VOL. 1 NO. 1
APRIL 8, 2011
Models: Jenna and Chelsea Johnston
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ParentLife
AUGUST 5, 2011 25
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AUGUST 5, 2011
School Lockers Get Beauty Treatment By Therese P. Howe For Parent Life As students graduate from elementary school, one of the most popular status symbols as a “big kid” is the locker. “For the middle school kids, it’s like an event,” said Dana Johnston, who lives in Potomac Falls with her husband and two daughters, Chelsea and Jenna. “That’s because it was new to us;
before we had cubbies!” said Chelsea, a rising sophomore at Dominion High School. Her mother recalls driving to different stores “because everything had to match the color scheme that she thought of.” Other classmates at the time went even further with their interior design: “I remember in seventh grade a girl next to me had a little light in her locker,” Chelsea said. As a freshman last year, she put her name on her
• Teacher Resource Books • Work Books • Chart Paper • Bulletin Board Supplies • Home School Supplies • Educational Games • Manipulatives
locker door with black letters purchased from Michael’s, then added sparkles for a polka dot effect. The days of DIY locker decorations may soon be over, judging from the success of a new company that provide more options for students who want to inject a sense of style in their school day. LockerLookz launched its line of patterned wallpaper, lamps, chandeliers, organizational bins, shag rugs, flower magnets, mirrors and white message boards with dry-erase markers earlier
this year, and retailers nationwide have been selling out. Luckily for Loudoun students, the sole Virginia retailer of the LockerLookz line happens to be a local one: Go Bananas, which has locations in Brambleton and Lansdowne town centers. Toy store co-owner Mary Holmes first saw the products at an international toy store in February and was an instant fan. “I would have loved it when I was in middle school,” she said. Her first order arrived in early July and “blew out the door”; she
Loudoun’s ONLY Educational Store! Hours: Mon.- Fri. 10 am - 8 pm Sat. 10 am - 6 pm Sun. 12-5 pm
NEW LOCATION 506B Fort Evans Rd Leesburg www.loudounlearning.com
703-443-9966
County Christian School Loudoun County’s only Christian school accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Preschool-8th Grade!
Openings in our Middle School for 2011-2012! •Rigorous Academic Program with additional instruction in: Music, Art, P.E. Spanish, Computer and Library. Students have the potential to graduate from 8th grade with high school credit in Math (Algebra 1 and Geometry) and Spanish 1. •ACSI Competitions: Spelling Bee, Math, Creative Writing, Art. •Updated State-of-the-Art Computer Lab: CCS partners with the University of Richmond to teach “Global Academics”. CCS is the only school in Loudoun County to offer this unique, comprehensive curriculum. •Fully Equipped Science Lab for hands-on classroom instruction. Annual Science Fair.
•Missions Focus: Annual mission trip/ quarterly student service projects offered. •Full-Time Spiritual Life Director on staff. New Character Building Program for 2011-2012. •Competitive Sports program 5th-8th Grades: Girls: Volleyball, Basketball, Cross-Country, Soccer, Cheerleading. Boys: Soccer, Basketball, Cross-Country, Flag Football. Fully equipped gymnasium. •Middle School student retreat & outstanding field trips. •Weekly Middle School Clubs : Yearbook, Drama and Advanced PE Skills. •Our calendar coincides with Loudoun County Public Schools.
Visit us on the web and Apply Online at: www.CountyChristianSchool.org. 21673 Beaumeade Circle, Suite 600 Ashburn, VA 20147 (703) 729-5968
“Challenging Minds and Building Character…since 1980”
Photos courtesy of LockerLookz LockerLookz, a Texas-based company, has launched a new line of locker accessories that include removable wallpaper, shag rugs, chandelierss, mirrors, flower magnets, organizational bins and message boards. In Loudoun, you can find LockerLookz products at Go Bananas stores in Brambleton and Lansdowne.
AUGUST 5, 2011
EY L E E PS A BR U ER NG T T LOI DF A
KINDERGARTEN AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Photos by Therese P. Howe Go Bananas’ Lansdowne Town Center location had a limited supply of LockerLookz products recently, but co-owner Mary Holmes expects to receive another shipment soon.
expects a second shipment of the full product line to arrive in the next week or so. As options for locker décor expand, public school administrators are fine with decorating trends, as long as pictures or signs are school-appropriate and the surfaces aren’t changed permanently or damaged. For instance, “they can’t paint (the locker) inside or out,” Loudoun County High School Assistant Principal Rick Brown said Doug Anderson, principal at Broad Run High, added that painter’s tape is the only type students should use on lockers, otherwise “they end up peeling off the paint, and it defaces the locker.”
He also nixes permanent markers. “It’s kind of a rental unit – it should be in good condition when you leave.” Both administrators encourage the use of shelves in lockers so students can be organized. “There’s a lot of space if they use it correctly,” Anderson said. Another staple in most girls’ lockers is a mirror. “In the middle of class, you freak out about how your hair looks, and you go use your friend’s mirror,” said Caroline Holmberg, Chelsea’s friend who’s also a rising sophomore at Dominion. “You always want to look your best,” Chelsea said. “You never know.”
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during the day. “If you don’t have a lot of time to get from your last class to the bus, then when you go to your locker if it’s organized you know what to take home,” Caroline said. “And I also would recommend doing it frequently to make sure you stay organized,” Chelsea added. “If you don't organize in a while, it gets really messy really quickly.” • Keep loose papers in folders or binders. “My number one tip is don't throw random papers in your locker—put everything in the binders,” Caroline said. Chelsea added, “Random papers that teachers hand out like test scores and stuff I keep in a folder. So I have a homework folder that I bring to every class, so that I know I have it.”
44710 Cape Court #118 Ashburn, VA 20147 www.C3CyberClub.com I 703-729-0985
The Dance Academy of Loudoun Largest Dance Facility in Loudoun!
Organization Tips
Chelsea Johnston and Caroline Holmberg, both rising sophomores at Dominion High School, have some great tips for locker organization. • Use Shelves. “(Shelves help) because I like to organize it by day,” Chelsea said. “I have all of my books on one shelf that are just for A day and then on the bottom, I'll just have B day.” She suggests color-coordinating book covers and binders not only to add to the décor, but to help stay organized. • Use baskets and other types of organizers. “If you have magnetic baskets on the doors of your locker, it’s easier to keep track of your pens and your pencils and little stuff like that,” Caroline said. • Organize the contents
Call for Tour Appointment 703-729-0985
Audition for our Award Winning Competition Groups for ages 7 and up Youth Grand Prix Ballet Finalists Extensive Preschool Dance Program Beginner through advanced classes with annual recital for ages 2 and up Annual Nutcracker for ages 4and up!!!
REGISTER NOW FOR FALL CLASSES Musical Theater * Ballet /Pointe * Jazz/Hip-hop * Tumbling /Acrobatics * Tap* Contemporary/lyrical
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Adult Classes: Yoga, Ballet, Jazz/hip-hop,
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www..danceloudoun.com
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AUGUST 5, 2011
Register Now for Kids’ After-School Programs Vacation Bible School
Family Bible Fellowship Family U Bible Fellowship PCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS
August 8 - 12
Vacation am - 12 pm Bible 10 School Children ages 5-12 years old Family Bible Fellowship
Bringing God and Family Together
Sundays, 10:30 am S Y C O L I N C R E E K E L E M E N TA R Y
21100 Evergreen Mills Rd Leesburg, Virginia w w w. f b f l o u d o u n . c o m
familybible.pastor@gmail.com
By Therese P. Howe For Parent Life For some families, a good afterschool program is the only way a August 8 - 12 second parent can work and bring in 10 am - 12 pm extra income. If you haven’t started Children ages 5-12 years old making plans for your children’s afterFridays, Sept. 2 - Nov. 18 school care by now, you will want to hurry as many programs are filling up quickly. To help you get started, Parent 2:45 - 3:45 pm Children ages 5 - 12 years old Life called the following programs for information. Good News Club
Good News Club
meet 2 in -the Art Room Fridays,WeSept. Nov. 18 at S Y C O L I N C R E E K E L E M E N TA R Y 2:45 - 3:45 pm COUNTY
Children ages 5-12 years old
PROGRAMS
CASA 215 Depot Court SE, Leesburg (703) 737-8042 www.loudoun.gov The Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department offers before-school and after-school programs for public elementary school students at 40 schools and two community centers. Parents must go to the office to register, as staff will need to see proof of identification for each child. Forms and more information are available online. Currently “only a handful of sites” have wait lists, CASA Specialist Jackson Gray said, but parents should call now to start the registration process.
Questions? Contact Karah Walker 817.739.0366
We meet in the Art Room at SYCOLIN CREEK ELEMENTARY
Questions? Contact Karah Walker 817.739.0366
Free School Physicals for Kindergartners Kindergartners and elementary school-aged children newly entering Loudoun County Public Schools must have a physical exam to attend school in September. This event is intended for children from low-income families that otherwise would have difficulty affording school physicals.
Saturday, August 6, 2011 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Please bring your child’s immunization records. No appointment or pre-registration required. Walk-ins accepted throughout the day.
Location: Loudoun Community Health Center 224 Cornwall St. NW, Leesburg, Va (Building A/Main Building) For more information, call 703-443-2000 or e-mail info@LoudounCHC.org. Please note: Morning is often the busiest time for this event, so you may have to wait if you arrive before noon. There is not usually as much of a wait in the afternoon. Sports physicals for teens will not be available at this event. Community Participants: The Loudoun Community Health Center, Loudoun County Public Schools, Loudoun County Health Department, Loudoun Cares, Inova Loudoun Hospital, Loudoun Free Clinic, Junior League of Northern Virginia
Loudoun County Youth After School Program 215 Depot Court SE, Leesburg (703) 777-0343 www.loudoun.gov The Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services Departmen’s YAS program is available for public middle school students who participate in recreational activities of their choice at their school. Because of the convenience and affordability ($50 a month), the program is very popular and already has some sites with wait lists. Program Assistant Mark Davis encourages parents to register now even for sites with a wait list because some parents invariably drop out at the beginning of the school year. “You just don’t want to be registering the first week of school,” he said. Forms are online and can be sent by mail or turned in at the YAS office. Applicants
must fill out the forms completely, particularly for the emergency contact information. Incomplete forms are returned by mail, which will cause delays with your application.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS YMCA Loudoun 26B Fairfax Street SE, Leesburg (703) 777-9622 www.ymcadc.org The MyPlace After School Program offers homework help, arts and crafts, field trips, sports, games, healthy snacks and more for students ages 5 to 12. Registration is taking place now and openings are still available. Bus service is provided from some elementary schools; new locations this year include Sugarland Run and Buffalo Trail elementary schools, Associate Executive Director Laura Fears said.
COMBINATION PROGRAMS C3 Cyber Club After School Care 44710 Cape Court #118, Ashburn (703) 729-0985 www.c3cyberclub.com This innovative program combines a number of interests through “enhanced programs” for students up to eighth grade.The basic program provides transportation from area schools, snacks, homework help, weekly student progress report, arts and crafts, computer classroom, video game tournaments and more. Enhanced programs consist of the C3 Fit Club, which provides aikido classes from East-West Gym & Fitness; the C3 Tech Club, which provides hands-on experience in computer programming, creating video games and more; and the C3 Dance Club, a new program in partnership with Creative Dance Center that offers dance classes including jazz/hip hop, ballet and tap. Optional add-ons include tutoring sessions and field trips. Applications are being accepted now; registration forms can be found online. Spots are limited in the enhanced programs.
AUGUST 5, 2011
GYMNASTICS Dulles Gymnastics Academy 45449 Severn Way #101, Sterling (703) 444-4966 www.dullesgymnastics.com Students generally up to 13 years old are provided daily gymnastics classes, age-appropriate activities such as arts and crafts, theme-based programs such as cooking, nature and more. Transportation may be available; call for more information. Registration forms are available online; there are about 15 spots open. Loudoun Gymnastics 21586 Atlantic Blvd., Sterling (703) 444-9298 www.loudoungymnastics.com The After School Kid’s Club is open to children ages 6 through 12. Activities include gymnastics, games, arts and crafts, homework, snack and study time. Transportation may be available; call for more information. Applications are currently being accepted, and they will be accepting more students when they open their new facility.
MARTIAL ARTS Choi’s Martial Arts 45975 Nokes Blvd., Sterling (703) 450-8801 www.gotodragons.com Students are transported from Sterling and Ashburn area elementary and middle schools and will participate in martial arts lessons, homework, board games and more. Applications are being accepted now. Dave Moss’ Action Martial Arts 21690 Red Rum Drive Suite 187, Ashburn (703) 723-1850 www.amakick.com The studio offers activities including karate classes, homework time, quiet reading time and more to students up to middle school. Tutoring sessions are available as an add-on feature. Transportation, including morning kindergarten pickup, is available; check the web site for the list of schools. Other schools may be available upon request. Applications are being accepted now but space is limited. Dragon Yong In Locations in Leesburg, Ashburn, Purcellville and Brambleton www.dragonyong-in.com Students in kindergarten through
FA EY L E E PS AB RU ERNGT TLOI D
middle school are accepted to this program, which provides tae kwon do lessons, snack, supervised homework help and other activities. Transportation to all the public schools and most private schools is available; call for more details. Registration is taking place now; space is limited.
Our program develops your child’s Imagination, Observation & Artistic Talent! C3 Cyber Club Presents
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Kwon’s Champion School 43330 Junction Place, Ashburn (703) 724-7499 http://grandmasterhykwon.com Children ranging from 5 years old to middle school age are accepted in this martial arts program that combines techniques from tae kwon do, karate, kung fu, judo, hap ki do, kickboxing, weapons training and more. Transportation is provided from the Ashburn area; call soon to register as few spaces are left in the program. Tiger Claw Taekwondo 47-B Catoctin Circle SE, Leesburg (703) 779-0074 http://www.tigerclawva.com Parents can choose from two-day or three-to-five day schedules in this program, which provides transportation from elementary and middle schools in the Leesburg area. Registration is Continued On Page 30
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Call for Evening and Saturday class schedules
703-729-0985
www.c3cyberclub.com
Kid Computer Classes
44710 Cape Court #118 Ashburn, VA 20147 www.C3CyberClub.com I 703-729-0985
It’s time for School and Sports Physicals! The Loudoun Community Health Center is offering affordable School and Sports Physicals now through the end of August for all NEW patients.
Sports Physicals - $25 • School Physicals - $30 This special offer is for NEW patients only. We gladly accept Medicaid, Anthem Healthkeepers, Amerigroup, FAMIS No insurance? No worries! Call for an appointment. TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS:
Loudoun Community Health Center 224 Cornwall St NW Leesburg, VA 20176 Appointment line: 703-443-2000
Health Center for Children and Families 46440 Benedict Drive, Suite 208 Sterling, VA 20164 Appointment line: 571-434-0022
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Pediatrics & Newborn Care Practice in Lansdowne
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Pediatrics & Newborn Care, LLC
19415 Deerfield Ave, Suite 303 • Leesburg, VA 20176
Tel: (703) 297- 4865 Sunil Gupta, MD FAAP
(Check our web site for updated insurance list)
Continued From Page 29
ongoing, but it has only five spots left.
• Accepting New Patients, Newborns to 21 years
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Does Your Child Love Being Upside Down? Do They Climb Your Walls? Do you need AFTER SCHOOL CARE?? Dulles Gymnastic Academey offers a super “fun-tastic” AFTER CARE for the gymnast in everyone. We offer gynmanstics, snacks, activities, quite time and ecitment....The excitement of feeling strong! We Also Offer: • Recreational & Preschool Classes • Competitive Team • Camps • Birthday Parties Transportation Available call for details
703.444.4966
45449 Severn Way #101, Sterling, VA 20166 www.dullesgymnasticsacademy.com
BACK TO SCHOOL!
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TopKick Martial Arts Locations in South Riding, Potomac Falls, Broadlands and Belmont Greene www.topkickonline.com The Youth A+ After School program includes exercise, games, down time for schoolwork, reading and other activities for students up to middle school. Transportation is offered from all the elementary schools in their Loudoun locations. Registration is ongoing; spaces will fill up as the start of the school year approaches. United States Tae Kwon Do Martial Arts Academy 9 Cardinal Park Drive, Leesburg (703) 777-1000 www.myustma.com
AUGUST 5, 2011
USTMA offers transportation from several Loudoun County schools, mostly in Leesburg and Ashburn. They offer homework help, games, free time in addition to martial arts lessons for children from 4 years old up to high school. Applications are being accepted now, with 20 spaces available. Williams Martial Arts & Fitness 43930 Farmwell Hunt Plaza #126, Ashburn (703) 858-3800 www.gowmaf.com Students from kindergarten to high school are provided a snack, supervised homework time, recreational activities and karate classes. Transportation is available from every public elementary school in Ashburn. Applications are being accepted now; about 20 spots are available.
Make Appointments Now for Exams By Therese P. Howe For Parent Life With the start of school only three weeks away, now is the time to be scheduling doctor’s appointments for physicals and medical forms, local pediatricians said. “While annual physical exams do not need to be performed at a certain time during the year, the back-toschool season is a great time to have these done—especially since a lot of kids may need a sports physical completed for fall athletics,” said Dr. Jeffrey Conklin, an internist and pediatrician with Nova Medical and Urgent Care Center. “When this is the case, I see a lot of parents scheduling both the sports physical and annual physical within one visit.” Parents will want to schedule those physical exams soon as clinics are getting booked up, according to some doctors. There also will be a demand to have health forms filled out, and as the start of school approaches, “it’s harder to ensure that all of them will be filled out prior to the first day,” said Dr. Kimberly Kolb, a pediatrician with Pediatric Health Care. “If they haven’t done so already, now would be the time to do that.” Health forms required for public schools can be found on the Loudoun County school website. This school year, the requirement for students to have a diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine (Tdap) booster has been expanded to include high school fresh-
man through juniors unless they’ve received a tetanus-containing vaccine in the previous five years, according to Nancy Markley, supervisor of student health services with the Loudoun County public school system. All new students entering middle school also are required to have the Tdap booster. “They keep expanding the groups,” Markley said. “Next year, it will be from sixth through 12th grade. It’s also time to start thinking about flu shots, doctors said. “I’d suggest considering a seasonal flu shot in late September/early October,” Conklin said. “The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a flu shot annually for all children unless there is a specific contradiction.... We strongly recommend an annual flu shot for children with underlying breathing problems like asthma, diabetes or immunity issues.” Parents also can prepare their kids for the school year by reviewing basic health and safety concepts such as stranger safety, regular hand washing and bus safety, he added. Another thing parents can do to help get their students’ school days started off right is to begin altering their sleep patterns. “Two weeks before school starts, [kids should be] getting back to habit of getting to bed and getting up earlier so they can start off refreshed and ready to go for that first day,” Kolb said.
NG T LT IOFDEA Y L E EP SA BR UE R
Gadgets in Hand, Kids Return to School
By Casey Fabris For Parent Life The back to school must-have for many, particularly college students, is the iPad, produced by Apple. The iPad 2 came out earlier this year, boasting an improved battery life of 10 hours, a thinner and lighter design, faster Internet and FaceTime, a video-chatting application. With the thousands of applications, or “apps,” available for the iPad, many of which are educational, children will be trying to sell the item to parents as a necessity for school rather than a toy, though in reality it serves as both. With various apps, students can take notes, learn a foreign language and study for their core courses like math and science. Additionally, with the iBooks app that is free through the iTunes App Store, kids can easily download and read on the iPad. The iPad 2 starts at $499 and is available at the Apple store and online. A gadget would be nothing without its accessories, and many see the Smart Cover as vital for the iPad. While they come at an extra cost, they’re certainly a smart idea for younger iPad owners, as the case protects the screen of the device. The covers magnetically attach to the side of the iPad and allow the user to prop up their tablet. The cases come in polyurethane and leather, both in a variety of colors. Polyurethane cases are $39 and leather cases are $69, both available in the Apple store and online. The iPhone 4, now that it is avail-
able on both AT&T and Verizon networks, is seen by many as the champion of the smart phones. The iPhone 4 now holds more variety, as it is offered on two networks and in two colors: black and white. The iPhone 4 is a must-have for techie-types and workaholics who need constant access to the Internet or email. As with the iPad, apps are a major selling point for the phone, as games, news, health information and so much more are at the user’s fingertips. The iPhone 4 starts at $199 and is available at the Apple store, AT&T and Verizon stores and online. For those who like to have the newest gadget available, a wait may be in your best interest. There are rumors that a new iPhone model, the iPhone 5, will be released this fall, likely in September. If you or your child aren’t sold on Apple products, there’s always the option of Android phones, which are sold by numerous carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint. Like the iPhone, Android phones have applications, allowing for Internet access and thus, immediate information. There are numerous types of Android phones: large and small, touch-screen and text keyboard and more. Some of the more popular Android phones are the Droid Incredible by HTC, available with Verizon for $199.99 and the Droid 3 by Motorola, also available with Verizon for $199.99.
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Photos courtesy of Apple The second generation iPad is expected to be a popular buy for students returning to school this fall.
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