April 2013
Fr e e
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Healthy Living
KNOXVILLE
Can our schools promote healthy minds, bodies, and spirits? “I believe that some of the basic assumptions of the Common Core standards...do advocate a broad and thoughtful approach to education and thus a broader sense of the word ‘healthy’.” PAGE 5
April 2013 Volume II • Issue 4 Michael Kull and Eva Nations, Publishers Advisory Board Sr. Mary Marta Abbott, RSM The Diocese of Knoxville Marie Alcorn United Way of Greater Knoxville Mike Bailey Small Business Representative Ellen Liston East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Tracey Matthews Knox County Schools Family and Community Engagement
Contributing Writers Kindall Aaron Jason Kennedy, D.M.D. Tracey Matthews James McIntyre, Ph.D. Erin Nguyen Mike O’Hern Michael Smith, Ph.D. Kathryn Rea Smith, Ph.D. Liz Stucke Michael Torano Lee Tramel Piotr Ulmer, MSPT John Frederick Wolfe, M.D.
Healthy joints for a lifetime: Address juvenile arthritis early Juvenile arthritis doesn’t have to break this routine of healthy living. Dr. John Wolfe shares important information on identifying and treating this childhood disease. PAGE 6 A message from Dr. Jim McIntyre Knox County Schools Superintendent, Jim McIntyre, shares his preliminary budget for 2014, designed to build on a strong foundation of student academic progress. PAGE 8
Contributing Photographers Knoxville Opera Kathryn Rea Smith, Ph.D. Liz Stucke Piotr Ulmer, MSPT
Knoxville Parent Magazine is a publication dedicated to building stranoger families and a better future for our community. Call us now to become part of our family!
Contents
Elizabeth Pooley Marketing Professional Lee Tramel Knox County Sheriff ’s Department Liza Zenni The Artts and Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville
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Knoxville Parent PO Box 52605 Knoxville, TN 37950, phone 865.622.9680 • fax 888.457.9602 The entire contents of this publication are copyrighted and property of Knoxville Parent. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the express written consent of the publishers. Knoxville Parent utilize freelance writers, and the views expressed within this publication are not necessarily the views of the publishers or editors. Knoxville Parent takes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or other materials. Letters to the editor must include name, address and daytime phone number for verification. Knoxville Parent reserve the right to edit letters for space and clarity. Please keep letters within 500 words in length.
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A letter from the publishers
14 The wisdom behind wisdom teeth: part 1
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Can our schools promote healthy minds, bodies, and spirits?
15 Law enforcement careers can be fun and
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Healthy joints for a lifetime: Address juvenile arthritis early
17 Healthy living?
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Improve your child’s health today for a healthier tomorrow
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A message from Dr. Jim McIntyre
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Ten terrific books about healthy living
11
rewarding
18 Running to improve health and inspire our
children
19 The arts in education 21 A Healthy Perspective on College Admissions….
for Parents
Events for the month of April
22 Dad dispatch: Building a foundation for the future
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Knoxville Parent • April 2013
A message from the Publishers by Eva Nations and Michael Kull
Dear readers, This month’s issue is devoted to healthy living. Our writers want to promote healthy minds, bodies, and spirits in all fields and activities. What does it mean to be healthy today? How do we maintain good health? Why is it important to live a healthy life? The answers to these questions involve finding a balance between all aspects of daily life. As you read this month’s articles, you should find helpful information about topics ranging from physical health to education to the arts. As always, please share any questions you may have about family life and parenting, so that we can address them in future issues of Knoxville Parent. Together, we can ensure that our children will benefit from this knowledge and become successful adults. Sincerely, Eva and Michael
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Knoxville Parent • April 2013
by Michael K. Smith Ph.D.
Can our schools promote healthy minds, bodies, and spirits?
T
he word “health” derives from an Old English word that meant “being whole or sound” and was used in Middle English to mean “prosperity, happiness, and welfare.” To be “healthy” should mean more than to just be “well”; a healthy person has an approach to life and the life of others that strives for this prosperity and happiness. Can our schools promote healthy minds, bodies, and spirits? Do any educational standards, Common Core included, provide any support for curriculum geared to “healthy” approaches to life? While not immediately obvious, I believe that some of the basic assumptions of the Common Core Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening, and Language standards do advocate a broad and thoughtful approach to education and thus a broader sense of the word “healthy.” These standards suggest that students who are college and career ready have developed four characteristics. Students demonstrate independence: “They become self-directed learners, effectively seeking out and using resources to assist them, including teachers, peers, and print and digital reference materials.” Self-directed learning is a characteristic valued by teachers and employers. Individuals who can seek out help when confronted with problems—whether personal, academic, or professional—display an ability to grow and change in new circumstances. Students build strong content knowledge: “They read purposefully and listen attentively to gain both general knowledge and discipline-specific expertise.” Success at work is often related to acquiring the expertise needed to perform a job well. General life satisfaction is often correlated with acquiring specific habits and hobbies that enrich life. Both can contribute to a healthy lifestyle that enjoys both work and play. Students comprehend as well as critique: “They are engaged and openminded—but discerning—readers and listeners. They work diligently to understand precisely what an author or speaker is saying, but they also question an author’s or speaker’s assumptions and premises and assess the veracity of claims and the soundness of reasoning.” An individual must be able to evaluate all the claims about “healthiness” that float around in our society. What foods should be avoided? How much exercise is needed? What types of activities help with aging? These and many other issues routinely make the headlines of newspapers and magazines. Which ones are “correct”? Which should be followed? Students come to understand other perspective and cultures: “They appreciate that the twenty-first-century classroom and workplace are settings in which people from often widely divergent cultures and who represent diverse experiences and perspectives must learn and work together. Students actively seek to understand other perspectives and cultures through reading and listening, Michael K. Smith, Ph.D., is owner of TESTPREP EXPERTS (www.testprepexperts.com ) which prepares students for standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT. He is also a consultant to Discovery Education Assessment. He can reached at mike@testprepexperts.com.
“...a healthy person has an approach to life and the life of others that strives for ...prosperity and happiness.”
and they are able to communicate effectively with people of varied backgrounds.” This characteristic is the most difficult but the most important for our revised conception of “healthy.” A “healthy” person comes to understand and respect others, whether those others are better off or worse off or from different cultures or the same culture. Every person must live and work amidst others and his or her long-term “health” is dependent on the health of the society in which they live. Schools do not need to worry about courses in “healthiness.” The general philosophy of the Common Core, if implemented, should help students achieve a lifelong respect for themselves and others that will contribute to healthy minds, bodies, and spirits.
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Jessica’s New Knoxville Parent • January 2013 FutureHealthy joints for a lifetime
A few years ago, Jessica Demby juvenile arthritis early was struggling. Address After graduating from high school Jessicaby tried John Frederick Wolfe, M.D. college, but soon realized it wasn’t for her. Jessica did not know s children grow, it is important to what to do and felt she had run make sure that they maintain healthy out of options. All she knew was bones, healthy joints and healthy muscles. that living at home and making Sometimes, however, arthritis, acute or chronic minimum wage was not what she inflammation of a joint, can develop in a child and break this routine of healthy development. wanted.
A
It is important to understand that arthritis does
Now, in less than two years she’s affect children. It is a disease that can start as doubled her salary, has paid vacationsearly andasholidays, truly enjoyingthe her age 1 or atand any is time throughout teenage years. It can either start quietly as work every day. pains or aggressively as lots of red, What didaches sheand do?
warm, swollen and tender joints. Sometimes Jessica enrolled in the Dental Staff School, run byarthritis Janet Waldron and husband, juvenile can present as her an unclear Dr. Jon Waldron, practicing dentist. Today, the Dental Staff School offers students fever, sometimes as an intermittent rash, so the the same great opportunity to build a career Jessica has enjoyed. In just ten weeks, face of arthritis is multi-faceted. students learn professional dental assisting in a real-offi ceaffected setting.by the disease won’t Some children
“Healthy joints, healthy NOW ENROLLING FOR SUMMER! bones, healthy muscles Upcoming Classes in Knoxville: complain joint and pain,offers because they do not Each the school hosts the current class ofabout students state-of-the areSaturday, lifetime treasures.” Dental Assisting Course - July 6, 2013 Nitrous Certification Patterson Dental 1001 Data Lane Knoxville, TN 37932 VISIT TennesseeDentalAssistingSchool.com TO REGISTER
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Keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime!
likeFrom to be working different from other kids. They may art dental equipment for students’ lessons. on models to practicing trythe to hide the way Other children not be able the to articlulate exact with dentists anda joint fellowfeels. students, Jessica may really enjoyed hands-onthe learning. of pain; therefore, learn abnormalities in the way “It location wasn’t boring,” she says,parents “it wasshould a whole lot to ofrecognize fun!” their children walk, move and act. Dental Staff School (www.DentalStaffSchool.com) is a ten-week dental assisting Since arthritis is worse in the mornings and the late evenings, when children are most school in Pelham, AL; Marietta, GA; Knoxville, TN and Franklin, TN. Classes are held on likely to be at home, it is the parents who may notice the first signs and symptoms of the Saturdays at local working dental offices. The program is accredited through National disease. Some hints that indicate something is not right with a child’s joints are: stiffness Accreditation forwhen Colleges and start Schools, Non-public Postsecondary Commission in the morning they first their day, walking with a limp or using their hands in Georgia, and the Alabama and Tennessee Higher Education Commission. differently. If you notice the presence of these symptoms in your child, the first step is to make an appointment with a family doctor for an evaluation. If the primary care doctor finds abnormalities in the blood or during your child’s exam, then the next step is to see the Dental School: a joint specialist, a Contact rheumatologist. Early diagnosisStaff and treatment of juvenile arthritis makes a difference by helping prevent damage to joints in the early stage of the disease. (678) 819-3919 or by email at janet@dentalstaffschool. This allows children to achieve their potential of reaching adulthood without long term deformities andstart disabilities. com, and your new future as a dental professional There are many new treatments involving a variety of drugs that are approved for today! children. They range from aspirin to disease-modifying drugs (some names to look for are Azulfidine, Hydroxychloroquine, and Methotrexate) and on to the new biological injections (such as Etanercept and Abatacept). These drugs, combined with physical therapy and pacing of one’s lifestyle while the disease is active, can make a positive difference for a long term prognosis, so that children can move forward into their teenage and young adult years in a more healthy way. Healthy joints, healthy bones, healthy muscles are lifetime treasures. They should be maintained to make them strong and help them grow. Juvenile arthritis doesn’t have to break this routine of healthy living. Paying attention to symptoms, testing for the disease, and developing an effective treatment plan can help preserve these treasures for a lifetime. Dr. John Frederick Wolfe, a North Carolina native, received his undergraduate degree from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, and graduated with an MD degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His internship and residency was in Internal Medicine at the University of Missouri in Columbia, as was his fellowship in Rheumatology. He was on the faculty of the University of Missouri until he and Dr. Donna M. Winn founded the practice of Rheumatology Consultants, PLLC in 1979. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
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Knoxville Parent • April 2013
Improve your child’s health today for a healthier tomorrow By Kindall Aaron
I
k
n the U.S., one in three children is considered overweight or obese. Here in Tennessee, 39 percent of children are obese—ranking our state third in the nation for rates of pediatric obesity. Though the numbers are shocking, the consequences of childhood obesity are even worse. Children who are obese in their preschool years are more likely to be obese in adolescence and adulthood, and they have a tendency to develop diabetes, hypertension, asthma and sleep apnea. But what does being obese really mean? For children ages 2 to 19, obesity is measured by calculating one’s body mass index (BMI). If your child’s BMI is at or above the 95th percentile for his age group, then your child is considered obese. A BMI can be calculated easily using height, weight, gender and birthday. Obesity and excessive weight can be the result of unhealthy eating, lack of exercise or genetic factors. It dramatically increases the risk of serious diseases, low self-esteem and substance abuse. Cardiovascular risks in childhood—like high blood pressure and diabetes—can lead to serious medical problems like heart disease, heart failure and stroke as adults. Preventing or treating obesity in children may reduce the risk of these diseases and outcomes. The Knoxville Area Coalition on Childhood Obesity (KACCO) has teamed with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, its Healthy Ways Clinic and the local community to combat East Tennessee’s high levels of childhood obesity. The coalition was created by Children’s Hospital in 2008. Currently, the coalition’s leaders meet with state representatives to gain support for daily physical activity in school, fresh food options and community gardens. It also supports healthoriented community events and programs, increases awareness about childhood obesity and works with families and schools. Though the road to a healthier lifestyle can seem scary or out of reach, improving your child’s habits today could save money and his life in the long run. Children’s Hospital and the KACCO recommend these simple tips for improving your child’s health. • Don’t use sweets or treats to reward your child for good behavior or to stop a behavior. • Steer your child toward healthier choices by only keeping healthy snacks at home.
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Encourage your child to be active every day through organized sports or activities like walking and playing in the yard. Besides decreasing the risk for obesity, daily physical activity can improve grades, cognitive skills, concentration and attention. Let your child be involved in making good food choices, such as packing lunch and preparing dinner. Cut down on television, computer, phone and video game time and discourage watching television during dinner. Model a healthy lifestyle for your child by eating well, exercising regularly and incorporating healthy habits into your family’s daily life. If you think your child may be overweight or obese, call your pediatrician. Kindall Aaron is the Coordinator of the Knoxville Area Coalition on Childhood Obesity through East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. The coalition focuses on reducing the incidence of childhood obesity. Visit www. yeah4kids.org or www.etch.com for more information.
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Knoxville Parent • April 2013
Dear Knox County Schools’ Families
“H
ealthy living” is the focus for this month, and I’m pleased to report that the Knox County Schools works very hard to use our taxpayer resources wisely in helping to ensure a safe, healthy and inviting learning environment for students across the district. The educational investments we have made the past few years to facilitate instructional improvement are paying clear dividends for our students and community. By virtually every quantifiable indicator of student learning and success, our children are making strong academic progress in the Knox County Schools. Student achievement outcomes on TCAP assessments, student academic growth, high school graduation rates, and our composite ACT score have all shown positive results in 2011-2012. In order to build on the strong foundation of student academic progress that we have experienced, I am requesting a preliminary recommended budget of $419.75 million, which represents a total increase of $13.27 million (3.3%) over the current fiscal year 2013 budget. This budget recommendation provides for additional, targeted investment in four key priority areas: •
Enhancing educator compensation (“teachers”) – In order for our school system to become more competitive in retaining and attracting top teaching talent, we must make progress in increasing our base salary for educators, while simultaneously ensuring the sustainability of our strategic compensation system, APEX. The budget proposal includes a combined pay increase of 2.5% for teachers and $1.27 million to support APEX. • Sustaining instructional improvement initiatives (“teaching”) – Sustaining our important classroom-level investments that are helping to fuel our strong academic progress. We must continue to support initiatives such as our early literacy efforts, teacher supports, professional development, teacher leadership, magnet and community schools, interventions and tutorial services, and academic enrichment for our students. • Facilitating personalized learning supported by technology (“technology”) – Instructional technology can allow teachers to better personalize and differentiate their instruction, and enables educators to continuously and seamlessly adapt their teaching to meet the unique needs of their students. We seek the resources to begin a 1:1 technology effort (one technology device for each one student, and each one teacher) at nine or ten schools across our school system. • Bolstering student safety efforts (“safety”) – As we collectively seek to respond to heightened expectations for school security that have emerged after the Sandy Hook tragedy, I have publicly called for us to implement a foundational level of school security resources at every school, including a current-generation video camera system, a school access control strategy, and an armed, uniformed School Resource Officer or School Security Officer at each of our schools. I believe the FY14 preliminary budget recommendation strikes the appropriate balance of increasing our resources to allow us to maintain
Knoxville Parent • April 2013
and enhance the important work of instructional improvement, while also recognizing the limited funds that are available within current fiscal constraints. Our Board of Education will vote on the proposed FY14 budget on Tuesday, April 9 at its Regular Session meeting held at the City-County Building at 5 p.m. Once approved, the proposal will be presented by Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett to the Knox County Commission for appropriation in May. Additional information and details regarding our upcoming budget can be found on our website at knoxschools.org. Please do not hesitate to call us at (865) 594-1800 if we can answer questions regarding the budget or be of any assistance to you. Sincerely, Dr. Jim McIntyre Superintendent, Knox County Schools
KCS to Hold 2013 Dine Out For Education
N
early thirty Knoxville restaurants with more than 50 locations throughout Knox County will participate in the tenth annual Knox County Schools “Dine Out For Education” event on Tuesday, April 16, 2013. All participants have to do is eat at participating restaurant on April 16, and 10 percent of their pre-tax total will be donated to the Knox County Schools Partners in Education program. Proceeds raised from the 2013 Dine Out For Education event will be used to help fund Partners in Education programs, such as the annual Knox County Schools Career Day for eighth graders and high school students, the school coupon book campaign, Teacher Supply Depot, Schooled for Success, Barney Thompson scholarships, and various teacher recognition programs. Nearly $20,000 was raised from Dine Out For Education in 2012. Proceeds from past events have been used toward the purchase of a new diagnostic van for vision service programs, online research tools for school libraries, and defraying costs of the annual Knox County Schools Career Day. Dine Out For Education is part of the Knox County Schools Partners in Education program. Partners in Education connects schools throughout Knox County with nearly 600 contributing organizations, businesses, civic clubs, churches, government agencies and individuals who want to make a difference in schools with their time, talent and resources. Participating restaurants are online. Visit knoxschools.org for a complete listing.
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Knoxville Parent • April 2013
Ten terrific books about healthy living Hop, Hop, Jump! By Lauren Thompson Reading level: PreK – 2nd One of the best ways to get healthy is to get moving, and this picture book shows lots of ways to get your body going.
Compiled by Erin Nguyen
Children’s Department, Knox County Public Library
Violet in Bloom By Lauren Myracle Reading level: 3rd – 5th The Flower Power girls are back, and they’re working together to replace the unhealthy snacks served at their school with a healthier My Dog Jack Is Fat alternative, while also By Eve Bunting dealing with all the ups and Reading level: K – 3rd downs of fifth grade. While helping his dog Jack lose weight and get healthy, Carson 101 Things You Didn’t discovers that he could Know About Your Body benefit from some By John Townsend exercise and healthy Reading level: 4th – 7th eating, too. This informational book is full of facts about Oh, the Things You Can Do your body, including That Are Good for You ways to take care of it By Tish Rabe and keep it healthy. Reading level: 1st – 4th
Written in the rhyming style of Dr. Seuss, this beginning reader presents a wide range of tips for staying healthy, including practicing good hygiene, exercising, and getting a good night’s sleep.
Losing It By Erin Fry Reading level: 5th – 8th Bennett and his dad have always shared a couchpotato lifestyle, but when his obese father suffers a stroke, Bennett takes charge of his The Mayo Clinic Kids’ own health by joining the Cookbook school cross country team. By Phyllis Pellman Good, ed. Reading level: 3rd – 5th With a little help from adults, kids can make these easy recipes for yummy, healthy meals and snacks.
Eat Fresh Food: Awesome Recipes for Teen Chefs By Rozanne Gold Reading level: 7th – 12th This book is full of simple, flavorful recipes for dishes made by and for teens using fresh ingredients.
You: The Owner’s Manual for Teens By Michael F. Roizen, MD and Mehmet C. Oz, MD Reading level: 7th – 12th Jam-packed with information on how to lead a healthy life, this book is a great resource for teens and their parents from the authors of the original You:The Owner’s Manual. Artichoke’s Heart By Suzanne Supplee Reading level: 8th – 12th When sixteen-year-old Rosemary decides to take charge of her body and finally lose the extra weight she’s been carrying around, she finds out that taking care of herself helps her deal with all the other crazy things happening in her life.
2013 Summer Art AcAdemy KMA’s Summer Art Academy classes will expand your child’s creativity and his or her knowledge of art. Classes begin Monday, June 3, and continue each week through August 2.
For libary information in your area visit: www.knoxlib.org/
Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To sign up, call 865.525.6101 ext. 246 or e-mail education@knoxart.org. Scholarships available. www.knoxart.org
KNOXVILLE
Events for April 2013
Knox County Schools Parent University “P.E.” (Parent Empowerment) Classes Submitted by Tracey Matthews, KCS Supervisor of Family and Community Engagement
T
he newly developed “Knox County Schools Parent University” began its first series of “P.E.” (Parent Empowerment) classes in May 2011! The first two classes were titled, “Help! How Do I Find TIME to Help My Child Read!?,” and “Help! My Child is Going to Kindergarten…Are WE Ready!?” This year’s classes provided an evening forum for topics presented at the 2012 Annual Parent Conference. Additionally, other classes will be added during the year. Classes are based on parent needs and wants as identified in parent surveys, as well as essential and fundamental topics designed to empower parents with additional tools and strategies needed to best help students succeed. Parent University classes are FREE, and registration is not required. Participants (parents, staff, and community members) who choose to register will receive free materials. Please call, email, or go online to pre-register*. Children are welcomed, and FREE child supervision and homework assistance are provided. Knox County Schools staff may receive in-service credit with supervisor preapproval. Take a look below to see our April class schedule! April 8: “Special Education: Five Important Things You Should Know”
Among other topics, this session will answer the questions: How do I know if my child needs special education services? How can I prepare for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting? Special education services are available throughout the Knox County Schools. Presenters Nicole Siegel is the Special Education Liaison for the Knox County Council PTA. She is also a Knox County Schools District Advisory Council (DAC) Parent Representative. Summer Tucker MA, CCC-SLP and Martha Iroff work for the Special Education Department of Knox County Schools. April 16:
“Common Core Standards Making ‘Common’ Sense Out of the New Common Core” This session will showcase how Common Core standards are building a stronger academic foundation in your child’s classrooms, and key information parents should know about Common Core. Presenter Karen Davis is a former president of the Tennessee PTA as well as a Knox County Schools District Advisory Council (DAC) Steering Committee Member. April 18:
“Preparing for College is Ongoing”
College preparation starts long before high school. This session will discuss specific ways you can assist your child in his or her long journey to college. Presenters Tiffany Nicely and Lois Ann Simmons are Gifted and Talented Coaches for Knox County Schools.
*For more information or to register, please contact the Knox County Schools Family and Community Engagement Department: Email tracey.matthews@knoxschools.org or tamekia.jackson@knoxschools.org, or call us at 594-1192 or 594-9525.
Center Stage Dance and Cheer 7248 Asheville Hwy. Knoxville, TN • 865-591-7557
Official Sponsors of the Knoxville Ice Bear Hunnies Dance Team and the Lady Nighthawks Dance Team
Dance Classes: ages 2-18
Hip-Hop • Jazz • Tap • Ballet • Lyrical • Contemporary • Clogging • Preschool Dance
Tumbling and Cheer Classes: ages 2-18
Cheer • Tumbling • Stunt Classes • Back handspring/Back Tuck classes • Preschool Tumble/Cheer
Music Classes:
Voice • Piano • Voice • Clarinet • Guitar • Drum Lessons • Musical Theater • Preschool/Kindergarten Music
Adult Fitness:
Zumba • Blaze Dance Fitness • Adult Tumbling • Yoga Kick Boxing • Weight-loss Programs • Clogging Home of the award winning All-Star Cheer team “Shooting Stars” and award winning dance team “Rock Stars” *Try-outs for 2013-2014 season coming soon!
Now Enrolling for our Summer Camp Program!! For more information: 865-591-7557 • www.centerstagedancecheer.com centerstagedancecheer@yahoo.com
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Knoxville Parent • April 2013
Community Events Calendar April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: The Lawson McGhee Library will hold “Job Help Mondays.” Knox County library patrons will be able to get help from librarians with filling out job applications and creating personal email accounts. For more information, visit knoxlib.org. April 3: The Dogwood Arts Festival presents “A Very Special Arts Festival.” Knox County Schools students with diverse abilities will showcase their art. This free event is being held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at West High School. In addition to art, this event will include a visit from the Knoxville Zoo mobile. For more information, visit dogwoodarts.com. April 6: Living with Celiac’s Disease or Gluten Intolerance? Come down to the Celi-ACT Gluten Free Vendor Fair and Expo at the Knoxville Convention Center. Come taste samples of gluten free food and attend a free lecture on gluten free cooking and living. This event is $5 for adults and free for children 10 and under. For more information, visit knoxville.org. April 6: The Dogwood Arts Festival holds the fifth annual Chalk Walk, a free event in Market Square and Krutch Park from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Watch as professional chalk artists turn sidewalks into works of art. The rain date for this event is April 7th. For more information, visit dogwoodarts.com. April 6: Want to spend some time outdoors learning with your grandkid? Head to the University of Tennessee Gardens for “Grandkids Growing: Spring into the Gardens.” Grandparents and kids will learn all about spring in the gardens and make a fun springtime craft! Cost is $10 for members and $14 for nonmembers. For more information, visit utgardens.tennessee.edu. April 12-14: The Dogwood Arts Festival presents the Market Square Art Fair from April 12th to the 14th in Downtown Knoxville. More than 70 different artists will be exhibiting and selling their works of sculpture, jewelry, drawings, paintings,
and more! The fair will also include a station for children to play and create art of their own. The Art Fair takes place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit dogwoodarts.com. April 12-14: It’s springtime and flowers are blooming! Let the Dogwood Trails Bus Tours take you on a relaxing scenic trip to Farragut Trail! Seats are only $5. To reserve a seat, call 637-4561. Handicap arrangements may be made with notice. For more information, visit dogwoodarts. com. April 12: Future Horizons Publishing is hosting an Autism conference at the Knoxville Hilton. Speakers include Temple Grandin, Eustacia Cutler, and Jim Ball. For more information and to register, visit fhautism.com. April 13: The Farragut Arts Council is hosting the “Farragut Book Fest for Children” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children will have the opportunity to meet authors, hear stories and music, buy books, and more. For more information, visit townoffarragut.org. April 13: Is a member of your family affected by a learning disability such as dyslexia? Or perhaps you are just interested in getting your child to read more? The 2013 RISE Conference at Farragut High School is presenting over 40 sessions regarding reading. For more information, visit tnida.org. April 19: The UT Gardens Garden Sprout program presents “April Showers Bring May Flowers.” For children ages 3-5, this event will teach children about rain and the blooming of flowers in springtime. Cost is $8 for members and $12 for nonmembers. For more information, visit utgardens.tennessee. edu. April 19-21: The Knoxville Flea Market will be held at the Knoxville Expo Center on Clinton Highway. Admission and parking is free. There will be over 300 booths set up. For more information, visit stewartpromotions.com.
GREAT SMOKY
MOUNTAINS
INSTITUTE AT
TREMONT
S U MI N TM HE E R SMOKIES Camps for ages 9-17 in June and July
865-448-6709 www.gsmit.org/Knox.html
Christian Academy of Knoxville 2013 Summer Camps Warrior Baseball Camp June 3 - 6 Ages 7-13 CAK Cheer Camp June 3 - 6 Open to 3-7th Graders Warrior Soccer Camp June 10 - 13 Ages 6-12 Warrior Football Camp June 17 - 20 Elementary and Middle School Ages Warrior Softball Camp June 17 - 20 Elementary and Middle School Ages Warrior Basketball Camp June 24 - 26 Elementary and Middle School Ages Warrior Volleyball Camp (Middle School) Beginners: July 8 - 9; Advanced: July 10 - 12 Warrior Sports Camp July 29 - August 2 Warrior Tennis Camp July 15 - 18; July 22 - 24 Warrior Volleyball Camp HS Summer Slam! (High School - Team Camp) July 22 - 26
April 20 and 21: Want to take a peek into the studios of some of Knoxville’s local artists? The Dogwood Art DeTour allows you to watch artists create art in real time. This event is free and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit dogwoodarts.com. April 20: Outdoor Knoxville and Legacy Parks Foundation presents “Get Out and Play.” This Outdoor Knoxfest event is free and runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. River Sports Outfitters, YMCA and the University of Tennessee’s Outdoor Program will come together to provide equipment for this all ages event. For more information, visit outdoorknoxville. com. April 20: Want to learn a little bit about birds? Bring your 6-9 year old down to the UT Gardens for the Garden Bud class “Gardening is for the Birds.” The cost is $10 for members and $14 for nonmembers and the event lasts from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, visit utgardens.tennessee.edu. April 26 and 27: Want to support Knox Area Rescue Ministries (KARM)? At KARM Campout at World’s Fair Park, you can do just that. The campout includes live music, a photo booth, a rock wall, and much more. Cost is $10 for the day and $20 to camp overnight. For more information, visit karm.org. April 26: Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Autism Conference in Chattanooga. Hosted by the CAC and ASA-ETC, the conference includes information for young children, teens, adults, and educators. For more information, contact Dave Buck at 4146669 or visit chattanoogaautismcenter.org. April 27: The 12th Annual Rossini Festival and International Street Fair will be held on Gay Street and in Market Square from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. This free all-ages event celebrates the arts of dance, music, and opera. The Knoxville Opera and Pilot Flying J sponsor this event. For more information, visit knoxvilleopera.com. April 28: The Knoxville Harley Davidson on Clinton Highway is holding the “8th Annual Coast In for Autism.” Registration begins at 11 a.m. and the ride ends at Coyote Joes. For more information, visit asaetc.org.
Other Dates to Remember:
April 8/9: Knox County Board of Education votes on FY14 budget
Free Family Resource of the Month
For more information, call 865-690-4721 ext. 142 or visit www.cakwarriors.com/camps.
Centro Hispano provides services to Hispanic people, living in Knoxville, who might struggle with the English language. Centro holds language classes for people of all ages and focuses also on adult education, financial education, and legal education. For more information, visit centrohispanotn.org or call 522-0052. 2455 Sutherland Avenue Knoxville, TN 37919.
Our award-winning Kids U summer program is an exclusive opportunity for area students in grades K-12. Students come to UT and work with university faculty, staff and graduate students in fields from art to chemistry, cooking to anthropology and the ever popular veterinary medicine. Our high school level classes offer a focus on potential careers. Camps are offered for one or two weeks in the morning or afternoon. Class sizes are limited and fill up quickly, Register EARLY.
Ready, Set, Discover is a S.T.E.M. camp offered in partnership with Destination Imagination for kids ages 4-6. Register at www.utkidsu.com
Register at www.utkidsu.com or call 865-974-0150 for more information.
14
Knoxville Parent • April 2013
The wisdom behind wisdom teeth: part 1 Sometimes taking them out is a wise choice By Jason Kennedy, D.M.D.
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isdom teeth got their name starting back in the 17th Century, because they generally appear much later in life than a person’s other teeth. Their appearance coincided with a person entering adulthood, and, thus, becoming more “wise.” While one can debate the old adage, “With age comes wisdom,” there is no doubt that sometimes it is best to remove wisdom teeth, before they erupt, cause damage to other teeth and compromise a person’s health. Here are some common questions about wisdom teeth and their removal: Question: Do my wisdom teeth have to come out? Answer: Not neccesarily, but there are many conditions that warrant extraction, even if you don’t feel any pain. What you should know: Many people believe that as long as they are not in pain, they do not have to worry about their wisdom teeth. However, pain free does not mean disease or problem free. In fact, wisdom teeth that come in normally may still be prone to disease. Question: What are some reasons to remove wisdom teeth? Answer: Here are four instances that always necessitate extraction of wisdom teeth: 1. Infections and/or periodontal disease 2. Cavities that cannot be restored 3. Pathologies such as cysts and tumors 4. Damage to neighboring teeth
Periodontal disease (gum disease) and other infections, damage to neighboring teeth, and the development of cysts are all examples of the seriousness of impacted wisdom teeth.
Question: What happens if I don’t have my wisdom teeth removed when I should? Answer: Leaving wisdom teeth that are not able to grow correctly and have, therefore, become impacted can have a negative effect on your body’s overall health, not just in your mouth.
“Wisdom teeth that come in normally may still be prone to disease.” What you should know: If left in the mouth, impacted wisdom teeth may damage neighboring teeth or become infected. Because the area of the mouth the wisdom teeth are located is difficult to clean, it is a site that invites bacteria, which can lead to gum disease. Furthermore, oral bacteria may travel from your mouth through the bloodstream, where it may lead to possible systemic infections and illnesses that affect the heart, kidneys and other organs. Question: At what age should I plan to have my wisdom teeth removed? Answer: The sooner the better, once it has been determined that they should come out. What you should know: Wisdom teeth are easier to remove when the patient is younger, since their roots are not completely formed, the surrounding bone is softer and there is less chance of damaging nearby nerves or other structures. Removal of wisdom teeth at a later age becomes more complicated, because the roots have fully developed (which may involve the nerve) and the jawbone is denser.
Wisdom teeth growth by age:
Look for The wisdom behind wisdom teeth: part 2 in next month’s issue, when we will discuss symptoms and the steps for getting proper treatment. Jason Kennedy, DMD recevied his dental degree from the University of Louisville Dental School in Louisville, KY and completed his residency at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, in Knoxville, TN. He is a Diplomat of the Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and in private practice with Southeast Oral Surgery in Maryville and Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Knoxville Parent • April 2013
Law enforcement careers can be fun and rewarding by Chief Lee Tramel
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love my career in law enforcement. It’s the most A 5 day hands-on fulfilling, satisfying job in the world— and especially program for TEENS if you adhere to healthy living principles. Being a ages 13-17, the police officer is dirty business, but someone has to do Academy Camp offers it! Society needs cops. I’m no longer on a patrol shift, a great opportunity but I’ve learned over the years and many pounds later for students that in order to be really effective in law enforcement, considering a career or any other career for that matter, you have to live a in law enforcement. healthy lifestyle. I’m just a tad bit on the other side of Visit http://www. 40, and I know what I need to do. In fact, most of us knoxsheriff.org/teen_ know what we need to be doing, but it’s just too easy academy/index.php to hit the sofa, scarf down a bag of chips (or more) and for more information. an adult beverage (or more), and watch television for an hour (or more). I’m discovering that balance in all things is leading me to a healthier lifestyle. I’m now working out at the gym and trying to do the P90X program, eating less red meat, eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water, and trying to quit smoking with the help of one of those electronic cigarettes. It’s not easy. It’s not easy having a career in law enforcement when it comes to good health either. In fact, it can be downright hazardous to your health. There is a direct correlation between police work and a host of diseases and ailments. Police officers are far more likely to suffer numerous health complications than are members of the general workforce. The two biggest factors causing the problems are stress and shift work. Shift work is any hours worked outside standard daylight hours. Stress is a person’s response to external stimuli, situations, and incidents. If there is anything police work has plenty of, it’s stress and shift work. The problem with shift work is sleep. Police officers are among those who get it the least. According to researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, people need sleep the same way they need food and water. It’s necessary for maintaining life, overall health, and workplace safety. When you’re tired, your ability to make decisions is diminished and so is your immune system. It also puts a person at greater risk for mental and psychological problems. Researchers suggest a strong link between police stress and poor health. Officers deal with a variety of stressors including death and dismemberment, argumentative traffic violators, aggressive people, and upset, angry, or depressed people. It’s a dangerous job without taking into account poor health. So, what’s a police officer to do? The Knox County Sheriff ’s Office Training Division instills in our officers the need to get adequate sleep between shifts. Our shifts are 6 days on, 4 days off, then back to work on another shift. The hours are 6 a.m.-3 p.m., 2:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., and 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Researchers say to stay away from heavy foods and alcohol before going to sleep. They also urge a healthy, balanced diet, maintaining an exercise routine to reduce stress, improve health, and to help in sleeping. KCSO offers a makeshift gym to its employees at the Training Division. Due to budget constraints, gym equipment is low on the priority list. Fortunately, some health clubs in the area do offer discounts to police officers and their families. When our officers go through the Training Academy, one of the classes they Lee Tramel is the Assistant Chief Deputy for the Knox County Sheriff ’s Office. During his 26 year career, he also served in the civil warrants division and as Assistant Director of the Court Services Division. Lee is a Knoxville native, where he lives with his wife and 11 year old daughter.
“I’ve learned over the years and many pounds later that in order to be really effective in law enforcement, or any other career for that matter, you have to live a healthy lifestyle.” attend is a wellness class which stresses staying fit to perform the job and staying in shape for living a long life. It’s a lesson all of us need to learn! As for stress, KCSO offers officers and civilians an employee assistance program that is confidential and free. I can’t control the demands of police work, but I can make lifestyle choices that will increase my odds of living a long, healthy life. Wish me luck!
Don’t let the sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itchy ears or eyes and cough keep you inside again this year! Forget treating the symptoms,we treat the condition and provide long-term relief!
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© 2013 East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, 2018 Clinch Ave., Knoxville, TN 37901-5010 • 865.541.8000 • www.etch.com
17
Knoxville Parent • April 2013
Healthy living?
By Mike O’Hern, Center Director of Mathnasium of West Knoxville
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hen I saw that this month’s theme for Parent Magazine was healthy living, I’ll admit that I thought I would truly (for once) have nothing to say. But as I pondered it a while, it occurred to me that healthy living is really what got me started in the education arena in the first place. When asked how I came to open a math-only learning center, my first response is simply that there are quite a number of reasons, not the least of which is that I just happen to enjoy both math and kids. But that’s just the simple, conversational answer. The deeper issue for me is the child’s self-esteem, and I wanted to be able to positively affect that. So for me, math is just the vehicle. And math is the perfect vehicle because it is definitely a subject with the power to make students feel stupid. They can feel like “everyone else gets it, but it’s just a mystery to me.” Every standardized test lets them know that they are below their peers. Every report card reminds them that they can’t hack it. Every homework assignment a torture as they feel frustrated and confused. Possibly more than any other subject, math is a train that leaves the station in first grade and never slows down. Many students fall off the train at some point and soon begin to believe that they can’t ever get back on because so much of it has simply passed them by. Without some real help, they won’t get back on, and that will have a life-long impact on their self-esteem and confidence. Jumping onto a moving train can be tricky, but it can be done. First, run along side. Do some math that your student can accomplish two or three times a week. It doesn’t have to directly correlate to what’s going on at school - just math they can handle. Then start chipping away at the things they never really understood when they first saw it at school. This might be material covered last year, or even earlier. No worries, we’re making progress. Next, jump on board. We’ve now seen that we can move in the direction of the train without even being on it, so we’ve built the confidence that all is
“Possibly more than any other subject, math is a train that leaves the station in first grade and never slows down.” not lost. That confidence empowers us to be willing to attack a problem and ask questions. Finally, start walking up the train toward your car. That is, keep filling in those gaps from previous material and the confidence will continue to swell. Hopefully your student ends up in the right car, ready for what comes next with a solid rebuilt foundation that makes the rest of the ride more comfortable. In the end, not all students will be able to understand all of the math that is required of them in today’s schools, but when they have succeeded more than they had thought they could, they reap the reward of a positive self-esteem based on their accomplishment. But what of the student who simply cannot make math make sense no matter how hard they try? In all this math work we need to maintain the loving, caring relationship that values the student more than the math. That student needs to know that he or she has intrinsic value upon which a positive self-esteem should be built. Don’t let our education system convince them that they are less than what they should be. Math is not a measure of value. Math is an art, a powerful tool, and an oftused life skill. When a child reaches his or her potential in it, it becomes an immeasurably positive boost to the self-confidence and provides foundational elements for lifelong success. As owner and director at Mathnasium (a math learning center with locations in West Knoxville and Chattanooga (www.mathnasium.com/ westknoxville) for the past five years, Mike has extensive experience teaching children and young adults the foundations of math concepts that are crucial to building their confidence and engagement with math throughout life.
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Knoxville Parent • April 2013
Running to improve health and inspire our children by Kathryn Rea Smith, Ph.D.
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“When children see that physical activity is a priority in their parents’ lives, they internalize the notion that being active is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.”
n October, along with 23 other mothers of Sacred Heart Cathedral School children, I will run the Tennessee Ragnar Relay race. The Ragnar is a 36-hour race covering 196 miles from Chattanooga to Nashville. Each participant runs three legs of the relay, with total mileage for each person ranging from ten to twenty miles. Each team of twelve will be required to average eleven-minute-miles to complete the race within the time limit. You may wonder why any sane person would volunteer for such a challenge! The reasons for participating, however, make good sense prepare for months and love the experience” even though a when examined through the lenses of making healthy first place trophy is not going to be part of it. lifestyle choices and setting good examples for our children. Becky Ray is doing the Ragnar to continue to One of our runners, Gina Flomberg, is a mother of A few members of the Sacred Heart strive for healthy living which sets a good example for six who started running to stay healthy, physically Ragner Relay race team: (Back Row) her three children, and also because she is turning fifty next and mentally. By running, she keeps herself in shape to Angie Washburn, Jennifer Spezia, Becky year. Kristi Davis wants to get back into a healthy exercise better care for all her children. She entered the Ragnar Ray, Carey Nyberg, Amy LeBlanc, Erin routine, which seems more “doable” with a goal to work House, Joy Radice; (Front Row) Ursula because she wanted a new challenge and also because towards and when others are depending on you to pull your Margolis, Melissa Mancini, Zsuzsi Roth training for the relay will give her an opportunity to get to weight. Zsuzsi Roth chose to participate because a physical know other moms at the school better. challenge will provide balance for the intellectual challenges she experiences in her Paige Goodale was motivated to join the Ragnar team for two reasons. work and in parenting her two daughters. First, she wants to show her two sons that “taking time out of our busy lives to do Kendalyne Duncan sees the Ragnar as an opportunity to be a healthy something good for our minds and bodies that we enjoy is very important.” Second, role model for her children. It’s not only the fitness example she likes, but also she wants her boys to see her take on a physical challenge and “train hard and “the chance to demonstrate to our children being part of a team, working together, supporting your community, and becoming part of something good.” Ursula Margolis has been a dance instructor for 26 years but has not run before. Doing the Ragnar came down to setting a personal goal and pursuing something she never imagined doing. Her husband and sons have been encouraging, even running alongside her as she begins her training. For me, participating in the Ragnar is a chance to take my running to the next level in terms of increasing weekly mileage and improving speed. I will enjoy being part of a team that trains and races together, and anticipate much shared laughter. I also want to show my sons that one is never too old to take on a new fitness challenge. When parents pursue physical fitness goals, they convey important lessons. When children see that physical activity is a priority in their parents’ lives, they internalize the notion that being active is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Children can be educated about the process of pursuing a major fitness goal. Printing and discussing training schedules which show an incremental increase of weekly mileage totals gives children insight into ways that seemingly insurmountable goals become achievable when pursued gradually over time. Parents can be open about the emotional ups and downs of training, emphasizing the need to stay the course when training becomes difficult or frustrating. This openness helps children develop a realistic sense of challenges involved in pursuing fitness goals. Parents can describe the benefits of being part of a team in which members both encourage and are accountable to one another. When parents pursue fitness goals and let their children in on the process, parents experience improved health and well-being, and children are inspired to exercise and be active and also to imagine pursuing their own fitness challenges one day. Sounds like a win-win prospect to me!
Keep Your Teeth Healthy For A Lifetime!
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Kathryn Rea Smith, Ph.D. is a private practice psychologist specializing in assessment. She is the married mother of two school-aged boys.
19
Knoxville Parent • April 2013
The Arts in Education by Michael Torano
l hen I was a student, I remember music, dance, drawing, painting and classes.” I hear this quite often in my discussions with patrons, “W ’corporatesinging sponsors, and fellow parents. As a father of two boys, ages 16 and 9, tI’ll have to say, I share this sentiment. There just doesn’t seem to be much these days in the classrooms regarding artistic education much less, the performing aarts. I’m sure this has much to do with changes in curriculum and budgets and
what schools boards deem “necessary” or “frivolous” in educating our youth. I don’t pretend to be an expert in this field but it doesn’t take an expert to notice that the arts are a virtual ghost in public schools. Where will tomorrow’s adults gain exposure to the beauty of dance, the majesty of music in orchestra or the magnificence of the human voice? Will we leave this entirely to top 40 radio or American Idol? We’ve always strived to fill this void in public schools through our education and outreach programs. Each year, we produce and perform over 100 community and education outreach events primarily for K-12 students in public schools. These are concerts, Opera 101 interactive engagements, and even staged performances such as this season’s in-school presentations of Rossini’s opera Cinderella in cooperation with Dr. Jim McIntryre, Superintendent of Knox County Schools. The series of staged, costumed performances in March was a gift for the students of Knox County and specifically designed to fit into auditoriums and gymnasiums for 24 campuses and over 11,500 students and faculty…completely free of charge. Knoxville Opera solicited private, foundation, and corporate support of this endeavor to deliver opera performances directly to the students on their own turf. Huge endeavor? Yes it is, but we feel it is an incredibly important aspect of education, and we strive to continue to deliver for our students. It is also the reason for our presentation of Knoxville Opera’s widely popular Rossini Festival and International Street Fair, one of the region’s largest and most beloved special events. It serves as a celebration of the performing arts, which are much too diverse to promote as one culture. The Italian flair we’ve enjoyed for the first 11 years is enhanced by German, Hispanic, Asian, French, Vietnamese, and American foods and beverages as we expand the event. The Knoxville Opera Rossini Festival International Street Fair introduces s the color and excitement of opera to attendees, many of who are experiencing this art form for the first time. It is the only Rossini Festival in the U.S. and one of only two in the world, the other of which takes place in Rossini’s birthplace of Pesaro, Italy. Knoxville’s event is a celebration of the performing, visual, and culinary arts with an emphasis on opera Michael Torano lives in Knoxville and has served as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Knoxville Opera for three years. He has worked in marketing and advertising for over 24 years. He is the incoming President of the Knoxville Chapter of the American Advertising Federation and currently serves as a District coordinator of conferences and conventions for the AAF 7th District covering Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Soprano Jennifer D’Agostino enchants the audience during an in-school performance of Rossini’s Cinderella.
and International culture featuring a full day of live entertainment with over 800 entertainers, and a multitude of artisans showcasing superior traditions of the Southeast’s finest craftsmanship and a family-friendly KidsZone of engaging activities on Market Square and Market Street. For details go to
RossiniFestival.org, or call 865.524.0795 x28. New this year is the Princess Parade and Tea Party heralding our production of Rossini’s hilarious opera, Cinderella. Patrons dressed in Princess costumes will promenade the streets of downtown at 2:00 through tens of thousands of Rossini attendees to be serenaded by Cinderella and the Prince from our production and then escorted into the magnificent Tennessee Theatre for a private tea party of delicate sandwiches, cakes and even a specially blended tea. This landmark event is sponsored by Tea at the Gallery and YMCA for the young and young-at-heart in celebration of our production of Cinderella. Visit www.KnoxvilleOpera/Cinderella for more information and to participate. I’ll see you…at the opera!
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The Orphans of Titanic
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One of the most sensational stories to emerge from Titanic’s sinking was the stranger-than-fiction adventures of two little French boys, Michael Navratil – nearly 4 years-old -and his two year-old brother, Edmond. The boys were something of a mystery on board. They were seldom seen, spoke only French and were never out of their father’s sight. For good reason. Their father had spirited them away from their mother and was taking them to America on Titanic under assumed names. When Titanic struck the iceberg, the boys father Louis Hoffman – real name, Michel Navratil - bundled them up and dashed for the boat deck and placed his sons in Collapsible D, the last boat to be lowered. With a quick salute to the boys, he turned and disappeared into the crowd. Alone and unable to communicate the boys were at the mercy of strangers. When news of the boys became public the world press picked up the story, dubbing Michael and Edmond the “Titanic Orphans,” or “Waifs of Titanic.” The boys became famous. For weeks their photographs were seen everywhere, even in Nice, France where their mother lived. She had been desperately searching for her boys and with the help of the British and French consulates and the White Star Lines was soon reunited with her babies. This is a Titanic story with an ironic twist. If it had not been for a shipwreck two little boys may have been lost to their mother forever. Michael Navratil passed away on January 30, 2001 at the age of 92, the last male survivor of the Titanic disaster.
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Knoxville Parent • April 2013
A Healthy Perspective on College Admissions…. for Parents By Liz Stucke, owner of LS Admissions Prep
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he college admissions process is widely believed to be more competitive today than it was 20 years ago. With top tier schools admitting less than 10%, some even as low as 5%, parents fret over how to help secure the few spots for our children. A closer look at the numbers reveals why and how the competition is increasing. • The percentage of Americans viewing college as very important is up. When the Gallup Organization asked Americans about the importance of college in 2010, 75% of people said that a college education is very important compared with only 36% of Americans in 1978. • Total number of applicants has increased. In 1982, 1.18 million students applied to four-year colleges and in 2004, 1.7 million students applied. • Applications per school is up. The average number of students applying to each institution increased by 60% from 2002 to 2011. Taken alone, these numbers are enough to scare any family away from applying to college. While the population of high school graduates applying to college has increased, some changes in the college admissions process has also increased applications. • The arrival of US News & World Report’s College rankings in 1983 helped drive colleges’ push for higher application rates. A lower ‘admit rate’ boosts a schools rankings. This has driven some colleges to play games to boost their application numbers up and their percent admitted to record lows. Some colleges even send “interest” letters to students encouraging them to apply when most of these students have little chance of admission. • The Common Application makes it easier to apply to many colleges. In 1980 only 100 colleges accepted the Common Application, whereas 450 colleges accepted it in 2010. With one application, a student can apply to several colleges. In 1990 only 9% of applicants submitted seven or more applications compared to 2010 where 29% submitted seven or more applications. This has significantly contributed to the 60% increase in applications per institution. With colleges trying to keep their rankings up and pushing for greater numbers of applicants, what role can parents play to be supportive, but not overbearing in their child’s college admission process? 1. First, parents should be aware of the college admissions’ competitive landscape and be prepared to do support an exhaustive search. Start the process early. Help your child understand her unique strengths, interests and goals and then search for schools that match her profile and goals. 2. Keep the college application process private. I encourage parents to set the expectation with family and friends that they will be informed of a college decision in May after all private deliberations are over. Give your child the chance to explore many options without the questioning and judgment of well-intentioned friends and family. 3. Avoid comparing your daughter’s process with that of your friend’s. Just as I would suggest a student not choose a school because a friend will attend, I Liz Stucke is president of LS Admissions Prep (www.LSAdmissionsPrep. com) where she counsels high school students and their parents through the College Selection and Application process. Email questions or to set up a free consultation: stuckeliz@gmail.com or call/text 865-951-0639.
“While the topic of deciding the future path of your child is serious business, humor can make the process a little more bearable.” also suggest parents not consider where their own friends’ children are applying or what they got on their SAT or ACT. 4. Never buy the college sweatshirt until it becomes your child’s college. There is nothing worse than a dad wearing the Williams College T-shirt as his daughter opens her rejection email from Williams. 5. Remind your child and yourself that nothing is permanent. If the college your son starts out with is not right for him, he can always transfer to another college. Research suggests that a person who believes he can improve his situation is much happier than one who feels stuck in his situation. 6. Use humor abundantly. While the topic of deciding the future path of your child is serious business, humor can make the process a little more bearable. One of my favorite books on the college admissions process is Crazy U, One Dad’s Crash Course in Getting His Kid into College, by Andrew Ferguson. It is both educational and a hilariously revealing insight into one dad’s attempt to prod his son’s admissions process.
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Knoxville Parent • April 2013
Building a foundation for the future by Piotr Ulmer, MSPT
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ow fast all these years have past. My oldest son, Aleksander, is now 21. The electronic picture frame in our living room changes family pictures every few seconds, and, seeing a picture of Aleks as a 10 year old sitting on a lawn mower, I ask myself: how is it possible for time to go so fast? He is in college now, and we parents can’t keep up with him becoming more and more independent. Mature and responsible, being the oldest son made him always test the waters of the unknown. From my fatherly perspective, there is still so much that I would like to tell and teach him. There is so much more I’d like him to teach me. There are times that I see clearly my mistakes from the past in “what I have done, and what I have failed to do.” There is this sense of not enough time spent with him. But with time passing by, no matter whether we like it or not, the wisest solution seems to be to accept it. My middle son, Fryderyk, is 17. He is a senior in high school. In love with sports, he can be demanding on an aging father. Throwing the football is always OK. The problem starts when he wants to wrestle. I keep saying he’d be successful in sales, because after a short while discussing Judo, we may quite seriously challenge each other to
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a middle of the living room wrestling match (Just last week something popped in my ribs, so I’m staying away from wrestling for a while). One thing is for sure – I know I have an active relationship with Freddy. We spend time together. I am “hands on” during his transitions. I check on his grades frequently, and sometimes there is “room for improvement,” but as much as I demand, I also make sure we have a positive relationship going. Love disarms any negativity and shortcomings. When there is a need, love can become tough, however when founded in truth, it doesn’t have to explain itself much. When we parents live what we preach, we become reliable and admirable sources. We earn respect just by “showing up.” My youngest son Maksym is 9. I feel most secure with him, in the sense that (God willing) we still have time to be around each other. His transitions are so easy. He is like a sponge. He learns everything from everybody. He knows how to get rid of a debt in “snow ball” fashion (after Dave Ramsey’s CD), and he can rap many songs (influence of older brothers). He is also learning the value of prayer. I already see some challenges of his teenage years coming, but I have chosen to take preventive action. I’ve been addressing politeness, charity, respect of authority, self-learning, self-control and other “issues,” at the same time being careful not to interfere with his genuine God-given talents, so that one day he will put them to good use in the world. I’m looking forward to every single day with Maksym being around. He is for me what the biblical Joseph was for Jacob. From the perspective of the last few years, I can see now that the absolutely best thing that we’ve done together in preparation for life transitions (and we still continue doing it), has been spending time connecting with God. There has never been an objection or significant complaint from anyone in our family questioning going to church on Sunday and reading the Bible together. I thank God for these times of sharing faith with my children, because now, after 2 decades, when we spend our days apart from each other, in times of life transitions, trials, or even disagreements, we all share the same core values deep in our hearts. In spite of daily busyness, and seeing each other just long enough to say, “Hi” and “Bye” as we leave early and come back late, I sense deep inside that there is a harmony, a common language and synchrony that we can all (no matter the age or generation) safely fall back on. Beyond this, I know of no other single thing in this world that is capable of giving parents such peace about their children. Piotr Ulmer established CTS Physical Therapy in 2001. A native of Warsaw, Poland, he received his Master of Rehabilitation degree from that city’s Academy of Sports in 1991. He formerly served as the director of an outpatient physical therapy clinic in Clarksville, TN and as a Sports Medicine Physical Therapist in Knoxville before starting CTS Physical Therapy.
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