Continue Teaching Despite Their Failures

I recently attended a conference where speaker Tara Leigh Cobble told a beautiful story about how God is never disappointed in us (especially as our father). After all, disappointment can only occur when expectations are unmet. God has a huge advantage; He knows every thing, so his expectations are never unrealistic.

Instead, God is a loving father who knows exactly how many times you will fail when learning a lesson. Therefore, God is not disappointed by what we do not know. Instead, He lovingly teaches us exactly what we need to know over and over despite our numerous failures.

Unlike us, God is the perfect parent. We fail, fall short, worry too much, make horrible mistakes, yell when we should comfort, control when we should let natural consequences be the teacher, and forget to appreciate the small blessings of daily life with children.

However, we can attempt to model our parenting after the perfect parent by teach- ing our children over and over despite their numerous failures.

Teach your child how to behave outside of the home when you are at home. For example, the family dinner table is an excellent place to learn important lessons: listening, engaging in reciprocal conversation, being bored, sitting still, table manners, etc. If your child cannot sit successfully through a meal at home, do not take her to a restaurant where she is expected to sit quietly for two hours. Putting her in a setting with unrealistic expectations is a recipe for disaster for her, you, and everyone near you. When you take the time to teach your child at home, you know exactly what she can and cannot do. This allows you to set realistic expectations.

Remember that everything is a skill that must be taught, and you are the primary teacher. Interrupting appropriately, emotional regulation, taking turns, doing what you are told to do, eating a balanced diet, raising your hand, sharing, talking quietly, being respectful, telling the truth, etc., are all skills that must be taught. They are taught through practice, not by lecture. No parent has ever told me, “My child has a serious problem. I talked to him about reading, and he still cannot do it.” We all fully understand that reading is a set of skills learned through exposure, practice, and repetition. In the same way, everything we expect from children is a skill learned through exposure, practice, and repetition. Your job, as the primary teacher, is to set up ways to practice, ensure that practice takes place, and encourage every attempt your child makes to learn that skill.

Never lose hope. Just like you, your chil dren are constantly growing and changing. As they go through the peaks and valleys of life, help them focus on becoming a better person today than they were yesterday. Consistently point out character qualities that you see developing in them: humility, optimism, compassion, honesty, gratitude, adaptability, creativity, etc. This will keep your entire family focused on what truly matters instead of becoming distracted by the “bad behavior” and “bad choices” of the moment.

Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit

Red Bluff Music and Arts Festival

May 27 * 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Riverfront Park

Vintage Hospitality Group presents the inaugural Red Bluff Music and Arts Festival on the banks of the historic Alabama river in downtown Montgomery. Musicians for the event include headliner Robert Randolph Band along with Sweet Tea Trio, TUB and Blues Old Stand. DJ Jeffrey James will also be spinnin’ tunes. General admission tickets are available for $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the event. A limited number of $100 VIP tickets will include VIP area near the stage with separate bathroom, seating, tables, and a private bar. Email redbluffmgm@gmail.com for information or visit eventbrite.com for tickets.

Run for a Mom 5K, 10K and Fun Run

Saturday, May 13 * 7:30 a.m. Vaughn Park Church of Christ, Montgomery

Put on your running shoes and come join us for the 13th annual Agape For A Mom 5K, 10K, and Fun Run.

The in-person race will have a staggered start beginning at 7:30am. You can start your 5K or 10K race anytime between 7:30am and 8:00am. Resister at http://www.runforamom.org/.

11th Annual Crawfish Boil

Saturday, May 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Century Church Grounds, Marler Road

Support your community and have a great time! There will be over 7000 lbs of crawfish, live music, inflatables and so much more! Buy your tickets at prpatriotfund.com. All proceeds benefit Pike Road Schools Arts and Athletics programs. Plan on bringing your tent, chair, and cooler and we’ll provide the rest. Without the support of local businesses, this would not be possible. Learn about how to be a sponsor on our website at prpatriotfund.com!

Fun with the Family at Montgomery Biscuits

Visit https://www.milb.com/montgomery/. Military Appreciation Night presented by Alabama Power

May 6 * 6:05 p.m

Ceremonies to honor our troops throughout the night. MAX Fireworks Show. Country Music Night with Rick & Bubba

May 18 * 6:35 p.m. Get to the game early to go home with a Country Music Night t-shirt!

Family Faith Night

May 20 * 6:05 p.m.

35th Prattville CityFest

May 12-13 * Downtown Prattville

The Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce is excited for this two-day festival in Historic Downtown Prattville. Join the excitement by exploring homemade goods and crafts, local businesses, civic organizations, activities for children, great food and live entertainment along the Autauga Creekwalk. Visit prattvillecityfest.com.

Join us for a night of -

Montgomery come together for a night of faith-based music

Mayor’s Bike Ride begins at 9:45. Ages 8+ begin at Upper Kingston Park. Ages 7 and under begin at the Chamber of Commerce. Ride ends at Touch a Truck event

Art on the Lake at Russell Crossroads

Saturday, May 27th & Sunday, May 28th | 9am–4pm

Join us for the first juried art show of the season, Art on the Lake, Memorial Day weekend. Come out and shop the artists under the big tents on Saturday and Sunday. Again this year, the show will be held in conjunction with RXR FEST (Friday and Saturday)!

The showcasing artists are from both the Lake Martin area and throughout the Southeast. Find homemade pottery, handmade jewelry, reclaimed wood works, leather products, paintings, and much more! This is a perfect opportunity to support local and regional artists and pick up some quality gifts along the way.All works displayed are original and handcrafted, created and exhibited by the approved artist themselves. For more information, contact Sydnee Riley at 256-212-1431 or sriley@russelllands. com. Event is FREE to the public!

Montgomery Jubilee Runs

Saturday, May 20 * Old Alabama Town

Come join the excitement of Montgomery’s longest standing competitive run in its 44th year! This iconic Montgomery event features competitive runs/walk on 8K and 2-Mile USATF certified courses and will raise funds for the Alabama Sheriffs Youth Ranches. In addition to the 8K, there will be a 2-mile run (with walking division) in honor of Peggy McLendon Lanier. More info at runsignup.com/Race/Events/AL/Montgomery/JubileeRuns.

ANC Backyard Campout

May 13-14 * 2PM - 9AM

Alabama Wildlife Federation, Millbrook

Enjoy a night with your family under the stars with activities that include making s’mores, a movie, a glow stick night hike, and more! The kids will even get to make their own glow stick lantern to take home! Guests will need to bring their own camping supplies, and all camping will be Tent Only. $5 admission. Call (334) 285.4550 or visit alabamawildlife.org.

2023 Black College World Series

May 10-13 * Riverwalk Stadium

The Black College World Series presented by Tyson Foods returns to Montgomery. Join us to cheer on eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) as they compete for the BCWS title. Tickets: General Admission Visit blackcollegechampions.com.

Montgomery RNB Blues Picnic 2023

Saturday, May 7, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Riverwalk Amphitheater

A event with good food, music, wellness and healing vendors, games and more. We will be playing the best of Classic and New R&B and Blues Music.Bring your own cooler (No Glass). Visit www. rnbbluespicnic.com

It takes a village to help a school and district function properly and effectively.

All employees play a significant role in the educational process and the lives of young children, families, and the community. This month we’re honoring an outstanding teacher who continues to impact students and demonstrates excellence in the classroom.

Julie Stewart enjoys being a 3rd-grade teacher at Daniel Pratt Elementary. As a former stay-at-home mom, once her children were all in school, she followed her undeniable passion for the classroom. Mrs. Stewart is a proud graduate of Auburn University at Montgomery with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.

Mrs. Stewart teaches math, science, and social studies because she loves watching students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. She feels these life skills are valuable and necessary for success and continued growth and development. “Math was not my favorite subject in elementary school, and it caused anxiety for me. One of

Julie Stewart

Daniel Pratt Elementary School

my goals is to help students overcome that fear and enjoy math,” she shares.

In addition, she desires to help students gain knowledge and master concepts and skills in all subjects. She shares, “It builds them for the future, enhances self-confidence, and fosters independence. It also builds character in the classroom by modeling excellent behavior. I hope to help them to be positive world changers.”

Throughout her career, Mrs. Stewart feels that teaching is about building relationships and inspiring students to be the best versions of themselves. The positive relationships she’s developed with students and families directly impact student engagement and success.

Julie Stewart can’t imagine being anywhere but the classroom. When she eventually retires, she hopes to continue volunteering and possibly substituting in the school.

MPS Will Be Hard at Work This Summer

This month, hundreds of young men and women will cross a stage to collect a high school diploma. It is always an honor to witness students enjoying the moment of triumph as they complete one journey and begin another.

This month also marks the end of my first school year as superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools. I have learned an immense amount about this community and the incredible students and educators we have within the district. I have made and renewed connections with vital partners in education who will help MPS continue to rise.

When the school year comes to an end, our work will continue. There are many changes on the horizon, and I’m excited about what’s in store for the 2023-2024 school year. For instance, two of our high schools will open with new names in the fall. Jefferson Davis High School, commonly known as JD, will become JAG, or JohnsonAbernathy-Graetz High School. It is named for Judge Frank M. Johnson, Ralph Abernathy and Robert Graetz, three heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. Robert E. Lee High School will become Dr. Percy Julian High School, named for a pioneering chemist. In addition, land has been purchased for the new location of Percy Julian High. There are also changes for other students who will be in high school in the 2023-2024 school year. Rising ninth graders who are zoned for Sidney Lanier High School will attend the new ninth-grade academy being built at George Washington Carver High School. In order to ease the transition, there will be a summer school bridge program for these rising ninth graders.

Students who attend Booker T. Washington Magnet High will be walking into a new school building as well. The new BTW on Bell Road will be a state-of-the-art facil- ity with a number of special amenities to support programs at the school. This will include a mock courtroom for the law magnet; television, radio, band and dance studios; and a 150-seat black-box theater.

Other capital improvement projects are moving forward as well, including the building of gymnasiums for every elementary school. New schools are being built for Capitol Heights Middle and Flowers Elementary, and a number of schools are undergoing renovations.

In addition to all these changes, I will be working with my team behind the scenes to improve the classroom experience for students. We are looking to expand offerings in dual enrollment, career technical education, Advanced Placement, arts, music and more. I’m looking forward to inviting new and returning students this fall to a school district that is truly on the rise.

Melvin J. Brown, Ed.D., is the superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools and previously served as superintendent of Reynoldsburg City Schools in Ohio. He has 24 years of school administrative experience.