Knoxville Parent - May 2012 by Knoxville Parent

May 2012

Fr e e

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KNOXVILLE

Dear Knoxville Parent:

May 2012 Volume I • Issue 5

I like your Dad Dispatch column. It is nice to hear from fathers about how they feel about and interact with their children. Sometimes it is difficult to take the time to reflect on our kids, but it is really important to do so.

Michael Kull and Eva Nations, Publishers Advisory Board

Staff

Sr. Mary Marta Abbott The Dioces of Knoxville

Michael Kull Managing Editor Design & Production Sales

Marie Alcorn United Way of Greater Knoxville

- Fred W. Bearden Dear Knoxville Parent: Your article about books at the library is really helpful, especially with summer just around the corner. It will be a help to have these titles handy when my child tries to tell me she has nothing to do!

Eva Nations Business Manager

Mike Bailey Community Volunteer Kathleen Gibi City of Knoxville, Parks and Recreation Division Wendy Hames East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Tracey Matthews Knox County Department of Education Liz Pooley Community Volunteer Lee Tramel Knox County Sheriff ’s Department

- Brenda F. West Knoxville

Contributing Photographers Charlie Daniel Victoria Mason Contributing Writers Mike Bailey Celeste Carruthers Kathleen Gibi Wendy Hames Kristina Canan Dave Loftin Tracey Matthews Sam Meisler Robin Miller Erin Nguyen Tina Rolen Michael Smith Elizabeth Stucke Angela Thomas Lee Tramel Piotr Ulmer

Parent publications are GREAT places to advertise! For more information, please call: (866) 247-7769, Ext. 1. Contact Info: Phone: 866.247.7769, ext. 1 Fax: 888.457.9602 E-mail: KnoxvilleParent@gmail.com Knoxville Parent is published monthly and is distributed throughout the city of Knoxville and surrounding communities. Knoxville Parent is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. No person without written permission from the publishers may take more than one copy per monthly issue. Knoxville Parent may be distributed only by authorized distributors.

Knoxville Parent PO Box 52605 Knoxville, TN 37950, phone 866.247.7769 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.

We welcome your letters! If you have a question or comment for Knoxville Parent, please e-mail it to KnoxvilleParent@gmail.com. Letters may be edited to meet space requirements.

contents

House Calls: Teach water safety...

13 Adding furry friends to your family

Let’s start a movement

14 The creative kid: Art as learning

The Cereal Bowl

15 College admissions: A parent survival guide

The List: Ten terrific books about getting active

17 Knox County Schools: Education in motion -

Live and Learn: Flossing and running

Childwise: 6th grade reading for the ACT

fitness tips for families

Carrots and sticks: How can I get my kid to eat squash

City Parks and Recreation: Get out, and get moving!

18 Knox County Schools: Let’s Move! Events 19 Knox County Schools: Parent University Calendar

of Events

20 Allowances...or work...or both 21 Being smart behind the wheel

Magical creatures and super-cool features

22 Dad Dispatch: Daddy, why can I not go with you?

on the cover: Anahi Valencia, 5, walks with her mother Maria along the Adair Greenway in Fountain City. Photo Courtesy Steven Bridges

Knoxville Parent welcomes your comments, story ideas and advertising inquiries. Contact Michael Kull at KnoxvilleParent@gmail.com 3

Knoxville Parent • May 2012

Teach water safety...

no matter the body of water

t’s summertime, and children everywhere can’t wait for that first dip in the pool or for that first chance to hit the lake. Water sports are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise! But how do you keep your child safe while enjoying the water? Each year, drowning, near-drownings and water sports injuries send thousands of children to hospital emergency rooms, including East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Diving accidents make up a huge portion of these injuries, while fatigue, lack of proper swim instructions and water vehicle accidents also are factors. Most accidents could be prevented with increased supervision. “Nothing, not even swimming lessons or life preservers, takes the place of good parental supervision around the water,” said Dr. Ryan Redman, pediatric emergency specialist at Children’s Hospital. “In my career, I have never seen a near drowning that could not have been prevented with better supervision.” Whether it’s the backyard pool, the lake or the ocean on vacation, each

“In my career, I have never seen a near drowning that could not have been prevented with better supervision.” different body of water has the same basic rules to keep children safe. Following a general set of rules will help keep children safely swimming and having fun in any water-related situation.

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Water safety rules • Never leave a child alone in or near water at the pool, lake, bathtub or beach. An accident can occur in seconds. If you must leave even for a moment, take your child with you. Make sure adults watching young children near water know CPR and can rescue a child if necessary. Surround pools – on all four sides – with a sturdy five-foot fence. Make sure the gates self-close and self-latch at a height children can’t reach. Keep rescue equipment such as a shepherd’s hook (a long pole with a hook on the end), life preserver and telephone near the pool. Insist children wear a life preserver or flotation device. The US Coast Guard estimates that 9 of 10 drowning victims are not wearing one. Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties” or “water-wings.” They are not a substitute for approved life vests and give a false sense of security. Enroll children over age one in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors, but remember lessons don’t make children “drownproof.” Never consume alcohol when operating a boat, swimming or during water activities, and don’t allow your child to ride on any water vehicle where you suspect alcohol consumptions will take place.

Teach children these four key rules: 1. Always swim with a buddy. 2. Don’t dive into unknown bodies of water. Jump feet first to avoid hitting your head on shallow bottom. 3. Don’t jump or push others into the water. 4. Be prepared for an emergency. Dr. Ryan L Redman, MD practices pediatric emergency medicine and pediatrics at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. For more information about water safety, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website (www.aap.org), the National Safety Council’s website (www.nsc.org) or the Children’s Hospital website (www.etch.com).

Knoxville Parent • May 2012

Let’s start a movement by Piotr Ulmer, MSPT

e all understand the need, maybe even the necessity, of moving. Many of us are participating in some form of exercise, either jogging, biking, swimming, stretching, weight lifting or martial arts. We understand the shortage of PE in our kids’ school curriculum and with joyful proclamation that “sports are good for them” we sign them up for soccer, volleyball or Tae Kwon Do. There is no question that now in the day of ever-perfecting graphics and special effects, allowing our kids idle time inside our comfortable homes makes them gravitate towards computer games and TV. Bright, young minds find “beating the next level” challenging, fulfilling, satisfying. Movies for kids are made in a way that action is fast and ever-surprising, the speed of events occurring at a mind-boggling pace. We parents gravitate towards letting them do it because when they “play” or “watch” they don’t nag, complain, fight or get in trouble in any other way. Or do they? Do we really know what is going on behind the scenes of our children’s’ minds? Do we pay attention to signs and symptoms of the whole process? Do we notice how it affects them now and will in the future? We parents watch movies with our kids; game and movie ratings seem to matter less and less. Are we still adhering to the PG-13 rating being “parental guidance for kids 13 years and younger?” Do we grown-ups consider that 7 or 8 year olds don’t have the “gear” to decipher social language, so called “mild violence” or even sexual content? Are we really grown-up? Do we know how to suck it up and not watch the movie because our kids shouldn’t be watching it? The reality is that there is a new day starting every day. We get new chances and a new “chunk” of Grace to deal with this particular day. In the Jewish lunar calendar of the Old Testament, every day started on the evening before when the moon appears in the sky. Thinking about that, if we plan our day on the evening before, we are able to start it early with confidence. We don’t hesitate or lose time thinking what’s next! This gives us a chance to make the most of our God-given opportunities. So why don’t we start tonight and turn off our TVs and computers and focus on our most precious gifts? Let’s not ignore them even partly. Let us move on to continue growing up while analyzing what we should and perhaps should not be doing. Moving is a healthy characteristic of our world. All systems and cells of the human body need to be draining, flowing and processing. Stagnation and lack of flow in biology means disease and may lead to death. It is the same philosophy that permeates the life of a single cell, liver tissue, human body, town and entire society or culture. Do we realize the threats our culture is facing today? 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.

“One of my friends told me that the only things that go away when we ignore them are teeth and girlfriends. ” One of my friends told me that the only things that go away when we ignore them are teeth and girlfriends. Taking all humor away, there is value in this statement. Do we want to ignore the pressures our kids are facing? Are they preparing to handle relationships, the threat of divorce, controlling their passions and guiding their own children through the maze and complexity of today’s reality? Or will they be planning on beating the next Mario level at the age of 32? Let us not allow for the stagnation of our wills. Let us not allow for the surrounding world to dictate how our kids grow up, how they spend their time and what their habits and values are. Then we will see them as happy spouses and parents able to give to others, helping to build a solid and lasting world around us.

Keep Your Teeth Healthy For A Lifetime! NEW PATIENTS AND EMERGENCIES WELCOME! Our mission is to provide the highest level of dentistry in a comfortable, caring and friendly environment.

Paul B. Nations, D.D.S. Cedar Bluff Dental Center, P.C. 9221 Middlebrook Pike, Ste. 201 Knoxville, TN 37931

(865) 693-6933

CedarBluffDentalCenter.com

Knoxville Parent • May 2012

Servings from the Cereal Bowl

By Dave Loftin

Sample the Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl

Grab you kid and a cup of coffee and tune in to the “Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl,” hosted by Dave Loftin Saturdays from 8 to 10 a.m. on the Web at WAWL.org. He posts his weekly playlists on SaturdayCerealBowl.com. And now you can take your cereal bowl with you�in podcast form! Go to SaturdayCerealBowl.podbean.com, or simply search the iTunes store. Don’t worry, parents, it’s free!

On the sophomore release from The Dreamtree Shakers, the band jumps right out of the gate with a very fun, poppy college radio indie sound. The hip folksy sound of Going on a Picnic is full of playful tunes that will keep the kids moving and shaking. They start us off with “Picnic in the Park” which sounds as though they’ve captured musically the image of walking across a sun-lit field to have a bite to eat in the great outdoors. Your senses come into play with all that you can see, hear and touch on “Take Your Two Eyes”. Going on a Picnic is loaded with ten tracks of what feels like simply happy music. Pop this CD in and watch the smiles continue from the first song to the last.

Gustafer Yellowgold Infinity Sock

Morgan Taylor continues the story of this little guy from the sun on the fourth Gustafer Yellowgold release Infinity Sock. This amazing CD/DVD collection continues Gustafer’s adventures as he settles into his home on Earth. We start off with his pet eel’s affinity towards socks on “Slim Gets in ‘Em”. He takes into the secret world of bees and snakes with “Beehive” and “Snake Proms”. The music of Gustafer Yellowgold is top notch and fun to say the least, but the real treat is the DVD. It includes a beautifully animated video for every song with the lyrics on-screen so the whole family can sing along. Socks, snakes and cheese, Infinity Sock is the best release from Morgan Taylor in the Gustafer juggernaut and his song writing and animation shines through stronger than ever. If you and your family haven’t experienced this former sun dweller yet, Infinity Sock will make you wonder how you ever got by without him.

What is the summer slide? On average, students lose approximately 2.6 months of grade level equivalency in math over the summer months according to the Johns Hopkins University Center for Summer Learning. At Mathnasium, your child could not only retain his or her math, but gain ground and confidence for the next school year! That’s why we say...

Catch up, keep up, or get ahead this summer! Rising K through 12th grade May 28 - August 11, 2012 • • • • • Limited enrollment • • • • • Reserve your student’s space now! Call (865) 769-6944 or email westknoxville@mathnasium.com

Franklin Square • 9700 Kingston Pike, Suite 8 • Knoxville, TN 37922

K –12

G RA D E S • SAT & A C T P R E P • H O M E W O R K H E L P • S U M M E R P R O G RA M S

Knoxville Parent • May 2012

Ten Terrific Books About Getting Active Compiled this month by Erin Nguyen

Children’s Department, Knox County Public Library

Get Up and Go! By Nancy L. Carlson Reading level: PreK – 2nd This fun story will encourage you to turn off the TV and get moving through exercising, playing games, and joining in sports.

Wiggle By Doreen Cronin Reading level: PreK – 2nd Find out about the many ways to wiggle in this rhyming picture book.

Stink and the Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown By Megan McDonald Reading level: 1st – 4th Stink’s parents insist that he play a sport after he flunks his P.E. class, so he chooses thumbwrestling.

Miss Fox’s Class Shapes Up By Eileen Spinelli Reading level: PreK – 2nd When Miss Fox realizes her students aren’t as healthy as they should be she teaches them how to get in shape.

Super Simple Hop & Jump: Healthy & Fun Activities By Nancy Tuminelly Reading level: K – 3rd This book, which focuses on hopping and jumping, is part of a series for young children filled with simple movement activities.

Stay Fit: Your Guide to Staying Active By Sara Hunt Reading level: 4th – 8th An overview of how to be physically fit, including tips on exercise and nutrition.

Summer Ball By Mike Lupica Reading level: 4th – 8th When his coach cuts him from his travel basketball team, twelve-year-old Danny Walker goes about leading a new ragtag team of his own.

It’s Hard to Dribble with Your Feet By Val Priebe Reading level: 1st – 4th When basketball player Carmen decides to take Whale Talk up soccer in the off By Chris Crutcher season, she discovers Reading level: 8th – 12th that dribbling with Teen T.J. Jones and his your feet is harder fellow misfit swim team than dribbling with your hands. members struggle to earn varsity letter jackets despite having the odds stacked against them. 101 Ways to Get in Shape By Charlotte Guillain Reading level: 4th – 8th This informational book is packed with great ideas for how to get moving and stay healthy.

For libary information in your area visit: www.knoxlib.org/

Knoxville Parent • May 2012

Knowledge you can use

Flossing and Running

What they have in common by Robin Miller

“Now, here’s the catch – starting something new is easy; but continuing is really. . . really . . . difficult. At this point, most people get stuck and fall back into their old habits.”

an you floss and run at the same time? That was an interesting question my boss jokingly inquired as I was leaving the office. I was on my way to coach an adult runners’ group in Maryville. The visual of it actually happening had us laughing. However, the question got me thinking about the relationship between my profession as a dental hygienist and coaching people to “get moving”. My objective as a dental hygienist is to help individuals obtain and maintain a healthy smile. My goal as a running coach is to assist my community in becoming physically fit. The outcome for negligent weekly fifteen-second brusher. Photo courtesy of Fleet Feet Sports both is a better quality of life. The biggest Coaching the latter group to achieve better Robin Miller (far right) climbing the last hill before the finish line of challenge is changing the habits, routines, oral hygiene is challenging and sometimes the 2011 Fall 5K (Reindeer Run). and priorities we all have. frustrating. My job is to find the motivating As a dental hygienist, I’ve seen the gamut of mouth care. There is the factor that may change their habits. Any type of change has to come from the extremely vigilant five-times-a-day flosser-brusher-rinser individual, to the very individual. Fleet Feet’s No Boundaries runners’ group shared their motives: “I just want to feel better”; “I want to lose weight and get in shape”; and “I’ve always wanted to finish a 5k”. The reasons are varied, but the bottom line is the quest for a better quality of life. Now, here’s the catch – starting something new is easy; but continuing is really . . . really . . . difficult. At this point, most people get stuck and fall back into their old habits, such as playing computer games or watching the latest episode of “American Idol”. Sure it’s easier, but was it time well spent? Nike® got it right - Just Do It! Do it even if feels awful, forces you to rise earlier, or stay up later. Coaching runners through their “out-of-comfort-zone” stage is the balance between encouragement and pushing them a bit harder. Then the magic kicks in. The No Boundaries group just completed their spring 5k. Thinking back to the beginning of their 10-weeks of training, I remember walking more than running and a lot of huffing and puffing. As time progressed, their running time became longer. Everyone crossed the finish line. Was it easy? No way! Was it worth it? You bet! Many of them will continue training to run another 5 or 10k. Some will join the long distant group and train for a half or full marathon. What happened to change their habits and routines? They own it now. They worked hard, pushed through the excuses and accomplished their goal of finishing a race. Our unique camps provide three hours of fun and activities I also run with Fleet Feet’s long distant group and instead of coaching them, in a non-competitive, nurturing environment. Each day, I’m the one being coached. The accountability factor and friends I’ve met have been priceless. Sometimes getting motivated to run is still hard, but it they take part in exciting imaginative journeys. feels much worse not to run. That’s the magic. “Train smart, live well, make a difference” (FF). “Running changes everything” (FF). NOW ENROLLING FOR SUMMER CAMPS AND CLASSES! including classes for ages 4 months - 12 years in Gymnastics, Dance, Sports Skills, & Karate KNOXVILLE www.tlgknoxvilletn.com 583-1166

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Robin Miller is a Registered Dental Hygienist with Cedar Bluff Dental Center, P.C. She received her B.S. in Dental Hygiene from East TN State University. She is a fitness enthusiast and has run four marathons.

Knoxville Parent • May 2012

How a sixth grade reading list can help “A common standard states that students, by the end your child get into college of the school year, will have read and comprehended by Michael K. Smith Ph.D. a range of reading material, most of which is at a high level of complexity. The material should not be just from textbooks; students should read novels, plays, history and science books and articles.”

y son wants to achieve a high score on the ACT college admissions tests when he is a junior in high school. He is in sixth grade now. Which of the following should he be reading? A. B. C. D. E.

The Hunger Games Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass United States Constitution Middle School Guide to Einstein All of the above

Do sixth grade reading choices really relate to college admissions? Before I offer my opinion, let us look at how instruction in reading may be changing. Most public and private schools focus on reading skills and provide students with good reading lists. There is a national effort, however, that wants to broaden these skills and expand significantly the types of books and articles that students read. This national effort is called the Common Core. The Common Core State Standards were developed in cooperation with the National Governor’s Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers. These standards have four characteristics: (1) research and evidence based; (2) aligned with college and work expectations; (3) rigorous; and (4) internationally benchmarked. Most states, including Tennessee, have adopted these standards. TCAPs and similar state assessments will start testing these standards as early as 2013. The standards for English Language Arts and Literacy want students to

read and comprehend material from four areas: Literature, Informational Text, History/Social Studies, and Science/Technical Subjects. A common standard states that students, by the end of the school year, will have read and comprehended a range of reading material, most of which is at a high level of complexity. The material should not be just from textbooks; students should read novels, plays, history and science books and articles. These standards also describe skills to be learned. For instance, my sixth-grader, when reading literature, should be able to “describe how a particular story’s or drama’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond to change as the plot moves toward a resolution.” When reading scientific articles, my son should learn to “analyze the author’s purpose in providing an explanation, describing a procedure, or discussing an experiment in a text.” Although developed earlier, the ACT college admissions test shares much of the philosophy of these standards. The Reading section on the ACT is quite daunting to high school students. It contains four reading passages, each about 700 words, from four content areas: Prose Fiction, Humanities, Social Studies, and Natural Sciences. Each passage has 10 questions to answer; the questions measure skills similar to the Common Core standards. These 4 passages and 40 questions must be completed in 35 minutes. From almost thirty years of preparing students for the ACT, I have found that students who read widely have developed reading speeds and skills that help them obtain higher scores on this test. I think the answer to the question above is E, All of the above. Choices B and C are actually recommended texts in the Common Core Standards for grades 6-8. I included The Hunger Games as a Literature example because my son and I both enjoyed reading and talking about it. Actually, otion D is not a real book, but I think my son would like to write it. Even in sixth grade, reading choices can help develop skills that can last through college. I believe these Common Core Standards will facilitate reading skills that are measured on college admissions tests. 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.

Knoxville Parent • May 2012

Carrots and sticks

or how can I get my kid to eat squash? By Celeste Carruthers

ow can I get my kid to eat his squash? Parents and economists will agree: it’s all about getting the incentives right. Parents often rely on incentives to elicit good behavior from kids. Some incentives are treats – ironically called “carrots” – for doing the right thing. Other incentives are “sticks” – a.k.a. punishments – for doing the wrong thing. “If you finish your math worksheet by 7, you can watch Shrek.” “If you do not eat your squash, there will be no ice cream after dinner.” Or for younger kids, “If you go number two in the potty, you get two M&Ms.” What parents might not appreciate is the fact that kids are sophisticated economic analysts. They are selling good behavior and paying for bad behavior, with carrots and sticks acting as prices. In my son’s mind, the value of ice cream may fail to make up for the awfulness of eating squash. The solution would seem to be a simple matter of adjusting the incentives – more ice cream, obviously – until the appropriate behavior is observed. But it might not be that easy. For kids and adults, incentives act like a contract, and these contracts can take the place of warm fuzzies we feel when we do something good or psychic costs we feel when we do something bad. It is hard to pin down the value of a feeling, so replacing one with a clear-cut contract can actually increase bad behavior. In one study, economists found that when day care centers started fining parents for picking up their kids late, late pickups actually increased! The researchers theorize that some parents viewed the fine as the price of arriving late, and that this price was less than

“What parents might not appreciate is the fact that kids are sophisticated economic analysts. They are selling good behavior and paying for bad behavior, with carrots and sticks acting as prices.” the intangible stigma parents felt without a fine. So how do I get my kid to eat squash without resorting to ice cream? One strategy is to help him develop a warm, fuzzy affinity for squash so that dinnertime will be less about negotiation and more about eating things we like. If that fails, another strategy is to structure incentives so that the consequences of good and bad behavior are unpredictable, much like intangible social norms. In practice, squash boycotts might result in any number of sanctions, ranging from withheld ice cream to a Saturday morning spent cleaning baseboards. A final strategy is to just give up on squash and try carrots. Celeste Carruthers is an assistant professor of Economics at the University of Tennessee. Originally from North Carolina, she now lives in Knoxville with her husband, son, and dogs. She teaches public finance to undergraduate and graduate students at UT, and her research focuses on the economics of education and public policy.

Knoxville Parent • May 2012

Get out, and get moving!

Check out these great opportunities around Knoxville By Kathleen Gibi, Public Affairs Specialist City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation

Adaptive Recreation Center 2235 Dandridge Ave. 865-525-9080

Get out on local trails with missy kane and legacy parks Missy starts hiking this summer in cooperation with the Legacy Parks Foundation, the City of Knoxville, and Knox County for a series of hikes on local trails. Bring a bottle of water and a light snack for energy. Thompson Cancer Survival Center will supply sunscreen in case you forget to bring your own. City of Knoxville and Knox County Parks and Recreation officials will join you on the walks. June 6: James White Greenway to the Alex Haley Statue – starting at Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center June 13: New Harvest Park June 20: Frozen Head State Park (more difficult) or Victor Ashe Park (less cumbersome) Participants in the Summer Playground Program hang out at Island Home Park. June 27: Concord Park Trails July 11: Forks of the River beginning at Ijams Nature Center July 18: Fort Dickerson Greenway at the Augusta Rd entrance Dr. E.V. Davidson Community Center July 24: House Mountain Natural Area 3124 Wilson Ave. Photo courtesy Steven Bridges

Summer Playground Program The City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Division hosts its Summer Playground Program, open to Knoxville residents, at each of its 14 recreation centers located in all sections of Knoxville. This program provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including swimming, canoeing and field trips to the Knoxville Arts and Fine Crafts Center. Participants are provided lunch each day at certain locations. For more information, call (865) 215-1414. Ages: 6-12 years of age (Must be 6 years old by June 4) Costs: $20 one time fee for entire summer Dates: June 4-29, 2012 and July 9-July 26, 2012 (No Summer Camp July 4-8) Times: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday thru Friday

Phone: 865-971-4746

Cal Johnson Recreation Center 507 Hall of Fame Drive Phone: 865-522-3177

Inskip-Norwood Recreation Center 301 Inskip Road Phone: 865-687-6321

Cecil Webb Recreation Center 953 E. Old Moody Ave. Phone: 865-577-0651

Lonsdale Recreation Center 2700 Stonewall Phone: 865-546-0696

Christenberry Community Center 931 Oglewood Ave. Phone: 865-637-5991

Milton Roberts Recreation Center 5900 Asheville Hwy. Phone: 865-546-4536

Cumberland Estates Recreation Center 4529 Silverhill Drive Phone: 865-588-3442

Richard Leake Recreation Center 3511 Alice Bell Rd. Phone: 865-525-2031

Deane Hill Recreation Center 7400 Deane Hill Drive Phone: 865-690-0781

West Haven Recreation Center 3622 Sisk Rd. Phone: 865-546-1315

Tour De Fleur Walks The City of Knoxville and Knox County’s Parks and Recreation Departments are again offering an event series that combines walking with an opportunity to learn more about wildflowers. All Tour de Fleur walks will be held on Saturdays at 10am and will be led by a nature guide. Walks are free and appropriate for all skill levels. May 5: Victor Ashe Park (meet at the pavilion) June 2: Ten Mile Creek Greenway starting at Walker Springs Park July 7: Will Skelton Greenway starting at Ijams Nature Center August 4: Holston River Park starting at main shelter September 8: Halls Greenway (meet at the Halls Library) October 6: Ten Mile Creek Greenway starting at the Wynsong Theater Parking Area

Nordic Walking at the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center Compared to regular walking, Nordic walking (also called pole walking) involves applying force to the poles with each stride. Two poles provide countless benefits: • Strengthen your upper body and create resistance to build better bone density • Burn 46% more calories than regular walking without poles • Pump up your cardio by increasing oxygen consumption • Great workout without perceived exertion Free if you have poles or $5 if you need poles. Call River Sports Outfitters to reserve your spot: 865-523-0066. May 14 & 28, June 4 & 25, July 2 Ijams Nature Center Walks Ijams Nature Center offers many guided walks and hikes on the diverse property. Enjoy wildflower walks, nightly owl walks, and much more. Walks are free to hikers with an Ijams Nature Center membership, non-members can participate at a nominal fee. For the latest updates, follow Knoxville Parks and Recreation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/knoxvillerecreation. Photo courtesy Steven Bridges

Students from the Cedar Bluff Intermediate School look for tadpoles while on a field trip to Ijams Nature Center.

Knoxville Parent • May 2012

Magical creatures and super-cool features That’s what’s in store for visitors to Knoxville Zoo by Tina Rolen, Assitant Director of Marketing Knoxville Zoo

pring always brings something new to Knoxville Zoo, and this year the zoo is introducing a magical new animal and a new experience that’s sure to make quite a splash. Quite literally, as a matter of fact!

Once Upon a Time, There Was A Little Dragon…

The first-ever Komodo Parent Photo courtesy Chattanooga dragon to call Knoxville Zoo home is making her public debut this spring. Khaleesi, a 19-month-old Komodo dragon, recently relocated from Zoo Atlanta to Knoxville. Komodo dragons are the largest lizards in the world, and while she Photo courtesy Knoxville Zoo currently weighs in at around Khaleesi, a 19-month-old Komodo dragon, eight pounds and measures has found a new home at Knoxville Zoo. approximately four feet in length, she is growing very quickly-already doubling her size since she arrived in late winter-and will easily grow to 80 pounds and 8 feet in length when she matures. Although technically she can be considered a toddler, Khaleesi is a very active dragon and can often be found eye-to-eye with zoo visitors in her habitat. Komodo dragons are well-known for their ability to take down large prey such as deer and pigs due to the virulent strains of bacteria in their saliva, which infects their prey when bitten. These strains of bacteria are more than likely the result of feeding regularly on carrion in their native habitats, and Komodo dragons who reside in zoos do not have this characteristic. Herpetologists have also recently begun to suspect that they possess a very primitive venom delivery system. Komodo dragons are vulnerable in their native range, with only an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 individuals remaining on the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang and Gili Dasmi in the Indonesian archipelago in Southeast Asia. Fewer than 100 zoos in the United States currently have Komodo dragons in their animal collections, so Knoxville Zoo is very excited to be able to give visitors the chance to watch Khaleesi grow into a mature dragon. While she may not be a fire-breathing dragon, she certainly seems to be a magical one, according to zoo visitors. “Komodo dragons are one of those animals that every professional zoo herpetologist has on their wish list to work with some day,” says Phil Colclough, curator of herpetology. “She is highly intelligent, and responds to each staff members as an individual. We really look forward to watching her grow and develop along with our visitors as the years go by. She is just a youngster now, but you can tell by the way that she carries herself that she knows what kind of ‘reptile royalty’ she really is.”

Countdown to Knoxville Zoo’s Biggest Splash Yet!

Knoxville Zoo has begun construction on what will be the largest splash pad in the Knoxville area. Plans are to debut the new 5,000 square foot Safari Splash water play area in May, 2012. Located next to the zoo’s Grasslands Africa! region, this safari-themed splash pad includes play areas designed for all ages, from toddlers to teens, and also features a play area where the whole family can get in on the fun. Vertical components

“Knoxville Zoo offers year-long memberships for families and grandparents, too, so visitors can enjoy a summer filled with amazing animals and ‘zoonique’ places to play...” are also a key part of the design, with life-sized giraffes that spout water when kids work together to direct the flow, water hoops and loops, team sprays that use cooperative play to send water several stories in the air and colorful giant flowers. Safari Splash will also have changing areas with storage and restrooms available for visitors’ convenience.

Photo courtesy Knoxville Zoo Get ready to bring the whole family to the new Safari Splash water play area next to the zoo’s Grasslands Africa! region. THe feature is scheduled to open in May.

“This is an experience that we’ve been anticipating bringing to our guests, and we’re very excited it will be a reality this spring,” says Jim Vlna, executive director of Knoxville Zoo. “We hope Safari Splash will make a visit to Knoxville Zoo even more enjoyable and provide guests with another way to cool off during the summer months.” Knoxville Zoo offers year-long memberships for families and grandparents, too, so visitors can enjoy a summer filled with amazing animals and “zoo-nique” places to play, including the Safari Splash, The Clayton Family Kids Cove and Wee Play Zoo, an indoor play area that invites kids to run their own zoo. Knoxville Zoo is located at 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive, Knoxville TN 37914. For more information on all the exciting things in store for you at Knoxville Zoo, visit their Web site at www. knoxvillezoo.org, or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/knoxvillezoo.

Knoxville Parent • May 2012

Adding furry friends to your family What to consider when choosing a pet by Sam Meisler, DVM

arenting takes many forms, and many of us are parents of both children and pets. If you have a dog or a cat or are contemplating the adoption of one, there are a few things to keep in mind. The ages of your children are very important in deciding what kind of dog to acquire. Very young children may not do very well with a small dog as sometimes the dog may be treated unintentionally like a stuffed animal toy. The only defense the dog may have if this occurs may be to bite. Shorthaired breeds are preferred because it is more difficult for a toddler to grab onto them. A very bouncy large breed dog or puppy can also be a danger to toddlers if unsupervised. One breed recommendation for families with small children is the Chinese Pug. Pugs are energetic, small, difficult to pull or grab onto (short hair and short neck) and fairly forgiving. For families with older children (9 year olds and above), consider a Labrador or Golden Retriever. Both breeds are energetic, fun-loving and easily trainable. In addition, there are lots of hybrid breeds that theoretically at least - do not shed (the Labra-Doodle and the GoldenDoodle which are crosses between a Poodle and a Labrador or Golden respectively). Cats are more difficult to select for as there are so many different personality types even within the same breed. I usually recommend that my clients with kids wait until their children can respect a pet’s right to be independent before acquiring a cat. For families with a dog or cat already in the home, having a sound preventive health care program is vital for both your pet and your children. Several diseases that dogs or cats carry can be transmitted in some form or another to humans. For example, adults and children can pick up aberrant infestations of both hookworms and roundworms. Hookworms cause a condition in people, cutaneous larval migrans, where the hookworm larvae migrate into the skin and then travel just under the surface causing intense irritation. Roundworms cause another similar condition, visceral larval migrans. Roundworm larvae are ingested - often by toddlers putting there hands in their mouths before washing - and then migrate across the intestinal wall into our bodies. Usually, our immune system will kill these migrating larvae. Very rarely, however, the larvae migrate through the retina before dying. Young toddlers may end up tragically with visual field deficits. The preventive solution is to 1) keep your dog on a monthly intestinal

“One breed recommendation for families with small children is the Chinese Pug. Pugs are energetic, small, difficult to pull or grab onto (short hair and short neck) and fairly forgiving.” deworming program and 2) pick up feces in the yard and properly dispose of them. We can all be good neighbors and protect the neighborhood children by cleaning up after our pets while on walks as well. In addition, there are certain preventable diseases of dogs and cats that we as humans can be susceptible to. The most well-known one of course is Rabies. Rabies is easily preventible and also quite prevalent in the United States. Rabies is propagated primarily in the US by raccoons and skunks. Bats can also transmit the disease and are the most common source of human rabies cases. Keeping your dog or cat up to date on rabies immunization is the law in Tennessee and helps keep you from coming into contact with a rabid animal. Another thing to remember is that if you or a member of your family is ever bitten by a dog or cat or any wild animal for that matter, please contact your physician in regards to rabies prevention. Another preventable disease of dogs which humans can catch is Leptospirosis. Several cases of Canine Leptospirosis are diagnosed every year in our county. Humans contract the disease by coming in contact with the urine of diseased dogs. For both dogs and humans, the disease can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated. Prevention in dogs is achieved through annual vaccination. Make sure you ask for Leptospirosis vaccination when your dog goes in for his or her annual vaccine visit. Having a dog or cat can be a wonderful addition to your family. Choosing the right pet and keeping your pets healthy goes hand in hand with keeping your children safe.

“For families with a dog or cat already in the home, having a sound preventive health care program is vital for both your pet and your children.”

Sam Meisler DVM is a veterinarian who practices in Knoxville. You can find him at his hospital in on Northshore Drive, My Pet’s Animal Hospital, or online at www.mypetsanimalhospital.com. Dr “Sam” grew up in East Africa with a multitude of pets, both wild and domestic.

Knoxville Parent • May 2012

Art as Learning

The value of art in education by Angela Thomas, Director of Marketing Knoxville Museum of Art

veryone loves the visual arts. They are beautiful to observe, they can tell a story, they can teach us about the past, and can give us a glimpse into someone’s idea of the future. But beyond beauty, the visual arts provide much more. Since the time of hieroglyphics, people have been telling stories visually. And who doesn’t love a game of Pictionary? As the saying Happy young artists at work at the Knoxville goes, a picture is worth a Museum of Art Summer Art Academy. thousand words. So it’s no big surprise that having art in school is a huge benefit and can bring value to every other aspect of learning. Plenty of research supports this theory. The local CBS affiliate in Baltimore in May 2011 reported on a study done by the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities which states “art education is an effective tool for school reform, even as funding for the medium has dwindled.” The “Reinvesting in Arts Education” study examined recent data from Maryland schools and others. The study also found “integrating the arts with other subjects is particularly helpful in raising certain achievement levels.” Additionally the Harvard Educational Review’s Summer 2002 issue published an article by Eric Jensen, the author of Arts with the Brain in Mind. Jensen is neither an arts educator nor an artist, but a researcher. Jensen has compiled and reviewed research studies on the arts, the brain, and learning, which has convinced him that the arts are vital to educating our children and should be taught every day in our schools, just like language arts, math, science, and social studies. In effect, by conducting his review of the research, Jensen has become an advocate for the arts in education. Right here at home, the Tennessee Department of Education lists the following on the 2011-2012 Fine Arts curriculum standards page on their website, “There are no statewide assessments in the arts at this time. However, assessment in the arts classroom is essential to ensure student progress and growth toward becoming a well-educated person in today’s Photo courtesy Knoxville Museum of Art

Angela Thomas is the Director of Marketing for the Knoxville Museum of Art. As the parent of a third grader, she also sees first-hand the value of art in education.

society.” Since parents are the first and primary “teachers” of their children, they have the opportunity (and a responsibility) to introduce the arts to their children at a young age. Just visiting a museum, or attending a play can have a huge impact on children. It is something they can take with them as they grow into adolescence and adulthood. If you haven’t been to a museum lately (or ever), make a point to go. Open the door to new ideas. Start a conversation about it. It could prove to be an invaluable experience.

Looking for a way to introduce your children to the arts this summer? Let the Knoxville Museum of Art help with its 2012 Summer Art Academy. The KMA’s one-week summer art classes will expand your child’s creativity and his or her knowledge of art. All classes are held at the museum. Morning classes are offered each week for children ages 3-12 years, afternoon classes for ages 13 and up. Classes start Monday, June 4, and continue through August 3. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To sign up, call 865.525.6101 ext 246 or email education@knoxart.org. Scholarships are available. Go to www.knoxart.org to see the entire list of classes. Additionally, the Penny for the Arts program is a good way to enjoy various types of art throughout Knoxville. The Penny Performances give every child in Knox County, including home-schooled and private-schooled students, an opportunity to attend arts and culture events/activities at the maximum cost of ONE PENNY when accompanied by an adult during the academic school year. The Penny Performances program meets the local arts community’s long-term goal of serving and educating East Tennessee’s children. For details about the Penny 4 the Arts, go to www.penny4arts.com.

The Knoxville Museum of Art celebrates the art and artists of East Tennessee, presents new art and new ideas, serves and educates diverse audiences, and enhances Knoxville’s quality of life. The museum is located in downtown Knoxville at 1050 World’s Fair Park and is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 10 am–5 pm, and Sunday 1 pm-5 pm. Admission and parking are free. www.knoxart.org.

Knoxville Parent • May 2012

College admissions a parent survival guide by Elizabeth Stucke

fter helping her daughter finalize her college decision, one mom had this advice to offer parents embarking on the college search and admissions process, “Enjoy this time with your child. I know we hear it from the time they are born, but it is true: They grow up so quickly. I was really glad to have more time with her this year exploring her interests and her options for college.” I couldn’t agree more. While teenagers spend their high school years becoming more independent and resisting parent involvement, the college admissions process is one of those times teenagers will crave some parental guidance. Here I discuss three crucial elements for every college applicant and how parents can be involved. Successful college applicants need three elements: S.I.P. An applicant needs to have a strong Sense of Self, to be well Informed, and be well Prepared.

Photo courtesy Maurice Stucke.

“Deciding where to go to college is likely one of the first major decisions your child will face. Becoming well informed about the many excellent choices beyond the typical lists of colleges will help your child find better matches for her interest and talents.”

while I can just see my own daughter rolling her eyes and saying, “Oh, pleeese, spare me,” I know when I recall these stories she’s listening. So try sharing, in a casual way, some positive stories with your child to help her remember how at times she just might have that sense of self. Some high schools offer college application Sense of Self writing seminars where students get a chance Liz Stucke with daughter, Amelia, visiting A “Sense of Self ” is the buzz-word in to discuss these issues and practice writing Princeton University. college admission offices and for a good reason. personal statements with a group of students With college acceptance rates at all time lows or with a counselor. It allows students to see other students grapple with at top universities, more and more parents seem to be programming topics for their personal statement and learn techniques in not sounding their children to be the uber student. Their summers are scheduled with too serious yet not too flippant. It allows them to even question what tutoring and volunteer opportunities or exotic trips and internships. High their motivations have been. If your high school doesn’t offer this type of school classes are chosen not necessarily based on interest, but on its path seminar there are some group sessions listed in the College Services box. to AP exams. In this race to college, students are losing that sense of self,

that is, that which makes him get goose bumps with enthusiasm or makes him tremble with anger so much so that he is moved to action. Then when it comes to writing their personal statement for college admissions, students mistakenly think they need to write about their successes and their concrete plans for becoming a doctor or politician. Instead the admissions officers would like to see those little pivotal moments that makes a student stop and question their own path or get past an embarrassing situation or see their own mistakes and improve themselves from the lesson learned. How can parents help? While it would be wonderful if we all had that perfect “sense of self,” we know from our experiences that we don’t and neither will your child. But there are some great stories along the way that have shaped your child. What are they? Do you remember a time when she looked past friends’ disapproval to do what she thought was right? Or is she so outspoken that there isn’t an argument that she will lose? Perhaps you’ve noticed the quiet observer that takes it all in and makes her own interpretations. And

Informed

Deciding where to go to college is likely one of the first major decisions your child will face. Becoming well informed about the many excellent choices beyond the typical lists of colleges will help your child find better matches for her interest and talents. Help your child approach the research and selection process methodically: Rate college choice criteria: Help your child create a list of important factors in her college selection. These might include a) programs of study; b) leading professors in their field; c) school size; d) distance from home; e) financial aid; f) social activities; g) religious affiliations; h) campus safety; i) intellectual rigor of the student body; k) sports; and many more. Check for biases: Nobel Prize winner, Daniel Kahneman has spent much of his career uncovering how we make decisions. He and many behavioral economists describe many biases that can cloud our decisions. These are a few to watch out for as they relate to college decisions: Continued on next page...

Knoxville Parent • May 2012

...continued from previous page

1. Loss Aversion: We avoid failure at all cost. Is your child shying away from applying to a stretch school because he is afraid of rejection? As long as there is some realistic chance of admission based on scores, there is no harm in applying. Rejection, after all is the backbone of innovation and success. 2. Anchoring: We weigh one piece of information too heavily. A school that does not have the ivy-covered architecture might not “feel right.” But is it really enough to choose a “beautiful” school over one that meets the rest of the criteria? 3. Conformity: doing what others do. Is this college the best choice for your child or is it the school that is comfortable because his friends are going there?

III

Prepared

Applying to college takes work. Great personal statements are not written by great writers, but by individuals who work hard to get it right. They write many drafts, get comments, rework, rethink and rewrite again and again. Beyond working to uncover his sense of self and becoming informed in college selection, your child needs to remember all the little details that can make or break a great application: • Give your recommender ample time, supplies and information to write a great recommendation. • Know when to apply Early Action/Decision versus Regular Decision. • Write thank-you notes to all those who help in the process including recommenders, interviewers and the faculty visited at campuses. • Prepare your interview points such as favorite subject, biggest challenges, motivations, why this university, ambitions for the future, etc. • Check deadlines, spelling, grammar and thoroughness. How can parents help in this process? Help your son or daughter organize the process with checklists and schedules. While students often wait for inspiration to strike, it is really deadlines that strike. Parents often complain that they cannot get their child started early enough in the process. I created the College Application Prep Camp to address this issue. Working together with other students forces them to reflect on their sense of self and begin the process of hard work. In the application camp they are motivated by deadlines months before admissions deadlines, and they end up with well thought out working drafts and applications. In a year’s time, parents of Juniors will also be surprised at how quickly this year has passed. I hope that in this hectic process of assessing, applying, testing and deciding, that you don’t lose sight of the goal. The end goal is not college. College is a means to help our children become productive, happy, purposeful, and independent adults that will ask tough questions, find new answers and be the leaders of tomorrow. The best college admissions process is one that allows them to grow in their unique pursuits and continue their personal story. Liz Stucke, president of www.LSAdmissionsPrep.com in Knoxville, TN has her MBA from Columbia University and was the College Counselor at the British School of Beijing. A long-time Georgetown alumni admissions interviewer, Liz helps her students uncover their unique voice and present applications that show a strong sense of self. Her College Admissions Prep (CAP) Camp will be on July 16 through 19, 2012 in West Knoxville. Comments and questions are welcome at stuckeliz@gmail.com.

COLLEGE ADMISSION PREP SERVICES GUIDE LS ADMISSIONS PREP

Website: www.LSAdmissionsPrep.com Contact: Liz Stucke stuckeliz@gmail.com LS Admissions Prep helps students navigate the college admissions process including college search and admissions application guidance. Liz Stucke, MBA, a former College Counselor at the British School of Beijing and a long-time Georgetown alumni admissions interviewer helps her students uncover their unique voice and present applications that show a strong sense of self. Currently filling spaces for this summer’s College Application Prep Camp: July 16 – July 19, 2012; 1:00 – 4:00 pm; West Knoxville. Jumpstart your college applications during this four-day application camp with follow up individual sessions. Create working drafts of your activity sheet and personal statements, create an application strategy outline, and practice college interviews.

COLLEGE APPLICATION COACHING (CAC)

website: https://sites.google.com/site/collegeapplicationcoaching/ contact: Nancy McGlasson at ntmcglasson@gmail.com CAC offers individual and small group coaching. Small groups form around topics, which vary from the full college search process to a narrower focus such as essay writing or interview preparation. Small groups range from consisting of 11 sessions (8 with the small group plus 3 private sessions) scheduled over several months to a single morning’s workshop. There are separate programs for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Contact the director or check the website for announcements of newly forming groups. Individual coaching is also available. Following her 40-year career at UTK, Nancy McGlasson retired in 2009 as UTK’s Director of Undergraduate Admissions. She then worked for two years as a consultant at West High School for the Knox County School’s Distinguished Professionals Education Institute. She established the successful College Awareness/Access/ Admission Program (CA3P) pilot at West. CAC is a new venture, opening at the end of 2011.

COLLEGE SEARCH CONSULTANTS

Contact: Bonnie G. Carpenter, M.S. 5410 Homberg Drive Ste. 27 Knoxville, TN 37919 865-588-8099 colleges@bonniecarpenter.com Since 1990...a complete individualized service including personality and career assessments, identifying college matches, application and scholarship assistance. Member: National Association for College Admission Counseling

TESTPREP EXPERTS

Webstie: www.testprepexperts.com Contact: Michael K. Smith 865-694-4108 or michaelks@aol.com TESTPREP EXPERTS was founded by Michael K. Smith, Ph.D. 30 years ago to help students prepare for the important college admissions tests, ACT and SAT. Our individual tutoring and group classes are offered year round and usually last the 10 to 15 weeks before an actual national test date. Summer programs are starting in June to prepare for early fall ACT/SAT/PSAT. TESTPREP EXPERTS is conveniently located at 308 South Peters Rd.

Knoxville Parent • May 2012

Education in motion Fitness tips for families

nox County Schools’ Coordinated School Health Department collaborates with schools, families, and community groups to improve the overall health of students. Knowing that habits begin at an early age, it’s important that students arrive to school ready to learn and create behaviors that support life-long healthy living. Health care providers are finding more and more children with type 2 diabetes, a disease that was formerly associated with adults. Healthy eating and active living are essential to preventing type 2 diabetes. Coordinated School Health provides health screenings, staff wellness, afterschool fitness and nutrition clubs, and facilitates healthy school teams throughout all 88 Knox County Schools. It also works to prepare educators with tools that can be used to integrate physical activity into the school curriculum. Aneisa McDonald, Coordinated School Health Specialist for the Knox County Schools, encourages families to discover ways they can get and stay fit together. “Walking, running, and hiking are lifetime activities that are typically free of charge,” said McDonald. “We have about 100 miles of greenways and trails within Knox County that can help integrate fitness into your family’s routine outside of the school day.” Here are some frequently asked questions that parents may have about including fitness into their family’s schedule: Q: What is offered during the school year? A: Many before- and after-school activity clubs provide ways to stay fit during the school year. Walk to School Day will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012. It is an international observance that showcases the importance of making healthy and active lifestyle choices. Q: How can you measure fitness accountability with your child? A: A pedometer is a great tool to measure fitness. A healthy goal is walking 10,000 steps a day. You can easily teach your children how to use a pedometer and integrate fitness goals into their lives each and every day. Q: Do you have tips for when the weather keeps you inside? A: Gaming units, such as Wii Fit, can help tremendously when staying indoors is the only option. Other ideas can be more creative, like simply turning up some music and dancing. Fun is the key to connecting with your child, so try to make it enjoyable for everyone. Q: How long should exercise last? A: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends exercising daily, in some capacity, for at least 60 minutes. Q: My family’s schedule is hectic. How can I find the time to exercise? A: A great strategy for making sure you achieve consistent physical activity is by scheduling it on your calendar – just like you do other things that are important in your life. Some people like to have an exercise ‘buddy’ to maintain accountability. Remember, the key for success is to keep it fun, even if you are very busy. Q: How can I multitask while exercising? A: If your child participates in organized sports (like soccer or baseball), take your walking shoes. Many parents are able to keep an eye on their children while getting some exercise in for themselves at the same time.

Knoxville Parent • May 2012

Knox County Schools’ Coordinated School Health & the City of Knoxville Parks & Recreation present Knoxville’s inaugural Let’s Move! events PRESENTERS, SPONSORS, AND OTHER PARTNERS: • Presenters of the event include Coordinated School Health, City of Knoxville Parks & Recreation, Knoxville Area Obesity Coalition, Knoxville Track Club, Knox County Health Department, and Project GRAD •

Sponsors include Walgreens, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee Community Trust, Home Depot, Moon Walks & Such, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

•

Additional partners include: University of Tennessee Department of Nutrition, Knox County School Nutrition, Knoxville District Dietetic Association, University of Tennessee Extension, Together! Healthy Knox, Interfaith Health Clinic, TENNder Care, and Volunteer State Health Plan More information can be found at www.knoxschools.org.

noxville’s effort toward First Lady Michelle Obama’s campaign to get kids active and eating healthy, is the Let’s Move! event on Saturday, May 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both Victor Ashe and Holston Chilhowee Parks. The event is free and provides an opportunity to learn and explore various healthy living activities. Let’s Move! is presented by Knox County Schools Coordinated School Health and the City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation and will host handson activity booths, physical activity demonstrations, and opportunities to connect local youth and families with athletic groups. Participants will receive complimentary “Walk with Walgreens” pedometer kits, and several door prize opportunities will be given throughout the event. Home Depot will hold the grand door prize drawing for a new grill at each location. ACTIVITIES • Participants will receive a free Walk with Walgreens kit and take a pedometer challenge to see how many steps they can accumulate while exploring a greenway of activity stations. Families can walk, run, jump, dance, hula hoop, paddle, climb and try a variety of sports. •

Physical activity demonstrations will occur throughout the day

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Nutritionists will be on hand to share ideas about how to build a healthy plate. In honor of Cinco de Mayo, Knox County Schools’ Nutrition will provide a cooking demonstration of quick and easy chicken fajitas

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Knox County Schools Physical Education teachers will lead a variety of stations focused on balance, coordination and gross motor skills

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Home Depot will provide gardening demonstrations, free vegetable plants for families and a chance to win a free grill

CHECK OUT THESE GREAT EVENTS! Let’s Move! Knoxville Saturday, May 5, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Let’s Move! Flash Mob dancing from noon to 2 p.m.) (Home Depot Grill grand door prize drawing at 3 p.m.)

Victor Ashe Park (4901 Bradshaw Road) Holston Chilhowee Park (5900 Asheville Highway)

Knoxville Track Club Youth Athletics Kids Road Mile Prior to Let’s Move!, Knoxville Track Club Youth Athletics will host a Kids Road Mile. Those who participate will need to either register in advance online at www.ktcyouthathletics.org for $10 or sign up at the event for $12 Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 8:30 a.m.

Victor Ashe Park (4901 Bradshaw Road)

Let’s Move! Bike Ride Knox County Parks and Recreation will hold a bike ride. Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 5 p.m.

Ten Mile Creek Greenway (Beginning at Walker Springs Park located at 700 Kidder Lane)

Knoxville Parent • May 2012

Knox County Schools PARENT UNIVERSITY “P.E.” (Parent Empowerment) Classes and Events Submitted by Tracey Matthews, KCS Supervisor of Family and Community Engagement May 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, and 31: “Nurturing Parenting” classes are held at the Child & Family Tennessee Building on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – Noon and Thursdays 4 – 6 p.m. May 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, and 31: “Access Granted: Internet Assistance and Access” classes are held at the Phyllis Wheatley YMCA from 6 – 7:30 p.m. May 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, and 22: “GED Classes” take place at Pond Gap Elementary from 4:30– 6:30 p.m. and are open to all Knox County Schools’ parents. May 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29: “English Language Learners (formerly ESL) Class” registration takes places every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. at Historic Knoxville High, 101 E. 5th Avenue. Registration takes about 90 minutes. Call 594-3622 or email laura.inman@ knoxschools.org or connie.marsee@knoxschools.org for more information. May 2, 9, and 16: “ESL Classes” take place at Pond Gap Elementary from 6 – 7 p.m. and are open to all Knox County Schools’ parents. May 3, 10, and 17: “Women’s Support and Discussion Group” meetings take place at Pond Gap Elementary from 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. and are open to all Knox County women. May 5: “Let’s Move!” is a free family event focused on physical education and will include activities from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Victor Ashe Park and Holston Chilhowee Park. It also includes a Knoxville Track Club Youth Athletics Kids Road Mile at 8:30 a.m. just prior to “Let’s Move!” at Victor Ashe Park (registration required). Visit www.knoxschools. org for more information. May 5: “Families and Siblings United” will be held the first Sunday of each month from 3-5 p.m. at Boones Creek Christian Church located at 305 Christian Church Road in Gray. Topics vary each month. For more information, email siblings@mail.etsu.edu or call (423) 439-7586. May 5, 12, 19, and 26: “Chess For Kids (all ages)” classes are held at the Knox County Public Library Bearden Branch starting at 2 p.m. May 7, 14, 21, and 28: “Fountain City Scrabblers” (all ages) group meets every Monday at 6 p.m. at the Fountain City Branch Library. Join other Scrabble™ enthusiasts and pit your wits against other word lovers. May 7&8, 14&15, and 21&22: (two days are required): “Adult Education Registration/ Orientation” classes are held from 12:30– 4:30 p.m. or 5 – 9 p.m. at the Historic Knoxville High School. Once registered, Adult Education Classes take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. – Noon and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 594-3622 to sign up for mandatory orientation. May 8: P.E.A.P – “Parents Educating and Assisting Parents” is a support group for parents, grandparents, and foster parents of children with autism and Asperger’s syndrome meets the second Tuesday of each month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Mountain Region Speech & Hearing Center, V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex 301 Louis St, Ste. 101, Kingsport TN 37660. If would like to attend, please call (423) 246-4600.

May 31 & June 1: “10th Annual TN Disability MegaConference” held at the Nashville Airport Marriot. The conference has an overarching theme of “Sharing Our Strengths: Tools for Empowerment and Change” organized into five tracks, including; Tools for Economic Well Being, Personal Fulfillment and Quality of Life, Advocacy, and Community Engagement. The MegaMarketplace will be there too; free event where self-advocate entrepreneurs exhibit for free to sell their wares and advertise their services.

Other Dates to Remember:

May 17 – 19: KCS High School Commencements (various times – visit www.knoxschools. org for more information) May 23: Last Day for Students (Half Day) May 28: Memorial Day

Free Family Resource of the Month:

K-Town Youth Empowerment Network - A System of Care serving Knox County youth ages 14-21 with serious emotional and behavioral needs, and serving their families. Getting through school, planning a career, finding a place to live, maintaining a social life, and staying out of trouble–it can all be a real challenge, especially if you’re dealing with emotional issues. K-Town staff and volunteers help you find the services, skills and resources you need to take your next big steps toward independence. They encourage you to build on your own unique strengths, talents, culture, and support systems to achieve your goals. For more information visit K-Town Youth Empowerment Network, 901 E. Summit Hill Drive, Fort Hill Building, Suite 100, Knoxville, TN 37915, (865) 523-0701 www.ktownyouthempowerment.org. For details and more information about any class or other information, please visit www. knoxschools.org, select “Parents,” and then select “Family and Community Engagement.”

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230 Papermill Pl Way Knoxville

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May 10: “Parents of Dynamic Rebels: A Group for Moms with Teens” meetings are held every second Thursday of the month at the Phyllis Wheatley YMCA from 6 – 7 p.m.

NEXT TO THUNDER CREEK HARLEY DAVIDSON

May 10: K-Town “Family to Family Support Group” is for family members and friends of those suffering with emotional and behavioral challenges. Meetings are the second Thursday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m. in Knoxville. The group offers an opportunity to talk with others who understand and can give emotional support, plus share ways to cope, exceed expectations, and achieve dreams. For more information, contact scutler@ tnvoices.org or (865) 474-6689.

STORE HOURS 9am-9pm Mon-Thurs 9am-10pm Fri/Sat 11am-7pm Sun

May 12: ASA-ETC is holding a FREE “Autism Orientation Workshop” at Lifecare in Kingsport, TN from 9 - 11am. You will learn the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder, how autism affects behavior, implications for learning and interventions, a parent’s perspective on intervention, and family support services in your community. Please register by email to asaetc@gmail.com or by calling (615) 547-5082.

MCKAYBOOKS.COM

May 18: “Joy Prom” will be held at Grace Fellowship Church in Johnson City from 5-8 p.m. It is a FREE event with dancing, games, and more. For more information and to register, visit www.gracejohnson.com.

(SEASONLY STORE HOURS WILL VARY)

explore with your child!

Knoxville Parent • May 2012

Allowances...or work...or both

Allowances... or Work... or Both?

by Kristina Canan, Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union Marketing Specialist

Parental goals when paying an allowance... 1) shift some spending decisions to the child. 2) eliminate or dramatically reduce the need for the child to have to ask for money, and 3) provide a method, under proper supervision, for learning about accumulating money coupled with proper spending techniques.

Ages 2 to 8 $ Assign basic household chores. Even a four-year-old can make his or her bed and pick up playthings. Have a list of ‘little jobs’ that small hands can do to earn a dime or a quarter. Provide a piggy bank for savings and little sheets for easy record keeping. $ Don’t buy toys on demand. Help your child to look forward to birthdays and holidays for special items. $ Let your child learn about actions and consequences. Having possessions brings responsibilities, such as putting away a game to avoid losing pieces.

Ages 9 to 12 $ Allow your child to begin making more decisions on his or her own. $ Give a specific allowance and stick to it - or give none at all. Some parents have found the best way to teach children to value money is to have them earn it. $ Try not to pay for regular chores. If you do, there may come a time when he or she might refuse you because money isn’t needed.

Ages 13 to 18 $ Be consistent. Continue to have daily household chores. No child should be too busy to pick up after himself or herself and help out around the house. $ Help your child to think about others. A great family activity is donating time to a worthy cause. By the Institute of Consumer Financial Education

Family Activity Idea . . . . . . Set up a family change jar to save for a family treat! Decide with the family how the money is to be spent and set a goal - like a new gaming system, TV or family vacation. Be sure all family members contribute either by putting in a percentage of their earnings, by giving a weekly amount per year of age, or by some other way on which everyone agrees. Remember, the family that saves together (and learns to share ideas and make decisions) can buy neat stuff together!

tvacreditunion.com

The question of allowances is often raised by parents and children alike. While it is a personal decision, the concept of giving an allowance and having work income seems to work best. Start by establishing a base allowance for each child. Then if the child wants more money, create a list of jobs and other duties that the child may perform at will if he or she wants to earn additional money. For each item on the list, there should be a set amount of compensation and a complete description of the work to be done so there is no question about what was to be done, or how to determine when the task was properly completed. Help children form good work habits and job skills by keeping weekly and monthly records. List the dates jobs are assigned and completed as well as extra jobs available to increase earnings and savings. Also keep track of progress towards reaching your child’s savings goal.

Knoxville Parent • May 2012

Being smart behind the wheel

Driving information for parents and teens by Chief Lee Tramel, Knox County Sheriff ’s Office

“Car crashes kill more than 5,000 teens each year. Inexperience, risk taking, and driver distraction are all contributing factors.”

hen I was 16-years-old, I remember thinking, “As long as I stay in my lane I can drive as fast as the road will allow.” This “no fear”, “too young to die” attitude is partly the reason that the number one killer for people between the ages of 15 and 20-years-old is due to auto accidents. Car crashes kill more than 5,000 teens each year. Inexperience, risk taking, and driver distraction are all contributing factors. Cell phone use, loud music, changing discs, as well as tuning the radio, are also potentially deadly distractions behind the wheel. And when the teen driver has friends in the car, the risk is even higher. The more the passengers, the greater the chance of a serious crash. Common teen driver distractions that can be deadly Friend in another vehicle: Don’t let saying “hi” or other fun and games take your attention off the road. Never try to pass anything from one moving vehicle to another. Loud music or headphones: Hearing what’s going on around you is just as important as seeing what’s going on around you. It is extremely dangerous to wear headphones or earbuds and have the volume of your radio so high that you can’t hear traffic conditions, such as other vehicles warning horns or emergency sirens. In most states it is illegal to wear headphones or earbuds while driving. The “show off ” factor: It may be tempting to go faster, turn sharper, or beat another car through an intersection. Many teens fail to realize they are no longer “competing for fun” and are now using a 3,000 to 5,000 pound “weapon” in this competition. Learner permits, restricted & unrestricted driver licenses The Graduated Driver Licensing law places certain restrictions on teens under the age of 18 who have a learner permit and driver license. Anyone under the age of 18 must have his learner permit for a minimum of six months before applying for an intermediate restricted license. The minimum age for applying for an intermediate restricted license is 16-years-old. Those with an intermediate license can only have one other passenger in the vehicle UNLESS At least one passenger is 21-years-old or older and has a valid, unrestricted license; OR the passengers are brothers and sisters, step-brothers or step-sisters, or adopted or foster children residing in the same house as the driver, and the intermediate license holder has in his possession a letter from the driver’s parent authorizing passengers to be in the motor vehicle for the sole purpose of going to and from school. Those with an Intermediate Restricted License are also prohibited from driving between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. UNLESS they meet the following circumstances: • They are accompanied by a parent or guardian, or accompanied by

• • •

a licensed driver 21-years-old or older who has been designated by the parent or guardian. This designation must be in writing and in the possession of the teen driver. • They are driving to or from a specifically identified school-sponsored activity or event and have in their possession written permission from a parent or guardian to do this. They are driving to or from work and have in their possession written permission from the parent or guardian identifying the place of employment and authorizing the driver to go to and from work; or They are driving to or from hunting or fishing between 4:00 a.m.– 6:00 a.m. and have in their possession a valid hunting or fishing license. The Intermediate Restricted License must be held by the teen for a minimum period of one year before the teen can apply for an unrestricted Intermediate license.

IMPORTANT: A teen driver will be ineligible for an Unrestricted Intermediate License for an additional 90 days beyond the minimum one year if: •

The driver has received six or more points (the equivalent of two minor traffic citations) on their Intermediate Restricted License; or • The driver has contributed to a traffic crash; or • The driver has been convicted of a second seat belt violation. • Also, if the teen driver gets a second moving violation while holding the Intermediate Restricted License, an approved Driver Education class must be completed before receiving an Intermediate Unrestricted License. These laws are in place to help reduce teen driving accidents that can lead to serious injury or even death. The latest data shows promise that the programs in place are working. But we still must strive to work hard and make sure that our children have all the information they need so we can protect them until they are old enough to protect themselves. 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 10 year old daughter.

Knoxville Parent • May 2012

Daddy, why can I not go with you? By Mike Bailey

ou may remember the name Art Linkletter. Photo courtesy Mike Bailey He had a TV show called Kids Say the Darndest Things. As a parent, you have many memories of the times your child said something noteworthy. Time is precious and best spent together; it can be snagged just about anywhere. I am father of three fantastic daughters: Katie 21, McKenzie 18 and Caroline 12. These girls bring many blessings to their mom (Kim) and me, now married for 23 years. I would like to share with you just a glimpse of my life with the “Bailey Girls” in hopes you will look at your own children and count your many blessings. My oldest was only about three when I quit Katie, McKenzie, and Caroline Bailey learned early on that expectation of being turned down. On that my job and began Bailey Insurance Service in thier father would make time for them as they grew up. occasion, I was only going for milk, so I said, the basement of our Cedar Bluff home. Time “Well, Katie, sure you can go!” Even a quick trip was at a premium and I had many places to to Weigels can be valuable time. From then on, I be working to make ends meet. Katie loved to go places with me and asked, looked for ways to say, “Yes, come go with Daddy.” “Daddy, why can I not go with you?” At once I realized that she asked with the One morning while getting dressed when McKenzie was about three, I found her wearing her new OshKosh B’Gosh overalls. She was standing in front of the full length mirror, hands in her pockets, twisting back and forth, apparently admiring herself. I asked, “McKenzie, you really like the way you look, don’t you?” She kept twisting, looking at herself in the mirror and replied, “I got pockets.” I can still hear her sweet 3 year old voice and see her head full of curly reddish blonde hair. Oh what a memory! Adults can be reminded to appreciate things like pockets from our little ones. For too few years, I had the privilege of driving Katie and McKenzie to elementary school. This was a special time when I could hear from them; what was on their hearts and play little games. We used to listen to “Mose The Fire Man”, a tape that we got in a Chick-fil-A kids meal. The girls loved the story and being quizzed by me afterward. Each of us gained from the strong character content. We nearly always played the heater game on the way to school. My car numerically indicated engine temperature. Katie and McKenzie would guess at Come visit America's largest the temperature several times before it reached the peak of 210º. We had great laughs from the competition. underground lake! When Kim was pregnant with Caroline, number last, we all four looked forward to the birth day with great anticipation. When that day arrived and Registered National momma was preparing to “push,” we four gathered around momma to pray. I Landmark began then Mom, then Katie and last McKenzie. “Little Mack” prayed, “Dear God, don’t let Mommy and Daddy forget about me and Katie.” A wise man once said, the best things you can do for your children is love their Open every day but mom, pray for them and spend time with them. So, when the kids ask, “Daddy, Christmas day why can I not go with you?” Answer, “I wouldn’t think of going without you!”

“For too few years, I had the privilege of driving Katie and McKenzie to elementary school. This was a special time when I could hear from them; what was on their hearts and play little games.”

Group rates available Special Wild Cave Tours available 140 Lost Sea Road, Sweetwater, TN 37874 • (423) 337-6616 www.TheLostSea.com

Mike Bailey is a dad, husband, community volunteer and the owner of Bailey Insurance Service located in Middlebrook Plaza in Knoxville.

Now offering all Vaccinations!!!

We are now oďŹ&#x20AC;ering vaccinations for all medical needs. If you or your family has not has not yet received any vaccinations that are required or suggested by the Tennessee Department of Health then we can help. We understand that time is valuable, and feel that you and your family should be able to receive the medical attention needed at one convenient location. Call today to set your appointment. We are now accepting new TennCare and Medicare recipients as well as most major insurances.

Thank You !!!

We would like to think the following businesses that donated to our JDRF fundraiser!

Dollywood, Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies, Tennessee Smokies, Knoxville Ice Bears, Q93.1, The Rush, Event rentals, Campbell Event Rentals, Physicans Sales and Services, PDIS, Suntan city, Daniels Uselton and Clay P.C, DJ Slim, Squeaky Clean, Primary Care Diagnostics, Creative Business Systems, Saratoga, Sensible Solutions, Optima Recovery Services, Alliance MS, Aeris Healthcare, Earnistine King AďŹ&#x201A;ac, Hard Knox Roller Girls, KFD, Cash Now, Mimis Cafe, Appalachian Coal, Lifeway Christian Store, Everything knoxville, Work out anytime, Skirt Magazine, Knoxville Parent, Fresh Market, Tiger lilly Candles, Hicks Orthotics, Menchies Yogurt, The Cup, Out Patient Diagnostic Center, AEL, Interstate Clips, Y12, UCAA, Jim Cogdill Dodge & The Smokestack

Summer Fun with Shrek & Friends

Weekends from May 25 through September 2, 2012 Create the vacation tale of a lifetime when you meet favorite characters from DreamWorks Animation films like Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda at Gaylord Opryland® Resort. Become an honorary ogre at the scrumptious ShrekFeast. Enjoy DreamWorks-themed games, treats and surprises for the entire family. Summer Fun with Shrek & Friends: It’s epic!

Book your Summer Getaway Today! GaylordOpryland.com | 888-677-9872