I thought this was the place where we came to clean up? - Trystin, 6th grade
For more information visit AlabamaHealthyTeens.com
June2020
Volume 2 Number 10
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Columns 2
From the Publisher Ashton Wright
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Therapeutic Parenting
How Mr. Rogers had it right when it comes to really hearing our kids.
Progressive Day Camp A unique way to entertain neighborhood kids this summer.
Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP
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Kids Health Watch
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by Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network
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19 Parenting, Media &
Everything in Between Common Sense Media
A Day for Dad
Ideas for making this Father’s Day one he’ll remember.
Common Sense Media Easy tips to manage TikTok and keep your kids safe.
Departments 5
Teacher of the Month 9
On The Cover Kahlan, Seth, and Samuel are the children of Sara and Marc Johnson. Kahlan, 8, loves dance, riding her scooter, reading, art and sports. Seth, 6, loves sports, riding his bike, playing army with his soldiers and Legos, and board games. Samuel, 4, loves sports, coloring, games, and riding his bike.
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Mom to Mom
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FromThePublisher The Area’s Go-To Resource for Families
Is it just me or did it feel like summer break started months ago? Except, instead of the usual summer fun, we’ve all been cooped up at the house trying not to get on our family’s nerves too much. Fortunately, restrictions are starting to ease up, and it looks like our real summer will be closer to normal than we all thought. Growing up, our summers were filled with camping trips and days at the lake or river. I can only remember ever going to two camps, 4-H camp at Jekyll Island and a church camp to Helen, Georgia. One summer we did a week-long family vacation to SeaWorld and Daytona Beach. I know for many of you, summer plans are still up in the air. Like many others across the Wiregrass, the camp we were planning on for Alexis was canceled, but that doesn’t mean your kids have to miss out on the experience altogether. Explore the benefits of hosting a neighborhood camp in our article, Progressive Day Camp: A Unique Way to Entertain Kids This Summer. Is your family rushing back to the way things were before COVID-19? We’ve eased up a little on keeping Alexis completely isolated outside of grandparents, who’ve been helping out so I can work, Chris can finish home improvement projects, and so both of us can recharge. Since things have opened back up, she’s gotten a much-needed haircut, gone to the beach, and been on a Target run (she had to stay in the cart and wasn’t allowed to touch anything). I think Walmart and the grocery store will remain no-gos for awhile yet, but I foresee trips to our library in the near future. I’ve been working at home since July 2018, but with the exception of last summer, I’m used to having the house mostly to myself during the week. So working around a 5-year-old and at-home husband the last two-and-a-half months has definitely been an adjustment. I’ve had to be more flexible with my office hours, more deliberate with break times, and more generous with grace for myself and others. My husband has been the glue holding my sanity together these days. He’s been on furlough from work nearly as long as Alexis has been out of school. Not that he’s not a great daddy anyway, but he has really stepped up and pretty much taken the role of primary parent, and he’s been the one who’s stayed more on top of household chores as I’ve found myself with literally zero time to myself. With Father’s Day coming up on June 21, be sure to check out A Day for Dad: Make This Father’s Day One to Remember. Things may not be back to normal yet, but it feels like they’re headed in the right direction. I hope your summer is filled with lots of sunshine, happiness, and fun memories. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
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.
Publisher Ashton Wright ashton@wiregrassparents.com (334) 714-7831 Editor DeAnne Watson editor@wiregrassparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse Contributing Writers Kimberly Blaker Jacob Edwards, MD Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Pam Molnar Dave Ramsey Cover Photography Lauren Poss www.lollypossphotography.com
President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Ashton Wright ads@wiregrassparents.com (334) 714-7831 Ad Design Tim Welch
Ashton
Visit us at www.wiregrassparents.com
ashton@wiregrassparents.com
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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.
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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP
Mr. Rogers Had It Right It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood...and it was a beautiful day sitting on my couch, snuggled up with my kids, watching what feels like movie number 2,074 during this quarantine. And that’s when I heard those wise words come straight from the mouth of Mr. Rogers – “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable.” And there it was. Such a profound way to ground us in this time when we are all feeling all the feelings about our current reality. “When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary,” he said. Yes, Mr. Rogers. Yes. If he ever needed a career other than children’s reality show host and master of all puppets in the fictional kingdom of The Neighborhood of Make Believe, then he absolutely could have been in the world of psychology. You see, he gets it. Mr. Rogers understood that internalizing stress and worry and anxiety and uncertainty breeds stress and worry and anxiety and
uncertainty. But mentioning them – which essentially means communicating them – breeds management – it breeds problem solving and eases concern. It brings about a sense of burden sharing with those around us. And as great as that feels as adults – this effect is even more magnified in our children. But in our own parental humanity, we often tend to negate the feelings of our children. Even in love we can be quick to just give a quick pat on the head and say, “Don’t worry, it will be fine,” without actually ever stopping and stooping and leaning in to hear what their little hearts are saying. Think of it this way – have you ever been upset about something and someone near you almost immediately says, “Calm down!” Does that, in any way, make you want to be calm in that moment? I’m guessing no. Instead, what helps you feel calm is when someone stops what they are doing, makes eye contact with you,
sits near you and really hears your heart. They listen. They lean in. They understand that you are struggling, and because they care for you, they take time to invest in you in that moment. It doesn’t actually matter whether they have the answer to your problem, they were present. This is the difference. This is the way we move away from a culture of pith and trite remarks, empty of any value to us, and toward authentic, deep, relational engagement. As Mr. Rogers would sing to all of us at the end of every show, he understood that, “…You’ll have things you want to talk about…I will too.” So grab your cardigan from the closet by the front door, change your shoes, and be intentional to hear what your little (and big) ones are saying around you. It will make for a beautiful day in your own neighborhood. 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.
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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Brittany Nolin Rehobeth Elementary School
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“I know people say that times have changed and children are different, but really all children need love and guidance and a person who believes in them. I hope and pray that when my students walk in every day they know I love them and care about them.” arents say there’s no doubt that Brittany Nolin is achieving that goal. Jessie Stough says Mrs. Nolin has “gone far and beyond, and you can really tell she loves her kiddos and what she does.” “She is very concerned about her students, and she loves them all,” says Teresa Horton. “The moment you walk in her room you feel the since of love in that classroom.” Hannah Anne Cummings says Nolin is “so thoughtful with the kids and gets them involved in their learning. She makes all the kids feel noticed and special!” Brittany Nolin teaches kindergarten at Rehobeth Elementary School. The coronavirus pandemic changed the way Mrs. Nolin interacted with her students the last few months of the school year. In addition to learning packets sent home and online activities, Nolin also sent her students postcards and a special version of “Flat Stanley.” “Our kindergarten teachers decided to put our pictures in a cartoon body, like Stanley, and
send it to our students so they could take their “Flat teacher” on an adventure. I loved getting all the different pictures of my students and hearing about the adventures we went on.” Over the last 13 years, Nolin says she’s learned many things from her students, but one of the biggest is that every child is different. “They learn differently, they come from different backgrounds, and they are all motivated by different things. I have learned you have to get to know your students outside of the classroom to be able to fully reach each child. I consider each one of my students my children.” Nolin says even though most people discouraged her from becoming a teacher, she knew in her heart it was what she is meant to do. Nolin says she’s motivated by the knowledge she’s making a difference in her students’ lives every day. “The good days far outweigh the rough days. Even the days you feel your lessons didn’t go as planned or your class just had an ‘off’ day, as long as they left your classroom that day feeling loved, you have accomplished something.” Brittany Nolin received her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Troy University-Dothan and her Master’s in School Counseling from the University of West Alabama. Brittany and her husband, Justin, have been married 10 years. They have three sons: Judson (7), John David (4), and Boone (7 months).
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Picture Book Contest
Grilling/BBQ Competition & Sweet Tea Stand Contest
Dothan-Houston Co. Library System www.dhcls.org; (334) 793-9767 Create an original picture book that includes a title, cover art, a story and illustrations. The story may be fact or fiction, prose or poetry. Text may be written legibly or typed. Original art can include drawings, collages, or photos taken by the student. Use only one side of the paper and number each page. Entries can be no more than 24 pages in length and must be on 8.5 x 11 paper. Please leave a one-inch margin area around your artwork and text so the library can bind the book if it’s chosen as a winner. One winner will be selected from each age category. The contest is open to any K-8th grade student. Winners will receive a copy of their bound book, and copies will circulate in the library’s picture book collection. Entries can be dropped off at the children’s desk of any DHCLS location no later than June 30.
Fort Rucker; rucker.armymwr.com June 13 is the Army’s 245th Birthday and what better way to celebrate than with a Grilling/BBQ Cook-Off and Sweet Tea Stands! Fort Rucker is hosting a community-wide cook out and sweet tea stands in their front yard! Judges will be driving around to grade submissions. Open to all Fort Rucker residents. Grilling/BBQ Competition Judging Standards: appearance, taste, and tenderness. Sweet Tea Stand Contest Judging Standards: best tasting, best booth, best customer service skills. Visit rucker.armymwr. com to download the registration form. Registration Deadline: June 8.
Little Shop of Horrors
July 10, 11, 17 & 18 @ 7:00 p.m. July 19 @ 2:00 p.m. Spanish Trail Playhouse 680 2nd Street, Chipley FL Tickets: $18 Adults, $15 Seniors/ Military, $13 Students www.spanishtrailplayhouse.com (850) 638-9113 “Little Shop of Horrors” is a delectable sci-fi horror musical with an electrifying 1960s pop/rock score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. Children 5 and under not permitted.
Honey Extraction at Landmark Park
Saturday, June 27, 9:00 a.m. 430 Landmark Dr., Dothan AL 36303 Cost: Adults $4, Kids $3, Members Free www.landmarkparkdothan.com Presented by the Wiregrass Beekeepers and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Free with paid gate admission. Guests will have a chance to watch as honey is extracted from local hives and uncapped by hand. Honey will be on sale while supplies last. Interpretive Center Auditorium.
The WOW Factor Science Show
Thursday, June 18 at DothanHouston Co. Library System www.dhcls.org; (334) 793-9767 Join us via Facebook for the WOW Factor Science Show. This show is for all ages, and includes experiments that are visual, interactive....and just plain fun! Join us for this program online via Facebook! Like us on our Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/DothanHoustonCountyLibrarySystem (the link for this single show will appear on June 18th). For info on the WOW Factor, visit www.thefunconnection.com.
Father’s Day Cards To Go Dothan-Houston Co. Library System Westgate Branch - June 15; Main & Ashford Branches - June 17 www.dhcls.org; (334) 793-9767 Stop by each library branch and pick up your special Father a card for Father’s Day. Registration is required for this event. Pick-up is available all day during operating hours.
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Professor Whizzpop
Art After Hours
Friday, June 5, 4:00-5:00 p.m. Dothan-Houston Co. Library System www.dhcls.org (334) 793-9767 Once upon a time in a library (virtually) not so far from here there was a library program that delighted all the children of the kingdom. A library program which encouraged them to read and combined a fantastic menagerie of magical creatures with lots of laughs and gallons of giggles. During this program, Professor Wizzpop made a unicorn appear, explained why dragons eat tacos and even taught the children of the realm why princesses really do kiss frogs! Join us for this program online via Facebook! Like us on our Facebook. The link for this single show will appear on June 5th.
Thursday, July 16, 5:30-8:00 p.m. Wiregrass Museum of Art, 126 Museum Ave., Dothan AL 36303 Tickets: $5 Non-Members, Members Free www.wiregrassmuseum.org Art After Hours is WMA’s quarterly event to celebrate the opening of new exhibitions. Come wander the galleries, have a drink, and take in the new art on display. You might even have a chance to speak with one of the exhibiting artists or try your hand at an in-gallery activity. Light snacks will be served, and drinks will be available for purchase. For more information, call the museum at (334) 794-3871.
Freedom Fest
Thursday, July 2nd, 4:00-10:00 p.m. at Festival Fields, Fort Rucker AL 36362 The Wiregrass is invited to Fort Rucker’s Festival Fields for an evening of celebration, food, activities, and fun! One of the largest fireworks displays in the area. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Visit the kids’ zone with inflatables and rides, while enjoying a variety of local and regional vendors. The Army’s MCoE Detachment Band will accompany the celebration with musical entertainment throughout the evening with a patriotic concert. Admission to the event is FREE and open to the public. No glass, coolers, backpacks, or pets are permitted.
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KidsHealthWatch
Sponsored by Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network
Precious Little Poo I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in the 9th grade. In many ways, this changed my life. One of the biggest was the way I interacted with my healthcare provider. Due to my age and the availability of subspecialists at the time, I was referred to an adult gastroenterologist. This was my first interaction with adult medicine and let us just say I was not a fan. Up to that point, my only healthcare interactions were with my pediatrician, Dr. Flowers. Her office was brightly colored with cartoons and music played in the lobby. Best of all, she called me her precious little poo and kept my picture on her wall. But now, I am sitting in this waiting room full of dark maroon and beige colors with a TV replaying Life Alert ads and infomercials about gout, heart disease, and diabetes. And then, I meet the doctor who proceeds to talk to my mother about how I feel and what’s going on with me. I left the visit not feeling like his precious little poo.
A recent definition of teenager was fit for me: someone who is ready for the zombie apocalypse, but not ready for tomorrow’s math test. Admittedly, despite the warm feeling of familiarity I felt with my pediatrician, I sometimes felt awkward being the oldest patient in the waiting room. It was not always comfortable discussing personal matters about growing up, my changing body, my life, and my health in front of my parents. There was nothing illicit I needed to ask or share. I just did not need my parents to interject into my every answer or to glare at me with that “you better not say the wrong thing” look. Much like the rest of my adolescent life, adolescent healthcare was a time of great transition. In some respects, I wanted more autonomy while in others I still needed my parents to fill in the gaps. Adolescent healthcare providers help make this transition easier. Adolescent medicine is the subspecialty of pediatrics that focuses on the health needs of teens and young adults from puberty to the
mid-twenties. In addition to physical health, we focus on psychosocial concerns. We like to have at least a portion of the visit with only the patient. These conversations are age and developmentally appropriate and may cover topics such as substance abuse, mental health, school plans, sex, and relationships. Our goal is to empower teens and young adults to take charge of their health and be comfortable interacting with healthcare providers. While we cannot forever remain a precious little poo, we can partner with you and your children to help them become a healthy, responsible, and safe young adults. Jacob Edwards, MD, FAAP was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2012, he completed a three-year Pediatric Residency program at Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC. After practicing in Enterprise then Tuscaloosa, Dr. Edwards made his way back to Enterprise to join Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network in May 2017. He practices primarily at Enterprise Pediatric Clinic. Dr. Edwards enjoys CrossFit, traveling, the beach, and spending time with his dog, CoCo.
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Scholastic Summer Read-a-Palooza
Houston Academy Seniors Practice Social Distancing
As parents, educators, public librarians and community leaders, we applaud all you have done for your children and students to keep them learning through unprecedented closing of schools. As we enter the summer months there is no doubt we are all continuing to adjust to this new reality together. Now more than ever it is critically important to keep kids engaged in summer reading to ensure their academic success in the fall. Scholastic is committed to providing at-home learning over the summer months with Scholastic Summer Read-a-Palooza. The free program unites communities in a nationwide campaign that celebrates reading for fun while improving access to books during the summer. For 2020, we are excited to share a brand new kids experience in Scholastic Home Base, a free digital destination which offers full books, live events, and games in a safe community for readers! Kids will be encouraged to track their reading streaks™ to earn rewards and unlock book donations, with the goal of donating 100,000 books by July! Visit scholastic. com/summer to get started.
Please email news to: schoolnews@ wiregrassparents.com!
#SocialDistancing 101 • Stay at least 6 feet apart (2 arms’ length from other people) • Avoid groups and gatherings of +10 people • Consistently wash hands and use sanitizer with +60% alcohol *Seniors recently practiced proper social distancing while recording content for senior programming* #Adapt #Persevere #Care
Northside Methodist Cap & Gown Ceremony Congratulations NMA Class of 2020
May 5th was not the “normal” but it was special! Such a great group of students! We are so proud of you! You are loved! GO KNIGHTS!! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Houston Academy Middle Students Create Levers and Pulleys
Mrs. Jeanne Davis is teaching about levers and pulleys in middle school physical science while distance learning. Students learned about simple machines, work, forces, and mechanical advantage. The students each created their own videos explaining different types of levers and pulleys. They had to find -or make- their own examples of simple machines. They got creative. 9
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Providence Christian Seniors Present Theses Virtually
Senior thesis presentations look a little different this year, but the students are doing an outstanding job. In preparing and presenting their thesis, students utilized the skills they have learned during their years at Providence including critical thinking, persuasive writing, research tactics, and communication.
Houston Academy Honors Graduates with Senior Parade
Thank you HA family for coming out and supporting and cheering on the Class of 2020! These seniors deserved every bit of it! We love you SENIORS!
Please email news and photos to: schoolnews@wiregrassparents.com!
Drive Through Farewell for Ozark 5th Graders
Mixon-Intermediate Students Celebrate Earth Day
Congratulations to our Mixon 5th graders! You can now say you have had the most memorable and unique 5th grade honors day and farewell from Mixon ever! Fifth graders experienced a special drive through farewell on May 4th in the Mixon School Gym parking lot. Teachers and PE staff were on hand to wave and hand out graduation pack items.
Hunter Simonton in Mrs. Ward’s class experimented with filling balloons using baking soda and vinegar! Allie Watson (not pictured) also in Mrs. Ward’s class made a bird feeder and birdhouse for Earth Day.
Ozark 3rd & 4th Graders See Teachers Final Time
Big thank you to our 3-4th grade teachers who waved goodbye and handed out supplies and work packets to students on this past Monday! We hope all students have a great summer and we will see you all next year!!! Wiregrass Parents I June 2020
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Coppinville Jr. High Receptionist Sews 350 Masks for Community
HA 3P Students Plant Gardens
Shanna Boothe’s 3P students, Firas Bilbeisi and Nico Boisvert, planted seeds after learning about plants and seeds in their Unit Study. Mrs. Boothe said, “I thought it was great to see our 3P students learning and experimenting with growing a garden/plants at home.”
Gracias! Danke Schoen! Domo Arigato! Merci! Flowers Hospital would like to thank Mrs. Quattlebaum’s 7th and 9th grade English classes for all their encouraging words. The bulletin boards are located outside the employee elevators.
We have a hero in our midst at CJHS! Our amazing clerical aide/receptionist, Stephanie Retherford, has been serving Enterprise healthcare workers, police officers, essential workers, the elderly community, and friends and family by sewing 350 masks to enable them to protect themselves and others from spreading the Coronavirus! She has had some help and donations from others, but she has persisted with this project and carried the load for the duration of the time we have been working from home! Well done, Stephanie! Your CJHS family is so proud of you!
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Northside Methodist Academy Thanks Hospital Workers
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Providence 2nd Graders Write Non-Fiction Books
The 2nd grade students made nonfiction books and presented them to their teacher through facetime or zoom.
Send Your School News to: schoolnews@ wiregrassparents.com.
Providence 2nd Graders Get Mail from President
Mrs. McClurkin’s second grade class has been learning to write friendly letters. In April, the class wrote friendly letters to President Trump. In a May zoom session, the class learned they had received mail from The White House. They were so excited to receive a letter signed by the President of the United States.
Rehobeth Elementary Student Collects Dog Food for Birthday
Let’s send a HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY to Jordan and a big round of applause! For her birthday, she collected dog food and donations for Wiregrass Animal Group!! Thank you Jordan for dropping off all this food and puppy pads and thinking of us! We truly appreciate it.
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40 Enterprise Kindergarteners Publish Books
Enterprise Early Education Center has announced that 40 of its students have become published authors through a national student publishing program. As part of the publishing process, students in Mr. Whittaker’s and Mrs. Newell’s Class planned, wrote, illustrated, and worked alongside their teachers and Ms. Grant (IP/Reading Specialist) to create their own books. The topics of their books are “Winter” by Mr. Whittaker’s Class and “All About Me” by Mrs. Newell’s Class. The students of both classes have been working hard on their books for several weeks. The idea for their books started when students’ curiosity led to the two teachers about how to become a “real author.” “The best part about this collaboration is that we have two classrooms full of proud, smiling young authors, with a memory that lasts a lifetime! This coaching cycle provided our teachers with an opportunity to go through the writing process with our KinderCats in a meaningful and exciting and memorable way. We also obtained a fullcolor, deluxe hardcover book for the teacher and one for our school resource library. The students’ parents were also able to purchase copies of these unique, childhood keepsakes.” Ms. Deidra Grant, EEEC IP/Reading Specialist. “We are rolling out the red carpet for our Kindercats at EEEC!” We now have 40 students that are published writers through Studentreasures Publishing a national publishing program. It provided our teachers with an easy way to incorporate writing into their lesson plan – from math and science to history, art, and more – into a fun activity. Publishing a book in the Kindergarten classroom engages our young students through hands-on learning and inspires a love of reading and writing.” Mr. Waller Martin, EEEC Principal. Wiregrass Parents I June 2020
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Wiregrass Art Museum Gives Dothan Students Art Kits
Through the Wiregrass Museum of Art partnership with DCS, art kits were handed out through the Selma Street Meal Distribution Program! The aim is to give students the opportunity to create who may not have access to art supplies at home. Thank you, Ms. Julie (WMA Representative) for dropping off the kits!
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Lakeside School Admin Recognized for Excellence
The Lakeside School’s Dr. John Mehaffey was awarded the University Council for Educational Leadership ‘s (UCEA) 2020 Excellence in Educational Leadership Award. This award was established to provide national recognition to practicing school administrators who have made significant contributions to the improvement of administrator preparation. Dr. Mehaffey serves as an adjunct instructor in Auburn University’s College of Education. He is President of the Heads of School Association for Alabama Independent School Association and serves on the Board of Directors. Dr. Mehaffey exemplifies the a true leader in our family of Leaders, Scholars, and Champions.
Lakeside School Names New Basketball Coach
Newly named Lakeside basketball head coach Ryan Langford comes to us from Auburn University. Langford was a graduate assistant in 2018-2019 with Bruce Pearl’s Auburn Tigers as they won the SEC Tournament and reached NCAA Final Four.
Please email news and photos to schoolnews@wiregrassparents.com by the 15th of the month!
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Summer camp is a win-win situation for families. It gives parents the child-free time they need to work or care for younger children, while keeping their older children occupied with fun activities. If you are looking for a budget friendly way to achieve some of the benefits that a day camp provides, you might want to consider a progressive neighborhood camp. Other than camp supplies, the only cost for a neighborhood progressive camp is an hour of the parents’ time each day. The parent counselors take turns providing one hour of structured entertainment in the form of games, crafts and other activities. When the hour is up, the children move on to the next house, leaving that parent the rest of the time to do their work childfree.
How it works: Choose the number of participants based on the number of children and their ages. The number of families, not the number of children, will determine how long your camp is each day. For example, if you have five families, your camp is 5 hours long. If you have a large number of children, you can enlist the help of a babysitter who will move from house to house with the children and act as an assistant camp counselor.
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Planning: Choose the activities that you will include in your camp. Some suggestions include outdoor games, arts and crafts, music and dance, gardening, cooking and baking, science projects, storytime and, of course, lunchtime. Other options include teaching a new skill like how to sew on a button or inviting a guest speaker to come. Ifwww.wiregrassparents.com your group is small,
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which is a goldmine for Example Progressive Camp inexpensive Today’s Theme: Wild West kids’ crafts 9:00 to 10:00 and game Arts and Crafts at Smith House prizes. In- Make marshmallow shooters stead of serv10:00 to 11:00 ing lunch for Cooking and Baking at Yu House a large group, - Make homemade ice cream consider hav11:00 to 12:00 ing each child Outdoor games at Johnson House bring a sack - Playing horseshoes, water gun lunch. shooting gallery, rope the horse, If you sack races plan to send 12:00 to 1:00 the kids Lunch and Storytime at Brown House home with a - Serving wagon wheel pasta and pigs trinket each in a blanket, plus homemade ice cream day, consider Reading: Cowboy Camp something reby Tammi Sauer usable like re1:00 to 2:00 lay race water Music/Dance time at O’Malley House bottles from - Learning to square dance the dollar store. Other inexpensive ideas include a DVD of the music video they made or an egg carton full of the Keep the costs down: You will seedlings they planted. find craft supplies at OrientalTrading.com, you might also consider a short field trip. Parent camp counselors can chose which activity they host based on their skill level or tolerance for mess. Using a daily theme for your camp will help to tie the activities together. Theme ideas include pajama day, beach party, super hero, patriotic, decades day, sports jersey day and Wacky Wednesday. Work as a group to determine a budget after factoring the number of children and the supplies needed for each activity. An example itinerary for a Wild West theme can be found in the sidebar.
Putting it all together: All the kids will meet at the first house at the start of camp. The camp counselor should be prepared to start the activity as soon as the kids arrive. Each session should end five minutes before the next hour so the counselor (or babysitter) can walk the kids to the next house. At the end of the day, each parent will pick up their child at the last house.
Capture the memories: Take a lot of pictures of the kids at camp. You can find inexpensive photo booth printouts online and at Etsy or snap candid shots of the kids in action. Make a slide show of the photos to share with the campers on the last day and give everyone a copy. The best thing about a progressive day camp is that you can host a weekly camp or just one day each week for the whole summer. Unlike other camps, these parents will be a part of their child’s camp experience, an advantage that is priceless. WP Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three who believes it takes a village to raise children. She is forever grateful to the many moms and dads who have created so many memories for her family.
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It doesn’t matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was. -- Anne Sexton Fathers play a significant role in kid’s lives. They’re important role models, influence children’s self-esteem and school performance, and make great coaches and fun-loving playmates. Father’s Day is just around the corner, so don’t be caught scrambling for the perfect way to show you care. Try some of these ideas to show your dad just how important he is to you. Wiregrass Parents I June 2020
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Video Surprise – Make a “World’s Best Dad” video he’ll treasure for years to come. Put on your brainstorming cap for your own ideas, or try some of these ideas for your video. Share special memories of your dad, sing to him, read him a poem, or do skits. Get the whole family involved and conduct interviews with each other with Dad as the main topic. Don’t forget your props such as a banner or collection of his prized possessions, including sports trophies or equipment to add a personal touch. Most importantly, be sure to let him know just how much he means to you in your video.
helped you to become the person you are today, and what he means to you. Then print it on stationary, matte and frame it.
Musical Moment– Take your father to see his favorite band or performing artist, enjoy a jazz or blues festival, or pack up some lawn chairs, and enjoy a local concert-in-the-park.
Togetherness Takes Two – Has your dad been putting off the dreaded task of cleaning out his attic, basement, or garage? Give him a gift of shelving materials and brackets, wall racks and ceiling hooks, and storage crates. Then spend the day helping him to get it organized while catching up on old times.
King for the Day – It isn’t every day your dad gets waited on hand and foot. Offer to be his loyal servant for the day. Bring him coffee and toast in bed; fetch his newspaper; lay out his clothes, bath towel, and mat; be host or hostess and serve him beverages and snacks; clean up after him and anything else to give him the royal treatment.
World’s Greatest – Let dad know that he’s the greatest 365 days a year! Give him a “World’s Greatest Dad” coffee mug, t-shirt, book cover, bookmarker, wallet card, or another trinket that he’ll see or use regularly.
Memories of Dad – Purchase a scrapbook, and create a
Sports Buff’s Surprise – Take your dad for a sporting good time. Play a game of golf, tennis, or basketball, go fishing at the river’s edge, or enjoy a paddle around a lake. If being a spectator is more his thing, buy tickets to his favorite sporting event such as a baseball or soccer game, boxing match, or auto race.
record of memories about you and your dad. Include photos of special outings, events, and holidays you’ve had together. Also include other memorabilia such as concert or sporting event ticket stubs, postcards, and brochures. Next to each photo or item, describe your memories of those special times with your father.
Weekend Getaway – Get in touch with nature and each other on a camping trip for two. Either rough it in a tent or rent a mini cabin at a state park. Spend your weekend enjoying nature hikes, sightseeing, fishing, boating, playing cards, and taking it easy together.
A Man to Remember – Get your creative juices flowing, and write a poem for your dad. You don’t need to be a poet to come up with a few thoughtful words to say how much he means. Describe the impact he’s had on your life, how he’s
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favors include sweeping out the garage, mowing the lawn, or any other task he normally handles.
Father’s Day Feast – As the old adage goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So treat dad to a mouth-watering meal on the barbecue. Fix him his favorite: steak, ribs, chicken, burgers, or chops for starters. Don’t forget the grilled potatoes or squash, garlic bread or rolls, fresh green beans or asparagus, sweet corn, potato salad, and last but not least, his favorite dessert.
Catch a Flick…..or two – Treat your dad to a movie fest. Rent a couple newly released videos or some of his longtime favorites. Or head to the cinemas for a double feature. Whether you take the movies in at home or the theater, don’t forget the hot, buttered popcorn, candy, and soft drinks.
Pamper Him – What better way to show your appreciation for all his hard work than to indulge him? Give your father a gift certificate for a professional massage, which will be sure to please.
Get in Touch with His Soft Side – Give your dad a book of poetry specially written for fathers. Try one of these: Fathers: A Collection of Poems by David Ray and Judy Ray
Just the Two of Us – Put together a photo collage of you and your father. There are many ways to do this. Find instructions at your nearby craft store and create a Decoupage photo collage. Keep it simple with a multi-photo frame, or purchase a unique 3D photo collage frame. These are available and art and craft supply stores and online.
Father’: Collected Poems by Ken Koprowski Thoughts to Share With a Wonderful Father: A Collection of Poems by Blue Mountain Arts Collections
A Gift of Giving – Does your dad have a favorite cause or charity such as the Humane Society, the Nature Conservancy, or American Cancer Society? If so, why not give him a membership or make a donation in his name? Remember small donations add up and are always appreciated. WP
Take a Stroll – Enjoy a peaceful walk in the park or the country together. Better yet, gather your bikes or roller blades, hit a scenic bike path, and enjoy the fresh summer air.
Certificates of Appreciation – Show Dad you appreciate his hard work by returning the favor. Make coupons that say: “In appreciation for all that you do, Dad. Redeem this certificate for a hassle-free car wash by me!” Other
Kimberly Blaker is a professional lifestyle and parenting freelance writer. She also does B2C and B2B copywriting. Find her at www.kimberlyblaker.com.
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TikTok Safety Tips
Make sure tweens use their real age to create an account.
Manage TikTok with These Easy Settings
If you’re going to allow your tweens to join TikTok, insist that they register with their actual birth date. The app offers a limited experience for users under 13 where they can watch videos and create their own clips for private viewing, free from the data tracking the company collects on users over 13. However, access to that area of the app only requires the user to enter a birth date -- and there’s nothing to prevent older users from joining as an under-13-year-old.
The wild-and-wacky short videos of TikTok continue to gain popularity among kids, adults, and even celebrities. But the app has had some problems, such as illegally collecting data on users under 13, notoriously inappropriate comments, and awkward settings that can leave you with unwanted followers. Still, its viral “challenges,” creative tools, and just-plain-fun features mean your kids are probably going to want it. Tik Tok users sign up with a phone number, an email address, Facebook, or Instagram. Once logged in, you can search popular creators, categories (comedy, animals, sports), and hashtags to find videos. Or you can use your phone contacts or social media followers to find friends already on the app. Many kids on Tik Tok like to create videos, but plenty of people don’t post themselves -- they just use the app to find and follow content creators. While TikTok videos are mostly harmless, creative fun, there are real concerns about kids using the app. As with any social network, you have to use privacy settings to limit how much information you and your kids are sharing. Kids can post stuff without reviewing or editing it first. There have even been reports of online predators using the app to target younger users. And in 2019, TikTok paid millions to settle with federal regulators who charged it violated children’s privacy law. Common Sense recommends the app for age 15+ mainly due to the privacy issues and mature content. TikTok requires that users be at least 13 years old to use the app. Anyone under the age of 18 must have approval of a parent or guardian -- but there are plenty of young tween users. If your younger kid or tween wants to use the app, the account should belong to an adult who can monitor what younger users are browsing and sharing. There’s also the section of the app mentioned above that’s meant for kids under 13 that restricts access to mature content and comments, but since entering a false birthdate is easy, it’s still best for older teens. That being said, here are some tips to keep your younger kids safe if they are on TikTok:
Have fun using the app together with younger kids.
It’s a great way to spend quality media time together. Plus you can supervise them and advise them on responsible use so they have good habits when they get older. The following settings are located in the Privacy and Settings section. To get there, go to your kid’s profile page and click the three-dot icon (“...”) on the top right.
Make your kid’s account private. TikTok accounts are public by default, meaning anyone can see your videos, send you direct messages, and post comments. Help kids turn on privacy settings so only people they know can interact with their videos or message them on the app. Select Privacy and Safety. There, toggle the switch for “Private Account.” Limit comments. TikTok comments can be inappropriate. Restrict the audience that can post comments on kids’ videos to Friends only -- or turn them off entirely. Again, select Privacy and Safety. Review the settings, including: Who can send you direct messages; Who can comment on your videos; and Comment filters. Limit time and inappropriate content. TikTok offers features to help limit kids’ time on the app as well as videos that may be inappropriate. You can protect these settings with a passcode so kids can’t change them back. Alternatively, you can download the TikTok app and use the Family Pairing feature to manage your kid’s account from your phone. Select Digital Wellbeing next to the icon of an umbrella. There you’ll see settings for Screen Time Management, Restricted Mode, and Family Pairing. 19
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AT: We usually try to take a family vacation with the kids to try to make some fun memories! WP: If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice as a new mom, what would it be? AT: The one piece of advice that I would give myself is to breathe and try not to stress so much about the little things you can’t change, because before you know it, you look up and your children are grown.
Anasthasia Thomas
WP: How would you describe your parenting style? AT: My parenting style has changed during the years. I was a young mom and had to learn a lot of things along the way, but now God plays a very important part in my family’s life. I pray a lot for guidance in my parenting style. But if you ask my husband he says I’m the laid back parent!
WP: You have two children still in grade school. What challenges have you faced in the last few months when it comes to keeping them on track with their education?
WP: There’s a popular saying when it comes to parenting: it takes a village. Do you have a tribe that helps you navigate motherhood? AT: Yes, it does take a tribe! I have a very good support system. I have my mom that helps my husband and me out with the kids when we work. The childrens’ aunts and uncles play a special part also; they’re great at picking up the slack. And I have a special girlfriend who’s also my sister in Christ and gives great life advice.
AT: The challenges I’ve faced are keeping them motivated and interested in their studies, especially Jacilyah, my 5 year old. She’s in Pre-K and misses her friends and her routine. For Daniel, my 14 year old, this was his last year in middle school, so he misses all the things that come with transitioning to the 9th grade, and his teachers.
WP: In June, we pay special recognition to the father figures in our lives. What’s something your dad taught you that you’re passing down to your own children? AT: My father figure was my grandfather, who is no longer with us. The one thing he taught me that I pass on to my children is if you decide to do anything in life, you better make sure it’s what you want to do because you don’t want to be a quitter.
WP: Other than the obvious (no school, working from home, closed stores), how has the pandemic been impacting your family?
WP: What’s something your kids have taught you?
AT: I think the pandemic has impacted my family positively due to being able to spend more time together, because we sometimes get too wrapped up in our busy schedules.
WP: What do you find to be the most rewarding part of being a parent?
WP: Social distancing hasn’t changed the fact that moms are always busy. If anything, moms are even busier with their kids out of school. How do you avoid ‘mom burnout?’
AT: The most rewarding part of being a parent is watching your children grow up. Yes, it’s hard and it’s sad that your children are growing into adults and living life, but you pray that you’ve instilled enough in them to be great people.
AT: My children have taught me unconditional love.
AT: Yes, mom burnout is real! Lol! I started getting into potting and growing plants. It’s an excellent stress reliever! Anasthasia Thomas is a licensed practical nurse, or LPN, who is currently taking care of her grandmother. She and her husband, Ronald, have been married for 15 years. They have foud children: Zachary Herrera (23), Braydon Herrera (21), Daniel Herrera (14), and Jacilyah Thomas (5).
WP: Summer is officially here. What are you and your family looking forward to once everything gets closer to normal?
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