BuckHaven August 2015

BuckHaven

AUGUST 2015

BuckHavenLifestyle.com

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We Love School

FIRST DAY TRADITIONS AN EMOTIONAL COLLEGE FAREWELL TASTE OF BUCKHEAD

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Editor’s Letter

Hello, Readers.

I

’m trying to hold onto summer, but all this talk of back-to-school is fading my freckles. I have one daughter starting college (Albion College, Michigan) and one son who is a sophomore in high school. I’m excited for them, but the school supplies are getting more expensive!

Putting this issue together, I learned so much about the host of schools in our neighborhoods. Please DO note that I take every opportunity to feature our local public schools but for this story, most school offices were closed when we were gathering information.

Still, I know you’ll enjoy reading about the many fun first day traditions for students and families and the various fundraising projects planned for the coming school year. Please feel free to continue the dialogue about supporting our students on our Facebook page by posting your school’s events and fundraisers. And, feel free to use our pages as your bulletin board (that’s what Around Town is for!) to tell your neighbors about how they can help support your worthwhile efforts. Use our calendar to promote your school, church and group’s community events. Email me or go to our website to submit your information. Educate us!

AUGUST 2015 publisher

Jim Newman | JNewman@LifestylePubs.com

editor

Sue G. Collins | SCollins@LifestylePubs.com

business development managers Valerie Shepherd | Shepherd@LifestylePubs.com

contributing writers Rhiannon Bankes, Dennis Malcolm Byron, Valerie Reed, Kimberley Simms

contributing photographers Dylan Blue Photography, Dean Chelliah, Adam Davila Photography, Todd DeFeo, Karen Kessinger/Muddy Faces Photography, Michael Lionstar, Joseph Wong Photography

corporate team chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt chief sales officer | Matthew Perry

Now, go pack that lunch and sharpen those pencils.

chief financial officer | DeLand Shore director of marketing | Brad Broockerd art director | Sara Minor

Sue G. Collins, Editor SCollins@ LifestylePubs.com

ad coordinators | Cyndi Vreeland, Chelsi Hornbaker layout designer | Nicole Sylvester

In my endeavor to hold tight to that summer feeling, I picked up a few things for my year-around beach bag.

copy editor | Kendra Mathewson executive assistant | Lori Cunningham application architect | Michael O’Connell web developer | Hanna Park it director | Randy Aufderheide

• Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil smells like summer - spray it on after a swim and let it work its magic. Available at VanMichael Salon, 39 West Paces Ferry Rd NW. • This cool flask holds your skipper’s favorite spike.

• Sun Bum Suncream SPF 50 and lip balm. The suncream consistency is easy to use, yet protective. The balm doesn't get goopy in warm temps.

• The YETI Hopper™ 20 carries 12 cans or a few bottles of wine, a dip and some veggies.

All available at Mountain High Outfitters, 1248 B West Paces Ferry Road.

by Community ™

P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6

ON THE COVER Young learners at

Buckhead Preparatory School.

join us

talk to us

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KESSINGER, MUDDY FACES PHOTOGRAPHY 4

BuckHavenLifestyle.com | August 2015

BuckHavenLifestyle.com

BuckHaven Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Atlanta’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in BuckHaven Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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August 2015

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Departments 8

Good Times

10

Around Town

14

Star Student

16

Hot Spot

30 Your Neighbor 32

Page Turners

36

Food & Wine

40 Driver’s Notebook 44 Lifestyle Calendar 50 Parting Thoughts

18 Back to School Study our guide to nearby schools’ first days and fundraisers.

16

30 Lifestyle Publications

Georgia | Colorado | California | Arizona | Texas | Missouri | Kansas | Oklahoma | Illinois | Idaho | Montana | Utah | Wisconsin

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Good Times

Bert and Bikes

Nearly 4,000 Atlantans raised $45,000 at the third annual Atlanta Moon Ride benefiting Bert’s Big Adventure, that takes children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families on an all-expenses-paid trip to Walt Disney World.

ADAM DAVILA PHOTOGRAPHY AND JOSEPH WONG PHOTOGRAPHY

Jeff Dauler, Kristin Klingshirn, Bert Weiss

London Hannon, Kellie Hannon

Bryan Woudstra, Jocelyn Hoffman, Ashley Beavers

Diane Bader, Courtney McMahon, KaseyBader, Brittany Bader, Mitch Taulbee Photo taken in March 2015 by CAROLINE MILLS ‘15 during an Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL) study tour to Patagonia.

Connecting learning to life at every level.

We THINK BIG. www.paceacademy.org/icgl 8

BuckHavenLifestyle.com | August 2015

Lawyers for Good

Attorneys and friends gathered at Capital Grille Atlanta to announce and celebrate the launch of the fundraising campaign for Civil Lawyers Against World Sex Slavery's first event on September 24 at the Atlanta History Center.

SeanOkeefeEvents.com for details.Â

Pat Terwilliger, Dr. Lydia Odenat, David Lesterri, Bill Schwartz

David Wm Boone, David Lester, Brittany Conklin, Karen Peisel

Kevin Murphy, Ross Moore, Torrey Rainey

Simone Siex, David Wm Boone; Cheryl Green, Bryan Green

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Around Town WE HAVE A WINNER Matt and Katie Klump of East Wesley Rd were thrilled when they found out they were the winners of the $2,500 garage makeover from Overhead Door. Katie and Matt are new parents to twin boys and are currently in the middle of a renovation project on their garage so this could not come at a better time for them. Overhead Door partnered with Lifestyle Publications for a contest for readers, offering a lucky winner the chance to renovate their garage door from Overhead’s spectacular selection, with complete service behind the prize. Watch the magazine for a before and after story on this cool contest. OverheadDoorAtlanta.com

cilities department at The Westminster Schools recognized the rising cost of water and other utilities. Since then, the School has initiated a series of campus improvement projects, including the development of a campus retention pond and ongoing sustainability audits, at a cost of approximately $383,000. The energy audit and all subsequent improvement projects over the last seven years have resulted in approximately $1.1 million of total savings. Westminster was founded in 1951, and has since grown to be one of the nation’s premier independent schools, distinguishing itself as a leader among its peers. Graduates of the school go on to attend leading colleges and universities and to live adult lives of personal accomplishment, service, and leadership. Westminster.net.

JUICE JUICE BABY Our mission is our passion, say Veda Juice co-owners Lisa Martinez of Brookhaven and Jackie Greene of Buckhead. They hope to combine a busy life with a healthy life by offering cold-pressed juice, smoothies, salads, and breakfast bowls as well as juice and smoothies. The Peachtree Hills juice bar offers the health-conscious consumer refreshing beverages and food offerings, rich in nutrients derived from 100 percent natural and organically-inspired fruits and vegetables, providing a satisfying, great tasting, easy, and rejuvenating way to enrich your body. Juice is the core of their menu, but these ladies know healthy people want more, and designed healthy choices for people who want great taste and convenience while on the go. They believe a good balance of juice and fibrous foods will lead to a goal of a community “Stepping Up To A Healthier Life.” Facebook.com/VedaJuice

MASSELL GIVES ADVICE As keynoter for the Georgia Municipal Association annual contest for sixth-grade students in their essays on “What I Would Do if I Were Mayor,” former Atlanta Mayor Sam Massell emphasized the key can be seeking and building on the ideas of others. He urged the 12 year olds to read local media. Massell is now president of the Buckhead Coalition, a nonprofit civic group, operating much like a little Town Hall, thus, he finds himself undertaking new initiatives, much like he did when he was in City Hall. The municipal organization is made up of mayors, city councilmen, and other political office-holders; it conducts this contest annually, selecting one winner from each of the state’s 12 districts. Six-thousand students participated in the essay-writing contest, and the winners came to Atlanta with their teachers and families to receive individual trophies, and have selfies and photographs taken with Mayor Massell.

EMERALD AUGUST DRESSES KIDS The adorable locally designed and locally manufactured line of children's clothing Emerald August has taken over the lease of the Atlanta landmark children's store, The Kangarooo Pouch, at 56 East Andrews Drive. Owners launched four years ago and are proud to introduce their first flagship store to the Buckhead community. They have partnered with several other children's collections including Criquet Shirts and Kira Kids to exclusively offer their products to Atlantans for the first time. Inside the shop you will find colorful patterns and whimsical styles that provide a refreshing opportunity to outfit little ones. They also offer unique gifts in a familiar space to many Atlantans, where so many mothers shopped (Kangaroo Pouch.). EmeraldAugust.com

GUIDEBOOK HITS THE STANDS The 21st edition of the annual Buckhead Guidebook, sponsored by the Buckhead Coalition, is available at Barnes & Noble and other area bookstores for $5. This compilation of data is presented as three books in one: Tourism, Relocation, and Development. It serves as the premiere reference source for journalists, realtors, politicians and newcomers. A portion of the proceeds goes to area nonprofits selected by the Coalition. For this issue, the Guidebook directs that $9,000 will be distributed among Chastain Park Conservancy, Garden Hills Pool and Park Association, Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MoCA GA), Peachtree Heights East Duck Pond, and World Trade Center Atlanta. The Coalition is a nonprofit civic group of 100 business leaders in this northern quadrant of the City of Atlanta, with a mission to “Nurture the quality of life of those who live, visit, work, and play” in its 28 square miles. Its president is Sam Massell and its chairman is Jeff Sprecher.

WARRIOR GIRLS GET NEW COACH

WESTMINSTER GREEN The Westminster Schools recently won the Gold Award of Excellence in Facilities Management from Global FM, the worldwide alliance of facilities management organizations. The award was bestowed as part of the 2015 World FM Day, an international celebration of facilities management in London. Westminster was honored for its efforts to improve the sustainability of its campus. During the 2007-08 fiscal year, the fa10

BuckHavenLifestyle.com | August 2015

North Atlanta High School Principal Curtis Douglass announced that Khaili Sanders, a Sutton Middle School teacher, has been named the new head coach for the Warrior Girls' Basketball team. This will be Sanders’ fifth season as a Lady Warrior coach, and the first as head coach, but she is no stranger to the school, having graduated from NAHS where she will be inducted into the North Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame this summer.

Coach Sanders spent her first three years of coaching in Macon, Georgia, as an assistant girl's basketball coach for Rutland Middle School and Westside HighSchool and head girl's basketball coach at Appling CONTINUED >

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3/15/2015 11:24:09 PM 11 August 2015 | BuckHavenLifestyle.com

Around Town

(CONTINUED)

Middle School. Prior to teaching, she played in the WNBA for the Detroit Shock, as well as the women’s Euro league where she ranked 1st in scoring with 22 points. Prior to her professional basketball career, Sanders’ played for Clemson University where she lead the team in blocked shots, becoming 6th in Clemson history with nine blocked shots in a conference game, and helped the Lady Tigers to one NCAA Tournament appearance. She was honored as the ACC player of the Week several times. Check the schedule for all the Warrior games at NorthAtlantaWarriors.org.

PERU COMES TO ATLANTA Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta, anticipates the arrival of Chef Diego Oka of La Mar by Gaston Acurio located at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, for a celebration of Peruvian flavors in Atlanta from August 20-22. Considered a protégé of international restaurateur Gaston Acurio and an ambassador of Peruvian cuisine, Oka will bring his eclectic fare to Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta’s Café & Bar providing guests the unique opportunity to delight in his signature dishes. The menu will showcase a selection of authentic Peruvian dishes from upscale novo-Andean fare to Asian-Peruvian fusion and traditional seafood Cebiche. Guests can choose a la carte selections for lunch or a four-course tasting menu for dinner. Highlights include Lomo Saltado, a traditional beef dish with stir fried potatoes, red onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, cilantro, aji amarillo and rice; Causa

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Olivo, mashed potato dumplings topped with octopus tartare and Cebiche Clasico with fluke, cilantro, aji limo, red onions, choclo and leche de tigre. Diners can also enjoy the traditional Pisco Sour, Peru’s national cocktail made with pisco brandy, lime juice, simple syrup, egg whites and Angostura bitters. Guests are invited to enhance the dining experience with a special hotel offer. The Culinary Getaway package begins at $460 per night plus tax. MandarinOriental/Atlanta.com

PARTNERSHIP FOR AIDS AID Atlanta and AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) are joining forces to expand the agency’s capacity and provide critical lifesaving services to those affected by HIV/AIDS throughout the 27-county metro Atlanta area. The organization will continue to operate under the AID Atlanta name and will continue current programs and primary care services at both locations with no anticipated disruption of services to patients, continuing to provide holistic healthcare for patients including primary care, case management and pharmacy services. Atlanta is the number three city in the nation for the highest rates of new syphilis and HIV infections. Georgia ranks fifth in the United States for new HIV infections. AID Atlanta serves over 5,000 patients yearly, though only engages about 10 percent of the HIV positive community in Metro Atlanta. AHF currently provides medical care and/or services to more than 382,000 individuals in 36 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and Asia. AIDAtlanta.org

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STAND UP FOR GEORGIA’S HOMELESS VETS Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS) and Northside Hospital are sponsoring the 4th annual Stand Up for Stand Down toiletry drive for Georgia’s homeless Veterans. The drive takes place through September 11 and collects much-needed toiletry and personal care items to fill “comfort bags” for homeless Veterans who attend the Atlanta VA Medical Center’s annual “Stand Down” event in October. Travel/sample-size toiletry and personal care items are needed including toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer, combs/brushes, body wash/ soap, shampoo and conditioner, lotion and feminine products. Items can be dropped off at any of the 27 GCS locations in Georgia. For more information: 770.864. 5347, SU4SD@yahoo.com or Facebook.com/SU4SD.

HOME SWEET CYAN You've watched the construction, waited for reveal. Now, Cyan is open! Cyan on Peachtree is where apartment living and luxury go handin-hand with an address (3380 Peachtree Rd NE) that is one of the most desirable around town. Reaching 23-stories into the Buckhead skyline, Cyan on Peachtree consists of 329 luxury rental apartments with one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plan options, as well as two- and three-bedroom penthouses available. Residential amenities, in addition to the prime location, are unmatched as extravagance is present in every detail from floor-to-ceiling. Cyan on Peachtree’s residential community amenities feature: concierge service, Bark park, Barks and Bubbles Pet Spaw, car charging stations, clubroom and social gathering hot spots, pre-

sentation kitchen, Cyber café, resort-inspired pool with in-pool loungers and cabanas, state-of-the-art fitness facilities (complete with yoga, spinning, and aerobics), a smoke-free living environment and eco-conscience living, all in a walkable neighborhood with nearby dining, entertainment and local parks. CyanOnPeachtree.com or call 470.204.3090.

BLAZESPORTS GROWS BlazeSports America is pleased to welcome Cynthia Frisina as executive director, responsible for the strategic direction, growth and overall operations of BlazeSports America as well as coordinating U.S. and international activities through the 2016 Paralympics Games in Brazil and beyond. Based in Atlanta and celebrating 20 years in 2016, BlazeSports America’s mission is to change the lives of children and adults with physical disabilities through sport. Frisina is known as a worldwide expert on disability advocacy and family education. She was awarded the international Cathleen Lyle Murray Award by the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine.

Frisina has co-authored numerous articles, publications and curriculum content, and has presented many instructional courses, educational conferences and workshops for families impacted by physical disabilities and clinicians on several continents. Frisina was the first to establish a U.S. National Awareness Day for Cerebral Palsy through bi-partisan congressional agreement and has been a champion of bringing the power of sport to children with physical challenges on a global basis. To volunteer or find out more, BlazeSports.org.

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Star Student

Back to School Means Back to the Garden ARTICLE KIMBERLEY SIMMS | PHOTOGRAPHY DEAN CHELLIAH

S

arah Smith Elementary International Baccalaureate School in Buckhead and has many facets that categorize it as a “green” school.

Natural light filters through the many large windows and equipment on the roof “super filters” the air before it enters the school, cooling or heating en route. Every afternoon, students from the “green team” roam the hallways with big green recycle bins. Their job is to collect the recyclable materials from the classrooms and make sure they are distributed to the appropriate recycle bins the school provides.

During the last school year, Smith Elementary was a grateful grant recipient of Captain Planet’s Learning Garden Program. The energy in the school was palpable as the students and teachers awaited the installation of organic gardens at both campuses.

Diane Jarrell, a parent volunteer, championed the garden project for several years. She was finally able to see it to fruition with the support of Principal Dr. Ken Proctor and a team of parents and teachers. Jarrell’s oldest daughter is a type 1 diabetic and she is passionate about feeding her family organic, healthy meals from the garden. Jarrell believes that when kids share a part in creating something, they are more likely to use it.

“If kids can actually make food grow, they are more likely to eat it and everything that grows in the ground is healthy,” Jarrell says.

She has firsthand experience with eating from the garden and shares that at age 2, her daughter was “ripping carrots, scallions and beets from the ground and eating them.”

Jarrell believes there is a health crisis going on in children with less activity and more junk food. She was inspired to research and explore the best opportunity to bring a garden to her children’s school.

“Learning how to grow healthy food and making it fun and learning it in school, along with academics, gives kids perspective that being healthy is an important part of education. When a similar message is reiterated at home and at school, it seems to stick a little more,” she says.

Captain Planet provides all materials to install the gardens and supplies a fully equipped garden cooking cart and summer maintenance. They offer a detailed instructional curriculum to support the program. The educational opportunities are endless and incorporate lessons ranging from math and writing to nutrition and the sciences with first hand field investigation. The organization sees the program as “an extension of the classroom” rather than an “extracurricular activity.” Parent and Chef Chris Blobaum will share his passion for organic, farm-to-table cuisine and provide hands-on instructional training to support the curriculum.

Students will cultivate skills through experiential learning, group activities and discovery by digging in the dirt and getting back to nature and the environment. Chef Blobaum hopes to expand their palates by introducing them to nutritious and healthful foods. Physical Education Coach Debbie DuBois’ enthusiasm is contagious. She has visions of composting barrels and is developing relationships with local farmers to support ongoing seasonal planting.

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Hot Spot

Safro's is What's For Dinner ARTICLE HELEN GREBE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

I

t’s another scorching day and I’ve been in and out of the sweltering heat shuttling kids from school to sports to scouts. My blouse is stuck to my back, not to mention, who has time for an early evening grocery store run?

The kids are hungry for dinner NOW. I’m out of gas (literally and figuratively) which is exactly why I pull into Safro’s--thanking my lucky stars (and look for them in their logo) that a business like this has been born.

Safro’s is a gourmet boutique located on Roswell Road in Buckhead (across from Genki Sushi) founded by Mims Bledsoe – also baker and business brains behind the thriving Pie Shop. Safro's sells freshly prepared, frozen dishes. Though it just opened for business earlier this summer, it was born conceptually November 14 at Pie Shop.

“Pie Shop always does strong holiday business," Bledsoe explains. "This holiday season, our customers kept asking for prepared side dishes they could take home with their pie, like sweet potato casserole, asparagus, green beans and dressing. We saw a need in the market for fresh, quality, handmade dishes and decided to answer it. As a test for future sales, we sold the dishes during the holidays and they sold as well as our pies. It was revolutionary.”

Born an entrepreneur, Bledsoe began looking for a storefront. The theme for the store was already decided, it would be named “Safro’s” in honor of her late sister Catherine Chapman. Catherine was 14 years older than Bledsoe.

“She was the life of the party," Bledsoe says. "She changed the energy in the room. I learned everything I know from her and she was my biggest cheerleader. She passed away three years ago, leaving a void in our lives and the life of her daughter Caleigh.” Catherine’s love of travel and collecting gourmet food and kitchen items inspired Mims, and she named her new shop after sister.

“I was going to name the store 'Catherine’s Casseroles' but I wanted it to be specific to her so I chose 'Safro' because it was her childhood nickname,” Bledsoe shares. Immediately a space became available across the street from Pie Shop. The timing was opportune.

Speaking of timing, Bledsoe notes that her customers have a wide range of needs and little time, thus the freshly prepared dishes are a haven for hungry customers like me. She feeds over-scheduled families, business executives popping in after work and those in need of a good gift for families who have a newborn or meals for the family of someone ill in the hospital. The convenience is not wasted on me. Perusing the store, I ponder many mouth-watering choices. Meatloaf is Bledsoe’s favorite (it’s always wise to ask the chef ). Mexican casserole is the store’s best seller (and a kudos to Safro because it is also gluten free). There is also barbecue pork with spoonbread, ratatouille, chicken tettrazini and chili cornbread – enough to delight an army.

I select the pot roast because I discern my children will savor a hearty meat and potatoes with wild rice. At a meager $8-12 for a small casserole (it feeds 2-3) and $18-23 for a large (that feeds around 6), dinner is done. I just have to uncork wine and, voila! I’m satiated (and I haven’t even digested a morsel yet). I think the best part about Safro’s is that I have a delicious dinner on the table in minutes… and for the first time today, I haven’t even broken a sweat!

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BuckHavenLifestyle.com | August 2015

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Nearby Schools' First Days, Fundraisers and Fresh Staffers

ASHFORD PARK ELEMENTARY

2968 Cravenridge Drive, Brookhaven Grades: Pre-Kindergarten - 5th AshfordParkED.Dekalb.k12.ga.us Ashford Park Elementary School was established in 1955 and currently serves a diverse population of 575 students representing as many as 15 countries. Nestled in a charming Brookhaven community, Ashford Park has been recognized as a “Distinguished School” since 2005 and is the home of the first and only German Dual Immersion Program in the state. Ashford Park’s teachers are highly qualified and possess a wide variety of educational levels and experience but they all have the same goal: to provide a safe and positive learning experience that leads to well-rounded students.

Over the past five years, the focus has been on expanding cognitive abilities, promoting social/emotional growth and developing physical skills. Fifty-eight percent of the teaching staff hold advanced degrees. They are home to the 2015 Regional winners of the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl and two of their Odyssey of the Mind teams advanced to state level competition in Columbus, Georgia. Finally, they are proud of the fact that they have a dedicated STEM lab, an outdoor amphitheater, and one of the largest after school programs in the DeKalb County School District.

First day: Prior to the first week of school, the PTA, Foundation and School Council come together to host an ice cream social for all new kindergarten families. They will also host an Open House event on August 5 for all new and returning students. Open House provides students and parents with an opportunity to meet the teacher, drop off school supplies, and meet new friends prior to the first day of School. It is also important to note they have a Coffee and Kleenex social on the first day of school for all new parents.

Fundraising: Ashford Park is proud to have an active PTA and community support. Brookhaven Bolt is a 5K run sponsored by the community and, over the past three years, has raised more than $57,000 for the Ashford Park students and staff. Held in May, the Brookhaven Bolt has provided funds to purchase 18

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curriculum resources, materials, supplies, iPads for teachers, Smart Boards, and items to promote school safety. In addition the Ashford Park PTA provides each search with grants for educational and extracurricular activities.

Welcome: Jenna Schmidtt, Interrelated Special Education teacher; Kera Wilson, 1st grade teacher; Bettina Dorsch, German Teacher; Jordan Brezel - School Counselor ATLANTA COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

8725 Dunwoody Place, Sandy Springs Grades: 7th - 12th AtlantaCountryDaySchool.com Atlanta Country Day School targets grades 7-12 students who haven’t experienced academic success in traditional, highly structured learning environments. Group or individualized instruction is offered for students with average to extremely above average abilities. The school is known for its low student-teacher ratios, flexible and creative program scheduling, highly individualized academically rigorous instruction, and its strong fine arts program. The average student teaching ratio is 6:1 allowing for instructors to personally tailor academic plans for their students and to ensure academic Atlanta Country Day

success. Day School classes meet Monday – Thursday, with a twohour block assigned to each subject matter. Admission is on a rolling basis. ACDS also offers a night school for students who for a variety of reasons cannot attend traditional day school.

First day: The school holds a brief assembly in the morning welcoming students back to school and the headmaster speaks to the students about the importance of treating each other kindly and with respect.

The school has a no bullying policy. Faculty are also introduced.

Welcome: Jan Cohen the founder and headmaster of the school will be retiring in November. Mr. Mark Cox will be the new headmaster.

ATLANTA GIRLS’ SCHOOL

3254 Northside Parkway, NW Grades: 6th - 12th AtlantaGirlsSchool.org Atlanta Girls’ School is built just for girls. In a world becoming exponentially more complex, girls will face challenges in college and beyond that will require curiosity, creativity, collaboration and confidence. At Atlanta Girls’ School, they teach girls in grades 6 through 12 to be world-class problem solvers. Their curriculum and culture emerge from a distinct vision of what girls must learn individually and collectively to become thoughtful and capable leaders. They achieve this by using proven and emerging educational techniques tailored to how girls learn, integrating big-picture thinking, high expectations and leading-edge technologies. More than any other school in Atlanta, AGS is purposefully built to provide the academic, social and environmental advantages girls need. They are Atlanta Girls’ School. They prepare girls for college. They help each girl develop a deeper sense of self, a firm command of her own voice, and the understanding that she is able and impelled to influence change in the world.

First Day: At AGS, they have an Opening Ceremony on the first day of school. During this celebration, each class processes into the assembly and is cheered on by faculty and staff and the student body. Head of School Ayanna Hill-Gill gives the convocation speech.

Atlanta G ir

ls' School

The following two days (the first day is a Wednesday), each class participates in retreat-like activities, both on campus and off, which allow for the girls to reconnect after the summer months and prepare for the school year ahead. Both the 8th and 12th grades participate in overnight retreats.

Fundraising: AGS’s largest fundraising event is their annual Auction. This year’s Auction will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2016. Last year’s auction raised more than $252,000 for AGS curriculum, programming and financial aid. Many guests raised their paddles high to contribute more than $63,000 towards the purchase of a new AGS bus and additional transportation needs. This includes a needbased financial aid program that supports more than 30 percent of their students, an international travel initiative, technology, internships, arts, athletics and more. This event is open to all who would like to attend and participate.

Welcome: Dr. Sylvia Rodríguez Vargas, Assistant Head of School and Academic Dean American International School

ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

2890 North Fulton Dr Grades: 3K - 12th AISchool.org Atlanta International School (AIS) offers all three International Baccalaureate (IB) programs to 1,160 U.S. and international students from three-year-old kindergarten to grade 12. Rigorous academics are enriched by a world-class language acquisition program, which begins with a full-immersion preschool program in Spanish, French and German. The school offers STEM-and STEAM-endorsed and bilingual diplomas in addition to the prestigious IB diploma. Beyond the classroom, AIS students participate in award-winning performing and fine arts opportunities, competitive athletics and global experiential learning. The AIS community comprises over 90 nationalities. AIS is accredited by SAIS and the Council of International Schools.

First day: They have many wonderful traditions at AIS, including one for German track students who are starting their first formal day of Primary School. Parents give their children a decorated cone called a “Schultüte” (“school cone”) filled with school supplies CONTINUED >

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(pencils, eraser, ruler etc.) and also some toys and treats to celebrate the first day of school for their child. This is a German school tradition dating back to the early 1800s.

ATLANTA NORTH SCHOOL OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

5123 Chamblee Dunwoody Road Grades: Pre-K - 8th AtlantaNorthSchool.com The Atlanta North School of Seventh-day Adventists has been serving the Dunwoody community and surrounding areas for 25 years.

Atlanta North School offers children from Pre-K through 8th Grade a safe place to learn and thrive academically, spiritually, physically and emotionally. They provide exemplary Christian-based academics through empowered teaching in a personalized classroom setting.

They take education seriously, but also believe in creating an exciting, engaging environment where children of all cultures and backgrounds can feel accepted, have fun, and be themselves. Atlanta North School is supported by their church, which allows them to provide families with a premium education without paying a premium price.

First day: A few days before school starts, there will be a special assembly for the parents and students, after which parents can complete their child’s registration, visit the classrooms and meet the teachers; this will be followed by an ice cream social and an opportunity for families and staff to visit with one another.

Fundraising: Each fall, they choose a specific need, and send a letter to student families and friends, church families, and the community. On this Red Letter Day, the students help address, sign, insert and seal these letters during a special assembly. Last year, they raised funds for student desks. This year, they plan to sell cookies and pecans during the holidays, and in the spring, they will have a “Move-a-thon” where the kids will be sponsored for their activities.

Welcome: Dr. Bev Amlaner, principal; and Jeremy Steinkraus

Atlanta North School

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ATLANTA SPEECH SCHOOL

3160 Northside Pkwy Grades: Birth to 6th AtlantaSpeechSchool.org The Atlanta Speech School is the nation’s most comprehensive center for language and literacy with four schools, five clinics and a professional development center. While their schools serve different types of learners, each program gives students the strongest possible foundation for learning through language and literacy. Teachers customize the latest cutting-edge research to the needs of each child. Their schools include the Kenan Preschool, an early childhood education program that develops engaged learners that are exceptionally prepared for school; the Wardlaw School, an elementary school for children with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities; Stepping Stones, a preschool and transitional kindergarten for children with speech and/or language delays; and the Hamm Center, a listening, spoken language and literacy program for children ages birth to 6 who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families.

First day: While each school has its own way to welcome students back, they host a Back to School Bash for all children, families and staff in all four school programs. The Bash includes food, games, inflatables, pony rides and musical performance.

Fundraising: Please join the school for the Language & Literacy Gala, hosted by the Atlanta Speech School Guild, on November 15 at the Capital City Country Club in Brookhaven. The Gala is the longest continually running holiday event in Atlanta. Gala proceeds directly support the Speech School’s financial aid program.

BUCKHEAD PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Buckhead Prep

aratory School

4300 Northside Drive BuckheadPrep.com Grades: Toddler - Kindergarten Buckhead Prep is an award-winning, academic preschool with a unique rapid-learn phonetic reading, handwriting and math programs. Following the proven Buckhead Prep individualized curriculum, their highly qualified educators engage with each child through individual, small group, and large group instruction leading to a solid academic foundation, confident social skills, and thorough preparation for a lifetime of learning. In addition to building solid reading, handwriting and math skills, the children learn a great deal about their world and enjoy art, music and outdoor play.

Buckhead Prep offers Toddler, Primary and Kindergarten programs for children 18 months – 6 years. The hours are 8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Buckhead Prep opened in January of 2006. Tammy Wingate is the founder of Buckhead Prep and is a lifelong educator. She earned a master’s degree in education from New York University where she

received the Peter L. Agnew award and honorarium. Since its opening, Buckhead Preparatory School has prepared hundreds of children to move on to top-tiered private and public elementary schools throughout the world with solid reading, handwriting and math skills.

THE DAVIS ACADEMY

8105 Roberts Drive Grades: Mechina, Kindergarten, Prep – 8th DavisAcademy.org The Davis Academy serves students in Kindergarten Prep through Middle School at its two state-of-the-art campuses in the Sandy Springs/Dunwoody area. Validated by triple accreditation, The Davis Academy provides an innovative curriculum that blends outstanding academics with Reform Jewish values and traditions.

The program includes accelerated math, integrated technology, fine arts, athletics, world languages, music, drama, community service, student government, overnight trips and after-school programs.

Named a 2015 Top Workplace by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, an honor received by survey feedback from the school’s own employees, Davis Academy’s excellence is a direct reflection of the commitment of its exceptional faculty, who are dedicated to nurturing the potential in every child. The Davis Academy is a welcoming community that emphasizes family participation. Davis Academy graduates excel at Atlanta’s finest private and public high schools, and afterward are admitted to outstanding colleges and professional programs throughout the country and around the world.

First day: Davis faculty love to greet students on the first day of school. Their youngest students are escorted to their classrooms during the first week until they learn their way. On the Friday of the first week of school, a special all-school Kabbalat Shabbat service (Jewish service welcoming the Sabbath) will take place that will celebrate the return to school as an entire school community, including parents, with songs, blessings and skits and/or special guests.

Fundraising: The Davis Academy will launch an exciting capital campaign during the 2015 – ’16 school year that will raise funds for some important new expansions for the school, including an auditorium and a permanent cafeteria. In past years, special initiatives have raised money for digital technology, science equipment, media center enhancements. At the end of last year, Davis opened a beautiful new nature sanctuary that serves as both an outdoor classroom and an inspirational rey The Davis Academ flective space.

THE EPSTEIN SCHOOL

335 Colewood Way Grades: 18 months - 8th EpsteinAtlanta.org Renowned for its cutting edge technology and language immerThe Epstein School sion program, The Epstein School is one of the best private Jewish Day Schools in the nation, located in the Atlanta metro area in the City of Sandy Springs for children from 18 months through eighth grade. The Epstein School has a long and established history of national recognition for educational excellence and innovation.

In 2005, the school was recognized by the U.S. Department Education as an Education Innovator. Epstein’s focus is on blended learning and language immersion taught by a talented, compassionate faculty and bolstered by cutting-edge technology. The school’s bilingual integrated approach to education has been recognized for its excellence on both the national and international level, and the renowned academic program prepares students to be successful in the finest high schools, colleges and beyond.

First day: At the beginning of each new school year, The Epstein School has a schoolwide assembly to welcome everyone back and introduce year’s new character education theme. Character education is an important part of an Epstein education.

Fundraising: Our first big fundraiser of the year is the Annual Fund.

Welcome: New Head of School Dr. David Abusch-Magder THE GALLOWAY SCHOOL

215 W Wieuca Rd NW Grades: Preschool - 12th GallowaySchool.org Established by Elliott Galloway in 1969 as an independent day school, The Galloway School serves a diverse student body of approximately 750 students in preschool through 12th grade. Galloway has always had a unique approach to teaching and learning.

Galloway encourages students to value themselves and to value learning. Students set and achieve goals based on the individual striving for excellence rather than in competition with others. Students at Galloway pursue a strong academic curriculum and are guided by teachers and staff to make decisions about their education. The value placed on the uniqueness of each child is reflected in the small classes that allow personal contact between students and teachers and flexibility in planning the best learning approach.

First day: New teachers participate in a week long orientation prior to the first day of school that culminates in a dinner that is personally prepared for them by our Head of School Suzanna Jemsby and orientation leaders. Students at levels have a variety of activiCONTINUED >

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ties organized to make the transition to a new school year seamless.

These include traditional orientation activities and grade specific bonding activities such as bowling parties and retreats. Middle Learning students participate in a scavenger hunt around the school that helps them become acquainted with new teachers and classrooms. In Upper Learning, students in each grade level put on a skit for the entire UL student body that must include every member of the class and must mention each member’s name. Their youngest students in Early Learning begin building classroom community with activities such as a Get to Know You Bingo.

Fundraiser: The Fall Fun Fest is the first major fundraiser of the year and is held on October 17. Everyone is invited. Fall Fun Fest is sponsored and organized by the Parents Association and is full of fun and surprises. The event includes the sweet walk, jumpies, arts and crafts, bands, a haunted house, a petting zoo, dunk tank, The Galloway Sc caricature artist, their hool own artists’ market and much more. The funds are used to enhance the educational experience for students and support Galloway teachers’ wish lists for classrooms. Some items in the past have included special speakers, science equipment, Conference Day lunches for teachers and more.

Welcome: Peggy Benseker, Peter Emmons THE LOVETT SCHOOL

4075 Paces Ferry Road, NW Grades: K - 12th LOVETT.ORG

The Lovett School, founded in 1926 by Eva Edwards Lovett, is an Atlanta independent school. Lovett seeks to develop young men and women of honor, faith, and wisdom with the character and intellect to thrive in college and in life. Lovett provides integrated experiences in academics, arts, athletics and service. Lovett reach extends beyond the Buckhead neighborhood – students come from 70 zip codes across Atlanta – and even into Central America, where Lovett maintains 825 acres of Ecuadoran cloudforest as a preserve and research center. Exclusive research partnerships with the Georgia Aquarium and Atlanta Botanical Garden give Lovett students authentic research and lab experiences in marine biology, botany and genetics. Lovett’s curriculum includes a required year of American studies, options for African and Asian studies, multivariable calculus and linear algebra, and organic and biochemistry. Lovett was one 24

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Lovett

of the first schools in Georgia to offer AP Chinese, the culmination of a Chinese program that begins in the Lower School. Additionally, makerspace labs, which includes access to the school’s theater set workshop, modeling software, 3D printers, laser cutter, and a lathe, allow students to tackle real world problems.

First day: Lovett’s Opening All School Chapel is one way they welcome students and faculty/staff back to school. In the opening procession, seniors are paired with kindergarten students and they walk in together. The first senior to walk in holds a sign stating his/ her graduation year and the kindergarten student holds a sign stating his/her graduation year.

Fundraising: Lovett’s True Blue Annual Fund supports educational programs, faculty and staff salaries, professional development for faculty and staff, 21st century technology, art and athletic programs, service and sustainability initiatives, and financial aid. Parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty and staff, and friends of the school contribute to True Blue each year Welcome: Ashley Marshall, Lower School Principal; Janie Coleman, Director of Admission and Enrollment Management MARIST SCHOOL

3790 Ashford Dunwoody Road, NE Grades: 7th - 12th Marist.com Marist is an independent, Roman Catholic, college preparatory day school enrolling approximately 1,080 boys and girls in grades 7 through 12. It is owned and operated by the Society of Mary, more commonly known as the Marists, a religious congregation of priests and brothers founded in France in 1836. Marist was founded in downtown Atlanta in 1901 and is the oldest Catholic school in the Atlanta area. The school moved to its current site on Ashford Dunwoody Road in 1962. The mission of Marist School is to form the whole person in the image of Christ through instruction grounded in religious values, the teachings of the Catholic Church, and the spirit of the Society of Mary.

The mission is advanced through communal pursuit of excellence in academic, religious, extracurricular, leadership and service programs.

First day: The school year opens with an all-school assembly, during which new faculty and staff are introduced, as well as an Opening School Mass. All 9th graders join together for a full-day retreat so those students rising up from 8th grade can help welcome the 60 new 9th graders.

Fundraising: Marist School’s annual Holiday Traditions, a project of the Parents’ Club, is one of the largest juried arts and crafts shows

in the Southeast. Produced through the hard work of over 400 volunteers, it is well-known for its quality and warm hospitality. All proceeds from this year’s show, October 24, will go directly to support Marist School programs. The entire community is invited to attend Marist School’s Holiday Traditions.

MOUNT VERNON PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL

Mount Ve

rnon Presb

yterian Sch

ool

471 Mt. Vernon Hwy & 510 Mt. Vernon Hwy Sandy Springs Grades: Early Learning - 12th MountVernonSchool.org Mount Vernon is a school of inquiry, innovation and impact.

Grounded in Christian values, MVPS prepares all students to be college ready, globally competitive, and engaged citizen leaders. One powerful way Mount Vernon amplifies learning is through design thinking. As a partner of Stanford’s d.

School, MVPS opened the Center for Design Thinking in 2010, engaging students in real-world, people-centered problem solving. The School also offers several other intriguing ways for students to experience the world, including a unique offering called Interim Term. Traveling through cultural arts trips, national college tours, mission trips, and participating in internships, students broaden their learning experiences beyond the classroom. Impacting the wider Atlanta area, Mount Vernon students perform more than 10,000 hours of community service each year. Additionally, opportunities on the playing field abound with 90 percent of students participating in one or more of the School’s 45 teams.

First day: Each student receives a Mustang spirit shirt—either blue or gold depending on their family team color. At the end of the first week of school, the entire student body comes together for a celebration called Convocation. Wearing blue/gold spirit wear, the school community gathers to hear inspiration from Head of School Dr. Brett Jacobsen and Upper School Head Prefect. The cheerleaders pump everyone up for the upcoming football season, the School’s Praise Band performs, and the School’s mascot, Renegade, brings greetings and takes photos with our younger students.

In our Upper School, students attend a Welcome Back celebration the Sunday before school begins complete with a cookout, games, and bonding activities. In the Lower School on the first day of school students assemble in the courtyard for a large chapel celebration.

Fundraising: The largest fundraiser event is the Mustang Rally.

Held each year on the last Friday in April, the entire school unites for a day of unity and fun featuring an all school parade, field races, a silent auction and carnival. The 2015 Mustang Rally raised nearly $140,000 to support technology advances and professional learning for faculty and staff. Through Mount Vernon’s Corporate Sponsorship program, local businesses receive maximum exposure to the 600+ families at Mount Vernon’s Mustang Rally.

Welcome: Blair Peterson, Angel Kytle, Brad Dehem, Matt Neylon, Wayne Dabbs-Varsity, Connie Cavanagh, Aaron Dobbins, Ben Hendry, Kim Holbrook, Joanna Kay, Elizabeth Lovejoy, Brian Mahabee, Melissa Megehee, Tammy Navarre, Sarah Scott, Margaret Sikes, Kathryn Spahr, Nathan Vigil, Kelli Williamson PACE ACADEMY

966 W. Paces Ferry Road NW Grades: Pre-1st - 12th PaceAcademy.org Founded in 1958 in Atlanta, Georgia, Pace Academy serves 1,100 students in grades Pre-First through 12. The co-educational, college-preparatory day school strives to create prepared, confident citizens of the world through rigorous academic experiences, innovative global leadership programs, character education and close student-teacher relationships. Pace Academy’s student-teacher ratio is 9:1, and class sizes average 15 students. The school adheres to Judeo-Christian values and encourages students to THINK BIG. First day: Faculty and staff arrive early to welcome students in the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools. Head of Lower School Syreeta Moseley assumes her position at the front door of the Randall House and greets each student by name with a handshake or a hug – a daily ritual that continues throughout the school year. Head of Middle School John Anderson and his team welcome students during a special assembly. In the Upper School, members of the senior class assemble in the OK Café parking lot, decked out in class T-shirts and other themed attire. In cars adorned with spirited declarations, they caravan up W. Paces Ferry Road and onto the Pace campus in an enthusiastic parade before making a grand entrance into Pace Academy’s Fine Arts Center and taking the stage for the first time as seniors. These students then lead a raucous assembly, welcoming members of the Upper School community to the new Pace Acade academic year. More formal my convocation ceremonies take place in each division later in the first week of school.

Fundraising: Each fall for the past 51 years, Pace Academy has invited the Atlanta community to the Parents Club’s Fall Fair. The 52nd annual Fall Fair will take place on Saturday, October 10. The Fall Fair benefits the Pace Academy Parents Club, which raises thousands of dollars each year to support Pace students, staff and programs. It provides items such as band instruments, facilities improvements, technology, needbased student financial aid, faculty professional development and support for global leadership programs.

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Welcome: Pace has more than 20 individuals joining their faculty and staff including Troy Baker, Director of Athletics; Sean Bryan, Director of Upper School Theatre; Marla Read Capper, Director of Professional Development & Curriculum Studies.

PRIMROSE SCHOOLS

3575 Durden Dr. NE Grades: Infant - Kindergarten PrimroseSchools.com Primrose Schools® provides excellence in education through the Prim Balanced Learning® System. This proven teaching approach, which balances academics, play and character development, is based on national developmental learning standards and assures that children are nurtured academically, socially, emotionally, physically and creatively.

Primrose School of Brookhaven offers child care and preschool programs for children 6 weeks to 5 years old in Atlanta. Primrose provides a safe and nurturing environment where children thrive. ​First day: Being a relatively new school they are starting their own traditions. They have a special curriculum for the first week of school entitled “Let’s get each other.” This makes the first week fun and inviting for new children and parents.

Fundraising: Throughout the school year they have that support both local and national organizations. Primrose believes that it is fundamental to teach children to give without expecting something in return. s rose School

SARAH SMITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

370 Old Ivy Road, NE 4141 Wieuca Road Grades: K - 5th SarahSmithElementary.com Founded in 1952, Sarah Rawson Smith Elementary prides itself as a neighborhood school with a strong tradition of academic excellence and student success. Their students’ test scores rank consistently among the top elementary schools in the state, and they have been honored as a Georgia School of Excellence and a National Blue Ribbon School.

First day: Students attend Celebration of Learning and grade level orientations and will get to meet their teachers and fellow classmates.

Fundraising: The annual Fall Festival in October kicks off the PTA’s fundraising efforts for the year. The festival and the annual Read-A-Thon are the two large fundraising event for the PTA. This year the PTA is making a large capital expenditure in the new turf/sport court at the Primary Campus Playground.

They also fund International Traveler’s Week, Field Day, Mardi Gras, Scholarships for Field Trips, Taste of Sarah Smith, facilities maintenance, website, teacher appreciation and traffic and 26

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safety and much more. Sarah Smith Educational Foundation provides 65 percent of the budget that supports curriculum and academic programming. This includes everything from classroom iPads to teacher training programs and the IB program. The community can support Sarah Smith through direct donations to the foundation, attending the Fall Festival and corporate sponry School Sarah Smith Elementa sorships including dining and retail participation.

Welcome: Donnovant D. Dahunsi, Assistant Principal, and teachers Ellie Boydston, Michael Rawls, Annie Cecil, Jeanne Peake SOPHIA ACADEMY

2880 Dresden Drive, Brookhaven Grades: K-12 SophiaAcademy.org Sophia Aca demy Sophia Academy is a Marist Catholic school for those with mild to moderate learning differences and traditional learners.

They see each child as an individual with unlimited potential if given the opportunities and personalized instruction. With a highly motivated staff and a commitment to each child’s learning style, the Academy provides a premier college prep environment. Small class sizes, individual goals, and innovative multisensory instruction as guided by the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards produce results for all children. Their “Curriculum 21” approach integrates music, art, technology and religious education. Many sports and extracurriculars broaden students’ interests, promote leadership, develop talents and shape character. The Orton-Gillingham language learning approach, created for those with dyslexia, is a language instruction also ideal for all learners.

First day: The first week celebrations include college colors day and an opening mass.

Fundraising: Major fundraisers have included golf tournaments and auctions. Fundraisers have supported the gym, broadcast studio, robotics team and toward a bus. The community can help through auction donations and volunteering.

THE SPANISH ACADEMY

Spanis

h Ac a d

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Four locations nearby Grades: 12 months - 10 years TheSpanishAcademy.com Entering their15th year, The Spanish Academy welcomes back both new and former students to the four Atlanta area locations. They are committed more than ever to outstanding curriculum and atmosphere as children develop a lifelong love of learning and proficiency in Spanish.

The Spanish Academy is a total immersion preschool where children, age 12 months to 10 years, can learn Spanish while having FUN! The classes introduce Spanish using the Total Immersion Method; a proven teaching method employed for many years by teachers and language experts.

ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Road Grades: 3 year olds - 8th StMartinSchool.org Since 1959, St. Martin’s Episcopal School has provided quality education in a loving, Christian environment for children. Serving approximately 635 students, St. Martin’s offers programs in Early Childhood, Elementary and Middle School education, as well as an extended-day program.

The extensive extracurricular program includes interscholastic athletics, musical productions, vocal and instrumental music, academic competitions, student newspaper and yearbook, and other activities. Students enjoy small class sizes, a challenging curriculum and spiritual guidance throughout their academic progress. St. Martin’s develops skills for success to prepare students for challenging programs in secondary school.

First day: St. Martin’s holds an Orientation Day the day before the first day of classes. Families come to campus to see their classrooms, meet their teachers and sign up for various activities. On the first day of school, all adminool Sch istrators are outside the front of St. Martin’s Episcopal the school to welcome students at drop-off. Younger students will be escorted to their classrooms if they need extra help.

On the second day of school, students attend an opening assembly, where they learn the “theme” for the school year from the principals and the dean of students. It is a fun assembly with music and lots of cheering to open the new school year.

TRINITY SCHOOL

4301 Northside Pkwy Grades: 3 year olds - 6th Trinity School TrinityAtl.org Trinity School is an independent co-educational elementary serving ages three through sixth grade. Founded in 1951, the School is a non-profit, tax-exempt institution governed by an independent Board of Trustees. Since its founding, Trinity’s vision has been to provide a nurturing environment in which to challenge students. Approximately 600 students are enrolled each year. Trinity’s 43-acre campus is located in northwest Atlanta. Trinity students learn to become dynamic leaders in a school that offers a solid academic foundation coupled with programs in the arts, physical education, technology, world languages and extracurricular areas. In a society of different cultures, interests, perspectives, and talents, Trinity prepares students to grow into well-informed young adults who understand their responsibility to others and to the greater community.

First day: The first week of school is always exciting at Trinity. Each year on the first day of school, our Sixth Grade Leadership Class meets off campus to decorate their parents’ cars in Trinity blue. They then caravan to school honking in celebration of the beginning of their culminating year at Trinity.

Fundraiser: Trinity’s premier community event is Spotlight on Art, which is comprised of an Artists Market and Gala Event and Auction.

The Artists Market, which will run from February 1- 6, is open to the public and features more than 350 selected artists.

WOODWARD ACADEMY

Two campuses: 1662 Rugby Ave, College Park Grades: Preschool - 12th 6565 Boles Road, Johns Creek Grades: Preschool - 6th Woodward.edu Woodward Academy is celebrating its second century of fostering excellence, character and opportunity. With 2,695 on two campuses, Woodward offers a full range of college-preparatory instructional tracks including 20 AP courses in the Upper School (with 94 percent of students passing) and a Transition Program for students with mild learning challenges in grades 2 through 8. The average class size is only 16, allowing for a personal and intimate learning experience.Woodward students come from 23 metro Atlanta counties, 100 zip codes, and a broad array of religious, ethnic and economic CONTINUED >

August 2015 | BuckHavenLifestyle.com

27

BACK TO SCHOOL (CONTINUED)

backgrounds. Woodward Academy offers hundreds of courses in traditional and innovative subjects as well as a curriculum geared to develop critical thinkers and ethical problem solvers.

Woodward has recently launched the International and Global Connections Program to develop students’ y m de ca knowledge of the A d Woodwar world’s cultural diversity through international study programs, school partnerships and international exam certifications. Woodward has a wide range of clubs (86 student clubs) , arts opportunities (75 yearly performances), and athletic options (18 varsity sports).

First day: They have five school divisions, and each of them manages back-to-school in a way that is appropriate for the ages and interests of its students including. Primary School has community meetings every Friday, so they would welcome students back at that. Similarly, Woodward North (PK-6) has assemblies every Friday. Middle School and Upper School have orientations specifically to acclimate those who are rising up from the school below.

Welcome: Bryan Rutledge, Director of College Counseling; Connie White, Director of Learning Design and Innovation; Katie O’Dunne, Chaplain THE WESTMINSTER SCHOOL

1424 West Paces Ferry Rd NW Grades: Pre-1st - 12th Westminster.net The Westminster School is a ChrisThe Westminste tian, independent day r Schools school for boys and girls from pre-first through high school, and seeks to develop the whole person for college and for life through an excellent education. Westminster was founded in 1951, and since then has grown to be one of the premier independent schools in the nation, distinguishing itself as a leader among its peers. Graduates of the 28

BuckHavenLifestyle.com | August 2015

school go on to attend excellent colleges and universities and to live adult lives of personal accomplishment, service, and community and national leadership.

First day: The start of the school year at Westminster always brings great energy and positivity to campus as students return excited to begin a new school year. During the first week, each division hosts a “Welcome Back” assembly for students. In the Upper School, freshmen and new students participate in the annual “Blessing of the Backpacks.” Seniors also wear their senior T-shirts and have a special breakfast. Additionally, upperclassmen write welcome letters for incoming freshmen, and those notes are displayed in the hallway outside of the dining hall.

Welcome: Chelsea Bakalar, Tai Hart, Diane Dalbo, Haley Brown, Jennifer Speir-Hearn, Victoria Hurst, Jim Collis, Tom Pomeroy, Jacqueline Jeffcoat Schedtler, Jennifer Baker, Katie Campbell, Kaci Nalley Roberts, Jean Guilbert, Lauren Davis, Steve Frappier. Greg Hendrix, Michael Rondeau, Steven Stodghill, Barrington Edwards, John Lambert, John Terry, Pamela Martinez, Jesse Breite, Ben Merrill, Jennifer Altman, Sara Pangle, Henrik Malmberg, Mason Copeland, Carla Klepper, Curtis Goings, Sean O’Sullivan, Morgan DiOrio, Tim Downes, Michelle LaMarre-Waldie, Caroline Diaz, Anne Collier Wood SPRINGMONT

5750 Long Island Dr, NW Grades: 18 months – 14 Years (middle school) Springmont.com At Springmont, lessons are experienced, not just taught.

Springmont’s progressive approach balances individualized learning with challenge and expectation. Their engaging environment equips students with the communication, collaboration and leadership skills needed to be effective in the future.

Celebrating more than 50 years, Springmont is the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast.

Located on seven acres in Sandy Springmont Springs, the school is accredited by SAIS and SACS and serves children ages 1½ to 14. Springmont provides students with a foundation for learning that supports problem solving, develops collaborative skills, grows self-awareness and ignites imaginations.

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Five Fabulous Women Create Networking, Chanel Style ARTICLE HELEN GREBE | PHOTOGRAPHY DYLAN BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY STYLIST SARA WOLF MIXON, TOOTSIES | HAIR & MAKE-UP STEPHEN MOLESKI 30

BuckHavenLifestyle.com | August 2015

C

From left are Mary Elizabeth Ellenburg, Kelly Baskin McGill, Shannon B. Reynolds, Callie Burnette, Jacqulin B. Phillips

For additional information on the above businesses visit MEE Studio South (on Instagram @meestudiosouth), The Little Nook (TheLittleNook.net), Baskin McGill Tennis Academy (BaskinMcGill.com), Charmed Jewelry & Accessory Auctions (Facebook.com/charmedjewelryauctions), Calliespondence (Calliespondence.com).

oco Chanel charismatically quipped “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” Taking a cue from her illustrious determination, five fabulous Buckhead women thought aloud and set out to network themselves -- and their businesses -into success, with style.

The “Fab 5” (a moniker they dubbed themselves) consists of female entrepreneurs in their 30s who juggle marriage, family, business, friendship and life--all while keeping their style and wit about them. The female networking group consists of Mary Elizabeth Ellenburg, president and majority owner of Ellenberg Chair Company; Kelly Baskin McGill of Baskin McGill Tennis Academy; Shannon B. Reynolds of Charmed Jewelry and Accessory Auctions; Callie Burnette of Calliespondence (an Etsy shop for personally designed invitations and paper goods); and Jaquilin B. Phillips, founder of The Little Nook on Pharr Road.

The group was inspired out of necessity and a common love of style.

“We say that our husbands understand food, clothing and shelter but do not understand Chanel,” laughs Ellenburg. “We decided if that’s what we want, we’d go to work for it. I just hope that when I die my husband doesn’t sell my bags for what I told him they cost!”

Supporting each other was an easy next step. The women utilize an online system to chat weekly and discuss business ideas, struggles, networking and their appointed philanthropic endeavors. They also lift each other up with positive thoughts along with good PR and business referrals. The group has a few ground rules that keep the peace including the mandate that everything discussed amongst the group is confidential. Additionally they support one another’s philanthropic choices. The system works; the group consists of businesses that do compete. Perhaps their underlying thread that holds the women together is their love of fashion, a theme that keeps them working hard.

The atmosphere is one of symbiotic admiration. Burnette personally loves getting to garner advice from women who have been in the same situation or struggle: “It’s wonderful to have a sounding board full of other entrepreneurial moms.”

Phillips is inspired by all the women in the group: “If you can take the initiative to start a business, then run it and manage a family and a household, you inspire me.”

McGill wants women to believe that we can have it all: “Women are great at multitasking and we can balance our career, family and service to others. Being a working mom gives me confidence and financial security knowing that I depend on no one but myself for my success.”

Ellenberg hopes that as women network and grow they, like the Fab 5, see one another as supporters and not competitors: “It is sort of like fishing in a pond. If everyone else is catching fish all around that pond, I am encouraged that at some point, I am going to catch some too. I love seeing another woman succeed. It means there is hope for the rest of us.”

Reynolds backs up the sentiment, while offering advice to the next generation of women: “Don’t be afraid to take risks, pursue adventure and your business ideas along with your dreams. If you are passionate about something, pursue it with confidence and an unstoppable determination to be successful in it.”

Surely, Chanel herself would approve.

August 2015 | BuckHavenLifestyle.com

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Page Turners

Kennesaw State Teacher Pens Metafiction Marvel HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL: A NOVEL BY MELANIE SUMNER

ARTICLE RHIANNON BANKES | PHOTOGRAPH MICHAEL LIONSTAR

A

fter her father’s death in Alaska, Aristotle “Aris” Thibodeau, her mother Diane, and her brother Max move to small town Kanuga, Georgia, where Diane performs the bare minimum as an English professor and throws herself into Simple Living (purging and organizing the whole house, much to the dismay of her children when they find their treasured possessions thrown away.)

Odd little brother Max annoys Aris with his insistence they play Pokemon and by reading her personal text messages, but it’s his meltdowns and behavior disorder that put extra stress on the small family.

Funny, quirky Aris (who draws comparisons to Scout Finch and Holden Caulfield), spins what would first be perceived as a sad and heavy story. At 12.5 years old, she generally comes across as a mini-adult who informs the readers that “since there’s no man in the house, Diane and I have our hands full co-parenting Max.” But just when you begin to forget Aris’ age, her comments such as “just the thought of picking up my room or factoring a trinomial makes me really, really tired,” will make you remember that despite her maturity, she is still a young teen. Plus she throws in a few text messages, emoticons, and random “OMGs” for good measure.

Watching her mother falter at online dating and aware of the constant drain to the family finances with her brother’s therapy, Aris devises a plan to write a bestseller. By following the instructions in the book, Write a Novel in Thirty Days!, her plan is to “knock one out, make a wad of cash, and get famous.” Her naive logic propels the story and the re-writing of her life to her terms for her novel is often-times hilarious. For example, why won’t her mom take an interest in their handyman neighbor, Penn MacGuffin? And, when will everyone realize that it is her ghost dad that is causing all of the house’s lightbulbs to explode? But after reading her mother’s journals, she discovers a dark family secret and decides to take justice into her own hands. Her small adventure goes the way of her novel, which is to say, not as planned.

Although the protagonist is a young teen, this would not be classified as a cute tween or YA novel. The characters are all complex and lovingly dysfunctional and it is difficult not to admire the uniqueness, or as the book’s editor lovingly describes “the three-legged-doggedness” of Thibodeaux family. The combination of characters, writing style and the book’s literary layout merge to form what is sure to be a bestselling hit about writing a bestseller.

Other works by Melanie Sumner include The Ghost of Milagro Creek, The School of Beauty and Charm, and a short story collection Polite Society. How to Write a Novel: A Novel was featured on this year’s Los Angeles Times Summer Book List and Melanie Sumner will be at the Decatur Book Festival September 4-6. For more information on Melanie Sumner or to read an excerpt of the novel, visit her website Melanie-Sumner.com 32

BuckHavenLifestyle.com | August 2015

Melanie Sumner

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Bone marrow transplants that result in world travel.

Northside Hospital Cancer Institute’s survival rates are among the highest in the country for bone marrow transplants.

That’s for both related and unrelated donors. It’s one reason why so many people from across the country trust Northside with their cancer care. Northside has seen thousands of cancer survivors walk out their doors. And then, go just about anywhere. For help finding a cancer specialist, call 404-531-4444.

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Taste of Buckhead SAVE THE DATE FOR TASTES FROM TOP CHEFS ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TODD DEFEO

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et inside the historic Buckhead Theatre, the annual Taste of Buckhead presented by the Buckhead Business Association (BBA), provides the unique opportunity to interact with some of the hottest chefs and sample creations made on site.

“Atlanta is a true food destination, and Buckhead is at the center of the best the city has to offer,” says Kelly Green, chair of this year’s event. “Taste of Buckhead gives attendees a unique opportunity to not only sample the best of what some of the city’s hottest chefs have to offer, but also experience dishes from chefs they might not yet know.” One of those chefs might be Brian Lee, the executive chef right here in Buckhead at the JW Marriott Buckhead Atlanta.

Lee sees the Taste of Buckhead as an opportunity to meet new customers and introduce them to his way of cooking. Most

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of the customers at his restaurant, Nox Creek, are hotel guests, but Lee welcomes the chance to expand his base to include residents from throughout the Atlanta community.

“I try to take the simplest approach, though I try to keep it modern,” Lee says of his approach to cooking. “I do a lot of familiar foods that people are used to. I try to keep it simple, but recognizable.” That is quickly apparent in Lee’s shrimp and grits. Crafted using smoked jalapeno butter made in house, the dish offers a unique twist on the popular southern fare and features a nice level of spice that works more to provide texture than overpower diners.

Lee is the event’s first confirmed featured chef, and additional featured chefs will be announced leading up to the event in September. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Buckhead Business Foundation.

AFTER “This event is a true celebration of the Buckhead community, unlike any other festival or event in the city,” says Greg Davis, president of BBA. “It is always a lot of fun to interact with friends and neighbors in a setting such as the Taste of Buckhead. The event was created to showcase the diversity of Buckhead, and over the past decade, it's grown into the preeminent community gathering.”

But, for Lee, cooking is about having the freedom to take a blank canvas and use his imagination to create a memorable dish. Then, he has the opportunity to watch the expressions of his guests as they try his cuisine, which he hopes will be the case on September 24.

“You get to be as creative as you want,” Lee says. “You can take leftovers and turn it into something spectacular. You can take nothing and make it into something.”

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aste of Buckhead is sponsored by the Buckhead Business Association and runs from 6:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. on September 24. General admission tickets are $50 and VIP tickets are $75. As part of the event, attendees can taste dishes from some of Atlanta’s premier restaurants and sample more than 50 wines and beers.

For $25 more than general admission, attendees can purchase a limited number of VIP tickets. Sponsors include Gas South, Keurig, Bank of North Georgia, Georgia Primary Bank, Metcalf Davis and Private Bank of Buckhead. The Buckhead Business Association is a nonprofit organization promoting a positive and informed business environment for its members to achieve cultural, civic, social, economic, and business goals, and actively contribute to the vitality of the greater Buckhead community.

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Driver’s Notebook

Street Lines: 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn HIP, FUN, SAFE AND GAS-FRIENDLY, THE GTI AUTOBAHN IS AN EDUCATED SELECTION FOR THE GO-GETTER THE BASICS: MSRP: $31,145/$33,655 loaded with Lighting and Drivers Assistance/Distance Control MPG: 25 city/33 highway, 28 combined For more information, visit VW.com.

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or those on the go, look no further.

Whether it’s for a student heading off to college or an industrious millennial on the go, the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn hatchback is a choice model to get them where they have to go quickly, safely and adventurously.

Dressed in Tornado Red (the perfect moniker for this head-spinning speed demon), the 2.0L TSI turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivers especially in Sport mode with a six-speed automatic transmission and 220 horsepower. After a slight half-second delay of press40

BuckHavenLifestyle.com | August 2015

ing down the gas pedal (we see it as a quick building of suspense), the spinning 18-inch alloys began to blur as the GTI rockets down lanes with the gripping torque to match. The electronic Brake Force Distribution, finetuned sport suspension, push-button start, and steering wheel paddle shifters completed the racing experience.

Titan black leather provides a pampering cockpit boasting a clear 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation; a rearview camera; the standard Bluetooth connectivity; satellite radio; and an iPod port. The optional, booming Fender audio system is strongly recommended especially for those summer days you want to truly enjoy.

Regarding safety, Volkswagen continues to show a strong commitment in this department. This GTI solidifies this by boasting mounted airbags on the front and back’s side and head locations; four-wheel anti-lock braking system; emergency braking assist; turn signal mirrors; stability and traction control; a post-collision safety system; and tire pressure monitoring.

If we had to nitpick, the navigation system could be a bit more practical and the location of the disc slot (glove compartment) was unconventional for the driver, but these certainly carry no weight from all yeses and brilliance of this automobile; its numerous high marks and consistent accolades in the automotive world are justified. This is a great automobile.

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See how the latest in early childhood education research is put into practice at an Open House October 22 | November 11 Register at atlantaspeechschool.org/kenan or 404-233-5332 ext. 3003.

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Lifestyle Calendar

August

AUGUST 6 - 16 MARY POPPINS THE MUSICAL MJCCA

Get ready to fly over the rooftops of London and into the MJCCA’s Morris & Rae Frank Theatre. This production is appropriate for all audiences. Ticket prices: $15 - $28. For information, visit AtlantAJCC.org

AUGUST 6 MOVIES ON THE TOWN TOWN BROOKHAVEN

Bring your blankets, come early, grab dinner at one of the local restaurants to eat on the green space and watch the Big Hero 6 with your friends and family! TownBrookhaven.net

AUGUST 7 JAZZ ON THE LAWN CALLANWOLDE AMPITHEATER

Callanwolde’s Jazz on the Lawn showcases a lineup of Atlanta’s finest jazz treasures performing a mix of classic and contemporary jazz, swing, fusion, Latin and blues. Guests are invited to bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy these special concerts under the stars. Callanwolde.org

AUGUST 15 & 16 PIEDMONT PARK ARTS FESTIVAL PIEDMONT PARK

This event will feature up to 250 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalwork, glass blowers, jewelers and crafters. The Festival will also offer artist demonstrations, live acoustic music, an Emerging Artists Pavilion, a children’s play area, plus festival foods and beverages with healthy alternatives. PiedmontParkArtsFestival.org

AUGUST 21 SIPS UNDER THE SEA GEORGIA AQUARIUM

Sips Under the Sea is a unique cocktail party for adults to enjoy Georgia Aquarium after hours with your family, friends or significant other. You’ll have the entire Aquarium to yourself while enjoying cocktails, tapas and music… all without kids! This event is an End-of-Summer Luau, so guests should come dressed in their Hawaiian best! GeorgiaAquarium.org

AUGUST 22 WALK, WAG N’ RUN LENOX PARK

Pace your pet at the Ahimsa House Annual 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run! Everyone is encouraged to bring their dogs for these run to benefit the animal and human victims of domestic violence. Of course, walkers/runner without canine accompaniment are welcome too! AhimsaHouse.org

AUGUST 22 DINOSAUR BIRTHDAY BASH FERNBANK MUSEUM

Stomp like a dinosaur, chomp like a dinosaur, growl like a dinosaur and PARTY like a dinosaur. Come one, come all and join the fun as we celebrate the 14th anniversary of Giants of the Mesozoic. Guests will enjoy a day filled with dinosaur- and birthday-themed activities, including games, crafts hands-on activities and more. FernbankMuseum.org

AUGUST 29 & 30 GRANT PARK SUMMER SHADE FESTIVAL GRANT PARK

With two stages to keep the tunes flying all day long you'll enjoy sounds ranging from acoustic to rock and everything in between. Hear great musicians and bands, like Bradford Cox, Michelle Malone, Have Gun, Will Travel and Whiskey Gentry as well as The Higher Choir, Five Eight and The Wheeler Boys.

SummerShadeFestival.org

AUGUST 30 ATLANTA MEATBALL FESTIVAL BELLE ISLE SQUARE

Get ready for an event showcasing one of the world's most beloved beef-pork-lamb-chicken (and sometimes seafood!) combos. Some of Atlanta's favorite restaurants will prepare a wide selection of mouthwatering meatball dishes in this "battle of the balls" competition under the big top tents. AtlantaMeatballFestival.com

AUGUST 30 MISS MARY'S ICE CREAM CRANKIN' 600 BLOCK OF ATLANTA ST.

Taste more than 100 flavors of homemade ice cream - dive into ice cream eating contests - enjoy live music - and let the kids work off their energy in the Kid's Korner. MissMarysIceCream.org CONTINUED >

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Lifestyle Calendar

(CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31 JEFFREY FASHION CARES PHIPPS PLAZA

Over the past 22 years, Jeffrey Fashion Cares has grown into one of the largest combined AIDS and breast cancer benefits in the country. Featuring a preshow cocktail reception, silent and live auction, and runway show. Jeffrey Fashion Cares once again embarks on its mission to raise as much awareness and funds as possible for its beneficiaries, Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta and the Atlanta AIDS Fund (AAF).

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Lovett Developing young men and women of honor, faith, and wisdom with the character and intellect to thrive in college and in life. Learn more at www.lovett.org.

Please join us for an Open House: Sat. Nov. 14 Kindergarten, 1:00 pm

Sun. Nov. 15 Grades 1–5, 1:00 pm Grades 6–8, 3:30 pm

Thu. Jan. 21 Grades 9–12, 6:30 pm

The Lovett School practices a nondiscriminatory admission policy. Financial aid is available.

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business directory ANIMALS & ANIMAL CARE

Buckhaven Veterinary Clinic (404) 841-3647 buckhavenvet.com

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY Kathryn McCrary Photography kathrynmccrary.com Tuxedo Frame Gallery (404) 261-5570 tuxedoframegallery.com

DRY CLEANERS

Crystal Blue Dry Cleaners (678) 206-2006 crystalbluecleaners.com

EDUCATION

Atlanta International School (404) 841-3879 aischool.org Atlanta Speech School (404) 233-5332 atlantaspeechschool.org Kazoo Toys (404) 500-1027 facebook.com kazootoysatlanta Lovett School (404) 262-3032 lovett.org Pace Academy (404) 266-4425 paceacademy.org Springmont (404) 252-3910 springmont.com

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION Groove Studio Music (404) 266-1133 groovestudiomusic.com

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FASHION & ACCESSORIES

Luxor Fine Jewelery (404) 523-0369

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Elements Massage Buckhead (404) 254-4050

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS

KTM ROOFING (678) 565-7663 ktmroofing.com

Northside Hospital (Bariatric Innovations) (731) 903-5002

La Cha Cha Cleaning Services (216) 280-9041

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Overhead Garage Co. (404) 872-3667 overheaddooratlanta.com

Precision Overhead Garage Door Service Atlanta (678) 926-9500

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HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS

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Anthony’s Closets (516) 523-2023 anthonysclosets.com Atlanta Teak (678) 429-2814 atlantateak.com

Atlantis Granite and Marble (678) 292-6600 atlantisgm.com Howard Payne Company (770) 451-0136 howardpayne.com The Dump thedump.com

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Andre Home Services (404) 376-3352 andrehomeservices.com Buckhead Turfcare (770) 452-1075 buckheadturfcare.com Closets by Design Atlanta (770) 418-2112 closetsbydesign.com Holland Interiors (404) 254-4710 hollandinteriors.com

BuckHavenLifestyle.com | August 2015

Southern Comfort Movers (404) 438-1669 southerncomfortmovers.com Splendor Koi & Pond (770) 321-3474 atlantakoi.com Stratgetic America / R.S. Andrews (770) 454-1800 rsandrews.com

Sculpted Contours (404) 872-8578 sculptedcontours.com

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE Bishoku Restaurant (678) 358-7248 bishokusushi.com

Davio’s Italian Steakhouse (404) 844-4810 davios.com F & B Atlanta (404) 254-1797 fandbatl.com

SALONS & SPAS Baker Lanier Salon and Day Spa (404) 266-9054 bakerlanier.com

The Pool Butler (770) 439-2644 thepoolbutler.net

Parkside Parlor Blowout (404) 252-9099 parksideparlor.com

The Rug Cleaners (404) 355-2970 therugcleaners.com

Van Michael (404) 250-3356 vanmichael.com

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES

TRAVEL & LEISURE

All Spine Laser and Surgery Center (404) 640-1423 allspinesurgerycenter.com

Harley Anti-Aging Institute (678) 500-1066 harleyantiaging.com

AAA Auto Club South (404) 843-4500 aaasouth.com

Mandarin Oriental Atlanta (404) 995-7500 mandarinoriental.com

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Japanese Restaurant, which translates to mean “beautiful dining” in Japanese, is BishokuBishoku Japanese Restaurant, which translates to mean “beautiful dining” in Japnestled in the heart of Sandy Springs and affords Atlanta’s discerning clientele a Japaneseanese, is nestled in the heart of Sandyserving Springs and affords discerning owned and operated family-run restaurant authentic JapaneseAtlanta’s dishes, noodles and clientele a The Japanese-owned and operated family-run restaurant authentic sakes. restaurant is a reflection of owner Jackie Fukuya-Merkel’s passionserving for hospitality, Japanese dishes, and Theprepared restaurant a reflection of atowner fine foods and warm noodles décor. Watch yoursakes. meal being by sushiischefs while seated the horseshoe shaped sushi barpassion or choosefor cloth-covered tables by custom built rich wood Jackie Fukuya-Merkel’s hospitality, fineseparated foods and warm décor.

Watch Privateprepared seating is available for chefs businesswhile guests,seated parties or occasions. Bishoku yourpartitions. meal being by sushi atspecial the horseshoe shaped Japanese passionate towards ensuring your overallbydining experience one wood of sushi bar orRestaurant choose iscloth-covered tables separated custom built isrich delicious, authentic variety andforservice in a comfortable, inviting atmosphere. partitions.

PrivateJapanese seatingcuisine, is available business guests, parties or special occasions. Bishoku Japanese Restaurant is passionate towards ensuring your OPEN FOR BOTH LUNCH AND DINNER. overall dining experience is one of delicious, authentic Japanese cuisine, variety 5920 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs, GA | 404.252.7998 | bishokusushi.com and service in a comfortable, inviting atmosphere.

Restaurant Closed Sunday and Monday

404-685-9467

andre@andrehomeservices.com

OPEN FOR BOTH LUNCH AND DINNER.

404.252.7998 | bishokusushi.com 5920 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs, GA Restaurant Closed Sunday and Monday

August 2015 | BuckHavenLifestyle.com

49

Parting Thoughts

Next Step School Year: College Freshman F

WORDS RHIANNON BANKES

or years, as summer winds down our thoughts turn to our children’s new school year. In grade school we anxiously awaited emails with teacher and room assignments and compared notes on classes and school supply lists. In middle school we stood for hours outside of dressing rooms and debated whether to buy the next size up in the pricey, must-have sneakers. In high school we started discussing laptop and car purchases. Instead of waiting for the school bus or dropping them at school, we watch as they drive themselves or organize their own transportation. Then the college-bound checklist started. It took on hydra-like tendencies making you wake in a cold sweat for fear that you may have missed one of the million deadlines.

Your child applied for scholarships, took dozens of standardized tests and placement exams, and studied for the ACTs and SATs. Applications were completed, essays were written, and recommendations were collected. Together you attended college fairs, financial aid nights, completed a FAFSA, and went on a few college campus visits. All of this was done with one goal in mind: the letter of acceptance.

After tears, prayers and multiple intense family discussions, an offer is made and accepted. Major financial decisions are agreed upon that will make you wish for the sneaker shopping trip again. As soon as your child receives their college ID you will find yourself in uncharted territory. You used to wake up your child and make sure they were out of the house on time? Not anymore. Like it or not, your child is no longer a child and your role in their education has changed.

It is now a time to let go and support them as they make their own decisions.

Accompany them to orientation and assist them with purchasing their books, but draw the line at calling their professors (they won’t talk to you anyway.) When they got on the bus or walked into school for their first time alone, you knew they were staying on school property but were still freaked out. Now they have the freedom to come and go as they please and you think “how will I ever sleep at night?” It is tempting to make up for physical proximity with constant monitoring, but just because you can instantly connect with your child through technology (emails, texts, phone calls, GPS tracking) doesn’t mean you should. Micromanaging their daily life is only sure to stress everyone out.

Teach your child where to seek help in the appropriate areas rather than them expecting you to answer all their questions. Know the classes your child is taking. Look over their syllabi and reading lists. Discuss these with your child when you have a visit but remember that no one wants to be quizzed on The Odyssey over Thanksgiving dinner.

Although they are now an adult, that doesn’t mean they no longer need you. Just as every major life phase before now has consisted of testing boundaries and finding balance, you are simply trying your new roles and learning the steps as you go. It is normal to each have complex and swirling emotions, but this transition is simply another one of life’s stepping stones that together you will figure out and conquer.

50

BuckHavenLifestyle.com | August 2015

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