September 2013
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KNOXVILLE
Let’s Get Creative! Free speech, creativity, and the revolution in videos, books, and apps “One estimate suggests that there are 900,000 apps just for the Apple iPhone, iPod, or iPad.”
September 2013 Volume II • Issue 9 Michael Kull and Eva Nations, Publishers Advisory Board
Contributing Writers
Sr. Mary Marta Abbott, RSM The Diocese of Knoxville
Debora Ahmed Cassidy Duckett Marcin Gornisiewicz, M.D. Michael Kull James McIntyre, Ph.D. Tracey Matthews Erin Nguyen Mike O’Hern Juhee Shah Kathryn Rea Smith, Ph.D. Michael K. Smith, Ph.D. Elizabeth Stucke
Marie Alcorn United Way of Greater Knoxville Mike Bailey Small Business Representative Paul Parson East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Tracey Matthews Knox County Schools Family and Community Engagement Elizabeth Pooley Marketing Professional Lee Tramel Knox County Sheriff ’s Department
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Math and the arts “That beautiful rose grew its pedals using the golden angle to spiral them around its center such that each new pedal doesn’t block the sun from the ones below.” PAGE 6
The next American Idol? “When a student learns to use his or her authentic voice, this...makes things easier all around.”
Knoxville Parent Magazine is a publication dedicated to building stronger families and a better future for our community. Call us now to become part of our family!
Contributing Photographers Kasandra Atwood Marcin Gornisiewicz, M.D. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Edward Foley Photography Eva Nations Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Liz Stucke St. Mary’s School
Liza Zenni The Arts 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.
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Contents 4
A letter from the publishers
15 House calls: Why playt matters
5
Free speech, creativity, and the revolution in videos, books, and apps
16 Join the fun at St. Mary’s Fall Fest 2013
6
Math and the arts
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Creative ways to integrate math in your child’s daily life
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The next American Idol?
18 The creative edge 19 Ten terrific books to get creative! 20 A message from Dr. Jim McIntyre 21 Ahoy Mateys!: Annual Parent Conference and
Transition Fair Sets Sail October 12
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The mysterious growing pains
13
Stop the yelling
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Healthy aging: Stay active to stay healthy
22 The theater arts major
ON THE COVER:
Dancers with the Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble perform.
Photo courtesy: The Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble
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Visit us at KnoxvilleParent.com 3
Knoxville Parent • September 2013
A message from the Publishers by Eva Nations and Michael Kull
Dear Readers, Knoxville Parent Magazine’s September theme is all about creativity. We are celebrating the idea that you can use creativity in everything you do, whether it is an artistic pursuit or not. It doesn’t have to be difficult to be creative, because creativity is natural to all people. While it might not be obvious, simply being yourself is a good start to creative expression, because true creativity comes from this simple and honest place. In this issue, we provide examples of people in many disciplines who are using creativity to help others and themselves to become more aware and better able to succeed in life. Let these be an inspiration for you, as you discover and use your own creativity! Yours truly, Eva and Michael
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Knoxville Parent • September 2013
by Michael K. Smith, Ph.D.
Free speech, creativity, and the revolution in videos, books, and apps
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an free speech promote creativity? Oliver Wendell Holmes, in his famous dissent in the Supreme Court case of Abrams v. United States (1919), suggested that the First Amendment to the United States Constitution protected the expression of controversial ideas: “the ultimate good…is better reached by free trade in ideas—that the best test of truth is the power of thought to get itself accepted in the competition of the market.” Holmes wanted to overturn the convictions of protesters who had merely written and distributed leaflets criticizing U. S. involvement in World War I. Today, we all benefit from Holmes’ dissent and his support of free speech. Combined with the forces of technology, citizens in the United States, and in many other countries, can express their creative ideas, however controversial, through videos, books, and apps. YouTube is an amazing outlet for video productions on any topic created by amateurs and professionals. Aspiring singers, directors, documentarians, and actors can upload videos that display their creative talents. Furthermore, these videos can record social and political commentary. For instance, our perceptions of societal change and revolution in the Middle East in the past few years has been shaped by amateur videos shot by participants in the streets, often in the midst of dangerous situations. How many YouTube videos are there? No one knows for sure but one estimate puts the total at close to three billion. Obviously, then, most of these videos are only seen by family and friends of the creator. This venue, however, has unleashed the creative energies of millions of people worldwide. Self-published books are another fascinating reflection of previously untapped creative energies. Soft cover books and eBooks have been written on a myriad of genres: novels, poetry, family and local history, cookbooks, travel guides, and memoirs. An author can see his or her book published in a matter of days through several outlets: Amazon Create Space, Lulu, Authorhouse, and iUniverse, just to name a few. These books can also express controversial ideas that might challenge a society’s cherished ideas. It is worth noting, though, that many countries other than the United States censor the self-publication of certain books. How many self-published books are there? Bowker, the leading provider of bibliographic information, estimated that 235,000 print and “e” titles were published in 2012 in the United States alone. Most of these titles sell less than 100 copies, and most authors make less than $500. Money may not be the point, however. For the first time in history, almost anyone can be a “published” author. Apps have tapped another source of creativity, the desire of many to create games and other services. Apple and other companies provide free software that allows any programmer to create and publish an app. Some apps are addictive, such as popular games like Angry Birds. Other apps can be very useful; many newspaper, magazines, and television companies provide instant access to daily world news.
“One estimate suggests that there are 900,000 apps just for the Apple iPhone, iPod, or iPad.”
How many apps are there? One estimate suggests that there are 900,000 apps just for the Apple iPhone, iPod, or iPad. Most apps are probably only played or used by family and friends of the creator. This is a unique time in human history. The creative ideas of any citizen can find an outlet in videos, books, or apps. Not many other citizens may be viewing, reading, or playing these creative products. Not many creations may survive “the competition of the market,” to use Holmes phrase. The world is freer, however, by the ability of any individual to enter this market, to express an opinion or idea, and to test its acceptance. Holmes would have been happy that the United States, and parts of the world, understands his concept of free speech.
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Knoxville Parent • September 2013
Math and the arts
By Mike O’Hern, Center Director of Mathnasium of West Knoxville
“That beautiful rose grew its pedals using the golden angle to spiral them around its center such that each new pedal doesn’t block the sun from the ones below.”
y first career was music. Now, I teach math. You can imagine, then, how often I hear, “I’ve heard that math and music have a lot in common,” generally spoken with a perplexed expression. I can understand the bewilderment, though. The only math in music that is obvious to most people is rather elementary – half notes, sixteenth notes, 4:4 time, 3:4 time, etc. But at its root, music is not only related to math, it’s all about math. Music is sound, Leonardo da Vinci made extensive use sound is physics, and physics is very much of the golden ratio in his art. You can find a mathematical expression of the world it in Michelangelo’s art as well. Magnificent around us. structures from the pyramids of Egypt to True enough, but this doesn’t seem to me The Fibonacci Spiral with the mathematical the Parthenon to the Taj Mahal make use of repsentation of the “Golden Ratio” to answer the question about whether math the golden ratio. Articles and books have and the arts are somehow connected in the been written showing how artistic sense. Let’s think the golden ratio is found in about this for a minute. the works of Bartók, Debussy, Leonardo Pisano Bigollo, a Schubert, and Bach. 13th-century mathematician Does this mean that these better known as Fibonacci, artists intentionally used has a series of numbers named Fibonacci numbers in their after him: The Fibonacci works? Not necessarily. But, Sequence. Each term in since da Vinci referred to it the sequence is determined as the “divine proportion” by adding the two previous rather than the golden ratio, terms – 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, etc. that might be a clue in his (Modern mathematicians start case. The point is not about with 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, etc.) The their intentions so much as series itself is interesting, their works – the reflection Examples of the Fibonacci Series as expressed in nature and art. but it also gives rise to what of beauty that can be described is called the golden ratio (or mathematically. golden mean, approximately 1.618, which you get when you divide one In the end, I guess it isn’t so hard to understand that there is a Fibonacci number by the one just before it starting at about 34 or so) strong, if subtle, link between math and the arts. Mathematics is used and the golden angle (that mathematicians prefer to call Phi, about to describe the world around us, beauty is in the world, so math can 137.5 degrees). Both of these have been linked to human perception of describe beauty. When people make beautiful works of art, in many beauty. cases, math will be able to describe that beauty. Look at any number of living things in nature and you’ll find the In light of this, perhaps the better question is how math could not be golden angle and Fibonacci numbers: some sea shells, pineapples, related to the arts! cauliflower, pinecones, and many flowers. That beautiful rose grew its pedals using the golden angle to spiral them around its center such that As owner and director at Mathnasium (a math learning center with locations in each new pedal doesn’t block the sun from the ones below. If so many West Knoxville and Chattanooga (www.mathnasium.com/westknoxville) things in nature are associated with the Fibonacci numbers, it is not for the past five years, Mike has extensive experience teaching children and surprising to see the influence of the Fibonacci numbers in art, from young adults the foundations of math concepts fine art to architecture to music. that are crucial to building their confidence and engagement with math throughout life.
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Knoxville Parent • September 2013
FIBONACCI FACT Leonardo Fibonacci (c. 1170 – c. 1250) Leonardo Fibonacci was born in Italy. He travelled throughout the Mediterranean in order to study with the leading mathematicians of the time. He wrote down what he learned in a text called the Liber Abaci which means Book of Calculation. In this text he noted a sequence of numbers where each number is the sum of the previous two numbers. This sequence of number is called the Fibonacci Sequence.
An example of math occurring in nature and also used in the creation of art by Leonardo da Vinci.
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Knoxville Parent • September 2013
Creative ways to integrate math in your child’s daily life
By Tracey Matthews, Supervisor Knox County Schools Family and Community Engagement Contributing Writers: Candice Campbell and Mary Frances Street, Knox County Schools Family and Community Engagement, University of Tennessee Student Interns
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any children don’t understand why they have to learn mathematics. The trick to making math relevant in their lives is to use math in activities that matter to them. This allows them to learn practical ways math is important. The key is to always be on the lookout for methods to creatively integrate math into daily activities, so children can positively connect with math and boost their confidence. Here are some fun and creative ways to help your child learn and practice basic math skills every day: •
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Kitchen: Give your child the responsibility of measuring when you are cooking. Fractions can be explored while making and cutting sandwiches in halves, fourths (quarters), etc. Restaurant: Show your child this neat way to calculate tipping percentages. Circle the total bill (e.g., $32.97). Have him move the decimal place over one place to the left ($3.297). Cross off the last number if you aren’t ready to tackle rounding up or down ($3.29). The numbers remaining represent 10% of the total cost. Multiply that number by 2 (or add it to itself) to calculate 20% of
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the total cost. • Grocery Store: Help your child weigh different foods at the grocery store and show her how to read the scale. For more fun, have her estimate the whole weight before weighing. Use grocery store coupons and subtract savings. • The Community: Enjoy a “Geometry Scavenger Hunt” at a park or anywhere in your community. Name various shapes, and ask your child to identify objects that mimic that shape. Also ask questions like, “What shape is this sign?” • The Bank: Help your child open a savings account. He will have opportunities to practice balancing a budget/ checkbook, understand how interest accrues, etc. • Family Outings: Help your child practice telling time by making her the official “Time Keeper” for the family. This might include being responsible for letting the family know when the family has only five minutes remaining before departure time for an outing or announcing when it’s dinner or snack time. • Calendar: Have your child keep a calendar of important dates and events. Ask him to count the number of days until special events will occur. • Board or Card Games: Use various board games, like Life or Monopoly, to teach your child budgeting and money management skills. For other math skills such as addition or high versus low, play card games like “War” (visit boardgames.about.com/od/cardgames/a/war.htm for instructions) or Dominos (visit www.ehow.com/how_8480509_dominoesinstructions.html for instructions). • Sports: Sports are full of numbers, whether it’s the score or the size of the playing field/court. Have your child explain the hitting percentage of her favorite baseball player or how the point system works in a football game. This way, she can understand these abstract classroom ideas in terms she knows, cares about, and understands. • Books: The importance of reading with your child for 20 minutes a day is essential for learning. Include stories that bring math concepts to life. Ask your librarian to help you find books titles such as Football: The Math of the Game by Shane G. Frederick, Spaghetti and Meatballs for All! by Marilyn Burns or The Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar Fractions Book by Jerry Pallotta. • Pocket Change: At the end of each day, empty your pocket change and teach your child how to count it. As his counting skills progress, tell him that he can keep the change for his piggy bank if he correctly adds the change. For information about math in the Knox County Schools elementary schools and for a list of math resources for both parents and students, visit http://esmath. knoxschools.org. Incorporating these and other creative ideas into your child’s daily life will help mathematical concepts seem less abstract and therefore easier to comprehend. In short, understanding and applying math is easier and more fun if we are immersed in it starting at a young age and throughout our daily lives.
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Knoxville Parent • September 2013
The next American Idol? Find your real voice
by Michael Kull. Photo by Eva Nations
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“When a student learns to use his or her authentic voice, this...makes things easier all around.”
ave you ever listened to the sound of your own voice on a recording? Many people don’t like to listen to themselves. They say that their voice sounds strange, it embarrasses them to hear it, it doesn’t even sound like them. While not everyone reacts this way, it brings up an idea that is worth considering: Our voices are somehow so closely tied to our identities, to who we are, that we question whether or not they truly represent us. If every voice is a sonic “finger print,” and is destined to be the next American Idol, and pursuing no two voices are alike, then the voice we have is the vocal training in order to achieve that goal may not be only one we’re going to get. When we hear our voice realistic. But the impulse to express oneself through and don’t recognize it, then we are messing with the speaking or singing is definitely worth pursuing, no notion of who we are. matter what the outcome. The inscription above the Michael Smith, in his August Knoxville Parent Temple of Apollo at Delphi says, gnōthi seauton or Magazine article titled, “And speaking about public Know thyself. Whether is if for a talent show, science speaking,” referenced a quote from Walker Percy’s presentation, college interview, or simply standing up book, Lost in the Cosmos: The Last Self-Help Book. to respond to a question in class, helping your child The quote states that the number one fear shared by experience what is like to be in agreement with his or most people surveyed in a recent poll was the fear of her voice can be a freeing experience and a real step A vocal demonstration for kids at the public speaking. This above the fears of sickness, war, closer to achieving this maxim. Brakebill Music House. even death. Smith points to several factors that can serve to heighten this type of fear: lack of being prepared, not enough practice, lack of confidence. He wonderfully addresses how using “guided practice” can successfully improve one’s public speaking experience. Public speaking is using one’s voice in public. At some level it is no different than using one’s voice to compete in American Idol or to interview for college Sunday, Sept 22 at 3:00 p.m. admission. These all require a person to tap into his or her capacity for self (Station Crafts Begin at 2:15) expression and to broadcast it to an audience. If a person is unsure of himself, either through being ill prepared, afraid, or perhaps even dishonest with himself or his “audience,” then he is going to have a difficult time. POPULAR DESTINATION MUSIC! As a voice teacher and coach (and a singer who spent years finding his “true” Thomas the Tank Engine • Chattanooga Choo-Choo voice as opposed to some affected or mimicked sound), I have guided people Polar Express • Johann Strauss II’s “Pleasure Train” through the process of uncovering their voices. In my experience, beyond the sounds we utter and the words we speak or sing, there is a deeper essence of Polka AND MORE! a person’s voice that approaches the sonic “finger print” mentioned earlier, the place where the core of who we are meets the core of what we sound like. FUN ACTIVITIES! The beautiful thing about the process is that this “finding the true voice” Plus Train Info, Snacks, an instrument Petting Zoo does a great deal to increase self confidence in general, which can translate to AND MORE! everyday activities beyond singing or public speaking. When a student learns to use his or her authentic voice, this alignment between identity and voice (who I DRESS THE PART! am is what I sound like) makes things easier all around. The best costume will receive If your child has an interest in vocal training or coaching, or has doubts and questions about the quality, strength or effectiveness of her voice, then she is free train tickets on the Secret City Train! also expressing an interest in who she is. Not everyone (hardly anyone, really)
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Knoxville Parent • September 2013
The mysterious growing pains by Marcin Gornisiewicz, M.D.
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our 5-year-old child wakes up in the middle of the night screaming from pain, crying, and pointing toward the legs. You look at them but you don’t see anything wrong. You rub them and the child is in deep sleep again within thirty minutes. When your child wakes up in the morning, he/she is absolutely fine, no pain or limping, ready for daily activities like nothing ever happened. The same thing occurs again a week later, this time even more dramatic, disrupting sleep for the whole family. You are now seriously worried and ask yourself questions. Is my child really in pain, or is he/she faking it? Is it serious? Should I call my doctor? If this story sounds familiar, chances are your child is experiencing growing pains. First described in medical literature in 1823 by a French doctor, growing pains affect up to 37% of preschoolers beginning usually in children between 4 and 6 years old. The pain starts late in the day or at night (especially in the first few hours). It is located in the legs in shins, calves, thighs or behind and around the knee and ankle. It affects both legs but not necessarily at the same time. The pain can be mild, but it is sometimes severe, waking the child as if from a bad dream. The child may cry or scream, demanding your full attention. There is nothing that parents can see, no bruising, redness or swelling. It will last 10 to 30 minutes, relieved by massage, heat, and the child will completely fine in the morning without pain or limping, ready for another full day of action. Growing pains are episodic, and they may disappear for weeks or months only to start up again. Some kids may experience them on daily basis. Growing pains will always go away. It is just a matter of time. Usually they disappear completely by age 14. They don’t interfere with proper growth or development, they are not associated with any specific rheumatic condition nor do they increase the chance of any systemic disease. So, what is going on? Where does the pain come from? Well, nobody really knows, but one thing is certain. This is not arthritis, in spite of its name it has nothing to do with growth, and it has nothing to do with Kirk Cameron and the successful TV series Growing Pains from the early 90’s. Parents have observed that growing pains are often worse after an increased level of physical activity, so perhaps just simple local overuse is a factor. It has been noted that children with hyper-mobility syndrome (double-jointed) and with flat feet are more prone to having growing pains. Some studies show a connection to emotional stress. Finally, there is likely a genetic predisposition, as growing pains tend to run in the family. It is important to understand the benign nature of this condition. The pain can be controlled by gentle massage, heating pads, light stretching of the legs, over the counter pain killers and reassurance. Your smile, hug, calm behavior will usually do the trick. There is no need to change your children’s normal daily activities. If they are involved in competitive sports, let them continue. In children waking up with pain several nights in a row, Dr. Marcin Gornisiewicz graduated with an MD degree from the Medical School of Warsaw in Warsaw, Poland. He completed residency training in internal medicine at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey. He completed fellowship training in rheumatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Birmingham, Alabama. He joined Rheumatology Consultants, PLLC (rheumatologyconsultants.org) in 2002. He is board certified in Rheumatology.
“Growing pains will always go away. It is just a matter of time. Usually they disappear completely by age 14.” an evening dose of Tylenol or Ibuprofen just before they go to bed may brake the cycle. For children with typical growing pains, there is no need to do any laboratory or imaging tests, and a visit to the doctor is usually not necessary. However, be aware of symptoms that are not seen in growing pains that would require a full medical evaluation. These include: • • • • • •
pain during the day pain that is present only in one leg and only in one location limping and decreased activity fever and weight loss local warmth, tenderness or swelling If you have any doubts about the diagnosis, contact your pediatrician.
In conclusion, growing pains are real and sometimes look very dramatic but they are harmless, there is no damage to child’s bones, joints, muscles or growth plates. They will go away like the television show.
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Knoxville Parent • September 2013
Stop the yelling
Practice self control in front of your children by Kathryn Rea Smith, Ph.D.
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“...as they watch you make progress in the area of self-control, they will feel hopeful about their own ability to improve self-control. ”
hildren are known to misbehave. They whine, complain and throw tantrums. They make messes. They talk back and refuse to listen. They use their outside voice inside the house. Sometimes they hit, kick, and bite. In short, children can be quite provocative. Some adults can stay calm in the face of such provocations but others lose their cool and start to yell. In this article, I will make the case for staying calm and present a recipe for change for parents who wish to stop yelling at their children. Why is staying calm so important when doling out themselves and their own struggles. Also, as they watch discipline? The main argument for staying calm is you make progress in the area of self-control, they will feel that it’s good role modeling for the child. One of the hopeful about their own ability to improve self-control. primary responsibilities of parenting is to promote the When parents are engaged in a process to learn selfdevelopment of impulse control in the child. We want to control in the face of being provoked by the children, raise children who know how to remain calm even in the there can be a spirit of camaraderie and empathy in the face of provocation. What better way to do this than by household. After all, everyone is working towards the same staying calm when they do things to provoke us? Consider goal. Dad can honestly say, “Learning to control yourself the alternative: Jimmy feels provoked when his brother when you are mad at someone is really hard, isn’t it? But breaks his Lego creation. Jimmy starts yelling at his it’s definitely worthwhile. I’m glad we are working on this brother. Brother starts to cry. Mom, in response to all the together.” Photo by Kasandra Atwood. fuss, storms into the room and screams “Aargh, Jimmy, stop yelling at your brother.” Mom wants Jimmy to learn to control himself even when he’s been provoked and is upset, but she’s not demonstrating self-control in the face of Jimmy’s provocation of her. There is a serious double standard at play. The message is you must control yourself and not yell, scream or storm around—unless you happen to be the parent! Perhaps you are a parent who tends to “raise your voice” when disciplining the children and you want to stop this habit. What can you do? First, acknowledge your awareness that you are yelling too much and inform the children of your intent to stop. Then, the next time you yell or scream at the children, as soon as possible, apologize for losing it. You could say “I’m not happy with the way I handled the situation. I did not want to yell at you and I’m sorry I lost control. Now, let’s talk (calmly) about the things you were doing when I yelled at you.” You must apologize for your loss of control, but it’s also important to address any inappropriate behaviors on the children’s part that Looking for a meaningful gift that will last forever? provoked you. Honor your loved ones with an original portrait by local artist Let’s face it—having to apologize repeatedly for the same offense quickly gets old! After a few of these apologies, you are likely to start “catching” yourself in the middle of yelling, at which point you can get yourself back on track. Again, family members • newlyweds • beloved pets • landscapes • still life honest communication is vital. Tell the child, “Hold on—I don’t want to yell at you. Let me get myself under control so we can talk about this” or, “Oops, AR-Art.com I forgot to use my inside voice just now.” This is role modeling at its best and (865) 425-0425 most effective. Children will notice and appreciate your efforts to control your impulses when angry or provoked. They know how hard this is to do, and seeing you struggle for and re-gain control will make them feel better about
Fine Art Portraits
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Kathryn Rea Smith, Ph.D. is a private practice psychologist specializing in psychological assessment and parenting consultation. Dr. Smith can be reached at kerea@aol.com.
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Knoxville Parent • September 2013
Healthy aging
Stay active to stay healthy by Juhee Shah, Exercise Physiologist
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he elderly population is the fastest growing age group of the United States population. It has been projected that by the year 2050, almost 89 million Americans will be age 65 years or older. This is nearly double the United States’ population of elderly people in 2010. In light of the aging population, promoting and facilitating healthy aging has become a necessity. As people age, their physiological function decreases, and their risk for chronic disease increases. The four primary fitness components - cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, body composition, and flexibility - all deteriorate with age. In addition, chronic diseases pose the greatest health risk to the elderly. These diseases include heart disease, cancer, stroke, dyslipidemia (bad cholesterol), and diabetes. People living with any of these chronic conditions, in addition to the decline in fitness, can experience diminished quality of life due to limited mobility and functional fitness. Trouble with simple activities of daily living, such as eating, getting dressed, and taking care of household chores often arise. Even with these inevitable changes that accompany age, it is possible to slow the rate of functional decline by eating a nutritious diet, taking precautions to prevent chronic diseases, and being physically active. Physical activity is essential for older adults in order to keep themselves healthy, thus preventing many of the health problems that can come with age. The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides information and recommendations for older adults on the amount and type of physical activity that leads to health benefits. Older adults should focus on three types of physical activity – aerobic, muscle strengthening, and balance training. These types of activity will help older adults improve their functional fitness, maintain functional independence, and
• • • • • • •
Elzbieta Tworek Archery Instructions US National Certified Level IV Archery Coach
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865-719-7543 • theolympicarrow@comcast.net www.theolympicarrow.com
“Physical activity is essential for older adults in order to keep themselves healthy, thus preventing many of the health problems that can come with age.” avoid disability. The guidelines for older adults can be found online at http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/ guidelines/chapter5.aspx. There are many ways for older adults to be active and meet these guidelines. First and foremost, it is important to find an activity that you enjoy! You are more likely to stick with the activity if you have fun doing it. Second, be sure to choose a few activities that you like. By doing the same thing over and over again, you can often feel stuck, stop progressing, or get bored. Choose complementary activities to make sure you have variety. Healthyaging.net provides some tips for older adults who are ready to become active. 1. Set a long-term goal and several short-term goals to incrementally work towards it. 2. Keep working through setbacks. Although discouraging at times, they can be essential in showing you how your plan should change. 3. Always keep your eyes open for ways to improve. 4. Do not take on too much too quickly. Be patient and pace yourself. 5. Put obstacles out of sight. For example, if sugar is your weakness, do not keep it around. Replace it with fresh fruit. 6. Celebrate when you reach not only your long-term goal, but also the shortterm ones! This will encourage you to keep up the good work and to keep working towards the big goal. 7. Lastly, always make sure your goals and expectations are SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time Bound. Information for this article provided by: www.cdc.gov, www.healthyaging.net, www. health.gov Juhee Shah is a fitness instructor, exercise physiologist, and personal trainer at Fort Sanders Health and Fitness Center. She has her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in exercise physiology at the University of Tennessee. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her sister and friends and practicing taekwondo, in which she has a 3rd degree black belt.
l or children, playtime is more than just idle enjoyment. Children use playtime to imagine, discover and make pF sense of the world around them. When a child is facing circumstances like illness or injury, introducing gunfamiliar playful activities can make all the difference in that child’s of what is happening and can help create tunderstanding a positive mood and outlook for the healing process. At
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Knoxville Parent • September 2013
Why play matters by Cassidy Duckett
“We give them teddy bears to practice finger pokes and insulin shots so they can see how it works”
the staff members are trained specifically to play in a constructive, healing and educating manner. Children’s Hospital, 15 staff members are dedicated to this “We are teaching them coping skills to use when they get crucial part of a child’s daily life. These individuals serve anxious for the rest of their lives, like deep breathing,” said as cheerleaders, confidantes and advocates to patients who McBride. “We play with them because that’s what children may be frightened by or unfamiliar with the hospital setting. do, and we want to normalize the hospital setting.” Beloved by patients, the Child Life Specialists at Children’s For the Child Life Specialists, building relationships Hospital believe in the power of play as a method of healing, through play and teaching has resulted in positive patient growing and developing. and family interactions. Wells recalled a particularly touching This year, the Child Life Department celebrated its 35th moment on Valentine’s Day: “The most amazing little boy anniversary at Children’s Hospital. The program began in brought me a valentine. It said something about the flowers 1978 with longtime staff members Laura Barnes, now the needing the sun and the rain. As I was thanking him, his Vice President for Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Child Life Specialist Anna Taylor mom said, ‘You make this easier for us. You make diabetes Officer, and Eleanor Stevens. It was the first program of spends time with Tatum Croft and easier for us.’ It tears me up to think of it again.” its kind in Tennessee and predates the Child Life Council, Abigail Godden. Visit www.etch.com for more information. which is the governing body of the field. Since then, the department has grown to cover all inpatient units, the Emergency Department, outpatient clinics and the Radiology Department. “It’s what makes pediatric hospitals like us unique,” said Shannon McBride, Child Life Specialist. “Patients and families are usually anxious when they hear the word surgery, but we try to prepare them and reduce their anxiety.” To do so, the specialists provide age-appropriate, hands-on explanations to demonstrate procedures, like inserting an I.V. “We give them teddy bears to practice finger pokes and insulin shots so they can see how it works,” said McBride, who works frequently with children diagnosed with diabetes. “Patients are able to get control and realize that it’s not as scary as it seems.” Meredith Goodfellow, Child Life Specialist in the Radiology Department, spends her days preparing children for X-rays, tests and sedation. She was the first Child Life Specialist in that department and has earned the nickname iPad Lady for her use of an iPad to distract patients during procedures. “I play with them to get them to drink the contrast, which they usually don’t love to do,” she said. “We also use simple terms to explain what will happen. When I say ‘spaghetti noodle’ to explain how big a catheter will be, I see the anxiety in parents go down instantly. When the parents are less stressed, the children are less stressed and vice versa.” Because Children’s Hospital patients range from infants to 21-year-olds, a Child Life Specialist must be prepared with a wide variety of activities and distraction methods. “Sometimes it’s to teach, familiarize and desensitize,” said Kristin Wells, Child Life Specialist. “And sometimes it’s just for fun—with no real purpose. You try to continually assess what is going on at any given No Surprises • All Prices Will Be Approved By You moment and do what you can to help, support and comfort.” Before Any Work Is Done. The Child Life Department is an essential 321 Leeper Parkway • Lenoir City, TN 37772 part of Children’s Hospital’s focus on family(865) 816-3954 • Euromot-US.com centered care. Led by Mary Pegler, Director,
Euromot is proud to serve Knoxville!
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Knoxville Parent • September 2013
Join the fun at St. Mary’s Fall Fest 2013
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Fort Sanders Health & Fitness Center Fall Fitness Festival Saturday, September 21, 2013 9 AM – 1 PM Free! Fun! Open to everyone! Fasting Glucose/Cholesterol/HH . . . . . . . . . . . 9 a .m . – 11 a .m . (Call 541-4500 to schedule an appointment) Climbing Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 a .m . – 12 p .m . Racquetball Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 a .m . – 12 p .m . Group Fitness Extravaganza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All Day Fitness Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All Day Postural Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All Day Games, prizes, and fun! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All Day
270 Fort Sanders West Blvd . Knoxville,TN
fshfc.com/531-5000
0783-1593
Special discount on membership the day of the event!
ave the date now for the 63rd Annual St. Mary’s Fall Festival set for Oct. 4-5th. The festival is not only a tradition for St. Mary’s Parish but one the entire community looks forward to yearly! The kick-off for this year’s festival will be our 2nd Annual Road Rally. This is a competition of driving accuracy and will test the team’s skills of time, speed and distance. Teams will be made up a driver and a navigator and prizes will be awarded at a cookout on church grounds following the rally. The date for the Road Rally is set for Saturday, Sept. 28, the weekend before the festival. The Knights of Columbus,“ Spaghetti Dinner” which is much anticipated each year, will be held Friday Oct. 4th from 5:00-7:00 in the Parish Life Center to begin the festivities for the festival weekend! Following with tradition will be the Live Auction beginning at 7 pm. There will be a vast array of items up for bid this year including an Antique Oak Curio Cabinet and Dining Set, Large Screen Projection TV, Cherry End Tables with matching Coffee Table, Cedar Clothing Armoire, Treadmill, Chest Freezer, Bakers Rack, Handmade Quilts and Afghans, Jewelry Armoire, Oak China Hutch, plus additional Artwork pieces, and vacation and entertainment packages, and much more! Throughout the evening the sweet tooth can be satisfied at the “Bake Shoppe” while browsing the “Silent Auction.” The St. Lucy’s Guild Silent Auction once again will have “buy it now” pricing on certain items. Also, a much appreciated addition to Friday evening for parents and kids is that children through 3rd grade will have activities planned just for them. On Saturday, Oct. 15th festival activities will begin at 10 am and continue until 4 pm on the Parish Grounds. Festival games and rides will be found for kids of all ages, and armbands will be available for unlimited riding, including a giant inflatable slide, bounce houses, and hamster ball! The food fare at the festival always satisfies all appetites and this year will not disappoint! All the old favorites including the German Bier Garten, the American Grille, Hot Wings & Fries, and Bar-B-Que Chicken Legs will make return appearances, along with a new addition of a “Spanish Food Booth.” The “Used Car Lot” Silent Car Auction, Bake Shoppe, Face Painting & Dried & Fresh Flowers including Mums again this year, can also be found on festival grounds Saturday. Live entertainment will be on the main stage throughout the day. St. Joseph’s Food Pantry will be accepting your “Thanksgiving” food item donation, and you will receive a prize stamp which can be redeemed at the prize booth. St. Joseph’s Food Pantry is a ministry at St. Mary’s that supplies food to those in need in our community. Another of St. Mary’s outreach ministries – The White Elephant – will also be open for business on Friday 3-5 pm, and Saturday from 9 am – 4 pm. Fall and winter clothing will be available as well as Halloween and Christmas decorations. For more information about the festival please contact Lenna Aird (865) 2165625 or lennaaird1@comcast.net OR visit the website www.stmarysoakridge.org/Parish/ fallfest.html. If you have interest in becoming a festival sponsor please contact Kathryn Chou at development@stmarysoakridge.org
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“Once Upon a Time on Titanic” The Eleanor Johnson Story
It must have seemed like a magical, floating kingdom to 18-month-old Eleanor Johnson when she boarded Titanic with her mother, Alice, and older brother, Harold, in 1912. They were returning to their home in the United States following a visit with an ailing relative in Finland. If little Eleanor’s Titanic adventure had a fairy tale beginning, then it did not have a happy-ever-after ending. Approaching midnight on the fourth day at sea, Titanic struck an iceberg, sending chunks of ice onto the deck, ironically providing a brief moment of recreation for a few passengers, including Eleanor’s mother, who playfully kicked the ice around. Soon the enormity of their situation became clear when a steward rushed them to the boat deck. Eleanor, clinging tightly to her mother, entered Lifeboat No. 15, her brother right behind her. Later they were picked up by the rescue ship Carpathia and taken to New York City. Life, after her tumultuous Titanic experience, was mostly smooth sailing for Eleanor. In 1934 she married Delbert Shuman, an International Harvester engineer, had a son and daughter, and had a job at the Elgin Watch Company. They were married for 47 years before Delbert died in 1981. In 1996 Eleanor joined two other Titanic survivors on an emotional, expedition cruise to the Titanic wreck site. Eleanor was the only survivor that director James Cameron met while filming TITANIC. She saw the movie at a special screening with movie critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert. Eleanor had a tale to tell and she told it often, becoming something of a celebrity after the movie’s release. Eleanor lived to see Titanic make world headlines, once again, before dying at the age of 87. Upon her death there were only 5 Titanic survivors remaining – today there are none. Her story, and those of the other 2,207 Titanic voyagers, lives on at the Titanic Museum Attraction. When you visit, we look forward to introducing you to them all.
ONE OF THE 133 CHILDREN STORIES OF TITANIC
The First and Only World Tribute to Titanic’s Littlest Heroes
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Knoxville Parent • September 2013
The creative edge
by Debora Ahmed, Artist-in-Residence at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont isual artists have a tendency to approach their work with the number “three” at the back of their minds. We use foreground, middle ground, and background in landscape work, and are constantly aware of locating the “triangles” in any composition, also known as the “rule of three.” For the past three years, I have had the pleasure of spending my summers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park as artist-in-residence at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (Tremont). My experiences there also fall into this area of “thirds.” I work with campers, I have the opportunity to improve my own skill base as an artist, and when I return to my position as a high school art teacher, I am refreshed and ready to begin a new school year. Creating fun things to make with summer campers is a joy to accomplish. It’s what I call “pure teaching.” There are no grades to post, no Department of Education regulations to constrict creative juices, and everyone is learning new skills by just trying something different and hand-made. Through June and July, I watch the various groups complete a project that combines the love of nature with the visual arts. It is truly a wonderful experience. Some of the fun projects the kids are involved in include salamander hand puppets, nature drawings and illustrations, sand paintings, and
“The peace of these mountains seeps into my pores, the beauty that surrounds me restores my outlook on life, and I regain enough confidence in my own artistic journey to return to the classroom.”
jigsaw puzzle designs. The second area that occupies my time in the Smokies is the creation of my own artwork, which sadly gets neglected during the school year. I have always loved landscape painting (oils and acrylic), and greatly enjoy working in the “plein aire” style: setting up my easel out-of-doors, then capturing the image in front of me and the light that illuminates the scene. The national park has an unlimited number of views that are challenging, which has pushed me into the “growth zone” that I need to constantly help me improve my own skills. While in the park, I find time to dabble in other projects. Last year, I completed some specimen illustrations for Discover Life in America (DLIA). I also make an attempt at more poetry writing presented in calligraphic form. The last “third,” and in some ways the most important to my well being, is the area that I refer to as the “healing power of the mountains.” Teaching in the high school setting is challenging in many ways: physically, mentally, and spiritually. Teenagers working in the art studio setting are wonderful creatures in that they are required to solve problems in unique ways, while at the same time are trying to improve their fine motor skills…often with the teacher being their only textbook. Their questions keep me on my “artistic” toes, and their need for advice in many areas of life requires careful thinking and caring answers. By the end of the year, I feel drained and in need of a good “hospital cure” that involves me coming back to the Smokies, sitting by the Middle Prong or hiking to Spruce Flats Falls—activities that always help to replenish my soul. The peace of these mountains seeps into my pores, the beauty that surrounds me restores my outlook on life, and I regain enough confidence in my own artistic journey to return to the classroom. My time spent in the Smokies allows me to slow down and focus on regaining my creative edge. Then I can start the education cycle all over again. Artist Debora Ahmed’s involvement in art production and scholarship has spanned 40-plus years. For more than two decades she has taught visual arts education for grades K-12 through adults, and is currently retiring from teaching high school. Her free-lance art production includes painting, drawing, and other fine art/fine craft work.
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Knoxville Parent • September 2013
Ten Terrific Books to Get Creative! I Gotta Draw by Bruce Degen PreK-2nd Young dog Charlie Muttnik draws all the time, which is a problem during his classes until his teacher comes up with a way to harness his creative talents into his schoolwork.
Crafty Chloe by Kelly DiPucchio PreK-2nd Chloe, who loves to sew and make crafts, uses her special talents to make the perfect birthday gift for a friend.
The Art Box by Gail Gibbons PreK-2nd Prolific author and illustrator Gibbons describes the different kinds of tools and supplies used by artists to create their work.
Cool Collage by Anders Hanson 2nd-5th Part of the Cool Art series, this title introduces the medium of collage, describes the supplies needed, and presents a variety of sample projects to try.
Compiled by Erin Nguyen
Children’s Department, Knox County Public Library
The Art of Miss Chew by Patricia Polacco 3rd-6th As a child, author Polacco struggled with learning disabilities, but found a way to shine through her artwork and was set on her course to being a successful author and illustrator by an inspiring art teacher named Miss Chew.
A Nest for Celeste: A Story about Art, Inspiration, and the Meaning of Home by Henry Cole 3rd-6th As Celeste the mouse searches for the perfect home, she becomes the friend and muse for a boy named Joseph who is working as an assistant for famous wildlife artist John James Audubon.
Sing My Song: A Kid’s Guide to Songwriting by Steve Seskin 3rd-6th Singer-songwriter Seskin provides step-by-step instructions on writing songs, which he has developed over the years traveling the country teaching children how to be songwriters.
For library information in your area visit: www.knoxlib.org/
Lynn Visible by Julia DeVillers 6th-10th High school freshman Lynn has always taken pride in her creative, unique sense of style, but after a disastrous first day of school and a botched audition for an online teen fashion magazine, she needs help to regain her confidence.
So You Wanna Be a Superstar?: The Ultimate Audition Guide by Ted Michael 6th-12th The author draws on his years of experience in musical theater to detail the best ways to prepare for an audition for a musical, play, show choir, or glee club, and includes advice from successful friends in the profession for added inspiration.
Just Write: Here’s How by Walter Dean Myers 7th-12th Anyone interested in writing their own stories will find practical howto advice in this book by renowned author and National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Walter Dean Myers.
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Knoxville Parent • September 2013
Dear Knox County Schools’ Families
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new school year means opportunities for creative expression from both teachers and students. Of the many aspects of our schools that have impressed me as I visit classrooms, the use of creativity stands out. I have witnessed our teachers using bright and original ideas to educate our students, and our students are listening and learning. I’ve spoken with many students in the course of my visits, and I see great enthusiasm and engagement. This year we fully implement the Common Core State Standards, a set of expectations that help students learn more deeply and apply knowledge more successfully. These standards are a road map to help ensure your children are ready for their futures after high school, whether that means college or career. While Common Core focuses extensively on English/language arts and math, the standards also help our students learn to express themselves through effective writing and to read for understanding. The standards help them apply context from one subject, such as science, to other subjects, such as social studies and math, so the creative mind is engaged in making connections in the “real world.” They learn the valuable life lessons of critical thinking and creative problem solving, and they become better prepared to compete with peers from across the state and around the world. In my classroom visits, I have observed teachers implement Common Core strategies, and I see students process and apply the information. I was pleased to see the professional creativity our teachers use to facilitate student learning. I saw the use of visual cues, large and small group activities, lecture, and written reinforcement on walls, doors, even ceilings and windows! Our outstanding teachers use music, lighting, color, active discussion and various technological resources to convey their important instruction. We cannot deny that technology drives much in society, and our young people are growing up accustomed to using technology to accomplish tasks. We must continue to integrate technology into our curriculum, not as a means to itself but as another tool in the toolbox of our teachers. Virtually every classroom in the Knox County Schools is equipped with interactive boards, which are so much more than just electronic chalkboards.
“Our teachers will use the iPads and laptops to extend creativity in their instruction.” We also have computers in the classrooms, and for 11 of our schools, soon every student in grades 4-12 will have his or her own computer to support their learning. This year, the Knox County Schools is piloting a program to provide comprehensive instructional technology in our classrooms. Eleven schools were chosen from applications from across the school district to participate in the pilot. All summer, teachers attended training to learn how to best use the instructional devices, and we’re excited to announce that this month, the devices are being rolled out to the eager students and teachers in the 11 schools. Our teachers will use the iPads and laptops to extend creativity in their instruction, and students’ creative expression can soar with the addition of this technology in their hands. The devices will bring the world into their learning environment like never before, and the possibilities for academic growth and creative expression are virtually limitless. Creativity allows us to learn and grow more fully, and through the academic expectations of the Common Core State Standards, the use of technology in our classrooms and great instruction from our outstanding teachers, the students in the Knox County Schools are poised to have an incredibly successful year. I encourage you to ask your principals and teachers more about Common Core and how the standards are integrated in the classroom. You also can learn more about Common Core at our website, www.knoxschools.org, or feel free to send your questions to commoncore@knoxschools.org. Finally, I want to remind you of three important events coming soon: The Knox County Schools Coupon Book campaign, September 5-23; Thank a Teacher Week, September 30 - October 4; and the Annual Parent Conference, which this year will join with the Knox County Schools’ Transition Fair, October 12 at Central High School. Thank you for your support of our students, teachers and principals. With your help, we can achieve our mission of Excellence for All Children. Sincerely, Dr. Jim McIntyre Superintendent, Knox County Schools
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Knoxville Parent • September 2013
Ahoy Mateys!
Annual Parent Conference and Transition Fair Sets Sail October 12 by Knox County Schools
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he Knox County Schools will offer its annual Parent Conference for all parents on October 12, and this year, to engage and serve more parents, the conference will be combined with the Knox County Schools Transition Fair for parents of students with disabilities. The event is free of charge, and childcare for ages 3-11 is provided at no cost with advance registration (see registration form at engagement.knoxschools.org). To secure your place at the conference, register early by visiting engagement.knoxschools. org. Registration will close October 4, 2013, or when the event has reached capacity (whichever comes first). What You Will Learn By attending the Parent Conference and Transition Fair, parents can become more effective school-home partners to strengthen student academic success. The event offers an opportunity for parents to gather to be motivated, informed and enlightened through engaging workshops, general session and keynote presentation to better support their children at home. Keynote Presentation: Resilience: How to Give Kids this Key to Success by Deborah Gilboa, M.D. General Session: All Aboard the Common Core State Standards Panel Discussion 2013 Workshops • Anchoring Good Study Habits • Feeling Marooned? Helping Your Elementary School Child with Homework • Consulting the Compass: How to Help Prepare Your Middle School Child for College • Argghh….How Social Media Can Affect Your Child’s Future • Raising the Sails: Helping Your Highly Proficient and Advanced Student • All Hands on Deck: Working Together to Provide a Safe, Secure Learning Environment • Ahoy Matey! Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder • Feeling Marooned? Helping Your Middle/High School Child with Homework • How to Tell If a Child is a Bully, a Bystander, a Victim or a Plain ‘Ol Scallywag • Looking Through the Spyglass: Understanding Tennessee’s Standardized Test Scores and Preparing for Change Ahead • Anchors Aweigh! College Entrance Exam Testing 101(ACT/SAT) • In the Galley: Quick, Easy and Healthy Meals, Snacks and Other Grub for Busy Parents • Sports After High School…What is Required to Continue to Ex“sail”
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Hidden Treasure: Raising Smart Money Kids • Moving from Rough Seas to Smooth Sailing: Helping My Struggling Learner at Home • Changing the Tide of How Children Succeed • Yo-ho-ho! Kindergarten Readiness and Beyond for Your Lil’ Buccaneers • Consulting the Compass: How to Help Prepare Your High School Child for College • Shining a Beacon on Community Resources: For Students Who Will Function More Independently (T) • Hold on, Mates! How Not to Lose Your Marbles in Times of a Tempest (T) • Full Speed Ahead! Special Education: Preparing for Individual Education Program (IEP) Meetings (T) • Navigating the Future: Understanding How to Access Services at the College Level (T) • Shining a Beacon on Community Resources: For Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities (T) • Understanding the Role of VR Partner“ships”: Vocational Rehabilitation Services (T) Sailing to Success: Creating a Meaningful Life (T) Unraveling the Mystery of Special Needs Trusts and Conservatorship (T) The Captain’s Perspective: Student Panel Discussion (T) Mapping the Way: A Tool to Help You Plan Your Future! (T) Planning for the Voyage Ahead: Benefits Planning and Outreach (T)
(T) denotes workshops traditionally offered at the Transition Fair; although more suited for parents of students with special needs, these workshops are open to all parents. Annual Knox County Schools Parent Conference and Transition Fair Saturday, October 12, 2013 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Central High School • 5321 Jacksboro Pike Talleres/sesiones estarán disponibles para los asistentes de habla hispana. Workshops/sessions will be available for Spanishspeaking attendees. Registration also is available by U.S. mail and by calling 865594-9524. Questions? Contact ParentConference@knoxschools. org or visit engagement.knoxschools.org. Interested in exhibiting at the Parent Conference and Transition Fair? Contact ParentConference@knoxschools.org by September 13, 2013.
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Knoxville Parent • September 2013
The theater arts major Article and phot by Liz Stucke, President of Admissions Prep
“Success...was not becoming a rich actor. Success was being part of a production and loving every unpaid moment.”
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ew York City, Upper West Side, late 1980s. “2B” It was easy to remember my sister’s apartment number. 2B, as in “To be, or not to be.” Everything in Ann’s life involved theater and story telling. Even her life was the typical starving actor story - waiting tables, theater groups, living in a 100 square foot, brickexposed walk-up apartment with a kitchen sink would leave farms and cities across the US that could barely hold a small soup bowl and to make it big in theater. They were lucky to spoon, on a not yet gentrified block of the way, find work, waiting tables. But too often they way Upper West Side of Manhattan. We, (my ended up on the streets. So it wasn’t without five other siblings, my mom and dad and I) just experience that my family was a bit skeptical wanted to see the happy ending, “Waitress of Ann’s career choice. Ann was smart, a great stars on Broadway.” But in life, happy endings writer and uncharacteristically (for a theater do not always come as expected. type), great in math. Her scores were high, I had arranged to meet Ann just outside the GPA high. She could have gone into any Bowdoin College, Maine Theater Arts restaurant where she was currently waiting countless of careers, but she loved drama, even tables. Either I was late or she got out early. I can’t remember. But I do if it meant behind the scenes or working without pay. So after years of acting remember seeing an unrecognizable figure exiting the restaurant, wearing an in both Hollywood and New York, she returned to Los Angeles and “settled oversized down parka, faux fur-lined hood covering any facial characteristics, down.” She took an entry-level job making deliveries for a company that head bent forward anticipating the gust of wind that cuts around the corners produced film trailers. In return she made a little money, but more importantly of buildings on Broadway. I watched this determined figure trudge forward, she was able to learn how to edit films. With years of theater experience and something akin to Shackelton defying the odds of ice, starvation and storms to perhaps with her dogged determination to tell a great story, she turned out to cross Antarctica. Suddenly the figure stopped, took off a glove, reached into be very talented at creating movie trailers. After a few years of grunt work, she a deep pocket and leaned into the shadows to drop a big handful of coins into edited several movie trailers, including one that won a prestigious movie trailer the outstretched hand. That’s my sister. award. For years Ann did what my siblings and I secretly admired. She was So how did my sister make it in the arts, where so many others fail? following her dream career, theater. While the rest of us siblings went on to 1. Redefine “success.” Success to Ann, was not becoming a rich actor. typical post college careers in business, real estate, teaching, and government Success was being part of a production and loving every unpaid moment. work, Ann auditioned. She auditioned and waited tables to support her passion 2. Smarts. Ann was smart in other fields and could rely on her ability to for theater. She acted for free along with thousands of other actors in New learn new things, such as film editing and the evolving technology to transition York City who acted, directed, produced, sewed costumes, applied makefrom the pure theater arts to film editing. up, designed sets and props all for free and typically funded by their jobs at restaurants or other odd jobs. 3. Hard-working, humble and flexible. While acting at night, she Ann acted for many years, and still occasionally does. She studied theater waited tables every other waking moment. At thirty, Ann was willing to take arts in college. We grew up in Hollywood, CA and routinely saw the teens that an entry-level job in order to reinvent her career combining her passion for
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theater and the possibility of making a more predictable income in her area of interest. Now, while raising two sons, she once again is using her creative passion for the arts to create an online community for women reentering the workforce, called SheSaysPost.
4. Giving back. I will never forget the image of Ann giving some of her hard earned money to the man on the street, but this was typical of her. Whether as a waitress or a prolific editor, she gave to the people around her. Did this contribute to her ever-evolving happy ending story? I have to believe it has. Liz Stucke, President of Admissions Prep (www.AdmissionsPrep. net) counsels students through the College Selection and Application process. Email questions or set up a free consultation: Liz@AdmissionsPrep.net or call/text 865-951-0639.
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