

Hooper Academy, 81

Armory Athletics, 47

Inflatables of Montgomery, 29

ASKIN/Synergy House, 99

Jackson Hospital, 79

ASU Continuing Education Camp, 33

Jeff Dickey, New Waters Realty, 31

Autauga/Western Elmore Arc, 93

Joy to Life, 55

ys zed

Baptist Health, 69

Judy Barranco Photography, 63

Bell Family Chiropractic, 8

Kingry Orthodontics, 93

o s g.

Birmingham Special Needs Expo, 95

Lakeview Baptist Church, 68

Bush Pediatric Dentistry, 11

Lanark Expedition Camp, 62

Camp ASCCA, 64

Larry Chapman, ALFA Insurance, 59

Camp Victory, 39

Learning Tree Child Care, 56

Chapman Orthodontics, 91

Macon East Academy, 27

Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 99

Maranook Camp, 91

Churchill Academy, 28

Mathnasium, 9

CMH Mobile Notary Services, 21

Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 50

The Rock School, 30

Cornerstone Christian School, 41

Montessori @ Mulberry, 19

Tonya Speed Dance Connection, 45

Dentistry for Children, 89

Montgomery Catholic Schools, 51

Trinity Presbyterian School, 7

Docarmo Taekwondo, 21

Montgomery Dermatology, 42

Tru-Cut Lawn Care, 68

Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 21

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 98

United Gymstars & Cheer, 85

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 42

Montg. Pediatric Dentistry/Ortho, 76

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 24

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 95

Montgomery Uniforms Plus, 97

Vaughn Road Preschool, 87

Evangel Christian Academy, 39

Montgomery Zoo, 75

YMCA Camp Chandler, 84

Family Guidance Center, 83

My Kids Attic, The Shoppes of, 25, 30

Young Living Essential Oils, 67

rly ast

ard nt on

d o

ail

h, 30

re ad-

n ore _ org.

a age

RR Dermatology and Laser, Inside Back Resurrection Catholic School, 36 River Region Straw, 27 Riverview Camp for Girls, 60 Saint James School, 1 Saint James UMC Auction, 53 Sea Dragon Pirate Cruises, 2 Snapology, 24 Spicer’s Music, 45 Spotless Cleaning Services, 43 Success Unlimited Academy, 35 Sylvan Learning Center, 47 Sylvan Learing of Prattville, 57 Taylor Road Baptist Church, 95 The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover

107

www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents

MP: If you could relive one stage of your children’s lives, just

for one day, what would it be? Why? Melanie: I was a stay-at-home mom for 18 years and my boys’

preschool days are my fondest! To me, these are the most formative years. Yes, there were some stressful days with four boys four and under, but those were also the days where they depended on me for everything, and I loved it. I would really love to relive all the bedtime stories and snuggling time with four little ones for sure!

Melanie Fuller

MP: What traits of yours do you see in your children? Melanie: Zach, my oldest, is a perfectionist (at times to a

fault) just like me. Charlie, my 2nd born, is a conscientious worker. Colton has a very competitive spirit. And Kyle is my most compassionate son. It is amazing to me how seeing myself in my sons has helped me to more clearly see my own strengths and weaknesses.

MP: Melanie,

you have two sons out on their own and twin sons at home. In your opinion, why is it important for a child to learn to be independent?

MP: Melanie, you stay really busy between working and man-

aging your household with two teen sons. Do you have any hobbies or interests that you make time for? Melanie: I enjoy spending time with my husband, as well as

spending time with a good book and a great cup of coffee! I also enjoy attending Bible Study Fellowship on Monday evenings at Frazer UMC.

Melanie: Hav-

ing four sons, my husband and I have always taught each of them that the real world moves fast and that if you are not well grounded you can be swept up in a wrong direction quickly. As a family, we feel that being able to stand on your own as an independent adult is essential to a productive life. Of course, learning to be independent begins with a deep dependence on God to direct and guide your paths.

MP: After you are gone, what do you think your children will

say about you? Melanie: Wow... I hope they will say that they know I loved

the Lord, their daddy and them with all my heart! And that my heart’s desire was to see them love and follow God and ultimately raise their own children to do the same.

MP: Your oldest two boys are thriving on their own at 21 and 19 years old. What steps did you take in helping them gain the confidence to launch from your household?

MP: What parenting advice would you like to share with our

readers?

Melanie: I feel that self-confidence and humility are extremely

important virtues. Each son is different, and we’ve always tried to identify their strengths and support them in their endeavors. I think encouragement at a young age is key to building selfconfidence. We’ve tried to instill that the world is not always fair and that you must create and earn your individual success.

Melanie: First and foremost, it goes way too fast, so take ad-

vantage of and cherish every moment with your family. Build hedges and preserve family time. Every day is a teaching opportunity, as well as an opportunity for you as an adult to grow. There are no real do-overs, so be intentional with what God gives you each day. But also remember that there is grace! So, don’t be so hard on yourself as a mom. God uses even our parenting mistakes. Seek Him first and pray for your family.

MP: Each one of us possesses some special talent. What “talents” do you see in your boys? Melanie: Well, I am their mom, so of course I’m going to think

that each one is multi-talented. While they have separate qualities that make them unique, I am blessed that all four are smart, have a deep faith, and a strong desire to succeed.

Montgomery Parents I March 2019

Melanie Fuller has been married to Wade for 25 years. She is a realtor with ARC Realty. Their children: Zach, 21 yrs, Charlie, 19yrs, Colten & Kyle 17 yrs.

108

www.montgomeryparents.com

River Region

DERMATOLOGY & LASER

MEDICAL · COSMETIC · LASER

Love

the skin you’re in. Dr. Porcia Love Amanda Brooke, CRNP

PROVIDING THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF CARE TO OUR PATIENTS IN A COMPASSIONATE AND PERSONALIZED MANNER. ACNE · DISCOLORATION · ECZEMA · HAIR LOSS · SKIN CANCER PREVENTION AND TREATMENT · PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY BOTOX · CHEMICAL PEELS · FILLER · FACIAL REJUVENATION · LASER SERVICES · MICRONEEDLING

River Region Dermatology & Laser 2060 Berryhill Road · Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 676-3366 · RRDermatologyLaser.com

CHAMPIONS OF HONOR, FRIENDSHIP & THE JUNGLE GYM [ PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE—THE BEGINNING ]

What does an MA graduate look like? Diverse in every way, yet sharing surprisingly similar qualities. As early as kindergarten, The Montgomery Academy looks ahead to the kind of qualities a young adult needs to succeed. Programs are structured and experiences are designed around creating life-long learners who challenge themselves. Co-curricular involvement is planned to champion honor, ethics, diversity, and service. We do all this. But if you ask a first-grader what they do in school today, they’ll probably tell you about the amazing playground.

Th e M o n t g o m e r y A c a d e m y The Pursuit of Excellence in K-12 Education

COME SEE US AT K-VIEW, OUR KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM PREVIEW. PLEASE CALL TO SCHEDULE A DATE THAT IS CONVENIENT FOR YOU. Contact Rachael Gallagher, admissions@montgomeryacademy.org | 334.272.8210 | montgomeryacademy.org

MA05-43299-Parents-Mar19-Champs.indd 1

2/25/19 10:31 AM