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The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is a joint research project between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alabama Department of Public Health. Its purpose is to determine why some babies are born healthy and others are not in order to aid in the development and assessment of programs designed to identify high-risk pregnancies and reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes. New mothers are randomly chosen from the state birth registry to participate in PRAMS. Surveys may be returned by mail or completed over the phone. Let your voice be heard!
“Happy to be part of this survey.”
“Thank you for checking on us!”
Actual comments from survey responses.
Moms who complete the PRAMS survey receive their choice of a cooler bag, diapers, or manicure set! Responses are kept confidential to the extent of the law. For more information, please call us at 334-206-2923 or go to alabamapublichealth.gov/PRAMS ADPH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, religion, disability, genetic information, and other federal, state, or agency regulations and policies. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies may be directed to Civil Rights Coordinator: ADPH CRC, RSA Tower, 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1010, Montgomery, AL 36104, Tel. 334-206-5226, o r email crcomplaints@adph.state.al.us.
April2020
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Volume 2 Number 8
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From the Publisher Ashton Wright
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10 Ways to Keep Your Kids Occupied
Online & Virtual Fun
Our listing of resources for your childrens’ home learning and entertainment.
Activities for your family during COVID-19.
Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP
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Kids Health Watch by Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network
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Therapeutic Parenting
19 Parenting, Media &
Everything in Between Common Sense Media
Choosing a Daycare
Begin early and do your research to find the perfect child care fit for your family.
2020 Child Care Guide Our comprehensive listing of daycares, preschools, and MMO programs.
Departments 5
Teacher of the Month 10
On The Cover Caroline and Ella Claire are the daughters of Ryan and LeAnn Odom. Caroline (8) is homeschooled. Her hobbies include playing the piano, drawing, ballet, learning French, and playing outside. Ella Claire (6) attends Providence Early Childcare. She enjoys piano, ballet and tap, drawing, painting, and playing outside.
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Mom to Mom
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FromThePublisher The Area’s Go-To Resource for Families
You know that saying about March coming in like a lion? How true it’s been this year, except for maybe the part about it going out like a lamb. Although, with schools, daycares, and nearly everything else closed down to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and social distancing in full effect, things have been pretty calm. So how have we been spending our unexpected school break? I’d like to tell you we implemented a homeschool routine and filled the day with lots of fun, educational activities, but that would be a lie. In reality, we’ve spent more time outside - riding bicycles, drawing with chalk, jumping on the trampoline, and playing on the swingset - and probably letting Alexis watch too much television. From a parenting perspective, I’ve spent more time picking up after everyone, attempting to keep Alexis from eating too many snacks (are pantry locks a thing?), and trying not to get annoyed when she interrupts me working for the tenth time in two hours. Despite surviving last summer working from home with a 4-year-old, I wasn’t truly prepared to spend nearly a month home with Alexis. Without our usual break-themonotony activities like a trip to the library, playground, or Target, it felt like we ran out of things to keep her entertained and busy (so I can work) after a week stuck at home. That’s why I’m so excited about our guide of Online and Virtual Resources to Keep Kids Learning and Entertained in this issue. Our feature article, 10 Ways to Keep Your Kids Occupied and Keep Your Sanity, also helps make social distancing a little easier by detailing fun activities to do at home as a family. For many families, child care plays a crucial role in day-to-day life. Finding the right daycare for your child can be stressful, but we hope to make it a little easier for you with our 2020 Child Care Directory. If I could only give you one piece of advice on choosing a provider, it’s this: seeing is believing. Five years ago, when we toured at least a dozen child care centers before we settled on the center that would help prepare Alexis for school, we were unpleasantly surprised by several places, including some that had been recommended by family and friends. You’ll find more suggestions in our article, Choosing a Daycare That Works for Your Child and You. To paraphrase actor Harvey Feirstein, the wonderful thing about life is that we’re always moving forward. This, too, shall pass, but in the meantime: wash your hands; don’t touch your face; stay home if you can; and for the love of all things good, don’t hoard the toilet paper!
Ashton
Publisher Ashton Wright ashton@wiregrassparents.com (334) 714-7831 Editor DeAnne Watson editor@wiregrassparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse Contributing Writers Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Judy M. Miller Dave Ramsey Deron V. Sharpe, MD Dolores Smyth Cover Photography Jessica Sanford www.jsanfordart.com
President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Ashton Wright ads@wiregrassparents.com (334) 714-7831 Ad Design Tim Welch
Visit us at www.wiregrassparents.com Wiregrass Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: PO Box 1882, Dothan AL 36302. The phone number for voice is (334) 714-7831. Wiregrass Parents is copyrighted 2020 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Wiregrass 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.
ashton@wiregrassparents.com
Wiregrass Parents I April 2020
Wiregrass Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Wiregrass Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.
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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP
You Are a Craftsman, Parent There is currently a house under construction across the street from where I live. It has been incredibly fun to watch the progress. Well, in truth, I could do without the 7am Saturday sounds of saws and nail guns, but other than that it has been fun to witness that neglected piece of property go from being a field of thorns and thistles to being the ground upon which a family will soon call home. Having watched this build unfold over the last two months, and because I am a social worker and not a builder, it never ceases to amaze me how many steps are involved in a build of such magnitude. First, that ground had to be prepared and leveled, then the walls started to go up, the roof pitched at just the right angle, the front porch built and ready for a swing... it has all happened at such a rapid rate. That is until a few days ago when I happened to notice that all observable progress has been halted. After weeks of such rapid progress it now looks exactly the same day after day.
But what I realized today is that isn’t actually the case at all. The last couple of days have actually had enormous progress because the guts of the house are being taken care of. The electrical lines are being installed, the plumbing lines are being connected and the all-important data and Wi-Fi lines are being adjusted. But no one would know that if they were only looking from the outside – it is all happening on the inside. Through careful tweaking and knowledgeable manipulation at the hands of a skilled craftsman, the lines all begin to come online. And that got me thinking… It got me thinking about how much of our parenting corrections and tweaks and adjustments aren’t ever even going to be visible. For that matter, how much love and care and concern we pour in will not always be visible. Soon enough the drywall will go up in this home and cover up all that careful wiring and installation. The work of those craftsman forever hidden – no praise, no admiration of their work will be had – it will
just be expected that the lights will come on when someone flips a switch and it will just be expected that water will flow from that sink. But somehow the house knows. It will work and serve the family well because those anonymous craftsmen took such care and attention to detail in what they were building. You, my parenting friends, are those same anonymous craftsman. You are working and wiring and tweaking and encouraging and building a tiny human who will one day be grown. All of that love you pour in will be sealed within their skin, they will carry it in their bones, they will hold it in their hearts. So be encouraged. Small moments matter. Your very presence matters. You may not be able to keep that house from storms for the rest of its life, but the work you do – the work you’ve done – will help make it stronger.
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.
PIECES AND PATTERNS QUILTS OF WEST ALABAMA On view through May 10, 2020 Come see the varied patterns and themes of traditional quilts in over 20 examples on view from quilters Plummer T. Pettway, Mary Maxtion, Yvonne Wells, Norah Ezell, Mary Lee Bendolph, and more. Preview the exhibition at mmfa.org. This exhibition was sponsored by the Alabama State Council on the Arts with additional support from cosponsors Dr. and Mrs. Robert Combs. Organized by the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Montgomery, Alabama. Mary Maxtion (American, 1924–2015), Hotel Window, ca. 1996, cotton, cotton/polyester blend, wool, and taffeta, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Gift of Kempf Hogan in honor of Nadine and Walter Ludwig, 2004.20.4
One Museum Drive, Montgomery, AL Open Tuesday–Sunday; Free Admission mmfa.org | @MontgomeryMFA
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Jessica Seay Slocomb Elementary School
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Jessica Seay teaches fifth grade English Language Arts and Social Studies at Slocomb Elementary School, but Jessica Parker says she’s much more than a teacher, taking the lead on all sorts of projects, including sponsoring the Junior Beta Club. “She has worked so hard both last year and this year to raise money traditionally and in nontraditional ways to send ALL Junior Beta members to the State Convention at no cost to the parents,” Parker says. “That’s food, hotel, fees, transportation, all of it! She truly wants to see all kids, no matter their socioeconomic status, be able to participate in anything and everything that their little hearts desire.” Seay taught Parker’s son, Jaxon, and is currently teaching her daughter, Jayden. “[Mrs. Seay] takes special interest in ALL of her students,” Parker says. “She invests so much time in her classroom and her students. She truly exemplifies what it means to be a teacher for all of the right reasons. I can’t think of a person more deserving than she is and that is saying something because Slocomb Elementary School is full of excellent teachers with the biggest hearts.” Although Seay has been teaching for 12 years, the classroom wasn’t her initial destination. “When I was little I would play school with my dolls. Throughout my school years I had teachers that made an impact on me. Still, though, I wasn’t
100 percent sure what I wanted to do out of high school,” Seay says. “I finished all of my basics and thought nursing school was for me. However, I quickly realized that wasn’t my passion. My passion was with kids. I wanted to have the opportunity to have a lasting impact on students just as several of my former teachers had on me.” Seay says things are constantly changing in education and that it’s important to find what motivates you as a teacher. For her, it’s the students. She says her students are why she’s currently going through the process of National Board Certification and why she continues to seek ways to improve her teaching and have an enjoyable classroom. Seay works to promote a community of learning in her classroom where the students feel safe and that they can be themselves. She says the most rewarding thing about being a teacher is seeing a child’s face when they grasp a concept they’ve been struggling with. “One important thing I tell my students is they are ALL capable of doing great things. I try to let each of them know they are important and can do anything they set their mind to.” Jessica Seay received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Troy University, masters in Elementary Education and Education Specialist in Teacher Leader from the University of West Alabama, and is a candidate for National Board Certification. She and her husband, Colby, have one four-legged fur child named Bama.
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Dothan Diabetes Virtual Walk For Camp Seale Harris
Saturday, April 18 * 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris is a family-friendly walk/run raising awareness of diabetes, connecting the diabetes community, and offering an opportunity to make it possible for kids to attend Camp Seale Harris—Alabama’s only diabetes camp. Due to the CDC recommendation of social distancing to limit the spread of COVID-19, we have changed the event to a virtual walk. Join us virtually on April 18 to support kids with diabetes by walking in your neighborhood, park, or even in the convenience of your backyard! Post videos or images to show your support and why you walk for Camp Seale Harris! There will be many opportunities to win prizes for those who participate. Visit www.facebook.com/ campsealeharris and use #T1DVirtualReality or #LivingWellLive on all posts to ensure that we see them.
Egg Quest
Daily Thru April 12, Dothan Area Botanical Gardens, $5 Local students and artists designed and painted large wooden eggs, which are placed throughout the Gardens through Easter Sunday. The Gardens remain OPEN with our regular hours (9 a.m.-6 p.m., 7 days a week) and we encourage you to practice “social distancing” here at our 46-acre facility. Enjoying nature is a nice break from being cooped up inside. Everyone is invited to come see the eggs, fill out an entry form to vote for your favorite and return it to the ballot box to be included in a drawing for an Easter basket. The drawing takes place on Sunday, April 5. For updated info, visit us at www.dabg. com/ or on Facebook.
Touch a Truck
Saturday, May 2 * 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Landmark Park, Dothan Admission: $7 Adults, $5 Kids, Members Free www.landmarkparkdothan.com A truly unique event that offers children a hands-on opportunity to explore a variety of heavy equipment, trucks and machinery while also meeting the people who build, protect and serve our community. Parent supervision is required and cameras are highly recommended! For kids who might be frightened by loud noises, a “quiet hour” will take place from 10-11 a.m. During that time, there will be no honking horns or other loud noises. Concessions will be available, and the Martin Drugstore will be open selling ice cream, milkshakes and other treats. You can also bring a picnic to the park and enjoy lunch at one of our picnic tables.
Clothespin Flower Fairies
Friday, April 23, 4:00-4:45 p.m. Dothan Houston Co. Library - Westgate Branch What do you get when you combine wooden doll pegs and silk flowers? Adorable fairies, of course! All supplies will be provided and registration is required. Please note that this event is for teens/ tweens ages 8-15 only. Registration begins April 8. Call (334) 699-2950, ext. 4204 or visit www.dhcls.org.
A Night at the Park
May 22-23 * 4:30 p.m. Friday-9 a.m. Saturday Landmark Park, Dothan Visit www.landmarkparkdothan.com Experience the Park in a unique way with our 8th annual Night at the Park event. This camping adventure for families features a night walk through the Park, hay rides, Nerf war, Water Balloon Battleship, and of course, camping in tents. Your adventure begins at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, and concludes at 9 a.m on Saturday. The fee for the campout is $20 per person for Park members and $25 per person for nonmembers. A hamburger and hotdog dinner, s’mores, and breakfast are all included. Families are responsible for their own tents and sleeping bags. Space is limited and taken on a first come, first serve basis. Registration with payment is required to secure your spot. Wiregrass Parents I April 2020
Girls’ Night Out for a Cause
Saturday, May 9 * 4-9 p.m. Downtown Enterprise Tickets: $10 Grab your favorite girlfriend and join the FUN in downtown Enterprise for this shopping event for charity. Proceeds from this event will be donated to Hand Up Enterprise, an amazing non-profit organization serving those in need in our community. Advanced tickets are on sale at participating Pink Ribbon Retailers! 6
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Dothan Houston County Library Virtual Links
Loads of digital resources are already on our website: https://www.dhcls.org/resources/ Scholastics also has a Learn at Home program and website: https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
Patti Rutland Jazz Offers Facebook Dance Classes
Stay Connected with Art from Home
We don’t want you to stop moving just because you are stuck in the house! We will be hosting online dance classes on our Facebook social media pages. Go like our pages to join in the MOVEMENT. Every day at 10 a.m. (Beginner) and 1 p.m. (Intermediate/Advanced), join one of our amazing dance instructors for class!
While Wiregrass Museum of Art is temporarily closed to the public, we want to stay in touch with all of you! We are working from home to update online resources that will help you and your family stay connected with us, learn something new, and be #wmaINSPIRED until we can open the doors at 126 Museum Avenue again. Following WMA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter is one of the best ways to access digital content while the museum is closed. We will continue to post regularly to bring you images of art from the permanent collection, exhibitions past and present, as well as new learn-from-home educational content! In addition, several local art studios are offering to-go art kits: All About Art – 100 S. Main St., Enterprise (334) 348-2738 AR Workshop Dothan – 2958 Ross Clark Circle (334) 731-3003 Tipsy Easel – 102 S. Cherokee Ave., Dothan (334) 714-7147 Pinspiration Headland – 24 E. Church St. (334) 693-2787
***At press time, many local events were being cancelled, postponed or rescheduled due to concerns about the COVID-19. Before making plans to attend one of these listed events, please use the contact information provided to confirm that the scheduled event is still taking place. ***
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KidsHealthWatch
Sponsored by Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network
What are Stereotypies? Ever witnessed a strange hand movement, facial expression, or body shudder? Then, you have likely witnessed a “stereotypy.� Stereotypies are voluntary repetitive, or ritualistic, movements or postures. Most people have witnessed stereotypies with autistic children. But hand flapping and a wide variety of other movements occur frequently in non-autistic children, too. Shuddering attacks, rocking, head nodding, hair twirling, some forms of head banging, and the stretching of the face or mouth are all described forms of stereotypy. Basically, children (or adults) do these movements as a habit and often use them as soothing behaviors. Think of being excited and raising your arms in the touchdown pose, shaking your fist when frustrated, or fidgeting or jiggling your foot around to satisfy boredom during a time of waiting. Particularly with young children, these movements can appear odd for a voluntary
Wiregrass Parents I April 2020
movement and therefore are often confused with tics. Sometimes these movements concern parents as possible seizures. Because they are voluntary movements, there is not an interruption of consciousness, like may occur with seizure, and are interruptible if sufficiently pursued. A person may stare or appear to pause as part of the stereotypy, but they will not fall or drop objects, which would more likely occur with a seizure. Stereotypies are benign in themselves, although they can be frequent with autism, other intellectual impairment, blindness, schizophrenia, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and tardive dyskinesia. While stereotypies are commonly seen in autism, DO NOT equate this to your child being autistic. If stereotypies occur in the setting of otherwise normal childhood behavior and development, your concern should be low. I have been consulted most with occurrences in toddlers. Toddlers are generally
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purposeful but uninhibited regarding display of emotions. They will exhibit odd stereotypical movements, yet they are unable to communicate why they are doing them. Rather than truly going away, a toddler’s stereotypies commonly evolve into more normal motor behaviors as the child ages. If you are bothered by repetitive movements in your child, see your pediatrician to discuss the witnessed behavior. As with other visual events, it is VERY helpful to bring along a video of the behaviors.
Dr. Deron V. Sharpe is certified in child neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He joined Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network in January, 2015. Dr. Sharpe resides in Dothan with his wife and three children. He enjoys fitness, softball, home improvement, and gardening.
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Dothan Prep Students Place at Model UN
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On March 5 and 6, Dothan Prep Academy students competed in the Southeast Model United Nations experience on the Troy University Campus in Troy. Students represented the nations of Comoros, the Syrian Arab Republic and Tunisia. Each nation submitted a written resolution addressing a problem or crisis in that country. During the competition, students gave a welcome speech in the native tongue of their country, dressed in their country’s native attire, presented a handmade flag depicting their country and defended their resolution. DPA 9th-grade students served as officers and facilitated the competition process. The awards won by our students are listed below: (1) Outstanding flag presentation 3rd alternate (Tunisia); (2) Outstanding resolution 2nd alternate (Syrian Arab Republic); (3) Overall Outstanding Native Dress (Syrian Arab Republic); (4) Outstanding flag presentation 2nd alternate (Syrian Arab Republic); (5) Outstanding Native Dress Arab Bloc (Syrian Arab Republic); (6) Outstanding delegation 2nd alternate (Comoros); (7) Outstanding resolution 3rd alternate (Comoros); (8) Outstanding Native Dress Arab Bloc (Comoros); (9) Outstanding resolution (overall) (Tunisia); (10) Outstanding Boy Delegate 3rd alternate Gavin Wagner (Syrian Arab Republic); (11) Outstanding Girl Delegate 3rd alternate Nikita Nimmagadda (Comoros); (12) Outstanding Boy Delegate (overall) Jaylan Hill (Tunisia); and (13) Outstanding Girl Delegate 2nd Alternate Nadia Batts (Syrian Arab Republic).
Houston Academy Golf Team Wins Invitational
Houston Academy’s golf team won the 28th Annual Blue Grey Invitational tournament. Raiders won with a total score of 601 to St. Paul’s 613 and Auburn’s 614. There were 23 teams in the field. Emmett Lee earned all-tournament team tied for 4th out of 126 golfers.
Highlands Elementary’s February Good Citizens
Front row from left: Nishelle Letang, Sophia Baxter, Ivy Mathis, Aubrey Jenkins, Chloe Adams, Hadley Blankenship, Mayson Stanfield and Aivah Williams; middle row: Emberleigh Coleman, Araina Nanner, Abigail Baxley, Addison Anderson, Eloise Helvie, Brannon Meigs, Charlotte Hamm, Kenzi Bowers and Kevin Cheng; and back row: Julian Gallegos, Abel Castro, Chance Lawrence, Gavin Torres, Mallory Ward, Sienna Urban, Mary Gilmore and Ruchit Patel. Not pictured: JJ Probert.
NMA Student Places In Cake Contest
Girard Students Rewarded for Leukemia Fundraising
Northside Methodist Academy’s very own Olivia Webb won third overall in the Azalea-Dogwood cake competition, and she also won Best Tasting Cake in her division and category (flavored cake). Morgan Kelly and Megan Chandler were there representing NMA as well.
Mrs. Mathison and Mrs Dasinger’s classes at Girard Primary received a pizza party from the counselor for raising the most money for the fight against leukemia. Wiregrass Parents I April 2020
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Providence Baseball Players Volunteer at Miracle League Picnic
Selma Street Leadership Team Gives Back
Bright Key Ambassadors teamed up with Jr. Beta and Student Government Association to create the Selma Street Leadership team. This team spent all of February doing various service projects ending with hand-decorated flower pots that were delivered by the students to the residents of Westside Terrace. So proud of these students for the hugs and love they poured out to those residents.
The Providence Christian School varsity baseball team—along with several other local schools—had the opportunity recently to help with the “Picnic at the Park” at Miracle Field. The boys enjoyed working with the participants of the Miracle League program and connecting with them through the joy of the game.
Royal Special Heart Food Pantry Provides Food Bags During Shutdown
Our original goal was to serve 50 bags of nutritional assistance to the children of Beverlye Intermediate School for the Arts during the COVID-19 school shutdown. Instead of the 50 we had hoped for, we ended up with 258 bags. 230 were sent out and 28 were left over to distribute during spring break. Basically, every student that showed up at Beverlye received some nutritional sustenance to help make it through spring break. Thank you to every person, group and organization that donated. This was more than we imagined. We are thankful!
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January’s Good Citizens at Highlands Elementary
Front row from left: Fisher Davis, Reid Braswell, Alondra Flores, Josie Hicks, Sue Ellen Clark, Elliot Kravulski, Makayla Gulledge and Emilee Seward; middle row: Alayna Myhand, Camille Thompson, Eva Gause, Judson Fowler, Hayes Dismuke, Phi Tran, Monroe Curry, Catherine Farmer and Hannah Keyton; and back row: Judson Bailey, Olivia Schaule, Tania Myers, Carter Spears, Ryleigh Braswell, Sam Hicks, Millie Gay. Isabella Krasinski and Sofia Baldwin were absent.
Carver Students Make Their Mark at First Science Olympiad
Ashford Jr. Beta Attends Convention
The Ashford High School Jr. Beta Club attended the state convention in Birmingham recently. Our Betas entered and competed in several different categories at this year’s convention. The following students placed in their respective categories: Kadence Carroll, 5th Place Black & White Photography; Loren Beth Ingalls, 4th Place Mixed Media; Camden McArdle, 3rd Place Recyclable Art; Emily Secoy, 2nd Place Language Arts Testing Competition; Emma Ard, Champion Language Arts Testing Competition; Aiden Salter, 3rd Place Math Testing Competition; and AHS Jr Beta (feat. Katelynn Money in Interviews), 4th Place Apparel.
Carver Lions participated in the inaugural Wiregrass Area Elementary Science Olympiad. These students and their coaches have been preparing for this day for months by studying a variety of science topics, like geology, engineering, astronomy and anatomy (among others)! Our three Carver teams did an amazing job, with Team A coming in first place and Team C coming in second place, as well as tons of event awards (18 events total). We are especially thankful for our Carver staff who coordinated the event, helped coach our teams, and ran the events during the competition.
Girard Raises $1K for Heart Research
Girard Primary students raised more than $1,000 for the Kids’ Heart Challenge! Bronwyn Cook with the American Heart Association stopped by to collect the donations.
Houston Academy Softball Team Places Second at Invitational
Attention Schools: Please send us news and photos highlighting your virtual learning experiences for our May School Bits! Email to ashton@wiregrassparents.com!
Houston Academy softball earned runner-up at the Wicksburg Invitational.
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Beverlye Holds Perfect Attendance Ice Cream Party
Beverlye Intermediate students celebrated having perfect attendance for the month of February with an ice cream party!
Providence Christian Science Fair
Providence Christian School had several recent science fair winners. Overall winner was J.T. Scott. Fifth-grade winners were: Mason Scott, 1st place; Josiah King, 2nd; and Leighton Frazier, 3rd. Sixth-grade winners were: Lydia Brookins, 1st place; Anna Catherine Fletcher, 2nd; and Grady Salter, 3rd. Fifth-grade honorable mentions were: Reese Salter, Virginia Howell, Cash Mullins, Charlieanne Farris, and John Carter Cole. Sixthgrade honorable mentions were: Stewart Crim, Ella Grace Heisner, Scout Mullins, Ella Donop and Aiden Nowell.
Highlands SGA Paints Easter Eggs
Highlands Elementary SGA painted easter eggs for the Egg Quest at Dothan Area Botanical Gardens. Easter eggs were on display beginning March 1 running through Easter (April 12). Anyone can walk through the gardens and view the different painted eggs. Voting for People’s Choice also began on March 1 when the eggs go on display.
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Highlands Elementary Good Citizens for December
Dothan Prep Students Win State Robotics Championship
At the State Robotics Championship Tournament at the end of February, Dothan Preparatory Academy’s very own 4 Peas in a Pod secured the State Championship for Robot Skills and finished the tournament with a skills rank of 73 in world, 50 in United States, and #1 in Alabama! This is a remarkable accomplishment as there are 28,000 Vex IQ teams this year. Additionally, Alabama is the fastest-growing state for the second year in a row. 4 Peas in a Pod qualified for the World Robotics Championship in Louisville, Ky., which takes place in April this year. The team was also chosen to represent Alabama in the CREATE US Open in March.
Front row from left: Avery Anderson, Abbey Retherford, Grace Galloway, Mathis Heer, Jace Fergus, Hamlin Davis, Addilyn Creel, Kaylee Robinson and Eli Herrell; middle row: Bristol Ward, Olivia Watford, Nia Letang, Lilly Mathis, Ava Johnson, Yates Tucker, Dawson Deloney, Sebastian Bran and Peyton Rhodes; and back row: Kilee Warren, Amari Smith, Laney Calhoun, Adeline Nichols, Abigail Stephens, Lily Ernest and Emily Harris. Not pictured: Ethan Stanley.
Coppinville Names 2020 FCA Athletes
Carver Recognizes February IXL Rock Stars
Northside Methodist Applauds Spark Theatre
Northside Methodist Academy student Lydia Smith is a member of Spark Theatre Group, which won in competition at the Alabama Conference of Theatre in Tuscaloosa and, after advancing to the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Kentucky, competed with other states and won that too! Wiregrass Parents I April 2020
These Carver students have mastered at least 100 grade-level ELA skills on IXL! Once a student masters 100 skills, he becomes a member of our elite IXL Rock Star Club and receives a fun T-shirt to wear to school! The Carver School utilizes the IXL personalized learning platform to provide its students with an individualized guided curriculum in reading, English grammar, writing and vocabulary. Rock on, Lions!
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Jace Himes and Riley Stewart have been named Coppinville Jr. High School’s FCA Athletes of the Year. They will be honored on Wednesday, May 6, at the Dothan Civic Center with guest speaker, former Alabama quarterback Brodie Croyle.
Carroll High JROTC Executive Officer Named State Officer
C/MAJ Matthew Braswell, Carroll High School’s JROTC Battalion’s executive officer, has made a spot on the JROTC Officers Association as the Army JROTC Vice President for the state of Alabama.
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Pinedale Recognizes Track Winners
On March 14, Enterprise City Schools held a schoolwide 5th and 6th grade track meet. Congratulations to all the students who participated, but a special shout-out to the following who placed in this event: Boys’ 100 Meter 1st Place, CJ Williamson; Girls’ 100 Meter 1st Place, Nashayla Williamson; Boys’ 400 1st Place, CJ Williamson; Girls’ 400 1st Place, Nashayla Williamson, and 2nd Place, Shaniyah Green; Girls’ 800 2nd Place, Reagan Minks; Girls’ 4x100 2nd Place, Aubree Warren, Tameka Styron, Naviyah Hazzard and Shaniyah Green; Girls’ 4x400 3rd Place, Shaniyah Green, Aubree Warren, Gillian Salinas-Cortez and Tameka Styron.
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Enterprise Head Start Welcomes Special Guests
Enterprise Head Start students were visited by Mayor Cooper, Lt. Billy Haglund and his service dog, Jako, and the Enterprise librarian during Dr. Seuss Week.
Carroll Hires New Football Coach
Carroll High School has hired Patrick Plott as its new head football coach! Plott is a native of Carrollton and he attended Jacksonville State University. He and his wife, Makia, have three sons—Cordell, 20; Jalen,15; and Peyton, 12—and a daughter, Taylor, 9. His hobbies are playing basketball and fishing. “I am excited to join the Carroll family because my mission as a coach is in line with their mission as a faculty, which is to develop the whole student,” Plott said. 15
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The growing number of COVID-19 cases has triggered a wave of alarm and preemptive action across the globe and, closer to home, schools, libraries, and even churches have closed their doors. While social distancing is a necessary—albeit overwhelming—way to stem the coronavirus outbreak, many parents have been left floundering for ways to keep their kids occupied at home as they count the minutes for their day-to-day routine to go back to normal.
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Although some schools are providing their students with online classes, this may not be a viable option for your household and, even if it is, you still have to fill up the rest of the day as you hunker down at home with the kids. For many parents, letting their children play video games or watch TV for a reasonable amount of time is fun for the kids and gives you a much-needed opportunity to get things done. However, if none of that screen time offers any educational value or family bonding time, you may want to explore other solutions to help keep your kids and yourself from going stircrazy. Moreover, if your child is experiencing depression and/or anxiety because of the coronavirus pandemic, engaging in activities that promote family bonding can help reduce the incidence of depression and anxiety in children. Here are 10 fun (and cheap!) activities you can do at home with kids of all ages.
1. Set up an indoor campground. Bring the sleeping bags and tents down from the attic and turn your family room or backyard into a campground. No sleeping bags or tents? No problem. Create a campground by arranging chairs in rows of two in the family room, draping a bedsheet over the chairs to create the tent, and piling pillows and blankets underneath to create a sleeping area.
You can make your campground as elaborate as you’d like with items you already have in your home. String Christmas lights across the top of the tent to create a starry night scene. Enjoy the glow of a campground “fire” made with paper towel tubes, tissue paper, and LED candles. Set up lawn chairs outside the tent and serve hot dogs, chips, and trail mix, play cards and board games, or do an easy “camping” craft like making beaded necklaces or braided bracelets. Add to the camping aura by having the kids help you make s’mores in the microwave, oven or skillet.
2. Host Olympic games. If you look in your kids’ toy boxes and closets, you’ll probably find that you have enough games and activities at home to arrange back-to-back and create a challenging obstacle course for your kids to compete in, tantamount to a kiddie indoor Olympic course! You can kick off the “Olympic games” with an opening ceremony where each child gets to parade onto the course to a theme song of his or her choosing. Depending on your child’s age, your child may want to grab a favorite teddy bear to serve as his or her Olympic mascot. At the close of the opening ceremonies, get your stopwatch and scorecard ready and time your little Olympians as
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they compete in consecutive games of skill and physical fitness such as: • a ring or beanbag toss, a mini golf course competition (a broom, a ping pong ball, and a plastic cup can be used in place of a golf club, golf ball, and golf hole), or a ball throwing competition into boxes of decreasing sizes, with a point given per successful shot for each of these activities; • a sack race or a boiled egg and spoon race with a marked-off finish line and points given to the first person over the finish line; • a hula hoop competition with a point given for each second the competitors can hold up their hula hoop; • a pyramid cup-stacking race with points given to the first person to successfully stack his or her cups into a stable pyramid; • a physical endurance competition where points are given for the number of jumping jacks, push-ups, and sit-ups the child can do in three 30-second intervals; and • a mad dash crabwalk to the final finish line to close out the indoor Olympic games. At the end of the games, be sure to hand out prizes to each child, whether the prizes be stickers, dollar bills, or, if planned ahead, inexpensive pre-ordered gold medals.
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3. Send the kids on an indoor scavenger hunt. Staying indoors can be a blast when the kids are set off on a scavenger hunt to seek and collect common household items. The scavenger hunt can be subject to a time-limit where each child competes alone or as part of a team to see which team collects the most items first. Go online for free, printable indoor scavenger hunt checklists listing everyday household items for seekers to find.
4. Throw a costume party. Let your kids raid your closet for hats, scarves, and costume jewelry to throw a costume party. Add snacks and a tea set to make it a tea party-themed ball! Clear a space for a catwalk and let your little models parade their fashion choices for you.
5. Put on an airshow with popsicle stick airplanes. All you’ll need for this creative craft is popsicle sticks, a cutting tool, craft glue or a hot glue gun, and paint if you’re not already using colored popsicle sticks. Find age-appropriate tutorials online to guide your child as she cuts and glues popsicle sticks to create toy airplanes. You can add a propeller to the airplane by twisting pipe cleaner around the nose of the aircraft. For added fun, create
a runway by taping sheets of construction paper together along a table or floor or by laying down a section of cardboard complete with runway markings.
6. Hold an art show. Grab smocks for your kids and spread out watercolors and brushes, crayons, markers, or colored pencils on a table along with poster board or construction paper. Provide glue sticks and safety scissors to allow for added artistic touches. Once your little artists have created their masterpieces, hang up the artwork and host an art show complete with glasses of apple juice “champagne” and hor d’oeuvres.
7. Make Play-Doh come to life. Kids will enjoy following any of the numerous YouTube tutorials showing them how to make Play-Doh animal creations such as turtles, crocodiles, and unicorns, and a PlayDoh park scene featuring trees, flowers, and a duck pond.
8. Bring out your child’s inner chef. Give your child an apron and set up a toppings bar to make homemade pizza or your own ice cream sundaes. Other kidfriendly foods you can easily find recipes for online to make together or let your older child make alone are Emoji-inspired rice cakes,
berry parfaits with yogurt and granola, and no bake cookies.
9. Expand your child’s knowledge with easy science experiments. Amaze your children while having them brush up on their science skills with these easy science experiments that you can do in your own home and with products you likely already have. Click on the “Experiments” section of sciencebob.com to learn how to do simple scientific experiments.
10. Relax with low-key, familybonding activities. If your days at home are better-suited for more low-key family activities, consider starting a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle that you and your child can work on and frame once completed. Older children may be interested in starting a scrapbook or smash book with you. Other ideas for low-key fun for children of all ages are playing Mad Libs as a family, building a Lego village together, or playing tried-and-true family-friendly board. WP
Dolores Smyth is a parenting writer and mother of three kids ranging in age from preschool to junior high. You can follow more of her work on Twitter @LolaWordSmyth.
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4 Skills -- from Empathy to Manners-That Tech Might Be Eroding
on your phone. Explain that it can be very difficult to put down your phone when you’re in the middle of a game or chat, but you believe it’s important to pay special respect to people like grandparents and elders. And of course, respect breeds respect, so put your phone down when your kid talks to you (unless it’s about how much redstone they need to build a castle in Minecraft, in which case it’s totally OK to ignore them!).
(and What to Do About It) You started with the best intentions. Your kid needed a laptop for homework. Your tween needed a phone to text you after school. You wanted a Fitbit to lose a few extra pounds. But now, you look around and devices are plugged into every nook and cranny in your home. Everyone’s staring, tapping, tracking. While you’re grateful for things like Google Maps and Netflix that make your life easier and more fun, something feels off. It’s the basics that are missing: courtesy, conversation, being bored, and appreciating simple pleasures. But all hope is not lost. Here are four ways tech has nibbled away at valuable life skills and experiences, and what you can do about it.
Internet vs. Value of Boredom
When a phone full of cute cat videos and funny memes is only a swipe away, it’s easy to forget what it was like to be truly bored. But science tells us that boredom is actually useful -- for kids and adults. Not only can boredom lead to deep thinking, it can help kids practice perseverance, or pushing through uncomfortable moments without stimulation or distraction. And without boredom, kids might not take the time to explore their surroundings -- dig in the dirt, wonder how a house is built, bake cookies without a recipe -- and they might not stumble on something they really love to do. What to do: Create opportunities for boredom by setting up times and places where devices are off-limits. And make sure kids have unstructured time -- even a little bit -- where they can roam the house or the neighborhood without a schedule. Keep a list of activities that kids say they like to do -- from drawing to hammering to bouncing a ball -- and point them toward it when they complain.
Home Assistants vs. Manners
If you are one of the millions of households in the United States with Alexa or Google Home, you may have noticed an unfortunate side effect of using the device: a lack of enforced courtesy. Kids (and adults) shout commands at the device: “Play Beyoncé!” or “What’s the weather?!” The devices do not require a “please” or “thank you,” and the more lifelike these devices become, the weirder it is to hear your child rudely demanding something from a humanlike voice. What to do: Model the behavior you want to see. It might feel strange to say “please” to a machine, but if that’s what you expect from your kid, you should do it too. It might help explain to kids that even though you know Alexa doesn’t have feelings, using polite voices and words makes it nicer for the real people in the house who do have feelings. You can talk about how it can feel bad to be around someone who’s yelling or angry, even if they’re not yelling at you.
Devices vs. Empathy
The mere presence of a phone on the table between two people having a discussion has been shown to decrease feelings of empathy. Whether this is because the phone owner is distracted by the possibility of an incoming message or the promise of something more interesting on the device is unclear. But it makes sense that if someone isn’t giving you their full attention, they’re less likely to understand or empathize with you, and ultimately that can affect the quality of the relationship. What to do: Prioritize face-to-face conversation over devices by putting phones and tablets out of site during meals. Recognize your thought pattern during conversations, and if you find yourself wondering about a missed call or guessing how many people liked your most recent Instagram post, refocus your concentration on your friend, spouse, or kid. And acknowledge how difficult digital distraction can be to manage yourself so that your kids understand that you think it’s an important challenge to wrestle with.
Phones vs. Respect for Elders
How many of us have witnessed a teacher, coach, or grandparent try to make conversation with kids who can’t unglue their eyes from a screen? Of course it’s only polite to put down your phone when anyone is talking to you, but it can be especially embarrassing for parents who were raised to defer to the older generation. What to do: Make your expectations very clear. Talk to your kids about how important it is to use good manners when you’re 19
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Online & Virtual Resources
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Polar Bears
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Georgia Aquarium
http://www.discoveryeducation.com/learn/tundraconnections/
Google’s 8K Virtual Tour of the Space Shuttle
Explore the Georgia Aqaurium and watch live web cams. www.georgiaaquarium.org/webcam/ocean-voyager
Monterey Bay Aquarium
With ten live cams to choose from, you can experience the wonder of the ocean no matter where you are.
www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams
National Aquarium
National Aquarium Virtual Tour
Polar Bears and the Tundra
http gal
Learn about the Royal Family and tour the Palace!
@ Washington, D.C. Go inside the Space Shuttle Discover with a special immersive film, 15 digital exhibits, virtual tours and over 200 online artifacts.
Scholastic
https://www.cnet.com/news/step-aboard-the-spaceshuttle-discovery-with-googles-8k-virtual-tour/
http://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/ learnathome.html
International Space Station
Royal UK
https://www.royal.uk
“Learn From Home” website with four categories: PreK and Kindergarten, and Grades 1-6+.
Titanic Sinks
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/ suni_iss_tour.html
A two hour and 40 minute real-time virtual video of the sinking of Titanic.
Mars
http://www.historyview.org/library/titanic
http://accessmars.withgoogle.com
Jerry’s Artarama for Kids
Exercise
Virtual Story Time
https://www.jerrysartarama.com/free-art-instructionvideos/skill-level/kids
Go Noodle
Josh Gad (Olaf) Story time
Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
https://www.gonoodle.com
samuraivirtualtours.com/example/nadc/index.html
Art Online free video art lessons for kids.
Join Mo Willems everyday at noon to learn how to draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing.
Movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts.
https://www.kennedy-center.org
Online Gymnastics Camp, Virtual
Make
https://www.instagram.com/gothamgymnastics/
Free Art Lesson offered while schools are out. https://www.facebook.com/makepaducah/
Educational
Free Virtual Experience Gymnastics. Live 1 p.m. Central time.
Museums The Ark Encounter & Creation Museum
Explore the surface of Mars on the Curiosity Rover.
Actor Josh Gad, who played Olaf in Disney’s Frozen movies, is reading to kids every evening off of his Twitter page.
http://accessmars.withgoogle.comtwitter.com/joshgad
Storyline Online
Streamed videos of actors reading children’s books with creatively produced illustrations. http://www.storylineonline.net
Virtual Tours
Girls Get STEM
View free livestreams of science labs, behind-thescenes tours, live animal encounters, lectures, etc.
Farm Tour
http://www.creationmuseum.org http://www.arkencounter.com
www.origin.americandairy.com under the News and Events tab.
http://girlsleadstem.com/virtual-field-trip/
British Museum
Liberty Bell
Google Arts & Culture
https://britishmuseum.withgoogle.com/l
Tune in to transport students to the STEM Center of Excellence where STEM will come to life in new and unexpected ways.
Choose a country and view tons of history, photos and historical places.
https://artsandculture.google.com/category/place
Khan Academy Online Learning
Free education with video tutorials, schedule ideas and much more for kids from ages 2-7. https://www.khanacademy.org
Learn Our History
Free Guide and video that teaches kids about the election process. http://freekidsguide.com/01fb20x01z03?fbcl id=IwAR3KoUx0QaUKRZ-5yKK8Psbetb3m1vEqOXWdhcfI4kS9EwNXwPHNyrEfBlc
Wiregrass Parents I April 2020
@ London
Musee d’Orsay
3 Virtual Tours of Farms based on ages groups.
@ Pennsylvania A 3-D virtual tour of the Liberty Bell with historical information. https://historyview.org/library/liberty-bell
@ Paris
https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/ musee-dorsay-paris?hl=en
The J. Paul Getty Museum @ Los Angeles
https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/the-j-paulgetty-museum?hl=en
Van Gogh Museum
@ Amsterdam
https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/vangogh-museum?hl=en
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Boston Children’s Museum
Walk through the Boston Children’s Museum thanks to Google Maps! www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org/ museum-virtual-tour
Buckingham Palace
www.royal.uk/virtual-tours-buckingham-palace
Great Wall of China
This Virtual Tour of the Great Wall of China is beautiful and makes history come to life.
www.thechinaguide.com/destination/great-wall-of-china
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Yellowstone National Park
Choose a place on the map and see options for virtual tours and information.
@ Wyoming Yellowstone National Park-Ready to explore Yellowstone? You don’t have to wait for your trip out here. You can start exploring now by virtually touring some of the main attractions around the park.
https://historyview.org
Johnson Space Center
Join Boeing and Discovery Education on a mission to inspire the world through aerospace innovation with an exclusive virtual field trip to historic Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
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Atlanta Zoo
@ Georgia Panda Cam at Atlanta Zoo
www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/virtualtours.htm
http://zooatlanta.org/panda-cam/
Webcams
Cincinnati Zoo
https://www.boeingfutureu.com
Mount Rushmore
Glacier National Park
@ South Dakota Tour the memorial, navigate 3D “point cloud” models, laser scanners and a large collection of videos and photographs.
@ Montana Webcams are located throughout the park to provide views of the vast diversity of landscapes found in Glacier.
https://www.nps.gov/moru/learn/photosmultimedia/ virtual-tour.htm
https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/photosmultimedia/ webcams.htm
National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/nationalgallery-of-art-washington-dc?hl=en
@ Arizona Grand Canyon National Park’s Webcam (at the Yavapai Museum of Geology on the South Rim) offers a window into the sights, weather, air quality and seasonal changes that the park is experiencing.
The Louvre
Travel to Paris, France to see amazing works of art at The Louvre with this virtual trip.
www.manufactureyourfuture.com/VirtualFieldTrip/US
Facebook livestream offered every weekday at 3 p.m. (eastern time) showcasing an activity in their exhibit with an activity for kids to follow along with at home. Facebook at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Houston Zoo
@ Texas Tune in to the Houston Zoo Webcams and enjoy a live look at animals! www.houstonzoo.org/explore/webcams/
Grand Canyon
@ Washington, D.C.
Ouwehand Park Polar Bear
Welcome to the Ouwehand Zoo’s tundra exhibit in Rehen, Netherlands, where two polar bear cubs play under the watchful eye of their mother. www.explore.org/livecams/polar-bears/polar-bearouwehand-twin-cubs-cam-2
www.nps.gov/grca/learn/photosmultimedia/ webcams.htm
Reid Park Zoo
@ Washington, D.C. Get even more up close to this magnificent building than in-person tourists with a virtual tour.
Live Webcams Around the World
San Diego Zoo
U.S. Space and Rocket Museum
https://explore.org/livecams
The White House
Eagles nests, animal sanctuaries, bird feeders, manatees underwater, Fox dens, honey bee hive and more! View in reat time.
www.youvisit.com/tour/aid.depoy
@ Alabama See the Saturn 5 Rocket on YouTube and more on this tour, thanks to a real father-son outing.
Yosemite National Park @ California
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Qe5RqyMNhc
www.virtualyosemite.org
www.reidparkzoo.org/cameras/lion-cam/
@ California The San Diego Zoo has a website just for kids with amazing videos, activities and games. Enjoy the tour! www.kids.sandiegozoo.org
Smithsonian’s National Zoo www.nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams
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REGISTER ONLINE TODAY! Choose from 1- and 2-week Sessions and Mother-Daughter Weekends!
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One of the toughest first decisions I had to make as a new parent-to-be was finding exceptional daycare for my newborn. I had to go back to work six weeks after giving birth so I began my daycare search long before my son was born. I by Judy Miller
was thankful I did. Many daycares were full and had waiting lists. A number were simply not in our budget. Others did not take such a young infant.
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Begin Early Begin your quest for a daycare as soon as you realize that you will need it. Many daycares require a deposit to hold a place for your child. If your child has special needs that will need to be addressed, inquire if the daycare can support you in this and whether you will be comfortable. You may want to explore hiring a nanny or an inhome provider.
Ask Those Who Know I asked daycare-seasoned parents about the daycares they used before I began exploring daycare options. Their input helped me to decide the environment I wanted my child to be in. Determine what your parameters are: location, cost, hours and days needed, and in-home versus a churchbased or commercial daycare center. Schedule a tour of any daycare that has made it on to your final list of options. Be sure to bring your list of questions with you.
Look for a Nurturing Environment Children require nurturing to grow healthy minds and bodies. Observe the environment as you tour the facility. What is the daily schedule? How are children treated? What is the caregiver to child ratio? How does the daycare “feel”? How do the daycare employees transition children into new rooms?
Be Comfortable with the Method of Discipline Ask how the daycare disciplines a child. If you are not comfortable with their methods, walk. I did not think about asking about discipline until my son, and only child at that time, was kicked out of daycare at the ripe age of twelve months for biting. I found another daycare for him and tearfully told the caregiver the truth. She gave me a big hug and said, “Well, that’s normal!”
Pay Attention to Safety and Cleanliness What are the security procedures? Does the daycare follow them? 23
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Check out the bathrooms. Ask to see the kitchen. Check if the caregivers and other staff members wear gloves when cleaning up bodily fluids. How are the rooms cleaned that your child will be in? Are cots disinfected? Is bedding washed or sent home with you on a consistent basis? Are the tables and other furniture appropriately child-sized? Are the toilets and sinks? What is the outdoor play area like?
Assess the Communication Style How proactive is the daycare with communication? Will you get a summary of your child’s day, down to the number of dirty diapers and time and length of her nap? Will you be called immediately if there is a concern? Is the caregiver approachable for questions and discussion?
Understand Expectations the Daycare Has of You and Visa-Versa Are you expected to pay for a fulltime week over a certain number of days? How do vacations and holidays work? What hours is the daycare open? Will the daycare be able to take your child early or keep her late if necessary? If so, what is the charge of doing so?
Understand the Sick Policy Most daycares are specific about what constitutes a sick child or an infection that will not be allowed to be in daycare. A child in my son’s daycare came down with the highly contagious conjunctivitis (also known as pinkeye). I was relieved the affected child was sent home immediately and could not return to daycare until a doctor said he was no longer contagious. As a parent you hope the daycare will follow the policies they have in place. Understand that adhering to the policy is important not only for your child, but others as well. WP
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Dothan
Contact: Danna Jacobs
Contact: Bonnie Wright
(334) 792-3083 bldgblock4@aol.com
(334) 793-6283 www.fppdothan.com
Dothan Montessori School
Calvary Baptist Preschool
First United Methodist Church
205 Holly Lane, 36301 Curriculum: Montessori Hours: Toddler & Primary Programs 8 a.m.-12:00 p.m. / Lower Elementary 8:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Ages: 18 months-3rd grade Extra Options: Snack and supply fee. Contact: Adrienne Lorton
(334) 793-9898 www.calvarydothan.com
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(334) 671-7170 dms.adrienne@gmail.com www.dothanmontessorischool.org
A+ Child Care & Learning Academy
3296 W. Main St., 36305 Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Ages: 4 weeks-14 years Contact: Wanda Cook (334) 699-8067 w_wcook@yahoo.com
ABC Academy
216 Montana St., 36303 Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-14 years Contact: Yvonne Lee (334) 793-6462
Alfred Saliba Family Services Center
545 W. Main St., Suite 404, 36301 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-3 years Contact: Linda O’Connell (334) 794-4929 eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov
Angels Child Care & Academy
1041 S. Park Ave., 36301 Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-Midnight / Saturday 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-18 years Contact: Sametha Colvin (334) 792-9227
Beulah Land Christian Academy 280 Headland Ave., 36303 Ages: 6 weeks-7 years Contact: Jackie Harvey-Hutchins
(334) 712-0200 www.greaterbeulahdothan.com
Brannon Stand Christian Academy
2487 S. Brannon Stand Rd., 36304 Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-6 years Contact: Susie Howes (334) 494-8935 brannonstandchristianacademy.com
Brenda’s Preparatory School
1792 Headland Ave., 36303 Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-14 years Contact: Brenda Guilford (334) 794-3315 brendasprep@graceba.net
Building Blocks Childcare & Pre-K
1065 S. Alabama Hwy 605, Taylor, 36301 Ages: 3 weeks-12 years
901 Montezuma Ave., 36303 Curriculum: A Beka and Touch Math Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-K4 Contact: Michelle Beasley
Christian Kids Academy
1380 W. Main St., 36302 Curriculum: A Beka Hours: Full-Time Daycare: M-F, 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Preschool: Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-5 years Contact: Krysten Watts (334) 793-3555 www.fumcdothan.org/weekday-ministry
205 Executive Park Dr., 36303 Hours: Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-6 p.m. / Saturday Program 8 a.m.-4 p.m. or 4 p.m.-Midnight Ages: 2.5-5 years Contact: Sue Tate
Honeysuckle Chlidcare & Preschool
(334) 803-0291 www.christiankidsacademy.com
(334) 677-8800
Coleman Center for Early Learning
India’s Tiny Tots Daycare and Learning
501 University Ave., 36303 Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-4 years Contact: Nancy Mitta (334) 983-6556
www.troy.edu
Covenant Preschool & Childcare
3610 W. Main St., 36303 Curriculum: Weekday Early Education and Scott Foresman Reading Street Hours: Preschool Monday-Thurs 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. / Daycare M-F 7:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Ages: Preschool 3 & 4 yrs / Daycare 6 wks-5 yrs Contact: Sandi Scott (334) 793-4440 ext. 106
covenantdothan.org/daycare
1765 Honeysuckle Rd., 36305 Hours: Monday-Friday 5:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Ages: 4 weeks-12 years Contact: Susan Kennedy
404 N. Cherry St., 36303 Hours: Monday-Friday 5:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Ages: 3 weeks-14 years Extra Options: Nighttime care available. Contact: Tammie Leake-Potter (334) 792-0180
Ivy League Academy
800 W. Powell St., 36303 Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-12 years Contact: Rawle Phillip Mitchell (334) 699-1780 ivyleague800@yahoo.com
Kiddie Care Learning Center
2410 Denton Rd., 36303 Ages: 6 weeks-9 years Contact: Wilma McVay
218 Graceland Dr., 36305 Curriculum: Opening the World of Learning Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-Midnight / Saturday 8:00 a.m.-Midnight Contact: Cameka Beard
(334) 793-9173 umc2410@comcast.net
(334) 678-2339 www.kiddiecarelc.com
Eastside Childcare
Kiddie Garden Childcare & Learning Center
(334) 671-0342
(334) 699-1762 zmelt@yahoo.com
Evergreen Preschool Ministries
Kiddie Kastle
Denton Road UMC Childcare Center
2846 Columbia Hwy., 36303 Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-12 years Contact: Cathy Rase
1103 N. Pontiac Ave., 36303 Hours: Full- time: 6:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m. M- F / Part-time: 6:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. M - F Contact: Michelle Quattlebaum (334) 794-7319
evergreenpres.net
First Baptist Child Development Center 300 W. Main St., 36301 Curriculum: A Beka Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-K4 Contact: Cindy Thomas
(334) 677-6174 www.fbcdothan.org/child-development-center
First Presbyterian Preschool & Kindergarten
3012 W. Main St., 36305 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Ages: 2 years-K5
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930 E. Burdeshaw St., 36303 Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-12 years Contact: Zann Melton Stewart
2266 Denton Rd., 36303 Hours: 6:00 a.m.-Midnight Ages: 6 weeks-13 years Contact: Carmencita Hicks (334) 792-9266
Kids United Child Development Center
109 Wanda Ct., 36303 Hours: Monday-Saturday 6:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-12 years Contact: Kala Hamilton (334) 479-0833 kidsunited.hamilton@gmail.com
Kingdom Kids Daycare
308 Broadway St., 36303 Hours: 6:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-12 years Contact: Tawana McClain (334) 983-1177
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L & J Noah’s Ark Learning Center
119 E. Selma St., 36301 Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-16 years Contact: Laura Lee (334) 446-3187 Ljnoaharkdaycare@aol.com
Little Scholars Academy
642 S. Alice St., 36301 Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Ages: 4 weeks-12 years Contact: Nakeisha Foster (334) 446-6277
Little Stars Learning Center
3348 Denton Rd., 36303 Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-13 years Contact: Phyllis Porter (334) 678-7827
Mother Goose Kindergarten
787 N. Park Ave., 36303 Curriculum: Pre-K Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Ages: 18 months-10 years Contact: (334) 792-5913 mothergoosekindergarten.business.site
Mother’s Morning Out/Little Lambs 3012 W. Main St., 36302 Hours: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Ages: 6 months-5 years
(334) 794-3128 www.firstpresdothan.com
Mt. Gilead Baptist Church MDO
2864 S. Brannon Stand Rd., 36305 Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Ages: Birth-4k Contact: Peggy Vinson (334) 792-4842 mgbcdothan.com
On the Rise Academy
Southeast Health Child Development Center
1133 W. Main St., 36301 Contact: Kierra Wade
302 Haven Dr., 36302 Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-5 years Contact: (334) 793-8888
(334) 792-1209 ontherise.academy
Pal-A-Roos
1310 Hodgesville Rd., 36301 Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Ages: 3 weeks-12 years Extra Options: Pre-K and after school program. Contact: Kimberly Sikes (334) 673-1717
Rainbow Christian Learning Center/Daycare 104 N. Herring St., 36303 Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-12 years Contact: Mae Hudgens (334) 792-5605
Rehobeth Academy
1062 Hadden Rd., 36301 Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m.-5:45 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-12 years Contact: Megan Lee (334) 673-2595 rehobethacademyllc@yahoo.com
Ridgecrest Child Development Center 1263 Fortner St., 36301 Curriculum: Wee Learn and A Beka Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-K5 Contact: Shirley Leach
www.southeasthealth.org/child-development-center
Southside Baptist Child Development
423 E. Cottonwood Rd., 36301 Curriculum: A Beka Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-5 years Contact: Melanie Wynkoop (334) 699-5020 melanie@sbcdothan.org
Southside Kiddie Kollege
1746 Cottonwood Rd., 36301 Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-12 years Contact: Joanne Shipes (334)793-7135
St. Columba Catholic Mother’s Morning Out
2734 W. Main St., 36301 Hours: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Ages: 1-4 years Contact: Angela Bloebaum (334) 944-6526 stcolumbacatholic.com/mmo
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655 Headland Ave., 36303 Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. / Saturday 6:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-14 years Contact: Natasha Scott
Tush & Toddlers Child Development Center
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(334) 699-0901
(334) 673-2205
(334) 792-8441 www.rbcdothan.org
Smart Start Learning Center
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This Old House Ministries
367 S. Saint Andrews St., 36301 Contact: Linda Stoddard
1750 Ross Clark Cir., 36301 Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m.-Midnight Ages: 6 weeks-12 years Contact: Jackquline Hall
Landmark Park presents
May 2, 2020 • 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Quiet Hour 10 a.m.-11 a.m. (no horns or loud noises) See big trucks up close! Sit in the driver’s seat, honk the horns, learn about safety and meet the people who support our community. 334-794-3452 • www.landmarkparkdothan.com
Wiregrass Parents I April 2020
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Westgate Christian School 617 Westgate Pkwy., 36303 Curriculum: A Beka Contact: Michelle Lowery
(334) 793-3399 www.westgatechristian.com
Enterprise Bubbling Babies
1149 James Dr., 36330 Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-12 years Contact: Victoria Watson (334) 347-7722
Candy Cane Kids Day Care 2940 Rucker Blvd., 36330 Hours: 5:00 a.m.-Midnight Ages: 6 weeks-15 years Contact: Winona Nelson (334) 347-4082
Early Years Enterprise
102 Dauphin St., 36330 Hours: 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Ages: 4 weeks-12 years Contact: Jennifer Watson (334) 494-7039 eydaycare@yahoo.com
Enterprise Christian Learning Center
5 N. Pointe Blvd., 36330 Curriculum: Beka Book Hours: Monday-Friday 5:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-12 years Contact: Hollie Nickole Segall (334) 347-5774 info@enterprisechristian.com www.enterprisechristian.com
Enterprise Head Start
1617 E. Park Ave., 36330 Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Ages: 3-5 years
Contact: Donna Wright (334) 347-4434
Kare Bear Christian Daycare
1117 Rucker Blvd., 36330 Hours: M-F 5 a.m.-Midnight / Sat 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Ages: Birth-12 years Contact: Latasha Brady (334) 489-4644 karebearchristian@yahoo.com
Kiddie Care Learning Center
7 N. Pointe Blvd., 36330 Curriculum: Opening the World of Learning Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-Midnight / Saturday 8:00 a.m.-Midnight Contact: Dorothy Green (334) 347-2716 www.kiddiecarelc.com
Little Blessings Mother’s Day Out 500 Alberta St., 36330 Curriculum: Lifeway Hours: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-Preschoolers Contact: Annette Whitton (334) 347-2516 www.hbce.org
Mom’s Day Out & Stepping Stones Preschool 217 S. Main St., 36330 Curriculum: Core Knowledge Ages: 5 months-4 years Contact: Tammy Ezzell (334) 347-3467 www.efumc.com
Refuge Christian Academy Preschool
1507 E. Park Ave., 36330 Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-4 years Contact: Elisha Hodg (334) 489-4535 www.refugeschool.com
Saint John Catholic Montessori School 123 Heath St., 36330 Curriculum: Montessori
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Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Ages: 3-6 years Contact: Sandra Pellissier (334) 347-0413 www.saintjohnmontessori.com
Small Steps Learning Center and Daycare 219 Chinook Dr., 36330 Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Ages: 6 weeks-6 years Contact: Shelia Watson (334) 635-7858
Small Steps Preschool
302 N. Main St., 36330 Curriculum: ABC Jesus Loves Me Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Ages: 1-PreK Contact: LeAnn Thomas (334) 393-5683 smallsteps@fbcenterprise.com www.fbcenterprise.com
Stepping Stones Preschool
145 Dauphin St., 36330 Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m Ages: 2.5-5 years Contact: Merrilyn Lewis (334) 347-4852
steppingstonespreschool-llc.com
The Y Christian Preschool
904 Ozark Hwy., 36330 Curriculum: Pathways for Pre-school Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Ages: 2.5-5 years Contact: Jerre Simmons (334) 347-4513 www.enymca.org
Wiregrass Christian Academy Preschool 209 W. College St., 36330 Curriculum: Bible and A Beka Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Contact: Sandra Turner (334) 393-8972 wiregrasschristianacademy.org WP
www.facebook.com/wiregrassparents
in 7th grade at Northside Methodist Academy. We try our best to treat him like other children his age. It was very humbling to see other students progressing and hanging out with friends when Will would rather keep to himself. WP: Special needs children tend to take up a lot of time. What’s something you do to make sure your 10-year-old daughter doesn’t feel like she’s being left out? CH: Having a special needs child does take a lot of attention and time, however, we have made sure that Emmie has not missed out on anything. She keeps us busy by doing competitive gymnastics and pageants. Will is her number one fan!
Cortney Haywood
WP: Other than the obvious (kids home from school, etc.), how has the current current situation with COVID-19 impacted your family?
WP: How old was Will when he was first diagnosed with autism and how has his diagnosis impacted your family’s life?
CH: This whole Covid-19 has sent Will into a tailspin. He does not like doing his work at home. He asks every day, several times a day, when are we going back to school. He loves his teachers and enjoys seeing them daily. He is getting tired of me being his teacher.
CH: Will was 3 years old when he was first diagnosed with autism. Our family has been forever impacted. Simple changes in routines can throw autistic children into a tailspin. When our schedules get interrupted, he has a hard time coping. He has a hard time just “going with the flow” when things change.
WP: What’s one thing you wish other people understood about autistic children? CH: The one thing I wish that other people understood about autistic children is that their brain just works differently. The smallest little thing can turn them into a tailspin. It is very hard for them to “just let things go.” WP: What advice would you give to parents who have just learned their child has autism? CH: The advice that I would give to any parent is to get them into therapy as soon as possible. One reason we think Will is doing so well now is because we started him in therapy when he was very young.
WP: You mentioned that he didn’t start talking until he was threeand-a-half years old. What were some of the other ‘symptoms’ Will exhibited to clue you in that he was different?
WP: Moms are always busy. Between the kids, your husband, work, and everything in between, how do you avoid ‘mom burnout?’
CH: Will was not talking and interacting with other children like we thought he should. At first, we thought boys just mature slower than girls, but we knew something seemed “off.” Before we even got the official diagnosis, we started him in speech therapy with Mrs. Nicole at Speech Therapy and Associates. He still sees Nicole today. She has pretty much become part of our family. She helps him with speech and social skills. Now you would never know that Will didn’t speak until he was over three. He loves to fill you with all his knowledge of special facts. He can tell you a lot of behind-the-scenes information about Disney and Disney movies.
CH: We are always on the go, and I feel like I am a mom Uber driver between taking Will to karate and Emmie to gymnastics. TJ helps me a lot so that I don’t feel like I am burned out. When we get a chance, we love to take the kids camping. WP: If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice as a new mom, what would it be? CH: If I could go back and give myself one piece of advice it would be to slow down and enjoy them while they are small. They grow up so fast.
WP: What are some of the unique challenges you feel you’ve faced as the parent of an autistic child? CH: We are faced with unique challenges daily. Simple tasks that may come easily to everyone else takes him a little longer to complete. He gets it done, just at a slower pace than others. He is Wiregrass Parents I April 2020
Cortney Haywood is a fifth grade teacher at Northside Methodist Academy. She and her husband T.J. have been married for 16 years. They have two children, Will (13) and Emmie (10).
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www.wiregrassparents.com
I would rather be able to run the bases after my home run hit than have to stop to catch my breath by 2nd. - Josie, 7th grade
For more information visit AlabamaHealthyTeens.com