River Region Parents Magazine May 2020 by KeepSharing

Y O U R H E A LT H OUR MISSION

“The birthplace of higher expectations.” Baptist Medical Center East is proud to meet the toughest standards of excellence set by local women. We are the only hospital in Central Alabama to be recognized as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Patient Experience in Obstetrics. From excellent clinical care to ranking above average for patient safety to the highest level of overall patient satisfaction, we understand what matters most to women. And being recognized with the Women’s Choice Award signifies our commitment to meeting the highest standards in Obstetric care, close to home.

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EDUCATION is more than YO U K N OW

Looking back at our first week of school in August 2019, we never dreamed we would spend so much of our spring semester on Zoom with our seniors. We are so thankful for the expansive technology at Saint James—it has kept our students learning and collaborating, together. Our technology has also kept us all connected—especially our seniors! The Saint James School Class of 2020 will remember this moment, forever. We will remember this class as a group of young adults prepared for life. They have shown us the depth of their character, resilience, and resolve in the face of this challenge. Congratulations Class of 2020 and remember, You are Trojans, 24/7... and for life!

Pre-K3−12th Grade

Saint James School

334-273-3021 or STJweb.org

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR LIFE Call today to learn more about merit scholarships and affording a Saint James education for your child. 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 at the school.

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Volume 25 Number 5

Columns 8 Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

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

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

Finish the School Year Virtually

37 Pike Road Education Matters

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

by Superintendent Charles Ledbetter, Ed.D.

44 Elmore Education Matters by Superintendent Richard Dennis

48 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between Common Sense Media

52 Get This!

Life Skills for High School Graduates

What they should know before heading to college.

Ready or Not... Here Comes Summer Tips for creating a more relaxing and spontaneous summer!

On The Cover Cousins, best friends, and graduating seniors Anna and Andrew Sadie. Anna Sadie is the daughter of John and Lisa Sadie and sister to James. She is graduating from Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School and will attend Auburn University to major in nursing. Anna is Student Government Association Executive President, Leader of the Year Nominee, member of the National Honors Society, received the Joe Fields Memorial Leadership Award (for Varsity cheer), and is a Carol Skoneki Clark Memorial Scholarship Recipient and Bill Barringer Scholarship Recipient. Andrew Sadie is graduating Saint James School and will attend Auburn University. He is the son of Mark and Ashley Sadie and brother to Cassie and Stephen. Andrew is a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, basketball captain and Career 1000 point scorer. He played varsity football and tennis, was a Hitchcock Award nominee, Peer Leader and AHSAA Player of the Week.

Gerry Paige Smith

70 A Page in a Book Gerry Paige Smith

Departments 12 Teacher of the Month 16 School Bits 68 Movie Reviews 72 Mom to Mom

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Editor’sNote So how’s homeschooling going for you? Or do they call it “crisis schooling”? The jokes that have been going around about us parents getting frustrated homeschooling our kids have provided some much needed laughter during a task I’m discovering is not my gift. My favorite is the one about a mom who decided that her kids had done well enough after a few weeks and decided to go ahead and let them graduate high school. They were 12, 9 and 7! If I’m honest, I’ve had similar thoughts about letting Grace off the hook sooner than I should. Balancing a full work schedule with homeschooling a 9-year-old, who is missing the social interaction of school terribly, has proven to be difficult, and in two words... NOT FUN! I admire all the moms who school their own children and keep their patience. Jason and I have been taking turns with Grace, and that’s a good thing. We’ve improved, too, as the weeks have passed. She’s down to only being sent to her room maybe once a day. Progress! All joking aside, most of us never imagined we’d be put in the position to school our children at home, while also holding down our regular jobs and keeping up with our other responsibilities. With one month to go, we have included an article that can help. Janeen Lewis shares excellent advice and fun ideas in her article Finish the School Year Virtually. Let’s encourage our kids to stay strong... and summer will be here before we know it. The changes over the last two months have affected us all in so many ways, and especially our high school seniors. In what were supposed to be their fun and exciting end of high school months, they’ve missed proms, graduation ceremonies, parties and more. This month, we want to celebrate seniors and have included Senior Spotlights beginning on page 58. If you would like to include an announcement for your child in next month’s issue, visit www.RiverRegionParents.com for details. Congrats Class of 2020! We all celebrate you! Look for several other timely and helpful articles in this issue, including Life Skills Every Graduate Needs Before Heading to College, Helping Kids Navigate Emotions Through Chaotic Times, and Screen Time in the Age of Coronavirus. We always strive to meet families where they are, and during this unique time, we want to offer all the support we can. Until next month, enjoy the beautiful outdoors, make sweet memories with your family, and keep your patience. This too shall pass!

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

Founder Marty Watson (1950-2006) Editor DeAnne Watson editor@riverregionparents.com

Associate Editor Alison Rouse Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Spence Agee Richard Dennis Christa Melnyk Hines Dr. Charles Ledbetter Janeen Lewis Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Dr. Ann Roy Moore Gerry Paige Smith Kimberley Carter Spivey

Cover Photography Judy Barranco www.judybarrancophotography.com

Publisher Jason Watson jason@riverregionparents.com

Community Coordinator Savannah Bowden Digital Manager Scott Davis Advertising Opportunities (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 ads@riverregionparents.com

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editor@riverregionparents.com River Region Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. River Region Parents is copyrighted 2020 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. opinions expressed in River Region Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

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

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

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

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Home Studio Projects with MMFA

ASF Offers Virtual Teen Audition Intensive

ASF Plans Cinderella June 16-July 12

Music by Richard Rodgers; lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II; directed by Shelley Butler Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the Tony Award-winning musical from the creators of South Pacific and The Sound of Music that delights audiences with its surprisingly contemporary take on the classic tale. Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago” in this hilarious and romantic experience for anyone who has ever had a dream. Recommended ages 7+. Visit asf.net.

Saturday, May 9 * 10 a.m-noon Would you like to nail the audition for your school play or get into the college of your dreams? Join us for a morning of audition do’s and don’ts with ASF Associate Artistic Director Greta Lambert. We’ll cover everything from what to wear and what to include in a résumé to how to pick the perfect audition piece. Be prepared with a one-minute monologue. Open to students ages 14-18. Audition intensives will be held via a Zoom webinar. Participants will be sent a link to join the webinar after registering. $35 fee. Visit https://asf.net/education/workshops/ or call (334) 271-5353.

Ala. Dept. of Archives Presents New Online Resource

Alabama Farmers Offer Virtual Field Trips

MPAC Concerts Rescheduled

If you have purchased a ticket at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre to an event that has been moved, please hold on to your ticket as it will be good for the new rescheduled show. Currently, the first rescheduled event is Bert Kreischer on June 26, followed by Piff the Magic Dragon on July 19 and Leanne Morgan July 24. August events include Price is Right Live! August 12, KC & The Sunshine Band August 14 and Newsboys August 18. For more info, visit mpaconline.org or call (334) 481-5100. River Region Parents I May 2020

The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, its galleries, garden, terrace, cafe and store are indefinitely closed to visitors. Our education team is constantly creating new and exciting studio projects designed to be completed at home— from paper quilt collages to custom coloring pages. Be sure to check our web site (https://mmfa.org/) each week for a new project! Coming soon: backyard floral arrangements and a painting project inspired by Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald.

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

Discover Alabama history from the comfort of your couch. We’ll be adding new content and virtual opportunities often, so be sure to check the site regularly. We hope this resource will make staying home and doing your part to protect your community a little easier. Alabama History@Home resources include virtual tours and exhibits, streaming media, educational materials, digital collections, research databases, and publications. More partners have joined the effort each day since the site launched on March 25. Visit www.alabamahistoryhome.org.

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EastChase Farmers’ Market Returns

Montgomery Biscuits Donate Masks to Baptist Health, County EMA

While the Montgomery Biscuits haven’t been able to start their season, leaders say they still want to help the community. Recently, the Biscuits donated 6,000 face masks. They gave 3,000 to Baptist Health and 3,000 to the Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency. Biscuits officials say they came across the masks and knew nurses, doctors and hospital staff would have a better use for them. Visit biscuitsbaseball.com for schedule updates.

The Shoppes at EastChase Farmers’ Market will return for the 16th year on Saturday, May 9, from 7 a.m. to noon. Since opening in 2004, The Shoppes at EastChase Farmers Market has grown every year, and is now one of the top five largest markets in Alabama. Several popular farms are scheduled to make their return with locally grown products, including Aplin Farms, Penton Farms, M&M Farms, Leatherwood Nursery and more! For more info, call Suzanna Wasserman at (334) 279-6046.

Healthy Kids Expo Moved to June Date June 27 * 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Agape’s Run for a Mom Goes Virtual This Year!

The 10th Anniversary Run for a Mom 10K, 5K, and Fun Run is still on! We are now hosting a VIRTUAL race so that you can still participate from wherever you are located. All participants will receive a cool shirt and honor bib to show us who you are running in honor of. On Friday, May 8, from 3-7 p.m. and Saturday, May 9, from 7-10 a.m., you can pick up your race bag, via our new drive- thru service, at the Vaughn Park Church of Christ Family Life Center. Next, run your distance. Use our regular course, one of our suggested routes or the route of your choice. Run alone or with friends, but at a safe distance! Then, e-mail a picture of your time and distance to 5K@agapeforchildren.org by Saturday, May 16, at midnight. You have a whole week to run your best race! Everyone who sends in a race time is eligible for a door prize. Visit https://www.runforamom.org/ for more info.

!!!NOTICE OF DATE CHANGE!!! With this event originally scheduled for late March in the midst of the coronavirus quarantine, River Region Parents magazine has decided to reschedule. We’ve already reserved the same facilities at Frazer and everything else will remain the same. We hope that this move will connect more families with more local resources to enhance their lives. See you on the 27th of June!

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Becky Offord Forest Avenue Academic Magnet

The May teacher of the month is Becky Offord of Forest Avenue Academic Magnet. She’s been teaching for 20 years and says teaching is all she ever wanted to do. She was influenced by many different types of teachers throughout her school years. And the effects of those teachers were always positive and continued to create inside her a love for school. When asked about her teaching style, she said, “I consider my teaching style to be a facilitator in the classroom. I believe the best way to lead a classroom is to give the students an opportunity to make decisions in the classroom and then help guide them in their efforts. Obviously, a little more guidance is needed in elementary school, but it is important to allow them to have input.” The classroom looks different since the quarantine, but Mrs. Offord is still putting her best foot forward to teach her students and she is enjoying the tool Zoom. One parent says this about her, “Mrs. Offord is on point with communication and instruction and is so patient and diligent.

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She is constantly communicating with us day and night. I couldn’t appreciate her more when we are all struggling with all this new technology. She is there to remind us that we are in this together and is on stand by for any help necessary. She is such a motivator for our kids giving them clear instructions and encouraging them to reach out for help if needed. During this monumental time for our kids, it is so relieving to know that we can depend on Mrs. Offord for help and resources.” Mrs. Offord explains, “We have all got to work together to guide our students/children in a way that makes every student/child feel that they are accepted, loved, and safe wherever they are.” Thank you, Mrs. Offord for loving your students and being passionate about their well-being even outside of the classroom. Mrs. Offord has been married to husband Tim for 40 years, and they have two adult children, Bo and Jerin. Her hobbies include yoga, walking, riding bikes, working in the yard, and reading books of interest. (If drinking coffee and eating dark chocolate could be a hobby those would be there too. LOL!)

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Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Doing A Great Job, Parents.

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MPS Moving Forward... Through a Pandemic The great Maya Angelou once said, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” Adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic definitely has changed lives and attitudes. Even within our school district, we have made several adjustments as we continue to engage, educate and inspire students. We have moved to a blended learning model, ensuring students have technology resources, and we are encouraging healthy habits while students are learning from home. When the pandemic caused the district to physically close its doors to students, MPS immediately started working on an academic continuity plan, in conjunction with the state’s plan. The academic plan includes a blended learning model that encourages learning from different sources. Teachers are utilizing re-

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sources such as Google Classrooms, Clever and other online education platforms. In addition, teachers are working hard to keep students engaged during this unusual time. As parents, this new learning model will start new conversations with your children. Supplement material such as enrichment websites, practice worksheets and workout videos are also available to students. Adapting to a new learning model is a great step forward in preparing students for a more digitalized environment. To ensure all students can participate in this new age of learning, the district is providing Chromebooks to students that may not have technology devices within their homes. Teachers are personally calling and emailing parents to find out what technology is available to each student. Students typically use these devices during school hours and its a natural habit for them to continue using the devices. For students who may not have internet service at home, MPS has strategically placed WIFI-equipped school buses within neighborhoods to allow students to connect. The City of Montgomery, MGM Tech and the MPS staff worked around the clock to ensure this service would be available to our students. Also,

cable companies have put in place extended coverage and free services. Our teachers and principals constantly encourage our students to utilize these services. As the summer break approaches, helping children to understand the importance of a healthy and balanced life will be beneficial to their overall health. Currently, MPS has several meal sites for students to pick up well-balanced meals. Encouraging children to choose fresh fruits and veggies is a great way to build healthy habits. Don’t stop with food choices. Get out and exercise. Our teachers are providing YouTube videos for short exercise routines. Building outdoor play into your daily schedule will help reduce stress and fatigue as we work through social distancing. COVID-19 may have shifted our lives, but remember to find the positives through it all.

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.

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Montgomery County Schools

Jeff Davis Celebrates Class of 2020 Seniors

Jeff Davis High faculty and staff greeted seniors as they picked up their caps and gowns at a drive-through event.

Churchill Student Earns Air Force Awards

Macon East Adjusts to Coronavirus Crisis

Below are photos of some of the ways Macon East students and teachers are dealing with the Coronavirus crisis. Students from preschool through high school are adjusting to online learning each day with their teachers through Zoom and other fun and creative tools. Macon East recently celebrated the Class of 2020 and the unique situation this senior class is facing by placing yard signs at each senior’s home. Likewise, the Macon East PTO delivered yard signs and a teacher appreciation gift to every member of the Macon East faculty and staff.

Churchill Academy student Thomas Rutherford earned the Billy Mitchell Award through the Maxwell Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol. He has achieved the Rank of 2nd Lieutenant and was chosen as “Cadet of the Year” for 2019 also. In February 2020, Thomas won the Air Force Association’s Outstanding Cadet. He received the awards at the February Awards Ceremony held at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery.

Middle School Small Groups at ACA

During the 2019-2020 school year at Alabama Christian Academy, we have made a huge effort to invest in the lives of our middle school students as to who they are becoming. In doing this, we have implemented Middle School Small Groups during our chapel time. The focus in March was “teamwork” and how each and every one of us has a God-given role in a team setting. The success of these small groups has relied heavily on our high school student leaders. We are grateful to them for their intentional investment in our middle school students! River Region Parents I May 2020

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A V Montgomery County Schools

Senior Buddies at Alabama Christian Academy

Alabama Christian Academy kicks off every school year with a special evening when we pair up K4 or K5 students with a member of our senior class. The great reveal is fun to watch as the K4, K5 students and their families wait to hear their names called and find out who will be their buddy for the year. It is fun to watch these relationships blossom throughout the year. Our seniors visit their buddiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; classes often for reading, snacks and sometimes to just drop off a little gift. Traditions like these are what makes ACA such a special place and they also make the year memorable for everyone involved.

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

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ACA Succeeds with Virtual Learning

Helping students successfully manage a new environment is easier when they are already familiar with the tools. Since Alabama Christian Academy has been a 1:1 school for more than 10 years, our students did not skip a beat when ACA began virtual school for all students, K3-12, this spring. Teachers, parents and administrators jumped right in to keep students engaged and learning. Using the Google Classroom platform, students utilize different digital tools to communicate with their teachers. In addition to video and e-mail, ACA faculty utilized Google Meet to touch base with and even instruct in a real time environment. Even our elementary students are able to continue in this virtual environment. Using Class Dojo, See Saw and other digital tools, teachers are able to continue providing a Christian worldview education for our students. Staying connected, the ACA community is still thriving.

Churchill Holds Social Distancing Egg Hunt

Churchill Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s High School Student Council created a schoolwide Easter egg hunt while incorporating CDC safety guidelines such as social distancing. Students from Classrooms A through High School were asked to decorate their yards with Easter decorations that were visible from the street. Families were provided with a general map of participating neighborhoods, and April 10, 2020, served as the inaugural Churchill Academy Easter Egg Hunt. Families drove around to search for Easter decor from their cars. Parents drove and student passengers were asked to take pictures of their finds, posting them on social network sites with #ChurchillAcademyEasterEggHunt. The hunt was a tremendous success! Thank you, Student Council! 19

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Montgomery County Schools

Saint James Speech & Debate Student Earns Two State Titles

Floyd Student Adjusts To Online Learning

Students throughout MPS are adapting to new ways of learning from home. Katelyn Glass, a Floyd Middle Magnet School student, looks forward to her Zoom video conference class meetings. She misses school but gets to see many of her friends online while learning in Ms. Louisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ELA class.

In early March in Tuscaloosa, Saint James senior Trevor Otis earned two Alabama State Speech & Debate titles and was elected presiding officer in his Congress chamber. Otis earned first place in International Extemporaneous Speaking and Impromptu Speaking, he was elected presiding officer in his Congress chamber, he won second place in Big Questions Debate, and placed sixth overall in Congress. Saint James also had two other finalists at the tournament, Saint James sophomores Hamilton Cunningham and Paul Kreischer each won third place â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cunningham took third place in Impromptu Speaking and Kreischer took third place in Humorous Interpretation. Saint James Speech & Debate Coach Lonny Harrison is pictured with, from left, Paul Kreischer, Trevor Otis and Hamilton Cunningham. The group traveled to Tuscaloosa March 5-7 for the State Speech & Debate tournament.

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We work tirelessly to help kids get well because the world needs to see what Natalie dreams up. Montgomery Academy Hires Robert Johnson as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach

Robert Johnson, Class of 1988, has been hired as the new Montgomery Academy athletic director and head football coach. He will support MA’s Upper School math department as well. Coach Johnson comes to MA from Lee-Scott Academy in Auburn, where he served as the head football coach, assistant basketball coach, and a math teacher. As a student-athlete at Montgomery Academy, Johnson was a member of the 1987 state championship football team, was named to the Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State football team, played baseball, was named to the All-City baseball team for two seasons and won the Hitchcock Award for Christian Leadership in Athletics in 1988. “I am very excited to be coming back home to a place I am very passionate about, The Montgomery Academy. It is an honor to have been selected to continue the tradition set by many great leaders that have preceded me like John Tatum,” said Coach Johnson. “It will be a privilege to work hard for all the young men and women who represent MA in its pursuit of excellence on the athletic fields, courts, and classroom. GO, EAGLES!” John McWilliams added, “I am so thrilled that Coach Robert Johnson is returning home to MA. Throughout his career, he has consistently used his roles in athletics and in the classroom as a means to build character and leadership skills in his students. He knows our school, he knows our community, and he understands our mission. I have no doubt that, through his leadership of our athletic program, Coach Johnson will seek to live out our school’s mission of developing great leaders of character. When I was a student at MA, Coach Johnson served as an assistant to the late Coach John Tatum, and it is fitting that he is now returning to MA to hold the positions that Coach Tatum once held. Coach Johnson will build on the legacy of excellence defined by the outstanding leaders of MA’s athletic program both past and present.” Johnson and his wife, Elizabeth, have three children, Noah, Alex and Chloe.

WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

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

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Montgomery County Schools

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BTW Senior Class Receives Recognition

Booker T. Washington Magnet High seniors had a drivethrough cap and gown pickup at the school. Students came in shifts according to last name to ensure safety. Some faculty, including Principal Dr. Quesha Starks; senior adviser Mrs. Jones; Dr. Free; Mr. and Mrs. Gravatt; and Dr. Ritzus were present to cheer them on, all appropriately distanced, of course. The PTSA decorated and gave each student a personalized yard sign to commemorate this great accomplishment. A representative from the BTW Alumni Association was also there to encourage and support the seniors. #BTWstrong

Resurrection Catholic School Puts on Motown II Production

Kudos to Willie Jackson for Resurrection Catholic School’s wonderful production of Motown II on February 29. This school fundraiser takes a lot of coordinated efforts to bring it to fruition, from rehearsals to costume design. Under Jackson’s theatrical guidance, the students and faculty of RCS had an opportunity to showcase their talents once again. Everyone gave rave reviews and eagerly waits for next year’s surprise theatrical production. Stay tuned for more details to follow.

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MA’s Anaya Thomas Chosen For Dixie Electric’s Youth Tour

Montgomery Academy junior Anaya Thomas was selected to participate in Dixie Electric Cooperative’s Montgomery Youth Tour in early March. She was one of 135 students representing 17 cooperatives from around the state. The Youth Tour included visiting historical sites, interacting with legislators, and engaging in leadership sessions taught by Cea Cohen Elliott. As a participant in this program, Thomas interviewed for the Washington Youth Tour and was selected as a member of Alabama’s student delegation, where she will join nearly 1,600 other high school students from around the country for an activity-filled week in our nation’s capital this June.

Resurrection Catholic School Welcomes College Students

Resurrection Catholic School welcomed students from Creighton and Marquette Universities. During their mission visit, the students spent the week assisting in the classrooms, completed organizing projects, and learned more about the culture of Montgomery and the history of the Civil Rights Movement.

ACA Senior Signs with Coastal Alabama

Alabama Christian Academy senior Aniya Jackson signed her letter of intent with Coastal Alabama Community College. She will join the Sun Chiefs for their upcoming softball season. We are confident she will do great things in her future.

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Saint James Sophomore Invited to Capstone Leadership Academy

Saint James sophomore Haley Brightwell was nominated by the Saint James high school faculty and selected by the University of Alabama Capstone Council to attend the Capstone Leadership Academy (CLA), a two-day leadership conference in Tuscaloosa, March 5 and 6. During the conference, students participated in leadership-building roundtables and worked on collaborative projects and presentations with other CLA attendees. They were also provided campus tours and introductions to administrators and student leaders from the University of Alabama Honors College. “I really enjoyed the campus tour – I tried to truly take in the moment as we moved from building to building,” Brightwell said. “It was my first official college tour, so it was a pretty special moment! I was very interested to learn about life in college, but what really caught my attention were the opportunities that are available to students – not just the number of things you can be involved in, but the variety of things. Whatever your interests are, there is a place for you!” With sophomores from across the state of Alabama at the conference, participants met other students from cities they have never visited and parts of the state unknown to them. “When I first arrived, I was a little nervous because I really did not know anyone,” Brightwell said. “Very quickly, I began to meet new people and I made some great friends throughout the two days. My group won the ‘Best Chant’ competition. I thought that was a great way for our group to end our first day of the conference. “On the second day of CLA, I listened to so many great speakers and learned so much. The speakers taught us about our personal Vision, Values, and Voice: our ‘vision’ means setting goals for ourselves,” she continued. “They taught us to always strive to accomplish those goals but to always include our ‘values’ and morals in those goals. The speakers also focused on how important our voice is. They taught us how impactful our voices can be in shaping opinions and becoming a leader of people who share our vision and values.” When asked what she thought the conference served to accomplish, Brightwell replied, “First, I want to say that I was so honored to be chosen to attend the Capstone Leadership Academy by my school and the University of Alabama. This was such a great opportunity! I learned so much about what truly makes an effective leader and what makes a strong leader. I look forward to using these skills and making a difference in my community.” Each year, the Saint James high school faculty nominates select sophomores to submit entries to the Capstone Council / Capstone Leadership Academy. A University of Alabama alumni group composed of former Capstone Men and Women; the Office of the President; and the Honors College hosts the conference each spring on the UA campus. The Capstone Council also awards through the UA Alumni Association a leadership scholarship each year to one incoming freshman who attended CLA as a sophomore. This scholarship, the Jean Townsend O’Connor-Snyder and Leslie Anderson Vallely Capstone Council Scholarship, is worth $6,000 and is awarded once, for the student’s freshman year.

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Montgomery Academy Students Named Bryant-Jordan Regional Winners

Two Montgomery Academy students were named Regional Winners in the Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Scholarship Program. Wilson Butler, above, was named the 3A Region 3 winner of the Bryant-Jordan Achievement Award and William Robertson, below, won the 3A Region 3 Bryant-Jordan Scholar-Athlete Award. They were recognized during a virtual ceremony. The program, named in honor of the late coaches Paul “Bear” Bryant of Alabama and Ralph “Shug” Jordan of Auburn, recognizes 52 regional scholar-athlete winners selected for their excellence in athletics and academics and 52 achievement winners chosen for their ability to overcome major obstacles during their high school careers.

Churchill Embraces Distance Learning Churchill Academy’s Distance Learning Campus opened on March 30. School administrators and teachers worked diligently following Governor Ivey’s March 13 closure of Alabama schools to create a distance learning campus that would afford Churchill students excellence in education for the remainder of the year, and the campus has been met with rave reviews! Students continue to receive individualized learning programs—something Churchill is well known for. Social times, music classes, tutoring, study groups and more are part of the Churchill Academy Distance Learning Academy. This year has taken twists and turns that no one could have anticipated, but Churchill has taken this chance to teach students new technology skills, the ability to adapt to change, and the opportunity to embrace a remarkable new journey in education. River Region Parents I May 2020

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BTW Student Donates Box of Gloves to New York

St. Bede Teacher Displays Teddy Bears

The Teddy Bear Hunt is a fun scavenger hunt that’s taken the country by storm, and there is no more perfect spot to find bears than at the Montgomery Catholic St. Bede elementary campus. Third-grade teacher Tammy Quillin has a unique year-long project for her students where they each get to pick a stuffed bear and write about its life and adventures. When the campus shut down in mid-March, the students were unable to take the bears with them, but Quillin wanted the students to still visit with their plush buddies. She arranged all of the bears in her classroom windows, making a cute and cuddly display, complete with a special message from the bears to her students. “We miss you, 3rd Grade!” says one sign. “Love, Your Bears,” says the other. It’s a sweet message for the students but also an uplifting display for passers-by.

Booker T. Washington Magnet High student William Rochelle donated gloves to a New York county to help with their response to the coronavirus pandemic. He and his mother, Retha, follow New York State in the news. They were inclined to help after seeing the chaos caused by COVID-19 and the need for crucial supplies such as masks, gloves and gowns. They decided to reach out to New York’s Montgomery County Emergency Management Director Rick Sager. “I wish I had more gloves to send to New York, but this one box is all my mama and I could find,” William Rochelle said. “She had originally purchased the gloves for us, but when I saw a nurse on TV begging for help and I heard your Governor say, ‘Help us today and we will help you when it’s your turn.’ I wanted to do something to help. I wasn’t sure you would want the one box, so my mama called a number we found online. We selected your county because of the similarities with “Montgomery.’ I just wish I could do more.” Retha Rochelle said they googled “How to help New York” and received a page that listed every county in the state. Since they too, live in Montgomery County, it was an instant connection. Rochelle was directed to Sager’s number at the office of Emergency Management and left a message explaining how her son would like to donate their last box of gloves. “I know that you guys need help, more so than we do here in Alabama,” Rochelle said in the voicemail.“We are just so proud of how you are handling things there, we watch you on the news often.” Retha Rochelle was excited to hear a response back regarding the gloves and placed them in the mail the next day. Her son even included a note that said “Stay Safe” and sent this message via e-mail: “Please tell the workers even though they are thousands of miles away, we hear them and we are proud to know how much they care for others, that they are willing to risk their own lives.”

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Montgomery Catholic Music Classes Continue Distance learning is a challenge for any classroom, but it is uniquely difficult for musicians who are used to playing in harmony together. Throughout the months of March and April, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School students have been responsible for keeping up with their coursework, and those enrolled in band class are no exception. Montgomery Catholic band directors Alex and Kristine Johnson had to come up with solutions to keep their students engaged. “We can’t put students together in any ensembles,” said Alex. “To keep up with their instruments, they are working on scales and etudes which they record and send to us for feedback.” The students receive assignments from the Johnsons, and they must practice daily in order to keep up. Using their laptops and cell phones, the students then record themselves playing and e-mail these videos to their teachers. “Individuals are highly accountable on a daily basis for material,” Alex added. “This method gives us an opportunity to give highly detailed feedback to each individual.”

And while they are not able to play in groups, the students themselves have come up with creative ways to create socially responsible ensembles. Senior Theo Hornsby, a trumpet player, recorded a video where he performed all eight parts of a trumpet octet, “Infinite Ascent” by Erik Morales. “He’s very motivated to stay in top shape,” said Alex. “And while it’s challenging to play along with a recording that is six and a half minutes long, he was able to do it eight times.” Montgomery Catholic’s middle and high school band programs had a record number of students who were accepted into the All-District Bands and All-State Bands. Twelve students from the middle school and 13 students from the high school were chosen to perform in the ABA District VI Honor Bands, and of those, three middle school

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students and 11 high school students were accepted into the All-State Honor Bands. Additionally, for the second year in a row, the 7th-grade band, 8th-grade band, and high school band all achieved overall “Superior” ratings at the annual Music Performance Assessment, which is the highest rating a band can achieve. Ensembles are judged on specific areas, such as tone, intonation, technique, rhythm, balance, and musicianship, and are given an overall score based on their subcategory scores.

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Montgomery Catholic Family Donates 3D Printed Masks

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Many people in the River Region have been spending a lot of time at the house due to work from home orders, including the faculty and families of Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School. MCPS parent Andy O’Donnell, a cybersecurity manager and father of senior Charlie and 8th-grader Abby, found that while he and his family were isolating at home and had some downtime, they could help the community by dusting off an old 3D printer and making protective face masks for people who needed them. “I had gotten my daughter, Abby, a 3D printer for Christmas a couple of years ago,” he said. “It had been sitting in storage, so we pulled it out last week, got it working, and we’ve made a bunch of masks already.” With the increase of COVID-19 cases in Alabama, obtaining personal protection equipment, such as protective medical face masks, has been difficult, even for those working in the medical community. O’Donnell and his wife, Virginia, searched online for 3D printer filtration mask patterns that would be reusable and easy to assemble and got to work. The plastic filament used for production is PLA, or polylactic acid, a renewable polymer made from corn. As for the filtration, they researched various fabrics and found that high-grade furnace filters have sufficient protection as they are HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) rated and able to block viruses and other particles as small as 0.3 microns in size. The mask itself can be sterilized with a bleach and water solution or with UV light, and the HEPA filter can be easily removed and replaced. They also received a donation of medical-grade elastic bands, which are used to secure masks onto the faces of wearers, from a manufacturing company. While the O’Donnells’ 3D printer has successfully made several masks, the process takes a few hours, and the printer can only produce up to three masks in a day. They ordered a second 3D printer, but due to delays in shipments and deliveries, they did not receive the unit until the end of March. They are also searching for a UV light sterilizer so that they can efficiently ensure the masks are clean and sterile before giving them away. They are currently using a bleach solution to sterilize the masks, elastic bands, and the bags they are packaged in. “We’ve already given some of our masks away, including one to a friend who recently had a kidney transplant and is immunocompromised,” said O’Donnell. “We’ve also had several nurses reaching out to us.” The O’Donnells are hoping to boost their own manufacturing, but Andy says that he also hopes others will start doing the same thing. “There may be people out there who, like me, bought these 3D printers for their kids,” he said. “Who knows, they could be sitting in a garage but could be put to use. And colleges and universities might have a couple that are just sitting there that could be used, too.” Of course, he wouldn’t leave anyone to just flounder on their own, especially if this is their first 3D printing project. “If anybody has a 3D printer at home, I can certainly train them on how to make these,” he said. “I can help people to avoid the pitfalls if they haven’t used one before.”

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Evangel Christian Academy Holds Virtual Art Show

The Evangel Christian Academy Art Show, originally scheduled for April 16, was forced to be cancelled. As the saying goes, “the show must go on.” So, ECA’s art teacher LaDonna LeMaster set up the art exhibit in bits and pieces and photographed the art. She then turned the pictures into a Power Point presentation. ECA’s students were still able to invite their parents and grandparents to their “ virtual art show” to view their work.

Resurrection Catholic School Celebrates Mardi Gras

Resurrection Catholic School’s faculty, staff, students and parents participated in and enjoyed a Mardi Gras celebration on “Fat Tuesday” February 25 in the school’s gymnasium. The celebration kicked off with a very informative presentation on “What is Mardi Gras?” by Fay Lyons. Afterwards, we continued the festivities as we paraded around the gym for the second line dance led by Sister Gilder. The faculty and students also dressed in Mardi Gras colors and wore decorative masks.

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Montgomery Catholic Teachers Greet Students from Afar

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s four campuses have been closed to the public since mid-March due to Covid-19, but students and teachers have remained hard at work from home in their virtual classrooms. While they have seen their students frequently through video screens, the teachers at the Holy Spirit elementary campus arranged for a special “Corona Carpool” reception line so they could see their students. Teachers and administrators lined the sidewalk where students would normally be dropped off for school and held signs to express how much they missed seeing their students. The turnout was incredible, and the line of family cars wrapped around the campus. Some even took multiple laps down the reception line to make sure they got to talk to every teacher. While the teachers had intended to be the ones to create signs to greet their students, many students made their own signs to express how much they missed seeing their favorite teachers. And while it was fun for them to see their teachers, the students were equally excited to see their classmates. Many cars gathered in the parking lot after the parade so that both students and parents could chat with one another from a safe distance.

A DVA N C I N G STUDENTS TO THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL

STJ Middle School Science Bowl

A team of five Saint James middle school students competed in the 2020 Regional Science Bowl held in Mobile on March 7. The Saint James team earned an impressive fourth-place finish out of 14 participating teams. During the Science Bowl competition, middle school students answer questions regarding life science, physical science, earth and space science, energy, and mathematics. The team of Saint James students practiced together prior to the competition—twice a week before and after school beginning in November. They practiced answering questions rapidly, they studied binders of information the teachers compiled as competition prep, and they utilized Kahoots – interactive education games played between SmartBoards and iPads. Beginning in January each year, more than 9,000 high school students and 5,000 middle school students compete in 65 high school and 50 middle school regional Science Bowl tournaments. The regional winners advance to the national competition. The Department of Energy (DOE) created the National Science Bowl in 1991 to encourage students to excel in mathematics and science and to pursue careers in these fields. Students who competed for Saint James School were, from left, Will Alexander, Will Gulsby, Cole Williams, Harrison Allen and Alex Clenney.

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Montgomery Academy Shows Support for the Class of 2020

To show our support for the members of the Class of 2020, administrators and faculty members delivered yard signs to each of our seniors all over the River Region.

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Dalraida Teacher Records Her Voice for Lessons

Dalraida Elementary teacher Elisabeth McKinney is connecting with students from her home office, making her voice part of her students’ lessons. “I’ve been busy creating YouTube voice-overs for my PowerPoint visual aids for our grade level in second-grade reading,” she says. “I like to think my students are feeling a sense of normalcy by seeing our reading routine. And check out this tech equipment my husband let me borrow!” River Region Parents I May 2020

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Montgomery Catholic Campuses Continue Teaching Through Distance Learning

All four campuses of Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School closed their facilities starting on March 17, in response to Governor Ivey’s order for public schools to shut down to slow down the spread of COVID-19. The faculty had been preparing for such an event in the preceding weeks and were ready to start distance learning measures as soon as the Archdiocese of Mobile ordered all its schools to close their doors and start teaching remotely. While it has been a challenging time for both educators and students, the faculty and families at Montgomery Catholic quickly adjusted to life that moved the classroom into their living rooms. Students enrolled in grades 10 through 12 are given MacBooks as tools for regular classroom instruction, so as long as they have reliable internet connections, they can access most of the learning resources, such as digital textbooks, that they use anyway. For all other grades, teachers had to survey the families to verify that the students would have access to a digital device, be it a home computer, tablet, or smartphone, that could connect to the internet and be able to access course materials. Using tools like Google Classroom, Zoom meetings, and even simple cell phone photos, teachers have stayed in constant communication with families and students to convey lessons and evaluate schoolwork. And since teachers across the world are also having to teach remotely, libraries of free educational tools and games have been made available online for the public to use. And of course, old-fashioned books and paper have been essential throughout this time. “Distance learning has been a unique challenge,” said sixth-grade teacher Mary Pears. “I am trying to supplement my lessons with links to videos, games and PowerPoints to enhance the at-home learning experience for my students.” Even the youngest students are continuing their curriculum through distance learning. K4 teacher Kathleen Reeves, whose class is comprised of 4- and 5-year olds, has chosen assignments for her students that encourage exploration and literacy in a way that also allows for some creativity. “I’m trying to keep things as routine as possible with their assignments,” said Reeves. “My class will continue doing the things we do regularly, like learning a new letter every week, tracing their names, playing with play dough, and working on their letter journals. They also have access to internet links for the movement songs we do.” The faculty and administration have also met regularly through video conferences. The campus offices, which are diligently practicing social distancing and heightened hygiene routines, have tried to keep business running as close to usual as possible, albeit with doors that are closed to the general public. While this has been a challenging time for all of the staff and families, they have kept a positive outlook on the school year and look forward to returning to their classrooms. “I sorely miss the daily interactions with my precious sixth graders!” said Pears. “It is my fervent prayer that I’m back in the classroom with them again soon.”

Montgomery Academy Student Chosen for AL Governor’s School

Montgomery Academy junior Brystol Habermacher has been accepted to the Alabama Governor’s School at Samford University. The Alabama Governor’s School provides academic, creative and leadership experiences for a limited number of rising high school seniors who have demonstrated exceptional ability and achievement in their studies. Over the course of the 13-day residential program, each student takes one morning and one afternoon seminar which focus on hands-on, experiential learning. The seminars are taught by leading academic, business and community experts in their fields. The program includes classes, seminars, workshops, self-directed studies and projects in a variety of subject areas from the natural sciences, the humanities, the social sciences and the fine and performing arts.

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Three Montgomery Schools Rank in Top 10

U.S. News and World Report has released its 2020 list of the top high schools in America. Three Montgomery County schools are ranked in the top 10 in Alabama, with one grabbing both the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top spot and a top 25 national ranking. LAMP (Loveless Academic Magnet High School) is ranked the No. 1 high school in Alabama and the 23rd best in all of the United States. It is also ranked the 12th best magnet school in the nation. Booker T. Washington Magnet High comes in as the fifth best high school in Alabama, and Brewbaker Technology Magnet High is ranked 10th. U.S. News and World Report ranks schools based on several criteria, including college readiness, underserved student performance and graduation rates.

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Montgomery Academy Donates 3D-Printed Medical Masks to Baptist Hospital

Montgomery Academy STEM Lab teachers Joy Gleason and Dinah McLemore (along with Dr. Brian Gleason) printed 3D medical masks using MAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3D printers. They have donated more than 20 masks so far to the staff at Baptist South and are printing more to be donated soon!

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Montgomery Catholic Teacher 3D Prints For Montgomery Fighting Covid-19

Covid-19 has created a high demand for personal protection equipment, or PPE, and many healthcare facilities have struggled to keep adequate inventories of basic items, like face masks and disposable gloves. Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School computer science teacher Mindy Walski has volunteered her time with Montgomery Fighting Covid, a local group made up of volunteers who have 3D printers to help provide some much-needed PPE for local hospitals and clinics. “Basically, what they need right now is face shields,” said Walski. “The piece that I am printing is the plastic piece at the top that holds the shield in place.” The face shields consist of two parts: a clear plastic shield that blocks droplets and a headpiece that attaches to the clear shield and allows it to be worn. The shields are worn along with traditional face masks and help to add an extra layer of protection and prevent droplet contact with the eyes. “Each piece takes about an hour to print, so hopefully we will be able to get 8 to 10 masks per day,” said Walski. “We bought another printer, so we should be able to print two at a time.” Because there are many different people helping the effort, the files for the 3D printing project are distributed by Montgomery Fighting Covid, along with a list of preferred printing materials, to help standardize the production. The organization also handles the assembly and sanitization of the masks, and will distribute them to hospitals and clinics who need PPE the most in our community.

LAMP Participates in Youth Legislature

Five Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School students had an outstanding weekend at the Youth Legislature conference. From left with their achievements are: Sarah Kim, an alternate to the Conference on National Affairs; Dylan Davis, an alternate to the Conference on National Affairs; Chris Yang, who qualified for the Conference on National Affairs, and he is the 2021 Senate Floor Leader for Alabama’s Youth Legislature conference, a first for a LAMP student; Junseo Park, who won outstanding first year delegate; and Halla Elmore, whose bill was one of twenty signed into law at the 2020 conference.

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River Region Parents I May 2020

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It’s May and we are coming to the last few days of the 2019/2020 school year. As are many other school districts, Pike Road Schools is doing things differently. We are learning a lot about the positives and negatives of distance learning, but we are experienced at learning to adjust and find what works for our learners. Normally, these last weeks would have some review time before state tests, state testing, field trips, field days, and other school activities. Often, the last 8 weeks only has a couple of weeks of actual instructional learning time. Pike Road Schools goal is to make the last eight weeks of school have at least five weeks worth of instructional learning, so that our learners, rather than having a COVID-19 learning gap, are able to move further forward and gain ground! I truly believe we can accomplish this, and we can be the model for the state and the nation!

Although Pike Road educators are deeply saddened to not be able to spend time together with their classes, they have been working to make sure that the education of our students does not suffer. The Pike Road Schools team worked tirelessly to create solid Academic Continuity Plans for our schools. In the plans our parents and learners were provided with the specific details of how we are going to move forward with teaching and learning for the rest of the year. Our goal in Pike Road Schools is not to simply do a patch for missed learning, but to truly make the learning opportunities for our students effective and to help them continue on their educational paths. No one is better poised to accomplish this goal than Pike Road Schools! We have been through five years of productive struggle to build a great school system. Our educators are committed to doing what is best to help students learn, and they have demonstrated their flexibility and their resolve repeatedly. I am confident we will continue our students learning through this time unabated. It is important for our schools, our community, and our senior students that we celebrate our first senior class. Therefore, we are

setting a date to have a graduation ceremony for the Pike Road High School Class of 2020 on June 6th at 9:00 am at the Patriot stadium. We will monitor the situation leading up to that date and make plans accordingly. Finally, thank you to each of our families for working together through this crisis, we are going to learn valuable lessons that will help us grow and improve, and we will come out on the other side of this stronger for having gone through it. The Pike Road School mission to Think, Innovate, Create, has never been more appropriate. We have been teaching to prepare our students for an unknown future all along. We are excited to employ our critical thinking skills to solve this real world problem and use this as a grand learning opportunity! To learn more, visit our website at www. pikeroadschools.org or follow us on Facebook at Pike Road Schools. Chuck Ledbetter has been an educator for 30 years. He 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. 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 11th year as a superintendent. He is married to Kim and has three daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren.

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Pike Road Senior Receives Pike Road Ladies Auxiliary Community Service Award

PRHS Earns Gold At SkillsUSA

Alex Merriweather earned the SkillsUSA Gold Medal for Individual Class Project Display at the South District Competition! This was Pike Road High School’s first time to attend, and 106 schools were invited to the competition.

Pike Road Schools Offers Free Curbside Meal Pick-Up

In an effort to support the local community through this school closure, the Pike Road Schools Child Nutrition Program is providing free meals to children age 18 and under. Our superintendent, principals, teachers, parent volunteers and Pike Road Schools board members have all pitched in to help run the curbside meal pick-up. The first day of the program we served close to 2,000 meals. A special thank-you to the Pike Road Schools Child Nutrition Program staff for all their hard work! Curbside meal pick-up will continue every Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. through the end of May. Meal pick-up site is Pike Road Middle School, Historic Campus located at 4710 Pike Road. River Region Parents I May 2020

Pike Road High School senior Justin Martin has received the Pike Road Ladies Auxiliary Community Service Award. He is the son of John and Sonia Martin of Pike Road. He is one of seven children, all boys, including three adopted brothers. Martin is a member of the Pike Road Patriots baseball team, Youth in Government, SGA, Model United Nations and Beta Club. He enjoys volunteering at Woodland United Methodist Church, citywide “adopt a street,” Key Club, Lifeline Children’s Services and assisting his family serving as a foster family home. Martin’s reference said he is impressed by his natural leadership skills and said he is a natural-born leader. He knows when to lead by his words or lead by action. He is described as a young man with character and leadership. Martin plans to attend Auburn University in the fall and major in history. Upon graduation from AU, he plans to attend law school at the University of Alabama, where his strategy is to achieve a master’s degree in social work while simultaneously earning a law degree.

PRHS Band Announces 2020 Halftime Show

The Pike Road Patriot Marching Band will present “Rock with the Red and Roll with the Blue” for the 2020/2021 Patriot halftime show. The show will be a mix of rock and roll music that will be entertaining for the band students, and obviously for our Pike Road fans and visitors as well. The show will feature: “Crazy Train,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Light ‘Em Up,” “Dream On,” “Back in Black” and “Paint it Black.” The Patriot marching band will showcase more than100 performers including its very first Pike Road Majorettes. Even though we are not able to return to the school building this school year, we are still going to audition our color guard line for next year, as well as drum majors, section leaders, and our drum line before the end of this school year. This will be done through online auditions. Next fall our band will perform for the Pike Road football games, community parades and at district marching competitions. We will also premiere our very first marching band uniforms for the Pike Road Patriot Marching Band!

Pike Road Elementary Takes to the Streets

Principal Hatfield, Assistant Principal Van Egmond and approximately 25 lead learners decorated their cars and paraded through numerous Pike Road neighborhoods spreading joy to their learners recently. Honking horns, fun music, big smiles, waving, blowing kisses and shouting we miss you brought much-needed joy to learners that miss seeing their friends and teachers. This event was organized the day after teachers and students should have returned to Pike Road Schools from Spring Break but were unable due to the current health crisis. 38

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Pike Road Schools Celebrates Month of the Military Child

April is recognized as Month of the Military Child. Pike Road Schools (PRS) has approximately 198 military-connected students. When parents serve in the military, their children also serve and are our heroes, too; these children are a source of pride and honor to PRS, and it is only fitting that we take time to recognize their contributions, celebrate their spirit, and let our men and women in uniform know that while they are taking care of us, we are caring for their children. PRS paid tribute to our military students for their commitment, struggles and unconditional support of our troops in several different ways. PRS teachers and coaches shared pictures and wrote personalized messages to these special students on the Pike Road Schools Facebook page. PRS families made signs, decorations and military memorabilia for the front door of their homes. On April 15, the entire PRS district was encouraged to participate in Purple Up Day. For military kids, this is a day for communities to wear purple to show support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifices. Purple indicates that all branches of the military are supported. Air Force blue, Army green, Navy blue, Marine red, and Coast Guard blue all are thought to combine together as a single color, purple. Pike Road Schools recognizes the unique set of challenges military students face, including moving on an average of six to nine times during their K-12 school years. PRS is honored to be the school of choice for our current military connected students. It was a privilege to honor these young heroes during the month of April.

Pike Road Schools First Day Back

As you all are aware, Governor Kay Ivey and State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey announced on March 26 that our schools would not physically reopen for students until after June 5. However, instruction for Pike Road Schools (PRS) learners began again via distance learning on April 6. To celebrate our learners and lead learners returning to the virtual classroom, we created a social media campaign to capture the excitement of the first day back at PRS. More than 250 families shared photos and videos of their new digital classroom or learning spaces using the hashtag #PRSfirstdayback. It was a great way to celebrate adjusting to a new way to think. Innovate. Create.

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PCA Student Chosen for Leadership Experience Maddie Jeffery ‘22 was one of just 160 students across the state to attend The University of Alabama’s Capstone Leadership Academy. The Capstone experience included a service project, campus tour, guest speakers, and individual presentations about the principles learned. #PCAproud #preparingleaders #bedriven

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Pine Level Utilizes Zoom for Communication

Pine Level Elementary faculty and students are using little digital squares on Zoom and other video conference platforms from their homes to hold faculty meetings and provide remote learning for their students since the school has gone to remote learning. The platform allows participants to interact with each other while it is being led by a teacher or administrator. This a Zoom Faculty Meeting as we began to prepare for online learning. Safety procedures have been put in place for all involved.

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Annie Jr. Takes Center Stage At PCA’s Benefit Event

Prattville Christian Academy performed Annie Jr. on the evening of February 20. “I am so proud of our fine arts program at PCA,” said PCA President Dr. Ron Mitchell. “The play [was] certainly [one of] the best we have ever had.” Many tended to mention the character of Mrs. Hannigan, played by McKenzie Monk. Then, the intricate design of Mr. Warbuck’s mansion and the casting of Natalie Lantz as Annie were noted. However, the overall favorite was always the finale as every actor took a bow and was honored for their outstanding dedication, hard work and performance. “The creative side of any director craves to see the play be the best it can be,” said Director Joey Fine. “We had to deal with a lot of sickness, especially among the main leads,” said Jenna Stilling, who is involved in Technical Theatre and worked in the sound booth “People were dropping left and right with the flu, bronchitis, [and] colds.” Then, the choreography also presented a daunting challenge to the cast, including Natalie Lantz as Annie, the lead role. In her own words, “it definitely took a lot of hard work and dedication” to master the vast amount of songs and corresponding movements. Furthermore, Lantz notes to “never be afraid to try something new [because] even if you think the chances are slim... you never know what could happen, and you might regret it in the future if you never [try].” Each day, the PCA faculty and staff encourage students to take their learning beyond the classroom and glorify God in everything they do.

PLES Holds Virtual Spirit Week

During the weeks we were out of school, Pine Level Elementary had a Virtual Spirit Week. Monday was America Monday, (wear red, white and blue). Tuesday was Read a Book to your Pet day. Wednesday was Win-Win Wednesday (do something to help someone). Thursday was Tacky Thursday (wear your tackiest outfit). Friday was Fun Friday (do something you enjoy). This student read a book to her pet.

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PCA Student Participates In Autism Discussion

Pine Level Adjusts to Online Learning

On April 6, Pine Level Elementary began its online blended learning approach for the remainder of the school year. Teachers have posted online learning instructions to the front page of our Pine Level website. The lessons are easy to access and navigate. This sweet student is hard at work as she is completing an assignment from her online learning.

River Region Parents I May 2020

Prattville Christian Academy freshman Andrew Minton â&#x20AC;&#x2122;23, an outspoken autism advocate, participated in an Easterseals Central Alabama panel about the disorder following a play about a young boy with autism entitled The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime at the Cloverdale Playhouse. Minton was able to share his personal experiences and perspective with the audience.

Pine Level Silly Pictures Bring Smiles

During the weeks that Pine Level has been out of school, we have done a few things online to stay connected with out students. During Silly Picture Week, faculty and staff posted silly pictures and students submitted silly pictures to post. This is a way that we can encourage them and bring them joy during a very scary time.

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The COVID-19 health crisis has affected us all in practically every aspect of our lives. Our students and their families have had to adjust their schedules, adapt to new and often unfamiliar ways of meeting academic standards, and deal with the economic difficulties of parents who could not work. On the academic front, teachers began preparing in early March for the possibility of finishing the school year virtually: Google Classroom for kindergarten through 5th grade students, and Edgenuity for 6th-12th grade students. When the decision was made that all schools in Alabama would remain closed through the end of the school year, we were ready to launch our virtual instruction programs on April 6. The first step was distribution of 3,777 Chromebooks to students who needed

River Region Parents I May 2020

devices, and parent resources for the virtual platforms were posted to our district website, www.elmoreco.com. Since April 6, teachers and administrators continue to monitor students’ progress, provide assistance via email, and follow up to help keep students on track with their work. Over half of our students receive free or reduced-price meals and they depend on the meals they receive at school, so the school closure has been particularly difficult for those families. Under the leadership of Child Nutrition Director Cacyce Davis, our Child Nutrition Program has stepped up in a phenomenal way to meet the needs of not only our students but those in surrounding areas. Like our teaching staff, they also began planning ahead when the possibility of closing school was discussed. When school closed for the last time on March 16, they were immediately ready to shift into “summer feeding” mode on March 17. Five schools across the county were identified as feeding sites and we served 1,041 children the first week. Eight school buses are also used to take meals

into neighborhoods with a lot of children. At the end of serving day on April 13, we had served 8,234 children and 115,276 meals through five sites and eight buses. On our current schedule of one pick up day per week, each child is provided with seven breakfast and seven lunch meals. The food provided includes shelfstable items, refrigerated and frozen items, and one gallon of milk per child. Packing food starts a full week before distribution, and distribution day requires many volunteers in addition to school staff, teachers, and principals. I am amazed by the extraordinary level of hard work and commitment to serve students and their families demonstrated by our staff. It is a privilege to serve as your superintendent. Elmore County… Every Student Empowered – 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.

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while you stay safe at home. To protect yourself and others during this pandemic, The Jackson Clinic encourages the use of telehealth visits. Telehealth is a face-to-face or by phone visit with your healthcare provider through digital technology. Call for an appointment today!

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Elmore County Schools

ECTC Visits Coosada Career Day

ECTC Aviation Students Receive Fuselage Donation

Elmore County Technical Center staff visited with K4-2nd grade students at Coosada Elementary for Career Day. Representatives shared about the careers students pursue after completing one of our 12 programs on campus.

Aviation Technology students at the Elmore County Technical Center received an enormous donation recently â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the fuselage of a large commercial passenger plane to assist students in learning about a variety of aviation careers and skills/abilities needed.

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NAWIC Donates to ECTC The Elmore County Technical Center received a donation from the Montgomery Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) for the annual Camp Discovery 8th-grade career tech exploration experience.

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WHS TV Production Students Film Promo Video

A group of Wetumpka High School students enrolled in the TV production program were invited to film a promotional video piece for the Central AlabamaWorks! Career Discovery Expo in March. Students gathered footage, interviewed staff and volunteers of the event, and chatted with students as they progressed through the event.

ECTC Participates in Annual Employer Showcase

The annual Employer Showcase was held in March for 10th-12th grade students enrolled at the Elmore County Technical Center. Sixteen employers or service organizations visited campus to share about their current and future job openings, discuss employment trends, and answer studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; questions about careers. Shown are representatives from the YMCA and Jackson Hospital.

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Screen Time in the Age of Coronovirus

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

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

Good content is key. Choose age-appropriate, highquality media and tech for your kids. Use our reviews to find good content. Get creative. Let kids use your phone to shoot photos and videos and then go to town with stickers, slo-mo, and other editing tools. Give them a prompt like, “Take ten pictures of something round, and then write a story connecting each thing.” Have them make their own memes, record a song, choreograph a dance video—anything that gets them using screens to fulfill their imaginations. Use tech to bond. Relationships are critical to kids’ healthy development. Tech can and should help kids connect to friends and family, collaborate with each other, play, and share stories, pictures, and videos. Talk about it. We’re in a unique position where kids are likely using screens more, and we may have more opportunities to join them—or at least engage with them about what they’re watching and playing. Ask questions about their favorite games, shows, and characters. Discuss ideas and issues they read about or learn about through a TV show or a game. This is an opportunity for learning about each other and sharing your values. Balance still matters. We should aim for a balance throughout the week. So, more screens? Fine. But also find time to be outside, to be active (indoors or outdoors, with or without screens), eat well, and talk to friends and family (on the phone, on social media, or on video chat). The time at home with kids presents an opportunity to bond with them, even over media. This is not the time to try to deprive kids of something they enjoy and something that research has shown to have positive effects when used appropriately. There’s a ton of great high-quality content out there—let your kids use it, use it with them, and don’t guilt yourself over something that can still be part of a healthy, balanced childhood—especially during these times of heightened stress. 48

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

River Region Parents I May 2020

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

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

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

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

5. Set up an outdoor classroom.

8. Plan a virtual recess.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Right on Target Toys As a child’s emerging ability to kick a ball, throw a toy, and loft a balloon evolves, the desire to hone their aim soon follows. In a world full of sensitive targets, offering children access to games and toys that present specific goals can save a lot of bruises, broken bowls and battered paint. Learning to hit targets through play has long been a part of kids’ growth, first as a means of teaching survival skills and later as a prelude to military training or recreational games. Acknowledged as an ideal form of play that supports hand-eye coordination, gross motor skills and an

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

understanding of strategy, the following games are recommended for kids who aim to win.

by Gerry Paige Smith

GoSports Ring Toss Set

Kubb Premium Tossing Game

With easy targets and flexible distance rules, GoSports Ring Toss Set is the ideal introduction to aiming games for children. Crafted from solid pine wood with colorful accents, the base features five scoring towers that assemble in seconds. Players can loft plastic or sturdy rope rings at the posts for varying point scores. This set fosters hand-eye coordination as well as introductory math skills for young scorekeepers. With its zip-up carrying case that conveniently holds all the game’s pieces for set-up indoors or outside, this Ring Toss set is the perfect take-along game for play-dates, camping, reunions and more. Whether it’s one player or four, everything you need for quick and easy target play is in the bag with the GoSports Ring Toss Set.

Kubb (pronounced “KOOB”) is a Swedish lawn game said to have been played all the way back in the Viking Ages. Over the centuries, Kubb has established a broad base of popularity, with competitive leagues worldwide for children and adults. Colloquially known as ‘Vikings chess’, kubb is a unique game involving strategy, skill and a bit of athleticism. Featuring ten kubb blocks, six tossing dowels, a king kubb and four corner stakes, the included rules brochure offers a quick primer for game play and the carrying case brings the fun to a variety of outdoor surfaces. Tossing the dowels underhand, the goal is to topple your opponents kubb blocks, before targeting the king. Ideal for cultivating physical effort awareness, this is a rewarding challenge that aims to educate through strategy and competitive fun!

(GoSports)

(Yard Games)

Lumber Jo Foam Axe Throwing Game

Air Storm Z-Tek Bow (Zing)

As one of humanity’s earliest representations of aiming at a target, the bow and arrow remain familiar tools in the aim-improvement toolbox. The Air Storm Z-Tek Bow is a kid-friendly design drawn from this ancient technology. The bow comes with one suction-cup arrow and two sonic whistling arrows that scream through the air when launched (Zing offers arrow refill packs as well). Featuring clip mounts for the soft-tipped arrows, the bow’s short bungees are ideal for quick reload and firing action. The projectiles’ light weight and design combine with the bow’s elastic resistance for arrow flights that can reach 100 feet! Ideal for developing hand-eye coordination as well as skills needed to improve targeting proficiency, the Z-Tek Bow from Air Storm encourages kids to aim high!

(JumpOff Jo)

Evolving from the traditional woodsman’s throwing game, with a dash of pub darts, Lumber Jo Foam Axe Throwing is a combined hit! Replacing the traditional lumberjack axe with foam replicas, this game is safe to play indoors and outdoors by both kids and adults. Each player takes turns throwing a foam axe at the simulated log stump target. Each irregular ring on the target is present its unique point value with the bulls-eye offering the highest value hit. The foam axe ‘blades’ are trimmed with hook-and-loop material that sticks to the target on contact. Experimenting with throwing styles (overhand, two-hand, underhand) will help players find the launch that works best for planting the axe on the target. As skills grow, new challenges can be introduced to keep the competition balanced on an axe’s edge.

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

River Region Parents I May 2020

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

River Region Parents I May 2020

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Waking up on time. This may

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

Studying. Your student figuring

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

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

Money management. This

might be one of your biggest fears when thinking about sending your child off to college. To keep it simple for them, discuss monitoring small expenditures like a latte from Starbucks,

responsibility regarding smaller purchases will help them see the bigger picture of managing their finances long term.

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

Time management. The responsibility to maintain their schedule now solely falls on them, which can be a huge adjustment and rude awakening if they are not prepared. An easy way to help them adjust to this change is by introducing them to time management tools, such as a calendar on their smartphone or a to-do list in their class planner. This will help them organize their day by planning to rest, leaving extra time in their day, limiting study breaks and setting deadlines. Laundry. If your child hasn’t been taking on this task, now is the ideal time for them to practice and master their skills. Guide them on which temperatures to use, the difference between bleach, detergent, and fabric softer— and the proper way to use them. Help them understand how not to turn their favorite red shirt pink.

From GrownandFlown.com.

ordering a movie on demand, or eating out that can add up quickly. Explaining financial

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Grocery shopping and cooking. Typically, with a high

school student, chances are you’re doing

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

Car maintenance. If your child owns a car now, it’s the perfect time to help them develop good car maintenance habits. Some things to consider are when and where to change their oil, how to check tire pressure, change windshield wipers, and how to change a tire. Attend class. The days of a class roster are over. And, attending a college course is often not a requirement like in high school. However, their attendance is a reflection of their achievements; therefore, it’s crucial to attend class. Public transportation. Although

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

Keep your priorities intact.

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

Disconnect from distractions.

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

Be open to change. Going to college is a huge change for any high school graduate. Chances are, there will be things that make them uncomfortable and force them out of their comfort zone. But it’s their time to explore the world that awaits them and embrace the journey ahead. Transitioning to college is quite a change. Every life skill is incredibly valuable to your soon-to-be college student’s success. If you start teaching them now, it will make their transition so much more enjoyable for them and you...and you’ll feel more comfortable with them starting the next chapter of their life. rrp Kimberley Carter Spivey is an Alabama-born freelance writer, author, blogger, and editor. Founder of Girl, You Write, her work appears in numerous publications across Alabama.

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Ti This past spring may have been full of a sense of anxiety and apprehension about what would happen next as we all grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic. Are you dreaming about a summer thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a little more carefree, creative and spontaneous?

River Region Parents I May 2020

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Strike a balance. For some of us, envisioning long days

Tip:

without a plan causes our brain synapses to crackle and pop with alarm. Without structure, won’t our kids spend the next two and half months fighting or turning into houseplants playing video games? Of course, we also don’t want to spend the entire summer peeling our sweaty selves in and out of the car as we run our kids from one scheduled activity to another. “All too often we fall into the ‘too much/not enough’ trap,” Kinney-Duh says. “We end up filling our days with obligations and too many activities with this underlying feeling that if we don’t, we somehow aren’t doing enough for our kids. This cycle can easily leave us feeling tired, overwhelmed and depleted.” Decide what a happy medium looks like and what your priorities are, including your needs for self-care.

Rather than vault into summer, ease into it. Even if you’ve been stuck in the house over the past few months due to the Coronavirus, you’ve probably fallen into a day-to-day routine that keeps your kids relatively engaged. “Use the first few weeks of summer like a detox from routine activities,” says mom of three Shannon Kinney-Duh, holistic life and spiritual coach, A Free Spirit Life. Brainstorm a list of summer desires/activities together. Mindfully, answer questions like: What do I/we want summer to look like? More down time? More family connection? Less running around? And remember, free activities count too. Kinney-Duh’s sons enjoy making stop-motion movies, writing plays, painting at the park, water balloon fights and movie nights in the backyard.

Boredom is okay.

Kinney-Duh suggests we look at boredom as a creative opportunity. Boredom, she says “invites kids’ creativity to kick in, providing their deep need to play more with a space to flourish.” Multiple studies show that kids, who are given the time and space for creativity and personal expression without adult interference, turn out to be more flexible to change, stronger problem solvers and innovators. “Children need time to immerse themselves in creative activities, a place that feels safe to express ideas that are unconventional, and encouragement to explore the unknown so they can discover what they enjoy and unlock a universe of possibilities,” writes Helen Hadani, a researcher at the Center for Childhood Creativity, in her paper Inspiring a Generation to Create: Critical Components of Creativity in Children.

Tip:

Ask questions like: What types of skills would I like my kids to work on this summer? What are they interested in doing? Could a responsible sitter help run my kids around a few times a week? What are ways I can recharge and care for myself to ensure I show up feeling present, patient and engaged with my family?

Provide simple structure. While summer is meant to be more laid back, providing a framework around the days helps kids feel secure and grounded. A sense of structure is especially important for children with sensory, attention or impulse control issues. They “benefit greatly from monitoring and feedback during the summer to stay on track, maintain and improve communication skills,” says parent and life coach Sara Minges, M.S., Playful Awareness.

Tip:

Keep a space in your home that allows for freewheeling creative expression. Stock it with painting, drawing and craft supplies, inexpensive cameras, recycled objects, and building materials.

Plan weekday mornings for more structured activities and the afternoons for free play. Perhaps designate Sunday evenings as s’mores nights with friends or Fridays as pizza/ game nights.

SAFER AT HOME

SUMMER CAMP We are working hard to develop unique take-home art projects with virtual instruction from local artists and educators for your child. Whether your child already has a love of art or is just getting started, everyone will enjoy art-camping. We look forward to sharing details soon, learn more at mmfa.org/camp. Support for Safer at Home: Summer Camp is by Susan and Bob Runkle.

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

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Be realistic. When planning your family’s summer vacation, take into account each family member’s interests and build in time to relax and take breaks from each other. “Too many activities and not enough ‘chill time’ can push everyone’s last nerve,” Minges says. Instead of focusing on creating the perfect vacation, remain flexible. While you can plan for some variables, you can’t control the weather, a moody teenager, or your two-year-old’s inopportune meltdown while going through airport security. “Any personality, irritability or anxiety issues experienced during the year will still be there and may become more pronounced,”Minges says.

Tip:

Choose a vacation destination with activities that appeal to each member of your family. Remind your kids of the importance of flexibility. “They may not have the extras or comforts they are used to when traveling such as comfy pillows, TV, separate bathrooms and beds, favorite foods, or friends to play with,” Minges says.

Inspire creative connection. Document the summer with photos and stories in a summer journal that your whole family can contribute to, including ups and downs. Chances are the moments when things went awry are those that you will recall with laughter later.

Tip: Minges suggests creating a “wall of gratitude.” Using post-it notes or slips of paper and markers, each family member writes their favorite moments from their vacation and pins it to the wall. Encourage younger children to draw pictures of their favorite moments. Don’t forget to take a photo of your wall!

Savor summer. Notice and embrace the unplanned moments when family connection unfurls. “Our kids grow up fast and the summer seems to be shorter and shorter every year,” Kinney-Duh says. “Slowing down and savoring the moment is really what summer is all about.” rrp

Christa Melnyk Hines is a nationally published freelance journalist, who resides with her husband and their two adolescent sons.

River Region Parents I May 2020

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

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Tonya Speed Dancers Plan for Senior Recital

Four senior dancers at Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection have been planning for a big competition and farewell recital! Erin Jefferson, Madison Parker, Michaela Knighton and Taylor Miles have been dancing at TSDC since they were pre-schoolers! Send your organization’s events and accomplishments to editor@riverregionparents.com to be printed in an upcoming issue!

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) have officially launched resources to serve youth during this time of crisis and isolation. While the organization has suspended in-person activities and events, due to the spread of COVID-19, girls can still participate in a collection of virtual programs, Girl Scouts at Home, and activities designed to keep them engaged. COVID-19 has school-aged children across the state and country confined to their homes, limiting their activities and changing how they are learning. GSSA’s new Virtual Programs give children access to exciting new content Monday-Friday and offer an array of options from getting outdoors to learning about life skills and STEM. In fact, they’ve even teamed up with the Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Forestry Association and NASA, to produce quality content for their viewers. Each activity allows children to engage in a new way and help them build critical skills all from the comfort of their home. And to ensure our youth are getting the tools they need, the organization also launched Girl Scouts at Home, a national online platform where families— even non-members—can access free, self-guided activities. The age-specific activities for all grade levels are delivered through guided videos, text-based instructions, and downloadable information, making it seamless for families to incorporate into their daily lives. More program-based options will be added in the coming weeks, allowing girls to earn badges, tune in to live virtual events and connect online for troop meetings and projects. To join in on the fun, follow Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama’s Facebook page or visit https://www.girlscoutssa.org/.

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The Willoughbys

The Main Event

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

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

Trolls World Tour

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

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

(Streaming on Netflix)

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River Region Parents I May 2020

(Streaming on Netflix)

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A Page in a Book A Builder’s Library From homes and classrooms, to barns and playgrounds, children are raised in and among a variety of structures. And from the time kids stack one block upon another, their early design efforts soon reflect the form and functions that matter to them. Building structures helps children express creativity, problem-solve, connect socially, and to be inquisitive in their play. The following titles recognize the stories that go along with every building design and offer inspiration for little designers crafting their own projects. These constructive tales are perfect additions to build up every young architect’s library.

Boxitects

by Kim Smith (Clarion / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) From tall towers to twisty tunnels, Meg transforms simple boxes into the most marvelous structures. At Maker School, Meg works alongside egg-cartoneers, spaghetti-tects, tin-foilers and other creative kids building amazing things in their favorite mediums. But when Simone, another boxitect, joins the class, a rivalry emerges between the two builders. Over the days, their (less than) helpful criticism of each other’s work, only increases the friction. Paired together for the year-end class contest, Meg and Simone can’t agree on what to build. As the dueling boxitects’ divergent plans teeter toward collapse, only a combined new vision from two great minds may construct a winning solution. Modeling the power of conflict resolution to build better relationships, Boxitects is a towering romp for young makers of every stripe. (Age range 4 - 8 years)

Ala

Henry Builds a Cabin

by D. B. Johnson (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Henry has a good sense of what the perfect forest abode would look like. Situated in the beautiful woods near the pond that he loves, he’s sure that a one-room cabin is all that he needs to live comfortably and happily. But as he collects materials, new and used, for his project, wellmeaning visitors come by to offer their own thoughts toward his design. When friends point out the shortage of space for dancing, dining, and reading, Henry demonstrates his creatively natural solutions. Celebrating the economy of space, recycling and conservation, Henry Builds a Cabin is a thoughtful meditation on the relationship between home and place. (Age range 4 - 8 years)

Fix That Clock by Kurt Cyrus (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) With peeling paint, broken stairs, and gummed up gears, the town’s old clock has suffered the ravages of time. But the arrival of three workers, armed with the right tools and knowledge, hints that time isn’t up for this weathered and broken landmark. As they take on the task of fixing the clock, the trio of workers discover that they’ll need to make new design adjustments along the way. Each repair reveals various wildlife who’ve been keeping the dilapidated clock tower company over the years, longtime occupants who still need homes. The story introduces counting and geometry alongside warm illustrations, filled with subtle artistic details that invite repeated review of the pages. With rhyming text and onomatopoeic words that enjoy font emphasis, Fix That Clock is an especially fun readaloud for home or classroom. (Age range 4 - 8 years)

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River Region Parents I May 2020

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

Gogue Performing Arts Center, 57

OB/GYN Associates, 40

Guardian Credit Union, 13

OB/GYN Montgomery, Dr. Desautels, 30

Adventure Sports II, 53

Guild Mortgage, 4

O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 42

Alabama Christian Academy, 7, 20

Hooper Academy, 19

ASKIN/Synergy House, 26

Huntingdon Learning Center, 39

Autauga/Western Elmore Arc, 66

Inflatables of Montgomery, 69

Bandaloop Yoga & Wellness, 26

Jackson Hospital, 45

Baptist Health, Inside Front, 43

Jeff Dickey, New Waters Realty, 37

Bush Pediatric Dentistry, 32 Chapman Orthodontics, 21

Judy Barranco Photography, 56 Just for Grins - Orthodontist, 47

Parakeleo Counseling, 37 Pike Road Schools, 34-35 Prattville YMCA, 41 RR Dermatology and Laser, Inside Back Resurrection Catholic School, 23 Riverview Camp for Girls, 55 Saint James School, 1

Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 21

Kingry Orthodontics, 66

Churchill Academy, 19

Kreative Moments, 28

Dentistry for Children, 42

Lakeview Baptist Church, 53

Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 53

Larry Chapman, ALFA Insurance, 18

Eastwood Christian School, 9

Learning Tree Child Care, 67

Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 47

Lil’ Priss Parties, 26

Evangel Christian Academy, 30

Macon East Academy, 25

Eye Center South, 14

Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 44

Family Guidance Center, 46

Montessori @ Hampstead, 69

Trinity Presbyterian School, 3, 49

Faulkner Baseball Camps, 44

Montessori @ Mulberry, 17

Tru-Cut Lawn Care, 33

FC Montgomery Soccer, 28

Montgomery Catholic Schools, 27, 29

United Gymstars & Cheer, 31

First Baptist of Prattville, 41

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 65

Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 53

Frazer Memorial UMC, 22

New Park, 2

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Spotless Cleaning Services, 8 Sylvan Learning Center, 33 Taylor Road Baptist Church, 69 The Herb Shop, 51 The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover Town of Pike Road, 36

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go to work, IT’S HARD. No matter where you find yourself during the day you will always have to use all your strength to accomplish the same goals we all have. We all want to raise happy, healthy kids. We all want to have clean and happy homes. Do what you can! RRP: How has the pandemic affected your family? Bena: In 2018 my husband was diagnosed as stage three pancreatic cancer. This came right after I graduated from college, our third daughter graduated from high school, our oldest child moved to Birmingham, and the week of our second daughter’s wedding. Needless to say, we have been through so much already, we are prepared for what’s going on now! The pandemic has made us more careful. Being diabetic, post chemo, and a history of respiratory issues puts my husband, Chris, at very high risk. We stay home, wash our hands often, and limit how many people we allow at the house. Being proactive, we have planted extra garden space this year and we are being frugal with spending. I’m milking a cow again, we have chickens, and I’m learning how to make cheese and yogurt so as to limit the number of things I will have to buy at the store. Our children have stepped up big time. I’m a very proud mama.

Bena Hethcox

RRP: Something near and dear to your heart is encouraging moms. You’ve created a brand, The Busy Bee. Tell us about that.

RRP: Did you always want to me a mom? Who has influenced you the most in the way you parent?

Bena: Being a wife/mom is a big responsibility. I cannot tell you the times I felt the weight of it all would crush me. Being a mother is the most highly criticized job... next to being the president of the United States! We constantly worry about how we are damaging our children. Did we teach them everything? Did we warp them in ways we will only find out about later when they are on broadcast television outing us to the world on our failures? Women tend to be so critical of themselves and it becomes ten times worse when we look on social media and television shows and see how perfectly everyone else’s families are portrayed. When you have cleaned your house all day and it looks like a bomb went off in your kitchen, I understand. When you’ve cooked all day and now you’re faced with doing dishes all night, I feel your pain. You did all the laundry? Great! Now do it all over again. Who on this earth needs encouragement more so than us? That’s why I’m here. If you make your bed every day, then you will always have at least one small victory starting out. Women send me questions and I answer them. I get pictures of their accomplishments and I love that! I get pumped hearing from followers who tell me they saw what I did and it inspired them to do something. No matter what, just keep going. You can do this! I bee-lieve in you!

Bena: I ALWAYS wanted to be a mom. Really, being a mom is the only dream I’ve had. Chris and I decided early in our relationship that I would stay home and raise our children while he worked to support us. That was a dream come true! We were married for six months when I became pregnant with our first child, Markie. Her sister Payton was born 21 months later. Sarah was also born 21 months after Payton. James was exactly two years after her. Four kids is a great number! My biggest influences in my parenting style are my parents and my older sister. My parents were always kind. They listened to me. They showed me love and how to love without ever giving up when things get hard. My sister began having children when I was nine years old so I got the privilege of watching her care for her babies and learning how much strength is in kindness. RRP: How would you describe your parenting style? Bena: I teach constantly. My mother was constantly thinking of activities to keep me busy so I would stay out of trouble. I believe that children left unattended will bring a parent to shame. I also believe that if we are not teaching children how to handle themselves as adults then we are setting them up for failure. All four of our children were required to work and save up the down payment for their first car. They also have been responsible for working to pay for their own gas, insurance, and car payments. I truly believe that teaching them to be responsible with money and obligations when they are young will help to build them into reliable adults. I feel strongly that teaching our children about real life is the primary responsibility of a parent. Idol hands do study mischief. Keep them busy!

RRP: Why do you think moms compare themselves so often to other moms? What advice do you give to address that? Bena: When I was a stay at home mom with four small children I watched working moms wear nice clothes and bring home paychecks. I couldn’t help but think how happy I would be if I could do that too. Then the recession drove me to work and I cried every day missing my children. I literally sat with them on Facetime through every lunch break. I finally realized the age old problem of the color of grass applied to being a stay at home mom vs. a working mom. THERE IS NO PERFECT. If you stay at home with them, IT’S HARD. If you have to leave them and

River Region Parents I May 2020

Bena Hethcox has been married to Chris for 25 years. They have four children and two grandchildren. Bena is Founder of The Busy Bee Facebook page and blog @ibeebusy24.7. Her hobbies are working out, long baths, creating and using wonderful skin care products at home and antique malls!