Hampton Roads Private Education Guide

Page 1

DECEMBER 2010

private education guide

PUBLISHER

DIANE TYLER diane.tyler@pilotonline.com EDITOR

JENNIFER O’DONNELL 222-3902 jenny.odonnell@pilotonline.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

TAMMY LINDQUIST 222-3905 tammy.lindquist@pilotonline.com ART DIRECTOR

SHERRI HOLLAND sherri.holland@pilotonline.com

what’s inside 04 Five signs of a great private school BY JENNIFER O’DONNELL

How to tell if a school lives up to its hype.

06 Back to school for moms, too BY ALISON JOHNSON

If you’re thinking about finishing that degree, make sure you have your ducks in a row.

10 Religious programs BY KRISTEN DE DEYN KIRK Private schools can offer a lot, including a faith-based curriculum.

13 Help with homework BY JENNIFER O’DONNELL How to manage all that homework.

DESIGNER

16 Organize the school year BY KRISTEN DE DEYN KIRK Getting off on solid footing means staying organized.

BARBIE DeSOTO barbie.desoto@pilotonline.com STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

HARRY GERWIEN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

22 Middle school madness BY KRISTEN DE DEYN KIRK If your child is headed to middle school, there’s help to be found.

25 The private school checklist

ALISON JOHNSON, MARY ELLEN CARRIER, RICK EPSTEIN, SHARON ZOUMBARIS, SUSAN SMIGIEISKI ACKER, BONITA BILLINGSLEY, PATRICK EVANSHYLTON, KRISTEN KIRK ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

BY JENNIFER O’DONNELL

AMERICA WILSON 222-3944 america.wilson@pilotonline.com

What to ask before you commit.

BUSINESS MANAGER

28 Lunch with a twist

MICHELLE NORMAN 222-5380 michelle.norman@pilotonline.com

BY PATRICK EVANS-HYLTON Beyond PB & J.

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FIVE SIGNS OF A GREAT PRIVATE SCHOOL BY JENNIFER C. O’DONNELL

f you’re thinking about private schooling for your child, there’s plenty you’ll need to know before you write your first tuition check. Private school offers numerous benefits to children, but only if you choose the school that’s right for your student, and that matches your goals. Take the time to get to know each school you’re considering. The tips below should help you in your search.

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You receive a warm welcome When you visit a school, you should take note of how you’re treated by staff. Do you feel welcomed? Are you offered a tour? Can you sit in on classes? The school’s administration should also ask specific questions about your child’s learning style, personality, and challenges as well as your personal goals for your student.

The staff is qualified Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the qualifications of the staff and headmaster or headmistress. It’s not rude – it’s necessary. Ask about their educational background, the staff turnover rate, and previous teaching experiences. Other questions you need answered: How does the staff help new students adjust? What programs are available for students who are struggling or are ahead of their peers? How does the school manage bullying and discipline problems?

The school’s philosophy matches yours Not all private schools adhere to the same educational philosophy or curriculum. Some of the many philosophies or curriculums include Classical, Montessori, Waldorf, Preparatory, Military Preparatory and others. Spend time deciding on the program that best meets your child’s needs before you begin your search for a school.

You have recommendations Sometimes the best way to learn about a school is through others. Recommendations from friends, family, neighbors and others should always be considered. Also, don’t hesitate to ask the school for a list of people you may call about their experiences with the school. Questions to ask others might be: Describe a typical day for a student? How has the school helped your child? Has the school fulfilled your expectations? What are the school’s challenges? Would you recommend the school to others?

The School Offers Flexibility Make sure any school you consider is willing to work with you, whether you need financial aid, additional tutoring for your child, or assistance with physical disabilities or other health issues. Possible questions might include: Do you offer tuition discounts for more than one child? How do you manage students with ADD/ADHD or learning disabilities. Are before or after school programs available for working parents?

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“Norfolk Christian Schools are largely responsible for the person I am today. I received a good education, a spiritual foundation, and formed lifelong relationships. Now, I’m a stay-at-home wife and mother. It’s important that I did receive a good education because I teach my children every day.”

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Mom going back to school? It’s a team effort. Here’s what you should do first to succeed.

ome days, Joyce Hartman wakes up at 4 a.m. to do research. Some

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nights, she’s up until midnight or later writing papers. The 39-yearold mother of two has been known to do a bit of heavy reading think Einstein’s theory of relativity - at the beach. She has learned

BY ALISON JOHNSON

to say no to certain requests for her time and has become a master at organization, from keeping a large family calendar on her refrigerator to shopping for a month’s worth of birthday gifts on one outing.

All the juggling has paid off: Hartman, who went back to school in 2008 after a 16-year absence, recently earned an associate’s degree in business administration from Tidewater Community College and now is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, with a business concentration, through a University of Virginia program. The degree will help support her family’s small construction company and her career as a student loan advisor. And despite the long days, she is happy that daughters Madeline, 8, and Kate, 6, have been part of her journey. “The girls understand that maybe they don’t get to play soccer year-round or go to the beach whenever they ask, but they see how important college is to me and to our family,� says Hartman, a Chesapeake resident who also has a part-time job. “They understand that what I’m doing is for the better of all of us. I hope they are learning that the sky’s the limit on what you can do

Successful students learn to communicate closely with their spouses, line up reliable childcare, delegate responsibilities and use their free time efficiently.

if you’re willing to work hard.� Returning to the classroom as a parent may not be easy, college administrators say, but many students with children not only survive but thrive. “I think so many mothers put every-

one ahead of themselves, or they are just overwhelmed at the idea of being in school again,� says Joann BauttiRoche, assistant director of the Women’s Center at Old Dominion University, who also earned a master’s degree in public administration while parenting three young boys. “I would tell them not to sell themselves short and think they can’t do it. They can do it.� Organization, not surprisingly, is huge. So is being realistic about the time required to be a student. For every hour in class, a student should plan on two or three hours of homework, review and other preparation, says Amy Beldon, counselor with the Women’s Center at Tidewater Community College’s Virginia Beach campus. Successful students learn to communicate closely with their spouses, line up reliable childcare, delegate responsibilities and use their free time efficiently. Some tackle assignments during a child’s naptime or while waiting for appointments; those with school-

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age children might schedule nightly family homework time. Explaining the challenges and rewards of going back to school also can help kids adjust, especially if they’re old enough to pitch in with chores and become more self-sufficient. “If you have kids who may be used to getting attention whenever they want, they will need to learn to wait,” Beldon says. “Maybe you set a timer for 30 minutes and tell them not to ask for anything unless there’s an emergency. Or if Dad is around, you tell them to go to him while you’re working. It often takes some time for things to settle down - a few weeks or even a semester. But don’t give up.” Many parents, she adds, find their children value their own education more because of the experience. Beldon recommends easing back into school life if possible: not scheduling too many classes in one semester or too many activities on a single day. “It does take a while to get back

into the groove as a student,” she says. “By the second semester, you will be much more efficient.” For parents worried about cost, financial aid and grants often can help; start by filling out a federal financial aid form at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Joyce Hartman graduated from TCC with no debt, and grants will cover her first two semesters at Virginia. “There really is money out there for working moms like me to go back to school,” she says. “It takes a lot of the burden off.” Lining up emotional support is important too, Bautti-Roche says. Students need people who encourage them through rough patches, both at home and at school. “I really encourage people to get involved in campus organizations, and also to find connections with professors,” she says. The hardest part, of course, can be taking that first step back. “Just always remember why you’re doing it,” Hartman says. “Don’t be afraid to take the leap.”

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The ten commandments of shopping for a school Not every religious school will necessarily be a good fit BY KRISTEN DE DEYN KIRK y friend had thought of sending her children to

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a private school for a while. She wasn’t happy with the way her son’s public school teacher would

ignore her son’s questions during class or the way her daughter’s teacher laid a guilt trip on her for taking days off for a family vacation. More important: her son needed extra attention and couldn’t get it in a big class, and her daughter needed more challenging work, but the teacher only had time to provide one lesson, one set of class work and one set of homework. Individualizing the curriculum was not possible in either case. So, finally, my friend made the switch to a private Christian school. And she did see her children get more attention, but she still wasn’t completely happy. What did she do wrong? She failed to realize that not all Christian schools are the same. Bruce Devers, administrator of Portsmouth Christian School and past director of the Hampton Roads Association of Christian Schools, notes that every school is going to be different. The parent must choose one that meshes with her — and her children’s - personalities. My friend heard about one school, trusted the person she talked to, went for a tour and signed up. Instead, she might have found a better match if she visited several schools and kept this list in mind:

Don’t assume sport, art, or music programs are available. Need help? See our checklist on Page 25.

Find out how much religious instruction is offered. All Christian schools are guided by Christian beliefs, says Devers: “We emphasize curriculum and how you’re going to live.” But how often and exactly what the children study will vary from school to school and grade to grade. Find out the subjects that are covered, when they’re covered and how they’re covered.

1

Ask about class size. In most cases, Devers believes classes will be smaller in a Christian school when compared to a public school. However, you can’t be sure. Based on the information Devers has, most local Christian schools have classes ranging between 20 and 24 students. You probably will find some with smaller classes, though. The point is: You have to ask instead of assuming.

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2

Confirm the cost. Friends have ruled out Christian schools in the past because they thought it was too expensive. That might not be the case, especially if you’ve first gotten used to paying for full-time day care. Devers reports that local schools range in price from $4,500 to $8,000. The high schools are generally more expensive due to having to provide higher salaries for subject-specific teachers.

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Decide if you can you pay the price or do the time. This commandment is related to number 7. What happens when rules aren’t followed? Smoke in or outside of school and get caught, and some schools will kick you out. Others give you a warning - one warning. Misbehave and you might have to stay after school - or Mom and Dad might have to pay $25 and bring to Saturday detention. Are you, Mom, ready for that? Think about extracurricular activities before signing up for the curriculum. Most parents are pleased to learn that Christian schools offer a variety of sports. But that’s not the case with what Devers calls the “fine art” extracurriculars. You might not find the drama program or chess club or debate team that you’re used to at a public school.

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Volunteering is just that. I once heard that private schools required that parents volunteer. That’s tough if both parents work. Devers says that isn’t the case, and that parents are merely encouraged to volunteer as much as possible.

4

Sit in on classes. In general, Devers believes students encounter fewer distractions in a Christian school classroom because there are fewer behavior problems. He jokes that he can’t guarantee that, though. Again, you have to look inside each school for yourself. Get a feel for the students’ characters. “We encourage students to follow those teachings in the Bible,” Devers says, “so I also hope that the students show more concern for each other.” With any luck, this might mean less bullying in Christian schools.

5

Get the numbers. Christian schools don’t have to administer the Standards of Learning tests. That means no “teaching to the test,” which many parents and students appreciate. But there is still a way to get a feel for how well the students are doing at each school. Ask for overall Iowa Achievement Test and Stanford Achievement Test scores. Knowing these scores can give you a feel for how successful the students are and if your child will be on a similar level.

6

Learn if the school is conservative or liberal. I’m not talking politics here. I’m talking about rules. Not every school forbids music, but some do, and “dress code” is different everywhere. You have to go in the school and see for yourself where the school falls on the toughto-carefree scale.

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Ensure that the advanced classes your child could use for college credit are available. Christian schools offer a range of advanced placement classes and some even participate in dual-credit courses with local community colleges but exactly what is offered depends on the school.

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GETTING THE HOMEWORK

DONE

Planning for good habits will make all the difference BY JENNIFER C. O’DONNELL

omework is here to stay - at least until the next revolution in education sweeps into public classrooms. // In the meantime, parents who think their children bring home too much homework might be tempted to let the assignments go unfinished. That will, however, only hurt the child in the long run.

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But parents can take steps to help their children, in fact the entire family, through stressful homework-filled evenings. Here’s what the experts recommend in order to help your child complete assignments in a timely manner. Analyze the Assignments: One of the biggest gripes parents have has to do with the type of assignments their children bring home. For starters, children should never be given new material as a homework assignment, say educators. Assignments must be realistic. Teachers can’t expect children to learn a new concept at home. That means that homework assign-

ments should repeat what’s already been covered in class. And even then, limits should exist. Take the subject of math, for example. Academics say it’s perfectly fine for teachers to ask students to complete a few math problems based on the day’s lesson. But when a teacher sends a child home with page after page of the same type of problem, that may be too much. Establish a Routine: If your child’s homework responsibilities seem excessive and your student is having trouble completing the work, try to establish a routine that both you and your child can follow everyday. Some parents follow a reward system

in order to encourage students to tackle homework right away. For example, you could say, “Life begins after your homework is done. After that, you can go skateboarding or watch television or flip through comic books. All is yours for the asking once you’re finished.� Create a Good Study Environment: Parents should try to minimize potential distractions during homework time. Set up a well lit work area with easy access to you, in case there are questions. Some parents might be tempted to turn off the television and radio during homework time, but some kids actually desire background noise and in fact, may even need it. Find what works best for your child and stick to it.

Some parents might be tempted to turn off the television and radio during homework time, but some kids actually desire background noise and in fact, may even need it. Find what works best for your child and stick to it.

Control Your Frustration: It’s hard not to get red in the face when a homework assignment that’s supposed to take 15 minutes ends up tak-

ing two hours, especially if your child whines and moans through the whole two hours. But parents can help their children keep their focus by maintaining their own tempers. Find out what you’re doing during the homework that’s causing it to be stretched out. Possible reactions include anger, negative comments, pressure tactics, and frustration. Maintain minimal reaction to all negative behavior on a student’s part. Be neutral, and when the student finally picks up her pencil, praise her. Become and Advocate: If you really believe your child is overburdened with homework, or that the assignments are frivolous and unnecessarily time consuming, speak up. Experts say some school systems have initiated changes in regards to homework after parents brought their concerns to the school staff and principal.

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Establishing a routine will help keep stress at bay and grades up BY ALISON JOHNSON

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few days before school starts, Trudi Webster and her 11-year-old daughter, Alena, sit down together and write a to-do list of her school responsibilities. One section covers the morning and another the afternoon, and both hang on her bedroom door.

Alena’s before-school checklist includes brushing her teeth, eating breakfast and checking that she has all her homework and her lunch in her backpack. After school, the fifth grader has a healthy snack, picks out clothes for the next day, pulls her homework out of her bag and lays the papers on the table where she works. After she finishes her assignments, she knows to put her work straight into her bag so her 2-year-old brother won’t draw on it or try to stuff it into one of his toys. “You don’t want to make her feel inadequate or that you are Drill Sergeant, so I’ll simply say something like, ‘Alena, let’s check off your list together,’”

said Webster, who lives in Chesapeake. “And I’m proud to say that through this technique, Alena is confident that she can go to school without concern of getting in trouble for forgetting homework, and I know that she’s prepared for the day.” For students of all ages, organization often isn’t a strong point. Some common clues: backpacks stuffed with old crinkled papers, forgotten tests and assignments, prolonged homework sessions and lost school supplies. Parents, meanwhile, struggle to decide what to throw away and what to save; some may miss signing needed paperwork or going to important school events.

Poor organizational skills can not only hurt a student’s grades but make school and home life much more stressful, said Amy Scott, Director of the Sylvan Learning Center of Hampton, where tutoring programs include sessions on study skills. Checklists like the ones Webster uses can make a huge difference to both kids and parents, Scott said. “Creating systems that work for an individual child really helps with home life sanity,” she said. “The quicker you can get into a daily routine, the better. I have seen whole grades change based simply on the way a student does nightly homework.” Luckily, families can fight disorganization with a variety of approaches, according to Scott and other experts: Getting homework done. The first step, Scott said, is to pick a specific spot in the house where each child will study. Then keep that area stocked with

a bin of the same school supplies they have in their desks at school. Ideally, the study spot should be close enough to parents that they can monitor progress but not so close that the child is tempted to ask for help constantly. While a desk or table is best for some students, others like to sit on a couch or even lie on the floor. “If sprawling on the floor is what works, go with it,” Scott said. “The important thing is that they’re not in a different place every day. You want them to think, ‘I’m in my homework space, and I’m not leaving it until I’m done.’ Their minds will make the representation that this is a place to learn and study.” If possible, families should set a time period each afternoon or evening when everyone - not just the kids - sits down and works on something, said Mary Jo Bracken, a guidance counselor at Toano Middle School in James City County. As students do their homework, parents might read, get on the computer or catch up on bills. That “quiet time”

can change on different days of the week based on schedules. “It creates an expectation for kids: this is what our family does,” Bracken said. “Kids really respond to consistency. I also think parents get overloaded just like kids, and slowing down helps everyone focus on what they need to get done.” Students, particularly those with attention problems, also tend to do best when they tackle one assignment at a time, said Mary Frances Ballard, a retired middle school teacher who now owns Orderly Places, a Peninsula-based organization business. Rather than unpacking all their books and papers at once, Ballard suggests students take out one thing at a time. When that assignment is done, they can return it to the bag and take out the next. “That’s a great strategy for kids to learn as they mature: focus on one piece of work, concentrate on it until it’s completely done, and done well, and then move on,” Ballard said. “A big pile just tends to be a big distraction.”

Parents can help kids learn to prioritize tasks as well, Scott said. Understandably, most students want to do the easiest subject first; if they hate English, they’ll want to do their grammar worksheet last. Sometimes that’s fine, Scott said, but kids should think more about what is most important. If tests count for 50 percent of a grade and homework 10 percent, studying for a science test is a better use of prime homework time than finishing every last math problem. Finally, if a student regularly struggles to complete homework in the time suggested by a teacher, schedule a conference, Bracken advised. Also watch for signs a child may be too loaded up with non-school activities, including exhaustion, poor eating habits and falling grades. Long-term planning. The ability to look ahead doesn’t come naturally to many kids. They will finish homework assignments due the very next day but not get an early start on projects, study

for future tests or take the time to organize their notes and supplies. To avoid last-minute scrambles, students need to begin considering those tasks as daily homework too, Bracken said. “Especially as a child gets older, there’s no such thing as ‘no homework,’” she said. “So instead of asking, ‘do you have any homework?’ - which gives them the chance to say no - say, ‘Please show me your planner.’ If there’s nothing written in there for two or three days, contact that teacher. More than likely, the student isn’t writing things down for some reason, and you need to nip that in the bud.” Parents also can track future special assignments and tests on many teachers’ Web sites. Scott suggests posting a large family calendar in a central location such as the kitchen, with a different color pen assigned to each child. That calendar would display weekly extracurricular and family activities and important school assignments and events. So if a test falls on Wednesday and there’s

soccer practice Tuesday night, a student should plan to do some studying on Monday night. Parents could even schedule weekly “family meetings” to spot busy stretches ahead of time. “It helps kids get out of the, ‘Oh no, it’s the night before and I haven’t done anything!’ situation,” Scott said. Breaking long-term assignments into smaller steps also heads off panic mode. If a child has a written book report due in a month, for example, the parent might help develop a plan: select and check out the book by the end of the first week, read a certain amount the second week, finish it the third week and get the writing done during the last (or speed the schedule up if the child would rather finish earlier). For tests, students could plan to skim a certain number of pages each night, saying facts and sentences that need memorizing out loud (a minimum of 15 times is most effective, according to Bracken). In the days just before a test, students could ask a parent to quiz them and then focus on problem areas.

Fighting clutter. Cleaning out school backpacks and folders daily or at least weekly is a crucial part of staying organized, experts say. But no matter what grade a child is in, school stuff can quickly take over a house - and just as quickly get lost. With young children, the challenge is all the art and daily class work that come home. Bethany Lay, a Senior Consultant with Creative Memories, suggests asking three basic questions when deciding what to save: is it timeless (early handwriting samples, small handprints), does it tell a story (report cards, special projects) and is it something you wish your parents had saved? Kids also should have the chance to decide what’s most special to them, which parents might not be able to predict. At that point, parents can decide what to scan into a computer and what to store in a protective box, said Lay, who uses that approach with her 7-year-old daughter. “Scan the things that main-

Ready, Set, Quality Education with a Christian Emphasis Affordable Rates • Degreed & Qualified Staff

Cook!

We Offer: • Preschool for ages 2½ - 4 (8:30 am - 12:30 pm) • 5 yr old Kindergarten (Full Day) • Summer Camp • Hot Meals • Before & After School Programs (6 am dropoff, 6 pm pickup)

Curriculum: • “Open Court” Reading • “Saxon” Phonics & Math • “Abeka” Science & Social Studies • Friday “Chapel”

(757) 596-5808 765 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News,VA (Oyster Point, Next to Casey Honda ) visit us at www.RLCNN.org/school@rlcnn.org

• Weekly Classes • Birthday Parties • Team Building • SOL Field Trips • After School Enrichment Programs

Call today to find out about our workshops and mini-camps!

422.4337 Virginia Beach

tain their value even when scanned,� she said. “So if there is a project where they have used a handprint, you would want to keep it because if scanned, you lose the original size. But if they wrote a story, scanning will still preserve the words and the handwriting.� Another alternative is to take pictures of the child holding crafts and keep those in photo albums or computer files, Ballard added. As kids get older, frequently-used items such as lunch menus, field trip information and details on long-term projects can go on the refrigerator or a bulletin board, or into a file box in an easy-to-find location. To store papers and worksheets a child will need to review later in the year, keep a “study materials� bin in the student’s homework area, advised Jamika Woodburn, a mother of two and owner of Organize Station, a home and business organization company based in Yorktown. Woodburn recommends bins because they hold more than folders and tend to get less messy. Students also can

Founded 1960

Ideally, the study spot should be close enough to parents that they can monitor progress but not so close that the child is tempted to ask for help constantly. use a color-coded system: red folders and notebooks for all their math materials, for example, and blue for history. “They can pull whatever they need right out,� Woodburn said. “They won’t be digging through their backpack to

see if by some miracle it’s wadded up at the bottom.� As for backpacks, shoes and other needed school supplies, parents can set a place for kids to leave them each afternoon and evening, Ballard said. “Peg racks, hooks or milk-crate type boxes one for each child - work well,� she said. “The closer to the door, the better, and as much as you can keep off the floor, the better. You don’t want things migrating all over the house.� That goes for adults’ stuff, too, Bracken added. A house doesn’t have to be perfectly organized, but parents can be good role models by tackling one or two problem spots at a time. “Maybe you sort through the recipes or the magazines, or rearrange the linen closet,� Bracken said. “You can involve the kid. You can tell them, ‘Today I’ve decided to organize this.’ More than likely, they’ll act like they don’t hear a word you’re saying. But really, they are listening.� And, hopefully, getting more organized themselves.

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• NAEYC Accredited • Hands-on Learning Experience • Enhance Your Child’s Social Skills • Strengthen Emotional, Physical and Intellectual Growth

NOW ENROLLING! Ages 2 1/2 thru Kindergarten Call to schedule a tour 3380 Edinburgh Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23452

757.340.2266 www.sunnybrookdayschool.org

50 Years Of Excellence!

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A HIGHER EDUCATION SHOULD BEGIN IN THE EARLY YEARS!

An Affordable, Independent, Private School Celebrating our 60th year

Serving Students in Grades 1 - 12 Academic Excellence Differentiated Instruction Small Class Sizes Athletics, Art and Music Transportation Services Before & After Care

OPEN HOUSE DATES Wednesday, March 30 at 6:30 pm Saturday, May 21 at 1:00 pm n the ducation o A Higher E vel L School e Elementary

757-499-6064 for a tour of the school or visit the website:

www.ivyleagueacademy.net

583-RYAN (7926) 844 Jerome Avenue • Norfolk, VA 23518

www.ryanacademy.org

Buy the book Getting ready for middle school? These titles might help the transition.

f your tween is in her last year of elementary school, it’s not too early to prepare for the

I

challenges of middle school. A good book can help your child adjust, and answer any questions that might pop up over the next year. These books aren’t anything like the textbooks the students use in school and most definitely are not written for parents (although

they will help you remember some of that growing-up angst.) Each features simple wording, large print and lots of illustrations, making it easy to read in one or two sittings:

BY KRISTEN DE DEYN KIRK

The Worst-case Scenario Survival Handbook: Middle school by David Borgenicht, Ben H. Winters and Robin Epstein Chronicle Books, $10.99 This book has the best table of contents with five chapters and “how-to” subheads. Your tween could read it all before school starts or just refer to it as he or she faces a new concern. Some of the advice includes “how to rescue a sinking grade” (hold a strategy session with the teacher; ask a friend for help; play “20 questions”); “how to survive the locker-room change” (keep everyone talking; take off one item of clothing at a time and replace it with the similar gym uniform piece; wear a thin t-shirt under your school clothes, keep it on, and place your gym shirt on top of it); and “how to cope when a clique shuts you out” (force yourself to smile; find a hobby you can share; focus on one-on-one friendships). The illustrations tend to include more girls but most of the advice is relevant for boys and girls, and each will appreciate the “girls only” and the “boys only” chapters.

American Girl’s A Smart Guide to Starting Middle School by Julie Williams American Girl Publishing, Inc., $9.95 This narrow, colorful book draws you in with its easy-to-hold size and a variety of formats, from bulleted lists and questions and answers to paragraphs packed with information and questions to ask yourself. New middle schoolers will especially appreciate the illustrated guide on how to work a combination lock. They can also take a color-coded quiz to see what activities might be best for them to join. At first, your tweener might not be as interested in the “teacher” section, but if he or she faces a concern with one, you might try turning to page 32, where different teacher “types” are broken down. The author offers pros and cons and do and don’t advice that will help your tween cope (and might make it easier for you if you go in for a parent-teacher conference.)

Amelia’s Middle School Survival Guide by Marissa Moss Simon & Schuster, $14.99 This book continues the mix of being light on words and heavy on illustrations, but it’s definitely different from the other two books in that there’s a story being told. It’s written like an illustrated diary (sort of like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but with more illustrations and side notes) and has two sections, Amelia’s Most Unforgettable Embarrassing Moments and Amelia’s Guide to Gossip. Advice is packed inside this book - but it’s not as easy to find. This might be the one that your tween reads last in this mix of three books, or maybe when she’s already been in middle school for a while (or is even graduating onto high school) and she wants to laugh at all that’s happened - the good, the bad, and the can-only-happen-in-middleschool-thank-God! stuff.

ALLIANCE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Each day making a difference … one child at a time! • • • • • • •

Challenging academics, Pre-K3 to 12th grades Excellent teacher-student ratio Honors and dual-credit college classes Extremely affordable Christian worldview education Full competitive sports program, Metro Conference Conveniently located off I-664 at Portsmouth Blvd Currently enrolling all grades

Celebrating 40 years of Christian Education in 2011

First Presbyterian Preschool Preschool Classes - Ones - Pre-K 9am-12pm Music & Outside Play Kindergarten 9am-2pm Spanish, P.E., Music Infant - All Day Car 8am - 6pm We offer flexible before and after care for $5.50 per hour Summer camps Summer Stay & Play June 6th - August 16th

Experience the Love of Christ

First Presbyterian Church 820 Colonial Ave. Norfolk, VA 23507 635-0667 www.fpcnorfolk.org

5809 Portsmouth Blvd, Portsmouth

757.488.5552

alliancechristianschools.org

Hampton Roads Association of Christian Schools HRACS is an organization of biblically based, evangelical schools committed to promoting Christian education and to fostering cooperation among Christian schools.

Open Houses for summer and fall enrollment begin in January. Visit the websites for dates and times. Alliance Christian School..........................www.alliancechristianschool.org Atlantic Shores Christian Schools............www.shoreschristian.org Calvary Christian School System.............www.calvarycss.org Calvary Classical School...........................www.calvaryclassical.org Cornerstone Christian School ..................www.cornerstonechristianschool.us. Denbigh Baptist Christian School ............www.dbcs4christ.com First Baptist Christian School...................www.firstbaptistchristian.org Greenbrier Christian Academy.................www.gcagators.org Hampton Christian Schools......................www.hamptonchristianschools.com Ivy League Academy.................................www.ivyleagueacad.com Mt. Pleasant Christian School..................www.mtpleasantchristian.org Norfolk Christian Schools.........................www.norfolkchristian.org Oaktree Academy......................................www.oaktreeacademy.org Portsmouth Christian Schools..................www.portsmouthchristian.org Stonebridge School ..................................www.stonebridgeschool.com Summit Christian Academy......................www.summitchristianacademy.org Tabernacle of Prayer Christian School ....757-625-1875 Warwick River Christian School...............www.warwickriver.org Williamsburg Christian Academy.............www.williamsburgchristian.org

For detailed information visit

www.hracs.org

What you sh uld know before you coom mit BY JENNIFER C. O’DONNEL L

f you’re thinking about placing your child in a private school, it’s your turn to do a little

I

homework. Private schools aren’t all the same and finding the one that’s right for your child isn’t always easy. // Here’s how to begin your search, and compare the schools you’re interested in. Be sure to take notes when you visit, either virtually or in person.

Once you have all your data, it’s time to sit down with your family to discuss the pros and cons of each school. // Good luck in your search.

The private school search 1. What is the school’s academic philosophy? (Classical, Montessori, Waldorf, etc.) 2. Is the school religiously affiliated? 3. How is technology incorporated into the curriculum? 4. Are AP or IB programs available? 5. What is the student/teacher ratio? 6. How diverse is the student body? 7. How long has the headmaster been with the school? 8. What are the headmaster’s credentials?

13. Is the school’s location convenient for you? 14. Is the staff helpful?

22. Is it possible to sit-in on classes before you commit?

15. How would you rate your school visit?

23. How large is the school’s endowment?

16. Is financial aid available to you?

24. How many faculty members have advanced degrees?

17. What is your child’s impression of the school? 18. How does the school manage discipline problems? 19. Is tutoring available to students? 20. Are clubs and other organizations available to the student body? 21. Do you agree with the school’s

11. Are sport, art, or music programs available? 12. Does the school appear to be safe and secure?

Year-Round Program 16mos. - Pre K Full time/Part time

• Christian Environment • Small class size • Well-trained, educated teaching staff • Competitive Rates • Enrichment Programs

25. How large is the student body? 26. What are the tuition fees? 27. Is transportation to and from school available and at what cost? 28. Are parents permitted (or required) to volunteer at the school? 29. Is the school co-ed or single sex?

9. What is the staff turnover rate? 10. What is the school’s overall appearance?

policies and procedures?

Need help choosing a religious school? See our guide on Page 10.

30. Is the school ranked academically and if so, what is the school’s ranking? 31. Is the school accredited and by what organization? 32. How does the school help new students adjust?

Portsmouth Catholic Regional School Full Accreditation SACS/VCEA

OPEN HOUSE January 30th 2011 1-3pm ❖ Established 1876 ❖ Christian Value-Based Education ❖ Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 through 8th Grade ❖ Art ❖ Drama ❖ Music ❖ Dedicated Science Lab ❖ Computer ❖ Technology ❖ Spanish Instruction ❖ Physical Education ❖ SMART Boards in all Classes ❖ Tidewater Catholic Basketball League

Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School 3900 Virginia Beach Blvd. Virginia Beach 23452

❖ Before and After School Care

Portsmouth Catholic Regional School Tours Daily At Your Convenience

CALL NOW: 488-6744 2301 OREGON AVENUE • PORTSMOUTH VA • 757.488.6744 • WWW.PORTSMOUTHCATHOLIC.NET

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Mount Lebanon Christian Academy Now Enrolling: Ages 2 1/2 (fully potty-trained), thru 3rd grade. We utilize the ABEKA Curriculum: Spanish, Music, & Computer Full Day Program, Academic Program

50% OFF

Tuition For Student Referrals

884 Bells Mill Road Chesapeake, Virginia 23322 phone: 757-547-9550 web: www.themountleads.org PILOTMEDIAREADER'SCHOICEAWARD

THEVIRGINIAN-PILOTREADER'SCHOICEAWARD

We offer Before & After Care

โ Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.โ ~ Proverbs 22:16

Let’s do lunch! Taste and nutrition coexist happily in these easy brown bag recipes

eing a kid can be serious business; with all that reading, writing and arithmetic - not to mention recess - the student body can become a hungry body by the time lunchtime rolls around. But for mom or dad, thinking about a tasty, sensible lunch for the starving student can pose plenty of challenges. The first is finding something that appeals to their child, the second is finding something that can be eaten in the short time allotted for lunch. Food not only needs to be delish, but ready-toeat, or at least have a very minimal fuss factor. If you don’t pack a lunch, your child most likely won’t go hungry but they may be eating things you aren’t that thrilled with; prepared school lunches are often highly caloric, fat-laden, sodium-packed and full of other icky things. Although the term “brown bagging” sounds homey, pack away nostalgia and pack lunches in soft-sided, insulated, closable and easy-to-clean lunch boxes. Children’s names can easily be written on the outside of these containers with a permanent marker. Using a lunch box like this

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BY PATRICK EVANS-HYLTON

not only cuts down on the waste of disposing of a paper bag daily, but also gives some protection to the contents inside. Likewise, a washable, durable, insulated beverage container is good for bringing water or fruit juices and keeping them cool until lunchtime with a few ice cubes added to the contents before sealing.

replace lid, and shake to coat. Remove lid and add tomatoes, peas, corn and cheese.

PUFFY PIZZA POCKET Flaky biscuit dough combines with classic pizza flavors for a delicious lunch entree. Turkey pepperoni keeps the pizza lower fat; substitute with chopped vegetables like broccoli and eggplant if you wish.

BIG MAC PASTA SALAD Fun elbow macaroni noodles combine with veggies and low fat Italian dressing for a delicious (and interactive!) lunch salad. Use frozen peas and corn; they will be ready to eat by lunch time.

Ingredients 1 or 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled 2 tablespoons low fat Italian dressing or olive oil Handful grape tomatoes 1/4 cup frozen peas 1/4 cup frozen corn Handful of hard cheese cubes, like cheddar Method Place pasta in a medium-sized plastic container with lid. Keep dressing or oil in a separate ziptop bag or plastic container until ready to use. In a third ziptop or plastic container combine tomatoes, peas and corn. In a fourth ziptop or plastic container, place cheese. When ready to prepare, pour dressing or oil on top of pasta,

Ingredients 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough 1/4 cup tomato sauce 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup turkey pepperoni 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning blend Method Preheat oven to 350F. Press each biscuit flat approximately into a fiveinch round. Spread on a little tomato sauce, sprinkle on some cheese, place on top some pepperoni and add a couple of dashes of spices. Be careful not to overfill the pockets or contents will leak out. Fold the biscuits over into a half-moon shape, crimp closed and place, evenly spaced, on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Bake until golden, about 20 and 25 minutes, remove and cool. Yields six pockets.

HUM(MUS)-DINGER OF A SANDWICH Protein rich hummus and fun veggies combine to make a quick-andhealthy sandwich Ingredients 1 whole wheat tortilla 2-3 tablespoons prepared hummus Shredded broccoli Shredded carrots Sugar snap peas Method Keep tortilla in a ziptop food storage bag until ready to use. Keep hummus in a separate ziptop bag or plastic container until ready to use. In a third ziptop or plastic container combine shredded broccoli, shredded carrots and sugar snap peas. You can buy shredded broccoli as “broccoli slaw mix” or make your own. Carrots can also be purchased pre-shredded. When ready to prepare, lay out tortilla and spread on hummus. Top with mixed vegetables and roll up. (If you’d like a recipe for an easy and delicious homemade hummus, email me: patrickeva nshylton@gmail.com)

TURKEY “SUSHI” ROLLS Delish lavash bread stuffed with turkey and trimmings is rolled and sliced like sushi. Complete the illusion with gummy Swedish fish as a sweet treat, and pack chopsticks to complete for a bento-esque box lunch. Ingredients Lavash bread or whole wheat tortilla Baby carrots 1 tablespoon-plus all-fruit apricot jam/spread 3 slices deli turkey breast 1 tablespoon cream cheese Romaine lettuce Baby spinach leaves Method Lay lavash bread on a cutting board. Toss a handful of baby carrots in a food processor with the apricot jam and pulse until combined; add more jam if needed. Spread the jam mixture on the lavash bread, lay turkey slices on top, and spread on cream cheese. Tear lettuce and spinach in small pieces and lay atop cream cheese. Roll up the lavash bread and cut into pieces to resemble sushi rolls.

SUPER SIDES Here are some ideas for super side dishes to toss in the lunch box: Toasted whole-wheat raisin bread cut into “fingers” Small tangerines, apples, bananas and other fruit Melon cubes Baby carrots or carrot sticks Sugar snap peas Cucumber coins A few cubes of a hard cheese, like cheddar Box of raisins Individual applesauce container Whole grain chips and salsa Cereal bar Peanut butter and crackers Air-popped pop corn

CHOCOHINI MUFFINS Fresh zucchini is disguised in these delicious muffins, made extra special with miniature chocolate chips.

Christopher Academy Preschool - 5th Grade

ENROLLMENT

OPEN HOUSE January 21, 2011

6:15 P.M.

· Short formal presentation · Classroom tours · Admission Packets

www.christopher-academy.org 3300 Cedar Lane, Portsmouth, VA 23703

757-484-6776 Fostering a love of learning since 1970 ~ Member of the VAIS.

Ingredients 1 1/3 cup sugar 2 eggs, beaten 2 teaspoons vanilla 3 cups finely grated zucchini 1 cup vegetable oil 2 teaspoons baking soda Dash salt 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon allspice 1 cup miniature chocolate chips Cooking spray Method Preheat oven to 350F. In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs and vanilla. Add zucchini and oil and combine. Stir in baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, allspice and chocolate chips. Add to zucchini mixture and stir to incorporate. Coat muffin tin cups with cooking spray and spoon in zucchini mixture to fill cups about three-fourths full. Bake on oven’s middle rack until tops of muffins are golden, about 25 to 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin should come out clean. Set on wire rack five minutes; remove from tin and cool for 20 minutes. Yields one dozen muffins.

MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF VA Experience the Montessori Difference Montessori is a scientific method of education utilizing hands on materials to teach small group and individual students. Montessori classrooms are characterized by multi age grouping, student chosen individualized work, (which is guided and directed by a teacher) and student mentors in a collaborative, peaceful environment. Scientific studies indicate that Montessori education leads to students with better academic and social skills. The Montessori Academy absolutely makes this innovative philosophy possible in our community, with their well trained certified faculty and administration.

Now Enrolling For 2011-2012 757-436-3995 1468 Kempsville Rd. • Chesapeake, VA 23320

757-497-1882 4774 Alicia Dr. • Virginia Beach, VA 23462

WWW.MONTESSORIVA.COM

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“Serving the community since 1979�

Creative Learning in a Country Like Atmosphere Ages 2 - 8 State Licensed Qualified Teachers 3 acre Campus Spanish Before/After Care Summer Camps June 1 - August 19

Now Enrolling for Summer Preschool, Pre-K, Kindergarten

ÂœĂ€ >Ă€Â?Ăž -V…œœÂ? ĂŽ ĂŒÂ…Ă€ÂœĂ•}Â… Ă€>`i ÂŁĂ“ U £ä >°Â“° Ă•Â˜ĂŒÂˆÂ? ˜œœ˜ Ă€Âˆiv *Ă€iĂƒiÂ˜ĂŒ>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ >ĂŒ £ä\ĂŽä >°Â“° ­Ă‡xǎ xΙ‡nÇn™ 8/° ĂŽ{ÂŁ{ U 777° - 9°",

6:30am - 6:30pm • Monday - Friday

4249 Taylor Rd. Chesapeake 23321 (at Silverwood West)

(757) 484-8783 www.CCDS4KIDS.com

GHENT MONTESSORI SCHOOL Serving local children since 1960 • Preschool through Grade 8 Academic Excellence • Spiritual Environment

Programs for children 2 yrs. through 8th grade

A candidate school for International Baccalaureate PYP VAIS Accreditation since 1976 • Scholarship Assistance Extended Care • Bus Transportation

Now Accepting Fall 2011-2012 Applications Mission Statement: To provide a prepared Montessori environment which is nurturing, consistant and safe, and to aspire to serve the total development of the child, including academic, emotional and social needs.

OPEN HOUSE January 9, 2011 • 2 - 4 pm Conveniently located minutes from the James River Bridge and Monitor Merrimac Tunnel

Call 622-8174 610 Mowbray Arch Norfolk, VA 23507 Accredited by the International Montessori Council

Experience Trinity, call for an appointment Sheila Moore smoore@trinitynn.com • 757.245.2576 6812 River Road, Newport News Trinity Lutheran School offers admission to academically qualified students without regard to gender, race, religion, ethnic background or national origin.

Starting JANUARY 1st New Hours 6 A.M. - 6 P.M. Specialized curriculum that is developmentally age appropriate for your child. Programs include: • Full Time Infant and Toddler Child Care • Full Day and Part-Time Preschool Program For Ages 2 and Up • Private School for Kindergarten - 5th Grade • Before and After School Program • Full Day Summer Camp Program

Openings at all four locations Preschool, Private School K-1st, Before & After School Care & Summer Camp 601 Volvo Parkway Chesapeake, VA 23320 (757) 547-9530

Preschool, Before & After School Care & Summer Camp 601 W. Washington St. Suffolk, VA 23434 (757) 539-9000

Apple Tree Academy 501 W. Washington St. Suffolk, VA 23434 (757) 539-9000

Infant - Toddler 410 N. Broad Street Suffolk, VA 23434 (757) 539-9267

Visit us online at www.appletreekids.org

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