Knoxville Parent - October 2012 by Knoxville Parent

October 2012

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Educating the Whole Child

KNOXVILLE

October 2012 Volume I • Issue 8

Shouldn’t politics be like math? Critical thinking skills learned in school can help with other life decisions. PAGE 6

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

Contributing Writers Ellen Blasius Kristina Howard Michael Kull James McIntyre, Ph.D. Erin Nguyen Mike O’Hern Lori Patterson, M.D., FAAP Michael Smith, Ph.D. Kathryn Rea Smith, Ph.D. Lee Tramel Piotr Ulmer, MSPT Liza Zenni

Leading by example Register to vote, and teach your children to do the same

PAGE 18

Education as entertainment The Penny For The Arts program offers families an affordable opportunity to enjoy the arts and learn something new. PAGE 21

Kathleen Gibi City of Knoxville, Parks and Contributing Photographers Recreation Division The Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville Ellen Liston Knox County Schools East Tennessee Children’s Knox County Parks & Rec Hospital Eva Nations Tracey Matthews Knox County Department of Education Elizabeth Pooley Marketing Professional Lee Tramel Knox County Sheriff ’s Department Liza Zenni The Artts and Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville Parent publications are GREAT places to advertise! For more information, please call: (865) 622-9680. Contact Info: Phone: 865.622.9680 Fax: 888.457.9602 E-mail: KnoxvilleParent@gmail.com KnoxvilleParent.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 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.

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

A letter from the publishers

13 Events for the month of October and Knox County

Teach your children to balance mind, body and spirit

16 Stranger danger: Teach your children to be safe

Childwise: Shouldn’t politics be like math?

17 You...your kids...and money!

Housecalls: The importance of immunizations: part 2

18 Leading by example: Register to vote, and teach

Live and Learn: Don’t let your child be a target

19 Scarecrows in the Park! Eerie entertainment and

EQ as well as IQ: Fostering Emotional Intelligence in Children

20 The list: Ten terrific books about life lessons

A note from the Knox County Superintendent

21 The creative kid: Education as entertainment? You

What’s new in Knox County Schools?

Parent University listings

your children to do the same easy exercise

bet!

22 Knox Kids Puzzle Place

on the cover:

Local kids visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies to enjoy and learn about the many fish and other sea life on display. Photo Courtesy Eva Nations

Knoxville Parent is now online!

Visit us at KnoxvilleParent.com 3

Knoxville Parent • October 2012

A message from the Publishers by Eva Nations and Michael Kull

This month’s theme is “Educating the Whole Child.” As we all know, education doesn’t just happen at school. Children are curious, observant and can learn much about life from their environment. Beyond the walls of the schoolhouse, there is a whole world of learning opportunities, and not just for the mind. It is important to educate minds, bodies, and spirits, so that children have the best opportunity to be successful, no matter what they choose to do in life (see Piotr Ulmer’s article on page 5). The articles in this issue are a great starting point for exploring this world of the mind, body and spirit. With a holisitc approach to education, children can learn that their future is in their hands, because educating the whole child contributes to balanced emotions (see Kathryn Smiths article on page 10), good decision making and strong, effective leadership. This knowledge can give them the power to take control of their lives. By providing them with proper direction, children can learn to respect, love and honor life. In a free society, those who learn to make good, ethical decisions have also learned to think and act for the highest good of everyone around them. They know how to get things done and are regarded as good leaders. This is especially important in an election year, when we exercise the right and privilege to vote (see the article on page 18). How we choose our leaders comes even before deciding who we choose. As parents, we can help our children learn the critical thinking skills needed to make good choices (see Mike Smith’s article on page 6). Educating the whole child will teach them to make good decisions, teach them how to recognize and support good leaders, and they might even become those leaders themselves. We trust that you will take the theme of educating the whole child beyond the pages of this magazine and explore new ways of teaching and learning, so that your children can become healthy, balanced and successful builders of the future. Sincerely, Eva and Michael

Knoxville Parent • October 2012

by Piotr Ulmer, MSPT

Teach your child to balance body, mind and spirit

or the past 16 years, my work in Manual Therapy (a more hands-on approach to physical therapy) has taught me that life doesn’t just happen in the physical world. There are other “dimensions” that interact with and influence the physical. In my practice, paying attention to only the physical part leaves out important information needed to help people heal their physical bodies. These other dimensions deal with our emotional/mental state and our spiritual condition. In Manual Therapy, all three dimensions are manifested in the same basic anatomical planes that are used in basic anatomy. Physical problems manifest on the Transverse (horizontal) plane, mentally and emotionally induced tensions manifest on the Coronal (frontal) plane, and spirituality corresponds with the Sagittal (vertical) plane. Until I began my professional training, I was not aware of just how many physical problems coincide with, and even stem from, emotional injuries. I have been taught to integrate a wide range of diagnostic and treatment technologies in order to recognize the relationship between a patient’s physical and emotional states. For example, from my studies, I observe that oftentimes those who have a hard time quitting smoking also have unresolved experiences of grief. Both the smoke and the emotion become “deposited” in the lungs. This new awareness about the connections between the physical, emotional and spiritual has caused me to see the upbringing of my own children in a completely different light. I realize that, as a parent, I may unknowingly hurt my children for life by setting too high a bar based on my own ambitions and motivations. I realize how important it is for all children to share in the peace and stability of their parent’s lives, because just witnessing a parent’s turmoil can have a lasting effect on a child. I also have noticed how people, young and old, who earnestly practice prayer become somehow more resilient to the “winds” and pressures of life, both physical and emotional. The three dimensional philosophy of life has been present in many systems, approaches and schools of thought. Whether it was in church, school, business or a sport, we’ve all heard in some form or another that nurturing the body, mind, and spirit is vital for success. For example, in 2008 I was invited to a “Cursillo (from Spanish – short course) in Christianity” weekend, where I learned about the Tripod, which became one of my foundational blocks of life. A tripod is a stool with three legs supporting us as we sit on it. All three legs have to be in place, otherwise we fall. Here, the three legs are: 1. Piety, 2. Study, 3. Action. Piety (prayer life) means spirituality, Study is about mental engagement and fitness, and Action manifests physical life effort. In short, body, mind, and spirit. This combo can’t be beat. Over the years, I’ve learned that our physical and mental performance and health depends on a fulfilled and active spiritual life. An overload in the emotional/ mental plane can be successfully dealt with by addressing the other, remaining two planes: physical and spiritual. When applied daily, focusing on all three dimensions can be transformative, and it has a “ripple” effect on our reality, making our lives more alive. This approach is so important to me, that I have introduced the three dimensional approach to my own children. I want them to be more alive from the beginning, and not wait for an “awakening” at the age of forty. In my experience all three dimensions continuously interact with each other and depend on one another. It means that we all do better and perform better physically when we are in balance with the mental/emotional and spiritual parts 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.

“The three dimensional philosophy of life has been present in many systems, approaches and schools of thought. Whether it was in church, school, business or a sport, we’ve all heard in some form or another that nurturing the body, mind, and spirit is vital for success.” of our life. That’s why a football coach wants his players to arrive at least an hour before the game, so they can not only stretch and warm up physically, but also be peaceful, focused and soaked in the spirit of competition, rather than the spirit of rushing in at the last minute, still grieving over an unfinished round of “Age of Empires” on the home computer. Let’s ask ourselves: do we teach our children life in all three dimensions? Do we approach the joy and duty of preparing our children for life in the big wide world the right way? Do we appreciate how wonderfully we are made? Do we step back to see “the big picture” and realize the complexities our children are facing? If we want to help them to perform better, we need to create a balance between the three dimensions of the world around them. And remember, kids don’t always do what we tell them to do, rather they sometimes imitate our behaviors and actions. It may mean that we ourselves need to rethink and re-prioritize not just our schedules, but our own hearts.

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Knoxville Parent • October 2012

by Michael K. Smith Ph.D.

Shouldn’t politics be like math?

hat should a good Republican parent think if his or her child wants to vote for Obama? Alternatively, how would a solid Democratic parent view his son or daughter’s support for Romney? How do children develop a political consciousness? What part should schools, parents, and the community play in educating children on political issues? With a presidential election approaching, many parents have probably already decided on their Presidential choice. It would not be surprising either if many young children mirror their parents’ decision. However, could we, as parents, answer specific questions from our children? More than stating “I like” this candidate or “I hate” that candidate, could we explain why we are voting for a particular person? For instance, what are each candidate’s positions on major social issues? Could we explain, in some detail, the difference between the two candidates on issues of health care, Medicare, the budget deficit, educational reform, and foreign policy? The emergence of political consciousness should parallel the development of critical thinking abilities. Teachers are specifically trained to promote problem solving and critical thinking skills in students as these students study mathematics, science, and social studies. The ability to evaluate political issues uses many of the same skills needed to do mathematical problem solving. One of the mathematical standards in the Common Core states that students should learn to “Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.” “Mathematically proficient students understand and use stated assumptions, definitions, and previously established results in constructing arguments. They are able to analyze situations by breaking them into cases, and can recognize and use counterexamples. They justify their conclusions, communicate them to others, and respond to the arguments of others. They reason inductively about data, making plausible arguments that take into account the context from which the data arose. Mathematically proficient students are also able to compare the effectiveness of two plausible arguments, distinguish correct logic or reasoning from that which is flawed, and—if there is a flaw in an argument—explain what it is.” Furthermore, the Common Core speaking and listening standards for Grades 11-12 state that students should be able to “Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, assessing the stance, premises, links among ideas, word choice, points of emphasis, and tone used.” What better place to use these skills than in discussing and debating major political issues! What if students took the political arguments of each candidate, examined the evidence and logic presented, and tried to

“Just as students solve a ‘problem’ in mathematics, could they not also learn to solve a ‘problem’ in politics?” determine if the conclusions were logical? Just as students solve a “problem” in mathematics, could they not also learn to solve a “problem” in politics? Are the “answers” provided by politicians to political problems reasonable? Furthermore, what better place to evaluate the use of “rhetoric” and “tone” than in listening to political debates? Should the upcoming presidential debates be assigned homework, with students

utilizing Common Core skills? Admittedly, political problems are often extremely controversial. Teachers should not necessarily bear the primary burden for teaching political reasoning skills. Both the broader community and individual parents can help students develop these skills. Civic groups, libraries, and other organizations could host independent discussions of issues, so children, our future voting age citizens, could listen to debates on complicated issues. Newspapers and magazines could present, side by side, differing viewpoints of candidates. Parents, if they can temporarily restrain their own point of view, could discuss objectively with their children contrasts in candidates. Unfortunately, most children probably think that political consciousness consists of two candidates constantly criticizing each other. These children may only see partisan political ads on television or hear mainly one-sided discussions on television or radio. The development of true political critical thinking abilities may take the “whole” community. Parents and educators agree that students need to develop critical thinking skills in reading, mathematics, and science to survive in the 21st century workplace. Just as we have mathematics standards for these skills, should we not also have “political” standards that outline strategies to think and reason about controversial issues in a democracy? Then, mathematics and politics would be alike and both would be more interesting to our children. 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.

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Knoxville Parent • October 2012

The importance of immunizations: part 2 By Lori Patterson, M.D., FAAP

hen it comes to their children’s immunizations, some parents are choosing to listen to more than their doctor for information. Parents and caregivers are getting medical advice from message boards, blogs and other online sources. As a result, concerns and rumors have spread regarding the safety and purpose of vaccines. Dr. Lori Patterson, pediatric infectious disease specialist, responds to common questions and misconceptions of immunizations.

“Numerous studies have found absolutely no link between vaccines and autism.”

Q: A:

How long does a vaccine’s immunity work?

Q: A:

Do immunizations or thimerosal cause autism?

Numerous studies have found absolutely no link between vaccines and autism. Still, to reduce exposure to the tiny amount of mercury contained in thimerosal (a mercurycontaining preservative used in some vaccines), vaccine manufacturers started removing the chemical from vaccines in 1999. Most vaccines for children now contain no thimerosal. The autism claim was made in a 1998 paper concerning a possible link to the MMRvaccine; the paper was retracted in 2004, and its lead author was found guilty of fraud. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have all rejected any link between autism and any vaccine.

Why should I vaccinate my child against diseases that are rare or close to elimination?

While a disease may be rare or nonexistent in the United States, they can still cause problems elsewhere in the world. Vaccines are necessary to protect against contracting these diseases through travel. This includes Americans traveling overseas and those who bring in a disease with them while visiting the United States. When a disease becomes completely eradicated worldwide, it is then safe to stop vaccinations for that disease, but so far the only infection we’ve been able to do that for is smallpox.

Some vaccines, such as the series for measles, can last for an entire lifetime. Others can last for years but require follow-up shots (boosters) periodically. These boosters allow for continuing immunity against a disease. The tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis booster (Tdap) keeps children and adults from losing their immunity to these diseases. Be sure to keep a good record of your child’s immunizations to help your doctor know when it’s time to give a booster.

Q: A:

Should I give my child the HPV vaccine?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines protect against strains of the virus which cause most cases of cervical cancer. Girls aged 11 or 12 should receive the vaccine, and it is also recommended for those aged 13 through 26 who have not been vaccinated or completed the vaccine series. For each licensed vaccine, experts have found that the benefits of preventing the disease far outweigh any risk from the vaccine. Boys and men can also get vaccinated with the HPV vaccine to prevent transmitting cancer-causing types of HPV to women. The vaccine also helps prevent genital warts, one of the most common sexually-transmitted diseases. Lori Patterson, M.D., FAAP specializes in pediatric medicine and infectious disease at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. For more information please visit the Children’s Hospital website (www.etch.com).

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Knoxville Parent • October 2012

Knowledge you can use

Don’t let your child be a target

Understanding the victim profile is a good first step Article provided by Premier Martial Arts

hild abduction is every parent’s ultimate nightmare. These feelings can be positive as they raise awareness on how to keep our children safe. There are many factors such as environment, location, opportunity and motivation that influence a predator in selecting his or her victim. Although any child can be a target, a predator does not want to get caught and will seek a particular profile of a child: one who is easy to persuade, needy or fearful and, most importantly, one who will make a terrible witness if caught. The following is a child target profile of would be potential child victims.

1. Strong desire for attention All children want to be loved, but some have an above average need for adult approval, attention and affection. They are more likely to allow an adult to become too close to them and potentially allow access by a predator in exchange for attention.

2. Lack of self confidence Children with poor self esteem or who exhibit timid behaviors are much safer targets as they are less likely to scream and more likely to obey. They may be more reluctant to share what they know about a predator with their parents because of feelings of intimidation or embarrassment.

3. Children with discipline problems or little connection to family Predators often select children who display anti-social behavior. This is because they often have poor relationships with family and other role models, such as teachers or coaches. Children who believe that no one cares about them will be at risk. These children are looking elsewhere for attention and acceptance and more likely to take risks such as running away from home, trying drugs etc. Such children are considered less risky to a predator, because they generally make poor witnesses and can be easily discredited because of their own anti-social behavior. Being aware of what a predator is looking for in a victim is a good first step. Next, teach your children to be aware of their environment and to never go anywhere with anyone without your permission. Most importantly, strive to create an atmosphere of trust between your child and yourself (and others whom you trust), so that when they are sad, scared or need support, they will go to the right person long before it is too late. Barry Van Over is the owner and president of Premier Martial Arts International, of which there are currently over 80 location nationwide. Mr. Van Over has two locations in the West Knoxville area and been empowering families lives through the martial arts in the Knoxville community for over 20 years. Mr. Van Over and his local studios can be reached at www.premiermartialarts.com.

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Knoxville Parent • October 2012

EQ as well as IQ

Fostering Emotional Intelligence in Children by Kathryn Rea Smith, Ph.D.

am amazed at the things children are learning in school these days! Our teachers do an incredible job of teaching math, language arts, science, social studies, foreign language, technology, health, physical education, art and music. Children absorb academic knowledge like sponges, and their achievements are reflected in report cards and on standardized test scores. In school, children learn “how to learn” and in the process develop Photo courtesy Chattanooga Parent organization and study skills that serve them well as they move through life. Children also learn social skills, and teachers serve to model and instruct students on appropriate ways of behaving. One thing that is not directly included in the curriculum, though, is instruction in developing “Emotional Intelligence.” Emotional Intelligence, or “EQ,” refers to the ability to identify, regulate and control one’s emotions and accurately perceive others’ emotions. I think it would be wonderful if all students could take a class called

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“Emotional Intelligence, or “EQ,” refers to the ability to identify, regulate and control one’s emotions and accurately perceive others’ emotions.”

“Emotions 101,” so that everyone has a chance M to learn the basics of dealing with emotions. a However, at this point direct instruction in EQ r must be addressed outside of school. In this “ article I will describe ways parents can foster the s development of EQ in their children. First, I want to make a disclosure. Even though o as a psychologist I make my living helping others j with their feelings, I did not learn these skills w in my childhood home. Rather, I learned from n working with therapists and reading books on the subject. My parents are w the first to admit that when my sister and I were children, they did not teach g us about feelings. It was not something they knew much about. Change camer when I was in college and my parents received lay ministry training which b provided instruction about emotions, compassionate listening and empathy. i My mom actually called me at my dorm to say she wished she and my dad had taken a different approach to parenting, one that focused on feelings. I f know from my work as a therapist that my family was not all that unusual. s Many adults grew up in families where feelings were not addressed. As a a therapist, I have worked with people who have average or better IQ’s but w struggle to identify and express their emotions. They need help from me in “ learning how to name, discuss, regulate, and tolerate their feelings. Many of t my patients take to this process like ducks take to water. Almost all of them t say that this kind of learning would have been so much easier if it had taken place during childhood! a Until the time that we have “Emotions 101” classes in school, the A responsibility for developing EQ in children falls on the shoulders of families a and family surrogates. The good news is there are many things parents can s do to foster EQ in their children. One of the most impactful things parents a can do is to develop their own EQ. Parents can model EQ by talking about C their own feelings and using a feeling vocabulary in the home. As an example p a father could say “I want you kids to know I’m feeling sad lately because the c

My parents are the first to admit that when my sister and I were children, they did not teach us about feelings.

Knoxville Parent • October 2012

I think it would be wonderful if all students could take a class called “Emotions 101”so that everyone has a chance to learn the basics of dealing with emotions.

anniversary of my father’s death is nearing.” A mother might say “I’m feeling disappointed, because I have to work this afternoon and won’t be able to come to your ball game.” Or “I felt really angry and scared today when another driver cut me off and almost caused me to wreck the car!” When parents use feeling words in everyday conversation in the home, children learn that feelings are natural and that everyone has them. In addition to modeling EQ for their children, parents can directly foster the development of EQ. Children can be told the names of the feelings they are having. For instance, when a preschooler says “I hate you, Mommy!” the mother can respond with “I can tell you are feeling really mad at me right now. You don’t like it when I tell you no.” When a child is trying really hard to ride a bike without trainers and starts to cry, the father can say “Naturally, you’re feeling frustrated and discouraged—it can be hard to learn something new, but keep trying and you will get it!” Parents can tell children there are no wrong feelings and no feelings are off limits for discussion including difficult feelings such as anger, sadness, jealousy, insecurity and loneliness. Anger, especially, often gets a bad rap when in reality it is just an emotion like any other. Obviously, children need to learn to control their behavior when they are angry and to use words to express their anger. Paul White, LCSW, a child therapist, has a great intervention parents can use to help young children with anger. He recommends telling children, “It’s okay to be mad—it’s not okay to be bad.” In other words, validate the feeling of anger but set limits on any inappropriate behaviors kids do because they are angry. Another thing parents can do to foster EQ is reinforce talking about feelings. When children initiate a conversation about feelings, parents can say “I am really proud of you for coming to me—it takes courage to talk about your feelings” or “I am so grateful you feel comfortable trusting me with how you feel.” At the end of a discussion of feelings, parents can ask “How do you feel now?” Usually children feel better after talking with a trusted adult so parents should point this out by saying “See, it really helps to talk when you are upset about something, doesn’t it?” I predict one day teaching emotional literacy will be broadly recognized as being just as important as teaching reading, writing, math and science. At that point, children will take classes in school on EQ. Until then, there are many resources available for parents to assist with fostering EQ. A brief survey of Amazon.com reveals several books dedicated to the topic. There are many fine websites such as EQI.org with practical suggestions as well. Consultation with mental health professionals is another great option for parents who wish to increase their own EQ and learn how to help their children with this important developmental task.

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Knoxville Parent • October 2012

Dear Knox County Schools’ Families

t is a very exciting time in public education in our community, and I’m pleased that by virtually every quantifiable student academic outcome measure, we are moving in a positive direction. In the Knox County Schools, we continue to see solid academic progress as demonstrated by our TCAP assessments, value-added growth scores, and most recently, our ACT test results. This positive momentum in student learning and achievement is a testament to the effective instruction that our teachers provide every day, and it is a reflection of the hard work of our students, staff, parents and community members… everyone working together for student success. I am particularly proud that our students’ ACT scores have increased in every tested subject area, as well as showing gains on the districts’ composite ACT average. It has increased from 20.4 for the class of 2011 to 20.6 for the class of 2012. Further, the Knox County Schools scores remain above the State of Tennessee averages in all subject areas: • English 20.8 (19.6 State average) • Mathematics 20.0 (19.1 State average) • Reading 20.8 (19.9 State average) • Science 20.5 (19.6 State average) • Composite 20.6 (19.7 State average) While progress has been made, our academic results are still not where they need to be for our students to be competitive in today’s challenging and increasingly global economic environment. More than two-thirds of the jobs of today and tomorrow will require some level of post-secondary training. Because the ACT is an important benchmark indicator of future college and career readiness, we must better ensure that all of our students are well prepared for the next steps in life: college, a meaningful career, and/or rigorous technical training. As we continue our relentless focus on instructional improvements and investments, coupled with the partnership of parents, businesses, and citizens, I am confident we can accelerate our progress in preparing our young people for a productive, meaningful, and successful future. For more information about our academic progress, please visit our website at www.knoxschools.org. Finally, thank you for your commitment to children and partnering with us as we strive to reach our ambitious goal of Excellence for All Children. Please do not hesitate to call us at (865) 594-1800 if we can be of assistance to you. Sincerely, Dr. Jim McIntyre Superintendent, Knox County Schools

ACT/ SAT PSAT

EXPERTS

The Knox County Schools, Knox County Council PTA, and Project GRAD Knoxville are partnering to present “Parents…Our True Superheroes!” at the 8th Annual Parent Conference. The Parent Conference will be held at the Knoxville Convention Center located at 701 Henley Street on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with extended exhibitor hours through 3:30 p.m. A light, complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided along with a variety of free materials to all parents and caregivers of Knox County Schools’ students. Parents will have the opportunity to attend multiple workshops on topics identified through input from parents throughout the Knox County Schools, such as homework help, resources for English language learners, special needs advocacy, college prep, and more! Exhibitors at the event will include a variety of local non-profit organizations, community-wide educational resources, along with colleges, universities and institutes. The conference is FREE, space is limited to 800 guests, and registration is required by Tuesday, October 16. Additional information and registration can be completed online by visiting www.engagement. knoxschools.org or by calling (865) 594-1192. We hope to see you there! KEYNOTE Dr. Autumn Tooms Cyprès, Director

Center for Educational Leadership, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville “10 Best Things Parents Can Do To Make a Greater Difference in the Lives of Children” Workshops • What Every Knox County Schools Parent Should Expect and Know - “With great power comes great responsibility.” (Spiderman) • Helping Your Highly Proficient and Advanced Student - “Up, up and away!” (Superman) • The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander - “Is it better to be feared or respected?” (Iron Man) • Special Education: Five Important Things You Should Know - “Please take my hand.” (Wonder Woman) • Raising Children in “Non-Traditional” Families (single parents, grandparents, foster parents, and others) - “For the first time in my life, I have no idea what I’m supposed to do...” (Thor) • Yes, You Can Help - “Here I come to save the day!” (Mighty Mouse) • Knox County Schools Resources for English Language Learners (ELL) Students and Families (Presented in Spanish Only) - “Some lessons can’t be taught. They must be lived to be understood.” (Elektra) • Community Resources for English Language Learners (ELL) Students and Families (Presented in Spanish Only) - “Some lessons can’t be taught. They must be lived to be understood.” (Elektra)

Get higher scores on the

T E S T PREP

8th Annual Parent Conference - Parents: Our “True” Superheroes!

• Common Core Standards Making “Common” Sense Out of the New Common Core Academic Standards - “Much to learn you still have.” (Yoda) • Homework: It Doesn’t Have to be Your Family’s Kryptonite! - “There’s no need to fear… Underdog is here!” (Underdog) • Equipping Students to be Competitive for Careers of the Future - “No blade of grass shall go unturned.” (Green Lantern) • Developing School-Home Relationships to Help Your Student Soar - “Nothing will go wrong on my watch.” (Black Widow) • The Top 10 Resources to Know - “I’m using muscles I never even knew I had!” (Buttercup, Power Puff Girls)

Individual tutoring and group classes at reasonable prices.

• Preparing for College is Ongoing - “Same bat time…same bat channel.” (Batman)

Call Dr. Michael K. Smith at 865-694-4108

• EXHIBITION HALL: College Tour

In Knoxville since 1983. Convenient location at 308 South Peters Rd.

• EXHIBITION HALL: Community Resources Tour

KNOXVILLE

Knox County Schools PARENT UNIVERSITY “P.E.” (Parent Empowerment) Classes and Community Events Submitted by Tracey Matthews, KCS Supervisor of Family and Community Engagement

SAVE THE DATE!

Tuesday, October 23: “Parents…Our “True” Superheroes” is the theme of the 8th Annual Parent Conference cosponsored by the Knox County Schools Family and Community Engagement District Advisory Council (DAC), the Knox County Council PTA, and Project GRAD Knoxville. The conference is FREE and registration is required in advance. For more information or to register, please visit www.knoxschools.org or call 594-9525. October 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29: “Fountain City Scrabblers” group (all ages) 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. Visit knoxlib.org for details. October 1: “It’s not too late…End the Wait!” information session is being held at the Bearden/West Knoxville Public Library at 6 p.m. The Arc of Tennessee needs your help in funding the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) waiting list for people with intellectual disabilities who need home and community-based waiver services. The information session welcomes all family members, and will last approximately ninety minutes. For more information, please visit http://www.asaetc. org/asahome/?ai1ec_event=its-not-too-lateendthe-wait-information-meeting-2&instance_ id=6907 or call 588-8813. October 1: “Ruff Reading.” Bring your children to the Clinton Public Library on Mondays at 3:30 p.m. A live dog will

Events for October 2012 be present for the children to read to (or just to play with). Visit http://

familyfriendlyknoxville.com/events-calendar/ for more information. October 1: “Dyslexia Expert Panel Q&A.” The Tennessee Branch of the International Dyslexia Association invites all parents of dyslexic children to participate in this FREE outreach service. The meeting is from 6:30 to 9 p.m. To RSVP or for more information, send your name and email address to tnparentsread@gmail.com. October 2: Knox County Schools College Fair held at the Knoxville Expo Center from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. for more information please visit www.knoxschools.org. October 2: “Car Seat Inspections” are being conducted for FREE by the Clinton Fire Department and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Inspections will be held from 5 - 8 p.m. at the City of Clinton Fire Department Station #1, 100 Longmire Road. Call 541-8000 or visit www.etch.com for more information. October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30: “Families Anonymous” is a group of concerned relatives and friends who are facing the reality that the problems of someone close to them is seriously affecting their lives. The discussion topics are most often drug and alcohol related, but the floor is open to discussions of any type. This ADULTS ONLY group meets every Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. at Peninsula Lighthouse. For more information, visit http://www. faknoxpeninsula.blogspot.com/ or email PeninsulaFA2@aol.com. October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30: Knox County Schools Adult Education program will provide registration for the “English Language Learners Classes” (formerly

ESL at Fountain City United Methodist Church) every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. in room 112, and at the Cokesbury Center every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in room 112. The classes will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. – noon and 6 – 8:30 p.m. at the Fountain City United Methodist Church, and every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. – noon at the Cokesbury Center. Contact Nancy Seely at 594-3622 or visit www.ae.knoxschools.org for more information. October 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, and 30 (two days or evenings are required): “Adult Education Registration/ Orientation” classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. or 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Historic Knoxville High School. Once you are registered, Adult Education Classes take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 5943622 to sign up for mandatory orientation or visit www.ae.knoxschools.org. October 2, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, and 29: “Nurturing Parents Classes” are held at the Child & Family Tennessee Building, 901 E. Summit Hill Drive, on Tuesdays 10 a.m. – noon and Thursdays 4 - 6 p.m. This is a 12-hour course in which attendance is mandatory. For more information call 5247483 ext. 240. October 4, 11, 18, and 25: The Helen Ross-McNabb Center presents the “Mother Goose Program.” The Mother Goose program teaches crucial interaction in the formative first steps of an infant’s life. The program has 12 groups each month. The groups will meet on October 4 and 18 at the Knoxville Center Mall in the UT Classroom, and on October 11 and 25 at the Cokesbury Center. Call 5238695 or visit http://mcnabbcenter.org/socialservices/children.html for more information.

October 6, 13, 20, and 27: “Saturday Stories and Songs” are held at the Cedar Bluff Branch and Lawson McGhee Libraries from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Join guest storytellers at the libraries to learn songs and stories that both parents and children can enjoy. For more information call Lawson-McGhee Library at 215-8750, Cedar Bluff Branch Library at 470-7033 or visit http://knoxrooms.sirsi.net/rooms/html/ KCPL/calendar.html#/?i=9. October 5 and 12: Knox County Public Library presents, “Movies on Market Square.” This FREE event will take place in Market Square from 7 - 10 p.m. every Friday evening through Oct. 12. For more information visit http://knoxrooms.sirsi.net/ rooms/portal/page/22507_Movies_on_Market_ Square. October 5, 12, 19, and 26: “University of Tennessee Nutrition and Cooking Class.” The Lisa Ross Birthing Center hosts this FREE cooking class every Friday at 12:15 p.m. for parents looking for new ideas and recipes that will make feeding children healthy meals more simple. Contact Kristin Williams at Kristin@lisarosscenter. org or 524-4422, for more information. October 6, 13, 20, and 27: “Parenting Classes for Divorced Families” are held each Saturday from 9 a.m. – noon at the Child & Family Tennessee Building: 901 E. Summit Hill Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37915. This is a 12-hour course consisting of 4 weekly sessions. Call 524-7483 ext. 240 for more information. October 6, 13, 20, and 27: “Saturday Stories and Songs” are held at the Cedar Bluff Branch and Lawson McGhee Libraries from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Join guest storytellers at the libraries to learn songs and stories that both parents and children can enjoy. For more information call Lawson-McGhee Library at 215-8750, Cedar Bluff Branch Library at 470-7033 or visit http://knoxrooms.sirsi.net/rooms/html/ KCPL/calendar.html#/?i=9.

KNOXVILLE

Events for

TEE IT UP FOR SACRED HEART!

October 2012

October 8 and 27: East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is providing “CPR and Safe Sitter Classes.” CPR Classes are being offered for teens and adults ages 14 and over on October 8 from 6 – 10 p.m. Safe Sitter Classes are being offered for teens ages 11-14 on October 27 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The cost for each class is $25. Call 541-8000 or visit www.etch.com for more information. October 9 and 18: “Knox Breastfriends Support Group.” This FREE support group for breastfeeding mothers meets on the second Tuesday of every month at the Bearden Branch Library at 6 p.m. and on the third Thursday at the Burlington Library at 10:30 a.m. The group always includes snacks, stories, and lots of time for mothers to discuss breastfeeding. Contact Kristin Williams at Kristin@lisarosscenter. org or 524-4422 for more information. October 10 and 24: “Mom’s Mother Goose.” This FREE workshop takes place at the Lisa Ross Birthing Center every second and fourth Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. The focus is on early brain development through stories, songs, and rhymes. Contact Kristin Williams at Kristin@

lisarosscenter.org or 524-4422, for more information. October 11: K-Town Youth Empowerment Network will host its “Family-to-Family Support Group” from 6 - 8p.m. The support group is held on the second Thursday of every month. Light dinner will be served. Call 474-6689 for more information. October 14: Seventeenth Annual Regional College and Career Fair - The Smoky Mountain Counseling Association will sponsor a college and career fair from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Ned McWherter Building on the main campus of Pellissippi State Community College on Hardin Valley Road. For more information, contact Mrs. Priscilla Gitschlag at Pellissippi State Community College (865-539-7259) or Dr. Kitty Pruett at Gibbs High School (865689-9130, ext. 1419). October 16: “Communication 101 Workshop.” This FREE workshop hosted by ASA-ETC in conjunction with TRIAD and TEIS is for parents or providers who work with children who are nonverbal to early verbal communicators. Please RSVP by October 11 to info@asaetc. org or 247-5082. For more information,

Presents

Children in the Arts

An afternoon celebrating Tennessee’s outstanding young artists

Sunday, October 7th 2:30 PM Tennessee Amphitheatre Worlds Fair Park Tickets Adults: $6 Children: 1 penny

(865) 584-9636 • TCDEDance.org

Friday, October 5, 2012 Egwani Farms Golf Course To register, email jpunch@shcknox.org or call 865.558.4136

visit http://www.asaetc.org/asahome/?ai1ec_ event=communication-101-workshop-inknoxville&instance_id=6939. October 20: “Fall Apple Festival.” Enjoy the fresh, crisp tastes of homemade fall apple goods while experiencing FREE live music, crafts, and much more at the Washington Presbyterian Church in Corryton. For more information, contact Tim at adamfamta@gmail.com or call 6887755. October 22-26: Knox County Council PTA is hosting a fall clothing drive to benefit the Knox County Clothing Center. For more information about this event, please contact Sandra Rowecliffe, KCCPTA President at sandrarowecliffe@att.net or visit http://www.clothingcenter.org. October 23-25: Knoxville Symphony Orchestra presents the Young People’s Concert, “Scientific Symphony.” Reservations must be made prior to attendance. For more information please visit the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra webpage http://www.knoxvillesymphony.com. October 27: “Trick or Trees.” The University of Tennessee Gardens invites you to join them for the second annual Trick or Trees from noon to 4 p.m. Children will learn fun facts about fall animals and plants as well as create a Halloweenthemed craft. The cost is $6 per child. For more information, please contact Derrick Stowell at dstowell@utk.edu or call 974-7151. October 31: “ETTAC Next Chapter Book Clubs.” These FREE book clubs are in search of adolescents and adults with disabilities to join in on weekly book discussions. All reading and communication levels are encouraged to join. Interested volunteers are also welcome. For more information, please contat Lorrie Crocket at 219-0130.

Other Dates to Remember:

October 1, 3, 15: Board of Education Work, Regular, and Midmonth Meetings October 9: KCS Marching Band Exhibition October 17: End First 9-weeks Grading Period October 18-19: FALL BREAK (Schools and Central Office Closed)

SAVE THE DATE!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012: Election Day (Student holiday, inservice for staff) November 5, 7, 19: Board of Education Work, Regular, and Midmonth Meetings November 21-23: Thanksgiving Holidays (Schools and Central Office Closed)

FREE Family Resource of the Month:

Women In Treatment, of Peninsula Lighthouse in Knoxville, TN, offers free Intensive Outpatient substance abuse services for uninsured women, ages 18-64. For more information visit Peninsula Lighthouse, 1451 Dowell Springs Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37909. Lynn Sparrow: (865) 374-7262, Main Office: (865) 9709800 – www.peninsulabehavioralhealth.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.’

The 62nd Annual St. Mary’s Fall Festival Oct 11-13th. Thursday Oct 11th: 1st Annual Road Rally at 5:30 pm. The Road Rally is not a race but a competition of driving accuracy that will test team skills of time, speed and distance. $15 per participant entrance fee. Upon completion all teams will gather for an Ice Cream Social, and prizes will be awarded to the top 3 teams. Friday, Oct 12th: Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Supper from 5:00-7:00 in the Parish Life Center. Saturday, Oct 13th: Festival games and rides for kids of all ages! Festivities will begin at 10 am and continue until 4pm on the Parish Grounds. For more information or to become a festival sponsors, call Lynda Vinyard (865) 556-1355; vinyardts@comcast.net or Andrea Souza (865)803-6433; my3sons_1dh@yahoo. com or visit www.stmarysoakridge.org/ Parish/fallfest.html.

Let us know about your family-friendly event!

Send calendar submissions to KnoxvilleParent@gmail.com. Please include event address and contact information, and submit at least six weeks prior to event date.

Knoxville Parent • October 2012

Stranger danger!

Teach your children to be safe by Chief Lee Tramel, Knox County Sheriff ’s Office

ne of the most important conversations you can have with your child involves the dangers of strangers. Children need to know that not all adults are trustworthy. There are many things you can do to help keep your child safe. Explain to your child what defines a stranger. A good way to explain a stranger to a child comes from mcgruff.org: “A stranger is a person whom you have never met. You may have seen the person before but don’t know anything about him or her.” Let your child know that most strangers are nice, but some are not. Children should know that you cannot tell whether or not a stranger is nice just by looking at him or her. Teach your children to be aware of a dangerous situation. Tell them that if a stranger asks for help or to keep a secret, it could be a dangerous situation. They should decline to help them or talk to them and find a trusted adult immediately. Instruct your children to NEVER open the door for anyone while you are gone. This includes delivery drivers and maintenance workers. If a stranger knocks on the door, instruct your children to shout through the door that they will call the police if the stranger needs help. Tell them not to indicate that they are home

“A stranger is a person whom you have never met. You may have seen the person before but don’t know anything about him or her.” alone. Tell them to then immediately call you. Often, a burglar will knock on the door first to see if someone is home. If no one answers, the burglar will assume no one is home and will enter the residence. Letting the burglar know that someone is home and offering to call the police often deters them from entering. Teach your child to play with a group of children, a safer alternative to playing alone. Teach him or her to always take a friend when walking or riding a bike to and from school. Children should only walk and ride in well-lit areas and never take shortcuts. Children need to know the importance of being aware of their surroundings when walking, playing and biking. Teach your children to trust their instincts. If they feel uncomfortable or scared, they need to immediately get away from the situation. They should run away and find a trusted adult. Train your children to always ask you for permission first. If someone invites them to go somewhere, offers them a gift or money, or just wants to talk, teach them to ask for your permission first. If someone tries to take them somewhere, they need to quickly get away and yell for help. While waiting for the bus, children need to stay with a group. If anyone bothers them while going to or from school, they need to immediately get away from that person and find a trusted adult. If an adult approaches them for help, children need to know that grownups needing help should not ask children. They should ask other adults. If someone they do not know or feel comfortable with offers them a ride, they should always decline. Children should never hitchhike, and should only accept a ride from someone, if their parents or guardians gave them permission to do so. Tell your children that if someone follows them on foot to get away from him or her as quickly as possible. If someone follows them in a car, they should quickly turn around and go in the other direction. They need to immediately go to a safe place and tell an adult what happened. Instruct them to call 911 if they have a cell phone. Leave items and clothing with your child’s name on them at home. Strangers do not need to know your child’s name. Teach your child not to be fooled if someone he or she does not know calls out his or her name. Do not use decals on your vehicle pointing out that you have children. Predators can see those stick figures and names and know that you have children. 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 • October 2012

You . . . your kids . . . and money!

You... Your Kids... And Money!

by Kristina Howard, Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union Marketing Specialist

Money gives people -- both young and old -- decision-making opportunities. Educating, motivating, and empowering children to become regular savers and investors will enable them to keep more of the money they earn and do more with the money they spend. Everyday spending decisions can have a far more negative impact on children’s financial futures than any investment decisions they may ever make. Here are 5 simple ways to help educate children about personal finance and managing money:

1 2 3 4 5

Setting goals is fundamental to learning the value of money and saving. Young or old, people rarely reach goals they haven’t set. Nearly every toy or other item children ask their parents to buy them can become the object of a goal-setting session. Such goal-setting helps children learn to become responsible for themselves. Introduce children to the value of saving versus spending. Explain and demonstrate the concept of earning interest income on savings. Consider paying interest on money children save at home; children can help calculate the interest and see how fast money accumulates through the power of compound interest. Later on, they also will realize that the quickest way to a good credit rating is a history of regular, successful savings. Some parents even offer to match what children save on their own. When giving children an allowance, give them the money in denominations that encourage saving. If the amount is $5, give them 5-1-dollar bills and encourage that at least one dollar be set aside in savings. (Saving $5 a week at 6 percent interest compounded quarterly will total about $266 after a year, $1,503 after 5 years, and $3,527 after 10 years!) Keeping good records of money saved, invested, or spent is another important skill young people must learn. To make it easy, use 12 envelopes, 1 for each month, with a larger envelope to hold all the envelopes for the year. Establish this system for each child. Encourage children to place receipts from all purchases in the envelopes and keep notes on what they do with their money. Use regular shopping trips as opportunities to teach children the value of money. Going to the grocery store is often a child’s first spending experience. About a third of our take-home pay is spent on grocery and household items. Spending smarter at the grocery store (using coupons, shopping sales, comparing unit prices) can save more than $1,800 a year for a family of four. To help young people understand this lesson, demonstrate how to plan economical meals, avoid waste, and use leftovers efficiently. When you take children to other kinds of stores, explain how to plan purchases in advance and make unit-price comparisons. Show them how to check for value, quality, repairability, warranty, and other consumer concerns. Spending money can be fun and very productive when spending is well-planned. Unplanned spending, as a rule, usually results in 20-30 percent of our money being wasted because we obtain poor value with our purchases.

Kristina F. Howard khoward@tvacreditunion.com www.tvacreditunion.com

Knoxville Parent • October 2012

Leading by example

uring an election year, candidates try to distinguish themselves and often highlight inequality as a way of winning supporters anxious to improve their lives. They can make persuasive arguments that appeal to the emotions, but it is important to base important decisions like these on facts and critical thinking, rather than on feelings alone. Commercials, advertisements and debates are all opportunities to learn about not only the issues and platforms different candidates and political parties support, but they also can offer a glimpse of the character of the candidates themselves. Are they good leaders? Are they experienced enough to be effective? Are they balanced in mind, body and spirit?

Use Your Critical Thinking Skills

All U.S. citizens at least 18 years old and satisfying all the legal requirements can register to vote. Nearly everyone eligible to cast a ballot for one of the

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candidates will have access to all of this information, and will be able to make a decision based on more than just rumor or someone else’s opinion. As Mike Smith’s article points out (see page 5 in this issue), parents and educators can help children to develop the critical thinking skills needed to make sense of all the information available, so that when they are old enough to exercise the priviledge of voting, they will be empowered by real knowledge to choose good leaders. Of course, none of this will matter if those who are eligible to vote are not registered to vote. Exercising the right and priviledge to vote is the only way to put all that critical thinking into action.

“Because children look to parents and caregivers for examples of how to live their lives, it is important to show them that you are prepared to complete the cycle of action by registering to vote and making your voice heard.” Take Action Now!

If you haven’t already registered, the October 6 deadline is almost here, but you still have time, if you make it a priority. There are several ways you can register. The State of Tennessee’s Web site (http://www.tn.gov/sos/election/ registration.htm) has a downloadable voter registration application that you can fill out and mail to:

Knox County Election Commission 300 Main Street Knox Co Courthouse Room 218 Knoxville, TN 37902-1850 The application must be either hand delivered or postmarked at least 30 days prior to election day, so there is still time to take action! The Tennessee State Web site also has a directory you can use to see if you are already registered and where your polling location is. The Knox County Election Commission’s Web site is http://www.knoxcounty.org/election/ and has great information about where to vote, absentee ballots, sample ballots (so you can see who your choices are going to be on election day), and helpful contact numbers and email addresses. Because children look to parents and caregivers for examples of how to live their lives, it is important to show them that you are prepared to complete the cycle of action by registering to vote and making your voice heard.

Knoxville Parent • October 2012

Eerie entertainment and easy exercise

Scarecrows in the Park is fun for the whole family by Ellen Blasius

Scarecro s Park

he weather is cooling, the leaves are falling, and in the the Scarecrows are coming back! Scarecrows in the Park, a celebration of fall presented by Knox County Parks and Recreation, will be held during October at New Harvest Park. Join the fun—create and enter your Scarecrow in the contest! The Scarecrows will be on display along the greenway trail at the park for the public to view and vote on beginning October 18, at 3 p.m., at the Farmers Market. Winners will be announced at the Farmers Market on October 25, and the scarecrows will remain at the park until October 31.

Great Prizes!

A $100 prize will be awarded to the winner in both youth and adult categories! Second place will receive a free shelter rental at any Knox County Park!

Rules and Guidelines:

Children admiring the spooky and creative scarecrows on display at New Harvest Park Farmer’s Market.

an unacceptable level. Please make them as weatherproof as possible. • Knox County is not responsible for loss or damage to scarecrows while on display, or on park property. • Please do not include any live plant material or mulch with your display. Pumpkins, gourds, etc., that will not be affected by weather, are acceptable. • Knox County will provide consistent signage identifying the name of your scarecrow and your organization as listed on your application. • Knox County will determine the location for your scarecrow. • Judging will be by public balloting and a panel of judges, and winners will be announced October 27. • Knox County reserves the right to use photographs and/or names of individuals and organizations for advertising or promotional purposes.

Important Dates: The sky is the limit on what this year’s scarecrows will look like!

• Anyone can participate – schools, businesses, churches, individuals, families, and community groups are all welcome. • Cash prizes will be awarded in two categories, Adult/Professional and Student/Youth. • Scarecrows must be in good taste and suitable for viewing by families and small children. Those that reflect any controversial social or political situations will not be accepted, nor will those with an overtly commercial or promotional nature. • Scarecrows must be either freestanding, supported by a prop (wheelbarrow, chair, etc.), or built around a stake. • Scarecrows must be entirely constructed by entrants. No commercially made scarecrows allowed. • Each entrant will be given one bale of straw provided by The Home Depot. • Scarecrow and entire display must fit in a 10 x 10 foot area. • Scarecrows will be subject to the weather, so they must be constructed with weather-resistant materials. Knox County reserves the right to remove any scarecrow that deteriorates to

October 15: Last day to return the registration form and payment to Knox County Parks and Recreation. You will receive an email confirmation upon receipt of payment, with a coupon for your bale of straw. October 17: Bring your completed scarecrow to the park. Set up will be from 1 until 7 p.m., at New Harvest Park, 4775 New Harvest Lane. October 18: Grand opening of event, 3 until 6 p.m., at New Harvest Park Farmers Market. October 18-24: Ballots accepted from the community. October 25: Announcement of winners at the Farmers Market, approximately 5 p.m. November 1: Scarecrows must be removed from the park. Any scarecrows remaining after this date will be disposed of or recycled by Ijams Nature Center.

Applications are online at: www.knoxcounty.org/parks.

Knoxville Parent • September 2012

Ten Terrific Books About Life Lessons Compiled by Erin Nguyen

Children’s Department, Knox County Public Library

The Little Brute Family By Russell Hoban Reading level: PreK – 2nd The little Brute family is not happy and not nice, until one day Baby Brute discovers something on a sunny spring afternoon that makes them change their ways.

Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons By Amy Krouse Rosenthal Reading level: K – 3rd It’s amazing how much can be learned from something as simple as cookies, from cooperation to modesty, and even compassion.

How to Behave and Why By Munro Leaf Reading level: 2nd – 5th The Story of Ferdinand author provides four simple lessons on Honesty, Fairness, Strength, and Wisdom, designed to lead to a happy, productive life.

Peanut Butter and Homework Sandwiches By Lisa Broadie Cook Reading level: K – 3rd As Martin tries his best to do the homework assigned by his substitute teacher, he encounters challenges along the way, including a homework-eating dog and a backpack mix-up, that teach him much more than just spelling and math.

The Lemonade War By rebecca Love Fishkin Reading level: 3rd – 5th When brother and sister Evan and Jessie set up competing lemonade stands one hot summer, they wind up learning about math, economics, and even friendship.

The Year of the Dog By Grace Lin Reading level: 3rd – 5th During the Chinese Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Year of the Dog, a year By Dr. Seuss for finding yourself, Reading level: K – 12th Taiwanese-American Pacy Readers of all ages are bound to searches for her talents discover their infinite potential and her true self. as they read and reread this classic by Dr. Seuss.

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

Today I Will: A Year of Quotes, Notes, and Promises to Myself By Eileen and Jerry Spinelli Reading level: 4th – 8th A book filled with quotes and thoughts for being the best person you can be each day of the year. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens: Simple Ways to Keep Your Cool in Stressful Times By Richard Carlson, PhD Reading level: 8th – 12th Carlson shares tips for surviving the teen years by letting go of stress and finding true happiness.

As Easy As Falling off the Face of the Earth By Lynne Rae Perkins Reading level: 8th – 12th Instead of spending the summer at archaeology camp as he had planned, 15-year-old Ry finds himself on a series of misadventures as he travels hundreds of miles by train, car, plane, and boat to reunite with his family and discover the true meaning of friendship.

Knoxville Parent • October 2012

Education as entertainment? You bet!

By Liza Zenni. Photos courtesy Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville

alk about educating the whole child! Turn your kids over to Knoxville’s arts and culture organizations this October and watch them grow in ways not possible either at home or in the classroom. Start the month with the HoLa Festival. Can’t choose between two dance performances? Go to both! All of these activities participate in the Penny4Arts program through which children get in free when accompanied by an adult, so why not? Head to the McClung Museum for an archaeological adventure or to the Clarence Brown to see the stage version of The Little Prince. Later in the month, go downtown to the Bijou for some live jazz or visit WDVX’s live radio show especially for kids. As the month starts to wind down, take in our wonderful Opera or enjoy the Knoxville Symphony’s interpretation of Leonard Bernstein, both at the fabulous Tennessee Theatre. You and the kids will find your imaginations blown wide open by the time Halloween comes along! Here are details on how you and your children may experience this stunning list of activities (and more) this month. Visit www.penny4arts.com for more information. Saturday, October 6, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM come out to HoLa Hora Latina: HoLa Festival 2012 celebrating Hispanic diversity, music, food, dance, and culture! Contact: 865-335-3358, e-mail. Gay Street and West Depot Avenue, downtown Knoxville. www. holafestival.org. Sunday, October 7, 2:30 PM the Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble presents Children in the Arts, a one-hour performance of dances from the exciting and colorful repertoire of the Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble. Tickets are $6 per adult. Contact: Irena Linn, 865-584-9636. At the Knoxville Amphitheater at the World’s Fair Site www. tcdedance.org No advance reservations required. Tuesday, October 9, 8:00 PM head to the Bijou for Knoxville Jazz Orchestra’s performance of Benny Goodman and Beyond with clarinetist Ken Peplowski . The Swing Era of the 1930s was the height of jazz music’s popularity. And of the hundreds of band leaders across the country, Benny Goodman was the one billed as “The King of Swing.” Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. www.knoxjazz.org. Advance reservations required. The public may obtain one free student ticket per paying adult by visiting the Tennessee Theatre box office in person prior to the day of the show to get the free ticket. Wednesday-Friday, October 10-12 and October 17-19, 7:30 PM the Clarence Brown Theatre presents The Little Prince! The play is based on one of the most beloved children’s stories of all time. Contact: CBT Box Office, 865-974-5161. Carousel Theatre, 1710 Andy Holt Avenue on the campus of the University of Tennessee (next to the Clarence Brown Theatre).

“All of these activities participate in the Penny4Arts program through which children get in free when accompanied by an adult, so why not?” www.clarencebrowntheatre.com. Advance reservations required. Please make reservations 24 hours prior to performance time. Thursday-Friday, October 18-19, 7:30 PM Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: Bernstein’s Candide. October’s Masterworks concert will open with Maestro Richman’s Kol Nidre followed by Symphony in C by Bizet. The concert will conclude with Bernstein’s beloved Suite from Candide. Joining this program will be the Knoxville Chamber Chorale. Contact: KSO Box Office, 865-291-3310, Option 4. Historic Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. www.knoxvillesymphony.com. Advance reservations are required. Sunday, October 21, 1:00-5:00 PM at the Frank H. McClung Museum: Archaeology and Fossil Day! Experts will identify fossils, Indian artifacts, bones, and rocks. Also featuring displays on archaeology. Contact: Jeff Chapman, 865-974-2144. At the Frank H. McClung Museum, 1327 Circle Park Drive on the on the campus of the University of Tennessee. http://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu. No reservations required. Come downtown Saturday, October 27, 10:00-11:00 AM to enjoy WDVX-FM Radio: Kidstuff, a free live music show! Join WDVX & your host Sean McCollough for Kidstuff Live at the Knoxville Visitors Center. So grab your adult and come to Kidstuff Live! Contact: 865-544-1029 x231. Knoxville Visitor Center, 301 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 (other locations as announced). www.wdvx.com. No reservations required. Sunday, October 28, 2:30 PM brings Knoxville Opera production of Strauss’s Die Fledermaus, a fully-staged opera production in English. Strauss’s masterpiece features intoxicating waltzes, mistaken identities, and flirtations at a masked ball. Opera preview begins 45 minutes prior to each performance. Up to two students may attend for $0.01 per paying adult. Contact: Michael Torano, 865-524-0795 x28. Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. www.knoxvilleopera.com. Advance reservations are required; please call 865-524-0795 x1 for tickets. Cut off for advance reservations is 12:00 PM on Friday, October 26. Liza Zenni has been with the Arts & Culture Alliance since 2002. She holds a BA in Theater and a MFA in Arts Administration from the Yale School of Drama. From 1990 to 1995 she was Executive Director of Theatre Bay Area, the largest regional theater service organization in North America. She and her two daughters live in Oak Ridge, not far from where she grew up.

Knox Kids Puzzle Place Provided by West Knoxville Mathnasium • Mathnasium.com/WestKnoxville

Frankie wants to show mom & dad his chemistry lab! How many ways could he get there?

About 400 years ago, a man named Sir Francis Bacon (born in London, England) invented what is still being used in science today called the “scientific method.”

Answers to last month’s puzzles 14 squares, 36 rectangles

And the winner of last month’s puzzle page drawing is Ginny B. (age 9), 4th Grade at Blue Grass Elementary!

Challenge: Draw the Figure Starting at any point on the figure, see if you can draw the entire figure without tracing any line more than once, and without lifting your pencil. There is one figure here that cannot be drawn that way!

Half a penny? Just pay me for Halloween! Do you do chores? Would you do them more happily if you were paid for it? What if I said I’d pay you half a penny to do some chores on October 1st? Not enough? What if I double your pay each day for the month of October? So on October 2nd you get a penny, and on October 3rd you get two pennies, and so on. Would you do some chores then? Here’s the big question: If you did chores every day in October, how much would I owe you for your chores on Halloween?

Enter to Win Great Prizes!

Send your answers to any or all of these challenges WestKnoxville@Mathnasium.com, and you will be entered into a drawing to receive over $150 worth of gift cards and prizes from...

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*Restrictions apply. See website for details. Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and all related characters and properties © 2012 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C. Shrek the Halls © 2012 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C. © 2012 The Coca-Cola Company. “Coca-Cola” is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company. All rights reserved.

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