Charm Magazine - July / August 2015

lisa brown | a balanced life | picture this! | his point of View

JULY/AUGUST 2015

a principal's

principLe

ALSO INSIDE

we don't sweat,

we SpArkLe A GLobAL Teen with a world view

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July/august 2015

s t n e t n o C Smart Starts (A Back To School Checklist)

11

Features 16

Balanced Life: Back To School...

Let’s Do This!

20

Cover Story: A Principal’s Principle

30

A Global Teen With A World View

34

Lead By Example

38

An A For Homeschooling

44

Lisa Brown: The Notebook (Minus The Angst And Ryan Gosling)

Health & Beauty 11

Smart Starts (A Back To School Checklist)

4 Charm | j u ly / au g u s t

A Global Teen With A World View

Day Trippers

26

Health & Beauty 14

His Point of View

30

41

On the Cover

We Don’t Sweat, We Sparkle

Fashion 26

Day Trippers

School 42

Create A Family Firewall

In Every Issue 41

His Point of View

46

Picture This!

50

Book Review: A Place Called Hope

51

Charm Challenge

The faculty, students and parents of students at Hudson PEP are a family, and, Sue said, it takes that family to create a successful campus.

Spot the Charm Our May/June Spot the Charm winner was Joy Swetnam and she has chosen a $100 gift certificate to Aesthetica Medical Spa. She spotted the charm on pg 40 in our last issue!

We invite you to spot a special Charm logo in this edition. If you locate it, sign on to mycharmonline.com and click the Spot the Charm link on the homepage.

charm july/august 2015 Publisher Stephen McHaney editor Ric Brack • 903.237.7759 • rbrack@news-journal.com Publication director April Harlow • 903.232.7206 • aharlow@news-journal.com Managing editor Christina Lane • 903.237.7724 • clane@news-journal.com art director Katie Case • 903.237.7715 • kcase@news-journal.com PhotograPher Chris Lozano • 903.237.7246 • clozano@news-journal.com designer Rebecca McCallum illustrator Vanessa McGraw contributing writers Ashley Anderson • Lisa Brown • Amy McHaney • Christina Lane Tammy Whitehurst • Dawn Whittington advertising director Debbi Knoll • 903.237.7727 • dknoll@news-journal.com account executives Susan Payne • 903.237.7721 • spayne@news-journal.com Brittany Dorman • 903.237.7716 • bdorman@news-journal.com Trisha Hall • 903.237.7776 • thall@news-journal.com Stephanie Smith • 903.237.7726 • ssmith@news-journal.com Chris Dean • 903.237.7719 • cdean@news-journal.com Amanda Taylor • 903.232.7276 • ataylor@news-journal.com Thomas Bonner • 361.574.1249 • tbonner@vicad.com circulation Josh Hart • 903.237.7765 • jhart@news-journal.com

mycharmonline.com

6 Charm | j u ly / au g u s t

2016 Stars Over Longview Nomination Form The Women’s Advisory Council of Longview Regional Medical Center celebrates the 16th Annual Stars Over Longview Awards Ceremony and Luncheon on Thursday, January 14, 2016. The Annual Stars Over Longview Award Honors twelve of the most influential women who live or work in the Longview area and always rise to the occasion to make a difference in their community. Women can be nominated from every industry, profession and walk of life!

All twelve honorees will be recognized and honored at the formal Stars Over Longview Awards Ceremony in January, as well as photographed and profiled in a keepsake 2016 Calendar.

Nominations are selected and carefully reviewed by the Women’s Advisory Council of Longview Regional Medical Center.

Nominations should include as much detail as possible about a nominee. Quality of the nomination is more important than quantity, therefore duplicates submitted for the same nominee will not influence the selection process.

Please provide as much supporting information as possible.

Nomination deadline is September 7, 2015.

Here’s How You Can Nominate a Star!

Mail Nominations:

Longview Regional Medical Center Attn: Marketing Department P.O. Box 14000, Longview, TX 75607

Email Nominations:

Marketing@longviewregional.com

Visit us Online:

www.longviewregional.com

For Additional Information: 903-553-7400

Speaker: Liz Murray

New York Times Best-Selling Author of “Breaking Night” & recipient of the White House “Project’s Role Model Award” and Oprah Winfrey’s first-ever “Chutzpah Award”.

LEttEr

When the due date arrived,

Dear Readers, this issue of Charm has taken

there was no pizza box to be

on a very special significance for

found. anywhere. I could not

me. I feel as if I say that about

believe that anyone would be so

every issue, and it’s the god’s

thoughtless as to throw away this

honest truth each time. But this

pizza box masterpiece, but it was

one is extra special.

gone! I nearly hyperventilated

When I sat down to read

until I found it hidden by

our cover feature spotlighting

some prankster in our pantry. I

Hudson PEP principal sue

threatened bodily harm to the

Wilson, whom I adored when I

perpetrator of said prank.

I mean it in the best way

was a PEP parent, I really didn’t expect to learn much about her

possible

when

I

say

that

that I didn’t already know. turns

elementary school will bring

out, I was somewhat right.

out that kind of craziness in an

It was always abundantly

otherwise perfectly sane parent.

clear how much sue loved her

a few weeks ago, I watched

career and “her” kids. I swear

my son graduate from longview

she really knew each and every

High school. as I’m sure you

one of them. How she did it,

can imagine, it was a bittersweet

I couldn’t venture to guess. I

experience for me. all that hard

believe she’s just one of those

work, all of the projects, the

people who are exactly where

studying and the worrying had

they are supposed to be in this life. I’m so proud to see her on our

finally paid off. But I found myself thinking fondly of those harried

cover, and we’re happy to bring you her story.

years we spent working toward this goal.

I remember my son’s first day of first grade at Hudson PEP.

We proudly dedicate this issue of Charm to the many fine

I recall in vivid detail the many evenings we stayed up together

educators in our area. But I also personally salute the mommies,

studying, reading for aR or working on a huge project. It always

daddies and kids who may sometimes think graduation is a distant

felt like we were both in school, experiencing his education

speck on the horizon. It’s closer than you think. and while it

together. When he got an a, I felt the thrill of success right along

doesn’t necessarily get easier, it does get better - I promise.

with him.

I once went absolutely crazy trying to locate a language arts project that we had completed an entire day before the due date.

We had carefully and thoughtfully constructed a collage, per our instructions, depicting a series of books or short stories (I can’t remember now) in a pizza box.

and if you happen to need help making a salt dough map of the topography of texas, I might be able to help you out. We covered that one his fifth grade year.

April Harlow aharlow@news-journal.com

8 Charm | j u ly / au g u s t

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Here are some ways to get your children off to a healthy start for their new school year:

IMMUNIZATIONS Vaccines are important because they protect your child against serious, potentially life-threatening illnesses by increasing the body’s ability to fight infection.

The state of Texas requires certain immunizations before enrolling children in kindergarten through 12th grades.

The following list includes the minimum required vaccinations for children in public school in Texas: • Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis • Polio • MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) • Hepatitis B • Varicella (chickenpox) • Meningococcal • Hepatitis A

SMART STARTS

A BACK TO SCHOOL HEALTH CHECKLIST Words by ASHLEY ANDERSON

I

PHYSICAL EXAMS Even if your child already has all of his or her immunizations, you should still schedule an appointment with the pediatrician.

You may also want to ask your physician about other immunizations that might be recommended but not required, such as the flu vaccine. While an annual exam is usually required for participation in certain sports, it’s also a good idea to make sure your child is healthy for the new school year.

The annual physical exam gives your pediatrician a chance to address any emotional, developmental or social concerns.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is something you might want to discuss with your doctor. About six million children

t’s back to school time again! Where has the time

ages 4-17 are diagnosed with ADHD in America. Some of the signs

gone? Summer vacation is over and it’s the season for

to look for are a child who doesn’t pay attention to details, makes

preparing for your child’s next school year.

careless mistakes, has trouble staying focused, is easily distracted,

Getting your kids ready to start the school year involves more

appears not to listen when spoken to, has difficulty remembering

than finding the perfect backpack, buying school supplies, and

things and following instructions, has trouble staying organized,

shopping for new clothes. You also need to focus on their health

planning ahead, and finishing projects, gets bored with a task

so they will be physically and mentally ready for heading back

before it’s completed, frequently loses or misplaces homework,

to class.

books, toys or other items, constantly fidgets and squirms, or has mycharmonline.com 11

a quick temper or a “short fuse.” Your pediatrician can examine

kept current with your child’s physician and dentist listed. A good

these issues and find out what is best for you and your child.

relationship with your school nurse will definitely pay off in the

VISION TESTS

long run.

The American Optometry Association and American Academy

HEALTH STARTS AT HOME

of Pediatrics recommend an eye exam when a child is between 6

In the end, a healthy lifestyle really starts at home. It’s

and 12 months old, and then again as a pre-school student around

crucial that parents teach their children healthy habits. First and

age 3or 4. Children’s vision systems develop rapidly through age 8,

foremost, teaching children about good hygiene can prevent the

so it is crucial to make sure there is no condition that could hinder

spread of germs. Make sure they understand the importance of

them in their vision development.

sanitizing their hands while using the restroom, playing outdoors,

Dr. Sarah Ward, an optometrist at Longview Eye Associates, provided some tips on what to expect for a child’s first exam.

or before eating. If your child is sick, it may be best to keep them at home so their fellow classmates don’t get infected. It’s

The doctor will start off by using different lights, toys and

also important to teach your child about healthy eating. Do your

pictures to assess visual function and eye health. He or she will

best to start your child’s day with a nourishing breakfast because

also most likely use eye drops to dilate your child’s eyes, which

healthy foods will nourish their brains and help them to succeed.

allows the doctor to do a better check on your child’s ocular health

Also discuss healthy lunch options with them, especially if they are

and correctly determine any vision problems your child is having.

going to be buying their lunch in the cafeteria. Another great way

The drops do sting for just a moment, blur your child’s vision and

to help them focus better in school is making sure they get a good

make them sensitive to light for several hours. Sarah also suggests

night’s rest. Most school aged children require at least 10 hours

making the experience very positive for the child if he or she

of sleep per night. This will help them mentally and physically

needs glasses or an eye patch.

prepare for the next school day.

If you think your child might need glasses, look for these

The back-to-school season can be exciting, stressful and

symptoms: squinting, rubbing eyes, eyes that water or get red

everything in between. Whether you have a kindergartner or a

(especially after reading), develop a head tilt, moves closer to

high school teenager, it is important to get their school year off to

an object to focus on it, complains of headaches after reading or

a happy and healthy start! C

at end of the school day, or loses attention when reading. Some children are good at compensating for mild vision issues, and many don’t know how to complain that something looks “blurry” because that is their normal vision.

If you have any questions, it is best to schedule an eye exam so a “mild” problem doesn't cause problems in other areas of life.

MEET WITH THE SCHOOL NURSE Your school nurse is responsible for caring for students who get sick or injured during school hours, taking vital signs, recording symptoms, and administering basic medical aid. Parents should get to know their child’s school nurse, especially if there are any health issues that need to be addressed. Does your child have any allergies? Are there physical restrictions on your child, such as asthma? Is there a need for special aides such as crutches, walkers or wheelchairs? Letting the nurse know the answers to these questions will help him or her better address your child’s needs. If your child takes any medications, the school nurse needs to know about them even if the child takes the medication only at home. If medication needs to be administered at school, it must be in the pharmacy bottle, clearly marked (not loose). It’s also important to make sure your child’s emergency telephone number card is 12 CHARM | J U LY / AU G U S T

GET THEIR SCHOOL YEAR OFF TO A HAPPY and HEALTHY

START!

HEALTH & BEAUTY

 SUNSCREEN I must start off by reminding everyone that the most important beauty routine of summer — and all year round — is sunscreen. Have you seen the horrific photos circulating on Facebook of what skin cancer can do to you? Let’s all have a healthy dose of daily prevention by applying sunscreen as part of our daily routine. My personal favorite is Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion with SPF15 Multivitamin Treatment with Alpha Hydroxy ($11.99, drugstores). It’s a mouthful for sure, but it is effective and lightweight, which is key in the heat. If you are like me and have extra dry skin, you might want to apply additional moisturizer on top.

 SELF TANNER My general summer beauty theory is to reduce the amount of product I slather on (except sunscreen, of course).

WE DON'T SWEAT, WE SPARKLE Words by AMY MCHANEY

N

A way to reduce or eliminate the need for foundation is by finding a good self tanner to give you a natural looking glow. Gradual formulas are best for the face, in my opinion, because you have more control over the outcome. As I mentioned in my self tanner

column in the last issue of Charm, working with clean, exfoliated skin is key, and applying the product with an application mitt increases your odds of achieving even coverage. My good friend

ow that we have hit the dog days of summer, how’s your makeup holding up? Fresh as a daisy all through the day? Eyeliner and lipstick exactly where

you carefully applied them this morning? I bet most of you are like me and have problems with your makeup staying put amid the heat, humidity and sweat.

To combat these hostile conditions, I’ve compiled a list of products and strategies to help provide some relief as we enjoy the East Texas heat.

14 CHARM | J U LY / AU G U S T

Amy (yes, I have many, many friends who share my name – all children of the ’70s) swears by bareMinerals Faux Tan Face Gradual Glow Sunless Tanner ($24, Sephora).

 EYES I have always had trouble with my eye makeup – shadow and liner – sliding right off my face. Pretty much instantly, it seems.

Rain, shine, winter, summer. A few product recommendations from my BFF at my favorite Dallas beauty counter has remedied my issues …

 Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face

 Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel

$25 | www.bobbibrown.com

Lotion with SPF15 Multivitamin Treatment with Alpha Hydroxy $11.99 | drugstores

 bareMinerals

Faux Tan Face Gradual Glow Sunless Tanner $24 | Sephora

 Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow $26 | www.bobbibrown.com

 Clean & Clear Oil

Absorbing Sheets $4.46 | Target

First, go with a gel or liquid eyeliner. I like the Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown is available at most high-end department stores

Long-Wear Gel ($25, www.bobbibrown.com) eyeliner myself. It

in the “big city,” but www.bobbibrown.com nearly always has a

stays on fantastically, though it is tricky to learn to use (think tiny

discount code or freebie offer, so ordering online is a great option.

brush and steady hand). It comes in a ton of great colors from

 BLOTTING PAPERS

traditional to trendy. One of my very favorite Longview haunts, The Bargain Box (1109 N. Fourth St.), has quite a few Bobbi Brown eyeliners in the discontinued color Black Scotch – it’s a dark brown with some shimmer that I think is very pretty. And at only $10, it’s a beauty steal!

My second key to long-lasting eye makeup is another Bobbi staple – Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow ($26, www.

I hope you’re still reading, though I’m sure some of you just skipped right over this part – and I would have, too, at an earlier point in my beauty journey. I thought blotting papers were just for girls who had oily skin — I am dry like a lizard, what purpose could blotting papers possibly serve for me? They absorb any excess moisture, not just oil. Sweat. Or glistening. Whatever. My

bobbibrown.com). This product is applied with a flat brush and

favorites are Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets (50 sheets for

requires very little skill – mistakes are easy to smudge away and

$4.46, Target). These sheets won’t dry your skin, somehow leave a

you can easily smooth edges with your finger or the brush for a

slightly silky finish behind, are super inexpensive, quick and easy

smooth transition. I love the shade Sandy Gold. My complexion is

to use, won’t disturb your makeup … what more is there to say?

fair, and it goes on like a skin-tone shimmer for me, which I love.

Simply fabulous.

Enjoy the rest of your summer beautifully and don’t forget

And the best part? It looks just as good at the end of a long, hot day as when it first went on.

your sunscreen! C

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FEATURE

... l o o h c S Back To :

CED LIFE

A BALAN

LET'S !

S I H T DO INGTON N WHITT W A D y b OZANO Words CHRIS L Photos by

I

t was just a few short months ago that we were yelling, “Hallelujah!” We were filing that artwork under the right child in the right grade, and

chunking — and I do mean CHUNKING — school papers and all of those crumpled up reminders at the bottom of those worn out backpacks. Shoot, I felt like a worn out backpack myself around March!

But here we are … again. Yes, the new school year is upon us. Our battle scars have healed from last year, and we are marching to the frontlines to take on the 2015-16 school year with conviction! Pull out your blue eye shadow, Mamas … it’s time to put on our full Braveheart faces!

I’m not sure if any of you do this. But as one school year closes and we approach the next, I do feel a teeny weeny bit of excitement. There’s nothing that will bring you more inspiration than a blank slate. New beginning. New Year. New plans. New, new new. I love it! So my creative juices start flowing about calendars and lunches and routines. I wanna Pinterest my way into a solid and well-planned new year.

Then I start getting hot. My bra starts feeling itchy.

My heart starts thumping a little faster … or is that the clock? Am I late for something? No. Definitely my heart. I realize that my paper planner ended in June 2015, and that whole month is blank. Pretty much from

16 CHARM | J U LY / AU G U S T

April on looks sparse.

Supplies … they need supplies. All three of them need stuff for the new year. I’m pretty much sold on the idea that it would be

following through offers accomplishment. I do want to be more organized with this school year than last year. I know that will keep the stress-sweats down.

amazing if the pencil company and the marker company and the

I will give it my all in making it to each child’s functions,

crayon company, along with the calculator company, could do all

awards ceremonies, class parties, etcetera, and etcetera. But I am

of us parents a solid and provide front-door delivery.

choosing to not feel guilty if I don’t. I have made up my mind that

I mean, wouldn’t that be awesome? Around the end of July

the less I stress, the better mom I am.

someone pulls up, just like the pizza delivery guy and hands you a

That is such a basic and simple concept, but is one of many

box with a fun bow and label on it with all of the supplies you need

that can be a struggle to grasp. So maybe I can’t make it to that

for each child. Shut the front door! I would even tip that guy!

Friday classroom party. That’s OK. I can make up for it with a

Then my phone dings, then dings again, and again. Oh, it’s

surprise lunch the following week.

the band schedule. The football schedule. The reminder about

Being present is so important to my kids, as I’m sure it is for

signing up for classroom mom (NOT), another mass email about

all of them. I can do that. I can be present. It may not be tied up

kindergarten round-up. Wait, do I have a kindergartener this

in a bow with pretty wrapping paper in the form of an awards

year? No … and so on and on come the emails.

ceremony, but those three kids of mine will know that their mama

Whew … I need a glass of wine.

loves them, supports them and is proud of all that they do.

So how do we overcome this, ladies? Being a mom is already a

On the flip side of this, I hope that my kids will learn a few

full-time job. Then, if you work outside of the home, too – I’m just

things by example. They will learn that Mom and Dad work hard.

saying – that’s a lot of emails.

Success isn’t about an income, but providing an income is about

Here is what I have decided, and I say that with much confidence. Being decisive gives you much needed power, and

work. We work hard and long hours to provide for them and sometimes sacrifice creeps in.

...it would be amazing if

the pencil company and the marker company and the crayon company, along with the calculator company, could do all of us parents a solid and provide front-door delivery.

mycharmonline.com 17

I’m finding that my perspective on sacrificing my family for work has at times, been out of control, and I am working on that.

So, maybe this year instead of “sacrifice,” it can be turned into a “trade-off.” Another lesson learned, I believe.

As responsible adults, we are faced with tough choices – daily sometimes. I think we do not realize that our kids are faced with tough choices on their own levels along the road to adulthood.

What may seem important to us, does not to them, and vice-versa.

My prayer is that my children will learn to work hard at whatever they choose to spend their time on as a child or an adult, and be equipped when faced with choices of any nature. Whether they choose to be an astronaut, stay-at-home mom (because that is definitely a career!), or whatever is in their hearts to do … that

in the bathroom because I snuck in the house without a peep.

Without a peep, I say.

So I encourage my fellow fumbling, stumbling, scattered, hard-working, coffee-drinking, wine-sipping, “ain’t nobody got time for that” feeling, overloaded email receiving, organizationally challenged, try-to-do-it all, drive-thru for dinner, chipped toenail polish wearing, loving mothers out there. We’ve got this! We do!

We’ve got this! We do!

Let us forge on to the new school year with confidence in

they are decisive, work hard and choose to be wise with their time.

ourselves. We have been blessed with the privilege of being

Isn’t it something? Breaking down your plans, your thoughts,

mothers. Those little precious angels of love from above are our

and your dreams all goes back to the basics of life. And that’s how I believe God intended us to live.

There is depth in everything … meaning. Seriously, I’m talking about how to face the new school year, and all of a sudden I’m

trophies in life. They truly are. Every single one of us would give up our own life for each of them. And some days we feel like we actually are. But in reality, they are completing us and allowing

envisioning myself walking in a quiet garden figuring out the

us freedom to love in every way possible. I can just picture Mel

meaning of life!

Gibson in “Braveheart” now, “They may take our lives but they’ll

Ummmm … nope. Reality check. I’m hiding with my laptop

18 CHARM | J U LY / AU G U S T

never take our FREEDOM!” C

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COVER STORY

A Principal’s

Words by CHRISTINA LANE | Photos by CHRIS LOZANO Sue Wilson has lived by the same philosphy ever since she first started teaching, showing others how much she cares.

20 CHARM | J U LY / AU G U S T

mycharmonline.com 21

O

ne day, a little girl was standing all alone in the hallway

extracurricular activities in addition to her academic performance.

at Hudson PEP Elementary School. Her principal, Sue

“My mom was at every football and every academic meet. She

Wilson, was walking by and noticed the child standing

supported me in everything I did,” said Sue, who a majorette in

there looking very sad and very lonely.

“I walked by and I touched her on the shoulder, and I said, ‘My, what a cute dress!’ Her face just lit up. Her mother called me

the band and participant in poetry and prose contests.

Being in the band as a majorette was where Sue got her first inkling that she enjoyed leading others.

later and said, ‘You don’t know the impact you had on my child,’”

“It didn’t crystallize for me then that I wanted to lead a

Sue recalled as her eyes began to swell with tears. “But, you know,

campus, but I knew I wanted to lead the development of

that’s just what you do. I saw her standing there and she was alone

children,” she said.

and she looked sad, but she looked absolutely precious in that dress and I wanted to tell her so.”

The stories of the lives Sue has impacted throughout her years as an educator are countless.

Additionally, Sue credits three educators – a fifth grade teacher, a coach, and an English teacher – with inspiring her.

“They each inspired me to want to be a better person and I knew I wanted to be like them,” she said.

Some would say it’s her genuine care for every student and staff

Combining her love of prose and poetry with leading, Sue

member at her campus that is part of what has helped Hudson

decided after graduating high school that she wanted to be a

PEP attain the academic successes for which it is known. With 98

speech teacher. So she attended East Texas State University where

percent of all students passing all of their state-mandated tests, the campus in 2014 “met standard” on the state’s accountability ratings and it received distinctions in the areas of: academic achievement in reading/English Language arts, math and science, top 25 percent in the state for closing performance gaps, and for postsecondary readiness.

There’s such a modesty about Sue as she talks about her accomplishments, which she doesn’t truly consider to be hers.

They belong to her students and her staff.

“There’s a saying that people don’t care how much you know; they just want to know that you care. That’s been my philosophy since I started teaching,” she said. “If you make that connection with students and show them that you really, truly care, they will work harder for you. It’s the same way, as a principal, with your staff. If you show them that you care, they will work harder for you; and then they will inspire the students and the students will work harder for them. It’s a reciprocal chain reaction. You want to be a teacher, and a leader, that makes a difference and inspires.”

AN EDUCATOR

she completed her undergraduate work. Her graduate work in later years would be through the University of Texas at Tyler.

Sue served for 13 years as a speech language pathologist in Kilgore and Spring Hill, where she typically worked with three to five students at a time in a spell group setting. In cases where she said students needed more attention, she would work oneon-one. The small group settings of working with children are where she started to realize the importance of developing personal connections.

“I remember one day a student said, ‘Mrs. Wilson, you’re the best teacher in the world.’ And I said, ‘Oh thank you! Why do you think that?’ And he said ‘Because you wear high heels,’ ” Sue recalled with a grin. “I don’t think students, especially young students, know specifically why they like you, but they know they have a connection with you and that they do.”

“...‘Mrs. Wilson, you’re the best teacher in the world.’ And I said, ‘Oh thank you! Why do you think that?’ And he said ‘Because you wear high heels,’ “

Sue grew up in Hughes Springs, and knew from a young age

She described her time as a speech language pathologist one

that she wanted to be an educator. Her parents, Norman and

of the most rewarding in her career. She enjoyed working with

Ruenette Alexander, had instilled the importance of an education

students on their speech and seeing them, often in a relatively

in her from an early age, and she wanted to do the same for others.

short period of time, start to turn their speech around and use

“To my father, there was no option but to go to college. He always told all three of his girls, ‘And when you go to college…’

It was never ‘if you go to college.’ It was always ‘when,’ ” she said.

“He knew education was the key to a better life.”

Her mother, like her father, also instilled the value of education with her, and Sue said her parents were supportive of all of her 22 CHARM | J U LY / AU G U S T

better articulation.

“It was a very, very rewarding job,” she said.

As a speech language pathologist at Spring Hill under the leadership of then-Primary School Principal Martha Mauldin, Sue got the inkling that she might want to be in more of a leadership role.

“Martha was such an awesome leader. She lead with grace and with respect for her teachers and she had such a genuine love for her students,” Sue recalled. “She asked me one day if I had ever thought of becoming a principal.”

That’s when Sue went back to college to get her master’s degree in educational administration and an additional certification in counseling.

A LEADER Sue’s first administration job was at New Diana ISD where she was first a principal, then a curriculum specialist with the title of assistant superintendent.

“I loved my time at New Diana and I enjoyed my experience working in the central office, but during that time in the central office I realized how much I missed the students. I missed them tremendously,” Sue said. “There is such a sense of camaraderie on a campus with the students and the teachers, and I realized I wanted to get back to that.”

In 2002, Sue came to Longview ISD as principal of Mozelle Johnston Elementary School. In 2004, she took the reins at Hudson PEP Elementary School, where she has served since.

Hudson PEP – which stands for Planned Enrichment Program – is a campus in Longview ISD that accepts first through fifth grade students districtwide who perform above average academically.

When Sue first started at Hudson PEP, the campus had an enrollment of about 400 students. At the close of the 2014-15 academic year, the campus had an enrollment of 578 students.

That increase in enrollment is partially due to the fact that the school district, during her years as principal, successfully passed a nearly $267 million bond election that built new, enlarged campuses. At the old PEP campus, enrollment was limited to 88 students per grade whereas the new campus can house up to about 750 students. The enrollment has also increased, she said, due to the district’s overall transfer rate rising. An achievement the district attributes, at least in part, to the programs it offers and their academic successes. Hudson PEP, for example, was consistently rated “Exemplary” – the highest rating in the state – on the former accountability rating system in Texas. Today, PEP continues to rate exceedingly above average on the new accountability system with its students earning tremendous accolades for their scholastic performance.

The faculty at Hudson PEP teaches the state’s curriculum, called the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, to students and works to ensure that every child is mastering every skill set

TOP TO BOTTOM: • Principal Sue Wilson talks about Hudson PEP Elementary School’s new building on Tuesday August 11, 2010. Photo by Michael Cavazos • Principal Sue Wilson poses with a class of students at Hudson PEP Elementary School. • Principal Sue Wilson and Kim Droege of Keep Longview Beautiful look over paperwork pertaining to the KLB community improvement grant for $2,000 that was awarded to the school to make improvements to the area around a pond behind the school on Tuesday January 7, 2014. Photo by Michael Cavazos

identified in the curriculum. mycharmonline.com 23

“Our teachers stay after school, they tutor the students,” Sue

Sue comes from a family of educators. Her grandmother and

said. “We not only want our students to pass the test, we also want

an aunt were both teachers. Her husband, Jim Wilson, teaches

them to perform at a commended level because we want them to

at Texas State Technical College in Marshall and her daughter-

be ready for the next grade. There are no secrets to it; just a lot

in-law, LeighAnn Abernathy, is a teacher at Johnston-McQueen

of hard work.”

Elementary School in Longview.

But Sue said just because Hudson PEP has students who typically perform above average doesn’t mean her campus doesn’t worry and work hard to accomplish the goal just like every other school.

“We worry just like everybody else. You never know what your scores are actually going to be until they come in,” she said.

“When they do come in, our teachers all come down and we open the scores together. We celebrate together as faculty and with our students.”

A FAMILY

“We talk about school all the time,” she said.

In her spare time, Sue volunteers at Hiway 80 Rescue Mission and is involved in her church, The Church at Lake Cherokee.

She said she is very happy at Hudson PEP and can’t imagine her future being any place else.

“I love working with our parents and working with the teachers keeps me grounded in what’s important in education,” she said.

Whenever she pauses to think back on her career, she can’t help but tear up as she thinks of her students. She recalled receiving a recent graduation announcement from a former student who graduated this year from Baylor University in Waco.

The faculty, students and parents of students at Hudson

“She wrote me a note that said, ‘Mrs. Wilson, you inspired

PEP are a family, and, Sue said, it takes that family to create a

me,’ ” Sue said as tears began to trickle down her cheeks. “It’s

successful campus.

those little things that make this job so real and so rewarding.

“We are a family and we learn together,” Sue said. “Making the

When a child comes to Hudson PEP, they are our family, they are

connections with the students is the most important thing. Our

ours, they are mine. I keep up with them after they leave because

faculty has lunch duty. I have lunch duty. That’s a time when we

they are still mine. As educators, we care about each and every

can really connect with the students. We also have an assembly

individual child. They all matter. This is not a job, it’s a vocation,

every Friday where we honor one student from every class for a

and it is so very rewarding.” C

life skill.”

Beyond that, Sue said she and teachers have team meetings where they look at data for each child to see how that student is performing on the required skills in the curriculum. But they also look beyond the data. They look at the child’s name, their face, where they are coming from because they understand that a student’s background is going to be indicative of their academic performance and how they approach certain issues.

Parent involvement is also critical in that overall family atmosphere of a campus, and plays a huge role in a student’s success. Sue said since coming to Hudson PEP the amount of parent involvement at the campus has been incredible to her.

“Parent involvement is a very vital part of education. It has a real impact on a child’s learning. When the student, the teacher and the parent can all come together and work closely together, it will have a huge pay off for the child,” Sue said.

Sue’s love of education has extended beyond the walls of her school and to her own family. As a parent, Sue’s two sons, Will and Shane Abernathy, attended her campuses when they were children and she said one son loved it while the other pretended like she wasn’t his mother.

24 CHARM | J U LY / AU G U S T

Sue Wilson interacting with a group of students at Hudson PEP Elementary School.

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(Her) SUNGLASSES: by Fetch Eyeware, $86, Barron’s, SHIRT: by Wilt, $142, Barron’s, GAUCHO PANT: by Free People, $88, Barron’s, BRACELET: by Nakomoi, $65, Barron’s, SCARF: by Miranda Konstantinidou, $226, Barron’s, SHOES: by Gianni Bini, $118, Dillard’s; (Him) PANTS: by Citizens of Humanity, $194, Hurwitz, SHIRT: by Hamilton Shirt Co., $245, Hurwitz, SUNGLASSES: by Randolph Gold Aviator $199, Hurwitz, JACKET: by Paul Betenly Sport Coat, $345, Hurwitz, SHOES: by Cole Haan Grant Canoe Bit Mocassin, $168, Hurwitz, BAG: by Scully Work Bag $385, Barron’s, WATCH: by Meister Black Ambassador Watch, $225 Hurwitz, BELT: by Trafalgar Sportivo, $52, Hurwitz.

26 Charm | j u ly / Au g u s t

(Her) HAT: by Helen Kaminski, $220, Barron’s; SUNGLASSES: by Fetch Eyeware, $86, Barron’s; BLOUSE: by Hale Bob Blue/Taupe Tunic, $245, Hurwitz; PANTS: by Johnny Was, $269, Barron’s; SHOES: by Steve Madden $59, Dillard’s; (Him) SHIRT: by Gitman Button Down, $165, Hurwitz; PANTS: by Citizens of Humanity, $194, Hurwitz; BAG: by Scully Duffle Bag, 81st Aero Squadron Collection, $328, Barron’s; WATCH: by Meister Black Ambassador Watch $225, Hurwitz. mycharmonline.com 27

(Her) SUNGLASSES: by Fetch Eyeware, $86, Barron’s, SCARF: by Johnny Was, $95, Barron’s, BLOUSE: by Johnny Was, $269, Barron’s, PANTS: by Clara Sun Woo, $39, Barron’s; SHOES: by Vince Camuto, $89, Dillard’s; BAG: by White Wing Duffle, $336, Barron’s; (Him) PANTS: by Citizens of Humanity, $204, Hurwitz; SHIRT: by Ryan Michael, $169, Barron’s; SUNGLASSES: by Randolph Gold Aviator $199, Barron’s; SHOES: by Cole Haan Grant Canoe Bit Mocassin, $168, Hurwitz; WATCH: by Tsovet, $400, Hurwitz; Bracelet: by Graytok, $85, Hurwitz; BAG: by White Wing Briefcase, $399.

28 Charm | j u ly / Au g u s t

(Her) HAT: by San Diego, $45, Barron’s; SUNGLASSES: by Fetch Eyeware, $86, Barron’s; SCARF: by Johnny Was, $95, Barron’s; DRESS: by Lauren James Lt. Seersucker, $125, Hurwitz; SHOES: by Louise Et Cie, $89, Dillard’s; (Him) SHIRT: by Ryan Michael, $125, Barron’s; PANTS: by Citizens of Humanity, $204, Hurwitz; SHOES: by Allen Edmonds Carlyle Walnut Dress Shoes, $385, Hurwitz; BELT: by Allen Edmonds Walnut Dress Belt, $98, Hurwitz; SUNGLASSES:

by Polaroid, $98, Hurwitz. mycharmonline.com 29

FEATURE

l a b Glo d l r Wo T

S ITEHUR MY WH M O A T N A y Words b by CHRIS LOZ Photos

30 CHARM | J U LY / AU G U S T

S

uzanne Zeid is a teen with an adventurous spirit and an incredible outlook on life. She has been a world traveler her entire life, experiencing the culture of Europe,

the wonders of the Far East and the natural beauty of remote destinations.

At the young age of 3, Suzanne boarded a plane to the Bahamas with her family, and two weeks shy of her 11th birthday she traveled to Egypt without her parents for the first time. She is running the race of life with endurance. She brings a young perspective to events and destinations around the world, as she explores other cultures, learns about history and finds countless opportunities to serve those in need.

“What a Wonderful World” it really is! As I wrote this article, the lyrics of the old Louis Armstrong song came to mind, and I found myself whistling the tune.

I SEE TREES OF GREEN, RED ROSES, TOO, I SEE THEM BLOOM, FOR ME AND YOU AND I THINK TO MYSELF WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD.

I found myself imagining sitting on a park bench in Peru, helping people in Ecuador or eating alligator in Australia. Even as a grown woman, I would rather be a part of it than sitting at a desk and reading about it.

We have one life to live, so let’s live it. We can sit around wondering what it would be like to travel, or we can book the flight. Don’t stand around waiting for opportunities to happen.

Be brave enough to create our own chances. This is exactly what Suzanne is doing. This young lady is creating a life that is crowded with choices and opportunities.

Suzanne is a student at Longview High School. She has traveled around the world and visited every continent. She has a worldview unlike most people her age, and has seen with her own eyes what the majority of people will never experience in a lifetime. When she opens a textbook to study history, she not only looks at the pictures in the book, but recalls the memories of those experiences. Pictures in textbooks do not do justice to standing under the Eiffel Tower or on the Pyramids at Giza.

Studying and living in a different culture helps us see the world from a completely different perspective.

“We are very fortunate and blessed to have easy access to basic educational supplies,” Suzanne said.

She has learned a lot about gratitude when it comes to something as simple as textbooks.

“I know we will always have books in school in comparison to other less fortunate countries like Ecuador. The people there continuously plant and cut down trees to sell so they are able to buy school supplies,” she said. mycharmonline.com 31

Suzanne views the world differently because of her extensive traveling.

“The world is one huge family with only minimal differences, like language, cultural and religious barriers, because on the inside we all are the same,” she explained.

She has volunteered and served in many countries. In Australia, she helped provide school supplies and even provided towels to the Australia Zoo for injured koalas. In Greece she and others painted and cleaned up a local community. In Ecuador, People to People — the group she traveled with — delivered school supplies and soccer balls. The school there was also blessed by her efforts to plant trees.

Some of her favorite educational experiences include climbing up Mt. Vesuvius in Italy, trekking the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador, swimming in the Antarctic, rolling down Antarctic glaciers and ice caps, actually touching koalas, kangaroos and crocodiles in Australia, watching the penguins in Antarctica, rappelling in Australia and Europe and throwing boomerangs in Australia. All of these amazing adventures broaden her perspective on life and learning.

When we travel abroad, lessons learned transfer from the textbook to reality. Every interaction is an opportunity to learn and to share our culture with others. The learning experiences will translate into a broader view of people and culture. The benefits to studying abroad and using travel as a learning experience are: • SEEING THE WORLD AND VISITING HISTORIC MONUMENTS AND FAMOUS ART FIRST-HAND. • HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION FOR THE NATION’S PEOPLE AND HISTORY. • EXPERIENCING OTHER CULTURES, INCLUDING OTHER LANGUAGES AND THE FOODS THEY EAT.

Suzanne has experienced different countries’ cultural visions, language differences and medical treatment. She has learned they all revolve around the same central idea: to enrich and grow the people. They just achieve it differently.

Contrary to popular belief, she has learned in her travels that polar bears do not live in Antarctica and penguins do not live in the Arctic. She grinned as she said, “It turns out Santa’s been lying to us about the animals that live in the Poles.” She knows better. According to Suzanne, “People are crazy enough to live in Antarctica, and you won’t freeze to death there either.”

When traveling abroad, it isn’t possible in many places to enjoy your favorite Lay’s potato chips whenever the desire hits, or to pick up the phone and order a pizza. We often take things for TOP LEFT: Suzanne smiles for a photo while on a trip in Antarctica. TOP RIGHT: Suzanne standing in front of the Tower of Pisa in Italy. MIDDLE: Suzanne poses with an exploration map of the continent of Antarctica. BOTTOM: Suzanne with her family in front of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

32 CHARM | J U LY / AU G U S T

granted in the United States. A challenge for the typical American

We can touch it, smell it and experience the sounds and sights to

teenager is to put down our normal every day “necessities,” such as

behold, or we can flip the pages in our textbook as we hurriedly

electronics and fast food. Cell phones, iPads and home computers

try to finish the lesson and go on to the next chapter. Traveling has

are not the norm when visiting third-world countries. A typical

a way of shaping people into amazing individuals. I have no doubt

day does not involve seeing people driving through McDonalds

that Suzanne Zeid is going to have a positive effect on the world we

and ordering a chocolate shake and fries.

live in! C

“To experience a country we must be open to learning and trying new things that are normal to that country’s culture,” Suzanne said.

Suzanne has eaten much different food than that served here in local restaurants. For instance, she has feasted on kangaroo and crocodile in Australia, escargot in France and guinea pig in Ecuador.

When asked what she wants to become when she grows up she said, “I plan on being a neurosurgeon with a passion for traveling.”

“ The world is one huge family with

only minimal differences, like language,

cultural and religious barriers, because

on the inside we all are the same...”

Suzanne will touch lives near and far with her experience and heart for the people who cross her path. Her plans as of today are to live in the U.S. or Australia, and to attend a university in the north.

“But, I have no problems with living in another country for either abroad studies, exchange programs or just to live my adulthood life,” she added.

As a young woman whose classroom has been the world, Suzanne shared a few tips when traveling.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

DON’T BRING SNOW BOOTS TO ANTARCTICA. RUBBER BOOTS ARE WHAT IS NEEDED. WEAR HEAVY ITEMS ON THE AIRPLANE. BRING HALF THE CLOTHES AND TWICE THE MONEY. ALWAYS SAVE ROOM FOR SOUVENIRS. TAKE A HAIRBRUSH. BUY A DIDGERIDOO IF YOU GO TO AUSTRALIA. IT IS A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT OF THE AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINES.

As far as travel goes, the more we say “tomorrow,” the less likely it is that tomorrow will ever come. People who travel abroad return home with new ideas and perspectives about themselves and their own culture. The experience abroad often challenges them to reconsider their own beliefs and values. Traveling abroad enables them to see the world through new eyes.

“The world is filled with exciting and adventurous opportunities,” Suzanne said. “In the midst of learning about other cultures and beliefs, you might even learn something about your true inner-self and discover things you never imagined.”

As Americans we get so caught up in technology, social media and our social lives that we forget to look outside the window to the world. There are other ways to experience the world rather than relying on the words in a textbook.

We can read about the rainforest, or we can walk through it. mycharmonline.com 33

F EATURE

d a e L BY e l p m Exa INA LANE Words by CHRIST

L CAVAZOS

AE | Photos by MICH

34 CHARM | J U LY / AU G U S T

A

n educator sparks students’ interest and fuels their dreams.

She instills knowledge and invokes passion.

She opens books, opens minds and she opens doors

for her students. An educator challenges her students, raising expectations so they achieve greatness.

She believes they will succeed, even when they cannot see it

themselves. She never gives up.

When she becomes an administrator, she has the same goals and expectations but instead of being only for her students, they are also for her faculty. She believes they all can achieve greatness.

For Pine Tree ISD Superintendent T.J. Farler and Cristi Parsons, director of elementary curriculum and instruction for Hallsville ISD, being an educator means shaping the lives of their students and their staff.

“I love to empower teachers and principals. I support them and I want to push them to their highest expectations,” Cristi said. “When you do that, it will reflect in the students.”

How they do that is by listening to their teachers and principals, hearing their ideas and learning how those will translate into student success.

“We want to give teachers and principals the tools to be successful,” T.J. said. “It’s about listening to the teachers and the principals, and hearing their ideas. We do not worry about the budget first; the

Her first teaching job was in Norfolk, Nebraska, where she taught ninth grade English and journalism. T.J. taught for 14 years. Her education experience was in middle schools/junior high, high school, gifted and talented, and English as a Second Language (ESL).

“I love to s empower teacher and principals. d I support them an em I want to push th to their highest expectations...”

budget is secondary. We ask them what would you like to do and how

Teaching at a middle school in Austin, she worked primarily with

will it impact your students, and then we work within our budget to

at-risk students and helped to support them in whatever way they

support their ideas so they and the students will be successful.”

T.J. Farler Teresa J. “T.J.” Farler grew up knowing about the importance of education, which she learned from her parents.

“I’ve always thought our first teachers are our parents. My mom and dad were avid readers.

needed. She understood that education was about more than just about books and that for students to succeed, they needed to feel love from their teacher and feel connected to their campus.

“Education is about so much more than just books and coursework,” she said. “For children, this is a time when they are learning how to be an adult. We want them to grow and develop into

They used every opportunity to teach us,” T.J. said of herself and her seven brothers and sisters.

Her grandmother also was an educator.

In high school, T.J. was a lifeguard who taught swimming lessons. She learned that she enjoyed working with children.

She went on to attend Wayne State College in Nebraska. With education in her blood, she knew it was the career path for her

T.J. Farler

Pine Tree I.S.D. Superintendent

to pursue. mycharmonline.com 35

adults who are happy, productive citizens of their community.”

T.J. began to move into administrative positions, and even worked for the Texas Education Agency’s middle school division for two years. With the state, she worked with a network of middle schools, helping to train them on good instruction that would then be utilized

their results. It’s very enthusiastic,” she said. “And then, we get to start over every year and do that again. It’s really very rewarding.”

Cristi Parsons Unlike T.J., Cristi Parsons had no clue what she wanted to do when she went to Stephen F. Austin State University after graduating

in their classrooms.

She went on to serve Wylie ISD in various administrative capacities, including as an assistant superintendent – a position she held for five years. She was named Pine Tree superintendent in 2011.

As a superintendent, T.J. works to train principals and teachers so they will be successful in classrooms. She believes if she supports them, then they in turn can effectively support the students of Pine

from Hallsville High School.

“I loved children so I took an education class and I liked it,” she said.

When she started teaching, she fell in love with it.

Cristi taught at schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area where she worked with at-risk youth.

“Many of my students were from low-income families; they ran

Tree ISD. “We teach teachers and give them the tools to educate our students,” she said.

the streets at night. And, I found myself building relationships with them. I would sometimes take them out in the hall and talk to them,

T.J. noted that Pine Tree is starting a new teacher leadership

or stay after class and talk to them. For these kids who are out on the

academy. The year-long program will focus on teachers

streets, they don’t feel like there are any safe places. I just wanted

learning together.

them to know that this – their school – is a safe place,” she said.

Additionally, T.J. spends time with her teachers in everything

Cristi found that she actually spent much of her days counseling

from lunch time to formal meetings. She schedules time to be at

her students – listening to them, talking to them and building

each campus and attends extracurricular events, such as sports

relationships with them.

banquets and UIL activities. She likes to connect faces to the names of educators and students.

So, she obtained her counseling certification, and began working as a counselor in Grapevine-Colleyville before moving back to East

Starting her 37th year in education, she is excited. She spent the

Texas to work at Pine Tree and Tyler ISDs. In Tyler, Cristi obtained

summer hearing new ideas from principals and is excited to see the

her first principal job as assistant principal at Caldwell Arts Academy.

smiling faces of the students as they return to class.

In 2007, she returned to Hallsville – her alma mater – to be a

“We work hard every year, we see the students grow and we see

principal

at

Hallsville

Intermediate

School. In 2011, she became principal at

Cristi Parsons

Principal for Hallsville I.S.D. North Elementary

the district’s newest elementary school, North Elementary.

In 2013, Cristi was named National Distinguished Elementary

Principal Principals

by and

the

Texas

Supervisors

Association. Of the association’s approximately 5,800 member schools in the state, she was chosen as the top principal.

Scott Clayton, president of the association, said at the time that the organization chose Cristi because of her personality, her response to intervention and her implementation of Hallsville’s Professional Learning Community – a program that means, essentially, that those in the district learn together as a community.

“I was so humbled,” Cristi said. “I don’t think I would have gotten that if I had not been at Hallsville. The professional development 36 CHARM | J U LY / AU G U S T

that Hallsville ISD gives to their staff is unbelievable, and my counseling background helped me to build relationships with the staff. I had the hardest working staff around.”

During her tenure, Cristi’s campuses obtained the highest

Life. Dream!

Live the

Love the

possible ratings on the state assessments and in 2014, she was named the district’s director of elementary curriculum and instruction.

In that capacity, she is responsibile for making sure the district’s curriculum is seamlessly aligned from prekindergarten through fifth grades and she oversees the instruction for it. Cristi works to make sure there is “common instruction” in the district, meaning that all fourth grade math classes are teaching the same topic at the same time.

y “ As a teacher, m are job was to take c s of the students. A b a principal, my jo of was to take care the teachers. ”

“My motto is not what the textbooks tell you. As a teacher, my job was to take care of the students. As a principal, my job was to take care of the teachers. I knew if I took care of the teachers, they would take care of the students,” she said. “Now, I take care of the principals; then, they take care of the teachers; and the teachers, still, take care of the students.”

One day in the future, she would like to be a superintendent and she has higher aspirations of possibly running for a political office one day so she can be part of those making the decisions for educators

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at the state level. But no matter how high she flies in her career, she wants to always remember what it was like on the very first day when she was a teacher.

“As a principal, I always wanted to remember what it was like to be a teacher. In central office, I never want to forget what it was like to be a teacher and a principal. And, one day, if I am a superintendent, I will never forget what it was like to be a teacher, a principal, and a central office administrator,” she said. “Remembering what it was like helps you to make the best decisions for your staff, which means the best decisions for you students — and they are what this is all about.” C

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mycharmonline.com 37

FEATURE

An A for

Homeschooling Words by TAMMY WHITEHURST

K

ids at the grocery store, gas station, the theater, even at the

Field trips are no longer allowed due to budget cuts, and learning

park in the middle of the day. Aren’t these kids supposed to

outside the classroom is almost non-existent. Many parents have

be in school?

made the decision to give their kids something more creative,

They are in school. Welcome to the world of homeschoolers.

flexible and challenging. They’ve also eliminated many of the

They don’t leave their houses each morning with a 30-pound

problems that come with traditional schools, such as bullying,

backpack strapped to them and lunch money in their pockets.

Nor are they spending seven hours in a classroom, or raising their

being chosen last for a team or the pressure to fit in.

Amber Tinsley is a homeschooling mom living in the Longview

hands to go to the bathroom.

area. She homeschools all four of her children, who range in age

WHY TEACH AT HOME?

from 11 to 17. Her children’s education has been enriched by

Federal and state education policies are causing young people to become stressed out with standardized tests and test prep.

38 CHARM | J U LY / AU G U S T

volunteer work, travel in the United States and even to Kenya.

“Learning doesn't just come from sitting at a desk with a

book, paper and pencil. There is so much life has to teach us,” Amber explains.

Frequently,

homeschooling

parents

design

their

own

curriculum. There are a variety of curriculums tailored to different

Courtney Williams, has been homeschooling her four children for four years. Three of her children attended public school before the decision was made to teach them at home.

“There were several determining factors,” recalls Courtney.

“It seemed as though public school was taking my kids’ best hours

learning styles. Parents research and find different pieces of curriculum to fit their child’s individual learning style.

A typical school day can take much less time than traditional schooling since you don’t have to stand in line, spend time at recess or wait for every student in class to master the material.

of the day. And we were stuck with the battle over homework,

“Homeschooling fosters a way to make learning such an

making time for dinner and running out the door for baseball

interesting and exciting experience. It has truly been a great

before rushing back home for a bath and late bedtime. Life was a

adventure for our whole family," Shelli says.

roller coaster of rush day after day.”

Freeing up time lets many homeschooled children devote lots

She wanted to slow down and cherish the moments of her

of energy to other interests that enrich their lives.

children growing up. After much prayer and discussion, they

"What I love most about homeschooling is the time I get to

came to the conclusion that homeschooling was the best option

spend with my son," Shelli says. “I would have missed so much of

for their family.

his life if he had been away at school eight hours a day.”

In the Williams home, the day begins with breakfast and the

She also loves that they can take vacations during off peak

Bible. Afterward, history, timeline, geography, science, grammar,

times of the year. Maximizing family time and home schooling are

math and Latin are studied.

a great combination.

Courtney has watched confidence grow as her older children mastered subject after subject. She taught her youngest to read, and watched in amazement as her son strategically mapped out a plan to create and build a project. Her oldest child struggled with math. In a public school classroom, he might have been left behind, but with one-on-one attention, he has grown by leaps and bounds.

Parents and children will tell anyone who asks that one of the greatest benefits of homeschooling is the freedom to spend as little or as long on a subject as needed.

WHAT ABOUT COLLEGE? How do they get into college without transcripts? Amber Tinsley says parents put together portfolios with samples of their children’s work and lists of their accomplishments.

“Once you start high school, you have to keep a transcript of all their classes and grades. This is needed for both dual credit and college entrance,” Amber explains. “Homeschoolers have flexibility with class choice as compared to the local high school’s requirements, but you must keep in mind what colleges look at for admittance.”

WHERE TO BEGIN

More than two-thirds of American colleges now accept such

“The most surprising part of homeschooling to me has been

transcripts, though some require homeschooled applicants

the support from other homeschooling families,” says Shelli Burd,

to submit a GED or additional subject exams. Just like other

who has homeschooled her 14-year-old son for five years.

Shelli is in the minority when it comes to homeschooling moms because she only has one child. Shelli and her husband feel the biggest reason they chose homeschooling was that God was calling them to do it. Faith is on the forefront in their home.

"Learning doesn't just come from sitting at a desk with a book, paper and pencil.

There is so much life has to teach us."

She thought she would be on her own when she made the decision to homeschool, but she was wrong.

students, homeschooled students take the ACT, the SAT or both, depending on requirements for the college of their choice.

“The homeschooling community welcomed our family and

Dual-credit prepares the students for college and puts credit

became such a great resource for me,” she says. “They truly cared

toward their degrees. The Tinsley’s oldest daughter is classified as

about our success, and were so willing to give valuable advice.”

a junior and participates in dual-credit classes with LeTourneau mycharmonline.com 39 43

University. She is earning credit toward high school and

learn and experiencing the growth in creativity and ideas are

college degrees.

moments they would not take back for anything. They have all

As more homeschoolers go on to the nation’s most prestigious

learned to combine laughter with learning.

universities, worries about their college eligibility are quieting.

All of these families are very happy with homeschooling. They

But there is an overwhelming thought that homeschooled

believe it is exactly what God wants them to do at this stage in

students aren’t socialized.

their lives. The goal of a homeschooling mom is to engrain morals, respect for others and upstanding character into her children

SOCIALIZATION Critics claim students who do not go to public school will exhibit stunted socialization. Homeschooling parents feel this is absurd.

while gaining a quality education.

Tips for parents thinking of homeschooling their kids

Most homeschooling parents take advantage of associations

1. This isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. Everyone will have an

and co-ops. Their children are involved in a co-op where they

opinion about your decision. Pray hard. Planning, teaching and

experience a class room setting. They learn from other adults in

grading, especially for multiple grade levels, is a lot of work.

subjects such as art, science, physical education, foreign language

2. Talk with other moms who homeschool for encouragement,

and critical-thinking classes where they build lifelong friendships.

The students are also involved in music programs, soccer, baseball, theatre, choir and other activities.

support and ideas.

3. You can only teach your children so much; you have to allow God to finish the work in them.

LIFE LESSONS OUTSIDE HOME

4. Don’t be afraid of a challenge; if you can read, you can research.

Homeschooling is not a piece of cake for parents. Some days

There is a lot of curriculum out there, don't let it scare you off.

are easy, and other days are a struggle. There are days when they

5. Be flexible. What looks good on paper may not be what is

love it, days when they wonder if they are doing the right thing

accomplished that day. Always remember the big picture in

and days when they worry they have completely lost their minds.

your goals.

When Amber watches one of her children struggle through a

6. Don’t compare. Be careful not to look at other homeschooling

subject, she wonders if they would be left behind in the traditional

families and think that you must be doing it wrong. Every

setting. It is when they grasp the concept and emerge confident

family has struggles, no one is perfect. C

that she knows she is doing the right thing.

As a former public school teacher, I was impressed with these

three homeschooling moms responded the same way. They all love

three moms. If homeschooling is responsible, even in part, for such

that they have taught their children everything they have learned.

a seemingly happy, thriving family and bright, well-mannered

How to walk, talk, read, write and even do math. Watching a child

children, it’s a big success! - T.W. 2011 Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc. Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios have been independently owned and operated since 1931.

2011 Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc. Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios have been independently owned and operated since 1931.

When asked what the rewards are from homeschooling, all

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I

HIS POINT

Words by C. H. ARMAN

of VIEW

’ve been wondering lately about what summer means to

beside their house. It had several trunks containing old World

different people.

War II photos and mementos, some generic, late 70’s junk left

We, as youngsters, probably had varied summer routines

behind by my parents or various aunts and uncles. My favorite

which shaped our impressions of its meaning and sculpted a

trunk however, was a treasure trove of old magazines, including

different feeling of nostalgia, or lack thereof, in all of us.

For some of my friends it meant summer camp, building new

a few detective magazines, as well as magazines on hunting, guns and horses.

relationships with new kids or extending those already in place

I would sit in the shed and read in what had to be heat on par

with those in their own social circle who attended the same camps.

with some south Asian torture sweatbox. I can still remember the

For others, it meant baseball, the boys of summer, America’s

smell of the bottles of some long-banned pesticide tucked away in

pastime, whether played on a well manicured diamond with shiny, new white baseballs or on a side street with the tattered remnants of a bat and makeshift ball.

Most of my summers were spent roaming the woods of rural northwest Louisiana around my grandparents’ house. My parents both worked, so they would drop me off each morning at my grandparents’ house for the day.

there that probably took about 10 years off my life.

SOME OF THE BEST “MEMORIES ARE MADE IN FLIP FLOPS. “ – Kellie Elmore

I can remember they would never run the air conditioning

Other times were spent roaming the pasture land and woods

— one window unit in the living room and one in each bedroom

behind their house on foot, or, if I was lucky enough to catch her,

— until after lunch. We would sit down to lunch prepared by my

on the back of my mom’s floppy-lipped horse. I would ride down

mamaw, with all the windows open and, on rare occasions, the

to the little stream, which we called “The Branch.” The Branch

attic fan switched on. My papaw, a former lawman and World War

ran through one of the wooded areas of the property and the old

II veteran, would sit down to eat in the warmth of the house with

oak and gum trees formed a canopy above it that kept it shaded,

a side of hot peppers and black coffee, which he drank at every

cool and completely separated from the outside world. I would

meal I ever saw him eat. I always wondered how he could do that

splash around when it was deep enough, catch crawfish in the

and not just be rolling with sweat.

shallows or wade downstream past wild ferns to the old busted

After lunch they would crank up the window unit. It always

dam one of my great uncles constructed decades before I was

had the most distinct smell to me. It was a clean, almost sterile

born in order to catch the water for some reason unbeknownst

smell. I always made it a point to go stick my face right in front of

to me.

the vents and it always took my breath away, even up to the last

Later as I grew older into my teens, summers would

time I was there in my late 20s. Then they would nap and I would

become faster and more rambunctious, but those quite days

have freedom to roam the country side.

of introspection and self discovery are by far my most fond

Some afternoons would start out in the old storage shed

summer memories. C

mycharmonline.com 41

S CHOOL

Amy Doran, principal of Spring Hill

Intermediate

School,

says

she works hard to make sure her students know they can report anything they suspect is bullying to an adult at school or at home.

“I feel that it’s important for students to know that with the help of an adult they can address the situation,” Amy says. “This approach is part of our district adopted program called ‘Olweus Bullying Prevention.’”

CREATE A FAMILY FIREWALL Words by ASHLEY ANDERSON

C

yberbullying has been on the rise in the past decade.

In case you don’t know what it is, cyberbullying is the newest trend in bullying due to the rise of technology.

Bullies and mean girls have been around forever, but technology now gives them a whole new platform for their actions.

The internet, cell phones and social media are now used to harass, threaten, embarrass or target another person — mostly young adults.

SIGNS OF CYBERBULLYING Amy says parents should look for the following warning signs, according to the literature, “Cyberbullying: A Prevention Curriculum for Grade 3-5” by Susan Limber, Robin Kowalski and Patricia Agatston: • appears upset after using computer or being online • appears upset after viewing a text message • avoids tasks he or she used to enjoy • withdraws from social activities • experiences drop in academic performance (not characteristic to previous performance)

OTHER SIGNS OF CYBERBULLYING MAY INCLUDE: • being very secretive or protective of one’s digital life • avoiding school or group gatherings • changes in mood, behavior, sleep or appetite • wanting to stop using the computer or cell phone • avoids discussions about computer or cell phone activities

WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO HELP

It’s important that parents learn about this epidemic and

Amy explains that parents should closely monitor all online

know how and when to step in. Many children are reluctant

activities and remain in control of children’s online activities,

to report being bullied, even to their parents, which makes

talk with their children about online activities and how to be safe

it difficult to know just how many are affected. However,

when online, and build a relationship with their children to foster

recent studies have found that about 1 in 4 teens have been

open communication. Spring Hill also trains students in online

the victims of cyberbullying, and about 1 in 6 admits to having

safety at school so parents may also want to check to see if their

cyberbullied someone.

child’s school does the same.

42 CHARM | J U LY / AU G U S T

If your child is being bullied, let him or her know that it is not

Luckily, cyberbullies can usually be suspended from school,

their fault and commend him or her for doing the right thing by

kicked off of sports teams or face legal repercussions.

talking to you about it. Encourage your child not to respond to

WHAT IF YOUR CHILD IS THE BULLY?

the bullying. Bullies usually are looking for a reaction and it is important not to give them that satisfaction.

Let someone at school, such as the principal, school nurse, counselor or teacher, know about the situation. Many school districts have protocols for responding to cyberbullying. Try to keep all threatening messages in case you need to present them to someone at the school or to the bully’s parents. You may also want to consider blocking the bully on all social media and cell phones, limiting your child’s access to technology, and talking to him or her about the importance of online privacy.

EFFECTS OF CYBERBULLYING

Finding out that your child is the one who is behaving badly can be upsetting and heartbreaking. Parents need to address this problem immediately. Talk to your child about his or her actions and explain the negative impact it has on others.

Bullying of any kind is unacceptable and there can be serious consequences at home, school and in the community if it continues. Remind your child that the use of cell phones and computers is a privilege, not a right. You may have to set up restrictions to ensure that they will not be escalating the matter any further, such as setting up parental controls and monitoring their use. Depending on the age of the child, it may be wise to

Bullying used to take place on schoolyards, buses and in

show him or her news articles on the effects and consequences of

neighborhoods. Now, with the rise of cyberbullying, children can

other bullying cases. This will show them just how serious it can

essentially experience bullying 24 hours a day no matter where

be, and hopefully prevent them from doing any type of bullying

they are. Kids can feel like there is no escape. As long as kids have

in the future.

access to a phone, computer or any electronic device, they are at risk.

Talking to teachers, guidance counselors and other school officials can help identify situations that lead a child to bully others.

Victims can feel overwhelmed because with online bullying,

If your child has trouble managing anger, talk to a therapist about

it is easier for several kids to get involved and gang up on an

helping him or her learn to cope with anger, hurt, frustration and

individual. They can also feel vulnerable and powerless since

other strong emotions in a healthy way. Professional counseling

they can receive harassment both at school and at home. Bullying

also can help improve kids’ confidence and social skills, which in

often feels permanent because kids know that once something is

turn can reduce the risk of bullying.

out there online, these nasty messages or texts can be shared with multitudes of people.

As a parent, you should also set a good example yourself.

Everyone in your household should try not to gossip or speak ill

Severe, long-term, or frequent cyberbullying can leave

of anyone else especially when your children are around. If they

victims at greater risk for anxiety, depression, low self-esteem

see you exhibiting bad behavior, they will think it is all right to do

and stress-related disorders. They are also at a higher risk for

it themselves.

suicidal thoughts and attempts. This is a very serious issue that

If you have any additional questions or concerns about

should not be taken lightly. That’s why it is crucial to know what

cyberbullying, contact your child’s school counselor, principal

is going on in your child’s life and contact the proper resources.

or teachers. C

mycharmonline.com 43

FEATURE

GET BACK TO .

STUDYING Lisa

The ) G N I L S O G N A Y R HE ANGST AND

(MINUS T

ns | Illustratio A BROWN

A MCGRAW

by VANESS

IS Words by L

D

o you know what my absolute favorite part of being in

disclosure, I still have no idea how that happened. Twice.)

school was when I was a young girl? If you said it was

Nancy was my best friend, but even as a 7 year old, I’m pretty

the delight of learning complex algebra applications

sure I thought she might be a cyborg. It was the only way I could

and the probability of being hit in the forehead by a dodgeball

understand the total lack of Elmer’s glue stuck in her hair or

every single day for 12 years, you’d be mistaken.

lunchbox.

It was, in fact, the exhilaration of that first trip out to the

As I got older and the school supply list became longer, I

store with my list of school supplies, and the absolute belief that

made a solemn vow every year that things would be different.

anything and everything was possible with a perfectly organized pencil box or a pristinely well-thought-out Trapper Keeper. A few days before that first day of elementary school, my sister and I would spend hours and hours arranging and rearranging our immaculate box of classroom essentials. A box of crayons with that intoxicating new crayon smell, shiny new scissors, pencils, a beautiful big pink eraser. It was pure bliss.

Usually by about the third week of school, the only things that

I fervently believed that the much sought after and coveted Trapper Keeper would be my saving grace. One simple notebook to hold everything AND let other students know of my love for psychedelic colors and unicorns? Genius!

Until the Trapper Keeper had come along, I’d had to make do with a regular old Velcro-free notebook-type binder. There were some nice things about the ordinary notebook binders though:

I would have left in my formerly pristine pencil box were three

A. If you had the plain material type notebook, you could write your name (or Mrs.

yellow crayon stubs, an acorn, a pink eraser that looked like it had

Mark Hamill, Mrs. George Harrison, Mrs. Cute guy from the Dr Pepper commercial) on

been gnawed on by wolverines, and enough pencil shavings to

the front about a ka-billion times during the course of a semester.

theoretically build a small hope chest.

OR

My friend Nancy Wolter always seemed to keep her pencil

2. If you had notebook with a clear plastic front pocket, you could display pictures

box and Big Chief tablet looking like new. She also never chewed

of people you liked. For instance, Gene Kelly jumping in the air while wearing an

her pencils, or lost her socks on the way to the cafeteria. (Full

unnaturally tight sailor suit or 2700 pictures of the Bay City Rollers.

44 CHARM | J U LY / AU G U S T

deviled eggs in an unsealed Tupperware container inside her locker during spring break. Twice. Had I had access to a large canvas bag to throw things in 24-7, the possibilities would have been endless, and yes, sticky.

Nowadays, I’m a bit more put together. You have to be once you reach middle age (and by middle age, I mean if I live to be 104, by the way). These days, I actually enjoy using a notebook to manage my thoughts into something that eventually culminates into these short little stories. I have a section devoted to future articles, a section made up entirely of puns and (full disclosure) an entire page where I wrote out, “Mrs. Hugh Jackman, Lisa Jackman, and Hugh and Lisa Jackman.”

And just now, as I was looking through the notebook that I’ve so valiantly kept in order for the past couple of years, I saw my son’s supply list for his first grade year. It made me smile. Of course, I really needed to find that in 1992. But let’s face it, I’ve

that “I’m the student o dozen tw inadvertently leftan unsealed deviled eggs in iner inside her ta Tupperware con spring break.” locker during

just never been that organized. C

ly of school, the onne k e e w d ir th e th t ti “Usually by abouuld have left in my formerly priscorn, a o n things that I w three yellow crayon stubs, a ed on pencil box were at looked like it had been gnaw a pink eraser th by wolverines...”

Truth be told, I could have had a crack team of British butlers (dreamy British butlers mind you) working with me round the clock and I still wouldn’t have been able to organize myself for more than a week and a half during my days in school. I’m just not

ugh!

GOOD HAUL H

organizationally inclined.

I yearn to be organized. I pine. I occasionally hanker. But no matter what, I always end up in disarray. I honestly believe that if I had been more structured with my pencil boxes and notebooks, I might have been a tenured professor by now. Or at the very least, I’d be someone who doesn’t write the words tenured professor and automatically think about an episode of “Gilligan’s Island.”

I can’t even begin to imagine what would have happened if I had been part of the backpack generation. I went to school in the early 80’s mind you (that would be 1980, not 1880 just in case anyone saw me at Kroger the other day with no makeup on). Back then, we had no phones and no computers to cart around. We carried or books (and our regrets) old-school style, stacked high and covered in plain brown paper bags.

Had I been required to haul a backpack around school for 10 months, I can’t even begin to imagine the myriad of objects I would have collected by the time the bell rang out on that last day of school. I’m the student that inadvertently left two dozen mycharmonline.com 45

Picture

This!

zonta’s zing celebration

Donna SharP, Tammy Cromer-CamPbell, Sharleen hunT

longview | the home of anne hugman | 5/19/15 Photos by ChRIs loZano

the Zonta Club held its annual Zing end of year Celebration in appreciation of current board members and volunteers. the event capped off Zonta’s extraordinarily good

Kelly hall, PaTriCia newman, glenDa JohnSon

“Zonta says no!” fundraising campaign which focused on an end for violence against women.

anne hugman, JaniS Canion, Kelly hall, JaneT owen Connie neunaber

STePhanie rollinS, raChel norwooD

FranKie ParSon, anne hugman

46 Charm | j u ly / au g u s t

P icture this

todd and Kim Burgon

MeMories in the Making dinner and auction longview | ThE rEsErvE | 5/19/15 Photos by ChrIs LOZANO

The first annual Memories in the Making Dinner and Auction benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association gave guests an opportuntity to purchase framed art pieces that were made by actual people with Alzheimer’s or related dementia. Proceeds will contribute toward the East Texas Walk to End Alzheimer’s $100,000 fundraising goal.

stacy duncan, saBrina foreman

dorothy and Byron horne marcus and vera turney, tina garner

teri rhame, leslie Knox

Kelly Pot, Jennifer Baggs ,teresa stewart, georgian turlington, cindy Barrot

mycharmonline.com 47

P icture this

longfellows ball 2015 longview | maude cobb convention center | 5/30/15 Photos by cHris loZano

longfellows presented debutantes and junior attendants to society at the organization’s 33rd annual debutante ball. the organization annually presents debutantes, who are the daughters of longfellows members.

Miss AMeliA CoMPton AbernAthy And CrAig AbernAthy

viCki jones, jiM jones Cissy AbernAthy, CrAig AbernAthy, ryAn hill, heAther hill

ross And josslyn MorgAn

henry gor, josePh biAnCA

Ashley Minshew, Austyn PilgriM sMArt, stePhAnie Miller, donnA PilgriM

48 Charm | j u ly / au g u s t

griffith greer, roMe herrerA, kAki Miller, Courtney greer

CAroline ruff, kAte dArby, AlissA rAsh, ClAire eArnest

P icture this

Pill MalM, wes ray, Jackie ray, karen franklin

Longview BaLLet theatre reception for BaLLet west longview | LongvieW BALLeT TheATre | 5/27/15 Photos by ChriS LoZAno

Ballet West, a professional ballet company in Salt Lake City, Utah, that tours the world, performed the Belcher Center at LeTourneau University. A reception was held at Longview Ballet Theatre, where fans had an opportunity to lauren carPenter, nicole Johnson, lara cuPit, Margaret DoDson, suzi fuller (former company members)

chuck anD sanDra sPencer

Marcia anD stePhen McDaniel

meet the dancers

Jake sisk, frances beck, beckanne sisk, Pat beck

kayla zackary, Mikaila MeDlin, ashley uPchurch

J.t. anD bo Powers

mycharmonline.com 49

REVIEW Philip then told me a story that captured my heart, set me straight on his philosophy and fostered a love of his storytelling forever.

You see, when Philip was in seminary school, he and his best friend were bored to tears at noon Chapel. They asked their superior if there was an alternative to this mandatory worship time. “Yes, indeed,” was the reply. They could come up with their own self-

{

study Bible worship and hold it in the basement.

“Philip Gulley truly has captured the voice of small town America.”

So the pair came up with watching “The Andy Griffith Show,” then finding scripture that would tie into the lessons of Sheriff Andy, his sidekick Barney and all the cast.

I loved this so much, and even later did the “The Andy Griffith Show” Sunday School lessons at my own church. It was the bestattended Sunday school class I have ever been in.

Gulley’s latest book, A Place Called Hope, could not be timelier.

Sam Gardiner continues as pastor of the Quaker meetinghouse, and

A PLACE CALLED HOPE Words by KATHY MURPHY

Y

graciously fills in to perform a wedding for a Unitarian minister who has fallen ill. Blindsided by his willingness to help, I can honestly say, all hell breaks loose when he finds out exactly who he is marrying.

You all will love this story, A Place Called Hope. It is perfect for a book club discussion with lots of laughs, and a conversation on what is the right thing to do. The main character tackles a controversial subject, and I invite you to discover - no matter your faith or beliefs - the storytelling of Philip Gulley.

Here is my favorite quote on praise for Philip Gulley: “Gulley’s work is comparable to Gail Godwins’ fiction, Garrison Keillor’s storytelling and Christopher Guest’s filmmaking…. in a league with Jan Karon’s Mitford series.”

ears ago, I was introduced to author Philip Gulley of

Philip Gulley truly has captured the voice of small town America.

the Harmony series of books based on the loveable

He is the author of 18 books that have sold over 1.2 million copies, and

Quaker, Pastor Sam Gardiner. This series brings to

yet I bet you have not heard of him or his books. He is a recipient of

mind Father Tim from the Jan Karon series, but Philip Gulley adds

the Christy Award for his wonderful Harmony series and two Emmy

a real twist to the life as a small town pastor with some serious belly

Awards. He is a regular contributor to the Indianapolis Monthly and

laughing humor.

the Saturday Evening Post. He lives with his wife and two sons in

I’d invited Philip Gulley to my Beauty and the Book because one

Danville, Indiana. You can visit his website at www.philipgulley.com. C

of his earlier books caught my reader’s eye, so I made it an Official Book Club Selection. When we first spoke on the phone, he asked me about Jefferson, the small East Texas town I was living in. I told him it was pretty much like living in Mayberry.

We had our Andy Griffith as Sheriff Taylor, several Aunt Bees, and my girls were reenacting Opie’s childhood. Shoot, I was the female version of Floyd the barber in Mayberry. Then I apologized, because I’ve heard that Quakers don’t watch television.

50 CHARM | J U LY / AU G U S T

Kathy L. Murphy is the owner of Beauty and the Book, the original Hair Salon/Book Store Beauty and the Book, and the founder of the nearly 700 chapters Pulpwood Queens Book Club Reading Nation. She has recently optioned the film rights to her book, The Pulpwood Queens’ Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life to DreamWorks. Please visit her official website at www.beautyandthebook.com as all her latest news and social media posts are for reading on the site.

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Amanda Gordy

“I’ve always had to use multiple mascaras to get the perfect lashes, but this is the first mascara that does it all! It automatically lifts, lengthens, and thickens the lashes for a more stunning look. I absolutely love this mascara and will never go back to my other brands!””

“I have tried a lot of different mascaras, but this one stood out for sure! Not only is it perfectly packaged in the most adorable container, but I absolutely LOVE it! Roller Lash never clumps, and it definitely curls and lengthens lashes, just like it says!”

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